Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience for photographers, as airport X-ray machines can damage undeveloped film. Most sources recommend keeping film in your carry-on luggage and asking for a hand inspection to avoid this. However, experiences vary, with some travellers reporting that their film was put through the X-ray machine despite asking for a hand inspection, while others report that their film was not damaged by X-ray scanners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact of airport security scanners on camera film | Airport security scanners can damage camera film, especially CT scanners. |
| ISO rating impact | Films with an ISO rating of 800 or above are more likely to be damaged. |
| Recommended storage | Store film in a clear plastic bag, ziplock bag, or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. |
| Carry-on vs. checked baggage | Always carry film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage uses high-intensity scanning technology that will ruin the film. |
| Hand-check | Requesting a hand-check is recommended to avoid film damage. TSA agents are usually accommodating, especially if you are prepared. |
| Alternative options | Some companies offer postage-paid film mailers to skip the TSA line and send film for developing directly. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray scanners can damage film
According to Kodak Alaris, Ilford, and Fujifilm, a single pass through the newer CT scanners can damage film of any speed. These scanners are increasingly common in airports for carry-on luggage. The machines use high-intensity screening technology, which will ruin any and all film, exposed or not.
To avoid damage, photographers are advised to request a hand-check when passing through security. Most TSA agents are accommodating of this request, especially if the film is easily accessible and removed from its packaging. It is also recommended to never put film in checked baggage, as this will always go through the high-powered CT scanners.
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CT scanners are worse
While it is possible to take camera film through airport security, photographers need to be aware of the potential damage that new CT scanners can cause. These scanners are increasingly common in U.S. airports, and their enhanced scanning technology can be detrimental to unprocessed film.
CT scanners are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines, and even one pass through a CT scanner can damage film. The high levels of radiation in these scanners can cause immediate and irreversible harm to film, resulting in fogging, distortion, and image degradation. Photographers may notice colour shifts, graininess, and a loss of shadow detail in their images. Kodak, Fujifilm, and ILFORD have all issued warnings about the potential damage caused by CT scanners.
To avoid damage to film, photographers should request a hand-check when passing through TSA checkpoints. Most TSA agents are accommodating of such requests, especially if the film is easily accessible and removed from its packaging. Placing film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch is recommended to facilitate the process. It is important to never pack film in checked baggage, as these bags are more likely to be scanned by high-powered CT scanners.
While hand-checks are usually possible, there may be instances where photographers are required to put their film through a CT scanner. In such cases, it is recommended to have the film processed in-country or mailed to a processing lab to avoid potential damage during scanning.
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Ask for a hand check
If you are travelling with camera film and are concerned about putting it through the X-ray scanners at airport security, you can always ask for a hand check. This is a simple process, but one that requires a little extra time, so be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
When you arrive at the security checkpoint, inform the security agent that you are carrying camera film and that you would like to request a hand check. The security personnel will then guide you through the process, which may vary slightly depending on the airport. In most cases, you will be asked to wait while a security officer retrieves gloves and performs the hand check. You may be asked to open your bag and point out the film to the officer, who will then carefully remove it and perform an inspection.
It is worth noting that hand checks are typically reserved for film with a speed of 800 ISO or higher. If your film is slower than this, it is generally considered safe to pass through the X-ray machines. However, if you are concerned about potential damage to your film, you can still request a hand check. Some photographers recommend asking for a hand check for film of 400 ISO or higher, as slower film can still be affected by newer, more powerful X-ray machines.
When requesting a hand check, it is important to
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Don't put film in checked luggage
It is strongly advised against putting film in checked luggage. This is because the scanners used on checked luggage are stronger than those used for carry-on luggage, and can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends putting undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags. If you are concerned about potential damage, you can ask for a hand inspection of your film at the checkpoint. Most TSA agents are willing to accommodate this request, especially if you are respectful and prepared.
If you are travelling internationally, it may be worth checking the country's policy on hand-checking film. While some countries will hand-check, some won't. However, it is always worth asking.
If you are concerned about the potential for damage, there are alternative options to consider. You could mail your exposed rolls directly to a film processing company using prepaid mailers. This would mean that you wouldn't have to worry about hand-checks, X-rays, or CT scanners on the way back, and your film would head straight to the lab for developing.
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Keep film in a clear bag
When travelling with camera film, it is important to keep it in a clear bag. This is because airport security staff will need to inspect the film. Keeping film in a clear bag allows security staff to easily inspect the film without having to open any opaque packaging, which could risk damaging the film.
It is recommended to place film in a clear ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. These pouches are crafted from durable, see-through PVC mesh and feature a zipper with a clear message to avoid X-rays. Keeping film in one of these pouches will make it easily accessible for security staff to inspect.
It is also important to keep the film in your carry-on bag, rather than in checked baggage. This is because checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film. By keeping film in a clear bag in your carry-on, you can easily remove it for inspection when requested by security staff.
In addition to keeping film in a clear bag, it is also recommended to politely request a hand-check when going through security. This involves asking a TSA agent to manually inspect your film instead of putting it through an X-ray machine or CT scanner. Most agents are willing to accommodate this request, especially if you are respectful and prepared. However, it is important to note that some countries may not offer hand-checks, so it is always best to be prepared and keep your film in a clear bag, easily accessible for inspection.
Overall, when travelling with camera film, it is important to keep it in a clear bag to facilitate easy inspection by security staff and to avoid any potential damage to the film.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of film and the type of scanner. Most disposable cameras have 800 ISO film and will be damaged by airport security screening. Anything under 800 ISO that goes through an X-ray scanner will be fine.
You can avoid damage by requesting a hand inspection of your film at the security checkpoint. It is recommended to have your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a ziplock bag.
Yes, it is recommended to remove film from cameras before going through airport security. Cameras containing undeveloped film should be hand-inspected.
Keep your film in a clear plastic bag or a film storage container, separate from your camera bag. Place it in a side pocket of your carry-on bag so that it is easily accessible for inspection.
It is recommended to never put camera film in your checked baggage, as the screening technology used is high-intensity and will damage the film. If possible, remove the film from your checked baggage and carry it onto the plane with you, requesting a hand inspection if necessary.
