I was a road warrior for seven years, quitting to get a day job only two years ago. I have flown 150,000 miles a year for that long, both before and after 9-11, so I might be able to offer some advice based on experience.
First - no lead bag. The TSA doesn't like them and asks you not to use them. They just tick them off in carry-on luggage, and checked luggage will zap film dead right through them (NEVER put unexposed/unprocessed film in checked luggage). I don't know why they are even still sold - they have no purpose inside the USA. Here's the FAQ, directly from the TSA:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1248.xml
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1035.xml
Second - the TSA cannot 'crank up the power' on the x-ray machines. They're not adjustable like that and they don't work that way anyway. What they WILL do if they can't 'see' through your lead-lined bag is what they do with ANYTHING they can't see through - they either hand-inspect it or run it through again and again and again until they twig to the fact that they can't see through it. If you were really rushed and basically lazy, which would you do? Right - five or six scans until they get wise and open the bag anyway.
Third - as was mentioned in this thread, a good idea is to
request hand inspection. Yes, there is a *law* that says they *have* to inspect film and film equipment upon request. I had it printed and laminated - it was confiscated and I was laughed at by the TSA. Forget it. Yes, it is the law. No, they will not obey it if they don't want to. Who are you going to call to *force* them to honor the law? I learned that lesson the hard way, with a TSA anal probe.
They will mostly honor your request - but it is entirely up to them. "Bad burrito" is a good way to describe some of these yahoos. Just smile and be polite and try to avoid saying
pog mahon and you should be ok. Here's a tip - carry a single roll of sacrificial high-speed film with you. Keep them ALL in a single clear ziplock bag (as was mentioned in this thread). They like that, it makes them very happy. When they ask you if you have high-speed film, you can honestly say yes.
Fourth - The TSA is dead wrong when they say that x-rays don't damage film. Any high-energy particle that passes through film damages it. Simple physics. The question is NOT if it damages film, but HOW MUCH. The TSA says that most film can withstand up to five passes through USA x-ray machines at carry-on inspection stations. I've not had any film damaged to the point where I could notice it, ever. However, it is technically incorrect to say it was not damaged.
And although I know you did not ask, it invariably comes up - no, TSA x-rays cannot damage your digital camera or your digital media. Even in checked luggage. However, if you put it in your checked luggage, it will not be 'damaged', it will be most likely stolen.
Bottom line - carry any and all unexposed/undeveloped film onboard with you. Do not check it, ever. Open the boxes and put it in clear film cannisters if you have any. If not, put the empty cannisters in your checked luggage and put the film itself in a clear plastic baggie. Have that ready at inspection - no fumbling or bumbling about. Explain that you have 'high speed film' in the bag and request a hand inspection, using your best smile and ingratiating butt kiss. If they deny you, shrug it off - the x-ray will not hurt the film to the extent that you'll be able to tell - at least in my experience. Keep expensive camera equipment in your carryon and keep it with you.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
