Pelican 1510

[SacrificeTheory]

So I bought the Pelican 1510 because I heard great reviews on the product and it's the "biggest" carry on case you can get. However, it seems like it might be "too big" and the weight limit flights have with carry on's now may put a damper on my parade with this case. If I can't use this case as a carry on, would you trust it with the other flight luggage? I always hear stories about how luggage is just thrown around in airplanes, I would hate to have my equipment destroyed because a flight attendant could care less.

 

[PapaST]

After one flight that bag will look like it's 10 years old if you check it. That's just the way it is. But if you pack it right then everything will be just fine. I personally would be more concerned over theft rather than damages.

 

[SacrificeTheory]

I plan on buying locks for the case too before flights.

 

[gqtuazon]

However, it seems like it might be "too big" and the weight limit flights have with carry on's now may put a damper on my parade with this case. If I can't use this case as a carry on, would you trust it with the other flight luggage? I always hear stories about how luggage is just thrown around in airplanes, I would hate to have my equipment destroyed because a flight attendant could care less.

There is another solution if you have a 22 inch roller bag, you can remove the entire pads with dividers and place it in the other lighter carry on roller bag.

I have both 1510 and 1610 and will be using them to transport my camera equipment. I've been flying internationally and they have not been strict on carry on weight. It might be a different story on domestic flights.

The other alternative is to put your heaviest camera, lens and flash around your neck or shoulders so that the bag weighs less during weigh-in. I've seen photographers with two pro bodies hanging around their neck and they can't do anything about it.


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[SacrificeTheory]

What flights did you take with the 1510? I mainly bought this case for my flight to Africa for next year. When I put it on the scale yesterday, it was about 30lbs. I'm just worried that they take a look at the case and just say that it has to be checked in. And if it does, do you think this case is reliable enough to withstand how bags are treated in luggage? I don't want to open the case and see $12,000 gone.

 

[Browncoat]

The Pelican 1510 isn't really built for either IMHO. It's too big for carry-on and isn't built well enough to function as a checked bag.

Every airline has very detailed information about size and weight restrictions of carry-ons, and you'd be doing yourself a huge favor to stay as small as you can. Those overhead compartments can be tiny. If it were me, I wouldn't go with a hard shell case as a carry-on. You need a little bit of "give" in order to be able to stuff your bag to make sure it fits or you risk it being checked...and then you're really screwed.

You can fit a lot of gear in soft-sided backpacks and sling packs. That would definitely be my choice over this Pelican case.

As luggage, keep in mind that you'll be landing in a foreign country and you can be sure that the baggage handlers there are going to give even less of a crap than the ones here in the states. If you have to go this route, buy a tank of a case.

The very next thing you should do is purchase an Inland Marine insurance policy and make certain that you're covered for trips abroad. That will protect you better than any case.

 

[gqtuazon]

What flights did you take with the 1510? I mainly bought this case for my flight to Africa for next year. When I put it on the scale yesterday, it was about 30lbs. I'm just worried that they take a look at the case and just say that it has to be checked in. And if it does, do you think this case is reliable enough to withstand how bags are treated in luggage? I don't want to open the case and see $12,000 gone.

Korean Air, Jetstar, ANA.

This is my first time to check-in my pelican 1610 which is loaded with lenses, cameras and flashes. I've packed it very well and even added bubble wrap inside so that all of the items can withstand any shaking, vibration, and even if it get stacked at the bottom, I am confident that my equipment will be safe. Use a TSA approved padlocks if you are going to lock it.

African safari shouldn't be a problem even if it rains unlike what happened to Scott's equipment were his D800 was destroyed by water damage when he went to Africa.


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[SacrificeTheory]

The Pelican 1510 isn't really built for either IMHO. It's too big for carry-on and isn't built well enough to function as a checked bag.

Every airline has very detailed information about size and weight restrictions of carry-ons, and you'd be doing yourself a huge favor to stay as small as you can. Those overhead compartments can be tiny. If it were me, I wouldn't go with a hard shell case as a carry-on. You need a little bit of "give" in order to be able to stuff your bag to make sure it fits or you risk it being checked...and then you're really screwed.

You can fit a lot of gear in soft-sided backpacks and sling packs. That would definitely be my choice over this Pelican case.

As luggage, keep in mind that you'll be landing in a foreign country and you can be sure that the baggage handlers there are going to give even less of a crap than the ones here in the states. If you have to go this route, buy a tank of a case.

The very next thing you should do is purchase an Inland Marine insurance policy and make certain that you're covered for trips abroad. That will protect you better than any case.

I do have my Lowepro bag, but with the amount of lenses I have now...it's getting kind of cramped.

 

[gqtuazon]

I plan on buying locks for the case too before flights.

So after my nerve racking flight from Japan to Seattle to San Diego, CA., both pelicans and my equipment survived the trip with flying colors.

TSA tip: Pre-screen the contents so that TSA won't cut your locks. Even if I used a TSA approved locks, they don't use their master key and don't return your lock. Your experience may vary. My connecting flight was with Alaska Airlines, no weight issue with them on carry-on items.

 

[SacrificeTheory]

So after my nerve racking flight from Japan to Seattle to San Diego, CA., both pelicans and my equipment survived the trip with flying colors.

TSA tip: Pre-screen the contents so that TSA won't cut your locks. Even if I used a TSA approved locks, they don't use their master key and don't return your lock. Your experience may vary. My connecting flight was with Alaska Airlines, no weight issue with them on carry-on items.

And this was with it being in check-in and not carry on? Any damage to the pelican?

 

[gqtuazon]

And this was with it being in check-in and not carry on? Any damage to the pelican?

Initially from Japan to Seattle It was a carry-on. I had it checked-in from Seattle to San Diego with no issues. I had them pre-checked with TSA.

No damages on the luggage. I don't care much about the cosmetics as long as It can withstand being slammed and tossed around the carrousels. Great investment IMO.


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