How to Check-in Gear at the Airport: Tips for a Smooth Experience
At Just Basl Productions we travel a lot for our productions. Checking in gear at the airport is an important part of air travel. However, it can also be a stressful experience, especially if you're not familiar with the airport luggage policies. To ensure a smooth check-in process, it's essential to follow the correct procedures and regulations. We'll provide you with a step-by-step guide that Just Basl Productions uses on the best process for checking in gear at the airport.
Before heading to the airport, it's essential to research the luggage policies of the airline you're flying with. We typically use Southwest for many reasons that we will cover later in this post. Here are some things to consider:
Checking baggage allowances: Most airlines have specific baggage allowances that vary depending on the destination, class of travel, and ticket type. Check the airline's website or contact the airline to verify your baggage allowance. Currently Southwest allows two free bags per ticket passenger.
Knowing prohibited items: Certain items are prohibited from being carried in your luggage, such as firearms, explosives, and flammable materials. Make sure to review the list of prohibited items on the airline's website. For production we mainly deal with lithium batteries, so make sure to take those out of your checked bags and put them in your carry ons.
Understanding oversized baggage rules: If you're traveling with oversized luggage, such as sports equipment or musical instruments, make sure to review the airline's rules regarding oversized baggage. Some airlines may charge an additional fee or require advance notice for oversized baggage. Currently Southwest allows two free bags per ticket passenger and they can be up to 50lbs. If heavier you will be charged usless you have media pass. With a media pass you can have bags up to 100lbs.
Once you've researched the airport luggage policies, it's time to pack your gear for check-in. Here are some tips to ensure your luggage is packed correctly:
Choosing the right luggage: Make sure your luggage is durable and can withstand the rigors of air travel. Choose a bag that's the appropriate size and weight for your gear and meets the airline's baggage allowance requirements. We tend to use a lot of pelican cases. We just trust them and they have a lifetime warranty on them. For tripods and stands we use SKU Tube cases. These are amazing and can hold a lot, keep in mind though the wheels may fall off and we recommend replacing the OEM ones with these after market wheels.
Packing your gear correctly: When packing your gear, make sure to use protective padding to prevent damage during transport. Secure any loose items and make sure everything is packed tightly to avoid shifting during transit. We like to use packing blankets to fill our cases as well so a lot doesn't shift around during the flight.
Labeling your luggage: It's essential to label your luggage with your name, address, and contact information. This will make it easier for the airline to locate your luggage if it gets lost or misplaced. Placing AirTags in each your traveling cases may be a good idea as well.
On the day of your flight, make sure to arrive at the airport early to allow plenty of time for the check-in process. Here's what to expect:
Arriving at the airport early: Aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time to allow time for check-in, security, and boarding.
Approaching the check-in counter: Head to the check-in counter for your airline and present your luggage for check-in. Make sure to have your passport, ticket, and any other necessary documents ready. We like to check in outside if at all possible. It is also a good idea to tip your attendant, they will remember you and be extra helpful and kind when you fly out again. The guys at DIA remember me and are awesome in helping us move through the process quickly.
Presenting necessary documents: The airline may require additional documentation for certain types of gear. Make sure to check with the airline in advance and bring any necessary paperwork with you.
To make the check-in process as smooth as possible, here are some additional tips:
Being organized: Have all necessary documents and items easily accessible to avoid delays at the check-in counter.
Being courteous to the airline staff: Be polite and respectful to the airline staff, who are there to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
Using luggage tags: Attach luggage tags to your luggage to make it easier to identify your bags at baggage claim. Consider using a unique color or design to make your bags stand out.
By following these steps, you can ensure an stress-free check-in process for your gear at the airport. We also want to add, we DO NOT check our lenses and or cameras. We have learned in the past it is much better to carry on these items in something like a Tenba Bag. We tend to check out clothing bags first before checking cameras, you can also stop at a Target and get more underwear, but it is a lot hard to find a Red Komodo or Sony FX9 locally :) Remember to research airport luggage policies, pack your gear correctly, and arrive at the airport early. By being organized, courteous, and using luggage tags, you can make the check-in process as smooth as possible. Happy travels!
Also if you have any horror travel stories you’d like to share, feel free to leave them in the comments below!