Lois Larson
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to airport security. While modern scanners used for hand baggage are generally considered safe for film, CT scanners can cause fogging and image degradation. To avoid any risk of fogging unprocessed film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection at the airport security checkpoint. However, regulations and inspections vary by country, and some international airports may not honour this request. To increase the chances of a hand inspection, it is advised to place the film in a transparent bag and clearly communicate your request to security personnel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can 35mm film go through airport security? | Yes, but it is recommended to be kept in carry-on luggage and not checked luggage. |
| X-ray damage | X-ray machines can damage film, especially CT scanners. ISO 400 film or below is generally considered safe to go through an X-ray machine. |
| Hand inspection | It is recommended to request a hand inspection of the film to avoid X-ray damage. Most airports will accommodate this request, but some may not. |
| Storage | Film should be stored in a transparent bag for easy inspection. |
| Communication | It is important to communicate with security personnel about the need to hand-check the film. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scans can fog and damage 35mm film
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US states that film less than 800 ISO can typically go through X-ray machines for carry-ons without issue. However, higher-speed films, such as those with 800 ISO or above, are more susceptible to damage. One photographer who conducted an experiment found that just one scan of Portra 400 film showed significant fogging and a loss of detail in the shadows.
CT scanners, which are now being used for carry-on bags in some airports, can also cause fogging and image degradation. This type of scanner is already commonly used for checked luggage, and Kodak Alaris and Eastman Kodak have warned photographers never to check their film but instead to carry it on and request a hand check.
To ensure a smooth process when requesting a hand inspection, it is recommended to place your film in a transparent bag, separate from your other carry-on items, and to communicate your request to security staff as early as possible. Some photographers also recommend travelling with a lead-lined bag to protect your film from radiation, although this may no longer be recommended as it can prompt security operators to increase the power of the X-ray machine.
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CT scanners can cause significant fogging
CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in U.S. airports. While modern scanners are generally safe for film, CT scanners are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines. As a result, CT scanners can cause serious damage to unprocessed film.
CT scanning technology has been used for checked luggage for many years, and Kodak Alaris and Eastman Kodak have warned photographers not to check their film. Instead, they recommend carrying film on one's person and requesting a hand check by TSA agents at security.
One photographer conducted an experiment to test the effects of CT scanners on film. They put a small quantity of Portra 400/135 through a CT scanner one to ten times. The film was then evaluated at Eastman Kodak Research facilities. The results showed significant film fogging, leading to smoky blacks and a loss of shadow detail. There was also noticeable distortion in the shadow detail and general image degradation.
Another photographer tested their film after it had been through a CT scanner. They found that the film had clear signs of base fog, with the orange base appearing significantly darker. There was also noticeable colour shifting and an increase in grain.
To avoid fogging and other damage to your film, it is recommended to request a hand check by TSA agents at security. Place your film in a transparent bag so that it can be easily visually inspected. You can also purchase film bags with X-ray protection built-in, such as the Reto X-Protec film bag. If you plan to hand-carry undeveloped film on an international flight, contact the airport security office in advance to request a manual inspection.
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ISO 400 film is generally safe through X-ray
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience, especially when you consider the potential impact of airport security X-ray scanners on your film. However, ISO 400 film is generally safe through X-ray machines, and you can take several precautions to ensure your film remains undamaged.
Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of scanners and their potential effects on film. Modern carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. However, CT scanners, which are becoming more common in airports, use higher energy levels and can cause significant damage to film, even at ISO 400.
To protect your film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection. Most airport security staff are accommodating of such requests and will visually inspect your film without exposing it to X-rays. To facilitate this process, it is advisable to remove your film from its packaging and place it in a clear plastic bag, making it easily accessible for inspection. Additionally, you can use a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch or label your bag with a similar message to ensure your film is not accidentally scanned.
While ISO 400 film is generally safe through a single X-ray scan, the effect can be cumulative. If you have multiple stopovers or travel through third-world countries, consider requesting hand inspections at each checkpoint to minimize the risk of damage.
Furthermore, avoid placing your film in checked baggage, as the scanners used for these bags have higher power levels and can cause irreversible damage to your film.
By following these precautions, you can confidently travel with your ISO 400 film, ensuring it remains safe from X-ray damage.
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Request a hand inspection for undeveloped film
When travelling with undeveloped film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection to avoid potential damage from X-ray or CT scanners. While modern scanners used for carry-on baggage are generally considered safe for slower films, multiple scans or more powerful scanners can cause fogging and image degradation, especially for faster films.
To request a hand inspection, it is advisable to contact the airport security office beforehand or discuss your request immediately before the security screening. Keep your undeveloped film easily accessible, preferably in a clear plastic bag, and inform the security personnel that you would like it to be hand-inspected. Most airport security staff are accustomed to such requests and will accommodate them. However, it is important to remain patient and polite, as their primary responsibility is security.
Additionally, consider taking precautions such as using a lead-lined bag or a specialised film case with X-ray warning indicators. You can also mark your bag with a message like "Film: Do Not X-Ray" to ensure your film is not inadvertently scanned. While hand inspections are allowed in some countries, policies may vary, and non-U.S. airports may not honour such requests. Therefore, it is always a good idea to be prepared for alternative arrangements.
Overall, by requesting a hand inspection, storing your film in a clear and accessible manner, and communicating politely with security personnel, you can help ensure the safety of your undeveloped film during airport security checks.
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Use a transparent bag for visual inspection
If you're planning to travel with undeveloped 35mm film, it's important to take precautions to ensure it isn't damaged by airport security scanners. While modern scanners are generally considered safe for film, CT scanners, which are increasingly common in U.S. airports, can cause significant damage to unprocessed film.
To avoid potential issues, it is recommended to use a transparent bag for visual inspection. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
- Use a clear plastic bag: Place your undeveloped 35mm film in a clear plastic bag, such as a ziplock bag. This allows for easy visual inspection by airport security staff. Make sure the bag is transparent, as opaque bags may need to be opened for inspection, which can be inconvenient.
- Label the bag: Clearly label the bag with a message such as "Film: Do Not X-Ray" or "Do Not X-Ray Film." This helps communicate your request to airport security staff and ensures your film isn't accidentally exposed to X-rays.
- Keep it accessible: Store the transparent bag with your film in an easily accessible location, such as a side pocket of your carry-on luggage. This allows for quick removal during security checks and makes the process smoother for both you and the security staff.
- Request a hand inspection: In addition to using a transparent bag, it is highly recommended to request a hand inspection or manual inspection of your film. This can be done by informing a TSA agent that you are carrying undeveloped film and would like it to be inspected by hand. In most cases, especially at U.S. airports, security staff are accommodating of such requests.
- Be prepared: Remove your film from its original packaging and canisters ahead of time and place it in the transparent bag. This simplifies the inspection process and reduces handling, which can cause delays. It also ensures that security staff can easily identify the film without having to open canisters.
- Consider alternatives: If you're concerned about potential damage, consider using film mailers or pouches specifically designed for transporting film. These pouches, such as the Darkroom Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch, are clearly labelled and more durable than ziplock bags. Alternatively, you can look into mailing your exposed film directly to a photo lab before your trip to avoid carrying it through airport security.
By following these instructions and using a transparent bag for visual inspection, you can help ensure the safety of your undeveloped 35mm film when travelling through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of scanners being used. Modern scanners used for hand baggage these days don't tend to cause problems for film. However, CT scanners can cause fogging and other issues. It is recommended to always request a hand inspection to avoid any risk of damage.
Place your film in a transparent bag and make it easily accessible. Some sources suggest writing "FILM: DO NOT X-RAY" on the bag. Discuss your hand-inspection request with the security personnel immediately before you go through screening. Most airport security will happily hand-check your film.
Yes, you can purchase a film bag with an X-ray protection layer stitched into the design. Alternatively, you can use a lead-lined bag, although these are no longer recommended as the x-ray operator may increase the power of the machine if they can't see the items inside.
