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. TSAP / Transportation Security Administration ©2002

CLICK HERE for printable PDF of this article.

best viewed at 800x600 screen resolution
site content © copyright 2004 Borge Andersen Photo • Digital, unless otherwise specified.