Camera gear & airport security

[ColleenG]

I will be traveling this weekend with my SLR for the first time. I am taking it all as a carry on. Just got the Lowepro Fastpack 250. Is it safe to put my gear through the x-ray machines or should I ask them to visually inspect it? I don't want anything to happen to my new baby! Thanks!

Oh and by the way my DH says I have to stay off the photog boards cuz I'm finding too many things that I "NEED" and all this camera stuff is not cheap. Well all I have to say to him is

 

[boBQuincy]

No problem with running it through the scanner. I have found that when I carry a lot of gear they often look at it anyway (as in "Hey Joe, help me out, I got a *lot* of camera stuff over here...").

 

[YesDear]

I have all my stuff xrayed all the time. You do not have the problem with digital that you had with film.

I sometimes get my stuff selected to be further checked. I think it is because it looks so technical in the xray

 

[pointandshoot]

Your only worry is if they decide to inspect your gear and you watch them unpack and fumble your expensive equipment. My stomach drops at the sight of that.

One tip. If you have any extra things like filters, wires, batteries, etc. stuff them in a clear bag. It makes a hand inspection go quicker if it happens.

Your new baby will be fine. Now get off the boards before we tell you what next lens to buy Have a great trip!

Chuck

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Avoid saying things like "Touch my gear and this whole place is going down!" It will not help you get on your plane faster.

 

[ColleenG]

Thanks everyone for the tips and reassurance. We had our checked luggage inspected once on our way to a wedding and I had everything neatly packed to try to cause minimal wrinkling (I HATE ironing). After they went through everything they just crumpled it up and shoved it back in. I was so annoyed when we unpacked.

I'd like to see them do that when we go to WDW. With all the extra kid stuff I bring, that bag is like a jig saw puzzle. I'd like to see them repack that sucker!

 

[WillCAD]

X-ray scanners won't affect electronics like digital cameras, camcorders, computers, PDAs, phones, watches, clocks, or misting fans, or magnetic or optical media like memory cards, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, or 8-tracks.

X-ray scanners will only harm undeveloped photographic film, such as 35mm or APS, including disposable, 'scuse me, one-time-use cameras. Once it's developed, it's safe to x-ray, but before it's developed, even if you've already shot pictures on it, x-rays will damage it.

So as long as you have no film or disposable cameras, your photo and computer gear is all fine going through the x-ray scanners.

Going through the grubby mitts of the TSA inspectors, not so much.

 

[skr8pn]

No problem with running it through the scanner. I have found that when I carry a lot of gear they often look at it anyway (as in "Hey Joe, help me out, I got a *lot* of camera stuff over here...").

I remember that trip and y ou did have a *lot* of stuff!

 

[JoeDif]

Thanks everyone for the tips and reassurance. We had our checked luggage inspected once on our way to a wedding and I had everything neatly packed to try to cause minimal wrinkling (I HATE ironing). After they went through everything they just crumpled it up and shoved it back in. I was so annoyed when we unpacked.

I'd like to see them do that when we go to WDW. With all the extra kid stuff I bring, that bag is like a jig saw puzzle. I'd like to see them repack that sucker!

I see you are from NJ.....are you flying out of Philly Airport?

That's always a treat

 

[ColleenG]

I see you are from NJ.....are you flying out of Philly Airport?

That's always a treat

We're in central NJ on the shore. I'm flying out of Newark. Ahh the smell of the refineries!

 

[ColleenG]

X-ray scanners won't affect electronics like digital cameras, camcorders, computers, PDAs, phones, watches, clocks, or misting fans, or magnetic or optical media like memory cards, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, or 8-tracks.

WOW!! 8-tracks!! Haven't seen one of those since I was about 5 years old!!

 

[JR6ooo4]

do not say, "this camera is da bomb!"

MIkeeee

 

[insoin]

Does anyone take it through in a hard sided case? I have one and I was planning on taking that with me.

 

[DisneyChristmas]

I'm always traveling with digi video, Nikon D40, iPod, cell phone, etc - all of which require various cords, charger units, and all...not to mention cords and more for the laptop.

To save my sanity at home and to help move these things quickly through a visual inspection, I keep each item in its own ziplock bag with a 3x5 card indicating what it is - "phone charger", "connect video to TV cord" etc.