Worried about new restrictions flying

[C&B Young]

Over on the Canadian board, someone posted this new link from CATSA, clarifying some of the "rules". It says that cameras/DSLRs are allowed, with lenses and accessories, in a "purpose-designed carrying case". Hopefully this means that something like a camera bag or backpack would be allowed, provided you had it only loaded with photographic equipment. Curious to see what peoples' actual experience at the Canadian airports are, though.

Edit - If link doesn't work, you can find it on www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/ by clicking on the "Temporary Emergency Measures in Effect" and then clicking the link to "Items not counted as carry-on (US flights)"

 

[Lizziejane]

I'm not worried about the camera/lenses anymore, it's now about what I'm allowed to pack them in. I typically use a slingshot - not quite a backpack, not quite a shoulder bag.

I actually live about 15 minutes from the airport. I'm tempted to load the slingshot and take a trip to the check-in counter to see what they say!

 

[cpbjgc]

I phone Westjet on Friday and told them I have a Backpack style camera bag which fits the dimensions they have on their website. The agent checked with a supervisor and said that was ok .

Today I check the Westjet website and they have taken down the information from last week and simply link to the CATSA information page (which has no pictures for camer bags - just refers to the bag being "purpose- deisgned"

1 step forward, 2 back .

If you do go Lizziejane, let us know what happens.

 

[Stephanie218]

Were you flying to/from Canada or within the US?

I was within the States. Sorry, must have missed that this was about Canada somehow.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I'm wondering if my Micro-trekker 200 will be allowed or if I would be better off putting my DSLR and extra lens in my Vera Bradley bag (would that even be allowed???)

Hopefully by the time we fly to Orlando in May, everything will be worked out and the rules will be clear on what we can and can't take.

 

[DisneyDaddy-O]

I'm not worried about the camera/lenses anymore, it's now about what I'm allowed to pack them in. I typically use a slingshot - not quite a backpack, not quite a shoulder bag.

I actually live about 15 minutes from the airport. I'm tempted to load the slingshot and take a trip to the check-in counter to see what they say!

I am taking my first trip with my new sligshot, I would be really curious to hear what hapens if you actually go to the airport. Please let us know if you do.

cameras (still and video) and accessories in purpose-designed
carrying cases
-- includes film, lenses, spare batteries, chargers, cables
-- includes large, professional-grade cameras and equipment

this is off of the catsa website, no change

 

[cpbjgc]

Here's a little note on the topic from the Luminous Landscape which is the site of a Canadian based photographer.

 

[DisneyDaddy-O]

If anyone is still wondering about this, I sent an email to CATSA for clarification and this is the response I got back.

On behalf of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), we thank you for your e-mail dated January 12, 2010, in which you enquired about the application of carry-on restrictions for cameras and their respective bags.



Current security measures stipulate that passengers are permitted to transport personal items such as small purses and laptop computers as carry-on. Purses that are 25 cm x 30 cm x 14 cm or less will be permitted through the screening checkpoint. Laptops can be transported in cases such as a neoprene sleeve case.



With respect to cameras and their carrying cases , should your carrying case for your camera be in form of a backpack, but specifically made to transport your camera and its associated equipment, such items are permitted through the screening checkpoint.



We thank you for your feedback and wish you a safe and enjoyable flight.

 

[xipetotec]

Westjet say no backpacks for laptops, but that camera bags are ok. So is the Lowepro backpack considered a backpack or camera bag for carry-on purposes?!

This is exactly what I'm worried about. I *just* got a LowePro FastPack 250 for xmas with the intent on bringing my camera AND laptop in one bag to Disney ( and other future vacations ). This would really suck if I couldn't bring it!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I'm wondering if we would be allowed both a camera bag/backpack and a small purse??

 

[cpbjgc]

Requirements have changed! We now get a carry-on and personal items. Here is the latest Catsa link.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Requirements have changed! We now get a carry-on and personal items. Here is the latest Catsa link.

that's excellent news!