Worried about new restrictions flying

[Lizziejane]

We are headed down to WDW in a couple of weeks, and I have long since prepared my camera gear packing list. I'm really worried now about the carry-on restrictions (flying from Canada).

The latest up-date I saw about what was allowed as carry on, said that exemptions included cameras. Anyone know exactly what that means? a p&s is ok? or a backpack with 2 bodies and 5 lenses, and all the paraphernalia that goes along with it?!

 

[VVFF]

We are headed down to WDW in a couple of weeks, and I have long since prepared my camera gear packing list. I'm really worried now about the carry-on restrictions (flying from Canada).

The latest up-date I saw about what was allowed as carry on, said that exemptions included cameras. Anyone know exactly what that means? a p&s is ok? or a backpack with 2 bodies and 5 lenses, and all the paraphernalia that goes along with it?!

Where do you see anything about cameras being restricted? I checked the TSA website and it says nothing about that.

 

[kevrab]

As long as you don't try and stuff a camera down your pants. (Sorry)

You should be ok. I know some Associated Press photogs going to cover the Super Bowl and also Spring Training in a few weeks and they are taking a boat load of cameras and lenses (carry on) with them.

 

[Lizziejane]

Where do you see anything about cameras being restricted? I checked the TSA website and it says nothing about that.

I didn't see/say cameras were restricted. I mentioned that they were listed as being exempt. Their exact wording:

".. .Passengers travelling to the United States are not allowed to bring carry on bags into the cabin of the aircraft, with some exceptions. Passengers may carry with them one or more of the following items: medication or medical devices, small purses, cameras, coats, items for care of infants, laptop computers, crutches, canes, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items, a special needs item, musical instruments, or diplomatic or consular bags."

My concern starts with the "... small purses, cameras..." Does the word small apply to the cameras also, or just the purses? Would a backpack with 2 bodies and 5 lenses be allowed?

 

[Lizziejane]

As long as you don't try and stuff a camera down your pants. (Sorry)

You should be ok. I know some Associated Press photogs going to cover the Super Bowl and also Spring Training in a few weeks and they are taking a boat load of cameras and lenses (carry on) with them.

I wonder though if it's different for "credentialed" photogs traveling on business vs. a guest to WDW?! What I'm afraid of is getting to the airport and being told it's a no-go. I suppose I should phone someone. Not sure who, exactly!

 

[Herkemer]

I suppose I should phone someone. Not sure who, exactly!

Phone your airline, they are most equipped to answer your question.

I'm no expert but I think cameras fall into the same vein as laptops but for sure you'll want to check it out before you leave.

I've been contemplating a hard shell box, pelican case or something cheaper, with the foam cutouts for my gear but I'm just not sure about letting it out of my sight on the airplane.

 

[Lizziejane]

Phone your airline, they are most equipped to answer your question.

I'm no expert but I think cameras fall into the same vein as laptops but for sure you'll want to check it out before you leave.

I've been contemplating a hard shell box, pelican case or something cheaper, with the foam cutouts for my gear but I'm just not sure about letting it out of my sight on the airplane.

I recently had the most frustrating experience of trying to get a real person on the phone with United. I'm dreading the ordeal.

And I'm with you ... I would never let my gear out of my sight.

 

[C&B Young]

I've been checking out the forums at flyertalk.com where there's a lot of discussion going on re: carry-on baggage and camera equipment when flying from Canada. It seems that there are huge inconsistencies with how CATSA is handling things. Some people are being allowed on with a bag full of camera gear, others are having to fill their clothes' pockets with the essentials. It seems that rolling bags are a definite no-no, everything else is a grey area. Good luck, let us know how you made out & I hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[Lizziejane]

I've been checking out the forums at flyertalk.com where there's a lot of discussion going on re: carry-on baggage and camera equipment when flying from Canada. It seems that there are huge inconsistencies with how CATSA is handling things. Some people are being allowed on with a bag full of camera gear, others are having to fill their clothes' pockets with the essentials. It seems that rolling bags are a definite no-no, everything else is a grey area. Good luck, let us know how you made out & I hope you enjoy your trip!

I think this is what I'm most afraid of - inconsistency. If at least the rule was NO WAY, for everyone, all the time, then I couldn't argue about it. But when it's inconsistent, I'd hate to leave my stuff at home, only to find I could have got it through.

actually, the thought of a trip to WDW without my gear makes me want to cry.

 

[VVFF]

I didn't see/say cameras were restricted. I mentioned that they were listed as being exempt. Their exact wording:

".. .Passengers travelling to the United States are not allowed to bring carry on bags into the cabin of the aircraft, with some exceptions. Passengers may carry with them one or more of the following items: medication or medical devices, small purses, cameras, coats, items for care of infants, laptop computers, crutches, canes, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items, a special needs item, musical instruments, or diplomatic or consular bags."

My concern starts with the "... small purses, cameras..." Does the word small apply to the cameras also, or just the purses? Would a backpack with 2 bodies and 5 lenses be allowed?

Ahhhh I get it now, this is a restriction imposed by the Canadian air transportation security. I was beginning to think I had missed something for US domestic travel. If I was really worried about them not allowing my camera bag I would simply wear the camera around my neck in the airport. That is clearly allowed by the rules posted. I would carefully pack whatever else I needed in my checked bag.

Also as a random vent, while researching this I just found out that northwest/Delta just raised the checked bag fee to $23 + a surcharge if you don't prepay. This is getting ridiculous!

 

[cpbjgc]

Ahhhh I get it now, this is a restriction imposed by the Canadian air transportation security. I was beginning to think I had missed something for US domestic travel. If I was really worried about them not allowing my camera bag I would simply wear the camera around my neck in the airport. That is clearly allowed by the rules posted. I would carefully pack whatever else I needed in my checked bag.

Also as a random vent, while researching this I just found out that northwest/Delta just raised the checked bag fee to $23 + a surcharge if you don't prepay. This is getting ridiculous!

While it is the Canadian Air Transportation Security rules, they are in place due to U.S. security requirements on international flights coming into the U.S. The restrictions only apply to flights into the U.S. Domestic flights in Canada and from Canada to all other international destinations are not effected.

I'm in the same pickle as Lizziejane - we are heading down in 15 days and my camera bag is a backpack These requirements were supposed to be temporary, but I am not so sure anymore.

 

[Lizziejane]

cpbjgc - from what I've read, a "small purse" is allowed as long as it's no larger than 8.5 x 11. The Crumpler 5 million dollar home bag is slightly smaller, and looks like it will hold an SLR and one or two lenses. I may have to buy 2 or 3 of them and pack the family like mules!

 

[VVFF]

While it is the Canadian Air Transportation Security rules, they are in place due to U.S. security requirements on international flights coming into the U.S. The restrictions only apply to flights into the U.S. Domestic flights in Canada and from Canada to all other international destinations are not effected.

I'm in the same pickle as Lizziejane - we are heading down in 15 days and my camera bag is a backpack These requirements were supposed to be temporary, but I am not so sure anymore.

Makes sense! Thanks for the explanation. Haven't watched much news/TV lately.

 

[mom2rtk]

If I was really worried about them not allowing my camera bag I would simply wear the camera around my neck in the airport. That is clearly allowed by the rules posted. I would carefully pack whatever else I needed in my checked bag.
!

I really don't think I would put ANYTHING in my checked bag that I wouldn't be OK with losing. I have seen WAY too many stories of people having their bags "searched" along the way.

I know shipping from Canada can be slow, but do you happen to have time to carefully pack and ship some of the extra gear down? I'm thinking they might not let me on with my tripod, and I want it on arrival night, so I think I'm going to ship it down.

I would also consider just getting to the airport super early so if you have trouble, you could still take some of the gear back home if needed.

And here's my big tip..... If it's inconsistent..... get there early.... if they turn you down, just wander around for a whild until the staff changes and try again.....

 

[cpbjgc]

I was just checking on our flights, and Westjet has an update on the carry-on policy. I am just pasting it in here for posterity :

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has implemented a "No carry-on baggage policy" for all flights from Canada to the United States.

Guests travelling to the United States are not permitted to take any carry-on baggage; however, each guest will be permitted one of the following personal items:

Personal item Maximum Weight Maximum Size
Diaper bag
Diplomatic bag 10 kgs 55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm
Consular bag (22lbs) (21.5 in x 9 in x 15.5 in)
Camera bag
Musical instruments

Small purse 10 kgs 43 cm x 16 cm x 33 cm
Laptop computer in a briefcase (22lbs) (16.5 in x 6 in x 13 in)
style bag
(backpack style not permitted)

One animal in a carry-on kennel 10 kgs 40 cm x 44 cm x 21.5 cm
(22lbs) (16" L x 17.5" W x 8.5" H)

Medication or medical devices, special needs items (such as crutches, canes, and walkers or containers carrying life sustaining items) are permitted in addition to one of the above personal items, and do not have size or weight restrictions.

Guests travelling to the U.S. are advised to visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca for a complete and up to date list of personal items and restrictions for liquids and gels.

Please note that the information contained here overrides any other carry-on baggage information contained within this website, which may state different allowances. We will update this information as soon as possible.

I haven't checked Air Canada (or other airlines), but maybe they have some more useful info now.

 

[Stephanie218]

I flew yesterday with this bag -

with my 5D Mark II and an assortment of lenses without a problem. I took out my laptop for the x-ray machine, but left everything else in the bag and it just went through the scanner zipped.

 

[VVFF]

I flew yesterday with this bag -

with my 5D Mark II and an assortment of lenses without a problem. I took out my laptop for the x-ray machine, but left everything else in the bag and it just went through the scanner zipped.

Similar to an attractive group of ladies at a ritzy club, L lenses get through airport security easily

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I flew yesterday with this bag -

with my 5D Mark II and an assortment of lenses without a problem. I took out my laptop for the x-ray machine, but left everything else in the bag and it just went through the scanner zipped.

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

 

[Lizziejane]

I was just checking on our flights, and Westjet has an update on the carry-on policy. I am just pasting it in here for posterity :



I haven't checked Air Canada (or other airlines), but maybe they have some more useful info now.

what's really confusing me is that the various airlines seem to be posting different things. I think it's United who said basically no briefcase or purse larger than 8x10. But Westjet say a briefcase for a laptop is ok as long as it's within certain dimensions (which are considerably larger than what United are allowing).

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?!

I've read that there is a lot of inconsistency in it's application. But whose call is it anyway - the individual airlines when you're checking in, or airport security when you're going through the screening process?

 

[cpbjgc]

..."useful" information from The Globe & Mail online:

'Common sense' items allowed on U.S. flights despite list

Clear as mud