Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience for photographers due to the risk of airport security equipment damaging their film. X-ray machines and CT scanners are used for luggage inspection and emit light energy to which undeveloped film is sensitive. While most film under 800 ISO can pass through X-ray machines without damage, CT scanners are significantly more powerful and can ruin film even at 800 ISO. To avoid this, photographers can request a hand inspection of their film at the security checkpoint, although this may be refused. Placing film in a clear plastic bag and keeping it in hand luggage is recommended to facilitate this process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film safety in airport scanners | Airport scanners can damage undeveloped film. CT scanners are more powerful than traditional X-ray scanners and can cause more harm. |
| Protecting film from airport scanners | Place film in a clear ziplock bag outside of its packaging. Keep it in your carry-on bag and request a hand inspection. |
| Film safety at different ISO levels | Film rated 800 ISO or lower is not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. Film at 400 ISO may show some changes. |
| Alternative options | Mail exposed film directly to film processing companies before flying home. Buy film locally or have it delivered to your destination. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners can fog and ruin film
The impact of X-ray scanners on film also depends on the film's ISO rating. Most checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. Lower-speed film can handle scans with no issues, while high-speed film is more sensitive and gets damaged more easily, especially when using older scanners. Fogging may only be apparent at higher ISO speeds, such as 400.
To avoid damage, photographers can request a hand inspection of their film at checkpoints. Most US agents are willing to accommodate these requests. Photographers can also use film mailers, which allow them to send film for development without having to pass it through security.
Additionally, photographers can take precautions such as removing film from all canisters and packaging and placing it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. It is also recommended to keep film in carry-on baggage, as checked baggage goes through more powerful scanners that can cause irreversible damage.
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CT scanners are more powerful and damaging than X-ray scanners
Film photographers have expressed concern about the potential damage to their film when passing through airport security. This is due to the use of X-ray machines and the newer, more powerful CT scanners that are increasingly being used in airports. While both technologies can be harmful to film, CT scanners are significantly more powerful and damaging.
CT scanners, or computed tomography scanners, are a more advanced form of X-ray technology. They produce high-quality, detailed images of the body, including bones, blood vessels, soft tissue, and organs. CT scanners use a motorized X-ray source that rotates around the patient, taking a 360-degree image. This results in more sophisticated and detailed images compared to conventional X-rays.
The higher power of CT scanners compared to X-rays means that they can be more damaging to unprocessed film. CT scanners can damage film with just one pass-through, whereas X-ray machines may cause little to no noticeable damage, especially to black and white film. Additionally, while lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which can see through the lead and may result in increased damage to the film.
To protect film from potential damage, photographers are advised to request a hand inspection at airport security. This involves informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and requesting a manual inspection. Keeping the film easily accessible, such as in a clear plastic zip-lock bag in a backpack or carry-on, can facilitate a smooth hand inspection process.
While CT scanners are more powerful and damaging to film than X-ray scanners, proper precautions can be taken to safeguard film when passing through airport security. Photographers can also explore alternatives, such as purchasing film locally, mailing film, or using film mailers provided by some companies.
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Requesting a hand inspection is recommended
Airport security can be a daunting experience for photographers, especially with the introduction of more powerful CT scanners. These new scanners can cause serious damage to unprocessed film, and even some traditional X-ray machines may fog or ruin your film. However, requesting a hand inspection is a recommended and generally straightforward process. Here's why and how:
The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection emit light energy that unprocessed film is sensitive to. This can result in fogging or other damage to your film. While most film rolls under 800 ISO can pass through traditional X-ray machines without issue, CT scanners are much stronger and can cause damage even at this ISO level. Therefore, requesting a hand inspection is a simple way to protect your film from potential harm.
How to Request a Hand Inspection:
To request a hand inspection, follow these steps:
- Keep your film in your hand luggage: Always carry your film with you, as checked luggage undergoes harsher screening technology that will damage your film.
- Use clear packaging: Store your film in a clear plastic zip-lock bag, and consider removing it from its original packaging. This makes it easier for security staff to inspect and helps your items pass through security quickly.
- Make it accessible: Keep the bag with your film in an easily accessible place, such as a backpack or a side pocket of your carry-on. This will make it simpler for you to retrieve the film for inspection.
- Notify security staff: Before placing your luggage on the belt, politely inform the nearest security officer that you have film that requires a hand inspection. You may be asked about the ISO speed of the film, so be prepared to answer or politely decline to provide this information.
- Monitor the process: Keep an eye on the security staff during the hand inspection. Some officers may not be familiar with film, so ensure they do not remove all the film from the canister or open the back of your camera, as this could expose your film.
By following these steps, you can help ensure your film is safely inspected without risking potential damage from X-ray machines or CT scanners. While hand inspections may not always be possible, they are generally accommodated, especially in U.S. airports.
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Film should be stored in carry-on bags
If you're a film photographer, you've probably wondered if your film is safe from airport X-ray machines and CT scanners. The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy, which can fog and/or damage unprocessed film.
It is recommended that you store undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags. This is because the equipment used to screen checked luggage utilizes high-intensity screening technology, which can ruin any and all film. Carry-on bags are screened using less harsh X-ray machines. However, it is important to note that even carry-on bags may be screened using CT scanners, which can cause serious damage to your film.
To ensure your film stays safe, you can take the following precautions:
- Place your film in a clear plastic zip-lock-style bag, which makes it easier for airport security to check and ensures your film gets through security quickly.
- Keep your film in an easily accessible place, such as a side pocket of your carry-on bag, so that it can be removed easily for inspection.
- Ask airport security to check your film by hand. Inform them that you are carrying photographic film and kindly request a manual inspection. This is the safest, lightest, and most effective way to protect your film.
- If you are unable to request a hand check or prefer not to, it is recommended to only put film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower through X-ray machines. Film with an ISO rating above 800 may be affected by the X-rays and could be damaged.
By following these precautions, you can help ensure that your film stays safe and secure when travelling through airports.
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Developed film is not light-sensitive and can be safely scanned
It is understandable to be concerned about the safety of your film when passing through airport security. The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy to which undeveloped film is sensitive. However, it is important to distinguish between undeveloped and developed film.
Developed film, also known as negatives, slides, or prints, is no longer light-sensitive. This means that airport security equipment will not damage your developed film. You can safely carry your developed film in your hand luggage or checked baggage without worrying about any potential harm.
To ensure the best protection for your developed film, consider storing it in a clear plastic zip-lock bag. This will make it easier for security personnel to inspect the contents and reduce the risk of damage during the security process.
Additionally, keep your developed film easily accessible, such as in a side pocket of your carry-on bag. This will allow for a smoother security experience and reduce the chances of any accidental exposure or fogging of your film.
When travelling with developed film, it is also recommended to be cautious and inform airport security staff that you are carrying it. While it may not be necessary for a manual inspection, being proactive can help prevent any potential issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, film can go through airport security. However, there are some limitations. It is recommended that you carry your film in your hand luggage and request a hand inspection.
It is recommended that you transport your film in a clear plastic zip-lock-style bag. You should also remove your film from its canisters and packaging ahead of time and keep it easily accessible.
No, you should never put unprocessed film in your checked luggage. The equipment used to screen checked luggage utilizes high-intensity screening technology that will ruin any film.
Yes, airport scanners can fog or ruin your film. Traditional X-ray machines are generally considered safe for film rated at 800 ISO or lower. However, CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in airports, are significantly more powerful and can damage film.
Depending on your destination, you may be able to buy film locally or have it delivered to your accommodation. You can also mail your exposed rolls for development before returning home.
