Airport X-Ray And Polaroid Film: What's The Verdict?

If you're planning to travel with a Polaroid camera, you might be wondering if airport X-rays will affect your film. The short answer is yes, X-ray machines can damage undeveloped Polaroid film, causing washed-out, foggy photos with a pinkish hue. This is due to the radiation emitted by the X-ray machines, which can zap the saturation from the film. However, it's important to note that not all airports use the same security measures and X-ray machines, so the impact may vary. To be safe, it's recommended to keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and request a hand check instead of passing it through the X-ray machine. Exposed film, on the other hand, can be safely placed in either carry-on or checked luggage without risk of damage from X-rays.

X-ray fog on Polaroid photos

Undeveloped film is sensitive to light because it is waiting to be exposed. The X-ray may penetrate and expose the film, resulting in random fog stripes or light patterns on the photos. The fog will become more severe if the film goes through a high-energy X-ray scanner. Since the end of 2019, new scanners have been installed in certain airports that use a higher radiation dose, causing washed-out, foggy photos with a pinkish hue.

To avoid X-ray fog on your Polaroid photos, there are a few precautions you can take:

• Keep undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage: The X-ray used to inspect carry-on baggage is much milder than the X-ray for checked baggage.
• Request a manual inspection: You can politely ask for a manual inspection of your photographic equipment and film. Some airports allow this.
• Pack films inside a dark bag: Although the effectiveness of film guard bags is debated, using one can give you extra peace of mind.
• Use up your instant films during the trip: This way, you won't have to worry about potential damage from X-ray inspection on your return journey.

TSA recommendations for hand inspection

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that you place undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags. If you wish to avoid the X-ray machine altogether, you can take the undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask for a hand inspection.

• Be patient and polite with TSA agents. Remember that their primary responsibility is security, and they are often subjected to the frustrations of passengers. Simple politeness and civility will go a long way.
• Carry your film in a clear plastic zip-lock-style bag, with the rolls left in their plastic canisters and/or sealed packaging. This is what TSA agents are familiar with.
• Keep your cameras unloaded if possible, as they can then pass through the X-ray machine. However, loaded cameras can also be hand-scanned.
• Make sure anything you want to be hand-inspected is easily accessible, preferably in a backpack rather than a suitcase that must be unzipped.
• Before putting your luggage on the belt, remove your film and loaded cameras, and inform the nearest TSA agent that you would like to have them hand-inspected.
• If asked if the film is under ISO 800, you can answer no or say that it will be pushed and shot at a higher speed.
• After walking through the scanners, stand somewhere conspicuous without blocking the flow of passengers. Film is usually checked by the same agents inspecting bags pulled for secondary inspection, so there may be a wait.
• During the inspection, they will typically swab the individual rolls and then put the swab in a machine to check for explosive residue. They may also ask you to open boxes, which you should allow as long as they don't pull the film out of the canister or unspool your rolls.
• Once the machine clears your film, you will likely be sent on your way.

It is important to note that only undeveloped film is subject to damage from X-ray scanners. Developed film, negatives, slides, and prints are no longer light-sensitive and can be safely put through scanners or checked baggage.

How to protect instant film

X-rays used in airport security screening can damage undeveloped instant film. The radiation from the X-ray machines can zap the saturation from the film, resulting in washed-out, foggy photos with a pinkish hue. Therefore, it is important to take steps to protect your instant film when travelling through airports. Here are some tips to keep your instant film safe:

• Before you travel, check the airport's security guidelines for carrying a camera and film. Different airports may have different security measures and X-ray machines, so it is important to be prepared.
• Do not pack undeveloped instant film in checked bags. Always carry it in your carry-on luggage.
• When passing through security checkpoints, remove your film from your bag and ask for a hand inspection. Be polite and friendly to the security officers.
• If you have a long flight itinerary with multiple connections, consider mailing your undeveloped film to your destination in advance to avoid delays and possible damage from multiple X-ray scans. Use a well-known shipping company with media mail services.
• Keep your undeveloped film in its original plastic canisters. If you have empty clear canisters, use those instead of opaque ones.
• Place the canisters in a transparent zip-lock bag. There is no need to buy a lead-lined pouch.
• Put the zip-lock bag in an easily accessible location in your carry-on bag so that you can quickly retrieve it for security checks.
• If you have already taken photos with your instant film, don't worry! Exposed film is not affected by X-rays, so you can safely put it in either your carry-on or checked luggage.

The effects of X-ray exposure on different film types

X-ray machines at airports emit a form of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through objects and the human body. The radiation produced by these machines can have adverse effects on certain types of film, including Polaroid film.

Polaroid film is a type of instant film that is particularly sensitive to light and radiation. When exposed to the radiation from X-ray machines, the undeveloped film can lose its saturation, resulting in washed-out, foggy photos with a pinkish hue. This effect is caused by the radiation zapping the colour and contrast from the film. Therefore, it is recommended to keep Polaroid cameras and undeveloped film in carry-on luggage and request a hand check to avoid damaging the film.

However, it is important to note that not all film types are equally sensitive to X-ray radiation. For example, 35mm film is known to be unsafe to pack in checked luggage due to the powerful explosive-detection X-rays. On the other hand, exposed film or developed photographs are generally safe to be placed in either carry-on or checked luggage when travelling.

The sensitivity of film to X-ray radiation depends on various factors, including the specific type of film, the intensity of the X-rays, and the duration of exposure. Different airports may have varying security measures and X-ray machines, so it is always advisable to exercise caution when travelling with film.

Overall, while X-ray exposure may not completely ruin all types of film, it can cause undesirable effects on certain film types, especially those that are highly sensitive to light and radiation, such as Polaroid film.

Travelling with a Polaroid camera

Keep it in Your Carry-on Bag:

Never pack your Polaroid camera in checked baggage. Always bring it with you in your carry-on luggage. This way, you can ensure that it doesn't get exposed to high levels of radiation from checked baggage X-ray machines, which can damage undeveloped film.

Ask for a Hand Check:

When going through airport security, ask the TSA officer for a hand inspection of your Polaroid camera and undeveloped film. Explain that your camera contains high-speed film that needs to be hand-checked to avoid damage. This process may take a little extra time, so it's a good idea to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.

Use a Clear Ziploc Bag:

Keep your undeveloped film in a clear Ziploc bag. This makes it easier for the TSA to inspect your film and reduces the likelihood of them increasing the intensity of the X-ray or removing the film from the bag for scanning.

Label Your Film Speeds:

Label the ISO (e.g., 1600/3200/6400) on the transparent bag clearly with a Sharpie. The TSA is more likely to hand-check film speeds above ISO 800. If your film has a lower ISO, you can include an expired, old roll of faster film in your bag to ensure they perform a hand inspection.

Check with the Airport:

Every airport has different security measures and X-ray machines. It's a good idea to contact the airport's customer service team beforehand to understand their procedures for handling instant film. This way, you can be prepared and know what to expect.

Previously Exposed Film:

Don't worry about previously exposed film—it's safe to go through X-ray machines and airport scanners without risking damage. So, if you've already used up some of the film in your camera, you can pack it in either your carry-on or checked luggage.

By following these tips, you can confidently travel with your Polaroid camera and ensure that your film remains undamaged, allowing you to capture memorable snapshots during your trip.

Frequently asked questions