Lenses stolen from baggage - British Airways say 'tough, not our problem'.

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Ketch & Brian,

You're both in possession of a bit of the truth.

There are, or used to be, 'media rates' for card-carrying pros. They don't AFAIK exempt you from carry-on limits, but they DO allow you to check unlimited items of production-related baggage at a flat-rate $50 each. Well pretty unlimited; IIRC it was a maximum of ?25? items per production - irrespective of whether you were flying alone, or with a crew of 10. BUT, only US airlines offered this AFAIK, and not all still do. Delta are certainly the most clued-up on the offering of this policy: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en...age/before-your-trip/special-items.html#media

When I relocated from NY to NZ, I purposely booked a trip with the first leg on Delta, and checked 20 bags of gear for $1000. If I had been ticketed Air New Zealand, I would have been charged several thousand dollars, IF they had accepted them at all!

Cameras as carry on: most carriers have a policy of ONE carry-on, weights and dimensions vary, PLUS a briefcase, purse, OR camera. Sometimes those cameras can be pretty bloody big, you know… but it's still a camera. Letter of the law, not spirit of the law...

I had this come up flying Easyjet in Europe. They were all 'What the hell is this?! You can only have ONE carry-on'. I simply pointed out their own rules - one carry-on, PLUS a camera. Is it a camera? Yep. ( A fuly-rigged Red One in fact!) So where exactly does it contradict your published rules to carry it? They scratched their heads a bit but couldn't refute my bureaucratic logic. An appeal to the letter of the rules usually works

Oh and I would confirm an earlier observation: I've travelled a lot with gear, and Australian airlines are the worst of the lot, by far. Unlike what someone else said earlier, the Aussies DO want a fight, they want denied boarding, they want to hit you up with an many fees and fines as possible. If they could figure out a way to make you check-in the shirt on your back and charge you $500 for it, they would. Avoid avoid avoid!

Mike

 

[Zeb B]

ZEBB - the article says it was his him medication that killed him. And they don't mean his medication fell on his head. The meds triggered a heart attack.

Noted. Then it would follow a 50lb piece of luggage falling on your head during a hard landing or extreme turbulence etc cannot kill or seriously injure you. Point is: E=MC2 so don't carry-on what you can't put under the seat.

Still looking for those links to exemption to the rules everyone seems to think exist since, as you have pointed out, they printed facts don't always tell the story you felt you knew to be true. Billy Mays probably died from a rockstar cocaine overdose - not a blow to the head

Here's JetStar's economy carry-on rules: "Jetstar Pacific flights (BL) passengers have a total combined weight of 7kg" That's 15lbs kids and I'm not finding a Media Exemption with a quick search.

http://www.jetstar.com/us/en/planning-and-booking/baggage/carry-on-baggage

 

[Emanuel A.]

It is not well publicized for good reason - it would lead to abuse.

How does it work?
First, you need to carry proof that specifically identifies you as a representative of a network or local television broadcasting company or a commercial filmmaking company.

The exemption covers cameras, film, video, lighting, and sound equipment.

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.

The set charges used to be $ 50 per case - In 2013 most airlines raised it to $ 75. A few are still at fifty bucks.
International is a different rate.
Identify yourself at check-in. I've done advance calls - it helps.

An interesting aspect is that media equipment will not be assessed oversized or overweight charges. It's that flat rate.
And you may check (not carry on) up to 40 cases if memory serves me correctly.

They can still refuse a large quantity of equipment - had several cases bounced off commercial to air cargo once - luckily, they made it to my destination in time.



Caveats:
Do not pack any personal or non-industry related items in with the media cases - you can be disqualified.
If your business cards, media ID or commercial film production does not meet with their standards, you may be in for a long conversation.
Commercial cases that are labeled to match the company ID help prove that you are what you say you are.
If you are traveling light, it may still be practical to check as normal baggage as the rate may be lower.


That said - a point I would like to insert into the discussion. There are very good reasons why heavy camera bags and/or cases should not be brought on board any more than is absolutely necessary. When overweight items are stored in the cabin, they need to either fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
It is not unheard of for the overhead bins to pop open when the plane hits turbulence. I've seen it happen.
It is only using common sense to realize that a 40 to 50 pound backpack or case becomes an item that can cause serious injury should it fall on a passenger during flight.

The next time someone thinks of putting an overweight case in the overhead, ask someone you know to get on a stepladder and drop it on your head.
Then consider that is the potential impact you will cause to an innocent passenger. It has the potential of causing paralysis - perhaps even killing someone.
If you are going to bring equipment as a carryon, one case on the floor should be your limit. Accidents happen - make it safe.
Nuff said...

Links or it doesn't exist

Indeed, where are they?

 

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Still looking for those links to exemption to the rules everyone seems to think exist since, as you have pointed out, they printed facts don't always tell the story you felt you knew to be true.

Here's JetStar's:
http://www.jetstar.com/us/en/planning-and-booking/baggage/carry-on-baggage

JetStar are the heirs to the throne of the kingdom of baggage rip-offs. The worst of the worst. Don't even think about it.

And I already posted a link to the Delta media baggage rules:

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...ems.html#media

The exemptions are real, I used this personally.

Mike

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Links or it doesn't exist

Oh and . . . heavy objects to the head can kill innocent people:
http://www.airsafenews.com/2009/06/i...mays-dies.html

Zeb,


Heavy objects to the head can kill guilty people too! Equal opportunity at work…

Here is a start on the info available on the web - I have more but it's buried somewhere.


AirTran

*http://www.airtran.com/policies/carry-on_checked.aspx

News Media Personnel: 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 $50 will be charged for each item in excess of the baggage allowance. Effective for tickets purchased on or after December 15, 2012, for travel on or after February 13, 2013, a fee of $75 will apply for each item over the baggage allowance. Media equipment will not be assessed oversized or overweight charges.


American

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp
(Go to "Specialty Items" tab)

Audio/Visual Equipment
Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment will be charged a rate of $50 USD per piece when tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, professional photographers, the federal government, Department of Defense or the American Society of Media Photographers. These rates apply to travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and international destinations. A maximum of 25 pieces is allowed per organization/company per American Eagle flight or 40 pieces for American Airlines flights. This policy is subject to seasonal and permanent baggage embargoes. The maximum size and weight allowances are subject to the policies in place for the destination.


Delta / NorthWest

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/before-your-trip/special-items.html



SouthWest

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html

• 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.
• 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 $75 will be charged for each item in excess of the free baggage allowance. Media equipment will not be assessed oversized or overweight charges.


United

https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/mediabags.aspx?camp=virtual_expert

(Note that the chart allows you up to 25 cases at the flat rate of $ 50 per)
Representatives from network television, broadcasting and commercial filmmaking companies will be charged a flat service charge to check camera, film, and lighting and sound equipment. The items must be checked by the media representative and the charges are per item at the prices listed in the chart below. The discounted service charge applies for worldwide travel on flights marketed and operated by United, and is subject to seasonal and permanent baggage embargoes. For flights connecting to other airlines, baggage charges are subject to the connecting airline’s baggage policies.


To obtain media checked bag service charge rates, media representatives should provide United airport check-in counter representatives with media credentials; company personnel identification for an entertainment, media or production company; or clearly identified media equipment cases labeled with company identification. If the media representative is unable to provide such verification, customers will be charged standard checked baggage service charges. Spouses and/or other companions, whether traveling in the same or separate reservation as the media personnel, are not eligible for the discount unless they present eligible media credentials.


A link with some misinformation included:
https://asmp.org/articles/member-benefits-american-airlines.html#.U1NPjVyzPLQ

 

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

DING!

One small correction:

United
.
.
.
For flights connecting to other airlines, baggage charges are subject to the connecting airline’s baggage policies.

I don't KNOW if that's true on connecting flights within the US, I suspect it isn't.

I KNOW it's false when it comes to overseas connections; IATA rules specify in detail which airline's baggage rules apply. Checking the fine print on that one is why it took me an hour to check in for my New Zealand flight!

Mike

 

[Zeb B]

Zeb,


Heavy objects to the head can kill guilty people too! Equal opportunity at work…

Here is a start on the info available on the web - I have more but it's buried somewhere.


AirTran

*http://www.airtran.com/policies/carry-on_checked.aspx

News Media Personnel: 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 $50 will be charged for each item in excess of the baggage allowance. Effective for tickets purchased on or after December 15, 2012, for travel on or after February 13, 2013, a fee of $75 will apply for each item over the baggage allowance. Media equipment will not be assessed oversized or overweight charges.


American

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp
(Go to "Specialty Items" tab)

Audio/Visual Equipment
Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment will be charged a rate of $50 USD per piece when tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, professional photographers, the federal government, Department of Defense or the American Society of Media Photographers. These rates apply to travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and international destinations. A maximum of 25 pieces is allowed per organization/company per American Eagle flight or 40 pieces for American Airlines flights. This policy is subject to seasonal and permanent baggage embargoes. The maximum size and weight allowances are subject to the policies in place for the destination.


Delta / NorthWest

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/before-your-trip/special-items.html



SouthWest

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html

• 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.
• 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 $75 will be charged for each item in excess of the free baggage allowance. Media equipment will not be assessed oversized or overweight charges.


United

https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/mediabags.aspx?camp=virtual_expert

(Note that the chart allows you up to 25 cases at the flat rate of $ 50 per)
Representatives from network television, broadcasting and commercial filmmaking companies will be charged a flat service charge to check camera, film, and lighting and sound equipment. The items must be checked by the media representative and the charges are per item at the prices listed in the chart below. The discounted service charge applies for worldwide travel on flights marketed and operated by United, and is subject to seasonal and permanent baggage embargoes. For flights connecting to other airlines, baggage charges are subject to the connecting airline’s baggage policies.


To obtain media checked bag service charge rates, media representatives should provide United airport check-in counter representatives with media credentials; company personnel identification for an entertainment, media or production company; or clearly identified media equipment cases labeled with company identification. If the media representative is unable to provide such verification, customers will be charged standard checked baggage service charges. Spouses and/or other companions, whether traveling in the same or separate reservation as the media personnel, are not eligible for the discount unless they present eligible media credentials.


A link with some misinformation included:
https://asmp.org/articles/member-benefits-american-airlines.html#.U1NPjVyzPLQ

A great start and worthy of a Sticky if we can sleuth out dis shit for all airlines. Would make life easier for all of us to have a PDF of the excerpts on da iPhone to the end the debate at the gate before it escalates ;-)

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Ketch & Brian,

You're both in possession of a bit of the truth.

There are, or used to be, 'media rates' for card-carrying pros. They don't AFAIK exempt you from carry-on limits, but they DO allow you to check unlimited items of production-related baggage at a flat-rate $50 each. Well pretty unlimited; IIRC it was a maximum of ?25? items per production - irrespective of whether you were flying alone, or with a crew of 10.

Mike

Mike,

I should have been more clear - but in Post #35 I did state "not carryon" when I mentioned quantities of cases.
It is true that the media waivers do not change the number of carryon items allowed, but the size and weight restrictions are not in play.
The exception to the size rule is that if it did not fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, you needed to pay for an additional seat.
For example, my F900 would not fit under the seat but it would fit nicely in the overhead bin if I used a soft PortaBrace bag and disconnected the VF (good practice anyhow).

Another twist to this practice is that you can request priority boarding (after disabled). Puts your equipment further back in the bin - safer and easier to manage.

Thanks for pointing out that these rules are "per production" and not "per person". Overlooked mentioning that fact - good catch!


As a final point before dosing off - this is a good reason to have a company ID with your picture and title whenever you travel…
Happy Easter to all!

 

[Gavin Greenwalt]

I get the ban on batteries international regulation. I am looking for links to this unlimited weight Camera Gear carry-on exemption

That's what I'm saying. Since they are required to let your Battery Bag on, just make sure your super heavy items are along with the batteries. They're legally required to let the bag on board since it isn't safe to check it. They'll find a place on the plane for the bag even if it's too heavy for the overhead. First Class has a nice little coat closet that is perfect for battery bags (that just so happen to have a few lenses with them). Then you can slip your "camera bag" under your seat with the body.

The only fight I've ever lost with a flight attendant was with a pillow. I had a camera bag and my laptop case and a pillow. She ordered me off the ramp since she counted my pillow as a "third item". I got back to the end of the ramp and the gate attendant was like "Did you forget something?" "No, I wasn't allowed on the plane with 3 items, I need to stow the pillow before she'll let me on board." "What!?" "I know." But she was craaaaazy.

 

[Joe D'Arcy]

JetStar are the heirs to the throne of the kingdom of baggage rip-offs. The worst of the worst. Don't even think about it.

And I already posted a link to the Delta media baggage rules:

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...ems.html#media

The exemptions are real, I used this personally.

Mike

Jetstar are serious about carry-on gear. Although you can get by if you check-in online and don't appear to be struggling with your bag as you board the plane. Jetstar also have a severe cutoff in relation to checkin times. Jetstar gates shut 30 minutes prior to boarding-NO EXCEPTIONS. Australia has a reality TV show about airport checkins, baggage, customs etc etc and one episode I noticed a Reduser complaining about not being allowed to board late onto a Jetstar flight. The more he complained, the more mileage the show got out of humiliating him (the usual TV garbage).
Having said that, Jetstar airlines are very lenient in their approach to baggage, compared to low cost airline Tiger. Never fly TIGER if you need to be on time, or if you carry more than a toothbrush on board.

 

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Jetstar are serious about carry-on gear. Although you can get by if you check-in online and don't appear to be struggling with your bag as you board the plane. Jetstar also have a severe cutoff in relation to checkin times. Jetstar gates shut 30 minutes prior to boarding-NO EXCEPTIONS. Australia has a reality TV show about airport checkins, baggage, customs etc etc and one episode I noticed a Reduser complaining about not being allowed to board late onto a Jetstar flight. The more he complained, the more mileage the show got out of humiliating him (the usual TV garbage).
Having said that, Jetstar airlines are very lenient in their approach to baggage, compared to low cost airline Tiger. Never fly TIGER if you need to be on time, or if you carry more than a toothbrush on board.

I think JetStar are the Ryanair of the southern hemisphere.

One point of advice worth noting; from my travels, your carry-on is much less likely to get attention if it's a backpack rather than a rolling case. Especially if the backpack is fairly compact. They're much less likely to put it on the scales, or pull you aside at the gate… 'just how much does that weigh, Sir?'...

Mike

 

[Zeb B]

Tiger Airlines . . . those fuqs. Forgot their name but it all comes back now. Their rules - not seeing any special Media Rockstar exemptions:
http://www.tigerair.com/sg/en/baggage.php#regulations

 

[Joe D'Arcy]

Another Jetstar lowpoint:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/have-violin-will-travel-after-change-of-policy/story-e6frg8n6-1226721201396

 

[Michael Dalton]

Nairobi : I landed there in November. That's the airport that burned down because they had no fire fighting gear, and the airport is now in temporary buildings. Our 747 was deplaned on the runway.
So I'm not surprised, and i'll bet you aren't either. What a busted ass country. I filmed in Tanzania and have no desire to return anytime soon. Sorry about the loss.

My carryon weighs 30 lbs. Never had an issue. Just tell them if they would like to be liable for $30,000 to be checked baggage, they let you carry on.

You dismiss the country because you had to disembark from a plane by foot? Over 50 plus trips to Tanzania and Kenya, I don't mind actually walking a few steps from a plane. Nothing but great stories. You can even get a great photo from the tarmac. Maybe it was the old 747 that made you trip unpleasant? Too bad, if you fly on African carriers you actually get a new 777's and 787's.

I've just been on an amazing shoot in Kenya but when I came to unpack I discovered that my two Red zooms had been stolen from my checked baggage on the Nairobi to London flight. When I phoned British Airways they said that they don't cover 'high value items'. In effect if your underpants are stolen they'll compensate you. If your lenses are stolen they won't.

They suggested that all such items should be carried as hand luggage, which is hardly possible as the camera and batteries already need to be carried and the limits on hand baggage are getting tighter all the time.

I'm deeply pissed off - BA are supposed to be a premium airline and my feeling is that they should be responsible for baggage once it's handed over to them. Anyone have similar experiences with BA or others.

Pole Bwana!! The guys are right, you can often just explain that it is high value and that it's camera gear. It should be OK. There is a small RED community in Nairobi. A couple of epics and scarlets. If you can track them in a Kenya thread a while back, they can look out for lens.

I recommend that anyone carrying kit use plastic cable ties on their bags. It prevents rummaging! Keep this video in mind when packing high value gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgDizh4DMno

 

[Tom Hamilton]

As a general rule of thumb Michael, in Africa, anything that's not tied down, locked up, or guarded by Rottweilers, will walk away.

Guaranteed.

in Kinshasa, we used to go down to the street vendors to buy the parts that had been stolen from our vehicles the day before. Way of the world, TIA.

That's not to say you shouldn't go, what a stunningly amazing continent visually, cinematographer's dream come true. Just have to be prepared.

 

[Johnny Friday]

I see a lot of comments on how folks pack and travel with their gear, but often times, one cannot pack all the valuables as carry on. That said, i have my own system for packing valuable and expensive gear, but foremost and important is having insurance on my gear. In my experience, equipment insurance (speaking for myself only) is most valuable and of my highest priority when i travel. I rarely if ever worry about my gear being stolen from my home, office or location im working...but I DEFINITELY worry when it's packed in a case on an airlines being handled by any number of folks that are never to be seen by me or cameras. In fact i'll even mention this....traveling the world over and much of latin america and africa....i worry MOST when in USA. I have had gear stolen, cases broken into and gear damaged three times...ALL in the USA....every single time and i even avoid certain locations such as Orlando & Atlanta for those reasons.....

But having gear insurance and making sure that it covers gear while in transit is my highest priority. And for gods sake, don't use nice looking camera/lens cases---every baggage handler all over the world knows what those are about. Don't make a situation like baggage handling/thievery more tempting with known camera cases and especially marked cases notating what exactly is inside.....My preferred travel cases are my modified ice chests with locks and plenty of duct tape on them. They just look like someone traveling with a box of fish inside and the last thing someone wants to open....oh, and they are good and used and marked up.

 

[Patrick Tresch]

My camera case is an Pelicase 1550 containing the camera body, accessories and 2 160wh batts.
16kg. The overhead compartment is estimated up to 60kg. As the case 1/3 of it I don't know why it could be dangerous.

No problems up to today... The only plane too small are the ATR.

Pat

 

[Nick Fury]

My camera case is an Pelicase 1550 containing the camera body, accessories and 2 160wh batts.
16kg. The overhead compartment is estimated up to 60kg. As the case 1/3 of it I don't know why it could be dangerous.

No problems up to today... The only plane too small are the ATR.

Pat

TrekPak told me that the 1510 was the recommended US Airlines case. Anyone with problems passing carryon with that case?

Thank you very much

fury

 

[Ketch Rossi]

TrekPak told me that the 1510 was the recommended US Airlines case. Anyone with problems passing carryon with that case?

Thank you very much

fury

No problem with it with any Airline I ever used any were around the globe Fury...

However some Airlines do only allow one Carry On and a small bag, so few times they try to force either to bring the Back Pack on or the 1510, same with the similar size of the Think Thank...

 

[Stephen Williams]

That's what I'm saying. Since they are required to let your Battery Bag on, just make sure your super heavy items are along with the batteries. They're legally required to let the bag on board since it isn't safe to check it. They'll find a place on the plane for the bag even if it's too heavy for the overhead. First Class has a nice little coat closet that is perfect for battery bags (that just so happen to have a few lenses with them). Then you can slip your "camera bag" under your seat with the body.

The only fight I've ever lost with a flight attendant was with a pillow. I had a camera bag and my laptop case and a pillow. She ordered me off the ramp since she counted my pillow as a "third item". I got back to the end of the ramp and the gate attendant was like "Did you forget something?" "No, I wasn't allowed on the plane with 3 items, I need to stow the pillow before she'll let me on board." "What!?" "I know." But she was craaaaazy.

Not quite, it's a courtesy to allow batteries to be carried in hand luggage. They don't have to accept your hand luggage if the plane is full & not legally required to to let a bag on board.