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Air Travel Security Regulations
As the result of ongoing discussions with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), ASMP provides the following information.
In regard to locked bags:
- Equipment cases may be locked.
- When you arrive at the airline’s ticket counter to check your bags, you will be asked if your bags are locked. When you answer “Yes” you will be handed a TSA notice requesting that for security reasons you unlock your bags.
- Ask for a TSA supervisor or air carrier supervisor and identify yourself through your business card and ASMP membership card as a working professional photographer. Let them know that your cases are locked, however, give them your name and cell phone number in the event that the cases need to be opened. Also, make sure that your Passenger Name Record includes a notation of your professional status and that you are available to open the cases for inspection.
- Place a sticker on your cases with your name and cell phone number indicating that you are available to unlock the cases.
- Place a notice inside each case indicating that the contents represent sensitive professional equipment and that you would appreciate all care with inspection and repacking.
- TSA does not want to damage your cases, however they may want to inspect the contents. Be patient, be polite, and be professional.
In regard to inspection of film:
- Do not place unprocessed film in checked baggage.
- Ask for hand inspection.
- Carry a copy of TSA policy statement located at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1248.shtm
- Carry your ASMP membership card and business card.
- If refused hand inspection, ask for a TSA supervisor.
- Be patient, be polite, and be professional.
TSA was very responsive to the issues surrounding our membership. TSA has requested that in the event of a “horror story”, the information be given to ASMP for forwarding to TSA. Please send information to Mopsik@asmp.org.