Traveling with HVX package (?)...

S

StingrayPictures

Member
Hi All,
I'm flying out tomorrow (out of country) with a pretty basic HVX package: camera, two P2 cards, firestore, laptop, external drive, etc (yes, I'm bringing batteries, charger, etc)...

Seems pretty straightforward, right? Bringing a tripod head with me I just bought, using a set of legs from a friend who lives where I'm going...all logistics figured out.

So I'm checking my gear tonight and turn on the Firestore - my sudden thoughts being that it sounds like a frickin' detonator when you turn it on and it has a convenient time clock on the starting screen...The thought never crossed my mind of how this thing gets treated when you open up your carry on for security! (Sometimes they ask you to turn this stuff on, etc.) I don't want to put the thing in checked luggage (maybe if the FS was mine, but not the case...trustworthy friend). Also, being that the tripod head assembly could constitute as some bizarre weapon, I've come to terms that I might as well pack it into my clothing luggage. I've already thought through the questions that may be asked about my terabyte raided drive, explaining the wonderful concept of tapeless technology...or maybe I'm overthinking this.

Anyone got any stories, comments, packing tips, etc? Just used to travelling light, first time taking gear like this on a plane!
 
I just came back from a job in the southern region of France (yes it was sunny ;-)). I departed from Eindhoven (Netherlands) and would have thought they'd check me up completely as I carried my cam in my hand-luggage (Lowe Pro Vertex 300 just suits hand-luggage requirements). Nothing of that all, they didn't check my bag, I didn't even have to take off my shoes. On the way back from Marseille I even carried a Manfrotto Magic-Arm, and I swear it just looks like a weapon sort of thingy. Nope, nothing...
I don't know how it is for you guys in the states, but it seems restrictions are not as strict as they might make you believe...
 
I've taken my package to China, India, and the US... (US is the toughest for security). For the most part if the security personnel don't know what a piece of my kit is they swab it and put the swab in an "electronic nose" that detects explosives. They then ask a tonne of questions and send me on my way.

I find Customs & Immigration to be tougher to get through than security.

G.
 
That's what I was also curious about - Customs & Immigration. I'm Canadian myself, but flying into Caribbean, where it seems like half my crap is put on display like a yard sale every time I go there and have my luggage opened...thought I could have issues with it on my way back, the FS that is..good feedback so far though, thanks!
 
I've traveled all over Europe and South America with tons of this kind of crap, and never had any real issues to speak of. Sure, they've made me take out a thing or two, but after a couple of minutes I'm on my way. Cameras, hard drives, grip gear, Sound Devices recorders, cabling, tripod heads; they've seen it all before. Protect your gear and carry it with you.
 
benhuddleston said:
I've traveled all over Europe and South America with tons of this kind of crap, and never had any real issues to speak of. Sure, they've made me take out a thing or two, but after a couple of minutes I'm on my way. Cameras, hard drives, grip gear, Sound Devices recorders, cabling, tripod heads; they've seen it all before. Protect your gear and carry it with you.
Click to expand...

Same story here. Security is on thing to deal with but Customs and Immigration are another.

Got stopped once coming into the Netherlands without a Carnet and had to post a sizable bond ($10,000) before they'd let me in the country, though it was refunded upon exit.
 
I took my HVX to Africa from the states. Packed the monopod in check in and carried on the camera, hds, fs-store. Because I was flying some tiny planes, I used my soft padded case. I also never wanted to be forced to check it.

The important thing is to have some kind of insurance. Normal carriers will not cover camera eqt in their insurance policies for carry on and checked luggage.
 
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