Don't check your gear when flying!

Ned Bojic said:
Who in his right mind would do that?
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I semi-frequently fly and I'll often throw a camera in the check-in bag. LOL, most of the cameras I use have a street value of maybe $10-$50! :)

The only issue I've had is that twice now I've left exposed film in cameras I've put in check-in bags. I was very lucky both times! No X-ray fogging at all.
 
For years I flew regularly on assignments. I checked 12-16 cases of lighting equipment, tripod and cables. I always carried cameras, lenses and film on with me. One of my checked cases was an old Halliburton that I had extension cords in. I locked my cases with the keys thinking this would keep people out. When I arrived at my destination I discovered the lock had been sprung and would no longer work. It appeared someone had forced it open with a large screwdriver and left heavy marks in the metal case around the lock. I'm sure they were disappointed to find nothing but cables.

If you do decide to check valuables make certain your insurance will cover loss while in the hands of the carrier. Many insurance companies will not.
 
When I worked for Southern Living Magazine, one of the things that the Director of Photography always said went missing when flying were the fold-up LiteDiscs (those big round reflectors). Apparently the TSA people couldn't figure out how to fold them back up, so they just discarded them!

I've personally never checked anything more valuable than a tripod and a battery charger. I'd be foolish to check a camera - unless I didn't care whether I saw it again!
 
The few times I fly it is only carrying a small kit. That always rides with me in a personal bag allowed in the cabin. But I could see how this could be a problem for a professional with a lot of heavy gear.
 
Franko said:
There's a huge dealer in Scottsboro, AL that does nothing but sell lost or abandoned luggage from the airlines.
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Several times in my flying history I've had delayed and misrouted luggage. Airline concern has always varied from faux concern to "it gets there when it gets there" indifference.

Some airlines (Untied) seem to always be able to tell you exactly where your bags are (like Manila when your final destination was Omaha) but not how they got where they are. Others (Southwest) seem to have no clue where they are but always assure you that they will find them - and they do.

So far (knock on wood) I've never had anything lost permanently.

Yeah, I've seen the TV programs where they show the luggage auctions. It just amazes me that people will not follow up and stay on the airlines' case until the bags are reunited! Worst I've had was when an interlined bag had tags ripped off, but I was able to describe everything and it was easily identified.

You'd be amazed at how much high-end camera gear, laptops etc they offer.
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This just astounds me! Why they don't follow up on this is way beyond my understanding!
 
That's why I don't fly anything smaller than an MD88. So many of the RJ planes have such limited overhead space that you have to gate check your cameras. I travel with a Tenba roller that is small enough to be legal on any plane. However, it doesn't fit in Embraer overheads and arguing with a gate agent is a waste of time. Those who fly with a small bag don't have this issue, of course, but some don't have that option.
 
I use nylon zip-ties in an unusual yellow color as a tamper-evident lock. Most baggage locks, even the pre-TSA ones, are mere security theater anyway. That said, soft-sided luggage with a zipper that runs around is trivially easy to open without leaving evidence of forced entry.
 
I've only put one camera item in a checked bag - an Nikon SB600 flash. It disappeared some time between Heathrow and Seattle. Never again.

On the positive side, it was a relatively cheap way to learn the lesson.
 
Buy good insurance, read the T&C, then ask your broker send you any 'significant exclusions' in writing ... is my way
 
I got an extra special policy attached to the home insurance. It allows for replacement do to loss outside of the home. I wonder how many people think they are covered by a rider on their home insurance but actually aren't...
 
segedi said:
I got an extra special policy attached to the home insurance. It allows for replacement do to loss outside of the home. I wonder how many people think they are covered by a rider on their home insurance but actually aren't...
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There was a case in the UK a few weeks ago ... a cleaner employed by a householder took jewellery from the house.

The insurer turned down the claim on the ground of contributory negligence, and a point on page 38 of 40 in their T&Cs that required at least one door of the property to be securely locked ...
 
dmr said:
This just astounds me! Why they don't follow up on this is way beyond my understanding!
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Probably because it was well insured and the insurance paid. The original owner not interested in more work and the company doesn't care either.
 
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