With a long lens or two, a couple of DSLR bodies, electronic flashes, extra batteries and charging equipment, laptop, and (in my case at least) a couple of midsize video cameras it adds up to quite a bit of gear to transport.

My wife always accompanies me, and so far between us we've been able to take it all as carryon though it takes careful packing. Since the people here are both photo enthusiasts and travelers I'd appreciate your opinions.

How do you guys transport your camera gear on airplanes? Have airlines become more stringent regarding carryon in the last year or two? Have you ever put camera gear in checked luggage? The thought makes my blood run cold but perhaps with really good hard cases it might be an alternative.

Thanks in advance.

I may have to change the subject line to sex on airplanes just to draw some response.

Many many many years ago I had to check, 2 Nikons and a Mamiya with all my favorite bits and pieces, on a Pam Am flight, LA to London, then couldn't get on the plane, because it was jammed full and I couldn't carry on the seriously precious item that I was bringing with me.
I phoned London and tried to get someone to get my cameras but never saw them again. I got some compensation but you can't replace all your favorite stuff that easily.

I always pack my camera gear in a carry on or split between the carry on and briefcase; however, I do not carry video gear.

Most of the time these is no problem. Occasionally, the TSA wants to open it up and check items. I would be very hesitant to pack anything expensive in checked baggage for fear of theft.

I tavel with lots of video and photo gear each time I fly. And I carry it all in my carry on bag.

I use the largest carry one allowable - 55cm.

I generally ahev no hassles at airports, but sometime I get an over zealous nitwit who insists I take everything out.

I have smallbaggs I put all my accessories in - I will take a photo and post later.

These bags contain all my wires, USB charger, memory cards etc.

Sometimes I get int rather hilarious situations.

A couple of years back I was passing through Munich. The inspector saw one of our Champions DVD is my bag, looked at teh shooters pictured in slow motion on it, gave me a funny look, and ran off into an office.

I am sure his thoughts were "I found a terrorist training fil!"

A couple of minutes later he came back and gave it to me.

He then wanted to inspect my Nikon D300s. He turned it on, and could not see any photos on it.

He said "No photos!"

I took the camera from his hands, turned towards him and took a quick snap!

He screamed "NO!"

I turn teh camera towards hi to show him the picure of himself, then deleted it.

He couldn't get rid of me quick enough!

I usually travel solo to Africa with photography gear and carry all of it on. I use the ThinkTank Airport International rolling bag to hold one dslr, 500 f/4, 70-200 f/2.8, 24-70, 1.4x, 2x, flash, 2 portable harddrives, extra batteries & battery chargers. It will fit under the seat or in the overhead.

I also carry the ThinkTank Urban Disguise 50 to carry the second dslr, 300 f/2.8, CF cards, any camera gear that won't fit it the other bag. I also carry my makeup, kindle, deoderant (it's a long trip), a pashmina to use as a blanket on flights and it's pretty much full.

I carry everything that I will need (photographically) so if my checked luggage doesn't make it I can still take pictures. I'll worry about clothes later if my luggage doesn't get there. I would never, ever check any part of my camera gear. Most of it could not be replaced until I got home.

I do worry every time I get on a plane that they will make me gate check it and I don't breathe easily until my rolling bag is in the overhead and the shoulder bag is under the seat. I have straps on the lenses and cameras and sometimes carry a big vest and if needed I can take them out of the bags and carry the lenses and stuff lots of other stuff in the pockets of the vest and let them have the empty bag.

Last year I did a "year of trips" and flew to Easter Island, Falkland Islands, Churchill in Canada, Alaska, Africa (Tanzania and Kenya) and a couple of other places and didn't cry once. I fly coach. It's easier in first or business.

Very much appreciate the input from all of you. For my still cameras I've been using a Lowepro Computrecker AW with two DSLRs, four or five lenses, usually two electronic flashes plus chargers, cords etc. There's also a compartment for my laptop.

So far I've been allowed to carry it on, however although length and width are okay it is quite deep, I doubt it would pass the size test if they wanted to get sticky about it.

For video gear I have a Waller range bag. In it I have two Canon XH-A1 video cameras along with chargers, cords, several microphones (shotguns, interview, wireless lapel), connecting cords and so on. It works, but again the dimensions are such it might cause a problem, though both cases do fit the overhead compartments (at least of the big aircraft).

Of course this only works because there are two of us traveling. We have another smaller bag with binoculars, a change of socks and linen, toiletries etc and we wear hunting clothes on the plane, so we can still go out the first day or two even if checked luggage is delayed.

I have been looking at the Thinktank site, the cases suggested by cjw look very good. I had never heard of them, so thanks very much for the suggestion.

Once long ago I had my cameras in a soft case, they let me by checkin and security but wouldn't let the bag on the plane. By then my other bags were gone. I checked the soft bag with just film in it and carried around my neck two Nikon F2AS cameras with lenses, one with motor drive, an FE with lens and motor, an extra lens in each side pocket, another in an inside pocket and flash in the other inside pocket. That was a fun trip.

I'm not sure I understand the question. Airlines have web site that show the carry-on weight and size limitations. On Air France for instance (I assume same regulations for Delta and other Skyteam airlines) their are precise weight and dimensional limits. You are allowed one carry-on suitcase within those limits and one shoulder bag (computer shoulder bag or women's shoulder bag or camera). They also indicate that it is not recommended to place photographic equipment in checked luggage. What is the question? If the question is, "Can I carry more than the airline limits?" I think it would be safe to say maybe, but probably not if check-in staff is vigilant or sticklers for rules. Why tempt the devil?