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We will be travelling to the Kgalagadi in June 2013 for the first time. We will be flying to Upington and hiring a car at the airport. Our camera equipment fits into a large backpack (a bit smaller than "carry on" luggage size). As the aircraft is quite small, will they allow us to take the bag onboard as hand luggage?

If anyone who has flown in a "small" aircraft with camera equipment could give us any advice, it would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Hi
done so to Upington years ago
And 2 yrs ago to Nelspruit
No problem

I just tell the small airlines how much its worth.........Once they hear that they usually agree to let you carry it on.

Hi Bushdancer

we have had no problems carrying on a 'large' camera bag each, when my wife and myself have flown to Upington.

sometimes if the plane is full (thats only +/- 30 people) they will ask you to put it in the Hold but not until you arrive at the plane door and then they will give back as you leave the plane on arrival at either Joburg or Upington, but if you state it is your camera equipment then they normaly let you on with it as they know how important it is to you.

i hope this helps

Russ

Bushdancer

I have travelled a few times with camera equipment in a "backpack" carrier that doesnt fit into the overhead bin on the smaller Upington route plane - the air hostess then puts it in an extra locker at the front of the plane.

Enjoy your trip .....and please post some pictures when you get back!

PS....we will also be there - 14-22 June

Johannesburg-Upington: done it two times, last at January 2013. No problem with your camera bag. I always done it with two cameras, two long lenses, many batteries, small computer, empty bean bag, etcetera.
What I can say to you is: enjoy a lot this fantastic park.
Bye.
Luca/Italy.

+1 no problem but if you do the return leg to Jhb be extra vigilant (insistent)

I return to the U.S. usually coming directly from Upington or Nelspruit and then with a layover and through J-burg. I always get my bags "wrapped" at the airports at UPN or MPN. I have never had problems doing that and I typically place expensive equipment in the wrapped bags so as to allow for souvenirs etc. and not have to carry heavy lenses et al as carry on.