Passport
Flight Plans; Easy Does It At The Airport Page 2
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My carryon of choice these days
is a soft-sided Pelican case--it's the one you see holding my EOS-1Ds
outfit in the accompanying photo. It's got wheels, a handle, and--a
very nice touch--a separate zip-on, zip-off laptop case. I zip it on to
pull the whole thing through the airport, zip it off to stow the cases on the
plane.
Though I can't prove it, I believe that having a professional-looking,
well cared for and neatly packed case for your camera gear will help you at
the airport. It creates, I think, a positive impression, shows you're
serious, and helps with the inspection. Couple that with your friendly, courteous
demeanor and things should go smoothly.
The Numbers Game
Finally--and perhaps most important--you've got to know what
you can carry on. And for that I advise you to do some homework and make some
phone calls.
Here's what I've learned: The TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
allows photographers two carryons and one personal item. But the TSA doesn't
control the baggage regulations of individual airlines, and that's where
it can get sticky. Here's what the TSA says on its website (www.tsa.gov/public):
"You may carry one (1) bag of photographic equipment in addition to one
(1) carryon and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The
additional bag must conform to your air carrier's carryon restrictions
for size and weight. Please confirm your air carrier's restrictions prior
to arriving at the airport. Air carriers may or may not allow the additional
carryon item on their aircraft. Please check with your air carrier prior to
arriving at the airport."
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Those last two sentences are the
big ones. Call the airline, tell them what the TSA regulation says and see what
they say. And when you call, be sure to speak to someone from customer service,
not reservations. (By the way, I carry a printed copy of the TSA regulation
in every one of my bags.)
Another bit of homework for you: Visit the website of ASMP, the American Society
of Media Photographers, www.asmp.org,
and use their search engine to search "airline regulations."
And if you have anything you'd like to ask me, visit my website, www.jackhollingsworth.com,
and send an e-mail by clicking on the "Contact Jack" link.
Sure, it's a different world out there now, but it's amazing what
patience, courtesy, and professionalism will do.
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