Professional photographers and all airline passengers with a love of and investment in photography may soon find it easier to protect their most sensitive equipment in-flight, as a result of current discussions between the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Working with ASMP, the TSA is revising regulations to permit air travelers one additional, size-appropriate carry-on bag above the current two-bag limit to accommodate and protect expensive photographic equipment.
"While the specific concern of ASMP is working to help professional photographers to fulfill their job responsibilities, many other air travelers will also benefit from this rule change," said Eugene Mopsik, ASMP's executive director.
Noting that musicians have received permission to take expensive or fragile instruments on board with them as an added piece of carry-on luggage, ASMP urged the TSA to extend the same rights to photographers. The TSA was responsive to this request, and is currently creating policy to present to the airline industry and airport security screeners.
"The Transportation Security Administration understands that working photographers travel with a lot of equipment," Mopsik said. "Photographers can easily pay hundreds of dollars in excess baggage fees -- often totaling more than the plane ticket itself -- just to go on a simple assignment. And, additionally, today's photography involves very sensitive electronic devices, including laptop computers and input and storage devices, which need a more protected environment."
"ASMP is grateful that the TSA has put a solution to this problem on their fast track," Mopsik added. "ASMP members and the general public should keep checking our Web site, www.asmp.org, for details on the forthcoming regulation change."

For almost 60 years, the American Society of Media Photographers has been the premier trade association for promoting and protecting the interests of working publication photographers. Membership in ASMP continues to be recognized worldwide as a commitment to professionalism, quality, good ethics and as a sign of proven experience. Founded in 1944 by a handful of the world's leading photojournalists, ASMP has grown to more than 5000 members in 40 chapters in the United States and in many foreign countries.
ASMP is built on the cornerstones of education, information and advocacy. ASMP members are drawn from every photographic specialty -- advertising, annual reports, corporate/industrial, architecture, underwater, editorial, fashion, medical, sports, special effects and more -- but are held together by their common problems and concerns. ASMP calls upon the wealth of information available from within its experienced membership and from industry leaders to develop solutions that work. ASMP has the determination and clout to make its voice heard. ASMP is photographers helping photographers through community, culture, commerce and publications