If in doubt, leave it at home. That`s the travel industry`s advice about video camcorders, laptop computers and even headphone stereos such as a Walkman. Electronic innovations that have enhanced the pleasure of travel may become temporarily taboo.
Because of the threat of terrorism stemming from the war in the Middle East, many airlines and airports around the world have upgraded security measures. These range from closer inspection of portable electronics to prohibition of traveling with them.
Sometimes the world seems powered by batteries. In addition to obviously battery powered items such as camcorders, portable computers and tape players, many other potential traveling companions such as alarm clocks, Nintendo Game Boy, all kinds of cameras and electric shavers also use batteries. But batteries are also essential for bombs. Thus, airport security takes a special interest in battery-powered devices. Smaller, less complex items, such as shavers, usually draw little attention. Large items, such as camcorders and computers (which might conceal explosives) are more carefully examined.
Cameras pose a special problem, since film within the camera could be damaged by X-ray screening. Most, but not all, airports permit hand inspections of cameras. A lead-lined pouch offers some film protection if you`re forced to send your camera (or film) through the X-ray screening.
Reconsider bringing any electronic or electrical equipment when flying to Germany. You probably will be permitted to take them on board when departing the U.S., but you will have to leave them behind when leaving Germany.
You may request to have your property shipped home air freight at your expense after it has been quarantined in a low-pressure chamber for 24 hours. This most strongly impacts passengers flying Lufthansa German Airlines, although it applies to all airlines flying from Germany.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines forbids electronic equipment as a carry-on, but permits packing the equipment in checked luggage, providing the batteries are in a separate suitcase.
This is a radical departure from other airlines, with most banning battery-powered electronics in checked luggage. Airlines became skittish about battery-powered electronics in cargo holds after the destruction of Pan American World Airways Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, was traced to explosives in a ”boom box” in the baggage compartment.
If battery-powered electronics appear when the airline X-rays your checked baggage, your luggage may miss the flight. Hair dryers and AC-operated gadgets usually are permitted.
Airport security varies from country to country. In some countries the government handles security, such as in Germany, and in many others it is the airline`s responsibility.
Mary Rose Loney, first deputy aviation commissioner for the City of Chicago, said that at O`Hare International Airport the responsibility for security is shared by the city, which operates the airport, and the airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration sets the security standards that airlines implement. The FAA certifies security equipment and calibrates and inspects it regularly. It also approves airlines` procedures.
Airline has final say
Thus far, the FAA has not restricted traveling with portable electronics, but recommends they be placed in carry-on luggage, Loney said. Each airline decides what can be carried aboard its aircraft. So if you have concerns about carrying a camcorder or laptop computer, first check with the airline and any connecting airlines.
In North America, United Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada stand by their policies in effect before the war.
A United spokesman said any electronic device previously approved for use in its aircraft remains acceptable.
An American spokesman said that although passengers should be prepared to demonstrate that camcorders and computers are functional, security might be satisfied with an X-ray view.
American`s operations out of Mexico are normal, he reported, and passengers should expect the same security screening as in the U.S., meaning that portable electronics would be allowed aboard.
An Air Canada spokesman said that Canadian airports were operating under the same general principles and that portable electronics were permitted. Loose batteries might be confiscated at some security checkpoints, he said.
Mexicana Airlines reported that it had no firm policy, but passengers were being asked to remove batteries from camcorders and computers and carry them separately.
British Airways, Swissair and Japan Airlines maintain policies similar to those of United and American. Any device deemed safe before the Persian Gulf war will remain usable aboard aircraft until further notice. British Airways and Swissair reserve the right to request that passengers surrender batteries to a crew member.
These airlines report tight security at their home-base airports, but at press time, London, Zurich and Tokyo permit working camcorders and laptops through security.
Stance of Air France
An Air France representative discouraged bringing aboard electronic devices ”in the current state of the world,” but said Air France had no rule against doing so.
Air France said it abided by the actions of airport authorities and governments. If local authorities confiscate a camcorder or computer, Air France accepts no responsibility for reuniting it with its owner on the other side of the Atlantic, the spokesman said.
A representative of Aerop RTS de Paris, which operates the Paris airports, said Aerop had no policy on electronics because security was controlled by the airlines. (I had no difficulty when boarding Sabena with a laptop computer in Paris Feb. 12.)
Scandinavian Airlines System classifies portable electronics under its carry-on luggage rules, which restricts items to less than 11 pounds.
Be sure portable electronics are in good working order, and always travel with charged batteries. If a security agent asks to turn on a camcorder and no picture appears in the viewfinder, be prepared for an unpleasant experience:
Security can ask you to leave the camcorder behind or may request permission to dismantle it.
The same applies to computers. Usually a few seconds of turning on the screen suffices. If you carry an AC-only model, security personnel may offer you an extension cord to the nearest outlet or invite you to a private screening room with an outlet.
To avoid damage to electronic equipment when it goes through X-ray screening, be sure the power is off. The minimal threat to electronics comes not from the X-rays but from the magnetic field generated by the screening device. It is highly unlikely that airport security screening will damage portable electronics.
It is equally unlikely that security screening will damage software, whether tapes or disks. I have passed dozens of tapes and disks repeatedly through airport X-ray machines. If you are worried about losing data, some airports permit hand inspection of software.
Panasonics undamaged
Tony Jasionowski, manager of the Business Engineering Center for Matsushita Electric Co. of America, the parent of Panasonic, said, ”We have never experienced any problems with professional or consumer video products, and our quality assurance department confirms that we have never received a single complaint of damage from airport X-rays.”
Experts at Sony concur, although they recommend for the utmost safety to have tapes and disks hand inspected.
Some airports provide a practical alternative to bringing your own camcorder. Airports in Japan and a few in Europe have rentals available.
Make arrangements with business associates overseas to rent or borrow a computer if necessary, although this won`t help you accomplish much work while flying. Carry floppy disks containing your software.
Some airport lounges, such as United`s Red Carpet Rooms, provide free use of IBM-AT computers. Your travel agent may be able to locate a camcorder or computer rental for you.
As the Air France representative summed up the current travel situation,
”Everything is subject to change.”
