Destination Wedding in Mexico at DVinfo.net

Ryan Sarmiento · May 26th, 2009, 05:43 PM

Hi All,

I've been asked to film a destination wedding in Cancun this coming November, and I was wondering if any of you have recently filmed there, or what would you recommend I take? I've heard that customs at the airport is questionable so I should pack the cameras in a regular (but well padded) carry-on suitcase as opposed to my pelican case.

I did do a Mexican Cruise last year, but that was different.

Any thoughts and/or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

Michael Padilla · May 26th, 2009, 05:52 PM

I went for a wedding in Nov 2006 and it was totally kick back relaxed. We took two XHA1's (newly released at the time) in a hard case; Stabilizer; Tripods; Wireless Lavs etc.. no problem. But back then we didn't need a passport either :D

I love cancun!!! Have fun! Hopefully you are staying longer than just a couple of days?

Don Bloom · May 26th, 2009, 05:54 PM

I prefer a well padded regular looking suitcase instead of a "camera looking case" but make 100% sure it will fit in the overhead. Pack everything you need in that case. Batteries, tapes, audio gear, charger(s), on cam light, EVERYTHING and here's the most important part. Do not let go of it for anything-never out of your sight, at the security checkpoint make sure you stand there while it starts the ride on the conveyor belt. Get thru the metal detector as fast as you can and get to the case quickly. They may want to open it and hand check it, make sure you're there to do that. I packed a monopod and a small liteweight tripod in my checked bag before and that went thru fine but the camera and audio gear N E V E R!
Have fun in Cancun.

Jason Robinson · May 26th, 2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Bloom

I prefer a well padded regular looking suitcase instead of a "camera looking case" but make 100% sure it will fit in the overhead. Pack everything you need in that case. Batteries, tapes, audio gear, charger(s), on cam light, EVERYTHING and here's the most important part. Do not let go of it for anything-never out of your sight, at the security checkpoint make sure you stand there while it starts the ride on the conveyor belt. Get thru the metal detector as fast as you can and get to the case quickly. They may want to open it and hand check it, make sure you're there to do that. I packed a monopod and a small liteweight tripod in my checked bag before and that went thru fine but the camera and audio gear N E V E R!
Have fun in Cancun.

Don is this advice generic for all airline travel, or specific to experience with Mexico air travel?

Don Bloom · May 26th, 2009, 07:37 PM

Well since 9/11 I use the soft case no matter what when I fly with my gear.Before that Iused a hard case and if it didn't fit they made room in the closet. Now though more than ever no matter what they rarely if ever make any kind of allowances (I mean come on-charge me for the 2nd bag but the first??? and a chocolate cookie for $4.00-it better be 1 great cookie) anyway to me it's SOP. I fly with my gear it's soft case and all in it for me.

Ryan Sarmiento · May 27th, 2009, 09:47 AM

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I will definitely do the regular suitcase route and pack my tripod and monopod in the check-in bag.

Don Bloom · May 27th, 2009, 11:32 AM

just make sure it's well padded and will fit in the overhead. 21" and some 22" do. Anything bigger and iit won't.

May 26th, 2009, 05:43 PM	#1
Ryan Sarmiento New Boot Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 13	Destination Wedding in Mexico Hi All, I've been asked to film a destination wedding in Cancun this coming November, and I was wondering if any of you have recently filmed there, or what would you recommend I take? I've heard that customs at the airport is questionable so I should pack the cameras in a regular (but well padded) carry-on suitcase as opposed to my pelican case. I did do a Mexican Cruise last year, but that was different. Any thoughts and/or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Ryan

May 26th, 2009, 05:52 PM	#2
Michael Padilla Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: O.C., CA United States Posts: 337	I went for a wedding in Nov 2006 and it was totally kick back relaxed. We took two XHA1's (newly released at the time) in a hard case; Stabilizer; Tripods; Wireless Lavs etc.. no problem. But back then we didn't need a passport either :D I love cancun!!! Have fun! Hopefully you are staying longer than just a couple of days? __________________ -M www.visualmasterpiece.com

May 26th, 2009, 05:54 PM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I prefer a well padded regular looking suitcase instead of a "camera looking case" but make 100% sure it will fit in the overhead. Pack everything you need in that case. Batteries, tapes, audio gear, charger(s), on cam light, EVERYTHING and here's the most important part. Do not let go of it for anything-never out of your sight, at the security checkpoint make sure you stand there while it starts the ride on the conveyor belt. Get thru the metal detector as fast as you can and get to the case quickly. They may want to open it and hand check it, make sure you're there to do that. I packed a monopod and a small liteweight tripod in my checked bag before and that went thru fine but the camera and audio gear N E V E R! Have fun in Cancun. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

May 26th, 2009, 07:37 PM	#5
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Well since 9/11 I use the soft case no matter what when I fly with my gear.Before that Iused a hard case and if it didn't fit they made room in the closet. Now though more than ever no matter what they rarely if ever make any kind of allowances (I mean come on-charge me for the 2nd bag but the first??? and a chocolate cookie for $4.00-it better be 1 great cookie) anyway to me it's SOP. I fly with my gear it's soft case and all in it for me. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

May 27th, 2009, 11:32 AM	#7
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	just make sure it's well padded and will fit in the overhead. 21" and some 22" do. Anything bigger and iit won't. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

May 27th, 2009, 09:47 AM	#6
Ryan Sarmiento New Boot Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 13	Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I will definitely do the regular suitcase route and pack my tripod and monopod in the check-in bag.