Topic: Flying within China - experiences sought (Read 2594 times)

Brent McCombs · « **on:** May 17, 2010, 06:54:16 pm »

I'm flying into Beijing on Air Canada, and have no issues with regard to gear getting there.

However, once in country, we'll be moving via domestic airline (not sure which, yet), to Yunnan province. We'll be driving from there to Chengdu over the course of a couple weeks, taking in the Shangri-la area.

Anyway, I'm wondering what experiences you have regarding flying on domestic airlines regarding carry-on gear. Weights/sizes etc?

I normally travel with a ThinkTank rolling case (Airport International) and a Thinktank shoulder bag with laptop. Will that be okay, or will I be required to check the rolling case? If so, am I going to risk a lot by checking it?

Brent

Anders_HK · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2010, 11:34:17 pm »

Quote from: Brent McCombs

I'm flying into Beijing on Air Canada, and have no issues with regard to gear getting there.

However, once in country, we'll be moving via domestic airline (not sure which, yet), to Yunnan province. We'll be driving from there to Chengdu over the course of a couple weeks, taking in the Shangri-la area.

Anyway, I'm wondering what experiences you have regarding flying on domestic airlines regarding carry-on gear. Weights/sizes etc?

I normally travel with a ThinkTank rolling case (Airport International) and a Thinktank shoulder bag with laptop. Will that be okay, or will I be required to check the rolling case? If so, am I going to risk a lot by checking it?

Brent

Hi Brent,

I frequent travel to and within China. Dont worry of carry on! When I carry much gear I carry a large Tenba photo backpack (PBP, Photo Back Pack, discontinued) and a Tenba Messenger bag (large), along with a smaller looking shopping bag at times = onto flights.

In worst case I suggest to insist with a friendly attitude and mindset of that "of course what you carry should be ok"! Since after all you are a photographer...

As general rule in all the world (excluding terrorist frightened USA), one camera ((system)) is as norm exempted from carry on restrictions, and one notebook computer.

I have simply friendly refused and insisted not to check in any of my camera gear, all places I been, many many countries. So far it has always worked and in no places without any problems, although some "discussions" in select places with me asking for supervisor...

Enjoy China! It is a very great place to travel! I did find LiJiang a tad touristy, but there are some rice terraces outside that are supposed to be beautiful but I have not yet visited. Although I have likewise not been to Shangrila it is supposed to be very beutiful indeed. I can also recommend a travel through remote areas of Danba, Bamei, Sandusan and Four Girls Mountain. And very much so the beautiful (in particular if some rain and fog) Shunan Bamboo Sea bamboo forest in south Sichuan. Also of course the Tibetan people along the way.

Regards
Anders

Brent McCombs · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2010, 07:57:17 pm »

Quote from: Anders_HK

I did find LiJiang a tad touristy, but there are some rice terraces outside that are supposed to be beautiful but I have not yet visited. Although I have likewise not been to Shangrila it is supposed to be very beutiful indeed. I can also recommend a travel through remote areas of Danba, Bamei, Sandusan and Four Girls Mountain. And very much so the beautiful (in particular if some rain and fog) Shunan Bamboo Sea bamboo forest in south Sichuan. Also of course the Tibetan people along the way.

Regards
Anders

Thank you Anders. I will only be in LiJiang for a day, and then we begin our trek northward through Shangrila. I've seen a few images from the terraces outside LiJiang, and if possible, would like to get up there for sunset the day we arrive, or sunrise on the following morning.

My worry with regard to my gear is that I won't be able to have any 'discussion'. I speak no Chinese. Anyway, I sure hope they let me take the gear!

One more question - do you (or does anyone) know if it's okay to lock checked baggage? I don't want to have locks pried off it it's not, and I assume that no one other than the Americans (and possibly Canadians) use TSA locks, so my normal system won't help.

B

Anders_HK · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2010, 09:46:52 pm »

Quote from: Brent McCombs

Thank you Anders. I will only be in LiJiang for a day, and then we begin our trek northward through Shangrila. I've seen a few images from the terraces outside LiJiang, and if possible, would like to get up there for sunset the day we arrive, or sunrise on the following morning.

My worry with regard to my gear is that I won't be able to have any 'discussion'. I speak no Chinese. Anyway, I sure hope they let me take the gear!

One more question - do you (or does anyone) know if it's okay to lock checked baggage? I don't want to have locks pried off it it's not, and I assume that no one other than the Americans (and possibly Canadians) use TSA locks, so my normal system won't help.

B

Brent,

Living outside USA I do not adhere to USA ideas of TSA locks etc. Of course I put locks on all my luggage at all times, because it keeps thiefs away . More so, in China in regards to security the fact of not speaking Chinese can be your advantage! They do not always speak much English either... . One advise, be persistent, but do not loose your temper. Just act with a friendly attitude and with humor to get things done, and mindset "of course this is ok"... it helps many times! If problem try ask for supervisor. That is about all I can think of, it all depends on pshyology in end... and of using one to make things work!

My camera gear including tripod travels carry on at all times - worldwide (but I am cautious not to travel USA due all restrictions there...).

Much enjoy your travel!

Regards
Anders

Kumar · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2010, 10:58:55 pm »

I flew from Beijing to Kunming in Yunnan on a domestic flight in 2008, and had absolutely no problems. Hand checking my film was done professionally and courteously. In Beijing's subway, all baggage is X-rayed. In Kunming, I travelled all over the city by local transport, and again, people were helpful and courteous, despite the language barrier. Many of the younger people learn English, so they are always happy to practice! The food is great - very spicy and portions are large.

Kumar

JNHenry · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2010, 03:15:17 pm »

Brent,

I lived in China for several of the past few years, and traveled extensively with my camera gear. I don't think you'll have any problem as long as your bag isn't too much bigger than a standard roll-aboard suitcase. What you'll witness are lots of people taking things/packages on board the plane that, size wise, would not be allowed in North America or Europe. In short, if you can get it from Canada to China, you'll be fine for internal travel.

But, if you are still concerned, or don't want to worry about overhead speace is available or not, I would recommend purchasing a first or business class ticket. In general these aren't much more expensive than an economy class ticket (maybe $100 each way), and it is much more comfortable with more overhead space.

A few suggestions: Jiuzhaigou is a one hour flight from Chengdu, and is the most beautiful place I ever visited in China (I did a big write up on it in this forum). And, while in Beijing head over to the Photo Market by Wukesong (West Fourth Ring Road just north of JinGouHe Bridge). You'll have a great time walking throughout the market and seeing all the second hand shops.

Have a great trip!

Jeff

rickk · « **Reply #6 on:** July 12, 2010, 08:31:15 pm »

Just returned from China where we had seven domestic flights on Air China and China Southern -- everything was easy, efficient, and on-time.
Although I minimized the size of my carry-on pack, many of the other passengers did not. Getting into the boarding line early seems worthwhile to have your pick of storage space. There were some truly absurd loads that somehow managed to disappear into overhead lockers or under the seats. I never witnessed anything being rejected as too large. Back in 1984, on a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, I got to hold my seat-mate's extra chickens.

I'll second Jeff's recommendation to visit Jiuzhaigou, if you can fit it into your schedule. The frequent (and frequently delayed because of weather) flights make it logistically easy to visit the park.

Rick

Brent McCombs · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2010, 08:45:21 pm »

Quote from: rickk

Just returned from China where we had seven domestic flights on Air China and China Southern -- everything was easy, efficient, and on-time.
Although I minimized the size of my carry-on pack, many of the other passengers did not. Getting into the boarding line early seems worthwhile to have your pick of storage space. There were some truly absurd loads that somehow managed to disappear into overhead lockers or under the seats. I never witnessed anything being rejected as too large. Back in 1984, on a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, I got to hold my seat-mate's extra chickens.

I'll second Jeff's recommendation to visit Jiuzhaigou, if you can fit it into your schedule. The frequent (and frequently delayed because of weather) flights make it logistically easy to visit the park.

Rick

Thanks everyone. You've really alleviated a lot of my worries.

I'll take my Thinktank Airport International roller, and get in line early.

B

Author Topic: Flying within China - experiences sought (Read 2594 times)