Owais Crawford
Undeveloped film can be taken through airport security, but it is recommended that you keep it with you and ask for a hand inspection to avoid damage. Scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and are likely to fog your film. TSA officers will usually be accommodating of this request, but the final decision rests with them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can undeveloped film go through airport security? | Yes, but it is recommended to carry undeveloped film in hand luggage and ask for a hand inspection. |
| How to protect undeveloped film from damage during security checks? | Put undeveloped film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. Request a hand inspection. Be patient and polite with TSA agents. |
| What type of scanners can damage undeveloped film? | CT scanners used for checked baggage can damage undeveloped film. Carry-on X-ray scanners typically don't harm film under 800 ISO. |
| Can developed film be damaged by airport security equipment? | No, developed film, negatives, prints, and slides are not light-sensitive and can be safely scanned. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines and CT scanners can damage undeveloped film
If you are travelling with undeveloped film, it is recommended to put it in your carry-on bag and ask for a hand inspection. You can also put it in a clear plastic bag and inform the TSA agent that you are carrying undeveloped film and kindly request a manual inspection. Most TSA agents should be familiar with hand-scanning requests, but it may slow down their workflow, so it is recommended to allow extra time to get through security.
Some airports are introducing more powerful CT scanners for carry-on luggage, which can damage even slower-speed film. If you are unsure whether the airport you are travelling through uses CT scanners, it is better to be safe and request a hand inspection.
Overall, it is important to be patient and polite with TSA agents and to remember that their first responsibility is security. By following these recommendations, you can help ensure that your undeveloped film is not damaged by X-ray machines or CT scanners during airport security checks.
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Keep undeveloped film in carry-on luggage
If you're travelling with undeveloped film, it's important to take extra care to ensure it isn't damaged by airport security scanners. While developed film, negatives, prints and slides are not light-sensitive and can be safely put through scanners, undeveloped film requires a different approach. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, always carry undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage. Never put undeveloped film in your checked baggage, as the scanners used for checked bags are much more powerful than those used for carry-on bags, and will very likely fog or damage your film. Even if your film is still inside a camera, it should always be taken in carry-on luggage.
Secondly, when going through security, politely request a hand inspection of your undeveloped film. This is the safest way to ensure your film isn't exposed to harmful radiation. Most TSA agents should be familiar with such requests, and it's within their discretion to allow it. Be patient and friendly, and kindly inform them that you're carrying undeveloped photographic film and would appreciate a manual inspection. You can even mention that it's high ISO film to emphasize the need for a hand check.
To make the process smoother, you can prepare your film ahead of time by removing it from all canisters and packaging and placing it in a clear ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch. Keep it easily accessible, such as in a side pocket of your carry-on bag, so you can quickly present it for inspection when requested.
Additionally, it's worth checking ahead of time if the airports you'll be travelling through are using CT scanners for carry-on luggage. CT scanners are becoming more common, and even slower-speed film can be damaged by their powerful technology. If possible, try to avoid airports that use CT scanners for carry-on luggage, or be especially diligent in requesting a hand inspection.
Finally, consider alternatives to carrying undeveloped film through airport security. Depending on your destination, you may be able to buy film locally or have it mailed directly to your lodgings. If you're returning home, you can also look into mailing your exposed rolls to a processing lab before you leave, avoiding the need for any scanner exposure.
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Ask for a hand inspection
When travelling with undeveloped film, it is recommended to put it in your carry-on luggage and ask for a hand inspection at the checkpoint. Most X-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not damage undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800. However, there are some X-ray machines that may damage undeveloped film, and airports are expected to post notices if their equipment will potentially harm undeveloped film.
To be safe, you can ask a TSA agent for a hand inspection. In most cases, especially in the US, they are willing to accommodate the request. However, regulations and inspections vary by country, so there is a chance that your request for a hand inspection may be denied at some international airports.
To make the process smoother, you can take some precautions. Firstly, remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place it in a clear plastic bag, such as a ziplock bag, before putting it in your carry-on. Make sure the bag is easily accessible, such as in a side pocket of your carry-on. You can also use a film pouch with a "Do Not X-Ray" label, which makes your request clearer to TSA agents. Additionally, consider mailing exposed rolls directly to a photo lab using prepaid mailers before flying home, avoiding the need for hand checks, X-rays, or CT scanners.
It is important to note that the risk of damage only applies to unprocessed film. If you are travelling with film that has already been developed, you can safely put it in your checked luggage or carry-on without requesting a hand inspection.
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Don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage
Undeveloped film can be damaged by airport security scanners. The scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and will very likely fog your film. Therefore, it is recommended to never put undeveloped film in checked luggage. Instead, always carry your undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage.
To avoid potential damage from X-ray or CT scanners, it is advisable to place your undeveloped film in a clear plastic bag, such as a Ziploc bag, and request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. You can also use a ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, which is more durable and clearly communicates your request to the TSA. Be patient and polite with the TSA agents, and inform them that you are carrying undeveloped film that needs to be hand-inspected.
If you are travelling with a camera containing undeveloped film, inform the TSA agents and request that they avoid opening the camera, as this could damage the film. In some cases, you may be asked to wait for a chemical wipe test to be performed instead.
It is important to note that regulations and inspections may vary by country and airport. Therefore, it is recommended to check ahead of time to see if your departure or transit airports use CT scanners, which are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can damage undeveloped film.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your undeveloped film remains safe and undamaged when travelling through airport security.
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Mailing film home is an option
The best way to avoid this risk is to mail your film home. Some companies offer prepaid mailers that include a pre-addressed envelope and an order form for quick and easy drop-off at any USPS location in the US. This way, you can skip the TSA line altogether on your way home and rest assured that your film will head straight to a lab for developing.
However, it's important to note that the United States Postal Service sanitises some mail to eliminate potential bio-terror threats, and this process may damage your film. One source states that they have "heard [the sanitisation process] will literally melt your film".
If you do choose to take undeveloped film through airport security, it's recommended that you put it in your carry-on luggage and ask for a hand inspection. You can also purchase "Do Not X-Ray" film pouches to make your request easier for TSA agents to understand. Be patient, polite, and friendly with the agents, and remember that their first responsibility is security. It's also a good idea to allow extra time to get through security when travelling with film.
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Frequently asked questions
Undeveloped film can go through airport security, but it is recommended to put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags or take it to the checkpoint and ask for a hand inspection.
The scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used in carry-on luggage and will very likely fog your film.
It is recommended to store undeveloped film in a clear ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouch in the side pocket of your carry-on bag.
The TSA states that film less than 800 ISO can go through the X-ray machine for carry-ons without a problem. However, some sources suggest that film 400 ISO and under is safe to go through carry-on scanners.
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