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Traveling
Successfully With Film
In
February of 2002, the Transportation Security Administration
of the Department of Transportation succeeded the
FAA as the authority in charge of all airport security
in the U.S. Their goal was to have 30,000 federal
agents replace the
private security inspectors that were hired by the airlines. It appears
that there have been no changes in the FAA Code, in fact, on checking the
web site of the Transportation Security Administration, the information
has not been updated. All sections of Transporting Special Items were dated
2002.
Their travel tips are valuable and should be reviewed for both air and
ship line travel. For your convenience, we are listing the alerts for transporting
film and cameras.
Passengers may carry one (1) bag of photographic equipment in addition
to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint.
The bags must conform to the air carrier’s carry-on restrictions for
size and weight. Note that some carriers may or may not allow the additional
carry-on item. Check with your airline before arriving at the airport.
Equipment used for screening checked baggage WILL damage your unexposed
film. NEVER pack film in your suitcase. The same goes for disposable cameras.
It was noted that none of the screening equipment will affect digital camera
images or film that has already been processed, slides, videos, or electronic
image storage cards. However under Other Tips and Precautions it was noted
that one should consider
having your exposed film processed locally before passing through security
on your return home.
Ask for a hand inspection of your
carry-on film if you have the following:
•
Film has a ASA/ISO of 800 or higher
•
Highly sensitive X-ray or scientific films
•
Film of any speed that is subjected to x-ray screening more
than five (5) times. The effect is cumulative.
Film that is or will be UNDER exposed.
•
Film that you intend to push process
•
Large format film
•
Medical and scientific film
•
Motion picture film
To facilitate hand inspection, place your undeveloped film in clear canisters
or take your film out of its solid colored canisters and pack in a clear
plastic bag. Lead-lined bags will need to be hand inspected. Do not pack
one in your ticketed luggage. You might not make your flight when it x-rays
as an opaque object. Rules require that ticketed luggage be open in the
presence of the owner. Enough said.
