| In this day in age, it seems as if all individuals have at | | | | While the screening process is safe for most |
| least once piece of electronic equipment with them, | | | | electronic equipment, it isn't for all. There is a chance |
| often at all times. That electronic equipment may | | | | that your film, especially film that has yet to be |
| include a cell phone, a beeper, a laptop, or a personal | | | | developed, could be ruined by the x-ray machines. In |
| data assistant, commonly known as a PDA. If you are | | | | the event that you are storing a camera in your |
| one of the individuals that regularly travels around with | | | | carryon luggage, you will need to notify airport security. |
| one or more of these electronic items, there is a good | | | | They have alternative ways of checking your camera |
| chance that you will be taking them with you when | | | | or film equipment. Other recording devices, such as |
| you board an airplane. If so, there is a chance that you | | | | digital cameras or camcorders, are also permitted |
| may be concerned with whether or not they are a | | | | aboard an airplane, even in your carryon luggage. It is |
| violation of air travel rules. | | | | safe for these items to go through the x-ray screening |
| When it comes to determining which electronics are | | | | process. |
| prohibited aboard an airplane, you will find that almost | | | | As previously mentioned, many of the above |
| all are allowed. Despite this allowance, it is still a good | | | | mentioned electronics can either be stored in your |
| idea that you check with your airline or airport, in | | | | carryon luggage or your checked baggage. If you are |
| advance. Since most electronic items are expensive, | | | | able to store the items in your carryon luggage, you |
| you not want to get to the airport only to learn that | | | | are advised to do so. It is no secret that checked |
| you are prohibited from bringing all of your belongings | | | | baggage gets tossed around in a number of different |
| with you, especially something as expensive as most | | | | fashions. With expensive electronic equipment, your |
| electronic equipment. | | | | equipment is less likely to suffer damage if you are the |
| As previously mentioned, many individuals keep a cell | | | | one in charge of caring for it. In addition to a reduction |
| phone or pager with them at all times. All cell phones | | | | in damage, most airlines are restricting the use of |
| and pagers are permitted aboard airplanes. In addition | | | | baggage locks. This means that it may be unwise for |
| to being permitted onboard, they are allowed to be | | | | you to store expensive equipment in your checked |
| stored in your carryon luggage. Your cell phone or | | | | baggage, especially if you cannot lock it. Honestly, you |
| pager, like most other electronic equipment, will be | | | | never know who may have access to it. |
| suspect to inspection, if need be. | | | | By keeping the above mentioned information in mind, |
| Laptops and personal data assistants, commonly | | | | you should be able to pack correctly for your next trip, |
| known as PDA's, are also permitted aboard airplanes. | | | | whether or not that trip is a business trip. Although |
| You are also allowed to store them in your carryon | | | | most airlines do not have restrictions on the electronic |
| luggage, if you choose to. If stored in your carryon | | | | equipment that you bring onboard, you will find that the |
| luggage, your laptop or personal data assistant | | | | use of these items is often restricted. A large number |
| machine will need to be scanned along with the rest of | | | | of airlines will only let you power up your camcorder, |
| your carryon luggage. This screening process is safe | | | | cell phone, pager, PDA, or laptop during specified times. |
| and should not hurt your equipment. | | | | Liza Othman manages a travel information web site. |