Check-In Camera Gear using Pelican Cases

rzxrey

rzxrey

Well-known member
Hey guys, so I'm travelling in May and I have my Pelican 1610 with me. I have a 50 lb limit for my check in baggage. I plan to check-in all my lenses, dslr, video camera and other photo/video gear instead of bringing them with me as carry-on luggage. Has anyone actually tried this? I know most people would recommend bringing gear with you, but it can get really heavy. I plan to bring my laptop and some reading material as carry-on instead. What are your experiences on this?


Thanks
 
You could be fine! Just watch the weight. Pelicans in that range often add around 20-25lbs for the case itself. If you can safely pack your gear inside and it is not over 50lbs, you win.

You run a small risk of TSA or an airport employee stealiing something. I've shipped probably near 60 cameras through the airport. Only one ever went 'missing' (theft).

I would recommend making sure your latches dont open by using a TSA approved lock or zip-ties. Pelicans are typically good at not opening, but some cases open easier than others and the last thing you want is your bag spilling open in transit!

When I'm on a job, I usually prioritize our cinema lenses for a carry on. The camera bodies, in their custom cases, are usually more robust to the vibration and potential rough handling than opticaly precise glass lenses. Plus, these days, Cine-lenses are more costly and rare than cameras.

Point is, I would always carry on anything that is valuable and fragile.
 
Most of the time you'll be fine. But what about that time you're not? If you're not going to be shooting the same day you land, you have a backup plan (rental sourced and available), very good insurance, not making a lot of connections, going to a decently law abiding location, then yeah…most of the time you'll be fine. But not always.
In the last year I've had one suitcase forced open and rummaged (nothing stolen since it was just dirty laundry) and two bags that got sent back and forth across the US for three days before finally being recovered. Bottom line, checking cameras is risky and if you can avoid it you should.
The only gear I check are things that are too bulky to carry on and that I can live without, like tripod, slider, follow focus, rig parts, but the camera comes with me. Always.
 
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