Airlines and delicate equiptment, too big for carryon, too delicate to put in hold

fret_wimp2

I have some camera and computer gear that i need to carry on a number of flights this year.

Its boardeline too big to fit the bagage restrictions, but much too valueable to let the baggage handlers get their paws on it.

Whats the best way to deal with this? is my only option to buy a second seat?

double GG

It Kind of depends on how expensive another seat is.

Is courier an option? It usually only takes a couple of days and would probably be safer.

Also you could wrap the items up really well in a Samsonite hard bag and then do the plastic wrap around it and use a lock on it, if you're worried about baggage handlers from opening it.

ProudDUB

If you decide to buy a second seat, do some research (if you can) as to whether or not safety regulations will let you park your things on the seat beside you, even though you paid for the seat. My brother did that to transport some very expensive sports equipment home. Due to its shape, it couldn't be strapped into the seat all that well. He was told it presented a hazard to others in the event of an emergency landing or turbulence. Luckily for him, the cabin crew were very nice. They offered to stow it in the area where they keep their own personal stuff, as opposed to forcing him to put it in the cargo hold. If they hadn't offered to do that, he would have been screwed.