I'll soon be flying to London and was considering bringing an assortment of 35mm film with me in my carry-on. Is this a good idea? Will new, higher power xray scans of carry ons damage the film? Are handchecks still available? Help. . . .

I caught the tail end of an interview tonight on the news that warned against having undeveloped film in luggage because of the new xray scans. But handchecks were not mentioned. At least not that I heard.

Well, I guess I've had one glass of wine too many ...when I read your title (and absolutely no criticism is intended) I instantly flashed on the "Carry On..." film series of the - gulp - 60s? Does anyone else, probably in the UK, remember them?

Barbara,<BR>I, too, thought the same thing - and it is early afternoon here in Australia - so I can't blame the wine!!! Must be the age!

This is what the most well-known, established, oldest and most popular camera store owner told me in Boston. As long as you are shooting 100 or 200 speed film, you have nothing to worry about. You don't even have to ask the attendants to hand check your film. However, if you do shoot higher speed film, then there is the chance of some deterioration going through the x-ray machines with your carry-on. To combat this, you can purchase a lead-shielded bag. Ritz Camera stocks one that holds 25 rolls of film for about $15. Ritz does have a website, and I don't know if it is available there, but it is available in its stores. For my trip to Prague I did buy this lead-shielded bag and found no deterioration.

Prue, thank you! As it happens, I was drinking very good Australian wine!

The lead bags are available in most camera stores.<BR>Two additional bits of advice: <BR>1. Take the film out of the canisters before packing them. Otherwise, you'll be in for a long, long delay at the security screening, if they check your luggage and make you open up every film canister!<BR>2. Don't put any film in your camera until after you go through airport security.

Well, I am following Howard a lot today (on another post too). His two points are excellent. Personally, I do what Howard suggested and do ask for handchecking. I have heard nothing about the U.S. policy changing, which requires personnel to handcheck if asked. You may have to remind them of this requirement, politely, as I did on a recent trip. Also get a lead bag because you never know these days, and handchecking is hard to get in Europe anyway. Chances are a few passes won't damage lower speed film, and I don't sweat about it too much if I have to send it through, but it doesn't hurt to take a few extra precautions.

Sending to the top because I would like to know if anyone can confirm that the policy Dan mentions in the post above this one requiring the hand inspection on film in the US still exists? Thanks!

I did request a handcheck in Boston of my film before I went to Prague in November and there was no problem. And yes, I forgot to mention that I did take the film out of the canisters before I put them in the lead bag. It was less bulky that way.