Ruth Haines
Many travellers worry about their electronic devices potentially being damaged by airport security scanners. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that airport X-ray machines and other screening equipment do not create magnetic pulses that could harm digital equipment, some travellers have reported issues with their electronics post-screening. It is important to note that travellers can request a hand inspection of their devices instead of X-ray screening if they are concerned about potential damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport security damage electronics? | X-ray machines and other screening equipment do not create a magnetic pulse that could harm digital equipment. |
| Metal detectors may damage electronics. | |
| Undeveloped film with an ASA/ISO of 800 or higher may be damaged by X-ray machines. | |
| What to do if your electronics are damaged by airport security | Take pictures of broken equipment, save repair receipts, and keep your tickets. |
| File a claim with the TSA. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners are not likely to damage electronics
While some travellers have claimed that their electronic devices were damaged by airport security, X-ray scanners are not likely to be the cause. This is because X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light, but with a shorter wavelength and a higher frequency. While X-rays can be used to create images, they do not leave any lingering residue.
Additionally, electronics are not made of biological tissue and do not contain DNA, so they are not affected by X-rays in the same way that biological tissue is. In fact, electronic devices are impervious to all forms of light, including X-rays. The only potential issue with X-ray scanners and electronics could be with magnetic data storage devices, such as hard drives and floppy disks, which use mechanical arms to read and write data. However, these devices are not typically damaged by X-rays, but by magnets.
While it is recommended that travellers remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, from their carry-on bags for X-ray screening, this is because these devices are dense with materials and can obscure other items in the bag. Mobile phones can remain in carry-on bags as they are small and do not use any photosensitive materials in their construction, so they won't be damaged by X-rays.
It is important to note that while X-ray scanners are generally safe for electronic devices, travellers should be cautious about putting undeveloped film in their checked baggage, as the higher-energy X-rays can pass through the plastic film container and ruin the images. However, this is usually only a concern for very high-speed or particularly photosensitive film.
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Metal detectors may damage electronics
It is unlikely that metal detectors will damage your electronics. They are typically looking for electric or magnetic field disturbances and are thus largely passive other than the very small detection field emitted. Metal detectors are very weak and are no different from those found in malls or other places. The fields they emit are comparable to or weaker than those emitted by things like lighting ballasts.
However, there is a chance, albeit small, that metal detectors may damage electronics. For example, if you were to run through a metal detector at high speed with a high-gain, low-frequency antenna hooked up to a sensitive receiver, you might cause some damage. Additionally, some people have claimed that their electronics were damaged by airport security. One person claimed that their Kindle was damaged by airport security, and another person claimed that their brand new Galaxy S3 stopped working after going through airport security.
If you are concerned about potential damage to your electronics from metal detectors, you can take some precautions. Many airports require you to remove all electronics from your bags before passing through metal detectors so that they can be X-rayed. This is done to ensure that the electronics are not damaged by the metal detectors and to allow for proper X-ray screening. It is recommended that you follow these instructions and remove all electronics from your bags before passing through metal detectors.
If your electronics are damaged during the screening process, you may be able to file a claim with the TSA or the relevant airport authority. It is important to note that locks on checked baggage may also need to be removed or cut during inspection, so choosing a lock that can be opened by TSA officers may be advisable.
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The TSA will not reimburse for damaged electronics
While the TSA does outline a procedure for filing claims for damaged property, it is notoriously difficult to receive reimbursement for damaged electronics. An analysis of seven years of lost or damaged item claims filed at the US's 15 busiest airports found that the TSA is far more likely to reject travelers' reimbursement requests than to pay out. Critics say the TSA takes an overly harsh approach, often claiming it can't find evidence that it was responsible for the loss or damage.
If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with the TSA. However, you must provide proof of the loss or damage, the cost, and the TSA's negligence. The TSA claims that it only denies claims "when the evidence does not support a finding that TSA was responsible for the loss or damage."
While X-ray scanners are not known to damage electronic devices, metal detectors may. It is recommended that personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone be removed from carry-on bags and placed into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. Common examples of these devices include laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles.
If your electronics are damaged during transport to the plane or at baggage claim, the TSA will not reimburse you, and you will need to contact your airline. Airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing passengers for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline's control. However, airlines are not responsible for pre-existing damage to bags or damage caused by improper packing. When the damage to a bag cannot be repaired, airlines will negotiate a compensation amount based on the value of the bag and its depreciation.
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Undeveloped film can be damaged by scanners
It is important to note that X-ray scanners and CT scanners are two different types of scanners. X-ray scanners are typically used for carry-on luggage, while CT scanners are used for checked luggage.
X-ray scanners emit radiation in one direction to create a 2D image, and they usually do not harm undeveloped film under ISO 800. However, there is a chance that the X-ray technician may increase the power for a better look, which can damage the film.
On the other hand, CT scanners use a rotating source of X-rays to create a 3D image and are much more powerful than X-ray scanners. CT scanners can cause serious damage to undeveloped film, even with a single pass. The higher the ISO of the film, the more likely it is to be damaged by the CT scanner.
To avoid potential damage to your undeveloped film, it is recommended to request a hand check by a TSA agent. Most agents are accommodating, especially if you have your film easily accessible in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. However, it is important to note that not all security personnel will agree to a hand inspection. Additionally, it is advised not to put film in checked baggage, as it will be subjected to the more powerful CT scanners.
While lead-lined bags can protect films from standard X-ray scanners, they are ineffective against CT scanners. Furthermore, TSA officers may ask you to remove the lead bag for inspection due to security concerns.
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How to prevent damage to electronics during security checks
Although airport X-ray machines are not known to cause any significant damage to electronic devices, it is still possible for your electronics to be damaged during security checks. Here are some ways to prevent this from happening:
Use TSA-approved bags
Use checkpoint-friendly laptop bags or TSA-approved bags with special laptop compartments that prevent laptops from interfering with other items in your luggage. This way, you won't have to remove your laptop for separate screening, reducing the risk of damage or loss.
Separate valuables
If you're travelling with a companion, have one person go through the body scanner and metal detector first, while the other waits behind with all the valuables. This way, the first person can keep an eye on the electronics as they go through the scanner and ensure they're not forgotten or mishandled.
Place electronics in their own bins
When removing electronics from your bag, place them in their own bins during screening. This makes it easier for TSA agents to screen your items and reduces the likelihood of damage from other items being placed on top of your devices.
Request a hand inspection
If you're concerned about putting your electronics through the X-ray machine, you can request a hand inspection. This is especially recommended if you have undeveloped film, as X-rays can damage certain types of film with an ASA/ISO of 800 or higher. Keep in mind that smaller airports or international airports may use different equipment, so it's best to ask for a hand inspection if you're unsure.
Be cautious with metal detectors
While X-rays are generally safe for electronics, metal detectors can potentially damage them. Ensure you don't have any electronic devices on your person when passing through metal detectors to avoid any potential issues.
If your electronics are damaged during the screening process, you may be able to file a claim with the TSA or your airline, depending on where the damage occurred. It is recommended to take pictures of any broken equipment, save repair receipts, and keep your travel tickets to support your claim.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport X-ray scanners are not known to cause any significant damage to electronic devices. However, metal detectors may damage electronics if they are not removed from pockets before walking through.
If your electronics are damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with the TSA. Take pictures of the broken equipment, save repair receipts, and keep your tickets to support your claim.
To prevent damage to your electronics, avoid putting them in checked baggage as they are highly likely to be broken during loading and offloading. Instead, keep your electronics in a carry-on bag and place them in their own bins during the screening process.
Yes, airport security scanners use X-rays that can pass through plastic film containers and potentially ruin undeveloped film. It is recommended to keep film in your carry-on bag and request a hand inspection prior to screening.
