[LargeFormat] Hand Luggage UK Airports - Suggestions?

[mark blackman]

Personally, there is only one reason why I'd try and get all my kit 
(whether travelling with camera or not) on a plane as hand baggage, that 
is to get a quick get-away upon arrival. Once I've reached that limit, 
there really doesn't seem to be much point trying to squeeze 
photographic equipment into a small bag, carry it around the departure 
lounge and endless corridors, force it into an overhead locker, then 
have everyone else cram there stuff in around it. I pack everything into 
a LowePro trekker, then pack that into a sturdy case, using socks, 
T-shirts etc. as wadding. Likewise with the tripod, I detach the head 
and pack it away with clothing in another bag. All I need to take as 
carry on then is film.
I believe that this method minimizes the risks in that:
1. At security, you've only got film to worry about, struggling through 
with bags full of photo gear is not the best way to get any sympathy 
from busy guards about the film.
2. You don't run the risk of an eagle-eyed check-in person weighing and 
measuring all your hand luggage, and then having to check it in 
unprepared for its likely rough handling.
3. If you have to make an insurance claim for damaged equipment, you'll 
have less hassle if the stuff was handled by the airline or its baggage 
operator than if you were personally responsible for its care. (I used 
to work for Lloyds's of London; believe me, insurance companies love to 
blame the claimant for their own misfortune)
4. I'm less likely to forget some little gadget, pen-knife, screwdriver 
etc. if I pack my photobag with everything I may need. Taking it through 
as hand luggage means removing all the little bits and pieces that may 
be considered 'dangerous' and putting then in checked luggage.

Mark.