Owais Crawford
Travelling with photographs and undeveloped film can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to airport security. X-ray machines can damage undeveloped film, causing washed-out, foggy photos with a pinkish hue. However, this only applies to film before it is developed. Once developed, X-rays will not cause any problems. To avoid this, travellers can request a hand check, although some security staff may be reluctant to oblige.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| X-ray impact on developed Polaroid film | No damage |
| X-ray impact on undeveloped Polaroid film | Potential damage, resulting in foggy photos with a reddish/pink tint |
| Recommended course of action | Keep film in carry-on baggage and request a hand check |
| X-ray impact on film in checked baggage | Likely to be affected due to higher-energy X-rays |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners can damage undeveloped film
Film speed, also known as ISO, is a measure of the film's sensitivity to light. Higher ISO films are more sensitive and more susceptible to damage from X-rays. According to official guidelines, films rated at or above ISO 800 may be damaged by X-ray scanning. However, some sources suggest that even films with an ISO of 800 or lower can be affected, especially with multiple exposures to X-rays. Additionally, different types of film react differently to X-rays. Color film, for example, often exhibits greenish hues when exposed to X-ray radiation, while black and white film may show less noticeable damage.
The type of X-ray machine also plays a role in the potential damage to undeveloped film. Traditional carry-on X-ray scanners used in airport security checkpoints typically use lower levels of radiation and are less likely to harm film under 800 ISO. However, new CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in airports, use higher doses of radiation and can damage film of any speed with a single pass. These CT scanners are also found in checked baggage screening, where they use even higher-powered X-rays that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to undeveloped film.
To avoid the risk of damaging your undeveloped film, it is recommended to keep it in your carry-on luggage and request a hand check by a security agent. Most airports accommodate such requests, especially if the film is easily accessible and removed from its packaging. Placing the film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch can also help communicate your request to the security personnel.
While some photographers have reported no issues with their film after passing it through X-ray scanners, it is always best to play it safe. The damage caused by X-rays can vary, ranging from foggy or grainy images to complete ruination of the film. By taking precautions and opting for hand checks, you can ensure your undeveloped film remains undamaged and ready for use.
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Developed film is safe from X-rays
X-ray scanners at airport security can affect undeveloped film, causing foggy, washed-out photos with a reddish or pinkish hue. However, this is not an issue for developed film. In fact, exposed film is totally fine to go through X-ray scanners, so you can put it in either your carry-on or checked luggage.
While developed film is safe from X-rays, it's worth noting that some airports have started installing new scanners that use a higher dose of radiation. These scanners can affect both undeveloped and developed film, causing a loss of sharpness and an increase in graininess. The film will also have a colour cast—typically pinkish, but sometimes greenish.
If you're concerned about potential damage to your developed film, you can always request a hand check. While some airports will make you put your film through the scanner, others will allow a manual inspection of photographic equipment and film. It's a good idea to reach out to the airport's customer service team in advance to find out their policy on hand checks and how to best protect your film.
Overall, while developed film is generally safe from X-rays, it's always a good idea to take precautions to protect your photos.
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Requesting a hand check
X-ray machines can affect Polaroid film, causing washed-out, foggy photos with a pinkish hue. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and request a hand check to avoid the X-ray machine.
While some sources claim that film rated at 800 ISO or lower may not be affected by standard X-ray machines, it is always best to play it safe and request a hand check. This is especially true if you are travelling with film that is above 800 ISO, as it is more likely to be affected by the X-rays.
To request a hand check, simply let the TSA agent know that you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. In the United States, TSA agents are usually accommodating with these requests. However, some travellers have reported that airport staff in other countries, such as the UK, have been less willing to perform hand checks. It is important to note that, according to one source, refusing a hand check for film is against TSA policy. If you encounter resistance, you can politely insist on a hand check or reach out to the TSA or transportation agencies to file a complaint.
To make the process smoother, it is recommended to have your film easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. This allows TSA agents to perform the hand check without having to search through your belongings. Additionally, keeping your film in a lead bag can also help protect it from X-ray damage if, for some reason, you are unable to obtain a hand check.
Finally, it is worth noting that exposed film is generally considered safe to go through X-ray machines. So, if you have already taken photos with your Polaroid camera and are only travelling with developed film, you don't need to worry about requesting a hand check.
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Carry-on vs checked luggage
Travelling with Polaroid film can be tricky, as X-ray machines at airport security can affect undeveloped film. While some sources claim that X-rays only affect film with an ISO above 800, causing a reddish/pink tint, others state that the new X-ray scanners installed in certain airports since 2019 can damage film with an ISO below 1000. To be safe, it is recommended to keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage and ask for a hand check by a security team member to avoid X-ray machines altogether.
Now, when it comes to carry-on vs checked luggage, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the length and nature of your journey. If you're taking a short trip, a carry-on bag may suffice, whereas a longer trip might require the extra space of a checked bag. Secondly, consider your packing tendencies. If you tend to pack light, a carry-on might be ideal, but if you prefer having extra options or need special gear, a checked bag could be necessary. Thirdly, think about the logistics of your journey. If you're navigating narrow streets or using multiple modes of transportation, a smaller carry-on might be easier to manage.
Another factor is the time and convenience of your travel experience. With a carry-on, you can save time by not having to check your bag or wait for it at baggage claim. However, carrying a bag throughout your airport experience and flight can be cumbersome. Checked luggage allows you to travel lighter, but you'll have to wait for your bag at your destination, and there's a small chance of it being lost or delayed. Additionally, checked bags can incur extra fees, especially if they exceed weight or size limits. Most airlines have specific weight and dimension restrictions for checked bags, typically allowing weights up to 50 pounds and dimensions up to 62 inches.
It's also important to consider the contents of your luggage. Carry-on bags are ideal for valuables as they remain with you throughout the journey. However, there are restrictions on what can be packed in a carry-on, such as limits on liquids and prohibitions on certain items like large scissors. Checked bags can accommodate items that are not allowed in carry-ons, but they may be subject to additional security measures.
Ultimately, the decision between carry-on and checked luggage depends on your personal preferences, the nature of your trip, and your packing needs. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's essential to weigh your priorities and plan accordingly.
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Different airport X-ray machines
Polaroid film is sensitive to radiation, and exposure to X-rays can cause it to develop a reddish or pinkish tint. This is due to the radiation zapping saturation from undeveloped instant film, resulting in washed-out, foggy photos. While some sources claim that X-ray scanners in certain airports may damage film, others assert that all modern carry-on X-ray systems are considered film-safe. The discrepancy may lie in the varying X-ray machines and security measures employed across different airports.
Here's an overview of the different types of airport X-ray machines:
Backscatter X-ray Machines
Backscatter X-ray machines are used for both luggage screening and full-body scanning. These machines use ionizing radiation to create images of what is inside luggage and detect hidden objects, such as weapons or explosives, on passengers' bodies. Backscatter machines operate with very low-energy X-rays that are reflected back to the machine itself. The amount of radiation from a backscatter machine is equivalent to the cosmic radiation one would typically encounter during two minutes of flight, and the risk of health effects is considered extremely low.
Cabinet X-ray Machines
Cabinet X-ray systems, also known as closed X-ray systems, are used to screen carry-on items and checked luggage. These machines have thick walls, lead curtains, locks, warning lights, and labels to prevent radiation from escaping and ensure safe operation. The FDA has requirements in place to limit passenger and worker exposure to radiation from these machines.
Millimeter Wave Machines
Millimeter-wave scanners are another type of body-scanning technology used at airports. These machines use a specific energy range of 30-300 GHz, which can penetrate a tiny thickness of matter before bouncing off or being absorbed by the surface of the skin. The waves can pass through most clothing but then bounce off, creating an image that allows for the detection of hidden objects. The health risks associated with millimeter-wave machines are also considered very low, and passengers concerned about radiation exposure can opt for a pat-down search instead.
Dual-Energy X-ray Systems
Dual-energy X-ray systems are commonly used in airport security to inspect carry-on items. These machines have a single X-ray source operating in the range of 140 to 160 kilovolt peak (KVP), which refers to the penetration level of the X-rays. In this system, the X-rays pass through a detector, a filter that blocks lower-energy X-rays, and then another detector. The remaining high-energy X-rays create an image that helps identify distinct items inside a bag.
It is important to note that different airports may have varying configurations and combinations of these machines, and they may introduce newer technologies over time. Additionally, some airports have started installing new carry-on X-ray scanners that perform 360-degree scans using higher radiation doses, which can affect undeveloped film. When in doubt, it is recommended to contact the airport's customer service team for specific information about their security measures and to request a hand check for undeveloped film to avoid potential damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, developed Polaroids are not affected by X-ray scanners at airport security.
Undeveloped Polaroids are sensitive to radiation and can be damaged by X-ray scanners. To avoid this, you can request a hand check by a security team member.
If undeveloped Polaroids are exposed to X-ray scanners, they may show signs of fogging, a reddish/pink tint, or a loss of saturation and vibrancy.
Yes, you can place undeveloped Polaroids in your carry-on luggage. The X-ray scanners for carry-on luggage are milder and may not cause noticeable damage, especially for films under ISO 800.
