Airport Security: Film's Foe Or Friend?

The introduction of CT scanners at airports has raised concerns among film photographers about potential damage to their film during security checks. CT scanners are different from traditional X-ray machines and emit more powerful rays that can fog or ruin undeveloped film. While most airports still use traditional X-ray scanners, which typically only affect films with an ISO of 800 or higher, the new CT scanners can damage even slower-speed film. To avoid any potential issues, photographers are advised to keep film in their carry-on luggage, package it in a clear bag, and request a hand inspection at security.

X-ray machines and CT scanners can fog and ruin undeveloped film

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States says that the X-ray machines it uses for carry-on baggage are safe for film up to ISO 800. However, TSA is introducing more powerful CT scanners for carry-on luggage, which can damage even slower-speed film. CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, which means they emit a higher dose of radiation than traditional X-ray machines.

To avoid fogging or ruining your undeveloped film when passing through airport security, it is recommended to:

• Keep your film in a carry-on bag and ask for a hand inspection.
• Place your film in a clear plastic bag.
• Take your film out of all canisters and wrappers.
• Keep your film in an easy-access area of your carry-on for quick removal.
• Do not put film in any checked luggage or baggage.
• Consider shipping your exposed film to a film lab for processing prior to your return trip.
• If you must put your film through a CT scanner, use a lead-lined bag to protect it from X-rays.

CT scanners are more harmful to film than X-ray machines

CT scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection at airports produce light energy to which film is sensitive. These machines can ""fog"" film, causing dark spots or waves on the negatives (or light spots on slides) as if the film had been exposed to light. However, CT scanners and X-ray machines differ in their impact on film.

CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, while traditional X-ray scanners use a single beam of radiation to pass through an object and create a 2D image. This means that CT scanners emit a higher radiation dose and are more powerful and precise than X-ray machines. As a result, CT scanners have a more harmful effect on film than X-ray machines.

Kodak has warned that CT scanners will damage unprocessed film. Similarly, several photographic companies have independently tested the impact of CT scanners and concluded that they are more impactful than older X-ray screening technologies, resulting in deterioration in image quality even for the slowest exposure films.

While X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage typically use a mild dose of X-rays that is safe for film under 800 ISO, CT scanners emit a higher radiation dose that can affect film sensitivity and cause a substantial loss of detail in the shadows of images. Therefore, it is recommended to request a hand inspection of film at airport security to avoid potential damage from CT scanners.

Keep film in hand luggage, not checked luggage

If you're travelling with undeveloped film, it's important to keep it in your hand luggage. This is because the scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage, and are likely to fog your film.

Even if you're only passing through one airport, it's best to keep your undeveloped film with you. While most airports still use traditional X-ray scanners, which usually won't affect film under 800 ISO, some airports have now introduced CT scanners. These are much more powerful and can damage your film, even if it's only scanned once.

To be safe, always carry your undeveloped film in your hand luggage and ask for a hand inspection at security. Take your film out of its original packaging and place it in a transparent, ziplock bag. Keep it in an easy-access area of your carry-on bag, such as a side pocket, so that it can be quickly removed for inspection.

It's also a good idea to wait until you reach your destination before loading your camera with film. This makes it easier for your film to be hand-checked, and avoids the risk of airport staff accidentally exposing your film when they open your camera.

If you have already taken photos with your film, it's still sensitive to light and can be damaged by scanners. So be sure to ask for all of your film, shot or unshot, to be inspected by hand.

Once your film has been developed, there's no need to worry – it can safely be put through scanners or placed in your checked baggage.

Ask airport security to hand-check film

When travelling with undeveloped film, it is recommended to keep it in your carry-on luggage and ask airport security for a hand inspection. This is because the scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection can fog or ruin your film.

Ask for a hand inspection:

Be sure to ask the TSA agent at the checkpoint for a hand inspection of your undeveloped film. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that its X-ray machines for carry-on baggage are safe for film up to ISO 800, but multiple scans may cause fogging. It is best to be cautious and request a hand inspection regardless of the film speed.

Be patient and polite:

Remember that TSA agents are responsible for security, not customer service, and they may be dealing with stressed-out passengers. A little politeness will go a long way. Most TSA agents should be familiar with requests for hand inspections of film, but it does slow down their workflow, so be prepared to wait.

Keep film easily accessible:

Store your film in a clear plastic zip-lock bag, preferably in a backpack or another bag that is easy to access. This will make it easier for the TSA agent to inspect your film without having to rummage through your luggage.

Remove film from canisters:

Take your film out of its original packaging and place it in the zip-lock bag. This will make it easier for the TSA agent to inspect the film without having to open multiple containers.

Allow extra time:

When travelling with film, give yourself some extra time to get through security. Plan for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, as you may need to wait for the hand inspection.

Be prepared to open boxes:

If a TSA agent asks you to open a box or container with film inside, it is usually safe to do so, as long as they do not remove the film from its canister or unspool your rolls.

Consider alternatives:

If you are unable or unwilling to request a hand inspection, there are a few other options to consider. You can purchase specialised film bags lined with lead to protect your film from X-rays, although these may trigger a secondary inspection. Alternatively, you can buy film locally at your destination or have it shipped to your accommodation.

Keep film in a clear plastic bag for inspection

Keeping film in a clear plastic bag for inspection is a recommended step when travelling with film. Here are some tips for this process:

Firstly, it is important to note that this step is specifically for undeveloped film, as developed film is not light-sensitive and cannot be damaged by airport security equipment. If you are travelling with undeveloped film, it is crucial to keep it in your carry-on luggage, as the scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful and will likely fog your film. Always carry your film on board with you.

When preparing your film for inspection, it is recommended to place it in a transparent, ziplock bag. This makes it easier for security personnel to identify the contents and facilitates a special handling request. A clear bag also keeps your film organised and protected throughout your journey. It is suggested to keep the film in its original plastic canisters and/or sealed packaging if possible. Additionally, you can consider using a lead-lined bag to add an extra layer of protection. These bags are designed to shield film from the harmful effects of X-ray machines. However, some airport security systems can detect the density of lead-lined bags, which may lead to additional screening.

To facilitate a smooth inspection process, keep your film in a side pocket or an easily accessible area of your carry-on luggage for quick removal. When approaching the security checkpoint, inform the security personnel that you are carrying photographic film and would prefer a manual inspection instead of sending it through the X-ray scanner. Most security agents are familiar with this request and will accommodate your preference. Remember to be patient and polite, as their primary responsibility is security.

Frequently asked questions