Camera gear as hand luggage.

LeoB · 17-01-2009 5:33pm #1

Flying to Italy with Ryan Air in May. What is the largest camera bag I can take on Board as hand luggage?

My Kit will be 2 canon bodies, 70-200 f2.8, 17-85, 18-55, 55-250 IS about 5 filters plus Batteries and chargers. My current bag cant carry this, would anyone recommend the Lowepro mini treker AW? Thanks in Advance

Paulw · 17-01-2009 5:37pm

I normally take my Lowepro CompuTrekker AW when I travel. Never had an issue with it.

It should certainly fit all you need/want.

Calina · 17-01-2009 6:21pm

Hi.

I'ved moved this to here as it doesn't really belong in Photo Challenges per se.

I have a Computrekker AW as well and I suspect you'll get everything into it okay. I'd question bringing both the 70-200 and the 55-250 though.

Ryanair have a cabin baggage allowance of 10kg. You may want to bear this in mind when you are packing.

Creamy Goodness · 17-01-2009 6:28pm

sorry to hijack the thread but i figured i'd not start a new thread for myself.

I'm travelling to the states for 3 months and want to take my equipment with me.

i have

canon 450D
canon 70-200mm f/4
canon 18-55mm kit lens
canon 100mm f/2.8 macro
canon 50mm f/1.8

and will probably buy a flash over there probably a speedlite 580ex II and maybe - depending how cash flow is an Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L

and i might be needing a space for a laptop too if possible.

what bag would suit me?

Calina · 17-01-2009 6:30pm

I just checked as you were posting and have updated.

Paulw · 17-01-2009 6:37pm

I've never had a problem with any airline, with the LowePro CompuTrekker AW. I've flown with - Ryanair, Aer Lingus, BA, Delta, United Airlines, Continental Airlines, and more.

Paulw · 17-01-2009 7:00pm

The CompuTrekker is JUST outside the Ryanair size limit, but seems to be within other airline guides. I've never had a problem. Yeah, it's always a better idea to keep it on your back, rather than at your feet.

sNarah · 17-01-2009 7:13pm

Just be careful with Ryanair as they usually only 1 piece of handlugage... So I had a problem with taking camerabag & handbag which wasn't allowed. Leaving from Dublin was no prob, they're not as strict, coming back from Brussels I was f*cked... So maybe flying in to Italy won't be a problem, coming back might.

Ricky91t · 17-01-2009 8:02pm

sNarah wrote: »

Just be careful with Ryanair as they usually only 1 piece of handlugage... So I had a problem with taking camerabag & handbag which wasn't allowed. Leaving from Dublin was no prob, they're not as strict, coming back from Brussels I was f*cked... So maybe flying in to Italy won't be a problem, coming back might.

Thats not just ryanair,thats most airports in the U.K anyway

Lagnagoushee · 17-01-2009 8:11pm

Paulw wrote: »

I normally take my Lowepro CompuTrekker AW when I travel. Never had an issue with it.

It should certainly fit all you need/want.

I have travelled with a number of airlines (including Ryanair) with the Compu Trekker and have had no problems. It looks like the OP will need something as big as the Compu Trekker to fit all that gear.

Fionn · 17-01-2009 9:42pm

i've travelled in and out of a few British, american and far east airports on a few occasions over the last 4/5 months and the bag i carried two cameras and three lens one of them being a 70-200 f2, Speedlight and assorted chargers, batteries etc. + a 15" laptop was a ThinkTank Urban Disguise 60 link
it's exactly the dimensions as approved by all internation and local carriers.

it's a bit hit and miss with some of the carriers, I was flying into Cork recently from Heathrow and it was like a train from Calcutta to Kabul people had big cardboard boxes and bigger suitcases than i had in the checked luggage some had huge backpacks, there was at least one childs buggy that i saw - all was missing were some chickens and a few goats!!!

Cameraman · 17-01-2009 10:05pm

I travelled with Ryanair last Wednesday from Dublin, and they seem to be tightening up on the hand baggage regulations. After checking in my main suitcase, they asked me to confirm I had only 1 piece of hand luggage, then they weighed this at the check-in. Following this, they stuck a large label on it, presumably to be checked at the boarding gate.

So, beware if your hand baggage does not meet the limits stated on their website.

eddie65 · 17-01-2009 10:23pm

I have travelled on Ryanair to Spain a few times and Aer Lingus to the States with a Tamrac 9 backpack which I had a camera boby 4 lens and flash plus some accesseries it can also hold a laptop and have never been quizzed about it.

mikeanywhere · 18-01-2009 10:50am

Calina wrote: »

Ryanair have a cabin baggage allowance of 10kg. You may want to bear this in mind when you are packing.

Be very careful as Ryanair can be somewhat over zealous sometimes with regards to the weight. Many a time I have shoved various bits into a large coat I have with me to keep the guys/gals happy and put them back into my bag after leaving checkin.

Every time I fly from to Shannon from Liverpool they check the weight.

Yet when I fly to other European destinations they couldn't give a rats ass - go figure!!

Duchovny · 18-01-2009 1:13pm

I never had problems, i also use LowePro CompuTrekker AW and take the laptop all the time, they never checked the weigh even to the US they never checked or queried by backpack, and you always see people inside of your plane with way bigger suitcases...

LeoB · 19-01-2009 8:40pm

Thank you for all the replies. Will go looking for a bag this week end or next. Think Mini-treker A.W looks good bet from what I have seen on some sites.

ThOnda · 25-01-2009 1:23am

May I ask if you have experience and/or opinion on these bags?

Lowepro Stealth D650
Domke F-2
Lowepro Magnum
Hama Defender 220

Domke and Lowepro Magnum don't have compartment for laptop, big disadvantage. However I had Domke F-2 loaded with L lenses the whole day on my shoulder and it was brilliant.
I would appreciate your opinion.

bbbbb · 25-01-2009 11:29am

I'm travelling ryanair in a couple of weeks time, so I've been doing some research on this. Their luggage limits are spelled out on their website, basically:
- checkin: up to 3 bag, max total weight 15kg
- carry on bag: one bag only, max weight 10kg, 55cmx40xmx20cm
1 bag = 1 bag!
i.e. if you have a hand bag, laptop bag etc. that is your one bag!
They seem to be getting stricter in recent weeks, e.g. see this story from last wed:
Ryanair will fine passengers who try to break cabin baggage rules

irish147 · 25-01-2009 2:43pm

I travel on ryanair to Tennis and snooker events with my hand luggage as cameras/laptops/and lenses, the bag should be 10KG, but its always 16 KG and you can get away with that, but one bag is one bag now-a-days (sometimes you cant take a Tescos bag with you!)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/irishsnooker/

bbbbb · 25-01-2009 4:22pm

aer lingus are different (as are other air lines I would guess?)

Additional small items (cameras, personal stereos, overcoats, handbags) are allowed.

I don't think ryanair allow the additional small items, with the exception of coats?

CabanSail · 25-01-2009 4:34pm

I recently saw signs at Gatwick Airport for some of the UK Airlines. They were advertising there was no weight restriction on hand luggage. It still has to comply with the size restrictions & also be able to be lifted into the overhead lockers.

Wonder if that policy will spread?

Sleepy · 25-01-2009 5:18pm

Flew out of Glasgow Prestwick during the week and they had notices all over the place about only 1 piece of hand luggage on all Ryanair flights.

Anouilh · 25-01-2009 5:39pm

After spending two weeks with a weighing scales and selecting ultra light knapsacks and reinforced nylog bags Iwould happily consider driving to Australia. 6034073

whyulittle · 25-01-2009 5:43pm

Hmmm, wonder what their definition of small camera is.

Surprised they allow a laptop as an extra item as well.

Covey · 25-01-2009 11:03pm

Well if you keep to the weight and dimensions, do what I saw a female passenger do in Heathrow not so long ago.

She had a handbag, laptop and small carry-on bag. When stopped and told she couldn't take all three on board, produced a black bin liner, chucked them all in and tied a knot in it. The guard just looked gobsmacked, when she said "I've checked the dimensions and weight" and off she went.

LeoB · 26-01-2009 12:09am

ThOnda wrote: »

May I ask if you have experience and/or opinion on these bags?

Lowepro Stealth D650
Domke F-2
Lowepro Magnum
Hama Defender 220

Domke and Lowepro Magnum don't have compartment for laptop, big disadvantage. However I had Domke F-2 loaded with L lenses the whole day on my shoulder and it was brilliant.
I would appreciate your opinion.

Sorry I dont have any information on these bags. But it Looks like I will settle for either the Lowepro Mini treker A.W. which will carry all my gear safely, 2 camera bodies, and 4 lens 70-200, 17-85, 55-250 and converter plus flash, cables, batteries and filters or the Lowepro Fastpack 300 which I think will fit all my gear in, at a squeese. It looks a nice bag. I wont bring my laptop. I suppose the other question is Do I really need to bring the 70-200 f2.8 to lug around the Italian Alps and Dolimites? I really like the 55-250 which is a really good lens and just that will be enough!

ThOnda · 26-01-2009 2:03am

I just don't like back-bags from unknown reason. They are more comfortable, practical and bigger than shoulder bags, but I don't know. I feel like school kid with it on my back.

Fionn · 26-01-2009 2:31am

i flew with Singapore airlines recently, and i brought in one bag:
1 Laptop
2 bodies
2 speedlights
3 lenses (1 being a 70-200 f2.8 IS)
batteries, chargers, cables filters etc.
god knows how much it weighed!! they didn't, either outgoing or incoming ask to weigh the bag - but i had read that notice on their website - i think if the bag is compact looking enough and it's not appearing to anchor you to the ground - you might be ok

Anouilh · 26-01-2009 10:54am

The 'planes are so much bigger, so more luggage can be carried, I expect.

I'm re-posting this, as it contains all the information I have on surviving with a very small hand luggage allowance:

My cameras and lenses have separate lightweight bags which I have managed to fit into a very light North Face rucksack for airline travel. The "Flyweight" range also include a larger rucksack and a duffle bag, but I chose the smallest, which weighs 10 ounces:

http://www.basegear.com/north-face-flyweight-pack.html

I intend to carry a stronger bag, stored in my checked luggage, which is heavier and also safe for use in city walks. There are also fabulous strong polynylon.sacks which protect from moisture. Combined with bubble wrap, these should make shock-proof and very lightweight systems for putting into rucksacks:
http://www.blacks.co.uk/rucksacks/compression-sacks/product/095297.html

I find the staff in the Snow and Rock shop in the Dundrum Centre extremely friendly and helpful. Rather than buy online I have been able to see anything I need before buying:

http://www.snowandrock.com/

nilhg · 26-01-2009 12:43pm

I was in Paris for the weekend, flew with Ryanair and thought that they have become much stricter with regard to hand luggage since my last trip with them in Summer, I saw many people asked to fit their bags into the blue frame at check in desks and one guy had his weighed as well.

They are not consistent either, in Dublin my wife had to put her handbag into her travel bag before security, but there was no such restriction in Beauvais, but there she had to get it checked for size twice.

Stephen · 26-01-2009 1:05pm

Keep in mind that they're much more likely to weigh your bags when your flight is full, as if everyone carries the maximum sized bag they actually don't have enough room in the overhead bins and they'll try to make you check your stuff in.

spav · 26-01-2009 1:39pm

I assume that you can't take a tripod as hand luggage? I have a Lowepro Faskpack 350, and usually strap the tripod to outside the bag - anyone know if this would be OK to take on board?

SemperFidelis · 26-01-2009 9:36pm

All airline members of the International Air transport Association (IATA) have agreed to observe the following baggage regulations. You may carry on board the articles listed below free of charge over and above your free baggage allowance:

A lady’s handbag
An overcoat
An umbrella or walking stick
A laptop or notebook computer
A small camera
A reasonable amount of reading material for the flight
Infant’s food for consumption in flight and infant’s carrying basket
A pair of crutches and/or other prosthetic devices for the passenger’s use provided the passenger is dependent upon them

Buzz Lightyear · 26-01-2009 11:04pm

Just back from the UK at the weekend with Ryanair. They never checked my luggage as I had pre-checked-in online, however I was not taking chances. I had my D80, 80-300VR G, 18-55, 50mm and SB600. I decieded to keep everything in one bag incl my clothes, so I packed a smaller Hanel backpack camera bag that would take the above camera gear and pack it all into my Ryanair sized suitcase. Done the job perfectly.

duffman85 · 26-01-2009 11:55pm

Just came back from Madrid with Ryanair last night. I had a small gym bag with my camera bag and clothes inside. I was using the online check-in - bag wasn't checked in Dublin but they had the blue frame at the boarding gate on the way back in Madrid. Though they only seemed to be checking people with bags which were obviously too big or had luggage,shopping bag and handbag.

Anouilh · 09-02-2009 5:24pm

When I bought a ticket with Aer Lingus, I did not know they had a 6 kilo limit for hand luggage.

I shall not be repeating this mistake.

PCPhoto · 09-02-2009 5:41pm

had a run-in with airport authorities before (cant remember which airline) .....

The short version of the story is my stuff was too heavy(or I had bags everywhere) at the checkin desk - so I basically said if you want to take responsibility for several thousands worth of equipment be my guest - the equipment is not insured so I'm not allowing you to take it and put it on the plane where I would consider it unsafe....it could go missing or could be stolen, I would prefer to keep it with me so I know its safe.

if my memory is right I had a 600mm f4 couple of other lenses and flashes and a body or two and maybe some clothes ....my back was rightly fooked !!!

Covey · 09-02-2009 5:50pm

PCPhoto wrote: »

a body or two

No wonder they were dead stroppy :pac::pac:

rymus · 09-02-2009 5:55pm

PCPhoto wrote: »

so I basically said if you want to take responsibility for several thousands worth of equipment be my guest - the equipment is not insured so I'm not allowing you to take it and put it on the plane where I would consider it unsafe....it could go missing or could be stolen, I would prefer to keep it with me so I know its safe.

Surprised you weren't denied boarding and put on the no fly list tbh

Will be mostly trying to sneak past ryanair nazi's tomorrow lunchtime with a laptop bag and a small backpack to board a flight to Slovakia. Never a problem with Aer Lingus. Normally bring on the laptop bag, backpack with clothes & camera and a jacket. Never a word said.

Anouilh · 10-02-2009 8:38pm

rymus wrote: »

Never a word said.

I should hope not. You (from what I have seen of your posts so far) are a grown adult and should not have the clothes taken off your back by people who are well paid to organise a good service.

I'm horribly old fashioned, I know. I had a very Gallic struggle with a person who wanted to send my hand luggage down some chute a few years ago and my attitude was that I would jump in after it and run down the runway to redeem it, if necessary.

We sorted things out amicably...

Camera gear as hand luggage.

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