Lois Larson
Travelling with a Polaroid camera and film can be a tricky endeavour due to airport security measures. X-ray machines at airports can damage undeveloped film, causing washed-out, foggy photos with a reddish or pinkish hue. To avoid this, travellers are advised to carry their cameras and film in their carry-on luggage and request a hand check by airport security staff. However, some airports may not accommodate such requests, and travellers may be forced to put their film through the X-ray machine. It is recommended that travellers research the security measures at their departure airport and plan accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Polaroids go through airport security? | Yes, but it is recommended to ask for a hand check to avoid X-ray damage. |
| X-ray damage | X-rays can cause a reddish/pinkish tint on photos. |
| Carrying options | It is recommended to carry Polaroids in a clear Ziploc bag in carry-on luggage and ask for a hand check. |
| Film speed | Films with ISO 800 or higher are more susceptible to X-ray damage. |
| Airport differences | Different airports have varying security measures and X-ray machines, so it is advised to check with the airport beforehand. |
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What You'll Learn
X-rays can damage undeveloped Polaroid film
X-ray scanners at airport security can potentially harm undeveloped Polaroid film. While developed film is safe to go through X-ray machines, the radiation from X-rays can cause damage to undeveloped film, resulting in washed-out, foggy photos with a reddish or pinkish tint. The level of damage depends on the sensitivity of the film and the strength of the X-ray machine, with higher doses of radiation leading to more significant loss of saturation in photos.
To minimise the risk of damage to undeveloped Polaroid film when passing through airport security, it is recommended to keep the film in your carry-on baggage. The X-ray machines used for inspecting carry-on luggage are generally milder than those used for checked baggage, and some sources suggest that films with an ISO rating below 800 are less likely to be affected by the X-rays. However, there is still a chance of noticeable damage, and it is advisable to request a manual inspection of your photographic equipment and film whenever possible.
While some travellers have reported no issues with Polaroid film going through X-ray scanners, others have experienced noticeable discolouration and tinting in their photos. The impact of X-rays on film can vary depending on the specific airport and their security measures. Therefore, it is always best to contact the airport's customer service team in advance to inquire about their procedures for handling instant film during security checks.
To avoid the potential risks associated with X-ray scanners, some photographers choose to use up their instant films during their trip so that they do not have to worry about damaging unused film during the return journey. Alternatively, one can consider purchasing new film after arriving at the destination or opting for digital photography options during travel to eliminate the risk of X-ray damage to undeveloped film.
In summary, X-ray scanners at airport security can indeed damage undeveloped Polaroid film. To mitigate this risk, travellers are advised to carry their film in their hand luggage, request manual inspections when possible, and familiarise themselves with the airport's security measures ahead of time. By taking these precautions, photographers can better preserve the quality and integrity of their instant film while travelling through airports.
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Keep film in carry-on luggage
When travelling with film, it is recommended to keep it in your carry-on luggage. This is because the scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and could damage the film. Even the best processing lab can't fix film that has been fogged by these machines. 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 to be safe, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers.
To make the process smoother and faster at security, you can remove the film from its canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. Keep it easily accessible by storing it in a side pocket of your carry-on. It's also a good idea to allow extra time to get through security when travelling with film, as a hand check can take longer.
While hand checks are usually accommodated, especially in the US, policies can vary by country and airport. Some airports, such as those in New Zealand, have strict biosecurity measures and will refuse to hand-check film. Therefore, it's important to research the policies of the specific airports you'll be travelling through and plan accordingly.
Additionally, keep in mind that only undeveloped film is subject to damage. Exposed or developed film can be safely placed in either carry-on or checked luggage.
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Ask for a hand check
X-ray machines at airports can affect your film, and Polaroid film is sensitive and needs extra care to maintain its colour and contrast. The impact of X-rays on film varies depending on the airport and the machine, but generally, X-rays can cause photos to appear washed out, foggy, and with a reddish or pinkish hue.
To avoid this, it is recommended to ask for a hand check when passing through security. Most U.S. agents are accommodating of this request, but experiences may vary internationally. It is also recommended to keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on bag, as checked-in luggage is more likely to be affected by X-rays.
If you are travelling with film, it is advisable to place it in a clear ziplock bag or a clearly labelled "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. This will make your request for a hand check easier for security staff to understand and facilitate a smoother and faster security process.
While some sources suggest that films with an ISO speed lower than 800 are typically not harmed by X-rays, others claim that even films with an ISO as low as 400 can be affected. Therefore, it is always best to request a hand check to avoid any potential damage to your film.
Additionally, consider removing the film from its original canisters and packaging and keeping it easily accessible in your carry-on bag. This will make it more convenient for security staff to perform the hand check and ensure your film remains undamaged.
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Some airports have newer X-ray machines with higher radiation
Polaroid film is highly sensitive, and it takes a lot of care to preserve the colour and contrast. Some airports have installed new X-ray machines that emit a higher dose of radiation. The higher the radiation, the greater the damage to undeveloped instant film. The photos will turn out washed-out and foggy, with a pinkish hue.
The impact of ionizing radiation depends on the dose. While some sources claim that airport X-ray machines emit insignificant amounts of radiation, others state that the machines use high-powered explosive-detection X-rays. The machines must meet strict standards regarding radiation leakage and must have locks, warning lights, and labels to ensure safety. The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) ensures that all X-ray systems and other radiation-emitting equipment are built to use radiation safely and are correctly calibrated and maintained.
To be safe, it is recommended to keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and request a hand check to avoid the X-ray machine. Some airports specify that their X-ray machines will only impact film above ISO 800. Generally, it is advised to keep film below 1000 ISO to avoid damage, although there may still be some red tinting on your photos.
If you are worried about X-ray or millimeter wave screening, you can opt for a pat-down search instead.
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Film speeds (ISO) 800 or higher are susceptible to X-ray damage
To protect your film from potential damage, it is recommended to keep it in your carry-on luggage and request a hand check. Most airports accommodate hand-check requests, especially if your film is easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. This is a recommended precaution, even if your film has an ISO below 800.
X-ray damage to film can result in noticeable issues with your photographs. You may observe wavelength-shaped patterns of fogginess, wavy lines, or a pinkish tint on your photos, indicating X-ray damage.
It is worth noting that checked baggage goes through more powerful CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to any ISO film. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your film with you in your carry-on bag and avoid sending it through checked baggage X-ray scanners.
Additionally, some airports have newer X-ray machines that use higher doses of radiation, which can further affect film speed and image quality. As a result, it is always advisable to contact the airport's customer service team in advance to understand their specific security measures and X-ray machines. Taking these precautions will help ensure your film remains safe and undamaged during your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Polaroids can go through airport security but they are sensitive to X-rays.
Radiation zaps the saturation from undeveloped instant film, resulting in washed-out, foggy photos with a pinkish hue.
Keep your undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and ask for a hand check with the security attendant instead of putting it through the X-ray machine.
Film speeds below ISO 800 are generally considered safe to pass through an X-ray machine.
Some photographers recommend carrying an old, expired roll of film to guarantee a hand check. You can also carry a Sharpie to label film speeds above ISO 800.
