I can't speak about international air travel, but I've traveled extensively
by air in the U.S. for the last 18 years with the following observations -
The less hassle you cause at security, the easier the process for the
traveler. Asking for hand checking will sometimes cause additional hassles.
Lead film pouches will sometimes cause hassles (at least, you'll probably be
asked to empty the pouch to show the contents).
What I've done on all my air trips when I'm carrying film (about 95% of my
air travel) is I remove the film cassettes from the plastic containers,
repack in clear zip lock bags & carry it in my carry on luggage.
Requests for hand checking have met with mixed results from "we don't do
that here" to "wait, I'll get my supervisor to do that " to sure no problem.
Kenneth Waller
----- Original Message -----
From: "Adam McKenty" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Photographing Egypt
Hi Folks,
I'm going to Egypt in a few days, and -- since I haven't been quite
convinced to switch to digital -- I have some questions about film and
such. First, what is the current situation with airport x-rays? I had
heard that any film below about 800 would be fine, but a NG guide I
recently looked at said today's carry-on baggage zappers are so powerful
they'll cook film of any speed. Other options are to have the film hand
inspected, or buy it when I get there. Does anyone have first hand
experience of this? Are most airports willing to hand-inspect film? Does
anyone have a favourite Cairene photography store that sells 100 asa slide
film?
Any other advice about film for a trip like this or general tips on
traveling with cameras would be welcome too.
Thanks,
Adam
