Owais Crawford
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you consider the possibility of your film being damaged by airport scanners. Airport security is set up to prevent dangerous items from being brought onto aircraft, but the X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy to which undeveloped film is sensitive. The radiation from the X-rays can cause 'fogging' on your negatives, resulting in dark spots, colour streaking, or a general deterioration of image quality. While traditional X-ray machines may not cause significant damage, especially to film with an ISO of 800 or lower, the newer and more powerful CT scanners can damage film with a single pass. So, what can you do to protect your film when travelling through airport security?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film safety in airport scanners | The scanners may damage the film, especially CT scanners. |
| Film safety in traditional X-ray machines | Film rated at 800 ISO or lower is not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. |
| Film safety in CT scanners | CT scanners are likely to damage the film. |
| Hand-check availability | Yes, some airports allow hand-checking. |
| Alternative options | Some airports offer free postage-paid film mailers. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines can damage film
The risk of damage from X-ray machines depends on the type of film and its sensitivity. Lower speed films with an ISO of 800 or lower can usually pass through X-ray machines without noticeable damage. However, higher speed films with an ISO above 800 are more sensitive to radiation and are more likely to be affected, with some films showing signs of fogging and colour shifts after multiple passes through X-ray machines.
To avoid any potential damage to your film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection at the airport security checkpoint. Most airports accommodate requests for hand inspections, especially in the United States. Alternatively, you can consider using film mailers, which allow you to ship your film separately and avoid X-ray scanners altogether.
If you do need to put your film through an X-ray machine, there are a few precautions you can take to minimize the risk of damage. First, remove the film from all canisters and packaging, and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. Keep it easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on bag. It is also recommended to never put film in checked baggage, as the X-ray machines used for checked luggage are much more powerful and can ruin any type of film.
While lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners and may draw unnecessary attention from security inspectors. Instead, clearly communicate your request for a hand inspection and be diligent in asking about the use of CT scanners at the airport.
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CT scanners are more damaging than X-rays
The use of CT scanners in airports has sparked concerns among film photographers about potential damage to their films. While traditional X-ray machines used in airport security are considered safe for films rated at 800 ISO or lower, the new CT scanners are significantly more powerful and can cause serious harm to unprocessed films.
CT scanners use ionizing radiation to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, which is more harmful than conventional X-rays. This type of radiation can damage DNA, and while cells usually repair most of the damage, they may occasionally make mistakes, resulting in DNA mutations that may contribute to cancer later on. According to a study, CT scans may be responsible for about 5% of all cancers diagnosed in a single year in the United States.
The increased use of CT scans is concerning due to the associated cancer risks. While a single CT scan has a small risk, the cumulative effect of multiple scans can increase the chances of cancer induction. Additionally, CT scans can lead to incidental findings, resulting in unnecessary follow-up tests that may pose additional risks.
To minimize the risk of film damage when passing through airport security, photographers are advised to request a manual inspection or hand-check. This involves informing the TSA agent about carrying photographic film and asking for a manual inspection, which is usually accommodated without issue. However, some photographers have reported intimidating experiences when insisting on a hand check.
In summary, CT scanners used in airport security pose a higher risk of damaging unprocessed films compared to traditional X-ray machines. While the convenience of CT scanners in medical imaging may outweigh the risks, the potential harm to films is a significant concern for photographers traveling through airports with these scanners.
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Hand-checks are the safest option
While the official line from the TSA is that their scanners are safe for film, many photographers have reported damage to their film after it has been through a CT scanner. The scanners use increased radiation to create a 3D image of the bag's contents, and this radiation can fog unprocessed film, causing a loss of detail and colour accuracy.
The damage is worse for film that has already been exposed, and the more times film is put through a CT scanner, the more likely it is to be damaged. Even if the film is rated at 800 ISO or lower, it is still possible for it to be affected by the new CT scanners.
The safest way to protect your film is to request a hand-check. While this is not always possible, and some travellers have reported problems with airport staff when requesting a hand-check, it is usually granted without issue, especially at U.S. airports. It is recommended to remove film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time and place it in a clear ziplock bag, keeping it easily accessible in a side pocket of your carry-on.
If you are unable to request a hand-check, or do not want to, there are other options to consider. Some photographers use lead-lined film bags, although these are ineffective against CT scanners, and will prompt further investigation from security staff. Another option is to mail exposed rolls directly to a film developer before flying home.
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Don't put film in checked baggage
It is strongly advised that you do not put film in checked baggage. This is because the scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and are likely to damage your film. Even one pass through a CT scanner can damage a roll of film, causing irreversible damage that even the best processing lab cannot fix.
CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in US airports and, unlike traditional X-ray machines, they are significantly more powerful. If you are travelling with film, make sure your airline ticket allows you to bring carry-on luggage and pack your film in a bag small enough to join you in the cabin.
If you are unable to take carry-on luggage, consider mailing your exposed rolls directly to a film processing company using prepaid mailers before flying home. This will give you peace of mind and one less thing to juggle at the airport.
If you are travelling with undeveloped film, always ask for a hand inspection. Security staff are trained professionals and should be able to accommodate your request. However, be aware that some airports may not allow hand inspections and you may encounter intimidating episodes, as some airports have strict security procedures in place.
Overall, it is best to avoid putting film in checked baggage whenever possible and to explore alternative options, such as mailing your film or requesting a hand inspection, to ensure the safety of your film.
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Remove film from canisters and packaging
When travelling with film, it is important to remove the film from canisters and packaging. This is because the new high-powered CT scanners at airports can fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. Even traditional X-ray machines can damage film rated at over 800 ISO.
- Make sure you are in a dark room so that your pictures aren't ruined before you develop them.
- Identify the side of the canister that has a knob for rolling the film. Do not open the canister from this side.
- Use a bottle opener to pop the lid off. Angle the bottle opener so the notch is just below the edge of the lid. Pry it up until the lid pops off.
- Slide the film out of the canister. Turn the canister and let the film fall into your other hand. You might need to give it a little shake or pull to get it out.
- Only touch the edges of the film when you take it out.
Once you have removed the film from the canisters, place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch". Keep it easily accessible, such as in the side pocket of your carry-on bag.
If you are concerned about potential damage to your film, you can request a hand check at most airports. Simply inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and request a manual inspection. Alternatively, you can use film mailers to send your exposed rolls directly to film developers before flying home.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, film can go through airport scanners, but it depends on the type of film and the type of scanner. Traditional X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage are generally safe for film, but the newer high-powered CT scanners can fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions.
Traditional X-ray scanners emit radiation in one plane, whereas CT scanners emit radiation in a circle around the object being scanned, creating a 3D image.
You can ask security personnel to hand-inspect your film, although they do not always agree to do so. Alternatively, you could use a lead-lined film bag, although these are ineffective against CT scanners and may prompt security staff to ask you to open the bag for a manual inspection.
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