Hi all, ok, when I've flown previously, I've always packed my video camera in my checked baggage, especially as it's heavy to lug (I'm travelling with a 3 yr old as well) and every security checkpoint you have to prove it's not anything more sinister.

Has anyone ever had their camera damaged?? I'm bad for always having too much in my carryon so want to have less in it, am I crazy to pack it in my checked bags? We are flying Qantas to LAX via Qantas, I'll have all my bags locked with the TSA locks.

Any input would be appreciated.Thanks

Thanks for asking this question. I usually travel with one camera which is in my carry-on, but this trip I'll have 3 cameras(all very cheap) so I'll have to place two in my checked baggage and was really concerned that they might attract the attention of thieves even though they are under $300.

Welcome to Flyertalk.

You need to buy a lighter-weight digital video camera. Seriously.

Packing electronic items in checked bags is a bad idea. Airlines are not liable if they are damaged or stolen. Their C of Cs uniformly disclaim (successfully) all liability for loss or damage to just about every possible valuable item. As a rule, never pack anything in checked bags that you would miss if it disappeared. I've never done it, but Flyertalk is littered with threads - dozens of them - posted by the naive who lose valuables from checked bags and then can't believe the airlines won't make them whole.

You're flying to Australia, a reasonably expensive ticket, so it's obvious that you don't want for money; maybe the loss or damage of your videocam woudln't faze you. It would me - since I then would have to buy a new one in Australia if I wanted any video of my trip.

Carryons are for valuables. Like cameras. And everything else that's valuable. Checked bags are for easily replaceable items for which the airlines don't disclaim liability, like clothing.

Go out and buy a small, lightweight videocam, carry it on, and have a great trip.

FWAAA beat me to it: Never checkin anything that you aren't willing to break or lose. I'm sure it's not what you wanted to hear, but if you stick to that rule, you'll do fine.

Hi FWAAA
Just so you know, nope no money whatsoever!! am flying on points from bank credit card--so yes, losing the video camera would be a HUGE blow!! thanks for all your replies. I guess I've been lucky in the past? have always packed video camera in middle of case surrounded by socks, coats etc. Guess I will try and pack it with carry on and see how I go.

thanks again for all the responses!

Cheers Lisa

Security checkpoint may have you remove your video camera from carry-on and x-ray separately. This happened to me a few weeks ago, another risk of damage.