I have read how I need to have my film hand checked at the airport.. should I also ask that disposable/one time use cameras be hand checked also? Should they be out of the package?
Thanks.

Disposable cameras and film, unless it is high speed, can safely go through the carry-on xray machines (but never in the checked baggage). Unless you are doing professional level work, hand checking should not be necessary.

As tdelano said, I have put my film thru the x-ray machines at the security checkpoints in various airports and have not had a problem. Just be sure not to put film in your checked baggage as those x-ray machines are much stronger and very well could ruin the film.

When we flew a couple of months ago I asked the security person if I could hand her the film canisters from my carryon, and she said they will only do this if the film speed is above ASA 800.

One thing to remember about x-rays is that their effect is cumulative, so if a roll of film is x-rayed three or four times there could be a problem.

The more your film is exposed to x-ray the more damage. The film that I left in my camera that went thru unprotected looks really bad

I put everything in a lead lined film bag - underwater disposables and film. It really does make a difference, as I found out. You can buy a film bag in any camera store and it is reuseable....well worth the $25.00 investment. I have had mine for 3+ years now and I put it in my carry-on. I never leave without it You will never have to worry about film ever again and your pictures will be perfect.

Please forgive my ignorance...I started the original post. I am not a professional but definatly do not want my pictures ruined! If I put my film in a lead bag and that goes through the machine aren't they going to have to open it up and see what is in it anyway??? I want to preserve my film in the easiest way possible. THANKS!!