Heavy Housing as a carry on

[ScubaFinland]

I have an aluminium DSLR housing. One handle is attached to it and it can not be removed without a tool. And removing it is a bit complicated.
So far I have travelled with it as a carry on. These days airport security is becoming more and more suspicious. My consern is, can that housing with a handle become a problem? Maybe security saying it can be used hitting somebody?
A few years back this happend to my friend. Security did not let him take large dive light in to the cabin. Its a veapon that can be used hitting, he was told.

In particular I am interested security policy in UK airports.

I know I could check everything but I would hate to spoil my trip in case my luggage gets lost....

 

[spt29970]

I always carry on my camera gear. I have two wheeled 1510 Pelican cases (largest guaranteed carry on size). I roll one, and my wife rolls the other. I check the strobe arms, tools, and port rings buried in my clothes. To get everything to fit, I have to tear everything down, which is why I bring the tools. The only problem is that the pelican cases each weigh 14lbs EMPTY, and some airlines say that they are going to enforce a 15lb limit on carry ons. So far I have been lucky. I roll them on the plane and pretend that they are featherweights.

Packed in a case, the housing looks innocuous, but I wouldn't even think of trying to bring it with the handles attached. Then it really could be used as a club.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

For years I have traveled with all of my systems checked, always with my fingers crossed...and with some systems, its a must. However 6 months ago after seeing a report by Eric Cheng on Wetpixel, I picked up the new Think Tank photo bags. Now with two carry ones, one backpack (Airport Acceleration 2.0) and the Urban Disguise 60, I can get my entire DSLR system packed for carry on, plus have room for my computer, hard drives, and reading material.

I have been questioned numerous times on what I was carrying, however I have never been told I cannot bring it on. Once they realize its an underwater camera, they are ok (even though they have sent it back and forth through X-ray a few times)

Of course this really all depends on your system. My carry on System consists of a Sea & Sea D300 housing, 2 camera bodies, dome port and macro port, 2 strobes, all arms, ttl covnerter, sync cords, 17" Macbook Pro, 2 hard drives, ipod and headphones...all in two bags. I know Eric was able to pack a Seacam system for a Canon MKIII, so Im pretty sure most systems would fit.

Both of these bags fit in even the smallest planes. 2 weeks ago I was in French Polynesia on a small island hopper. Roller bags did not fit, however my backpack fit in the overhead (once I removed my computer) and the Urban Disguise 60 fit under the seat. The great thing is both bags are VERY light so I am able to cram quite a bit in them.