Is it safe to send my camera bag through...

e.rose · Aug 30, 2011

...those x-ray thingers at the airport?

I'm not a very frequent flyer. The last time I was on a plane, I got in trouble for having shampoo and conditioner in my backpack. :lol:

Apparently I never got the 3oz liquid memo.

SOMEHOW he allowed me to keep my perfume... but refused to let me take my shampoo and conditioner on the plane. :er:

ANYWAY...

I'm having all these last minute thoughts before I fly out tomorrow and it suddenly hit me...

I'm planning on taking my camera bag on the plane for my carry-on bag... is it safe for me to just put in on that conveyer belt and let it go through?

I mean, I'm assuming the *camera*, lenses and flash will be okay... but what about the SD cards?

I realize they're not the same thing as film, but I guess in my mind it's better to ask then to find out tomorrow evening that all of my cards are shot. :lol:

Sorry for the dumb question... like I said I'm not a frequent flyer and this is the first time I'm taking my camera with me on a plane so.... yeah. :biggrin:

manaheim · Aug 30, 2011

You're fine. I make no personal guarantees, but there's no reason there should be any issue and I do it plenty myself.

e.rose · Aug 30, 2011

manaheim said:
You're fine. I make no personal guarantees, but there's no reason there should be any issue and I do it plenty myself.

So I can't sue you if my cards get damaged? :lol:

That's good to know. If you've done it without a problem, that's all I need to know, haha.

Thanks! :sillysmi:

MTVision · Aug 30, 2011

My SD cards have never been ruined by going through an x-ray machine!

cgipson1 · Aug 31, 2011

I haven't flown since they tightened things up so much... but I used to always request a visual inspection. I guess they still do that?

e.rose · Aug 31, 2011

cgipson1 said:
I haven't flown since they tightened things up so much... but I used to always request a visual inspection. I guess they still do that?

No clue. I didn't realize you could ask for such a thing, haha.

chakalakasp · Aug 31, 2011

Visual inspection is for film only, if they still do it. X rays at the level found inside the carry on scanners won't hurt your digital camera. I don't think I'd send it through checked baggage, though - less because of the radiation and more because they're likely to steal or break your equipment.

PhotoWrangler · Aug 31, 2011

I've flown a lot over the last year, and never had a problem. We send over 6K worth of equipment through the xray machines regularly, complete with memory cards.

DO NOT send film through however.

Formatted · Aug 31, 2011

When I travel I now use a Pelican case because carrying it all around the airport was just getting silly, but before that I used a carry on and never had any problems.

GeorgieGirl · Aug 31, 2011

You should not have any issues at all.

Overread · Aug 31, 2011

Formatted said:
When I travel I now use a Pelican case because carrying it all around the airport was just getting silly, but before that I used a carry on and never had any problems.

You let the baggage people at your lens cases!! !!
tripod ok, but I've seen what those baggage thingies are like - bash and thrash and that's before the guys get their hands on the boxes for the tossing competitions

I'd rather pay extra and at least keep my lenses with me on the plane - least then I know they aren't being bounced around and jerked every which way

2WheelPhoto · Aug 31, 2011

I fly all the time, never had an issue with camera cards or computer hard drives going through x-ray.

Formatted · Aug 31, 2011

You let the baggage people at your lens cases!! !!

When your taking 29kgs worth of lens and cameras you can't take it with you. A Pelican case with a TSA Lock, Cable tie and good insurance policy is a far better solution!

Robin Usagani · Aug 31, 2011

Get ready to get padded down Emily LOL.

cgipson1 · Aug 31, 2011

chakalakasp said:
Visual inspection is for film only, if they still do it. X rays at the level found inside the carry on scanners won't hurt your digital camera. I don't think I'd send it through checked baggage, though - less because of the radiation and more because they're likely to steal or break your equipment.

hahaha.... tells you how long it has been since I have flown (probably 1999). My girlfriend won't fly, so we drive everywhere... at least it makes for lots of stops for scenery shoots....

I stopped using film in about 2000... and I used to always have film in my camera, which is why I asked for visual inspection rather than sending it through X-Rays.