Canada to Panama group posting on GLOBOsapiens

Warning for photographers departing USA

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wojtekd Premium account Joined: Oct 02 Points: 74910 Posts: 411 Posted: 2004-07-08 20:42:00    Hi Globies! Due to the traffic jams in LA I arrived to LAX airport in the last minute. Check-in for my flight to Europe fortunately was still open. I checked my backpack, got my boarding pass happy to be on time for departure... But then the clerk said: -Now take your checked backpack and go with it to the screening machine! -Strange... But I did!... On the huge machine it was written: TAKE ALL YOUR FILMS OFF THE LUGGAGE, THEY CAN BE DESTROYED BY THE MACHINE! (USA, 21st century...) All may films (50 or so) were at the bottom of my pack... Can you imagine all my stuff on the floor? People around had a lot of fun! So departing US better keep all your films in the cabin luggage! Wojtek --- You can lose everything, but nobody will take away what you saw and what you experienced... W.D. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact wojtekd   whereisliz Joined: Oct 03 Points: 8654 Posts: 164 Posted: 2004-07-13 16:12:00    Or -- start shooting digital :-) Thanks for the good advice, Wojtek... I would add that you should try to get the security agents to hand-inspect the film rolls, as the carry-on machines can also damage film (they say it is only a concern with ASA 800 and above, but x-ray damage is cumulative, and with security concerns these days, those rolls are likely to go through several screening processes before they are developed). The last time I was traveling internationally, I asked for hand-inspection and the screener took every single one of my 30+ rolls and swabbed each individually for explosive residue. What a colassal waste of time, as they were all grouped in one clear plastic ziplock bag, with no cannisters. If there had been explosive in one, it would have easily transferred to the others. Whatever, it certainly felt very punative and unnecessary. Sure, go ahead, check one, or three... but ALL 30?! All this, and it's still PERFECTLY LEGAL to take 4 books of matches and 2 butane lighters on board in your pocket or carryon bag! OK, I've had my rant for the day, I feel better now. Liz --- travel inspiration & information at whereisliz.com Reply    Reply with quote    Contact whereisliz