Airport Security: Friend Or Foe Of Film Cameras?

Airport security scanners can damage undeveloped film in cameras. The scanners and X-ray machines used to inspect luggage emit light energy that film is sensitive to, which can fog the film and cause dark spots or waves on the negatives. While traditional X-ray scanners are less harmful to film, new CT scanners used in some airports emit a higher radiation dose that can ruin film, even at lower ISOs. To avoid damage, photographers can request a hand inspection of their film or use lead-lined film bags, although these may not always be effective.

How to protect film cameras from airport security

Airport X-ray machines can fog or ruin undeveloped film. The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy that film is sensitive to. This light energy can cause dark spots or waves on negatives (or light spots on slides) as if the film had been exposed to light.

Ask for a hand inspection

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends putting undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags and asking for a hand inspection. Be patient and polite with TSA agents, and remember to allow extra time to get through security.

Use a clear plastic bag

Place your film in a clear plastic zip-lock-style bag. This makes it easier for TSA agents to inspect your film and helps speed up the security process. Keep your film in an easily accessible location, such as a side pocket of your carry-on bag.

Avoid checked baggage

Do not put undeveloped film or loaded cameras in checked baggage. The scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and are more likely to fog your film. Always carry your film and cameras with you onboard.

Remove film from canisters and wrappers

Take your film out of all canisters and wrappers and place it in a transparent ziplock bag. This makes it easier for airport security to inspect your film and ensures they can quickly.

Don't load film into your camera

Wait until you reach your destination to load film into your camera. This makes it easier for airport staff to hand-check your film and reduces the risk of them accidentally exposing your film. It also prevents them from opening the back of your camera and fogging your film.

Use a lead-lined film bag

If you must put your film through an X-ray machine, consider purchasing a lead-lined film bag, such as the Domke FilmGuard bag, to protect your film from the X-rays. However, be aware that these bags may trigger a secondary inspection as they show up as a large dark blob on the security scan.

X-ray scanners and their effects on film

X-ray scanners and film do not make a good combination. The scanners produce light energy that film is sensitive to, and this energy can fog the film, causing dark spots or waves on negatives, or light spots on slides. This is more likely to happen with undeveloped film, which is more light-sensitive than developed negatives, slides, and prints.

The newer CT scanners, which use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, are more powerful and precise but emit a higher radiation dose. This increased radiation dose will have a damaging effect on your film, and once damaged, there is no turning back. Traditional damage by radiation causes fogging on your negatives, resulting in a loss of detail and color accuracy. The effect of the new CT scanners is a substantial loss of detail in the shadows, mostly in images with a tight exposure and a significant amount of grain.

However, not all films will be affected by X-ray scanners. Most current machines used for carry-on luggage scanning use a very mild dose of X-rays that is unlikely to cause any damage to your film if it’s under 800 ISO. Traditional X-ray machines are usually used for checked baggage and are often much stronger, so they will ruin your film.

To protect your film from X-ray damage, you can ask airport security to hand-check your film. Keep it in your hand luggage and carry it through security yourself. Place it in a transparent ziplock bag, and ask for a hand inspection. You can also purchase lead-lined film bags that claim to protect film from X-rays, although their effectiveness is debated.

CT scanners and their effects on film

CT scanners, or computed tomography scanners, are a new type of security equipment that has been rolled out in airports across the United States and Europe. These scanners are different from traditional X-ray machines and can potentially have damaging effects on film cameras and undeveloped film.

CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, unlike traditional X-ray scanners that use a single beam of radiation to produce a 2D image. This makes CT scanners more powerful and precise but also means they emit a higher radiation dose. The higher radiation dose can affect undeveloped film, causing issues such as fogging, graininess, distortion in shadow detail, and general image degradation.

How to Protect Your Film

The best way to protect your film from potential damage by CT scanners is to request a hand inspection. Most airports and security agencies should be accommodating of such requests, especially if you are carrying your film in a clear plastic bag and are polite and patient with the security personnel. It is recommended to carry your film in carry-on luggage, as checked baggage goes through stronger scanners that are more likely to ruin your film.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer lead-lined film bags that claim to protect film from X-rays and CT scanners. While these bags may not completely block the radiation, they can provide some level of protection and are worth considering if you frequently travel with film.

Effects of CT Scanners on Different Types of Film

The effects of CT scanners on film can vary depending on the type of film and the number of times it has been scanned. Higher ISO films are generally more sensitive to radiation and are more likely to be affected by CT scanners. However, even lower ISO films can exhibit increased graininess, colour shifts, and loss of detail in shadows after being scanned multiple times.

It is important to note that the effects of CT scanners on film may not always be immediately apparent, and it may take a few scans for noticeable damage to occur. Additionally, the power of the scanners can be controlled by the operator, and the effects may vary depending on their settings and the opacity of the scanned objects.

In conclusion, while CT scanners can have negative effects on film, the average traveller with a few rolls of film is likely to be okay if they cannot get a hand inspection. However, it is always best to request a hand inspection whenever possible to avoid any potential damage to your film.

How to package film for airport security

Airport X-rays can fog or ruin undeveloped film. To avoid this, it is recommended that you always carry your film on board with you in your carry-on luggage. Here are some steps you can take to package your film for airport security:

• Use a Clear Plastic Bag: Place your film in a clear plastic zip-lock-style bag. This makes it easier for security to inspect your film and ensures quick passage through security. Keep your film in an easily accessible area of your carry-on bag, such as a side pocket.
• Leave Film in Original Packaging: If possible, leave your film rolls in their original plastic canisters and/or sealed packaging. This helps protect the film and avoids accidental exposure.
• Request a Hand Inspection: When going through security, politely inform the TSA agent that you have film and request a hand inspection. This may involve additional steps such as swabbing the film rolls for explosive residue. Be patient and polite with the TSA agents, as they are responsible for security and may be dealing with frustrated passengers.
• Avoid CT Scanners: Traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage are generally considered safe for film with an ISO of 800 or lower. However, some airports are introducing more powerful CT scanners that can damage even slower-speed film. If possible, avoid putting your film through a CT scanner.
• Do Not Put Film in Checked Baggage: Never place undeveloped film in checked baggage. The scanners used for checked bags are more powerful and will likely fog your film. Always keep your film with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Consider Alternative Options: Depending on your destination, you may be able to avoid bringing film through the airport altogether. You can purchase film locally or have it mailed to your destination. Alternatively, consider using a digital camera or mailing your film home before returning.
• Unload Film from Cameras: If you have film-loaded cameras, consider unloading the film and keeping it separate in a clear plastic bag. Airport security may open the back of your camera, accidentally exposing the film. It is recommended to load your film once you reach your destination.

What to do if airport security won't hand-check film

If airport security refuses to hand-check your film, you can try the following:

• Ask to speak to a manager, as some travellers have reported that managers are more willing to accommodate hand-check requests.
• Be patient and polite with the TSA agents, as their first responsibility is security. It is recommended to allow extra time when travelling with film to account for potential delays caused by hand-checking.
• If your request is denied, try moving to a different checkpoint with different staff.
• If you are in the US, you can email TSA/transportation agencies after your trip to inform them of their staff's non-compliance with TSA policy.
• If you are travelling outside of the US, consider checking the official website for the security agency of the country you are travelling to. If they do not have a clear policy on film, you may want to consider travelling with a digital camera instead.
• Purchase a lead-lined film bag, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag, that blocks harmful X-rays. These bags can be purchased online.

Frequently asked questions