Flying with Batteries Issue

[steve green]

Steve,

A lot of my work is for corporate and government agencies. Both have issued me photo badges that list my company name and associated camera permits. Having more than one - especially with instantly recognizable logos and names is helpful. Combined with other documents, it has been easy to establish my position as a production company - which fits into the "media" definition the airlines use.

Although I have never experienced a glitch at any domestic airport, one of my New Year resolutions is to design my own photo / media badge specifically to address airline procedures. Including my CAGE Code will give them a means of verification.
May very well incorporate additional info to cover local law enforcement encounters. The more legitimate documentation you have, the better.

I can see where the union card alone could give them pause - the rules are designed more around organizations than individuals. If you do not have a company name, you might consider ordering a photo badge that includes a descriptor such as "Motion Picture Production Services".

There is an additional benefit to the media credentials - besides weight, the number of cases you can check is increased.

Recently on a fully booked flight to LA, hand carrying batteries with the camera prevented it from being reassigned to the hold. They found room in the cabin.

Brian, what is a CAGE code?

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

A CAGE Code is used within the federal government to identify "Commercial and Government Entities". Initially assigned by the DoD through the Defense Logistics Agency.
If you enter the world of commercial federal government contracts (such as DOT and NASA for example), the GSA will have you acquire one through the SAM system (System for Award Management).

Kind of like the DUNS number that Dunn & Bradstreet would assign to normal businesses.

 

[steve green]

Got it.....Thanks for the info. I do need to put a "media" credential together for myself.

 

[Karl Kim]

If anyone is interested I'm selling off some recelled Hytron 140s in the marketplace.