Hi All,
I travel frequently and discovered that photographers can travel with photography equipment at a flat rate on American Airlines (and others) using the Media Bag Program. Bags and cases with camera equipment fly at $50 U.S. and Canada, $90 international. Other airlines such as United and Southwest have similar programs. The oversize and weight restrictions are eased a bit too. You will need some sort of press credentials which are easy to get online.
Here are the details: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/programs-products/entertainment-media-services.jsp
I am flying back to Belize from the U.S. with ALL of my equipment in July and will pay $180 for the 2 extra bags instead of $400!
1 - Pelican Air 1615 hardshell case - Underwater photography equipment and lighting
2 - Pelican 1650 hardshell case - Computer monitors
3 - Mares Cruise Scuba Bag - Scuba equipment and misc underwater photography equipment
My camera body, lenses and all the batteries are in a photography backpack and small enough to be a personal item.
Happy Travels!
Larry
