Hand luggage-cameras etc?

[sidney]

Hi Guys

Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere,i'm new here and am still finding my way round this very impressive forum site and i've been reading various posts and links.

One Link was to the Virgin Atlantic site and it mentions the problems with undeveloped film due to the x ray screening process on all luggage,even hand luggage.

Whats the situation with Digital cameras and hard drive camcorders? Should they be taken on the plane as hand luggage or in the suitcase?

Also I've read in the excellent Brits Guide book that all cases should be left unlocked because of the 100% screening process in the USA but the Virgin Site says they do not recognise that rule????? What are you supposed to do then,leave the case locked or unlocked?

[Catlady]

Hi sidney welcome to the forums.
We always put camcorders, cameras etc in hand luggage, there is no way I would put things like that in my suitcase if you see how the baggage handlers "handle" them.:eek:
As for locks we use the TSA approved ones which means that they can be opened by TSA officials in the USA if they want to with a special key. Like any locks its not 100% but better than nothing in my opinion. We got ours at Gatwick airport but think they can be bought in Tescos cheaper.

[Susan Veness]

Hi sidney, and Welcome to the ATD forums! We're glad you joined us, and don't worry about asking questions that may have been asked before. Sometimes it's easier to ask than it is to find an answer that may be buried in another thread somewhere. :)

Digital cameras are fine in either checked or hand luggage. You won't have a problem either way. I think hard drive camcorders will be fine too, but someone with experience should be along soon for a better answer than I can give.

As far as luggage locks the TSA can't open, it isn't Virgin who will cut them off, it's the TSA in the U.S. You'll be fine locking your luggage on the way in, but the TSA can cut them off if you lock them on your way OUT (meaning, locked luggage won't be put on a plane in the US). Locking luggage is also almost a signal for them to check your luggage, so if they're unlocked you're a bit less likely (though it can happen at any time) to have your luggage checked anyway.

[LeonieM]

I specifically asked Virgin about this at the airport, and they told me they still advise people to lock their luggage. We have 4 of those TSA locks (only £4.99 for 2 at Asda) and use them happily, knowing that they can get into our cases if they want to.

My brother has had his luggage checked - you find a little card inside saying your case has been opened. He never locks his luggage.

We lock ours, but have never had ours checked ...

I suppose it depends what shows up on the x-ray ...

[Tiggers Friend]

Hi sidney and welcome to the forum.

As catlady says I always carry my electrical stuff in my hand luggage - I know where it is then!

With regard locks, we lock our cases and in the past have put a second set in the case with a polite note asking the security to relock. As with LM never had our cases checked - yet!!

[sidney]

Thank you all for the advice.

I'll be off to Tesco/Asda pretty soon then:happy-thumb

[sidney]

I know its slightly off the topic of my thread but seeing you've all been so helpful....can I check this out with you?

Whats the situation with house/car keys etc.Can you taken them on the plane in your pockets?

Forgive my naivety but i've not flown anywhere since the tightened security came in 2006/07 but i'm sure i remember reading somewhere that keys were outlawed on your person/in your hand luggage :confused:

[Tiggers Friend]

The keys I was carrying last year I put in a pocket of my hand luggage with no problems. You may be asked to put them in one of the little plastic trays seperately though.

Someone who has travelled more recently will be along shortly to give a more up to date answer. :)

[Catlady]

Hubby put the house keys in a zipped pocket of his hand luggage, he doesn't remember taking them out when going through security but perhaps he should? Maybe just ask as you get there. The car keys were left with the meet and greet people so didn't have to worry about them.;)

[Susan Veness]

We've never put our keys in checked luggage. Never been questioned about them, other than having to take them out of pockets to go through security, of course. I always carry our house and car keys in my hand luggage.

[LeonieM]

Two of us took both the prescribed size of hand luggage through Virgin check-in at Gatwick and a handbag each as well. Keys, money etc were put in the handbag.

All that happens is that when you go through security you have to put laptops in a separate tray but most things can stay in your bags which go through the machine.

They don't use anything which will damage anything in your hand luggage, be it traditional film for cameras or memory cards, etc. They do, however, warn that the x-rays used on the checked luggage could damage film.

[palmer gang]

we have never locked our cases only had a note in them once to say they had been inspected ,when we travelled back from Hawaii they asked us to make sure cases were not locked.Usually keep keys and cameras in hand luggage

[karenp]

We have just returned and we took disposable cameras in Hand luggage as well as my house keys. The keys stayed in the bag, did not have to be put seperately.
Hope this helps
I locked my cases both ways and these were with ordinary travel locks and they were not opened so I guess it definately depends what shows on the X- ray. My hand luggage got checked on the return journey as i had forgotten to put a body spray in a clear bag with my other bits.

Karen

[LeonieM]

Talking about toiletries in bags brings me to a very important cautionary tale (sorry that it's not strictly on topic).

When I packed my toiletries bag I grabbed my brand new bottle of Clearasil lotion and stuffed it in the top. It all went into the suitcase, no problems.

When we retrieved our suitcases, I discovered a large wet patch on the front of my case. OH didn't want to investigate it there - as it was 2.30am he wanted to get to the villa.

Anyway, when I opened my case I discovered what had happened. My toiletries bag (a Kipling one) was absolutely sodden - and my brand new bottle of Clearasil now only has about 1" left in the bottom!!

If you have any toiletries with a flip lid - TRANSFER THEM INTO A SCREW TOP BOTTLE!!

Luckily, as Clearasil is alcohol-based, it's all dried out. The bags can be washed, and thankfully only a couple of items of clothing got wet. However, it could have been so much worse - everything in my suitcase could have been drenched!