GadGetZzz

I am flying out Wednesday and was wondering if airport security equipment will damage any of my digital camera equipment (batteries, memory card)?

Everything will be okay if you keep it with you. The x-ray machine won't damage anything. But you aren't supposed to pack cameras, discs, film, etc., in your checked luggage - presumably, checked baggage is screened by stronger equipment.

2007-07-15 13:59:21 by cricket

Check out this poor guy getting a security check at the airport, while promoting Echo outdoor power equipment

Airlines lobby for system to speed airport security Biometrics uses scans of iris and fingerprints
By Carly WeeksOTTAWA — A coalition of Cana­dian airlines and airports is putting pressure on Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon to adopt a biometric travel screening program that would allow passengers to “fast track” through airport security and avoid hassles like taking off their shoes, coats and removing laptops from their cases before boarding planes. The voluntary program, which is currently in place at several major U.S. airports, relies on iris and fin­gerprint scans to identify passengers and quickly move them through air­port security. The biometric screen­ing system is seen as a way to significantly reduce line-ups and other delays that have become a major has­sle for passengers, particularly those who travel frequently, according to the coalition, which includes Air Cana­da, WestJet, as well as the Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton airport authorities. “It’s just another service to passen­gers,” said Scott Armstrong, spokesman for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Obviously, peo­ple are always looking for ways to make the whole airport process quick­er.” Although some Canadian airports have expressed interest in the biomet­ric screening, the federal government has to approve such a program before it can be up and running in Canada. That’s because Transport Canada would have to conduct the background checks on interested applicants, and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority employees would likely be responsible for helping passengers with biometric cards at the airport.

When passengers are approved for the program, they receive a card that comes equipped with a microchip con­taining their biometric data that they must bring to the airport and scan on a machine, similar to a bank machine. Passengers with biometric cards would be able to wait in separate lines that have specialized security equipment, enabling them to pass through security checkpoints quickly and easily.
Adopting such a system, also known as a registered traveller program, “would enhance aviation security while improving the passengers’ experience in the airport,” says a letter sent to Can­non’s office last month by the group of Canadian airlines and airports.
The group argues the federal gov­ernment wouldn’t have to spend any money on the screening program, because it would be paid for by the pri­vate sector. Furthermore, any Cana­dians that wanted to use a biometric screening card would have to pay for the service.
There is currently one company, called Clear, which operates the bio­metric screening program for about 45,000 passengers in the U.S. Although the GTAA has already signed an agreement with Clear for a similar program here, nothing can move for­ward until the federal government decides whether or not to approve it.
A spokeswoman for Cannon’s office as well as CATSA said the federal gov­ernment is currently reviewing the program to see if it can be imple­mented here.
— CanW est News Ser vice

I would give an opinion, but it might be taken the wrong way and some poor soul might get an attorney to lead a trail to the pocket, so; Sorry, no more free opinions on the issue.

2007-05-22 13:56:36 by angel

Price: $495.00 $495.00

Does anyone else think that airport security in the US is sorta out of control. I mean we have all this equipment and stuff but people still get by ex. that guy last week who just walked through security and now they cannot find him. I was flying last week and I noticed they let people take skateboards with them... past security. Isn't that just as bad a knife?
well mallie or w.e your name is. I skateboard would hurt... a lot like a knife. Whenever I got on a tourny of field hockey I am not allowed to bring a field hockey stick on board with me and you would call that recreational equipment

I know what you mean. That guy walkd passed security in Charlotte, N.C. and I'll be flying out of there on Sunday. I really wish they'd get their act together. When I fly I'm with my family and I'm trusting the airlines with our lives.

2007-08-11 14:30:09 by Dory

Price: $325.00 $325.00

Airlines lobby for system to speed airport security Biometrics uses scans of iris and fingerprints
By Carly WeeksOTTAWA — A coalition of Cana­dian airlines and airports is putting pressure on Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon to adopt a biometric travel screening program that would allow passengers to “fast track” through airport security and avoid hassles like taking off their shoes, coats and removing laptops from their cases before boarding planes. The voluntary program, which is currently in place at several major U.S. airports, relies on iris and fin­gerprint scans to identify passengers and quickly move them through air­port security. The biometric screen­ing system is seen as a way to significantly reduce line-ups and other delays that have become a major has­sle for passengers, particularly those who travel frequently, according to the coalition, which includes Air Cana­da, WestJet, as well as the Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton airport authorities. “It’s just another service to passen­gers,” said Scott Armstrong, spokesman for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Obviously, peo­ple are always looking for ways to make the whole airport process quick­er.” Although some Canadian airports have expressed interest in the biomet­ric screening, the federal government has to approve such a program before it can be up and running in Canada. That’s because Transport Canada would have to conduct the background checks on interested applicants, and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority employees would likely be responsible for helping passengers with biometric cards at the airport.
When passengers are approved for the program, they receive a card that comes equipped with a microchip con­taining their biometric data that they must bring to the airport and scan on a machine, similar to a bank machine. Passengers with biometric cards would be able to wait in separate lines that have specialized security equipment, enabling them to pass through security checkpoints quickly and easily.
Adopting such a system, also known as a registered traveller program, “would enhance aviation security while improving the passengers’ experience in the airport,” says a letter sent to Can­non’s office last month by the group of Canadian airlines and airports.
The group argues the federal gov­ernment wouldn’t have to spend any money on the screening program, because it would be paid for by the pri­vate sector. Furthermore, any Cana­dians that wanted to use a biometric screening card would have to pay for the service.
There is currently one company, called Clear, which operates the bio­metric screening program for about 45,000 passengers in the U.S. Although the GTAA has already signed an agreement with Clear for a similar program here, nothing can move for­ward until the federal government decides whether or not to approve it.
A spokeswoman for Cannon’s office as well as CATSA said the federal gov­ernment is currently reviewing the program to see if it can be imple­mented here.
— CanW est News Ser vice

I think it is an option as the US already has some type of program in place that if frequent travelers are willing to pay some fee and pass a background check, they can clear security at a faster rate than others and do not have to take off their shoes, etc.

My opinion is that the passengers that do go with the program should probably have their background checked every year just to make sure they are clean.

2007-05-22 13:03:48 by angel

I have heard horror stories of sensitive electronic equipment such as laptops, iPods, and GPS units being destroyed or becoming permanently damaged by the powerful x-ray machines used at airport security stations.

Is it possible to have the security attendant on duty hand-inspect some of my electronics instead of running them threw the x-ray machine?

Would they have any objections to it?

ive never heard of that but i see how an x ray could destroy an ipod. the problem is something could be concealed inside of it. it could also be a prop to disguise what it really is (bomb detonaiter, etc). immediately after they scan your stuff turn it on the make sure its working. if anything isnt, go to TSA and mention it and maybe you can get compensation. the last thing you want to do though is cause a commotion and demand ur stuff be checked seperately from everyone else's waiting in line...that could cause problems

2007-06-24 22:45:22 by Justin P

"Digital media are affected by magnetic devices, not x-rays. Airports signs warn about x-ray damage to film - not digital equipment. Some believe you should avoid the powerful magnets in the drive motors of conveyor belts. They recommend placing your camera as far away from the beginning of belt as possible."

I read this online and can somebody verify whether this is true. Also, what is the safest way to get my camera undamaged through the security checks?
I have a canon A640 if that means anything.

I have been traveling for a few years and I have never had any damage done to my digital equipment by magnets or x-rays at the airports.

Film wise, I always have it hand inspected especially exposed film

2007-07-26 18:54:32 by eivuwan