Bag is too big for the overhead bin in a plane! What to do?

[Otto Haring]

What do you do when your camera bag is too big for the overhead bin in a plane or all of the bins are taken?

I am sure I am not the only one who experienced the problem. Lot of times the crew already announces that all overhead bins are full and that no more larger carry-ons can be brought into the plane. What is your tactic to avoid your camera bag being put in the main luggage area of the plane where it can be smashed or stolen...?

I usually do the following:

1. Try to be in the A or B boarding zone. Board the plane first! The chance that you will find empty bins is higher!
2. Try to stand behind somebody who has a bigger bag and the crew will pull out the person in front of you and will be asked to hand over his/her luggage to be put in the main cargo area of the plane. Usually, they are busy with that person in front of you and you can bring my carry-on camera bag on board.
3. Once on board, I try to take out my laptop and larger lenses to make my bag smaller. Hopefully, it fits!
4. I also try to put under the seat of the person in front of me...

Have you ever experienced this problem? What did you do you could share with us? This always stresses me out when I fly somewhere so photograph a destination wedding.
Thanks!

 

[Asher Kelman]

What do you do when your camera bag is too big for the overhead bin in a plane or all of the bins are taken?

Otto,

I simply never put myself in that position. I limit the size of the bag to the dimensions allowed. Also I put items in checked luggage that I can afford to lose, if I have to. I wear a jacket and put lenses in it and put an extra camera without the lens in a pocket too. Before I pack, I try to decrease what I need to the minimum. If going to New york, I plan to rent from B&H heavy or bulky gear.

The worse thing one can do is depend on the goodwill of busy aircrew. In a split second they can assign your expensive cameras to general cargo and who knows what happens after that!

Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

1. Send the stuff insured well in advance to your destination, by courier or whatever.

2. Rent equipment at your destination.

3. If car travel is possible, do it.

4. I don't do paid assignments, but have to ask..how many lenses does one really need? Here I may be very limited in my experience and know-how of paid assignments; especially weddings. But I did one, unpaid, with just one lens.

5. Choose an inconvenient time to fly. It might be less full.

6. I am not a pack mule or part of a cattle run. And I never travel airlines that treat me as such.

Have a safe trip.

 

[Otto Haring]

Otto,

I simply never put myself in that position. I limit the size of the bag to the dimensions allowed. Also I put items in checked luggage that I can afford to lose, if I have to. I wear a jacket and put lenses in it and put an extra camera without the lens in a pocket too. Before I pack, I try to decrease what I need to the minimum. If going to New york, I plan to rent from B&H heavy or bulky gear.

The worse thing one can do is depend on the goodwill of busy aircrew. In a split second they can assign your expensive cameras to general cargo and who knows what happens after that!

Asher

I totally agree!

I love the jacket idea! However, I live in Miami and most of my destination weddings are in the Caribbean... I usually wear a short and a T-shirt...I should get a light jacket with large pockets!!!

 

[Otto Haring]

1. Send the stuff insured well in advance to your destination, by courier or whatever.

2. Rent equipment at your destination.

3. If car travel is possible, do it.

4. I don't do paid assignments, but have to ask..how many lenses does one really need? Here I may be very limited in my experience and know-how of paid assignments; especially weddings. But I did one, unpaid, with just one lens.

5. Choose an inconvenient time to fly. It might be less full.

6. I am not a pack mule or part of a cattle run. And I never travel airlines that treat me as such.

Have a safe trip.

Thnaks!

I agree!

I am shooting a wedding in Mexico in two weeks. There is no way I am sending anything to Mexico even if it is insured...LOL

Thanks for chipping in!!!