From: Thom Mitchell (tjmitch@ix.netcom.com)
Date: 09/09/03-03:57:53 PM Z
I've flown out of Logan (Boston) quite frequently for work. Typically they
will do the sniff test (utilizing a fabric swatch inserted into a machine)
without any hassle, especially if you put in some high speed 3200 film,
either 35mm or 120 (I always carry a roll I never intend to shoot
specifically for this purpose).
You have to specifically ask for a hand inspection and mention that you have
both high speed and/or scientific film (the definition of scientific is of
course up for interpretation), factory sealed definitely helps. I've never
been refused a hand-inspection when I've asked for it politely, firmly and
repeatedly. Again having some high-speed film combined with your regular
film definitely helps. Allow an extra 30 minutes, if not longer. They will
typically sniff samples or occasionally sniff each individual roll or box,
as you can imagine with 30-40 rolls of film this can take a while. The key
as always is to remain calm, relaxed and polite. The security personnel are
doing their job under trying circumstances, you want them to like or at
least not actively dislike you.
Post 9/11 I've flown into or out of San Jose, San Francisco, LaGuardia,
Providence, Hobby, DFW, St Louis, Columbia, Minneapolis, BWI, National,
Logan, Manchester, JFK, LAX, Seattle, Anchorage, Raleigh, Charlotte,
Atlanta, O'Hare, Midway, Denver, Salt Lake City and others. I've flown with
35, 120, and 4x5 and Polaroid films. I have not flown internationally since
9/11 so I have no advice there.
They (the TSA) do enforce the two carry-on bag limit pretty tightly so
travel light if at all possible, pack your tripod and like items in your
checked luggage. Think calm thoughts and hope for good light.
Good Luck
----- Original Message -----
From: "epona" <acolyta@napc.com>
To: <alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 4:59 PM
Subject: Re: flying....
Hmm. So it seems it depends on where you fly out of. Anyone had any
experience flying out of Logan?
Cheers,
Christine
Gumprint@aol.com wrote:
> Greetings
>
> I've flown out of Dulles, BWI and Washington National since 9/11.
> Nothing is hand inspected. Film bags are opened. Checked bags are put
> through a CT scan so the best advice is to FedEx yourself film or buy
> it at your destination.B&H will FedEx large format overnight if you
> are going to a place that will not have it.
>
> I had 100 sheets of 5X7 destroyed by an inspector who insisted on (not
> joking here) opening the factory sealed box. At least I saw this and
> didn't use the film (silver lining . . . no pun intended) and was
> reimbursed.
>
> If you cannot process it or have it processed, send it FedEx back.
> USPS does Xray packages around the DC area, likely large cities, too.
>
> I have not been out of CONUS but I'd give the same advice.
>
> Carole
--
The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for
humans any more than black people were made for white, or women created for
men.
~ Alice Walker
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