Ruth Haines
Kodak Fun Saver cameras can go through airport security, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the film doesn't get damaged. Firstly, it's recommended to keep the camera with you as carry-on luggage rather than putting it in checked baggage, as checked bags go through more powerful X-ray scanners that can harm the film. Carry-on scanners typically use lower levels of radiation and are considered safer for film under ISO 800. However, for extra precaution, some suggest requesting a hand check for your film to avoid any potential damage. This involves asking security officers to manually inspect your film, which is a simple process but requires some preparation to remove the film from your carry-on bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kodak's recommendation | Put films in carry-on bags instead of checked suitcases to avoid exposure to intense X-ray radiation |
| Kodak FunSaver film sensitivity to airport security X-ray | Kodak FunSaver film under 800 ISO should be fine for one time |
| Alternative options | Request a hand check for your film or use a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch |
| X-ray damage | Exposure from checked baggage scanners can fog the film |
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What You'll Learn
- Kodak FunSaver film under 800 ISO can go through airport security without damage
- Kodak recommends putting film in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage
- Kodak film can be hand-checked by security instead of going through X-ray machines
- Kodak film may be damaged by CT scanners, a newer type of X-ray machine
- Kodak film may be damaged by multiple X-ray scans on a trip with multiple flights
Kodak FunSaver film under 800 ISO can go through airport security without damage
Airport security scanners impose very little radiation, so your film should not be damaged. However, checked bags go through heavier X-ray machines that can harm the film. Kodak recommends putting your film in your carry-on bag to avoid exposure to intense X-ray radiation. Additionally, CT scanners used for checked luggage in many US airports can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Even the best processing lab can't fix film fogged by these machines.
If your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers, it is best to request a hand check for your film. You can use a Do Not X-Ray pouch to make your request clearer to TSA agents. While a simple ziplock bag works, a Darkroom Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch is more durable and clearly labeled.
Most X-ray machines used for carry-on bags should not damage undeveloped film under ISO 800. There are a limited number of checkpoints with X-ray equipment that may damage film, and these airports will have signage stating so. If you are unsure, you can always request a hand check for your film.
Overall, Kodak FunSaver film under 800 ISO can safely go through airport security without damage. To be cautious, keep the film in your carry-on bag and request a hand check to avoid any potential issues.
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Kodak recommends putting film in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage
Kodak recommends that travellers do not carry unexposed or unprocessed motion picture film. If it is unavoidable that film is carried, Kodak suggests that passengers contact the airport in advance to request hand inspection, and allow additional check-in time for such procedures. Kodak also recommends that film is purchased locally through the nearest Kodak sales office, and processed at a local motion-picture laboratory before being transported by air.
In line with this, Kodak advises that film should be carried in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage. This is because the scanners used for checked baggage are a lot more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage, and can cause film to become fogged and overexposed. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines. Carry-on scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. However, Kodak still recommends requesting a hand inspection of your film, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers.
To request a hand inspection, travellers should carry their film in a clear plastic resealable bag, and carry a changing bag for use by the inspector. It is also recommended that travellers demonstrate how it is used, with a can of fogged film as an example. However, there is no guarantee that your request will be granted by local inspectors, who may insist on x-ray inspection. Hand inspection may not be permitted in some airports outside the US.
If you are travelling with film, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, as you may need to be insistent or ask to see a supervisor. Most staff are unaware that CT scanners can damage film, and some do not even know what film is. Kodak Alaris has made available some sticker templates that can be printed and put on film pouches, to help convince airport staff not to put film through the scanner.
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Kodak film can be hand-checked by security instead of going through X-ray machines
Kodak recommends that travellers do not carry unexposed or unprocessed motion picture film. If it is unavoidable, passengers should contact the airport in advance to request a hand inspection of their Kodak film. This is because new carry-on baggage scanning equipment is being employed throughout the world, and these new CT scanners use higher-intensity energy that has been proven to fog all unprocessed film.
To avoid damage to your film, it is recommended to politely ask a TSA agent for a hand check when bringing film through TSA checkpoints. In the US, TSA agents are usually accommodating of these requests, especially when the film is easily accessible in a ziplock bag. However, hand inspection may not be permitted in some airports outside the US, and there is no guarantee that your request will be granted by local inspectors.
If you are unable to request a hand inspection, it is unlikely that film rated at 800 ISO or lower will be affected by standard X-ray machines. In fact, even if higher ISO film is exposed to X-ray machines, it may still be salvageable.
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Kodak film may be damaged by CT scanners, a newer type of X-ray machine
To avoid potential damage, Kodak recommends that passengers put their films in their carry-on bags rather than their checked suitcases. Checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines. Carry-on X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO.
If you are travelling with Kodak film, it is recommended to take extra precautions to avoid potential damage. One option is to use a "`Do Not X-Ray` film pouch", which is made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and clearly labelled to make your request easier for TSA agents to understand. Another option is to request a hand check for your film, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers. While a simple ziplock bag will work, a clearly labelled film pouch is recommended.
It is important to note that not all airports have the same type of scanners, and some airports may have signage indicating that their X-ray machines can damage undeveloped film. Additionally, there are special techniques for checking films, such as swab tests, which can be performed by security officers. By taking these precautions and working with security personnel, you can help ensure that your Kodak film is not damaged by airport security scanners.
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Kodak film may be damaged by multiple X-ray scans on a trip with multiple flights
The new X-ray machines can be quite harmful to the films, and you might end up with completely damaged film if it passes through airport security scanners that include heavy X-rays. However, the airport security scanners installed at airport security checkpoints are known not to be harmful. This is why Kodak recommends putting your films in your carry-on bags to save them from exposure to intense X-ray radiation.
Most X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not damage undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800. There are a limited number of screening checkpoints that use X-ray equipment that may damage undeveloped film. These airports will have signage in front of the X-ray stating that the X-ray may damage undeveloped film.
If your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers, it is recommended to play it safe and request a hand check. You can take your disposable camera films out of your carry-on bag and simply request that they be hand-checked. Security officers at the airport security line usually do not have any issues with this, and they have special techniques for checking films, such as taking swab tests.
While Kodak claims that one pass through an X-ray machine may not harm the film, if your trip involves switching flights and passing multiple security scanners, there is no guarantee that your films will not be damaged.
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Frequently asked questions
Kodak recommends that you put your films in your carry-on bag rather than your checked suitcase. This is because the X-ray machines used for checked luggage can harm the film. Most X-ray machines for carry-on luggage should not damage undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800.
Kodak recommends carrying unexposed film as carry-on luggage and requesting a hand-check by TSA agents at security.
Damage to film from airport security scanners can appear as fog, which typically shows up as soft-edged bands 1/4 to 3/8 inch (1 to 1.5 cm) wide.
You can request a hand-check for your film at security. Alternatively, you can purchase film at your destination to avoid the risk of damaging your film before your trip even begins.
Airport security scanners impose very little radiation on camera film, so it should not be damaged. However, some airports have started to use CT scanners, which use higher levels of radiation and can damage film.
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