Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

32
CHAPTER 2 . PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO LAS VEGAS
or laptop bag. Carry-on hoarders can
stuff all sorts of things into a laptop
bag; as long as it has a laptop in it, it’s
still considered a personal item. The
Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) has issued a list of
restricted items; check its website
(www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp) for
details.
In 2003 the TSA will be phasing out
gate check-in at all U.S. airports. Passengers
with e-tickets and without
checked bags can still beat the ticketcounter
lines by using electronic
kiosks or even online check-in. Ask
your airline which alternatives are available,
and if you’re using a kiosk, bring
the credit card you used to book the
ticket. If you’re checking bags, you will
still be able to use most airlines’ kiosks;
again call your airline for up-to-date
information. Curbside check-in is also
a good way to avoid lines, although a
few airlines still ban curbside check-in
entirely; call before you go.
At press time, the TSA is also recommending
that you not lock your
checked luggage so screeners can
search it by hand if necessary. The
agency says to use plastic “zip ties”
instead, which can be bought at hardware
stores and can be easily cut off.
FLYING FOR LESS: TIPS
FOR GETTING THE BEST
AIRFARE
Passengers sharing the same airplane
cabin rarely pay the same fare. Travelers
who need to purchase tickets at the
last minute, change their itinerary at a
moment’s notice, or fly one-way often
get stuck paying the premium rate.
Here are some ways to keep your airfare
costs down:
Flying with Film & Video
Never pack film—developed or undeveloped—in checked bags, as the
new, more powerful scanners in U.S. airports can fog film. The film you
carry with you can be damaged by scanners as well. X-ray damage is
cumulative; the slower the film, and the more times you put it through
a scanner, the more likely the damage. Film under 800 ASA is usually
safe for up to five scans. If you’re taking your film through additional
scans, U.S. regulations permit you to demand hand inspections. Keep
in mind that airports are not the only places where your camera may
be scanned: Highly trafficked attractions are X-raying visitors’ bags
with increasing frequency.
Most photo supply stores sell protective pouches designed to block
damaging X-rays. The pouches fit both film and loaded cameras. They
should protect your film in checked baggage, but they also may raise
alarms and result in a hand inspection.
An organization called Film Safety for Traveling on Planes (FSTOP;
& 888/301-2665; www.f-stop.org), can provide additional tips for traveling
with film and equipment.
Carry-on scanners will not damage videotape in video cameras, but
the magnetic fields emitted by the walk-through security gateways
and handheld inspection wands will. Always place your loaded camcorder
on the screening conveyor belt or have it hand-inspected. Be
sure your batteries are charged, as you will probably be required to
turn the device on to ensure that it’s what it appears to be.