Jazmin Li
Travelling with a 35mm film camera can be a rewarding experience for photography enthusiasts, but it requires careful planning and understanding of airport security procedures. Most standard X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage should not damage undeveloped film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower. However, CT scanners, which are becoming more common in US airports, are significantly more powerful and can cause serious damage to film. To safely travel with 35mm film, it is recommended to keep it in your hand luggage, request a hand check, and be patient and courteous when communicating with security personnel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can 35mm film be put through airport security? | Yes, but there are some limitations. |
| What are the limitations? | Traditional X-ray scanners only affect films with an ISO of 800 or upwards. CT scanners, on the other hand, can damage films with an ISO of 800 or lower. |
| How to protect the film from damage? | Keep it in hand luggage, request a hand check, unload film from cameras, use a protective case, and store it in a transparent ziplock bag. |
| What is the impact of scanners on the film? | Fogging, colour shift, increase in grain, and base fog are some of the potential issues. |
| Which airports have CT scanners? | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and Bristol Airport, among others. |
| What to do if there is an issue with security? | Politely request a hand check, communicate with security personnel, and be cautious of intimidating episodes. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines vs. CT scanners
X-ray machines and CT scanners are both imaging tools used to help diagnose medical conditions. X-rays are 2D images that are often used to detect dislocations, fractures, cancers, and pneumonia. CT scans, on the other hand, are more advanced and produce 3D images by combining multiple 2D X-ray images taken from different angles. CT scans are particularly useful for imaging complex bone fractures, severely eroded joints, or bone tumors, as they provide more detail than traditional X-rays.
In the context of airport security, X-ray machines and CT scanners are used to screen carry-on and checked baggage. Most X-ray machines used for carry-on baggage are considered safe for undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800, and airports will usually have signs indicating if an X-ray machine may damage film. However, CT scanners, which are becoming more common in U.S. airports, are significantly more powerful and can cause serious and irreversible damage to unprocessed film.
To avoid potential damage to film when passing through airport security, it is recommended to remove the film from its packaging and place it 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 baggage and politely request a hand check by a TSA agent. It is also advised to never put film in checked baggage, as checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can fog and damage the film.
While X-ray machines and CT scanners serve similar purposes in the medical field, their applications in airport security differ. X-ray machines are typically used for screening carry-on baggage and are generally considered safe for undeveloped film, while CT scanners are used for both carry-on and checked baggage and can pose a risk of damage to unprocessed film. Following recommended guidelines and communicating with TSA agents can help ensure the safety of your film when travelling through airport security.
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Film hand-checks
While most standard X-ray machines at TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected, it is always best to play it safe and request a hand-check. TSA agents are usually accommodating, especially if you have your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch.
To request a hand-check, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. This is usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports. However, it is important to note that the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
If you want to avoid the hassle of hand-checks, X-rays, or CT scanners, consider using pre-paid film mailers to send your exposed rolls directly to a film processing lab. This option is available in the U.S. and provides a convenient and secure way to handle your film while travelling.
To further minimise the risk of damage to your film, follow these additional tips:
- Remove the film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time.
- Keep the film in a side pocket of your carry-on bag for easy access.
- Never put film in checked baggage, as the high-powered CT scanners used for checked luggage can cause irreversible damage.
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Film packaging
When it comes to film packaging and airport security, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your film stays safe. Firstly, it is recommended to remove the film from its original canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, such as the Darkroom Travel Film Pouch. These pouches are made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and feature a "Do Not X-Ray" label, making them ideal for keeping your film safe during security checks.
It is important to never pack film in checked baggage, as checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to your film. Always carry your film in your carry-on luggage and keep it easily accessible, such as in a side pocket. This way, if a hand inspection is requested, the process will be smoother and faster.
When going through security, politely request a manual inspection by a TSA agent. In most cases, they will be happy to accommodate your request, especially if your film is easily accessible and clearly marked with a "Do Not X-Ray" label. Keep in mind that the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
If you want to avoid the hassle of going through security with your film, consider mailing your exposed rolls directly to a photo lab or using prepaid film mailers to send them home. This way, you can skip the TSA line altogether and ensure your film arrives safely without any potential damage from X-rays or CT scanners.
By following these packaging and transportation tips, you can confidently travel with your 35mm film and ensure it stays safe from airport security damage.
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Film in checked baggage
Film photographers who love to travel often wonder if their film is safe from TSA X-rays or the new CT scanners. The consensus is that it is best not to put film in checked baggage. Checked bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines.
CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in U.S. airports, and unlike traditional X-ray machines, they are significantly more powerful. The added strength can mean serious damage to your unprocessed film. In fact, just one pass through a CT scanner can damage a roll, which makes taking film through airport security a concern for film photographers.
Kodak Alaris and Eastman Kodak have warned photographers not to check their film but to carry it on and request a hand check by TSA agents at security. Most x-ray machines used to screen carry-on bags should not damage undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800. However, 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.
Film cameras and film canisters may appear as dense objects on X-ray scans, leading to additional screening. It is recommended to use film with a speed below 800 ISO, as film with higher speeds may be more susceptible to X-ray damage.
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Film damage
To avoid film damage, it is recommended to politely ask a TSA agent for a hand check when bringing film through TSA checkpoints. Most TSA agents in the US are accommodating of such requests, especially when the film is easily accessible and out of its packaging, stored in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. It is also important to never pack film in checked baggage, as these bags go through high-powered CT scanners that can fog and damage the film.
While most standard X-ray machines should not damage undeveloped film with an ASA/ISO rating of 800 or lower, there are limited checkpoints with X-ray equipment that may damage such film. Airports with this equipment will have signage stating that the X-ray may damage undeveloped film. Even with film rated at 800 ISO or lower, it is recommended to request a hand check if possible, as damage may not always be immediately noticeable.
Despite these precautions, some photographers have shared their negative experiences with airport security, including uncooperative staff and the loss of valuable film due to CT scanners. In some cases, security staff have refused hand checks and insisted on putting film through X-ray machines or CT scanners, resulting in intimidating episodes and frustration for photographers.
To minimise the risk of film damage, photographers should follow recommended procedures such as removing film from canisters and packaging, storing it in easily accessible clear bags, and never packing it in checked baggage. While hand checks are not always guaranteed, taking proactive measures can help increase the chances of a smooth and positive experience when travelling with film through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 35mm film can be damaged by airport security scanners, especially the newer CT scanners. However, traditional X-ray scanners only seem to affect films with an ISO of 800 or higher.
To protect your 35mm film from damage, you can:
- Request a hand check of your film.
- Place your film in a clear ziplock bag or a “Do Not X-Ray” pouch.
- Keep your film in your hand luggage, easily accessible.
- Avoid putting film in checked baggage.
- Use film with a speed below 800 ISO.
One way to tell the difference is that airport staff will usually ask you to remove liquids from your hand luggage before an X-ray scanner, but not before a CT scanner.
