Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Flying with Film & Video
Never pack film—developed or undeveloped—in checked bags, as the
new, more powerful scanners in U.S. airports can fog film. The film you
carry with you can be damaged by scanners as well. X-ray damage is
cumulative; the faster the film and the more times you put it through
a scanner, the more likely the damage. Film under 800 ASA is usually
safe for up to five scans. If you're taking your film through additional
scans, U.S. regulations permit you to demand hand inspections. In inter-
national airports, you're at the mercy of airport officials. On interna-
tional flights, store your film in transparent bags, so you can remove it
easily before you go through scanners. Keep in mind that airports are
not the only places where your camera may be scanned: Highly traf-
ficked attractions are X-raying visitors' bags with increasing frequency.
Most photo supply stores sell protective pouches designed to block
damaging X-rays. The pouches fit both film and loaded cameras. They
should protect your film in checked baggage, but they also may raise
alarms and result in a hand inspection.
An organization called
Film Safety for Traveling on Planes, FSTOP
(
&
888/301-2665;
www.f-stop.org), can provide additional tips for
traveling with film and equipment.
Carry-on scanners will not damage
videotape
in video cameras, but
the magnetic fields emitted by the walk-through security gateways
and handheld inspection wands will. Always place your loaded cam-
corder on the screening conveyor belt or have it hand-inspected. Be
sure your batteries are charged, as you will probably be required to
turn the device on to ensure that it's what it appears to be.
legroom. Emergency exit seats are
usually held back to be assigned
the day of a flight (to ensure that
the seat is filled by someone able-
bodied); it's worth getting to the
ticket counter early to snag one of
these spots for a long flight. Keep
in mind that bulkheads are where
airlines often put baby bassinets,
so you may be sitting next to an
infant.
• To have two seats for yourself, try
for an aisle seat in a center section
toward the back of coach. If you're
traveling with a companion, book
an aisle and a window seat. Mid-
dle seats are usually booked last, so
chances are good you'll end up
with three seats to yourselves. And
in the event that a third passenger
is assigned the middle seat, he or
she will probably be more than
happy to trade for a window or an
aisle.
• Ask about entertainment options.
Many airlines offer seat-back video
systems where you get to choose
your movies or play video games—
but only on some of their planes.
(Boeing 777s are your best bet.)
• To sleep, avoid the last row of any
section or a row in front of an
emergency exit, as these seats are
the least likely to recline. Avoid
seats near highly trafficked toilet
areas. You also may want to
reserve a window seat so that you
can rest your head and avoid being
bumped in the aisle.
