Questions on flying--rookie

[Arkiegirl]

Ok, so I am a little behind the times. It has been over 20 years since I have flown. I have just booked flights for our family to fly --last time we drove straight thru (7 in a suburban ). I am excited about flying and so are my kids--they have never flown. BUT of couse I am filled with questions.

Cameras and video cameras--what is the general rule on film. yes Like I said I am a little behind--I will still have a film camera and a video camera that is a mini dv. Can the film go thru security scanners? Should I carry on my film or is is ok to have them in my check lugage? If I carry it on should I take it out before sending it thur the scanner? Seems I have always heard that the security cameras can ruin your film. Is this still true.

Stroller, if we bring out and check it with baggage do I have to so something special to it? Like contain it some how? what about car seat or booster? We will be flying with a 4 year old who will legally need a booster in the rental car but can he just sit regular in the plane seat?

How closely do they weigh your luggage? It says not over 50 lbs. Should I weigh them before hand?

I am sure I will have more ?'s before our Oct/Nov trip

 

[DebbieB]

Film should not be placed in checked luggage, there are signs all over the place at the airport. You can put it in carryon as long as it's not 800 speed or higher, or ask for it to be hand inspected. The video camera will have to be taken out of the bag and scanned separately.

They do carefully weigh the luggage.

 

[Tara]

Film -- do not leave exposed film in your checked baggage. The x-ray equipment used on checked baggage is very powerful and will damage your film. The machines that scan carry-on baggage are not as strong and, unless you send the film through repeatedly or you are using very high speed film, it will be fine.

Strollers -- if you gate check your stroller, all you need to do is obtain a gate check tag from the gate agent before you board, then fold the stroller and leave it at the end of the jetway before you get on the plane. I've never checked a stroller other than gate check, but I've seen them come around on the baggage carousels and they're usually just folded -- nothing special. You can buy special carrying bags for strollers. Also, you can check your booster. The four year old won't need it on the plane and not all boosters are approved for use on planes anyway.

Baggage weight -- they are a lot more strict about this than they used to be. Sometimes they'll cut you a little slack, but not always. So if you think your bag is super-duper heavy, you might want to check it first.

You'll be fine.

 

[abaldacci]

they are very strick on weight. I would use two suitcases.

 

[Bob P]

Most airlines will give you a "gate check" for a stroller. That means you give them the stroller as you are getting on the plane. They give you a claim tag and when you land and they open the airplane door the stroller is waiting for you right on the jetway so you can wheel your child(ren) out to the terminal area.

You will have to pay extra if your suitcases are over the limit, unless you get someone checking you in who will let you slide. I wouldn't count on that though!


Have fun!

Bob

 

[pdchris]

Film -- do not leave exposed film in your checked baggage. The x-ray equipment used on checked baggage is very powerful and will damage your film. The machines that scan carry-on baggage are not as strong and, unless you send the film through repeatedly or you are using very high speed film, it will be fine.

Last May we flew and coming back I completely forgot and left my disposable camera with exposed film in my luggage. I thought for sure it ws toast. But, happily, all the pictures turned out fine.

 

[manning]

Buy the film down there, Wal-mart target etc. Have it develop before you leave.

 

[brianm27]

Keep your stroller with you and have the airline gate check it. Even if your 4 year old doesn't want to / need to ride in it at the airport, it will hold your carry-ons. Also, some airports have put us in a special security line with our daughter in a stroller which meant a shorter wait and stickers.