A few questions regarding transporting fragile gear in Pelican cases in airplanes

[Manozi]

Hey all,

I sent this message privately to Ben (fifthcircle) since I am about to transport some fragile rack gear to South America this summer for an upcoming remote recording gig, and I am planning on using the case-in-a-case method with a rack case (SKB etc.) within a large Pelican case.

I was wondering if anyone else that has had an experience with such a transport method could chime in and give me some insight on how the whole thing is going to work, what size cases to use etc.

Message is below.


Thanks!
-Manol



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Hey Ben,

Hope you don't mind, I was reading your response on the "Rack cases: got wood?" post and wanted to ask you for some details on how you pack equipment in Pelican cases when flying.

Do you go with the case-within-a-case approach and put a normal rack case inside one of the Pelicans?

Also, what model Pelican cases do you use, and how many pieces of rack gear do you usually keep within each Pelican?

I am looking for advice since have a number of recordings coming up in South America this summer, and I am going to have to transport some of my fragile rack gear (Apogee Ensemble, preamp...) by checking it in as luggage (bleh...).
I am leaning more and more towards using the case-in-a-case method with a 2-3 space standard rack case within a Pelican, but have no idea 'how it's done' safely.

I'll post a copy of this message on the Remote Possibilities in Location Recording forum, so other people can chime in as well.

Hope you can offer some insight since you have direct experience with this however

Thanks!

-Manol

[Manozi]

Anyone?

[Remoteness]

Well, until some folks respond to your questions...

There is quite a bit of discussion about this topic.

Here are a few links for your review;

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/tags/...ransportation/

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/tags/index.php/roadcase/

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/tags/index.php/racks/

Consider using the TAG links at the bottom of many of the threads in this forum.
I spend most of my time on GS getting this together for everyone.
Furthermore there's a complete list of TAGs listed at the bottom of every forum's main page.

[Manozi]

Hi Remoteness,

Thanks for the tip!

I actually went thru most of the tag links already - I've been doing research and sweating over this for almost a month and a lot of the advice that I've gotten so far has come from reading threads here

Just wanted to post my specific case (no pun intended :D ) and see if anyone can help me out.


Cheers,
Manol

[penguin]

In the last four years, a new service has arrived that will ship your baggage ahead of time so you don't have to take it with you to the airport at all:


Luggage Free - Experts in shipping luggage and excess baggage

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These services can be expensive depending on weight and size, but if it's really valuable and delicate stuff I would trust them over the baggage handlers and the TSA thieves at the airport. If you are able to stuff all your clothes in the cases as well you can probably get away with just a carry on at the airport, which is the best way to travel. And if it's a money making gig you can probably write off the expense.

[fifthcircle]

For the public record:

Basically, I usually pack gear individually in the cases with foam that has been either cut or formed for the gear. In many cases, I just use the Pelican pick and pluck foam and fit things in there. Means a few more cases, but it always works. If stuff is packed in racks of any sort, make sure all parts of the gear are supported. It is amazing the ways that baggage handlers can destroy gear.

As for the models, I have several different sizes and my rental companies also have a bunch of different sizes. A couple have retractable handles for ease of transport. Also be aware of the weight issue. Some airlines will *not* take bags that are too heavy- regardless of size. Others will just charge you an arm and a leg for the extra weight.

****

I will add to this that microphones are *always* a carry-on item. I pack them in groups in the really small pelican cases (the ones that are just a few inches by a few inches- there is a large selection of them out there). All the other gear can travel in the luggage hold of the airplane. Never had anything stolen from my cases that go inside.

That being said, I also make it really obvious that if something is missing, it will be noticed. I've put digital photos of the layout with an inventory stapled to it inside the case. Also, if the gear has a specific place that it needs to sit in (using formed foam- either pick n' pluck or custom cut), it becomes very obvious that something will be missing. In my experiences, the TSA doesn't mess with things that are that obvious.

Lastly, take this for what it is worth- for domestic travel, I had a film sound mixer say that he packs a starter pistol in each back. That way you need to report a weapon in the contents of the bag. Because of the liability, it brings a whole other level of security to your bag. I haven't tried this myself, so do at your own risk.

--Ben

[Sound Sorcerer]

I went to Mexico City last month shooting a program for NATGEO, documented my large equipment in two pelican cases 1610 & 1650, I distribute the weight not to go over 60 lb. (not an easy task) The smaller but heavy stuff I carried-on a third pelican case (1510) including microphones, wireless systems & non lithium batteries, this because I knew from past experience that you'll be required to gate-check small carry-on bags prior to get in the plane, so that extra protection from a pelican case is desirable. For some reason most of international flights to latin America these days are made on small regional jets...
The camera guy came with four large pelican cases (1650) with all sort of lights including fluorescent tubes (kino-Flo), LCD HD video monitor and such, and all made it in one piece. All was fitted with the pick & pluck foam or the included pelican dividers. The Panasonic Varicam Camera & lens were his carry-on items though.
Just remember to go to the customs office (usually at the airport) beforehand & register your gear.

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by fifthcircle

...That being said, I also make it really obvious that if something is missing, it will be noticed. I've put digital photos of the layout with an inventory stapled to it inside the case. Also, if the gear has a specific place that it needs to sit in (using formed foam- either pick n' pluck or custom cut), it becomes very obvious that something will be missing. In my experiences, the TSA doesn't mess with things that are that obvious.

Lastly, take this for what it is worth- for domestic travel, I had a film sound mixer say that he packs a starter pistol in each back. That way you need to report a weapon in the contents of the bag. Because of the liability, it brings a whole other level of security to your bag. I haven't tried this myself, so do at your own risk.

--Ben

Brilliant! I love the digital picture idea.
I must try that the next time I'm traveling on a plane with gear.

The starter pistol idea also sounds intriguing. I must look into this possibility.

[Manozi]

Thanks for the replies guys!

Sound Sorcerer, can you elaborate on registering your gear at the customs office? Do you mean doing this before I leave the US, at my point of departure? How does this work?


Cheers,
Manol

[Remoteness]

What part of South America are you travelling to?

I forget if the countries in SA are on the ATA Carnet list. I don't think so, but...
You may need an ATA Carnet.

Check the link I provided to find out more information about it.

[Sound Sorcerer]

You need to print CBP Form 4455 - Certificate of Registration . Fill it out & print on reverse (or staple) your shipping list with serial numbers of your equipment. Go to the Customs office a couple of days before your departure & bring your equipment so that they can see it and match serial numbers. It can be any Customs office though, but I usually do it at the one at the Airport closest to me at the time.

[Manozi]

Remoteness,

I am going to Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay.
Maybe Venezuela as well, but I don't know about that one yet.

I checked, and I believe those countries are not on the Carnet.


Sound Sorcerer,

Thanks for the link! I'll make sure to fill out the form before leaving.


Cheers
-M