Jazmin Li
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the impact of airport X-ray scanners on film. Some sources claim that X-rays cannot harm film below ISO 800, while others suggest that even film below ISO 800 can be damaged by X-rays if it is passed through the scanner multiple times. Additionally, while lead-lined bags used to be recommended for protecting film, they are now considered ineffective against the stronger CT scanners that are becoming increasingly common in airports. As a result, hand-checking film remains the safest option for photographers wanting to ensure their film is not damaged by airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport x-ray damage film? | Yes, especially the CT scanners used for checked luggage. |
| ISO rating of film | Film below ISO 800 is generally safe from damage. |
| Carry-on luggage | Generally safe for film, but CT scanners are increasingly being used for carry-on luggage and can damage film. |
| Protection | A lead bag may protect film from traditional x-ray machines but is ineffective against CT scanners. Requesting a hand inspection is recommended. |
| Shipping | Label film with "light-sensitive materials" and "Do Not X-Ray". Choose a commercial carrier such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL for international shipping. |
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What You'll Learn
X-rays may not damage film under 800 ISO
X-ray scanners at airport security come in two types: those used to scan checked luggage and those used at the security checkpoints for scanning personal items and carry-ons. The scanners for checked luggage are much more powerful and will damage your film. The checkpoint x-rays, on the other hand, are less powerful and usually will not damage film under 800 ISO, even with multiple passes.
The TSA states that film under 800 ISO can go through the x-ray machine for carry-ons without a problem. However, it is recommended to pack your film in a clear plastic bag and request a hand-check, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers. While a simple ziplock bag works, a "Do Not X-Ray" labelled bag is recommended as it makes your request easier for TSA agents to understand.
It is important to note that while checkpoint x-ray scanners are generally safe for film under 800 ISO, CT scanners are not. CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in airports and are significantly more powerful than traditional x-ray machines. A single pass through a CT scanner can damage film of any speed. If you must put your film through a CT scanner, it is recommended to purchase a lead-lined bag that blocks harmful x-rays. However, some sources suggest that lead-lined bags are ineffective against CT scanners and may result in more damage to your film.
In conclusion, while x-ray scanners at airport security may not damage film under 800 ISO, it is always best to play it safe and request a hand-check whenever possible.
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CT scanners can damage film
To protect your film from damage when passing through airport security, it is recommended to purchase a specialised bag, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag, that blocks harmful X-Rays. However, it's important to note that these bags may not provide complete protection, and security personnel may still ask to inspect the contents. As such, the best protection is to communicate with airport security and request a manual inspection of your film. Most agents are accommodating of such requests, especially if the film is easily accessible and removed from its packaging.
It's worth noting that the risk of damage to film also depends on the specific airport and scanner being used. Traditional X-ray scanners used for checked luggage are typically much stronger than those used for carry-on luggage and can ruin film. On the other hand, CT scanners are increasingly being installed in airports worldwide and pose a greater risk of damaging film regardless of speed.
If you must put your film through a CT scanner, there are limited options for protection. While lead-lined bags can block standard X-rays, they may be ineffective against the stronger CT scanners and could even attract unwanted attention from security personnel. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and consider alternative options, such as requesting a hand inspection or using a specialised bag that blocks X-rays.
Overall, while CT scanners can pose a risk of damage to film, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate this risk. Being proactive and communicating with airport security is essential to ensure the safety of your film when travelling through airports with CT scanners.
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Hand-checks are recommended
While some sources claim that X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage at security checkpoints typically do not harm film under 800 ISO, even with multiple passes, it is always recommended to request a hand-check to be safe. This is because there are many variables that could affect your film, such as the ASA rating, how it was stored, and the type of scanner being used.
To request a hand-check, simply let the TSA agent know that you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. It is recommended to have your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a clear plastic or ziplock bag. While some sources suggest using a "Do Not X-Ray" label, others advise against this as it may not be honoured by international airports and could result in a higher-intensity scan.
It is important to note that checked luggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to any film, whether exposed or not. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your film with you in your carry-on baggage. Additionally, be aware that more and more airports are implementing CT scanners for carry-on luggage, which have been shown to damage film with a single pass, regardless of the film speed.
In summary, hand-checks are recommended to protect your film from potential damage caused by X-ray scanners. By requesting a hand-check and properly packaging your film, you can travel with confidence and ensure your film remains safe through airport security.
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Lead-lined bags may not work
While lead-lined bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against the much stronger CT scanners, which can see through the lead. This results in more damage to your film. Additionally, if the TSA sees a lead bag in your carry-on, they will likely ask you to remove it for inspection. As such, a hand-check is a more reliable method to protect your film. Let the TSA agent know you are carrying film and kindly request a manual inspection. This is usually not an issue, especially at U.S. airports.
If you are travelling with film, it is recommended to place it in a clear ziplock bag or a clear 35mm canister and hand it over to the TSA agent. This way, they can swab it and meet you after the scanner. It is also important to keep film separate from other items, especially metal objects, wires, chargers, and batteries, as these can attract the attention of inspectors.
It is worth noting that the type of film you are carrying also matters. Previous guidance suggested that one or a few passes through standard carry-on X-ray scanners were generally not harmful to lower ISO film (less than 800). However, CT scanners can damage film of any speed, even with a single pass. Therefore, it is always a risk to take film through airport security, especially with the increasing prevalence of CT scanners in airports worldwide.
If you want to avoid the hassle of hand-checking film at the airport, consider mailing exposed rolls directly to a film processing service using prepaid mailers before flying home. This way, you can skip the TSA line altogether and ensure the safety of your film.
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Keep film in carry-on luggage
If you are a film photographer who travels, you may have wondered if your film is safe from TSA X-rays or the new CT scanners. The answer is that it depends on the film's ISO rating and the type of scanner used.
For carry-on luggage, the general rule is that film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower can safely pass through standard X-ray machines. However, it is recommended to request a hand inspection of your film to be extra cautious. Some sources suggest using a clear plastic bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" labelled pouch to make the request clearer to TSA agents.
It is important to note that CT scanners, which are increasingly being used in airports, have been shown to damage film with a single pass, regardless of the film speed. If you must put your film through a CT scanner, it is recommended to purchase a protective bag, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag, that blocks X-Rays. However, some sources suggest that these lead-lined bags may not be effective against the stronger CT scanners, and it is still best to request a hand inspection.
To minimise the risk of damage, it is essential to keep yourself informed about the type of scanners used in the airports you will be travelling through. You can check ahead of time to see if an airport uses CT scanners and be diligent in asking for hand inspections if needed. Additionally, consider mailing exposed rolls directly to a film processing service or using a commercial carrier such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL to ship your film internationally.
Overall, while carry-on luggage is generally considered safe for film, it is always best to take precautions and be diligent in protecting your film from potential damage caused by airport X-ray scanners.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, X-rays can damage film. However, most sources agree that film under 800 ISO will not be damaged by standard X-ray machines. Higher ISOs and more powerful CT scanners can damage film.
The best way to protect your film is to request a hand inspection. You can also purchase a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch to store your film in, but be aware that airport security may still ask to inspect the contents of the pouch.
No, checked luggage goes through more powerful X-ray scanners that will damage your film. Always keep your film in your carry-on luggage.
