DSLR on a plane

I'm off downhill mountain biking next week to the alps and thought I might take my camera, I then thought I wonder if there are any problems with DSLR's on planes as I've never flown with one before. The size will be fine as it's just in a small case.

Andy

I have not had any issues carrying mine on and I certainly would not let the ground crew handle it into the hold. If my hard shell suitcase can get smashed imagine what they can do to a lens!

Just do not try and take photos inside the airport

I have flown with mine quite a lot. No problems at all. They don't even take it out of the bag at security like they often do with laptops.
You cannot take a tripod or monopod as hand baggage though.
Had no problems snapping in the airport either.

No problems - but make sure you understand the airline regulations on hand luggage.

Some will only allow one small bag whereas others allow one bag plus laptop case.

I took a camera through Frankfurt during a time of heightened security. The security agent asked if he could check the camera - no problems. I switched it on, he looked through the viewfinder and adjusted focus and zoom and sneaked a couple of pictures. Only when my wife was looking at the pictures did I realise what he had done! Two rather attractive women, wearing tight tops &c &c. An interesting one to explain.

I'll remember that one, "It was the security guard, darling, not me."

Check the number of bags the particular airline and airport currently allow you to carry as hand luggage.

Use a camera bag as your main carry-on bag if necessary/convenient.

Thank you for that everyone, what a helpful place this is.

I'll try and post a couple of pictures if they are any good and I manage not to come off the bike.

Middle aged men - teenage sons - extreme sports - a lethal cocktail......

Lucky you weren't a spy - he would have shot the attractive women with the gun concealed in your Pentax.

Interesting subject , i am off on my travels in a few weeks will need to check with the airline about hand luggage

I take a Lowepro MiniTrekker as my carry on bag. Can easily get two bodies and lots of lenses. Anything else goes into the lens case which goes into her handbag! It's easier flying now than it was in the days of film.

Also, try and avoid exit rows. You ideally want to be able to have your bag under the seat in front. Far safer than the overhead locker!

The big problem is not that you have a camera but the total weight of the bag it is in. (Most airlines 5Kg) Try to keep your bag to the particular airlines limit and put some of your gear in belt pouches around your waist at the back. Camera and medium lens(70-200)? in one. Extra lens in another and filters etc. in pockets in a photographers vest. It worked for me for years travelling all over the world and I am expecting it to work for me again in Jan. 2010. CHEERS Vic.

I have taken my Tamrac Expedition 5 loaded to the brim with photo gear on board both KLM and BA flights - they have never weighed it (thank goodness!) or queried the size. Since they won't accept liability for checked camera gear they are slightly more generous as to what you can take on board with you in my experience.
When you see the amount some people get away with carrying on my back pack seems very small. It fits into the overhead lockers OK. It probably would be a problem on some of the smaller commuter planes, and certainly on African planes but for normal Airbuses and the like it is fine.

Hmmm... Do we believe that?

G