Jazmin Li
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience, especially with the ever-changing technology of airport security. The consensus is that x-ray machines can damage film, particularly if it has an ISO rating of over 800. However, some sources claim that even films with an ISO rating of 400 can be affected. The newer CT scanners, which are increasingly being used for carry-on luggage, are more powerful and more likely to cause damage. To avoid this, travellers are advised to request a hand-check for their film, although this is not always possible. Some photographers use lead-lined bags to protect their film, but these are ineffective against CT scanners and may not be permitted by security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can film be put through airport x-ray? | Yes, but it is not recommended. |
| Film damage | X-ray machines can damage film, especially unprocessed film. |
| ISO rating | Film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower is less likely to be affected by x-ray machines. |
| Carry-on vs. checked luggage | Carry-on luggage is generally safer for film as it is usually scanned with less intense x-ray machines. |
| Hand inspection | Requesting a hand inspection of film is recommended to avoid potential damage from x-ray machines. |
| Protective bags | Protective bags, such as lead-lined bags or "Do Not X-Ray" pouches, can be used to protect film from x-rays, but may not be effective against stronger CT scanners. |
| Country variations | The effectiveness of hand inspections and the availability of protective bags may vary by country. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines at airports can damage film
While some sources claim that film under 800 ISO can pass through airport x-ray machines without damage, others claim that even film under 800 ISO can be fogged by the radiation. This may be due to the increasing number of airports using CT scanners, which emit higher levels of radiation. To avoid any risk of fogging, travellers can request a hand inspection of their film at the security checkpoint. This is the safest way to protect film, as even lead-lined bags, which were once used to protect film, are no longer recommended.
Some airports may post notices if their equipment will potentially damage film, but this is not guaranteed. Travellers can also check ahead of time to see if their airport uses a CT scanner and request a hand inspection if necessary. While hand inspections are usually accommodated, especially in the US, it is not always guaranteed, and some airports may still insist on scanning film even when requested not to. Additionally, the more airports and CT scanners travelled through, the more likely that film will be damaged.
To prepare film for travel, it is recommended to place it in a clear plastic bag or a “Do Not X-Ray” pouch and politely request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. Travellers should also be prepared to remove film from its packaging and cans for inspection and to replace it in the cans themselves. While commercial carriers such as FedEx or UPS can be used to ship film internationally, it is important to contact these companies directly for specific shipping methods and details by country.
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ISO 200 film is resilient to airport x-rays
It is generally understood that x-rays at airport security cannot harm film below ISO 800. However, CT scanners, which are increasingly being used in airports, are much stronger and can damage film below this ISO.
However, it is important to note that some users on the same forum have reported that their film has been damaged by x-rays. One user reported that their Fuji 400 film turned out blank after passing through about 15-16 x-rays over three days. Another user noted that they had seen tons of film that was fogged by x-rays while working in a commercial film lab.
To avoid any potential damage, it is recommended that you place your film in a clear plastic bag and request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint.
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Requesting a hand-check for film at airport security
When travelling with film, it is recommended to request a hand-check at airport security to avoid potential damage from X-ray machines. While most TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, requesting a hand-check is a safer option.
To request a hand-check, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. It is generally not a problem, especially at U.S. airports, and TSA agents are usually accommodating. However, when flying internationally, some countries may not honour this request and might insist on X-raying your film.
To make the process smoother, it is advisable to pack your film in a clear plastic bag, separate from your carry-on bag. Remove the film from its packaging and place it in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, making it easily accessible for inspection. This will also help TSA agents identify the film and facilitate the hand-check process.
Additionally, it is worth checking ahead of time if the airport you are travelling through uses CT scanners for carry-on bags. CT scanners can damage unprocessed film, and it is recommended to always request a hand-inspection in such cases. While airports are expected to post notices if their equipment may potentially damage carry-on film, it is better to be proactive and inquire beforehand.
By following these suggestions, you can help ensure the safety of your film and avoid any potential issues caused by X-ray machines at airport security.
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CT scanners at airport security are a concern for film photographers
CT scanners at airport security are a growing concern for film photographers. These scanners, which use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, emit a higher radiation dose than traditional X-ray machines. This added strength can cause serious damage to unprocessed film, with even one pass through a CT scanner potentially ruining a roll of film.
While traditional X-ray machines are generally considered safe for film rated at 800 ISO or lower, CT scanners are a different story. Their increased power means that even film with a lower ISO can be affected, and the damage becomes more likely and severe with each pass through a scanner. This is a particular concern for photographers who have just returned from an important job or a once-in-a-lifetime trip and are eager to see the results of their work.
To avoid potential damage, photographers are advised to request a hand inspection of their film at airport security. While this is not always possible, especially when travelling internationally, it is the best way to ensure that film is not affected by X-ray or CT scanners. Some sources suggest that lead-lined bags can be used to protect film from radiation, but these are not always effective and may even result in more damage to the film.
It is worth noting that some photographers have reported successfully passing film through airport X-ray machines multiple times without issue. However, this may not be the case for all film types, and it is always a risk when using CT scanners. When travelling with film, it is essential to be diligent and take precautions to protect your work.
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Using lead-lined bags to protect film from airport x-rays
X-ray machines used to screen checked luggage at airports can ruin any and all film. Carry-on luggage, on the other hand, is usually screened using less intense X-ray technology that is unlikely to damage film rated below 800 ISO. Nevertheless, photographers who want to protect their film from radiation can use lead-lined bags.
Lead is one of the most effective elements for blocking high-energy X-rays. Domke Filmguard bags, for example, use dense lead impregnated into durable vinyl to protect film from X-rays. These bags are flexible and easy to pack and store. However, some sources suggest that using a lead-lined bag may prompt security personnel to inspect the bag and its contents more closely.
Some photographers have reported positive experiences using lead-lined bags to protect their film from airport X-ray machines. For instance, one photographer reported that their lead-lined bag containing film was hand-inspected by TSA agents in Boston and New York, and by Japanese airport security in Narita, without issue. Another photographer shared that they were able to purchase a lead-lined bag in Portugal, where security refused to hand-check their film without prior online authorization.
However, other photographers have had mixed experiences with lead-lined bags. Some report that security personnel may open the bag and scan its contents separately, potentially negating the protection offered by the lead lining. In some cases, security personnel may increase the power of the X-ray machine to see through the lead-lined bag, which could damage the film. Additionally, using a lead-lined bag may raise suspicions and cause more vigorous checking of the bag and its contents.
To avoid potential issues with lead-lined bags, photographers can consider alternative options to protect their film from airport X-ray machines. Some photographers recommend placing film in a separate bag or container, such as a clear plastic bag or a laptop case, to make it easily accessible for hand inspection. Others suggest requesting a hand inspection of film and providing clear 35mm canisters for the inspection. It is also recommended to keep film separate from metal objects, wires, chargers, and batteries during the scanning process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport X-rays can damage film, especially CT scanners, which are more powerful and emit a higher radiation dose.
Film with a rating higher than 800 ISO is more likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines.
You can purchase a film pouch or bag that is specifically designed to protect film from X-rays, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag or a Darkroom Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch. Alternatively, you can request a hand inspection of your film at the airport security checkpoint.
Yes, not all airports have implemented CT scanners yet. You can check ahead of time to see if the airport you are travelling through uses CT scanners.
If you are concerned about the potential damage to your film from airport X-rays, you can consider mailing your film directly to a photo lab or using a commercial carrier such as FedEx or UPS, which do not typically use X-ray machines.
