Sachin Walls
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience for photographers, especially with the ever-evolving technology of airport security. While there is a lot of misinformation and fear-mongering around this issue, there are some key facts to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to always keep film in your carry-on luggage, as checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can damage film. Secondly, traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on baggage are generally considered safe for film under 800 ISO, but it is still advisable to request a hand check to be extra cautious, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or transfers. Thirdly, always be friendly and patient with airport security staff, but firmly communicate that your film needs to be hand-checked and that they should avoid opening any cameras to prevent damage. Lastly, consider using a clear plastic or Do Not X-Ray bag for your film to make it easier for security staff to identify and handle your film.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film in hand luggage | Yes |
| Film in checked luggage | No |
| ISO of film | Less than 800 |
| Packaging | Transparent ziplock bag |
| Hand check | Allowed |
| CT scanners | Not allowed |
| X-ray scanners | Allowed |
| Loaded camera | Not allowed |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines can damage film
X-ray machines at airport security are designed to prevent dangerous items from being brought onto aircraft. They use radiation to generate an image of the contents of your luggage. Photographic film is sensitive to light, and the radiation from X-ray machines can cause what is called 'fog', or colour streaking and deterioration of image quality.
The impact of X-ray machines on film is dependent on a few factors. Firstly, the type of film matters. Most testing shows that slower film types (below ISO 800) are generally fine through standard X-ray machines. Positive films are usually less damaged than negatives, and lower-speed films are more resistant to radiation. Secondly, the number of X-ray scans matters. While a single scan may not cause damage, the impact is cumulative, so multiple scans can lead to foggy film.
CT scanners, which are increasingly common in U.S. airports, are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to film, even with just one pass. Therefore, it is recommended to always request a hand check for your film at security, especially if you have multiple flights or airport transfers. Place your film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, and keep it in the side pocket of your carry-on luggage.
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CT scanners are worse
When travelling with film, it is important to know that checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Carry-on scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically don't harm film under 800 ISO. However, it is still recommended to request a hand check for your film to be safe. This can be done by simply asking politely and being friendly to the staff. You can also use a “Do Not X-Ray” pouch to make your request clearer to the TSA.
Another disadvantage of CT scanners is that they expose patients to higher levels of radiation than traditional X-rays. This increased radiation exposure is a concern, especially for children, pregnant individuals, or those requiring repeated CT scans. The higher radiation dose is due to the nature of the CT scan, which directs X-rays in a circle around the patient's body to create detailed images. This circular motion results in more comprehensive imaging but also increases the patient's radiation exposure.
Additionally, CT scans are generally more expensive than traditional X-rays, sometimes costing up to ten times as much. This cost difference can be a significant barrier for individuals without insurance coverage or with limited financial resources. Furthermore, CT scanners may not be readily available in rural or small hospitals, making them less accessible to certain patient populations.
In conclusion, while CT scanners offer superior diagnostic capabilities with their detailed 3D images, they also come with drawbacks. The increased radiation exposure, higher cost, and limited availability of CT scanners compared to traditional X-rays are important considerations when choosing the appropriate imaging technique. Ultimately, the decision between a CT scan and an X-ray depends on the specific clinical situation and the patient's condition.
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Request hand checks
Requesting hand checks for film at airport security is a straightforward process and is usually accommodated by TSA agents, especially in the US. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience:
Be Friendly and Ask Politely
It is important to approach the TSA agents in a friendly and polite manner when requesting a hand check for your film. Remember that they are just doing their job, and your request is more likely to be granted if you are pleasant and respectful. Simply let them know that you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection.
Emphasize the Need for a Hand Check
When requesting a hand check, firmly state that your film is analog and needs to be inspected manually. If the film is loaded into a camera, inform them that it should not be opened to avoid any potential damage. You can also offer to put your film in a lead bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch to make it easier for the agents to accommodate your request.
Be Patient and Persistent
In some cases, airport staff may be unfamiliar with the process or hesitant to grant your request. It is important to be patient and persistent without becoming aggressive. You can politely assert that your film requires a hand check and that it is in line with TSA policy. If necessary, you can offer to provide contact information for TSA/transportation agencies to clarify any concerns.
Call Ahead and Prepare
If you are concerned about potential issues, consider calling ahead to ensure that security staff are aware of your request and prepared to accommodate it. Additionally, it is recommended to have your film easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a clearly labelled "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. This simplifies the process for both you and the TSA agents.
Understand the Risks
While most TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, it is always best to play it safe. Hand checks are particularly recommended if you have film with a higher ISO or if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers. Keep in mind that checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to your film.
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Use a clear plastic bag
When passing through airport security, it is important to consider how you pack any film you wish to carry. A useful tip is to use a clear plastic bag to store your film. This allows for easy inspection and scanning by security personnel and can speed up the process of moving through security. It is recommended to use a clear, transparent bag that is resealable. This ensures the film is easily visible and that the bag can be sealed and reopened as needed.
You should ensure the bag is of sufficient size to accommodate your film and that it is sturdy and durable. It is worth checking with your airport and their guidelines, but generally, a clear plastic bag is a simple and effective way to transport film through security. It is a good idea to keep the bag easily accessible in your hand luggage, so it can be quickly presented for inspection.
Using a clear plastic bag also helps to protect your film. With the bag being transparent, you can easily identify the contents, and it reduces the risk of damage during the security screening process. It is a simple and effective way to keep your film safe and secure.
Additionally, you can use the clear plastic bag to store other permitted items. For example, you could include batteries, memory cards, or charging cables. Keeping these items together with your film ensures they are easily accessible and reduces the risk of losing them or forgetting them in your luggage.
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Don't put film in checked baggage
When travelling with film, it is crucial to keep it with you in your carry-on luggage and not to put it in your checked baggage. Scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage, and they will very likely fog your film, causing irreversible damage. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these scanners.
If you are travelling with film, it is recommended to place the film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, and keep it easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on bag. When you reach the security checkpoint, politely ask the agents to hand-check your film. You can say something like, "Hey, I've got high ISO film in here. Could you please hand-check it?" Most agents will be accommodating if you ask politely, and some may even be aware of the potential damage that their scanners can cause to film.
If you are travelling with a camera that has film inside, make sure to inform the security agents and request that they do not open the camera, as this could damage the film. They may swab the camera to check for explosive residue, but as long as they do not open it or remove the film, it should be fine.
While some people have reported successful hand-checks at security, others have had issues with their film being fogged even after requesting a hand-check. Therefore, it is always a good idea to be prepared and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. One option is to mail your film to your destination or to a processing lab so that you don't have to worry about it being damaged by airport scanners.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring film through airport security. However, it is recommended to keep it in your carry-on luggage as checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can damage the film.
It is recommended to put your film in a clear plastic bag, such as a transparent ziplock bag, and keep it in your carry-on luggage. This makes it easier for airport security to check your film.
It is recommended to ask for your film to be hand-checked at airport security, especially if it is unprocessed film. While traditional x-ray scanners typically do not harm film under 800 ISO, hand-checking ensures your film will not be damaged.
It is recommended to unload any film from your camera before going through airport security as they may open the back of your camera and fog your film. If you choose to keep your film in your camera, be sure to ask for it to be hand-checked and inform security not to open the camera.
Traditional x-ray scanners typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. However, the effects of x-ray scanners are cumulative, and multiple scans may cause fogging. CT scanners, which are now being used in some airports for carry-on baggage, can damage film even under 800 ISO.
