Carry-On Baggage Proposals
The discussions regarding carry-on luggage problems and the
generally dysfunctional proposed "solutions are becoming common
both in the newspapers and on The Savvy Traveler. What I am
about to describe is common to both professional photographers
and serious amateurs, of which I am one.
The airlines have long held that one should not pack film in
checked baggage. This is absolutely even more true today as new
checked baggage security devices are being installed. The film
will be ruined. However, carrying just 100 rolls of film in
their little plastic canisters, but removed from their boxes, in
lead lined bags still requires a small size duffle.
On extended photo vacations I might very well carry 15-20 pounds
of equipment with an estimated value well over $5,000 which
greatly exceeds standard baggage loss liability limits. For a
variety of reasons it is neither feasible nor viable to check
this equipment. Even the temporary misdirection of the
equipment could ruin a vacation.
I am now potentially up to two carry-on bags, which exceeds the
limits on some carriers, and will exceed the future limits on
most carriers. I get around the problem by using a photo vest
and photo coat which have large padded pockets in which the gear
is carried, but I would prefer not to have to resort to this
rather uncomfortable strategy.
Putting the sticky issue of what constitutes a woman's purse (I
do not believe that whatever she calls a purse regardless of
size should be so construed), why not charge extra for carry-on
baggage? The charge would be levied at boarding with each piece
having to have its own tag. The first piece (after the purse)
would be $5, the second $10 and the third $20 with a limit of 3.
I would be satisfied paying some extra to ensure I could keep my
valuable film and equipment with me without fearing a hassle, or
without having to resort to surreptitious means (photo vest).
Alternatively or in addition to the above, the FAA and the airlines
could have special categories of very valuable (photo equipment, film)
or perishable items (film) for which waivers from super strict
carry-on limitations could be obtained.
Maybe some on air discussions of some innovative solutions would
help the industry arrive at viable acceptable solutions.
--John
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