F3: Air travel with gear?

S

Shoots56

Carbonite Member
I have flown with camera bag before but always kept it as carry on, obviously. I was asked to fly next week but this time with the F3 along with a compact jib and sticks. Anyone done all three before? I'm trying to figure out if shipping UPS would be better than checking the sticks and jib. I'd rather rent like I have done before but the location isn't exactly near any rental possibilities.
 
If you can take the head off and legs are short enough, put in suitcase. Carry on what you can. Body, primary lens, essential AKS especially if you are doing connecting flights. Consider a CARNET. A bit of a pain but lessens the risk of not being able to import gear into another country.
 
Which airline? I checked 4 pelican cases for free on Southwest last week using their "media rate"

One of them a 48" Tuffpak tripod case with two sets of sticks, a portable jib and three light stands. 49 pounds on the button! :D
 
Make sure you check and find out if a carnet is recognized and needed in a given country.

I spend $900 on one for a job in Aruba (that I'm on right now). I found out right after my application and approval (and payment) that I could have very easily gotten away without one, and in fact the fact that I have one confused some folks in customs in Aruba very much. They barely knew what it was.

I very much could have used that $900 to fix some other budget issues :-)

Also media rate is cool, but Delta didn't want to give me it because I wasn't broadcast "media" despite their guidelines state commercial film production applies. I gave them crap until they did. She was insisting that because I work with a camera that I should have a lanyard and laminate :furious3:
 
Nate Weaver said:
Also media rate is cool, but Delta didn't want to give me it because I wasn't broadcast "media" despite their guidelines state commercial film production applies. I gave them crap until they did. She was insisting that because I work with a camera that I should have a lanyard and laminate :furious3:
Click to expand...

I am MORE than happy to send my Photoshop ID card template to anyone who needs it!
 
Thanks. It's in the US, in a small town. I may try the double stuffed Tuffpak idea if the jib will fit folded up. I need to find a beat up one for sale.
 
This is so bizarrely true. I am a US resident but have worked in Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Singapore, France, Spain and England, and the only place I have been harassed for a carnet was Canada/&/or coming back to the US. They were complete Dicks about it, too. Figure it out before you go, & find out if it's important to have. And no matter what, have documentation of your gear purchase with you no matter how long ago it was, so there is no fear of bringing foreign purchased goods into the US. My experience is that US and Canadian customs can be way more unfriendly than most foreign customs, even if you are doing work outside the US that benefits our economy. Boyscouts Caveat: Be Prepared.
 
I always bring on the camera as hand luggage, but put my tripod (in its case) inside a golf bag holdall - I just pay the extra baggage for sports equipment - and I have never had any issues doing this over the years.
 
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