Sachin Walls
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially with the risk of airport security checks, X-rays, and CT scanners damaging your film. While some sources claim that one pass through a CT scanner may not noticeably damage film speeds below 800 ISO, others strongly recommend against putting any unexposed or exposed but unprocessed film through a CT scanner. To avoid this risk, photographers are advised to carry film in their hand luggage and request a hand inspection by security personnel, who will usually oblige without issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can film rolls go through airport security? | Yes, but it is recommended to request a hand inspection. |
| How to request a hand inspection? | Remove the film from its packaging and place it in a clear plastic bag. Ask the security personnel for a hand inspection. |
| Which airports allow hand inspection? | Most airports allow hand inspection, but it can vary between locations and countries. |
| Which film rolls can be scanned? | Traditional X-ray scanners are safe for films below 800 ISO. CT scanners can damage film rolls. |
| How to protect film rolls during security checks? | Use a lead-lined bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch to protect the film from X-rays. |
| Can film rolls be checked in with baggage? | No, checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can damage film. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines vs. CT scanners
X-ray machines and CT scanners are both used at airport security checkpoints to scan hand luggage. However, there are some key differences between the two technologies.
X-ray machines use a fixed X-ray tube to produce two-dimensional images of the contents of a bag, which can help identify potential threats. Traditional X-ray scanners used at airport security are generally safe for film rolls with an ISO speed lower than 800. However, films with higher ISO speeds can be affected by the X-rays, resulting in cloudy and pink images or a loss of colour. Therefore, it is recommended to request a hand inspection for film speeds of 800 ISO and above.
On the other hand, CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in airports, especially in the United States. These scanners use a motorized X-ray source that rotates around a circular, doughnut-shaped structure called a gantry. This technology produces three-dimensional images by capturing multiple image slices, which can be stacked together to generate a 3D picture that can be rotated 360 degrees. While CT scanners provide enhanced threat detection capabilities, they are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film. Even a single pass through a CT scanner can affect a roll of film.
To avoid potential damage to film rolls when passing through airport security, it is recommended to request a hand inspection. Most airports should accommodate such requests, but the procedure may vary depending on the location and country. When requesting a hand inspection, ensure that your film is easily accessible and stored in a clear plastic or ziplock bag outside of your carry-on luggage.
In summary, while both X-ray machines and CT scanners are used for security screening at airports, CT scanners employ more advanced technology to generate 3D images. However, due to their increased power, CT scanners pose a higher risk of damaging unprocessed film. Therefore, travellers carrying film are advised to request a hand inspection to avoid any potential issues.
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Requesting a hand inspection
When travelling with film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection at security to avoid damage to the film. This is especially important if you are carrying unprocessed film, as even one pass through a CT scanner can cause irreversible damage.
To request a hand inspection, first, ensure your film is easily accessible and out of its packaging. Place it in a clear plastic bag, such as a ziplock bag, or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch, which is ideal for making your request clear to security.
At the security checkpoint, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly request a manual inspection. Most TSA agents are accommodating of these requests, especially in the U.S., but it may vary by country. Be sure to clearly explain your situation and ask for a hand inspection if you are travelling internationally.
If you are travelling with film that is 800 ISO or lower, it is less likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, and you may not need to request a hand inspection. However, if your film is rated above 800 ISO, it is recommended to always request a hand inspection to avoid any potential damage.
By following these steps and requesting a hand inspection, you can help ensure that your film remains safe and undamaged as you travel through airport security.
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The impact of CT scanners on film
Several sources recommend requesting a hand inspection for films when going through airport security. Most airports should allow this, but it can vary depending on the location and country. To request a hand inspection, it is advisable to pack your film in a clear plastic or ziplock bag and remove it from your carry-on bag. Traditional X-ray scanners are generally considered safe for films with an ISO of below 800, but CT scanners have the potential to affect any ISO.
Some photographers have conducted experiments to test the impact of CT scanners on film. One photographer sent one roll of Kodak Portra 400 through a CT scanner at an airport and found that while the film was relatively unharmed, there was a negligible loss of detail in the darkest shadows. Another photographer tested CT scanners on various types of film, including black and white and colour film, and found that the film showed clear signs of fogging, with the orange base appearing significantly darker. However, the images were still visible.
Overall, while CT scanners have the potential to damage film, the impact may not be significant if the film is properly exposed later. However, sending a roll that already has photos through a CT scanner is likely to result in noticeable damage. To avoid any potential issues, it is recommended to request a hand inspection for your film when going through airport security.
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Preparing film for security checks
Firstly, it is important to note that traditional X-ray scanners used to check hand luggage are safe for all but the highest-speed films (800 ISO and above). So, if you have anything below 800 ISO, you should be fine to have it scanned. This also applies to Polaroid film. However, if you are carrying film with 800 ISO or above, you should request a hand inspection. Most airports should allow this, but it can vary between locations and countries.
To prepare for a hand inspection, make sure to pack your film in a clear plastic bag and remove it from your carry-on bag at security. You can also use a film carrying case to store the film neatly. Make the film easily accessible for the security personnel to swab quickly. You can also use a “Do Not X-Ray” label on the bag to ensure that your film is not accidentally scanned.
If you are travelling with film below 800 ISO, you may still want to consider requesting a hand inspection if you are concerned about potential damage. While traditional X-ray machines are generally considered safe for film under 800 ISO, some sources suggest that even one scan through the newer CT scanners can cause noticeable damage to the film, especially if the film already has photos on it.
It is recommended to discuss your hand-check request immediately before you go through security screening to minimise the time your film is out of your possession. When requesting a hand inspection, clearly explain the situation and ask for a manual inspection of your film. Most airports are accustomed to these requests and will usually oblige.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your film passes through airport security safely and securely.
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TSA agents' role in film checks
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced computed tomography (CT) scanners as the latest "threat detection" equipment for airport security. These scanners are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film.
TSA agents play a crucial role in film checks at airport security. They are responsible for inspecting film carried by passengers to ensure it does not pose a security threat. When passengers are carrying film, they can request a hand inspection by TSA agents instead of putting the film through the scanners. Most airports allow hand inspections, but the procedure may vary depending on the location and country. Passengers should ensure their film is easily accessible, preferably in a clear plastic or ziplock bag, with a clear label indicating "Do Not X-Ray". This makes it convenient for TSA agents to perform the hand check.
During the hand inspection, TSA agents will typically swab the rolls or the outside of the box containing the film. They may also ask questions or seek clarification about the film to ensure it complies with security regulations. In some cases, they might need to open the box to visually inspect the film, especially if the swab test is unclear. However, passengers should communicate that opening certain types of film boxes can ruin the film. TSA agents are usually accommodating and will work with passengers to resolve any concerns or uncertainties about the film.
It is important to note that TSA agents may also inspect checked baggage during the screening process. They will place a notice of baggage inspection inside the bag if they perform a physical inspection. Passengers can reach out to the TSA through various contact channels, including Twitter, Facebook Messenger, Apple Business Chat, or by calling their contact center, if they have questions or concerns about the screening process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, film rolls can go through airport security. However, it is recommended to request a hand inspection to avoid damage to the film.
To request a hand inspection, first, pack your film in a clear plastic bag and remove it from your carry-on bag at security. Then, explain the situation clearly and ask for a hand inspection. It is recommended to make this request immediately before going through security screening.
Traditional X-ray scanners used to check hand luggage are safe for film with an ISO of below 800. Scanners do not affect film that has already been developed. CT scanners, on the other hand, can cause serious damage to unprocessed film.
