Hey guys. Im going to be flying for the first time this week with actual video gear. Sure Ive flyed just a camera bag. But now I have more stuff I need to bring <BR> <BR>First off Ive got a suppose to be a approved Pelican hard case for camera and lenses. I also like to take my tripod but its not little tripod its about 15 pounds. I have a carrying case for it. Will this be any problem. <BR> <BR>I dont want to check anything on. Is it going to be a pain going through security with bunch of camera gear? <BR> <BR>Any tips?

I have been traveling with my Kada bag full of gear - HVX, Litepanel, Fisheye lens, laptop and all the other what not that i need. I just stroll through security and usually dont have any issues...every now and then but it happens. The only thing that i check is my tripod and its usually in my board bag if not then a case for itself. i sometimes throw the battery chargers in my bag to lose a little weight. <BR> <BR>But ya i just travel with everything in one bag/backpack. too much money if it gets stolen or broken.

ive got 5 spare batterys. Thier small size batterys for a hv30. Im reading online there is a limit to amount of lithium ion batterys allowed. <BR> <BR>Also. Can i take a regular size backpack with clothes and labtop + will i be able to take my pelican case onboard? Being 2 carry ons.

If you have the pelican 1510 then you're fine. Anything larger and you're pushing it. Check out the Dakine "Sequence" backpack.. it carries a ton of gear and is low-profile! <BR> <BR>As for batteries you're fine too.. They're more interested in the 5 oz hair gel you've got in your back pack than the batteries... <BR> <BR>Tripod.. again no worries. I've carried on some old school Bogen sticks w/ the 501 head a few times and no one ever said anything (TSA or flight crew.) Worse case scenario you might have to check it at the gate with the baby strollers. <BR> <BR>When going thru security you will need to take your camera/laptop out of you bag (basic protocol), so I always send my camera through first followed by the gear bag. I think this helps reduce the shock of all the junk that comes up on the x-ray monitor. <BR> <BR> <BR>btw - Southwest is very media friendly! I just flew to FL with three bags. Two of those were 60+ pounds/over sized and they were going to charge me $180... I told them it was "media" gear and they just charged me $25 for my third bag. Coming back the lady was too lazy to charge me, so she just let me skate! <BR> <BR>(<a href="http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/cameras.html" target="_blank">http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/cameras.html</a>) <BR> <BR>> Media cameras are exempt from the sizing box restriction imposed on other carryon luggage, and, if carried onboard, must be stowed in accordance with FAA safety regulations. If the camera is to be secured in a seat, however, a ticket must be purchased for that seat. <BR> <BR>> Camera, film, video, lighting, and sound equipment will be accepted when presented by a representative of a network or local television broadcasting company or a commercial filmmaking company. A fee of $25 will be charged for each item in excess of the free baggage allowance. Media equipment will not be assessed oversize or overweight charges.