Sachin Walls
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience for photographers, especially with the ever-evolving technology of airport security. The powerful X-ray machines and newer CT scanners used in airports can damage unprocessed film, causing issues for photographers wanting to transport film in their carry-on luggage. While some sources claim that film under 800 ISO can pass through traditional X-ray machines without damage, others advise against this, recommending that photographers request a hand-check of their film instead. With the potential for serious damage to occur, photographers must balance the risks of X-ray scanning and the convenience of travelling with film.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should film be placed in checked baggage? | No, it should not be placed in checked baggage due to high-intensity screening technology that can fog or ruin the film. |
| Should film be hand-inspected? | Yes, it is recommended to request a hand inspection or manual inspection for film to avoid damage. |
| What type of bag should be used for film? | A clear plastic zip-lock bag is recommended. Lead-lined bags are not suggested as they may result in increased X-ray power and more damage. |
| What ISO film is safe for X-ray scanners? | Film rated 800 ISO or lower is generally safe for standard X-ray machines. Higher ISO films may be damaged. |
| What about CT scanners? | CT scanners are more powerful and can damage film, including slower-speed film. They are being introduced at some airports for carry-on luggage. |
| How early should one arrive at the airport with film? | It is recommended to arrive 10-30 minutes earlier than usual to allow time for a hand inspection. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines and CT scanners can fog and/or ruin unprocessed film
According to Kodak, CT scanners will damage all unprocessed film. The degree of film fog produced by radiation waves differs depending on the film type. For instance, positive and low-speed films (below ISO 800) were far more resistant to radiation than their negative and high-speed counterparts. The damage is cumulative, so your film may be distorted if you go through several airports. The X-ray machines used on checked bags are also much more powerful.
To avoid any risk of fogging your unprocessed film (including loaded cameras), always request that your carry-on be hand-inspected at the airport security checkpoint. Remember, this risk of damage only applies to unprocessed film. It is expected that airports will post notices if their equipment will potentially damage carry-on film. However, we don't know if these postings will specify the use of a CT scanner. So, be diligent in asking for hand-inspections, and check ahead of time to see if your airport is using a CT scanner.
To make traveling with film easier, you can use pre-paid film mailers to send your exposed rolls directly to a photo lab for developing.
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Film under 800 ISO can go through X-ray machines without damage
Film photographers often wonder if their film is safe from X-rays at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage. However, it is important to note that TSA is introducing more powerful computed tomography (CT) scanners at some airports for carry-on luggage, which can damage even slower-speed film.
CT scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film. Therefore, it is recommended to never pack film in checked baggage. If you must travel with film, it is best to carry it in your hand luggage.
To minimise the risk of damage to your film, you can take the following precautions:
- Use a clear plastic zip-lock bag: Place your film in a clear plastic bag, such as a “Do Not X-Ray” film pouch, to make it easily accessible for inspection.
- Request a hand-check: Although film under 800 ISO is considered safe through X-ray machines, requesting a hand-check is recommended to be extra cautious, especially if you have multiple flights or transfers.
- Check airport procedures: Different countries may have varying regulations and inspection methods. Check ahead of time to see if your airport uses CT scanners for carry-on luggage, as this may impact your film.
- Mail or purchase film locally: Depending on your destination, consider mailing your film directly to your lodgings or buying film locally to avoid exposing it to X-ray machines at all.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your film remains undamaged while navigating airport security.
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Film over 800 ISO should be hand-inspected
When travelling with film, it is important to take precautions to ensure that your film does not get damaged by airport security scanners. While the camera and lenses can go through the scanners, it is recommended to have film with ISO 400 and higher hand-checked.
Airport scanners and X-ray machines produce light energy, to which film is sensitive. Film with ISO 800 and above is four times as sensitive to light as ISO 200 film, and is therefore more susceptible to damage from X-ray scanning. Airport authorities state that film at or above ISO 800 may be damaged by X-ray scanning, and travellers with film above 800 ISO have reported damage even when using lead-lined film bags.
While the TSA states that film rated 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, it is still recommended to request a hand-check to be extra diligent, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers. Hand-checks are a traveller's right, and most TSA agents should be familiar with hand-scanning requests.
To make the process smoother, it is recommended to remove film from all canisters and packaging and place them in a clear plastic zip-lock bag. Keep the bag easily accessible, such as in a side pocket of your carry-on luggage. It is also a good idea to allow extra time to get through security when requesting a hand-check.
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Keep film in a clear plastic bag and ask for a hand inspection
When travelling with film, it is important to remember that airport scanners and X-ray machines can fog and/or ruin your film. The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy to which film is sensitive.
To avoid any risk of fogging your unprocessed film, always request that your carry-on be hand-inspected at the airport security checkpoint. It is recommended to place your film in a clear plastic zip-lock-style bag, with which TSA agents are familiar. You can also use a Darkroom Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch, which is more durable and clearly labelled. Keep your film easily accessible in a side pocket of your carry-on.
At the security checkpoint, remove the film from your carry-on bag and politely ask the TSA agent for a manual inspection. Most TSA agents should be familiar with hand-scanning requests, but it is good to allow extra time for this process. It is also recommended to check ahead of time if the airport you are travelling through uses CT scanners, which can be more damaging to film.
Remember, the risk of damage from X-ray machines only applies to unprocessed film. Processed film and loaded cameras should still be taken in carry-on luggage, but there is no need to request a hand inspection for these items.
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Never put film in checked baggage
The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy to which film is sensitive. X-ray machines found at most airports will not affect film rated at 800 ISO or lower. However, CT scanners, which are increasingly common in U.S. airports, are significantly more powerful and can seriously damage a roll of film in just one pass.
If you must travel with film, always carry it in your hand luggage and request a hand inspection at the airport security checkpoint. You can do this by approaching the security agent at the bins and politely saying, "Hello, I have some film I'd like hand inspected, please." It's recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 10 to 15 minutes early to account for the extra time this may take.
To make the process smoother, you can also remove the film from its canisters and packaging and place it in a clear plastic zip-lock bag before arriving at the airport. This makes it easier for the security agent to inspect your film.
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Frequently asked questions
No. The scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and will likely fog or ruin your film.
Keep your film in your carry-on luggage.
Yes, remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag. This makes it easily accessible for inspection.
Request a hand inspection. While film under 800 ISO is usually safe to go through an X-ray scanner, film over 800 ISO should be hand-checked.
You could consider buying film locally when you arrive at your destination, mailing film to yourself before you fly home, or getting film developed locally before you return.
