So this hand luggage lark...

[Howard]

Obviously I'm not disputing that it's a security measure, and I can go without things such as MP3 players and portable games consoles on a flight, but I'm going on holiday at the end of the month to Ireland and intend on taking my camera with me (circa £1000 worth of equipment) and maybe my laptop, and was wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation? I know Shiato and Stoo are... Are you just going to pack it in very carefully and trust the airlines? And what are the chances the restriction will be lifted before this time? :fingerscrossed:

Sounds like such a risk But I dont' want to sacrifice my enjoyment just cos of a few terrorists

[EvilWeevil]

I'd just keep checking the BAA website to make sure. If you are going to pack anything sensitive, it's worth remembering that the hold is usually much colder than cabin temperature.

[Funkstar]

Heard on the BBC this morning that BAA and the airlines are saying the new security measures are not sustainable. There was an aviation security consultand on the BBC the other day saying he doesn't expect thease measures to last more than a couple of weeks at the most. Of course he could be wrong.

I have a real problem with having to keep everything in the hold. My dad regularly travels with just cary on when going away for a couple of days. Even for longer trips he takes a shirt and change of underwear in his laptop bag. He's had is baggage delayed countless times. Happened to me a couple of times too.

[Robert]

If you have a nice Samsonite/Carlton hard case then you'll be fine. If not just pack it neatly or invest in one.

[ctid]

Would a DS Lite, PSP, and a Sony HD-1 (hdd based mp3) survive in a plane's hold? I want to take them with me, but am flying this week, so won't be able to take them as hand luggage.

[chrestomanci]

I just checked my travel insurance. It said that valuables (anything more than £300) are not covered if they are in checked in luggage, and I am advised to take cameras etc hand luggage. Great!

I also spoke to my travel agent (I am thinking about cancelling a trip to south Africa I have planned). he said that the policy they sell does cover valuables in the hold, even if the suitcases are not locked, but I would have to check for missing/broken stuff at the airport and report it to the airline ASAP.

I guess one message is to check your insurance, but I would still not be happy even if I was covered, as I would not want to spend the first day of my Holiday shopping for replacement cameras, laptops etc.

If these new restrictions are here long term, I think they will have to create a separate stream for valuable hold luggage, that is handled more carefully, and only by more trusted staff.

[Funkstar]

And then that service would be open to abuse, if a bag is tagged as being valuable, guess which one is more likely to go missing?

The airlines insurance would have to cover this too.

[0iD]

I have to fly to Abu Dhabi for business meetings on Saturday & Sunday (then on to Qatar & Oman in the week), so it's going to be a total p.i.t.a. if i cant have hand luggage. Plus i'll be carrying laptop, pda, pen drives, & a sh*tload of documents that I'd normally carry as hand luggage.

Still, i'd rather feel a bit safer, & at least i'm not flying to the US .

[chrestomanci]

And then that service would be open to abuse, if a bag is tagged as being valuable, guess which one is more likely to go missing?

The airlines insurance would have to cover this too.

Better if it was the airport's insurance that covered it, seeing as they employ the luggage handlers. The only reason theft from luggage is so bad is because those who have the power to fix it (those who employ luggage handlers) have no financial incentive to do much about it. If the airport operator was obliged to carry the risk from thefts and refund any losses they would quickly sort things out, sack the few dishonest employees and the problem would go away.

It is perfectly possible to send valuables, and have them arrive safely. Think of Royal mail special delivery. Crucial.com use it to send loads of high value RAM all the time, and it all arrives quickly and safely. Part of the reason it does it because it is segregated from normal mail that get chucked around, and is treated more carefully. Postmen know that if something gets broken or goes missing from a special delivery consignment, people will notice and investigate so they take care. We just need the same sort of arrangement with valuable luggage. Separate streams through the system, more care, separate (locked) compartment in aircraft holds, more trusted employees who are paid enough to care, and a system that motivates everyone to keep everyone else in the system carefull and honest.

[Whiternoise]

Just invest in some sturdy auminium cases (for instance the "flight" cases you can get for handheld games consoles) there are cases that will cater for just about every type of electronics. The risk of damaging your electronics - i would imagine - is relatively low, if you cushion your products in clothing, then that should help minimise the handling "technique" of airport staff and it should also serve to insulate it against the temperature in the hold (but bear in mind your bag will probably be covered by at least 10 more..

I wouldn't risk putting a laptop in the hold unless you have some kind of professional carrying gear (or you have taken full insurance out). I doubt the restriction will be lifted for at least a month tbh, the security threat is still too high to lower restrictions on baggage - i think there are rumours that hand baggage might be banned all together in the future..

[G4Z]

I just checked my travel insurance. It said that valuables (anything more than £300) are not covered if they are in checked in luggage, and I am advised to take cameras etc hand luggage. Great!

I also spoke to my travel agent (I am thinking about cancelling a trip to south Africa I have planned). he said that the policy they sell does cover valuables in the hold, even if the suitcases are not locked, but I would have to check for missing/broken stuff at the airport and report it to the airline ASAP.

I guess one message is to check your insurance, but I would still not be happy even if I was covered, as I would not want to spend the first day of my Holiday shopping for replacement cameras, laptops etc.

If these new restrictions are here long term, I think they will have to create a separate stream for valuable hold luggage, that is handled more carefully, and only by more trusted staff.

Not gonna help if somebody in Mumbai (or whatever) airport half inches it.

[Funkstar]

Latest news. Threat level is now at "severe" as opposed to "critical"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4789593.stm

Electronics are allowed, but you'll be aked to remove the for seperate x-ray.

excellent.

liquids are still banned.

[Howard]

WOO. So that means my camera can come with me as long as it's X-rayed?

[Funkstar]

yep. as far as i'm concerned, everything is back to normal for the way i travel. as long as you stay within the size limits you are fine to take laptops, cameras, MP3 players, gaming devices, etc.

[Howard]

I just hope my camera bag is within the size limit!

My backpack containing a laptop is, and I'll give that to my dad to hold, seeing as you're only allowed one piece of luggage

[bsodmike]

Travelling ain't fun no more. You'd pass out if you saw how much stuff I came through HEathrow in June. Between my Mom and myself we had 4 checked bags and 4 handluggage hehe (and we had just shipped 150KG home via DHL). This was mostly my valuables etc...woulda been a nightmare if they had imposed the 1 piece rule back then...