Avoiding International Air Travel Grief

Traveling internationally with a ton of gear is a hassle and stressful.  It takes a lot of thought and preparation as every airline and airport has it's own rules and nuances.   Here are some of my lessons learned.  Also, learn more under Chris' Packing, Travel and Image Storage Tactics by scrolling to the bottom of this document.

Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

• Charge in the local currency, not USD, to avoid added merchant fees independent of credit cards without Int'l fees.

U.S. Global Entry, TSA Preê or Mobile Passport App:

• Apply for TSA Pre√ and verify that your Trusted Traverlers' number is added to your airline profile and actual reservation.  

• Get U.S. Global Entry for $100 and good for 5years.  Chase and Delta credit cards will offset some of the cost.   In Oct. 2017, the GOES log-in system was superseded by the new Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) log-in system and you need to set-up a new password for your PASSID #.  There's also an option to bypass kiosks lines with the Mobile Passport Control app . Note: scanners are sensitive to lotions and dry skin make it harder for scanners to read fingerprints.  So, agents suggest that you rub fingers on your forehead/neck to lubricate with natural oil.

• Register for Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) .  This replaces the U.S. embassy registration process which helps for emergencies.

Checking In and Packing Lighter with Less Plastic/Ziplocks:

• Avoid lost luggage issues by double checking your luggage tag's final destination before agents take your bag. Once your bag disappears on the belt, it's tough to get tags corrected with certainty.  Also, bar codes on boarding passes can be scanned, so keep them secure and and shred them after returning home.

• Delta Gold SkyMiles and United Platinum cards help to get you in the first boarding groups.

• See-through mesh zippered pouches are great for keeping things organized and reducing weight.  Plus, they make it easier for security agents to see what you're carrying without messing up your packing system. Walker Bags have the best quality/sizes but amazon has less pricey knock offs.

• When reducing travel weight is essential,  I use Eagle Creek's 1 oz. Specter cubes and sacs and eBags' Ultralight cubes. When I can't take plastic bags/ziplocks into a country (i.e., Tanzania), I use light reusable folding shopping bags to protect bottles from leaking.  I also double up eyeglasses in a Sun Cloud Trekker case using cloth sleeves as protectors and use plastic see-through cases.

• Protect your overhead space/gear: early boarding is great for getting overhead space by your seat; but, watch for rude folks who try to jam heavy items on top of your camera bag and/or move them without your knowledge.

Smaller Aisles and Rows Mean More Liquid Hazards

• If electronics are splashed, they can die days after the occurrence from moisture slowly seeping inside.  If this happens, turn electronics off immediately and try to draw any moisture out with desiccants/rice after landing. 

Hack Pickpockets and Gear Snatchers

• Pickpockets and gear snatching has going worse.  It happens in the blink of an eye, especially when nicely dressed thieves work in teams; i.e., see Will Smith's 2015 movie called Focus.  

• So always look and stay alert, dress indiscreet and never fumble with wallets.  That's why I use a quick/easy decoy wallet (a RFID Thin King card holder for a driver's licenses/2 cards).  Other cards/cash are stashed in a slim RFID Ridge wallet or mesh pouch which are hidden in a cargo pocket or calf wallet.  I also add Nite Ize MicroLock carabiners  to secure purse zippers.  

• Don't dress like a photographer and keep an eye on overhead bags (I keep mine locked and carabiner a small pouch to the outside for cables/sundries) as gear does get ripped off.

• With stricter carry-on limits, photo accessories go into checked luggage and it's always stressful because friends have had items stolen; i.e., see this CNN video of baggage handlers riffling through bags; including, inside luggage bays on airplanes.  For expensive and critical items - i.e., monopod heads, gimbals, chargers and flashes - I lock them inside my daypack (ThinkTank Glass Taxi/Limo) and then cover the bag with an ultra light dry sack secured with straps with hope that lazy security agents or baggage thieves won't bother.  

Avoid Gate/Valet Checking 

• After seeing employees drop/toss bags down chutes many times like this and hearing first hand report of bags roughly stuffed into cargo holds, I never valet check my camera bag.  Videos like this might change your mind as well.  

Airline, Airport and Bush Plane Tidbits

• Re-verify carry-on/baggage weight rules for every airline segment being flown before departing.  And always have a worst case back-up plan in case your airline reduces the # of allowed carry-on bags on the day of departure. 

• If flying KLM to Amsterdam, you go through security upon arrival and departure; and, some days, they require all cameras/lenses out.  When I fly from SFO to Arusha in TZ via AMS, I have a long layover, 20 hrs, so I stay overnight at the Sheraton Hotel (a 2 minute walk off the Arrivals lobby).  Departing is a little convoluted, so I return to the Arrival lobby 3.25 hours beforehand and go up one level to the departure check-in kiosks (escalators/elevators are to the right). That's because there's often a long line to use the self-check-in kiosks followed by another long line to self-weigh bags.  If you're instructed to see an agent after the weigh in, go directly to the service desk as opposed to waiting in line again.  Next, go to bag drop off and then to security and Customs (another level up) before going back down again to your gate (typically E/F). Starting early beats the crowd aka waiting lines and allows time for Starbucks and/or shopping.  Note: getting a Gold Delta SkyMiles/AMEX card gives you priority boarding.  And, if you buy air tickets from Delta, you can only reserve Comfort Plus seats for the legs that Delta doesn't fly 30 days in advance which is why I buy my tickets directly from KLM. Also, when booking on KLM, you need to call to have your TSA Pre-√ # added to the reservation.  If you have a Priority Pass card, there are lounges in Terminal 1 and 3. 

• Carry-on Bag Hassles:  Some United Star Alliance Partners are ridiculously callous regarding carry-on; i.e., allowing only one personal item on some days and/or being painfully strict on weight; i.e., Asiana/Lufthansa.  KLM can be strict/ruthless as well and I've seen Calm Air even weigh jackets.  The success of photographer boarding tactics gets worse each year, so it's best to streamline to the max - ounce by ounce.   

• Boarding Area/Carry-on Tactics Rule #1: Look compact, nibble, lightweight and groomed.  This is easier said than done if you're height challenged like me.  As a result, when selecting backpacks for my personal item, I look for bags that are narrower than my 5'1" 115 lb frame so that agents don't notice my load; i.e., for photo trips I use a 1.5 lb. Arc'teryx Sebring 18L or 26L Mantis vs. my normal Tumi Colina tote.  My lightest camera bag is the GuraGear Bataflae 26L (sans straps/on a cart) but my fav is the ThinkTank Advantage XL in gray which is discreet.  I also dress  monochromatic and never wear a photo vest.  Lastly, I avoid standing next to folks with oversized bags or tons of stuff because that calls attention to gate agents as well.  All of my bags are listed in the section below "Putting Travel Bags on a Diet - Ounce by Ounce."

• Boarding: If you have a Star Alliance Gold/Platinum card, keep it handy to get into the better airport lounges and/or to board with the first group.  The Delta SkyMiles Gold AMEX card gives you early boarding as well.

• Connecting Flights (Especially When Small Planes are Involved - Int'l or domestic): always plan extra travel days in case of bad weather flight cancellations or for luggage delays.  That's because Alaskan/African/Indian commuter flights and tundra trains aren't always scheduled on a daily basis.  

• Germany: Allow for extra time getting through large airport terminals and multiple security/passport lines upon arrival and departure even when connecting.  In Frankfurt, it takes about 45 minutes to get from Terminal 1, pier B lounges to pier A/Z gates. If you arrive in a pier A gate and depart in a pier Z gate (same area, different levels), you still have to walk to the center  of the spoke and go through passport control before going upstairs and then walking back out to the gates (>45 min. depending on where you are in the passport line queue.  Note: to board a Z gate plane, you need to walk down a set of stairs. If you want to go to the main restaurant/shopping arcade (pier B), you need to allow time to go through two securities; i.e., to enter pier B and again when re-entering pier A/Z.  And sometimes, the airport makes you go through a bogus A to Z route so that they can hustle pier A to B/C passengers (a longer distance) through passport/security more quickly.  And if you are flying SAA, passengers line up at the gate 30 minutes or more before boarding time.  In the Frankfurt Lufthansa Senator lounge, many of the floor plugs by the comfy leather chairs are broken, so carry an extender in case you need to share with other passengers.  Also, if you're flying coach and thinking about boarding from a 2nd level Senator lounge, don't do it as you'll be entering from the back of the aircraft aka against the flow of traffic.  Lastly, some of Lufthansa's gates in Frankfurt have self-scanners, so boarding has been reduced to 30 - 40 minutes prior to departure (good news if you have a short layover).  

• South Africa: Arriving in Johannesburg: Airport/hotel porters and van drivers are happy with dollar bills; and many bush camps accept U.S dollars/credit cards.  So, check before leaving home.  If you only need a small amount of rand (i.e., 60 rand per checked bag for shrink wrapping when you leave the country, refreshments and server tips), the ATM's are located in the Domestic terminal on the left hand side (on the opposite side of the main lobby).  If you need more rand, the currency exchange kiosks are located in the baggage area and to the left before you enter the main lobby.  The minimum exchange fee was $25 the last I checked which is why I use the Bank of Barclay ATM.  Note: I've always tipped game drive rangers in U.S. dollars using a mix of $50/20/10/5 new'ish bills.  Avoid carrying $100 bills to 3rd world countries because they're more concerned with counterfeit issues; especially at hotels.  If you need sundry items/adapters, the stores are located in the Domestic terminal (a short walking distance).  A nice and reasonably priced hotel near the airport is the Protea Hotel.  The Sun Inter-Continental is excellent and right across the street; but, the rates are 3x more.  Catch the Protea shuttle across the street from Terminal A which is where International flights arrive.  Walk down the pathway between the the parking garage and the Sun Inter-Continental Hotel and head towards the back.  Shuttles leave every half hour.  Vat refunds leaving Johannesburg on international flights: You can only get a VAT refund if you show an official your purchases on the first level of the airport.  This means that you need to get a form stamped before you get your luggage shrink-wrapped and before you check-in your luggage with your airlines.  After going through security on the 2nd level, you then have to process the refund voucher.  Next, you go to a nearby bank kiosk to get your cash.  Note that refunds are in rand.  Flying on South African Airlines: check in for flights is in Terminal B.  Then, take the elevator one level up to get through security (laptops out, not liquids).  At the gates, there are no orderly coach/business class lines or any orderly process at the boarding gate.  Once it's time to board, it's a no holds bar stampede.  So, be ready.  Pay attention to flight announcements so that you hear them, especially the one that says to cover your face/nose before flight attendants walk down the isle and spray the cabin with bug spray.   Flying on smaller bush planes (i.e., Federal Air)  means dealing with extremely strict weight limits of 44 lbs. for total bag weight. So, bite the bullet and purchase a 2nd seat to avoid travel grief.   Note: With the extra seat, you still need to get permission in advance to carry your gear into the cabin.  The Federal Air kiosk is located between the parking garage structure and the Sun Intercontinental Hotel, in the back (across from Terminal A).   Arrive an hour before departure as flight times change on a dime's notice.  If you are departing on Lufthansa or United, the check-in counter is #101 and all the way to the left side of the cavernous multi-airlines check in counters.  Of course, they always drop you off at counter #1.  Once through security, Lufthansa/United co-share lounges with South African Airlines and the Senator lounge is very nice. Note for the ladies: there are only 3 stalls for the entire large Senator lounge which means that the queue can get long right before boarding times.  So if you need more timing for changing clothes, etc., don't wait to the last minute.  In addition, Lufthansa lets you check-in several hours before departure (i.e., 5 hours plus) as opposed to South African Airlines. 

• Reduce lost luggage risks by allowing at least 3 hours or more for connections.   If your luggage isn't with you at the start of a safari, it might not show up for days, if at all.

• Botswana:  I've learned (the hard way) to check-in early when leaving Johannesburg for Maun on Air Botswana.  That's because luggage doesn't always get on board.  And, because camp:camp bush planes aren't daily, you may have to charter a plane to deliver your bags before you leave for another camp aka expensive.  If not, there's a real risk that your luggage won't catch up with you until the end of a safari.   Also, pay attention to the muffled flight announcements and cover your face/nose before the flight attendants walk down the aisles spraying nasty pesticides!

• African bush planes: some planes are only 4 seaters, which means that the cargo hold is proportionately small.  If you don't heed by the rules of using soft duffels, your luggage or long lens case may not fit in the cargo bay.  Since weight limits are very lean/strict at 20kg or 44 lbs. - and everything is weighed for safety purposes -  now is the time to radically pare down; i.e., see my Putting Gear on a Diet - Ounce by Ounce below.  Don't make the assumption that because you're petite that you can get away with more luggage. That's because weight is averaged out (and the "planning average" is less than the "actual average" of most Americans).  Plus, planes are typically loaded with bush supplies and/or luggage catching up from earlier flights.  Don't take the risk of missed luggage because it's a headache.  As mentioned, I always buy an extra seat, use my lightest duffel - Kinesis @ 2.2 lbs. or Eagle Creek No Matter What rolling duffel @ 3.4 lbs. (no telescope handle/wobbly wheels) even though my fav is the No Matter What Flatbed duffel @8.7 lbs. Plus, I take a pared down photo backpack @ 3.7 lbs, and a no frills tote/brief/backpack to and from the Int'l airport and in between camps.  

• Canada:  Flying on Calm Air from Winnipeg to Churchill can be a risk for checked bag #2, unless you're willing to pay an extra fee for guaranteed freight, or fly in on an earlier flight.  If you want to reduce major stress, read the carry on rules and luggage weight limits carefully.  Some agents follow these rules to a tee and some are more lenient with Canadians.  Wear a jacket with large pockets to hide some of your weight; but, don't look overstuffed or else agents will weigh your jacket as well.  Personally, I only put small, dense items in my jacket, like batteries and portable drives along with eyeglasses and other flat items.  On this flight, I pare down to the absolute minimum as described in more details under Small Plane Tactics under the Putting Photo Gear on a Diet section below.  Depending on your total weight (carry-on plus checked luggage), overweight fees can range from $25 - $300, and hundreds more if checked as guaranteed freight.  

• Airport lounges: check online airport maps before departing to identify the most convenient lounges as airport personnel don't always give you the right advice.  And since floor outlets near comfy lounge chairs don't always work or are occupied, carry a plug extender in case you need to share with other passengers.

Be Ready for the Next, Next Leg and 3rd World Tactics

• Going on international photo trips means lots of adjustments and tweaking; i.e., for airlines with different carry-on rules, planes with different storage space, airports with different security measures, lodges/camps with different amenities; and vehicles (bush planes, buses, trains and jeeps) with different configurations.  The goal is to be as efficient as possible without gotchas along the way.

• It's takes an effort to pack organizers/bags in a manner that's easy to shift gears - in route and between hotels/camps - so that things are in the right place at the right time without have to rummage around.  My tactic is to work with a Packing and Workflow list that's tailored by trip.  I mentally walk through how I'm going to carry things on the next travel leg, identify where things need to go, and make reminders for important action items (i.e., getting local cash, checking luggage status, and swapping out adapters, etc.).  That's because sleeping aids, lack of rest and jet lag can easily fog the brain.  Important sundry items/adapters are redundant so that there's no need to move items between bags (carry on, day bags and toileties).  I also pre-pack items in separate mesh pouches so that I can utilize a pick & pack approach; i.e., the travel home outfit, rain kit and game drive kit, etc.  And, all important travel docs/references are stored in my laptop/iPhone/iPad - plus, a notebook.  

• Since travel connections can be tight if flights are delayed, it's important to be organized and ready for the next, next leg; especially, when switching from an international to domestic flight or to a small airplane.

• When traveling to 3rd world countries, there's a much higher risk of travel interruptions and it's easier to address problems if you're prepared; i.e., having all local telephone #'s handy (airlines, hotels, credit cards/banks and embassies) for each country that you're visiting.  Since cell service may not be available and/or wireless is often slow, have important travel resources bookmarked and copied into an Emergency Contacts file (i.e., how to get a hold of AMEX Global Assist).  You'd be surprised as to how hard it is to hunt for customer service numbers when you need it.  When important telephone/policy numbers are written down, you're more efficient when using public computers or asking for assistance.  And since companies are always enhancing security measures, know your answers to security questions.  Researching hotel options and airline lounge hours in case of emergencies before departure is also valuable.  Lastly, I always pack a few tees/undies, a shower kit and a mini sundry/cosmetic/first aid kit in carry on in case of major luggage delays or longer than expected airport layovers. 

Tips for First Timers to India: 

• If you're traveling out of the Delhi International Airport or flying domestically within India, radically prune your carry-on bags down to the bare minimum before entering the security line.  If not, security will examine every inch of the bag with a fine tooth comb and it could take 30 minutes or more for every pocket and pouch to be opened and/or emptied out.  Make certain that every tool, including simple L wrenches, and non critical items are banned to checked luggage.  Even though I follow my mantra, I've still had to remove camera and lenses and put them in a flimsy plastic bin for re-X-raying.  Good grief!  And, make sure that everyone in the group is on the same page because one delay is a delay for all. 

• Re-think what you pack. At domestic airports, they also do a pre-screening X-rays scan on checked luggage, like Hawaii, except you have to take everything out if they have concerns.   On my last visit, my Gitzo monopod was scrutinized because of the rubber grip and my dust air blower really gave them grief.  So, only pack your must-haves.

• Re-think how you pack.  Unfortunately, the dust blower was packed inside a day bag buried at the bottom of my duffel (a pain to remove with foot traffic all around).  So now, I always put the blower inside a baggie at the top of my duffel with a friendly note/photo explaining it's purpose.  

• Don't use rolling camera bags for carry-on unless you're willing to risk your bag getting snatched away as checked luggage.  Also, be careful when selecting airlines if your carry-on is overweight as foreign airlines can be very rigid.  On my last visit, I used a small ThinkTank Acceleration backpack with a removable Samsonite luggage cart (same carry on as the previous year, same airline, same route).  I never had trouble with Asiana before.  But on this trip, I got serious grief departing and returning - in Biz Class!  A supervisor physically yanked the camera bag out of my hands and placed it onto the conveyor belt as I gasped in disbelief.  The fact that my gear was fragile and cost a small fortune did not faze him.  I managed to keep my bag by a quarter of a thread; but, my travel buddies did not fare as well.  So, be warned.

• Make a pack with buddies to watch over each other's gear before/ after the security X-ray machine.  With everyone having their own security hurtles and hassles, it's easy for things to fall between the cracks.  Unlike the U.S./Canada, you are not allowed to hang back and watch your valuables disappear into the X-ray machine.  To add insult to injury, females are segregated and moved to another line - up to 3 lanes away - in order to get patted down in a closed curtain booth.  In the meantime, more folks are cutting into your original X-ray line.  So by the time you get back to your belongings, items are separated and/or buried under a pile of other travelers' stuff.  So, plan accordingly and be on top of your mental game.  

• Remove all tools and extra stuff including lipsticks: A friend who just returned from another wildlife trip inadvertently left a small pair of personal scissors in a pouch.  Even though they were readily found, every other pouch had to be opened up and examined as well.  Ditto for a guy friend with a small L wrench and searches can take up to 30 minutes per person!  

• Think twice before checking expensive lenses in baggage:  If you're a risk taker and check your lenses internationally, be warned that you might not be able to get your long telephoto lenses into the country.  A buddy had his 400/2.8 lens detained by Indian customs.  His only saving grace was that the lens was registered with the U.S. Customs Dept. and he had his original U.S. Customs stamped paperwork on his possession (plus it required some ransom/bribery cash).  It took over 4 hours of multiple meetings and tons of paperwork to get the lens released. 
• Note: here's where/how to get  your gear registered with U.S. Customs.  As an alternative to the online form, friends keep their travel inventory on a word document and then get it stamped by a Customers officer at the airport.  Yes, you must bring in your gear as well.  

• When traveling to India, you are not allowed to take rupees in or out of the country.  I try to carry cash for small items in order to avoid credit card ID theft and because finding a working/secure ATM machine can be your worst nightmare - I highly recommend that you exchange your currency at the airport upon arrival for all service/game drive tips, laundry, drinks/water, luggage fees, spending money and emergency cash, even if you arrive in the middle of the night.  That's because money exchangers in town don't stock small bills, especially if you arrive on a weekend.  Also, save your money exchange receipt because you will need it for changing your rupees back to USD when leaving the country.  Be prepared to lose around 8% on the dollar - the exchange cost in both directions. 

• Ask for smaller bills from the get-go:  It's difficult to find and change larger 1,000 rupees for smaller 100 and 50 rupees which you will need for tips and miscellaneous purchases.  Your best bet is buy $100 packs of 100 and/or 500 rupees when exchanging your money upon arrival at the airport.

• Best way to carry a wad:  $20 U.S. dollars equals 1,000 rupees.  So, a wad of 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rupees for a 3 week visit will be heavy and several inches thick.  It's not easy to be discreet or comfortable carrying this much cash.  I found that the most comfortable way of carrying a wad of rupees is to use 1 - 2 lightweight nylon ankle/calf wallets which eliminates chest lumps and/or a bulging tummy.  My favorite REI calf wallet has been discontinued but there are similar options on amazon.