So, we get to the gate for the short flight to Kuusamo on a pretty good-sized Embrear jet. Anita North, who was at the gate early, gives us the bad news: we will need to gate check our Think Tank bags, not because they were too large for the overhead, but because they were all far too heavy. Mine was 44 1\/2 pounds. The limit is 8kg, 17.6 pounds … Mike Gotthelf asked if he could board early with his camera gear and the gate agent said “Yes.” I asked Mike if he mentioned the weight of his rolling bag and somewhat sheepishly he answered, “No.” <\/p>\n
So, following my own advice in the Air Travel With Big Lenses: Dealing With Puddle Jumpers<\/em> blog post here<\/a>, I approached the gate agent. “Good morning. We need your help. There are four of us traveling on holiday with lots of expensive camera gear. Our carry-ons are way above the legal weight limit. If we gate check the bags there is a chance that some or all of our gear might be badly damaged and if that happened our trip would be ruined. Some of the gear is quite expensive; the stuff in my bag alone costs close to $40,000 US. <\/p>\n He said, “I will take you for early boarding. I have spoken to the folks on board and they will see if they can get your photo gear in the closet (crew locker). “Wow, I said, that would be wonderful. Kiitos.”<\/p>\n Big smiles all around. He did what he said he would do and the flight crew was beyond helpful. More proof that the Universe is kind. <\/p>\n