Airport Security and strobe arms

[arenny]

I am traveling overseas and want to take all of my photo gear, camera, housing, lenses, strobe and ULCS arms and clamps, locline sections, etc in my carry on.

Anyone ever have issues with any camera equipment and airport security?

Thanks!

 

[herman]

I have never had them take a second look at my camera/strobe/arm. My reg gets a second look once in a while but it has never been a problem either.

 

[Dee]

My battery charger usually gets a good look and I always have to show them my laptop but other than that they let everything slide. Just make sure you don't have any tools in your carry on. I forgot and packed mine. TSA didn't mind the sharp needle pointed jewelers screwdrivers but they refused to let me take my allen wrenches....go figure! Luckily I knew some folks who were running late so I caught them before they checked in and they took my tools in their checked bags..

 

[Gilligan]

There is no predicting what TSA folks will do.

I take all my camera gear as carry-on in a Storm Case. Sometimes they don't even open it. Other times they go through it and run the explosive test patch over it.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get through airport security these days as you never know what to expect at any given airport.

When I left the Philippines on Feb 14th they were on high alert at the Manila airport as it was the anniversary of an incident. Our persons and carry-on's were checked three seperate times including pat-downs of our person. They were even patting down children. It took us 1 an 1/2 hours from the minute we entered the airport till we got to the gate.

 

[Aeolus]

Every time I go through security, I get the once over, especially my camera gear. The batteries for the strobe seem to get the most attention, closely followed by the housing itself after it goes through the scanner (makes a strange picture). They always want to know why I have so many batteries (rechargable). The strobe takes 4 and I change them out after each dive usually, so I have several sets to recharge at night.

Overall, not a big problem though. Enjoy.

DSDO

 

[mjh]

My Aquatica has pistol style grips, that typically gets their attention. Usually I can see the x-ray screener slowing down to look at it and I just tell them it is underwater camera equip and they just pass it thru.

 

[JTemple]

My carry-on always seems to get a few extra seconds of inspection. If I see a confused look, I tell them it's underwater camera gear. But once when I said it, the guy replied that he knew, that he'd seen hundreds of underwater camera gear set-ups. I suppose if you are travelling from and to places many divers pass through, they have "seen it all". Have a great trip, where are you going?

 

[arenny]

Going to Brazil in March. I want to make sure I pack everything I need to dive in my carry on. Last time I went to Rio my bags took a trip to London but luckily I got them 5 days later. I just don't want to risk losing my UW camera equipment!
BTW John got his new camera/PT15 in the water and is taking great pics! Thanks again!

 

[JTemple]

Ah, that's right. Looking forward to seeing the pix - yours and John's! Have a fantastic trip!

 

[phillybob]

TSA took a nut-driver from my camera bag (carry on ) in Miami. It was one of my good ones, too.