I'm traveling overseas this week for a shoot. Any tips on flying with equipment?
- Thread starter oxband
- Start date
Always carry your camera and all you need for a light shooting in case they loose yours luggages and use and ATA Carnet for the custom. It's a little expensive but your gonna have the peace of mind with the custom. Oh, don't forget to take an insurance for your equipment.
diegocervo
Well-known member
I totally agree with kabtv on carrying your camera and the main equipment with you.
I never asked for an ATA so depending on how much equipment you store into your hand luggage, be prepared to loose a lot of time at the security check. Last time we almost lost our flight because the guys at Schiphol took ages to inspect all the items in our bags!
I never asked for an ATA so depending on how much equipment you store into your hand luggage, be prepared to loose a lot of time at the security check. Last time we almost lost our flight because the guys at Schiphol took ages to inspect all the items in our bags!
heavyG
Underwater Giraffe Member
Even with a carnet the customs agents can take everything apart and spend time looking at each piece of gear and matching serial numbers. It's happened to me on more than one occasion - so now I don't bother. I do however stop at customs before I fly out of Toronto (my home airport) and declare to Canada customs what I'm leaving with - I present this in a detailed manifest complete with serial numbers, descriptions etc and they give me a Y38 card that allows me to bring everything home without hassle. It's free, and if you travel with the same gear everytime you only need to do this once. I've also found that this card / manifest smooths the transition through other countries just fine, and works better in countries that don't recognise the ATA Carnet (and there are as many that don't as do).
I also agree to carry on the gear you can't be without - cam, lenses, lavs, and battery spares.
G.
I also agree to carry on the gear you can't be without - cam, lenses, lavs, and battery spares.
G.
heavyG
Underwater Giraffe Member
Every International airport in the U.S. would have a similar office - I'd call Homeland Security and ask them very specific advice about what you are doing, and then contact Israel as well.
If you travel this week - didn't you leave it kind of late to find out this info?
never take 15mm rod gear on the small suitcase you take with you on the plane. I was stopped in security at Gatwick London and they thought the rods and handles were iron fists or sth, so I almost missed my flight as I had to go back to airline desk and send them separately in different case and go again through security.
Bern Caughey
Veteran
A Carnet is great, but can get expensive. I haven't done it in a long time, but like heavyG, used to just register the gear with US Customs before departing.
I always recommend a soft-sided, international-sized, rolling case for camera gear, & the best is made by ThinkTank Photo.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-international-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx
Besides size restrictions, airlines have weight restrictions, & most likely you'll be overweight. Try not to let the agents see your carry-on, even if you just push it against the counter. If you have a problem, claim your going to repack, walk away, & go to another agent. If you have problems while boarding ask for the head flight attendant, & beg for mercy. Whenever lifting, or carrying cases, always act like they weigh nothing.
When flying I keep shoulder straps on all my cameras, & usually wear a jacket with big pockets. If weight becomes an issue you can often sling the cams over your shoulders, & put heavy items in your pockets. These often don't count against carry-on restrictions, & are enough to placate an agent.
Consider calling the airline ahead of time, & warn them your bringing production gear. Ideally you'd get the name of an agent who will be at the airport when you depart.
If you don't have priority boarding see if the airline will modify your PNR (airline lingo for itinerary) so you do. Overhead bins often fill fast, & you don't want to get stuck.
Also try to bring forms showing your with a production company. Often you get greater weight limits for baggage, or reduced fees.
If your working, but don't have a permit, get your story straight before departing, & make sure everyone sticks to it. When departing Israel you'll likely get questioned at length, but overall they're friendly.
Also do not put Lithium batteries in anything that will be shipped as baggage, as it's forbidden by the TSA.
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Thanks for the hint, i will try this next time. ATA Carnet are, in fact, expensive.
So how do you carry spare batteries??
Bern Caughey
Veteran
Spare lithium batteries need to be carried onboard.
http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html
http://safetravel.dot.gov/larger_batt.html
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Leslie August
New member
There is lots of advice here about the pros and cons of carnets and alternate methods of clearing customs with equipment for temporary import/export. For clarification, the ATA Carnet is accepted in 71 countries and is the only document that is accepted in both the US and by 71 foreign customs authorities. The alternatives are to use the US CBP4455 Certificate of Registration form for the US portion (free) and whatever temporary import form each foreign customs authority uses. In all instances you will need a complete list of what you are traveling with, the values, description and serial numbers. Although some members here are reticent to use the carnet because of cost (totally understandable), it can become cost effective if you are planning to travel to more than one carnet country or making more than one trip outside the U.S. in a 12 month period. FYI, some carnet countries do not accept professional equipment so be sure to check with the Carnet HelpLine (800) ATA-2900 in advance to find out what the rules are.