Lois Larson
X-rays at airport security can damage undeveloped Instax film. To prevent this, it is recommended that all undeveloped film and cameras loaded with film are carried as hand luggage and inspected manually. Some sources suggest carrying an old roll of film to ensure a hand check is performed, as well as a Sharpie to label film speeds.
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What You'll Learn
X-ray damage to Instax film
X-ray machines used in airport security can damage certain types of film, including Instax film. This is due to the radiation emitted by the X-ray machines, which can cause fogging or other issues with film development. The effect of X-ray exposure on film is cumulative, meaning that repeated scans or exposure to higher-intensity X-rays can increase the likelihood and severity of damage.
To prevent X-ray damage to Instax film, it is recommended to carry film and cameras loaded with film as hand luggage. This allows for the option of requesting a manual hand search or inspection, which is often recommended for film speeds above ISO 800 to avoid potential fogging or other issues. Some sources suggest that any film with ISO 800 or higher should always be hand-checked, while others indicate that film with speeds below ISO 800 can generally pass through X-ray machines without significant risk of damage.
It is worth noting that protective film bags may not be effective in preventing X-ray damage, as inspectors may increase the X-ray intensity to see through the bag or remove the film from the bag for scanning. Instead, clearly marking film storage and requesting a hand check is a more reliable method to protect Instax film from potential X-ray damage during airport security screening.
While some sources suggest that a single scan of Instax film with an ISO of 800 or higher may not cause significant damage, others advise against any exposure of such film to X-ray machines. Repeated scans or exposure to newer, more powerful X-ray scanners can increase the likelihood and severity of damage, resulting in noticeable issues with the film's vibrancy, colour, sharpness, and grain.
Overall, to ensure the best possible outcome for your Instax film when travelling through airport security, it is recommended to carry film and cameras as hand luggage and request a hand inspection to avoid any potential X-ray damage.
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Hand-checking Instax film
When travelling with Instax film, it is recommended to request a hand-check at the airport security to avoid any potential damage to the film from X-ray scanners. While most airport authorities claim that films rated 800 ISO or lower are unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, it is always better to be cautious.
To ensure your Instax film remains undamaged, politely ask a TSA agent for a hand inspection. In most cases, especially in the US, agents are accommodating if you inform them that you are carrying photographic film. It is also advisable to have your film easily accessible, removed from its packaging and kept in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. This makes it more convenient for the agents to conduct the manual inspection.
Additionally, consider removing the film from your camera before reaching the security checkpoint. This way, you can avoid having TSA agents handle your camera during the inspection. It is worth noting that once your Instax film has been developed, X-rays will not cause any issues, and you won't need to worry about hand-checking.
While hand-checking is generally a safe option, it is important to be aware that CT scanners, which are becoming more common in US airports, can be more powerful and potentially damaging to your unprocessed film. Therefore, if you have multiple flights or airport transfers, it is even more crucial to request a hand-check to minimise the risk of any damage to your Instax film.
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Carrying Instax film as hand luggage
When travelling with Instax film, it is recommended to carry it as hand luggage. This is because X-ray machines used for inspecting hold luggage can damage undeveloped film.
To avoid this, Instax film should be hand-checked by airport security staff. It is recommended to keep the film in a clear bag, such as a Ziploc, and to request a hand inspection upon reaching security. Some sources suggest carrying an old, expired roll of film to guarantee the hand check happens. It is also suggested to carry a Sharpie to label film speeds, as film with an ISO of 800 or higher is particularly susceptible to X-ray damage.
It is important to note that these guidelines only apply to undeveloped film. Once Instax film has been developed, it can safely pass through X-ray machines without causing any issues. However, to avoid potential damage to cameras, some travellers prefer to keep their cameras empty when passing through airport security.
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Instax film speed and X-ray damage
X-rays used in airport security scanners can damage undeveloped Instax film. Film speeds (ISO) of 800 or higher are particularly susceptible to X-ray damage. While a single scan is unlikely to affect the film significantly, repeated X-ray exposure will cause damage. The effects of X-ray exposure are cumulative, with higher ISO films being affected by fewer scans. For example, if a single scan is unwise for ISO 800 film, then two passes (double the exposure) would be unsafe for ISO 400 film.
To avoid X-ray damage to Instax film when going through airport security, you can request a hand check for your film. Airport security will typically hand-check film speeds faster than ISO 800. It is recommended to carry your film in a clearly marked Ziploc bag and label the ISO on the bag with a Sharpie so that TSA agents can quickly identify it.
It is also advisable to arrive at the airport a little early and be polite and patient when requesting a hand check. While hand checks are usually granted, there may be instances where screeners rigidly apply the 'under 800' guideline and require your film to go through the X-ray scanner.
Additionally, you can use up your Instax film during your trip to avoid having to bring it back through airport security on your return journey. This way, you won't have to worry about potential X-ray damage to your unused film.
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Preventing fogging of Instax film
To prevent fogging of Instax film, it is important to control the temperature and light exposure of the film. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
Firstly, keep your Instax film in a cool, dark place before it is loaded into your camera. Exposure to light before loading can ruin the film, resulting in foggy or unusable shots. Therefore, only open the film pack in a low-light environment right before loading it. You can also invest in a protective film pouch or case, which shields the film from light and humidity.
Secondly, avoid exposing your Instax film to extreme temperatures. Do not leave the film in hot places, such as a closed motor vehicle, for extended periods. If you're in a hot environment, storing the film in a fridge (set above 5°C) can help, but ensure you bring it back to room temperature before use. Similarly, do not put the film in the freezer, as this will ruin it.
Additionally, when travelling by air, carry your film and cameras loaded with film as hand baggage. To prevent fogging during X-ray inspection of checked luggage at the airport, request a hand search if possible. Remember, these guidelines apply to unexposed film only; once developed, X-rays will not cause any issues.
Lastly, use the film before the expiry date on the package to avoid a loss of quality. Also, avoid bending the film during processing, and keep it away from direct sunlight after it has been ejected from the camera.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Instax film can go through airport security. However, it is recommended to carry it in your hand luggage and request a hand check to avoid possible fogging or damage caused by X-ray inspection.
It is recommended to carry Instax film and cameras loaded with film in your hand luggage. You can also put the film in a clear Ziploc bag and clearly label the film speed with a Sharpie to make it easier for TSA agents to identify and hand-check.
Film speeds under ISO 800 are generally considered safe to pass through X-ray machines at airport security. Film speeds ISO 800 or higher are more susceptible to X-ray damage.
If your Instax film is exposed to X-rays, it may still be usable but with noticeable degradation in quality. The film may have a grayish-green colour cast, reduced sharpness, increased grain, and struggle in darker areas.
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