Owais Crawford
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience for photographers due to the risk of airport security scanners damaging their film. However, there are several ways to reduce the risk of damage. Firstly, it is recommended to always keep film in hand luggage, as luggage in the hold of an airplane is x-rayed with harsher machines. Secondly, traditional x-ray scanners only affect films with an ISO of 800 or above, so films with an ISO under 800 can be safely x-rayed a few times with no effect. Thirdly, you can ask airport security to hand-check your film, although regulations and inspections vary by country, so international airports may not honour this request. Finally, you can purchase a “do not x-ray” pouch to make your request easier for TSA agents to understand.
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines can fog and/or ruin film
X-ray machines at airports can fog and/or ruin film. The machines emit radiation that can cause fogging on negatives, resulting in a loss of detail, colour accuracy, and increased graininess. The effects of X-ray radiation on film vary, and some films may not be damaged at all, while others may be completely fogged or ruined. Colour film often exhibits greenish hues when exposed to X-ray radiation.
To avoid damage to film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection at airport security. TSA agents are usually accommodating when travellers request a hand inspection for their film. It is also recommended to keep film in a carry-on bag, as checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to film. Carry-on bags are scanned using X-ray scanners that use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO.
When requesting a hand inspection, travellers should inform the TSA agent that they are carrying undeveloped film and request a manual inspection. It is also helpful to have the film easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch. These pouches are crafted from durable, see-through PVC mesh and feature a "Do Not X-Ray" label, making them ideal for airport security.
While lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which are much stronger and can see through the lead, resulting in more damage to the film. Instead of relying on lead bags, requesting a hand inspection is a more effective way to protect film from damage.
Travellers can also consider using film mailers, which provide a convenient way to transport film without having to carry it through airport security. These mailers include a pre-addressed envelope and an order form for quick and easy drop-off.
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CT scanners can cause more damage than traditional X-ray machines
It is advisable to carry undeveloped film in your carry-on bags or hand luggage and request a manual inspection at the checkpoint. This is because the checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines. Carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO, but requesting a hand check is still recommended.
CT scanners, also known as computed tomography scanners, are imaging tests that help healthcare providers detect injuries and diseases, such as heart disease, appendicitis, and cancer. CT scanners use a small amount of ionizing radiation to capture images. Ionizing radiation can damage DNA, and although cells repair most of the damage, they sometimes do not repair it perfectly, leaving small areas of "misrepair." This can lead to DNA mutations that may contribute to cancer years later.
The radiation dose from a CT scan is much higher than that of traditional X-rays. For example, a chest X-ray delivers 0.1 mSv, while a chest CT delivers 7 mSv, which is 70 times more. Due to the high radiation dose, there is a potential risk of cancer from CT scans. This risk is small and difficult to measure effectively, but it is still important to keep exposure to medical radiation as low as possible. Patients should keep track of their cumulative radiation exposure and only undergo necessary tests.
In summary, CT scanners can cause more damage than traditional X-ray machines, both to film and to the human body. The high radiation doses used in CT scans can increase the risk of cancer and DNA mutations. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize radiation exposure when possible.
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Keep film in hand luggage
When travelling with film, it is important to take precautions to ensure that it is not damaged by airport security scanners. The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy to which film is sensitive. X-ray machines can fog and/or ruin your film.
Firstly, never pack film in your checked baggage. Checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines. Carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. However, it is still recommended to request a hand-check, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers.
To request a hand-check, simply let the TSA agent know that you are carrying photographic film and kindly request a manual inspection. This is usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports. To make the process smoother, keep your film easily accessible in a side pocket or other easy-access area of your carry-on for quick removal. You can also use a clear, ziplock bag to store your film, making it easier to show to airport security for hand inspection.
If you are travelling overseas, it is recommended to check the official website of the security agency of the country you are visiting. Some countries may have different regulations and procedures regarding film and airport security. Additionally, consider bringing a slower-speed film, which is more likely to survive scanning without issues.
Finally, some manufacturers offer lead-lined film bags that claim to protect film from X-rays. However, these bags are ineffective against CT scanners and may trigger a secondary inspection. As such, it is generally recommended to opt for a hand-check instead.
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Request a hand inspection
If you are travelling with film, it is recommended to pack it in a carry-on bag. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that the X-ray machines used for carry-on baggage are safe for film up to ISO 800. However, the effects of X-rays are cumulative, and multiple scans may cause fogging or other damage to your film. To avoid this, you can request a hand inspection.
To request a hand inspection, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and ask for a manual inspection. This is usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports. It is recommended to use a “Do Not X-Ray” film pouch, as this makes your request clearer to the TSA. These pouches are made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and feature a zipper and a clear label. Alternatively, you can use a simple ziplock bag.
While lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which are much stronger and can see through the lead, often resulting in more damage to your film. If you use a lead bag, TSA agents will likely ask you to remove it so they can inspect the contents inside. Therefore, a hand inspection is the best way to protect your film.
It is important to note that regulations and procedures may vary by country. While hand inspections are commonly granted in the U.S., there have been reports of requests being denied or causing inconvenience in Europe. For example, one photographer reported that the security staff at Nice Airport called the police and filed a report simply because they insisted on a hand check.
To make travelling with film easier, some companies offer free postage-paid film mailers. These mailers include a pre-addressed envelope and an order form, allowing you to skip the TSA line on your way home and send your film directly to a lab for developing. This option provides peace of mind and convenience, especially when returning from a vacation, photo assignment, or wedding shoot.
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Use a transparent ziplock bag
When travelling with film, it is important to take precautions to ensure that it is not damaged by airport security scanners. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) claims that its X-ray machines are safe for film up to ISO 800, there have been reports of film being fogged and ruined by airport X-rays. To avoid this, you can request a hand inspection of your film by a TSA agent, which is usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports. However, if you would like to take extra precautions, you can use a transparent ziplock bag to store your film.
Using a transparent ziplock bag allows you to easily request a hand inspection of your film without the need for TSA agents to rummage through your bags. It also clearly communicates your request for a manual inspection, especially if you use a bag with a “Do Not X-Ray” label. These bags are made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and feature a zipper, making them ideal for airport security. By using a transparent ziplock bag, you can help ensure that your film is not exposed to potentially harmful X-rays and reduce the risk of fogging or other damage.
It is recommended to carry your film in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage. Checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Even if your film is in a lead-lined bag, it may not be protected against these scanners, and the bag itself may trigger a secondary inspection. By keeping your film with you in a carry-on bag, you can easily monitor its handling and request a hand inspection if needed.
When using a transparent ziplock bag for your film, make sure to follow any relevant guidelines or restrictions specified by the airport or TSA. Some airports may have size or volume restrictions for these bags, so it is important to check their websites or guidelines beforehand. Additionally, consider using a slower-speed film, as it is more likely to survive scanning with no ill effects, especially when travelling outside the U.S. where hand inspections may be less common.
Overall, using a transparent ziplock bag for your film when travelling by air is a practical way to protect your film from potential damage caused by airport X-ray scanners. By combining this with other precautions, such as requesting hand inspections and carrying your film in your carry-on luggage, you can significantly reduce the risk of fogging or ruining your film during airport security checks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring film to the airport. However, there are some precautions you should take to ensure your film is not damaged.
It is recommended that you store your film in a clear plastic bag, such as a transparent ziplock bag, and carry it in your hand luggage. This makes it easier for airport security to inspect your film.
Yes, airport X-ray machines can fog or ruin your film. The risk of damage is higher for unprocessed film. Most film under 800 ISO can go through X-ray scanners with no effect. However, CT scanners, which are now being used in some airports, emit much stronger rays and can cause significant damage to your film.
You can request a hand inspection of your film at the security checkpoint. Inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. While hand inspections are usually granted, especially in U.S. airports, they may be refused in certain countries.
