Air Travel with SRP Go Pro Tray and Sola Lights?

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Diver_Jan

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Orange County, California
I will be flying off to Maui in a few weeks and of course I would like to 'Carry On' my SRP Go Pro Tray, handles, and Two Sola lights in a 'Photography Bag'

My concern is that the TSA will view the tray and handles as a potential weapon.

Also, am concerned regarding the rechargeable batteries for the lights and camera.

My question is, has anyone had any issues with flying and carry-on with this particular set up?

TIA for your replies.

Jan in Cali
 
They shouldn't - thousands of photographers do it regularly. My buddy recently carried on both his video and still gear to Kona. He has an Inon tray,grip and 2 arms for one and a Sealife arm/tray for the other. Plus both cameras, housing, video light, flash etc. Afaik he didn't even get stopped.

You're ok with the batteries also. Since they're Li-Ion - you actually can't check them since 2008. TSA: Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices
 
It's one bag plus one "personal item" now. How you define that I have no clear idea. Check your airline website - most have a clear description now. I think a camera case would be your personal item now. I haven't seen anybody get on a plane with more than 2 bags in quite a few years - I don't think they'd let you at the gate if they noticed now. IDK how frequently you fly long distances but since all the checked luggage fees have been added, people get on with some pretty stuffed backpacks now also - especially to vacation destinations. I've been on several flights recently where the overhead bins were completely full while people were still boarding.

I often use an airline branded cc now, with USAirways that gets priority boarding so we get on first (after the special needs announcement). Even if your boarding pass says something else, flash the card at the gate as you walk by. AA is similar IIRC - haven't flown them recently.

I'm trying something new this year. Prior to this I packed my video housing in my airline legal sized roller bag and then carried an over the shoulder laptop bag - stuffed with my laptop, chargers, etc. - it was a pretty wide bag but still could fit under the seat although I never did.

This year I I bought a soft case that exactly fits my larger video housing with just an inch or two on top. That's my personal item now as the camera/housing are more expensive - I'll put the laptop in a pocket on the roller bag and fill it with other stuff. If I get gate-checked - when the overhead bins are full - happened a year ago - my plan is to remove the laptop, travel documents and let them gate check the roller bag. Theoretically that ensures it gets on the plane with me also.
 
Yes, most airlines consider a camera bag as a personal item. The key factor is that it must fit under the seat.

As for gate checked carry-ons, I carry small zip ties to hold the zipper ends together. (Not terribly secure but at least you know if they have been messed with and can raise a flag immediately)
 
Again, good info. I have a United CC in which I have flown numerous times using my points. Like you, I too have seen the overheads full before all of the passengers are on board. I agree, with the cost of checking bags, more and more are bringing them on board. Fortunately, I will get to check my gear for free, although I usually carry my reg and gauges with me.

I was pricing a 'real' camera bag today and they are pricey! A friend of mine has a military bag that I think will do the trick that has padded dividers from Cheaper Than Dirt. BAG-157 - SWAT Responder Range Bag OD Green 17x13x8" Padded Dividers and Removable Pistol Pouch

I am going to really have to plan.

Jan
 
I don't think you should have any issues traveling with the tray as it is pretty small and light and can be taken apart easily, if the TSA considers it as a weapon lol it can always be placed in your regular suitcase, seeing they normally give you a plastic knife and metal fork (much more of a weapon then a butter knife IMHO lol) its hard to see what they will say. Logic and so called air safety procedures don't go together too well in my eyes.

Here is a Product safety data sheet for the L&M sola 500-600-1200 lights for air travel which may be handy to print out in case the TSA people have an issue with your lights. Click the "certificate for download" for the PDF document.

Light systems in airplanes:
As everyone knows, dive lights have to transport in hand luggage, the battery is to remove. Despite locking the switch, it could be cause trouble at the check-in by ignorant inspectors. To prevent this, Light & Motion provides a certificate for download, in which the safety standard for air travel is confirmed in accordance with ICAO and IATA.

Light & Motion Sola 1200 video presentation

 
Was wondering the same thing about the SRP tray and handles. I flew last week NY to Ft. Lauderdale with the tray and handles in my backpack carry-on and it was not an issue at all.
 
Yes, most airlines consider a camera bag as a personal item. The key factor is that it must fit under the seat.

As for gate checked carry-ons, I carry small zip ties to hold the zipper ends together. (Not terribly secure but at least you know if they have been messed with and can raise a flag immediately)

I do that too as an added security but you can just stick a ballpoint pen in the zipper and it opens and the zip tie stays in place, then just force the zipper and zip tie and the zipper closes again like it was never opened. There's a Youtube video somewhere on "how to open your suitcase if you lost key"

---------- Post added ----------

Use a nice expensive looking brief/computer case as 2nd bag and no hassles.

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Again, good info. I have a United CC in which I have flown numerous times using my points. Like you, I too have seen the overheads full before all of the passengers are on board. I agree, with the cost of checking bags, more and more are bringing them on board. Fortunately, I will get to check my gear for free, although I usually carry my reg and gauges with me.

I was pricing a 'real' camera bag today and they are pricey! A friend of mine has a military bag that I think will do the trick that has padded dividers from Cheaper Than Dirt. BAG-157 - SWAT Responder Range Bag OD Green 17x13x8" Padded Dividers and Removable Pistol Pouch

I am going to really have to plan.

Jan
Get a good sized expensive looking leather computer/brief case - camo bag will attract unwanted attention. Computer bags have good padding
 
I was pricing a 'real' camera bag today and they are pricey!
My old photo teacher called "real" camera bags "steal me" bags, because that's what they scream out to the thieves. He suggested something nondescript, add your own padding.
 

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