[Leica] Re: minimal

[jplaurel at nwlink.com (Jim Laurel)]

This only matters for domestic flights where TSA has jurisdiction.  And 
even then, it doesn't REALLY matter because the airlines have the final 
say as to what you can carry on.  But US domestic carriers are very 
liberal as it is, in my view.  The problem is with international travel 
where you are often limited to 8kg of carry-on weight (which they weigh 
at the counter AND the gate).  As I wrote in a previous post, you are 
over 8kg with the bare essentials to do your average editorial job.  
That's the problem.   We ALWAYS assume that none of our checked bags 
will ever be seen again.  And you absolutely must have the bare minimum 
with you to do your job.  That's when you have to cheat just to get by. 
  My carry-on is about around 12kg, just 4kg over the usual limit.  I 
get around this by slinging the 1Ds with 70-200 2.8L over my shoulder, 
and throwing the spare battery and charger into a pocket.

Challenging anyone at an airport these days, for any reason whatsoever, 
especially in the United States, is a recipe for getting onto a no fly 
list.  Talking to customer service personnel as suggested in Mr. 
Mopsik's letter is about as productive as talking to their websites.  
Just keep your mouth shut, put on your most vacant smile, bend over 
when ordered to do so and don't attract attention to yourself.  We have 
no choice but to suck this up and try to get by as best we can.

--Jim

On Oct 9, 2004, at 1:22 PM, JCB wrote:

> EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
>
> Thanks to the efforts of ASMP and the cooperation and understanding of 
> the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), working 
> photographers and other members of the traveling public may now take 
> on board an additional piece of carry-on baggage containing 
> photographic equipment. This means that you are allowed to carry on 
> two bags - when at least one is photographic equipment - along with a 
> personal item. This accommodation will make it easier to travel for 
> working photographers with sensitive and valuable equipment. Document 
> Checkers are being informed at this time of the change in 
> Transportation Security Administration regulations. The TSA has said 
> to go ahead at this time and take advantage of the new policy.
>
> Be advised that some Document Checkers may not be aware of the change 
> in policy and this will require your speaking to the airline's 
> customer service personnel. Also, the additional bag must conform to 
> the carry-on regulations for size and weight. There will still be 
> occasions when there simply is no space available on board for 
> additional carry-on and this will require checking a bag.
>
> Eugene Mopsik
> Executive Director ASMP
> November 20, 2003