HVX200 & Heathrow Airport....

I am taking a small documentary crew out to Europe in about 9 days. We are taking 2 DVX-100a cameras and 1 Sony HDV HC1 camcorder packed into 3 Kata soft backpacks that should, in theory, be carry-on sized. We are flying from LAX to Paris and then from Barcelona back to LA. In addition we are also cramming sound gear (wireless mics, shotgun mic), chargers, batteries, filters & tape stock into the bags. If ABSOLUTELY necessary, I am willing to take out the cameras and hand carry them (we have enough crew for 1 camera each) and check in everything else. There are no liquids, compressed air cans or anything like that in our gear.

I was just curious to find out if anyone has had experience recently getting through the LAX and Barcelona airport security with carry-on gear. Because we are going to be constantly on the move in Europe I am hesitant to use Pelicans or other hard cases.

Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated. I checked the TSA website (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1248.shtm) and they say that they allow 1 bag of photographic equipment per person through airport security but I'd like to hear from anyone with first hand experience.

Thank you for your help!
Erik
 
I can confirm that myself and crew have been able to get on every International plane with the Kata 207 Back Pack fully crammed w/gear including a 17" Powerbook & Merlin which looks like a machine gun w/ silencer. However, my last International was June (before liquids). For 3rd world International flights I do strictly travel w/ 2-3 Pelican 1650's and a NalPAk for the tripod. I padlock everything and 2 of us carry the keys around our necks. Note- I did find myself in the bowls of the Chilean airport with a machine gun pointed at me while they screened my Pelican Cases. I lost my flight and my cool.
 
Not sure if anyone thought of this, but when I travel around the US (and being a trainer, I travel a lot), I pack up my camera and equpiment and SHIP IT via UPS or FedEx or some such carrier. You can specify your delivery options and times. I mean, the thing was shipped to YOU that way, eh? And it was safe, eh?

You can also get really durable flight cases (you'll pay a good penny for a good quality one) and just check it in. Although with baggage not being able to be locked anymore, I wouldn't trust that method, as I just had a portable hard drive go missing from a bag I checked in recently. Of course, no one involved can be held responsable for it.

Package it all up, ship it, screw the airport.
 
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