Carry-on camera case
 

No one in the CO forum could answer with experience so I thought I would ask the question here. I usually travel with a carry-on, under the size requirement. Now in addition to that I will have a recently purchased LowePro Mini Trekker camera case. Will the airlines consider this too big to be my additional personal item? They list camera cases a being on the approved personal item list but this may not be what they are thinking. Appreciate input from anyone that has traveled with a similar case.

I'm not sure exactly which one you have but I think you're probably ok. The majority of the LowePros look like they would fit under the seat in front of you. Even if it doesn't I think you would probably be ok putting both up in the overhead bins. I'll qualify that by saying I don't fly CO though so maybe you would be better off giving the dimensions of the bag to the folks in the CO forum and see how they respond to that.

I don't recall seeing the question in the CO forum or I probably would've answered it there. You should be fine.

I'm guessing this is the bag you are talking about. I travel with the Tamrac Adventure 9 all the time and it is fine, and slightly larger than the LowePro model. I know that airlines are cracking down more these days, but I've been fine thus far.

I think you are fine.
I travel with a 22" roll-on-board plus my LowePro CompuDaypack without problem, domestically (USA) and internationally.

What lens is on the accompanying camera?

Where you have to be careful is on itineraries in which you know you will be on a RJ or smaller aircraft. I just completed a trip which included a leg on an EMB120. If you are in the A seat you couldn't fit much underneath the seat due to the curving of the aircraft taking up some of the space. Knowing I would be on this leg I use my Orion AW which splits into two. Both pieces fit in the overhead without any issues and my laptop bag went under the seat. I just make sure I reattach prior to leaving the plane so I still have two pieces. I had two bodies and 4 pro lenses in the belt pack so it does hold a good amount.

If I would have done this with the Lowepro PhotoTrekker I may have been stuck doing a plane side check which isn't going to happen.

Yes, that is the case. Great to hear that it should not be a problem.

Actually have two cameras w/lens, extra lens and a camcorder. Quite a load in the small pack.

Thank you for the responses. I was getting concerned the case may be too big.

Thanks, but I meant the lens in the image of the pack. Sorry to be unclear.

I typically travel on leisure with a 22" roller and a backpack that has a laptop and SLR inside. No problems.

You should be fine.

I've been using the LowePro CompuTrekker AW http://products.lowepro.com/product/...AW,1924,16.htm, which I think is larger than the one you are considering, along with a roll-aboard and a CPAP with no issues with domestic or international air travel.

What equipment do you generally fly with? I fly extensively as a professional photog and run a well traffic blog intended to make life easier for flying photogs at www.flyingwithfish.com

Depending on the gear you can back door into a bag. Generally a full size roller or full size backpack loaded with camera gear is not considered a 'personal item.' I have successfully argued that a Pelican 1514 was my 'personal camera bag' with Continental on an LAX-IAH flight, when my carry-on was a fully loaded Think Tank Airport Addicted (flying with 4 bodies, 8 lenses, 4 flashes, 3 compact lights stands etc etc etc). I'm pretty sure they just conceded due to the DL Plat and NW Gold status rather than due to the rules.

Look into a low profile backpack that is highly configurable. If you prefer a shoulder bag, look into one that more closely resembles a brief case. Visual deception goes along way. If you fly with a lens/body combo attached, detach them to maximize your packing space effectiveness (and to protect your gear!). By being versatile in how you pack you open up many bag options.

Happy Flying

-Fish

Thanks for the advice!!

I've flown with my mini-trekker before, no problem at all. The photo trekker is starting to push limits I think, especially on smaller planes. The mini-trekker is a relatively shallow bag, but stuffing the outer pocket could cause some problems if you have to use one of the sizing racks at check in.

I am definitely just an amateur, http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee127/dragonphish/, so I don’t carry a lot of equipment. I carry a couple of bodies, three lenses and a small camcorder. I leave the flash at home. I prefer shooting natural light. I also leave the tripod at home. If I ever decide to spend the money on a Gitzo I will take it along.