Lois Larson
Travelling with undeveloped film can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially with the various security measures in place at airports. The photoreactivity of silver halides gives film its photo-taking ability, but it also means that film is sensitive to damage from other types of radiation, including X-rays and CT scanners. So, can you take undeveloped film through airport security?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should undeveloped film be put in checked baggage? | No, it should not be put in checked baggage. |
| Should undeveloped film be hand-inspected? | Yes, it is recommended to ask for a hand inspection. |
| Should undeveloped film be packaged in a certain way? | Yes, it should be placed in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. |
| Should undeveloped film be removed from its packaging? | Yes, it should be removed from its packaging and canisters. |
| Should undeveloped film be placed in carry-on baggage? | Yes, it should be placed in carry-on baggage. |
| Should cameras with undeveloped film be taken through airport security? | It is recommended to remove undeveloped film from cameras before going through airport security. |
| Will X-ray machines damage undeveloped film? | Traditional X-ray machines will not damage film with an ISO of 800 or lower. CT scanners, however, can damage film with an ISO of 800 or lower. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines and CT scanners can damage undeveloped film
X-ray machines and CT scanners emit ionising radiation, which can penetrate film. Due to the film's light sensitivity, the radiation interacts with the film's emulsion, leading to unwanted exposure and causing a 'fogging' effect.
X-ray machines generally only impact films with an ISO of 800 or higher. However, CT scanners emit a higher level of radiation and can damage films with an ISO of 400 or lower. Even films with an ISO of 200 or lower can be affected by CT scanners, with noticeable effects such as a general loss of contrast, reduced colour saturation, and increased graininess in the developed images. The black tones in an image can completely fade into a flat grey tone, with a significant reduction in shadow detail.
Some sources claim that a single pass through a CT scanner can damage a roll of film of any speed. However, others have found that films with an ISO of 400 or lower are generally safe from damage by traditional X-ray machines. One source states that they have sent dozens of rolls of film through airport security without hand checks, and the results showed little to no noticeable damage, especially with black and white film.
To avoid potential damage, it is recommended to carry undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and request a hand inspection. Most TSA agents are usually accommodating, especially if the film is easily accessible and out of its packaging.
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Hand inspections are recommended to avoid damage
X-ray machines used in airport security are designed to prevent dangerous items from being brought onto aircraft. However, these machines emit radiation that can damage undeveloped film. The risk of damage is cumulative, meaning that passing through multiple X-ray scanners at different airports can increase the chances of foggy or ruined film.
CT scanners, which are becoming more common in airports, pose an even greater threat to undeveloped film. These scanners use more powerful X-rays that can cause immediate and irreversible damage. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid putting undeveloped film in checked baggage, as these bags are typically scanned with CT scanners.
To ensure the safety of your undeveloped film, it is recommended to follow these steps:
- Keep your film in your carry-on luggage: This ensures that it remains within your sight and control.
- Remove film from canisters and packaging: Place the film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. This makes it easier for security personnel to inspect the film without exposing it to X-rays.
- Request a hand inspection: Politely inform the TSA agent that you are carrying undeveloped film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. In most cases, they will be accommodating, especially if you have followed the previous steps.
- Check the type of scanner used: If you are unsure about the potential impact of the scanner, don't hesitate to ask airport security about the type of scanner they are using. They are there to assist you and ensure the smooth flow of security checks.
By following these steps and opting for hand inspections, you can minimise the risk of damage to your undeveloped film when travelling through airport security.
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Never put undeveloped film in checked luggage
It is strongly advised that you never put undeveloped film in your checked luggage. The equipment used to screen checked luggage utilizes high-intensity screening technology, which will ruin any film. The machines used to scan checked luggage are typically CT (computed tomography) scanners, which are far more powerful than the X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage. CT scanners can cause serious damage to undeveloped film, even fogging the film, which cannot be fixed, even by the best processing lab.
Even if your undeveloped film is not fogged by a CT scanner, it may still be damaged. One photographer reported that a roll of Fuji C200, which had been in their camera and put through hold luggage security four times, had a few shots ruined beyond recovery, with several others exhibiting extra graininess. Another photographer reported that a roll of Acros, which they had run through a luggage scanner, had noticeable loss of sensitivity.
To avoid the risk of damaging your undeveloped film, always carry it in your hand luggage and request a hand inspection at the airport security checkpoint. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends putting undeveloped film in your carry-on bags or taking it with you to the checkpoint and asking for a hand inspection. The final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer, but they will usually be happy to help with a hand inspection, especially if your film is easily accessible in a clear plastic bag.
If you are concerned about potential damage to your undeveloped film, you could consider mailing your exposed rolls directly to a processing lab using pre-paid mailers. This allows you to skip the TSA line altogether and ensures your film is handled securely, without the risk of damage from X-rays or CT scanners.
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Keep undeveloped film in carry-on luggage
It is recommended to keep undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage when travelling through airport security. This is because the equipment used to screen checked luggage utilizes a high-intensity screening technology that can ruin any and all film.
- Keep undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage.
- Remove film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time.
- Place film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch.
- Keep it easily accessible—store it in a side pocket of your carry-on.
- Request a hand inspection of your film. Most TSA agents are usually happy to help, especially if your film is out of its packaging and easily accessible.
- Ask airport security to check your film by hand, especially if you have film loaded in a camera. Make sure they know not to open the back of the camera.
- Wait until you reach your destination to load your roll of film.
- Ask airport security which type of scanner they are using if you are unsure.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your undeveloped film is not damaged by airport security scanners and that it arrives safely at your destination.
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Use a clear plastic bag for easy inspection
When travelling with undeveloped film, it is recommended that you place it in a carry-on bag and request a hand inspection. To make this process smoother, you can use a clear plastic bag for easy inspection.
Firstly, remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag. This makes it easier for security personnel to inspect the film and ensures a quicker passage through security. You can also use a “Do Not X-Ray” film pouch, which is crafted from durable, see-through PVC mesh and features a zipper with a clear instruction label. This will prevent security personnel from accidentally increasing the power of the X-ray machine due to their inability to see the items within an opaque bag.
Secondly, keep the film easily accessible by storing it in a side pocket of your carry-on bag. This way, you can quickly present it for inspection when requested. It is also recommended to keep the film out of its packaging and in a clear bag, as some security personnel may not understand what film is, and you can ensure they do not accidentally pull all of the film out of the canister.
Additionally, you can ask airport security which type of scanner they are using if you are unsure. They are there to assist you and ensure the smooth flow of security checks. By knowing the type of scanner, you can make a more informed decision about requesting a hand inspection.
Finally, it is worth noting that traditional X-ray scanners typically affect films with an ISO of 800 or higher. However, CT scanners, which are becoming more common in US airports, have much stronger rays and can damage your film more severely. Therefore, it is always best to request a hand inspection for your undeveloped film to avoid any potential damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, undeveloped film can be damaged by airport security scanners, especially the newer CT scanners. Traditional X-ray scanners only affect films with an ISO of 800 or upwards.
You can ask airport security to check your undeveloped film by hand. It is recommended to keep your film in your hand luggage and carry it through security yourself. You can also place your film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch to make it easily accessible for inspection.
Yes, removing undeveloped film from its packaging ahead of time can make it easier for airport security to inspect. Place the film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch and keep it in a side pocket of your carry-on bag.
If you are concerned about potential damage, you can consider mailing exposed rolls of film directly to a photo lab or using a prepaid film mailer service. These services allow you to bypass airport security and ensure the safe delivery of your undeveloped film.
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