TSA and photogrpahic equipment

New policy from the TSA

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1248.xml

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Thanks to the efforts of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)= and the cooperation and understanding of the Transportation Security Administration, working photographers and other members of the traveling public may now take on board an additional piece of carry-on baggage containing photographic equipment. This means that you are allowed to carr= y on two bags – when at least one is photographic equipment – along with a personal item. This accommodation will make it easier to travel for working= photographers with sensitive and valuable equipment. Document Checkers are being informed at this time of the change in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. The TSA has said to go ahead at this tim= e and take advantage of the new policy.

Be advised that some Document Checkers may not be aware of the change in policy and this will require your speaking to the airline's customer servic= e personnel. Also, the additional bag must conform to the carry-on regulatio= ns for size and weight. There will still be occasions when there simply is no= space available on board for additional carry-on and this will require chec= king a bag.

Travelers & Consumers Transporting Special Items Film and Photographic Equipment

Traveling with Photographic Equipment

You may carry one (1) bag of photographic equipment in addition to one (1) = carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The additional bag must conform to your air carrier's carry-on restrictions for= size and weight. Please confirm your air carrier's restrictions prior to arrivi=ng at the airport.

In cooperation with the American Society of Media Photographers, this policy was expanded primarily to accommodate working photographers traveling with sensitive, valuable equipment. Working photographers, and other members of the traveling public, are encouraged to carry photographic equipment and film as carry-on luggage.

Do we have to show our ASMP membership card? That's an expensive slip of paper... then again, this is best thing I've seen the ASMP do in years.

not as far as I know

From the TSA link "In cooperation with the American Society of Media Photographers, this policy was expanded primarily to accommodate working photographers traveling with sensitive, valuable equipment. Working photographers, and other members of the traveling public, are encouraged to carry photographic equipment and film as carry-on luggage."

I'll keep my card handy, regardless of what's actually required. Definitely couldn't hurt to pull it out if you're getting some opposition in the matter at the airport.