Film and airport scanners

[leanne]

We're taking both a digital and a regular film camara. I've read that you are supposed to get those x-ray bags for film going through airport scanners; do they really work? are they necessary? This may be a stupid question, but do you have to keep the film in the x-ray bag before the film is used (like on the way over)?

[Eagle]

Leanne, I haven't bothered with the lead-lined film bags in the past, and have never had any problems. It is important however to make sure that any film is packed in your carry-on luggage and NOT your checked luggage. They use some very powerful X-Ray Scanners for checked luggage, which can ruin film. The higher speed films are more susceptible to this, so the risk would depend to some extent on what type of film you're using. Film is at risk of "fogging" until it's developed, but the greatest concern for travellers is when it's passing through the airport scanners.

I generally carry film in a zip-lok bag (inside the plastic cannisters) so that the security screeners can actually see it, and examine each roll if they feel so inclined. Also, check some of the other posts on this board with regard to locking your checked luggage. Not sure if you were planning on doing this, but there are some "caveats" with this also.

As you're also taking a Digital Camera, have you determined some method for storing your photos when the memory cards are full? Again, there's lots of tips here in previous posts that cover that topic.

Hopefully you'll get a few more opinions on this. I've thought of buyng the Film Protector Bags in the past, but decided I wouldn't want to pack something of that weight around Europe.

Good luck with this. Happy travels!!!

[MuvverRussia]

There really is no need for lead lined bags - carry film (exposed or not) through in your hand luggage and it'll be fine. Also, if you were to use one of these bags it would cause problems as your luggage would be manually checked, leading to possible bag damage.

Flash memory is fine, even in the hold, as long as it's in some form of anti static container.

[joe]

What about a digital camera...should I carry that one, or is it ok to leave in my backpack as checkin.? I'm not aware of damage from x-ray happening to digital...is there?? thanks

[AnneGurrl]

I don't know about x-ray damage to a digital camera, but I would never leave my camera in a checked bag. Your luggage can be lost or handled by some not-so-honest handlers. Also, they don't exactly treat your bag like crystal...unless you have that camera well padded, you risk it getting damaged. I say keep it with you in your carry-on...Smarter & safer

[joe]

Thanks Anne, I didn't even think of that. I wasn't going to take anything on board with me except a couple of magazines, but now I think I will take my day pack and put my camera in it, along with some reading materials, contact lens case, solution & glasses, in case I want to take out my lenses (10 hrs. is a long time!) Oh yeah, and most important, I'll have my money belt on me with all my important items! Anything else I'm missing...to take on board with me??

[MuvverRussia]

Cameras, mobile phones etc should always go in hand luggage. Also, digital cameras aren't affected by X-rays, so it's safe to put them in the hold, although for security reasons I wouldn't (it's advisable not to lock luggage as baggage inspectors can and will force open locked bags, regardless of the damage caused).

[AnneGurrl]

I have heard that it's a good idea to take a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage does get lost. Also some snacks might be a good idea...I don't know how you like airline food. Maybe music? You might be able to use your regular headphones on the inflight music/movie? Not sure about this though.

Do you plan on sleeping at all on the flight over? If so, you might want to consider those nifty, blow-up travel pillows . Who wants to spend their first day jetlagged and stiff necked? Just a thought.

Of course, having never flown before I can only tell you what I have learned from others and researched myself. You might see if any more experienced flyers have some suggestions.

[MuvverRussia]

I wouldn't bother with a change of clothes. If your luggage goes walkabout the airline will fund clothes, toiletries etc. Again with snacks, I personally don't bother (airline food can sometimes be OK, I've actually had some passable Salmon with Virgin Atlantic, an edible steak from AA and some pretty damn good panninis from BA).

Some airlines allow you to use your own headphones, although all scheduled airlines provide them for long haul flights. Also different airlines have different ideas about minidisc players, ipods etc, although most are OK.

With your carry on, remember it must be under approx 6kg in weight, so a change of clothes and all that stuff might not be practical.

[joe]

great suggestions from all. thanks! btw...I'll be flying BA!