Airport scanning systems are more comprehensive than ever this year, which may have a direct impact on photographers carrying cameras and other digital media equipment.

Although the ban on carrying lithium batteries and other flammable technology products in checked luggage has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2008, the International Imaging Industry Association says that this year these rules will be more strictly enforced.

Digital cameras, camera phones and DVD players, on the other hand, may be checked or stored in carry-on baggage. As always, the I3A recommends that low-speed or unexposed film not be checked or sent through any scanning equipment.