Suggestions for transporting single-use cameras: air travel in USA

[multivoiced]

Much discussion focuses on protecting film separately from cameras. Is requesting hand inspection in airports more difficult when the film is permanently inside a disposable camera?

I'm asking because I'm planning to travel with Kodak 400TX single-use cameras.

 

[wiltw]

The standard TSA policy within the USA, for Airport Security, is for TSA to honor requests for hand inspection tpo avoid CT scanners...no film thru hand baggage CT machines. Even international Security now generally recognizes the potential for damage to photographic films by the CT scanners placed at gate security in recent years, and will generally comply with request for hand inspection of film. 'Hand inspection' often entails the swabbing each item and then analysis of the swab for evidence of explosive chemical markers. As always, general policy may not be followed by every security agent, like someone not well trained or who is simply having a very bad day!...it might be necessary for intervention by a Supervisory security officer.
For the long-in-use X-ray machines, ISO 400 film is safe for passage in X-ray machines (but not CT), so disposable camera should withstand X-ray exposure without issue, even with multiple passess thru X-ray machines during the course of many legs of air travel.

 

[aw614]

I had TSA handcheck my camera twice with film in it without issue and just mentioned to them, film is inside since I didn't get a chance to finish the roll.

Once with the MJU II, they just had my open the lens cover and also swabbed it. The second time with the Leica IIIC, also it was just swabbed. The IIIC was a nice conversation starter with the agent too.

 

[multivoiced]

Camera stores sell bags for carrying film through airport scanners. Are these worthwhile, for instance if hand inspection ends up not being possible or allowed?

 

[BrianShaw]

Camera stores sell bags for carrying film through airport scanners. Are these worthwhile, for instance if hand inspection ends up not being possible or allowed?

No.

 

[wiltw]

Camera stores sell bags for carrying film through airport scanners. Are these worthwhile, for instance if hand inspection ends up not being possible or allowed?

If something is a bit radio-opaque, they can up the amount of radiation to penetrate (and more greatly expose the film that is inside)
Film that is ISO 400 and below have been proven safe through even multiple passes thru Security X-ray, so such bags are a waste of your money to buy.

 

[BrianShaw]

If something is a bit radio-opaque, they can up the amount of radiation to penetrate (and more greatly expose the film that is inside)
Film that is ISO 400 and below have been proven safe through even multiple passes thru Security X-ray, so such bags are a waste of your money to buy.

Actually, they cannot do that. Urban legend. What they can do is use software tools that further investigate the opaqueness or "hit it again" by putting the item through the tunnel again. But there's no "volume knob" at their disposal. The various software imaaging tools at their disposal are often confused for "increasing the amount of radiation" and/or hitting it repeatedly with blasts of radiation. In practice what they do is pull the questionable item out of hte tunnel and offer to unpack and re-scan both the cotnents and the bag, or offer a handcheck.

You are 100% corect that those bags are generally a waste of money. A clear baggie with film out of the box/cans is a far better idea. At least that way the screeners can make a determination on their willingness to handcheck without hassle.

 

[wiltw]

Actually, they cannot do that. Urban legend. What they can do is use software tools that further investigate the opaqueness or "hit it again" by putting the item through the tunnel again. But there's no "volume knob" at their disposal. The various software imaaging tools at their disposal are often confused for "increasing the amount of radiation" and/or hitting it repeatedly with blasts of radiation. In practice what they do is pull the questionable item out of hte tunnel and offer to unpack and re-scan both the cotnents and the bag, or offer a handcheck.

You are 100% corect that those bags are generally a waste of money. A clear baggie with film out of the box/cans is a far better idea. At least that way the screeners can make a determination on their willingness to handcheck without hassle.

I have had access to two different user manuals for different brand Security X-ray systems, and both have a High Penetration mode. The description of one says
"When this button is pressed, the presentation of high-density object is enhanced. This remains active until ST or H button is pressed."
There is no detailed description of how the HP mode functions, if it is a change of Voltage of the X-ray beam (higher energy = increased penetraton of radiodense materials) or if HP is merely application of image processing parameters to boost detection visually.

As a follow-up to post #2, 'multiple passes' is stated explictly that they tested to 32 passes, using film up to ISO 3200, and film was 'safe'. (Rapiscan 6xx)

 

[BrianShaw]

Image processing…

 

[multivoiced]

Has anyone found that it matters whether one chooses a TSA PreCheck lane or a regular security lane? I'm planning to use PreCheck and hoping that my people skills will save my film.

 

[BrianShaw]

Has anyone found that it matters whether one chooses a TSA PreCheck lane or a regular security lane? I'm planning to use PreCheck and hoping that my people skills will save my film.

I've used both, albeit not in the last 4 years, and found no difference. It seems to have more to do with the individual TSA agent than anything else. Rarely have I had a problem either way and when there was a "problem" it was quite expediently resolved.

 

[blee1996]

Fedex?

 

[loccdor]

Yes, if you can use the mail system within the US, it tends to be the most headache-free option. If you're staying at a hotel for example, maybe you can let them know to accept the package for you. If you're staying at friends/family's house, even easier.

Hand check might take 5-10 minutes, or they might make you wait on the side for 30-45 minutes and let other people pass before they get to it. I've experienced both in the last few years.

Or, there's always driving. That's what I'm going to do on my next domestic trip. Takes longer, but there's a freedom in it.

 

[multivoiced]

Fedex?

Absolutely. This is perfect when there's an Express drop box in the airport outside of security.

If you're staying at a hotel for example, maybe you can let them know to accept the package for you.

I considered this, but I'm reluctant when a single mis-step by a stranger in a state I've never visited can ruin an entire plan. I'd need to be comfortable with a digital back-up plan.