Packing my camera?

Question

I'll be going to Austria from Ohio. It's a 26 hour trip overall, with 2 transfers. I'll be bringing my Z712 camera with me but I don't want to bring any carry ons, so I'll check it in.

My question is how to pack my camera in my suitcase without getting damaged? I'm thinking of putting it in the box but it will just take up 2 pairs of pants and a shirt's space. Or should I just bring it as a carry on and put it on the camera bag?

Answer 1

Carry it on ! They throw things around at the airport almost as badly as the Postal Service does !

Answer 2

Please don't put this in your checked luggage! I never, ever put anything of value into checked luggage. It can get lost and as someone else said, the guys who do the luggage for flights just toss your suitcase around and don't really care what's in it. I've had a couple of things broken and had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Bring a small backpack that you can later put into your suitcase if you don't want to carry it. You'll rest a lot easier knowing your camera is safe!

Answer 3

I never put anything of value in checked luggage.

I would pack at least a duffel bag with a change of clothes and a toothbrush and my camera. (Actually, I travel with at least two, more likely three, cameras, flashes and lenses. I have a hard sided case with foam cut-outs for the equipment. I pack my tripod head in carry-on and check the legs.

A small duffel isn't hard to handle, and would have room for the camera if it's not packed in the box. Maybe wrap in bubble wrap, then cushion it in your clothes and avoid smashing your bag around and you should be fine.

Answer 4

Just send it to me. At least you will know where your camera ends up. Packing a valuable in a checked bag is an invitation to theft. It isn't worth the chance of losing it.

I hate carry-ons too but I never check my valuables.