Packing/Airport help.....

[gavsmom]

Is it better to pack my 35mm film in my carryon, or is it OK to put it in my checked bags? Also, I was thinking of putting my camcorder in my carry on, but I'm wondering if it will be one more thing I will need to turn on as I go through security. Anyone know? (We will already be carrying on a laptop and I think we'll have to turn that on...speaking of laptops-I can use it on the plane to watch a movie, right?) Thanks for any insight...

Becky

 

[bavaria]

pack the film and the camcorder in your carryon or chances are good that you will lose the camcorder and the film will be destroyed.

you probably won't need to turn on the laptop - I haven't in about 3 yrs in the US.

yes you can watch a movie on board so long as you follow the rules about when it's ok to turn on electronics and turn them off again. Failure to follow these rules is one reason why passengers have been removed from aircraft. A few weeks ago someone refused to end their cel phone call while taxing to the runway; the plane returned to the gate and the passenger was removed.

 

[ducklite]

Pack the film in your carryon and ask to have it hand inspeacted.

NEVER EVER pack any electronic equipment in checked baggage if you ever want to see it again. Carry it on. Yes, you'll probably ahve to turn it on. No biggie.

I have flown with my laptop for 12 years now, and have ONCE in 12 years--about ten years ago--been asked to tuen it on.

You can watch a movie with it onboard after the FA has made the announcement that approved portable electronics may be used. You have to use headphones for it, the use of electronic equipment that makes noise without headphones isn't allowed. If there are two of you, Radio Shack sells a splitter so two pair of headphones can be used at the same time for a few dollars.

Anne

 

[goofy4tink]

We put all of our electronics in a huge zip-loc baggie...cell phones, cameras, video cameras, film, chargers, dvd players, lap tops. Then when we get to security, we just pull that big ole clear baggie out of the carryon, and send it through on it's own. I have actually had on security person thank me!!! Said it made life a lot easier for him. Then, when we get to the gate area, everyone takes what they need out of the bag and puts it away in their own carryon.

 

[ducklite]

We put all of our electronics in a huge zip-loc baggie...cell phones, cameras, video cameras, film, chargers, dvd players, lap tops. Then when we get to security, we just pull that big ole clear baggie out of the carryon, and send it through on it's own. I have actually had on security person thank me!!! Said it made life a lot easier for him. Then, when we get to the gate area, everyone takes what they need out of the bag and puts it away in their own carryon.

This isn't going to work with a lot of airports. Most want the laptop, alone, in a bin. I had someone have a fit a few weeks ago when I put my cell phone alongside the laptop in a bin.

Anne

 

[safetymom]

I agree. Send the laptop through in a bin by itself. It's also a good idea to have a sticker with your contact information on the bottom of the laptop. So many laptops look the same and someone could walk off with yours.

 

[NotUrsula]

I've got one of my business cards, laminated, stuck to the top of my laptop with double-stick tape. With my particular model, sticking things to the bottom either blocks the fan or makes it impossible to access the battery or the swap drives. The business card looks professional, and since it is in color with a large logo, doesn't even have to be read to have someone to see it and register "not mine". (Won't help with thieves, I know, but I have software for that )

 

[justplaingoofy]

Carry it on and ask them to "hand check" your film.

While you are waiting in line, take the film out of your bag and hand it to them. Ask for a "hand check". This should also be done w/ disposable cameras.

If the film goes through xray (checked or carry on) there is a great chance that it would be ruined if it goes through . When developed the pics will look all milky.

 

[ducklite]

I've got a lime green sticker with my last name and address stuck to the top of my laptop. I always wait until my laptop and camera bag are in the machine before walking through.

Anne

 

[safetymom]

I do the same thing. I have seen too many news shows about the folks that create a diversion and then steal your laptop.

 

[bavaria]

besides my company's tracking ID, I have all the broken keys taped to my laptop lid.... my local CATSA agents always have a giggle when I come through....

 

[salmoneous]

If you have 400 speed film or slower (i.e. 100 or 200) there is no need to slow down the line asking for a hand inspection.

Reports of people swiping laptops from airport security are vastly overstated (think about it, who is going to try and swipe something surround by a ton of security and cameras to grab something will a street value of $25 or less.

 

[safetymom]

Sorry but I will continue to take precautions concerning my laptop. It still happens. Also with the film you can't be too careful. The effects of the xray are cumulative and I wouldn't want to see someones pictures ruined when all they had to do is ask for a hand inspection. I take digital images so I don't have a problem but others still use film and it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks you guys for catching that one...my dh always sends his laptop through on it's own. Don't know what I was thinking about. He also stands there, waiting for it to go through, while I tend to the other stuff.