Whats the procedure flying with equipment?

<p>First, I probably fly 2 times a month (mostly within the US, sometimes to Canada) and I always take a bag of camera gear as carry-on. It includes a Manfrotto tripod, body, 2-4 lens, charger, filters, batteries, sometimes a powerpack, sometimes portable light (once even had a halogen worklight in the bag), speedlights, AA batteries, cards, cords. I've never had a problem. I've never even had my bag open (black duffle small enough to qualify as carry-on..it usually has some clothes in it as well to provide some padding). I've been told that flying across borders, you may be asked for receipts/proof of ownership on camera gear (to be sure you aren't cheating customs) and that this has been an issue with Canada but I've never experienced that issue.<br>

Second, I've been told by a couple of other serious photographers that most major airlines in the US allow you to have one carry-on, one personal bag and ONE CAMERA BAG. I've never tried to test this (fearful that I'd show up and have to leave a bag of some sort at the gate) but you should check. And as always, rules for international travel vary from domestic.</p>