The Audi Car Club of NA are sending me to cover their National event again
this year (Oct. 5-8). This time in VA outside of DC (darn, I loved Watkins
Glen). This will be the first time I have flown since 9/11. I have heard
horror stories from racing photographers who travel a lot that still shoot
film about getting film past security checkpoints. Apparently, despite the
FAA law Gary (?) shared with us some time back, many airports are now
refusing to hand check film. So, my questions are:
We'll be flying from San Jose, CA to Dulles airport in DC. As far as I know,
we won't need to pass through security checkpoints anywhere else (when
changing planes one usually doesn't). If I opt to carry film, what are my
chances of getting my film hand checked at these two airports? Also, can
someone forward me the link to the FAA paper that helps persuade them just
in case?
My original plan was to have my film shipped from B&H (my normal Provia F
supplier now) directly to a club member in the DC area who can bring it to
me at the event. This person is also helping me find a semi-local E-6 lab to
get the first couple day's film processed at, and will FedEx me slides from
the rest. This has been arranged already. However, in thinking about this
some more...won't it look odd if I am bringing a Lowe-Pro Mini Trekker full
of film gear and no film???? (I'll also be carrying a Lowe-Pro Orion bag
full of E-10 digital stuff.) Should I just bring my film back and forth
after all and ask for a hand check (and present the letter if required)?
This leads me to my next question. How vulnerable are the smart media and
compact flash cards to the Xray machines? (I'm guessing not at all...but
would like to know for sure.)
TIA for any BTFT (been there flown that) advice!
Mike Veglia
Motor Sport Visions Photography
http://www.motorsportvisions.com
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