Premium Members nealnorton Posted April 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 I have been flying alot with my steadicam gear. All Delta. Most airlines will allow qualified travelers a "media rate" on excess baggage. $50 per extra bag rather than $80. The airlines require a "picture I.D." to prove the traveler is really a film or television professional working in the industry. For years the attendants have accepted my union I.D. card even though there is no photo. Recently I was refused the media rate due to the lack of a photo I.D. Bummer. So. . . . I have now added a small photo to my union I.D. and then laminated the masterpiece down at the local Kinkos. It looks great and should do the trick. Happy Travels! Neal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mike McGowan SOC Posted April 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 How recently did they make this change??? I have always used my SOC card and never had a problem........ I wonder if I could just print a card that sais, "media, mike mcgowan" and laminate it with my picture, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jason Torbitt Posted April 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 I wish we had a 'media rate' flying from/within the UK. Instead, we have lots of inconsistency. Recently I flew from Manchester, to Dublin with standard kit. Excess cost = £270. Then I flew from Dublin to London Heathrow with the same kit, plus 2 extra cases (a couple of lenses). Excess baggage = £180. Then, finally, I flew back from London Heathrow to Manchester, again with the same amount of kit. Excess baggage cost = nothing. Free of charge. Unbelievable. This was with 3 different airlines; it seems that there is no consistency at all. Some charge a rate per extra kilo, some a rate per extra item, it goes on and on... Nightmare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Rob Vuona SOC Posted April 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 I wish we had a 'media rate' flying from/within the UK. Instead, we have lots of inconsistency. Recently I flew from Manchester, to Dublin with standard kit. Excess cost = £270. Then I flew from Dublin to London Heathrow with the same kit, plus 2 extra cases (a couple of lenses). Excess baggage = £180. Then, finally, I flew back from London Heathrow to Manchester, again with the same amount of kit. Excess baggage cost = nothing. Free of charge. Unbelievable. This was with 3 different airlines; it seems that there is no consistency at all. Some charge a rate per extra kilo, some a rate per extra item, it goes on and on... Nightmare. I have 8 countries in three and a half weeks coming up with all my gear . . .can't wait to see how the charges work there . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members David Shawl SOC Posted April 7, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Just a heads up, I am pretty sure that US Airways doesn't give a media rate anymore. We tried on several recent flights and were denied. Maybe it's time to get our own jet... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members brooksrobinson Posted April 8, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 Neal, I thought about doing that on my last trip on American Airlines but ran out of time. Instead, I brought along my studio "Safety Passport" book with my union card attached for good measure. They didn't give me any grief, but I think I'll try and put together something more official looking for the future. Brooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Jeff Muhlstock SOC Posted April 10, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted April 10, 2008 These rules seem to change every day, but this just in: Starting May 5th, Continental, and I am sure others will follow suit, are only going to allow 1 bag per passenger in coach (if you fly coach...). The second bag will cost an extra 25$ and so on... Check your carrier. Also, Continental now will only give the "media rate" if you have their special "media card". This must be obtained before you travel trough the Continental's sales office. Its just getting worse and worse to travel... good luck all, Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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