Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with camera film can be challenging because X-rays at airport security can damage the film. This is also true for Instax film. To avoid this, travellers are advised to request a hand check for their film, which is permitted by the TSA. Hand checks can be guaranteed by carrying an old, expired roll of film. While a single scan is unlikely to affect the film significantly, repeated X-ray exposure will cause damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Instax film survive airport security? | Yes, if it is rated at 800 ISO or lower and is hand-checked. |
| How to ensure it survives | Remove film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time. Place film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. Keep it easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on. Request a hand-check or manual inspection by informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film. |
| What happens if it is exposed to X-rays or CT scanners? | The film will be damaged and unusable. It will have a greyish-green colour cast and will be less vibrant, sharp, and more grainy. |
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What You'll Learn
Requesting a hand check
While Instax film's ability to survive airport security is not clear, it is generally recommended to request a hand check for film passing through airport security. This is because X-ray machines and CT scanners can damage unprocessed film.
To request a hand check, first ensure that your film is easily accessible and out of its packaging. Place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. Then, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and politely request a manual inspection. In most cases, especially in the US, TSA agents are usually accommodating.
It is important to note that some travelers have reported instances where their request for a hand check was denied, particularly when returning to the US. To avoid this, some companies offer postage-paid film mailers that allow you to bypass the TSA line and send your exposed film directly to a lab for developing. Additionally, you may request private screening accompanied by a companion, although this does not guarantee a hand check for your film.
If you are travelling with a large quantity of film or are particularly concerned about potential damage, it may be worth considering alternative options such as using film mailers or opting for private screening. However, politely requesting a hand check is generally a recommended practice when travelling with film.
Overall, while there is a risk of film being damaged by airport security scanners, requesting a hand check is a straightforward process and is usually granted, especially in the US. By taking the necessary precautions and being proactive, you can help ensure the safety of your film while travelling.
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CT scanners and their impact on Instax film
CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in airports, particularly in the US. These scanners are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines. This added strength can be damaging to unprocessed Instax film. Companies such as Kodak Alaris, Fujifilm, and ILFORD have issued warnings about how the new and enhanced scanning technology may be more damaging to unprocessed film than previous generations of scanners.
Fujifilm noted that these new scanners could lead to "fogging", distortion in shadow detail, and general image degradation. Kodak Alaris similarly stated that just one scan shows significant film fogging, leading to smoky blacks and a loss of shadow detail. They strongly recommend against putting any unexposed or exposed but unprocessed film through a CT Scanner.
To avoid damage to your Instax film, it is recommended to carry your film in your carry-on baggage and always ask for a hand inspection. Most TSA agents are willing to accommodate this request, especially if your film is easily accessible and out of its packaging. You can also consider mailing exposed rolls directly to a film processing company before flying home.
Additionally, it is advised to never pack film in checked baggage as these bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to the film. Even the best processing labs cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines.
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X-ray machines and their impact on Instax film
To ensure the safety of your Instax film when passing through airport security, it is advisable to follow these recommended steps: Firstly, remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. Keep it easily accessible in a side pocket of your carry-on luggage. When at the security checkpoint, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and politely ask for a manual inspection.
It is important to note that checked baggage should be avoided altogether when travelling with film. Checked bags are subjected to high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible fogging on your film, which cannot be fixed even by the best processing labs. If you are concerned about the potential impact of X-ray machines on your Instax film, an alternative option is to use pre-paid film mailers to send your exposed rolls directly to a developing lab before flying home.
While there are no guarantees, following these guidelines will help minimise the risk of damage to your Instax film when passing through airport security. Hand checks are generally accommodating at most airports, especially in the U.S., and your film will be safer in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage. By taking these precautions, you can travel with greater confidence and ensure your film remains intact for future use.
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Preparing Instax film for airport security
Before you head to the airport, remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag. Keep this bag easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on luggage. You can also purchase a "do not X-ray" pouch, which is crafted from see-through PVC mesh and labelled with a "do not X-ray" warning, making it ideal for airport security.
At the airport, politely request a manual inspection or hand-check of your film. In most cases, TSA agents are happy to help, especially if your film is easily accessible and out of its packaging. It is also recommended to request a hand check to avoid potential damage from X-ray machines, even if your film is below 800 ISO.
If you are unable to get a hand check or are concerned about the potential impact of X-rays, you can consider mailing your exposed rolls to a developing lab before flying home. This way, you can skip the stress of worrying about your film and focus on enjoying your travels.
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Mailing Instax film instead
If you are concerned about putting your Instax film through airport security, you could consider mailing it instead. This would ensure that your film is not exposed to any potential damage or interference from scanners or X-ray machines.
When mailing Instax film, it is important to package it securely to avoid any damage during transit. Use a sturdy box or envelope and consider adding extra padding, such as bubble wrap or foam, to protect the film. Clearly label the package with the recipient's address and your return address, and choose a reputable shipping carrier that offers tracking and insurance for added peace of mind.
Additionally, you may want to research the regulations and restrictions of the mailing distribution centers to ensure that your film is not exposed to any potential damage during the mailing process. Some people have raised concerns about whether developed instant film can deteriorate when it goes through the scanners in these centers. While there may be no definitive answer to this, it is always better to be cautious and well-informed.
Mailing your Instax film can be a safer alternative to carrying it through airport security, especially if you are travelling with a large quantity of film or if you have concerns about the security procedures at your particular airport. By mailing it ahead of time, you can ensure that your film arrives at your destination safely and intact.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it is recommended that you request a hand check for your undeveloped film to avoid damage.
X-ray exposure can damage Instax film, especially if it has a speed of ISO 800 or higher. However, some photographers have reported that their Instax film was unaffected after going through an X-ray scanner once or twice.
You can carry your undeveloped film in a clear Ziploc bag and ask the security staff for a hand inspection. Some photographers recommend carrying an old, expired roll of film to increase the chances of getting a hand check.
It is recommended to carry undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage. This allows you to request a hand check and avoid potential damage from X-ray scanners used for checked baggage.
