Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with camera film can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to passing through airport security. While some sources claim that traditional X-ray scanners are safe for all but the highest-speed films, others warn that X-rays can damage the film. The new CT scanners, which have been introduced in some airports, emit much stronger rays and are more likely to damage film. To avoid this, travellers are recommended to request a hand check of their film by security personnel, which most airports should allow. However, it's important to note that experiences may vary across different locations and countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can camera film go through airport security? | Yes, but it is recommended to ask for a hand check. |
| How to request a hand check | Remove film from all canisters and packaging and place in a clear ziplock bag. Explain the situation and ask for a hand inspection. |
| Scanners to avoid | CT scanners can damage film. Traditional X-ray scanners are safe for film under 800 ISO. |
| Alternative options | Ask for a hand check at the checkpoint instead of taking film through TSA line. Mail exposed film directly to a photo lab before flying home. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners can damage film
Secondly, the type of X-ray scanner plays a significant role. Traditional X-ray scanners, which use a single beam of radiation, are less likely to harm film compared to newer CT scanners. CT scanners, now being introduced in airports, employ multiple radiation beams to create 3D images, resulting in higher radiation exposure. This increased radiation can fog the film, causing deterioration in image quality, distortion in shadow detail, and general image degradation.
Additionally, checked luggage is exposed to stronger radiation than carry-on luggage, increasing the risk of damage to film. Placing film in protective bags may not always be effective, as security agents may increase the scanner's power to compensate, potentially causing more harm.
To minimise the risk of damage, photographers are advised to request a hand check of their film by security agents. While not all airports or countries may accommodate such requests, many are willing to do so, especially if the film is easily accessible and removed from its packaging.
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CT scanners are more damaging
While airport security is essential, photographers need to be aware of the potential risks when travelling with camera film. Airport scanners, particularly the newer CT scanners, can damage film. CT scanners use ionizing radiation to create cross-sectional images of the contents of luggage. This technology is more powerful than traditional X-ray scanners and can fog or deteriorate image quality on camera film. This is known as "fogging" and can cause distortion in shadow detail and general image degradation.
CT scanners are being increasingly used in airports, particularly in the US. They are more powerful than X-ray scanners and can detect various items that regular X-rays cannot. This includes body structures that may overlap on X-rays, providing a clearer and more precise view. However, this increased power means that CT scanners can fog even lower ISO emulsions of film.
To avoid damage, photographers should ask airport security to hand-check their film. Most airport security staff will be happy to comply with this request. It is also recommended to place film in a transparent ziplock bag, making it easier for security staff to check. Photographers should also be aware that some airport staff may not understand what film is, so it is important to keep an eye on the process and ensure they do not pull the film out of the canister.
While X-ray scanners are generally considered safe for camera film, there are some conflicting opinions. Some sources suggest that X-rays can possibly damage film, while others claim to have flown with film through X-ray scanners without any issues. It is worth noting that the strength of X-rays may have increased after 9/11, and one photographer noted slight fogging on their film after flying through Russia.
In conclusion, photographers travelling with camera film should be aware of the potential risks posed by airport scanners, particularly CT scanners. To ensure the safety of their film, photographers should request a hand check and take precautions such as using a transparent ziplock bag and educating airport staff about handling film.
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Requesting a hand check
Photographic film can be damaged by X-ray machines and the newer CT scanners found in airports. CT scanners, in particular, can cause fogging, defined as 'the deterioration in the quality of the image or the negative caused by extraneous light, other electromagnetic radiation, radioactivity, or the effects of a processing chemical'. For this reason, it is recommended to request a hand check for film when going through airport security.
While some sources claim that film with an ISO speed of 800 or lower is not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, others claim that film with an ISO speed of 400 or lower may be affected. In any case, it is always best to request a hand check for your film when going through airport security.
To request a hand check, first, make sure your film is easily accessible. Take your rolls of film out of their packaging and place them in a transparent ziplock bag. This makes it easier for security to check your film. Then, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly request a manual inspection. In most cases, they will be happy to help, especially at U.S. airports. However, it is important to note that some airports outside the U.S. may be less accommodating to requests for hand checks.
If you are travelling with a film camera, it is recommended to remove the film from the camera before going through airport security. Keeping the film inside the camera may confuse security staff, who may accidentally open the back of the camera and expose the film. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the security staff during the hand check to ensure they do not pull the film out of the canister.
In some cases, airport security may not allow a hand check and insist on sending your film through an X-ray machine. If this happens, you can try explaining that hand checks are recommended by the TSA for film to prevent damage. You can also try asking to speak to a manager or supervisor. However, ultimately, the decision to allow a hand check rests with the airport security staff.
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How to package film for security
When travelling with film, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure it remains undamaged. Here are some tips on how to package your film to navigate security with ease:
Firstly, it is recommended to carry undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage. This way, you can request a hand inspection, which is the safest method to avoid potential damage from X-ray or CT scanners. Most TSA agents are familiar with and accommodating of hand-scanning requests, especially in the US, but it is good to allow extra time for this process.
To facilitate a smooth hand inspection, it is advisable to remove your film from its original packaging and place it in a transparent, clear plastic zip-lock bag. This makes it easier for security personnel to check your film and ensures they can do so quickly. Keep the rolls in their plastic canisters and/or sealed packaging inside the zip-lock bag. Some recommend a “Do Not X-Ray” labelled pouch, which can be purchased specifically for this purpose.
If you are hesitant to remove the film from its packaging, some manufacturers offer lead-lined film bags that claim to protect against X-rays. However, these bags may trigger a secondary inspection as they show up as a large dark blob on security scans. Additionally, lead-lined bags may not protect against the more powerful CT scanners, which are being increasingly deployed in airports and can damage even slower-speed film.
While hand-checking is the best option, if you are unable to do so, films rated at 800 ISO or lower are unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, according to TSA checkpoints. Black and white films, in particular, show little to no noticeable damage.
Lastly, if you have film loaded into a camera, it is recommended to unload it before going through security. Inform security personnel that you have film in your camera, and ensure they do not open the back of the camera during the inspection.
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Mailing exposed film
Firstly, it is recommended to use ground shipping rather than air shipping, as this minimises the risk of damage from x-ray scanning. When using ground shipping, notify the carrier that the shipment contains unprocessed film and request that it not be x-rayed. Reputable film manufacturers will typically guarantee that their film arrives in good condition, and most carriers offer insurance against damaged goods.
If you must use air shipping, contact the carrier's sales office in advance to discuss your shipping needs and request that your package be exempt from x-ray scanning. Some carriers may be willing to accommodate your request, provided they can comply with regulations set by the relevant authorities. Additionally, express air package shipping services such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL may not employ x-ray scanning for domestic routes within the US, but this should be verified with the carrier.
When preparing exposed film for mailing, package it carefully to ensure its safety during transit. Use a padded shipping envelope to protect the film from physical damage, and clearly label the package with your recipient's address and your return address. You may also need to weigh the package to determine the correct postage cost.
Finally, be aware of any potential issues that may arise during shipping. For example, customs may open packages containing film, which could be a problem if you are mailing film internationally. Additionally, some carriers may not keep film chilled during transit, which could affect its quality. Overall, while mailing exposed film may be a safer option than carrying it through airport security, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your film arrives safely and securely.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, camera film can go through airport security. However, it is recommended to ask for a hand check to avoid damage from CT scanners.
Remove the film from its packaging and place it in a clear plastic or ziplock bag. Then, inform the security personnel that you are carrying photographic film and kindly request a hand inspection.
Traditional X-ray scanners are safe for film with an ISO of below 800. Film with an ISO of 800 or above may be affected by the X-rays.
