Film & Discs & airport screening

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Hi Everyone,
I know someone here will be able to help. I know exposed film from a regular camera is affected by the screening at airports, so to avoid problems I am planning on having film developed on board despite the expense.

However, this is the first time using a digital camera and camcorder, and I wondered if I should have them in a bag separate for an inspections rather than sending them through the scanner at the gates. Are the discs that are "finalized" Ok to send through or in checked luggage. I think I want to avoid dragging my laptop, so I was just going to buy extra cartidges for the digital camera, and extra discs for the camcorder.

Any advice for this technology newbie would be greatly appreciated!
Kathy

 

[mik&minnie]

I am a federal airport screener. I have tested this with my own equipment. Digital cameras, digital "film" (Flash media), magnetic tape, any computerized equipment are all safe.

Don't put un-processed film in checked luggage. A CTX machine WILL destroy it. At the personal checkpoint, film slower than 800 SHOULD be safe. You have the right to ask for a manual inspection of cameras and film

 

[DoomBuggieDriver]

Dear MiknMinnie
Thanks so much for the quick response. I feel much better now that I know what to expect. THANK YOU!
Kathy

 

[Greysword]

We bought film on an april trip home. While at the airport for the return leg, we informed the screeners of the film in a seperate Wal*Mart bag, and they seemed happy to check it by hand. We then stuffed the film into a carry-on and away we went.

I plan to do the same on the way back (keep the film in the carry-on, but within a seperate bag for easy removal and storage during the screening process).