Taking Items Onboard a Flight

X-ray machines at Wien-Schwechat are film safe, although you can insist on a hand inspection for cameras if necessary. It’s not even necessary to buy film before you go, as recognised brands such as Kodak, Agfa and Fuji are widely available. If you’re taking a camcorder with you, think about buying a spare battery and don’t forget to pack your battery charger. For those with digital cameras, be assured that Flash memory cards are not susceptible to problems from magnetic fields i.e. airport metal detectors. Moreover, as they’re quite happy being put through X-ray machines, you can quite safely check your camera (and memory cards) through an airport without damage.

If you plan to take a PC notebook onto a flight, international safety regulations mean you won’t be able to use it during takeoff and landing. More generally, if you’re from a non-Schengen/EU country you may have to prove to customs that cameras, computers, camcorders and pocket TVs are for holiday or business use and have not been imported into Austria for the purpose of resale (see also customs allowances). In practice, however, you’re unlikely to be asked.

Also remember that for any 35 mm film lost or damaged during developing, laboratories are only obliged to replace it with another of the same value. You won’t be compensated for the commercial or sentimental value of photographs. Our advice is to ask about separate insurance for important films such as those from weddings, birthdays etc.