Airport Scanners: Film's Worst Enemy?

Travelling with film can be nerve-wracking for photographers who want to ensure their shots aren't ruined by airport security. The concern lies primarily with X-ray machines and CT scanners used for security screening. X-ray machines emit a small amount of radiation that can fog and damage undeveloped film, especially at ISO 800 and above. CT scanners, which are increasingly common for carry-on luggage, are also known to damage unprocessed film. However, opinions vary, and some claim that film below 800 ISO is not affected by X-ray machines, while others suggest taking additional precautions such as using protective bags or requesting hand inspections.

X-ray machines emit radiation that can fog and damage film

X-ray machines emit a small amount of radiation that can fog and damage undeveloped film. The risk is higher with higher-speed films (ISO 800 and above), but even lower-speed films can be affected with multiple exposures to X-rays. The orientation of the film in the scanner relative to the X-ray beam can also affect the level of damage. Busy scenes in photographs will obscure or lessen X-ray effects, but photos with simpler compositions may display signs of fogging or wavy lines.

The machines used to screen checked luggage utilize a high-intensity screening technology, and it will ruin any and all film (exposed or not). Thus, it is recommended to always carry film in hand luggage. Most hand luggage scanners use a very mild dose of X-rays, which is safe for your film. However, newer CT scanners, which are increasingly common for hand luggage, can damage film. Kodak Alaris warns that just one scan from a CT Scanner could destroy unprocessed film.

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. Regulations and inspections vary by country, so some international airports may not honor this request. It is expected that airports will post notices if their equipment will potentially damage carry-on film, but it is unclear if these postings will specify the use of a CT scanner. Thus, it is important to be diligent in asking for hand-inspections and to check ahead of time to see if your airport is using a CT scanner.

There are also specialized film bags for X-ray scanners that can be purchased. For example, Filmguard Bag specializes in protecting film in X-ray scanners by lining the vinyl bag with lead. However, it is unclear how effective these bags are at preventing damage.

The risk of damage is higher with higher-speed films (ISO 800 and above)

Travelling with film can be nerve-wracking for photographers who want to ensure their shots aren't ruined by airport security. The concern lies primarily with X-ray machines used for security screening. X-ray machines emit a small amount of radiation that can fog and damage undeveloped film. The risk of fogging is higher with higher-speed films (ISO 800 and above), but even lower-speed films can be affected with multiple exposures to X-rays.

ISO 800 film is more sensitive to light than ISO 400 film, for example, and therefore more susceptible to damage from X-rays. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the film is to light, and the more likely it is to be damaged by X-rays. While a single pass through an X-ray machine is unlikely to cause noticeable damage to higher-speed films, multiple exposures can increase the risk of fogging and other issues.

Some photographers recommend that if you are shooting with ISO 800 or higher film, you should request a hand inspection of your film at the airport security checkpoint. This may not always be possible, and regulations and inspections vary by country. In some cases, you may need to place your film in a clear plastic bag and remove it from your carry-on bag at the security checkpoint.

It's worth noting that the risk of damage also increases with the number of airports and scanners you go through. So, if you're travelling through multiple airports or security checkpoints, the risk of damage to your film may be higher. Additionally, checked baggage often goes through equipment with higher-energy X-rays, which are more likely to damage your film.

Overall, while the risk of damage is higher with higher-speed films (ISO 800 and above), there are steps you can take to minimise the risk, such as requesting a hand inspection or carrying your film in your carry-on bag.

CT scanners are increasingly common for hand luggage and can ruin unprocessed film

CT scanners are increasingly being used to scan hand luggage at airports, and they can ruin unprocessed film. CT scanners use computed tomography to create detailed images of luggage contents, but this technology can also affect unprocessed film, causing issues like fogging or colour shifting. While some sources claim that film below 800 ISO is safe from damage, others suggest that even lower ISO films can be impacted, especially with multiple exposures.

Photographers who travel with film often worry about potential damage from airport security scanners. While some believe that the risk of damage is overstated, others have shared anecdotes of ruined film and missed opportunities due to airport security procedures. The concern is primarily with X-ray machines, but the newer CT scanners have brought additional worries.

CT scanners are becoming more common for carry-on luggage, and they are known to damage unprocessed film. Kodak Alaris has specifically warned that these scanners can destroy unprocessed film. The risk of damage increases with the number of scans, so photographers should be diligent in requesting hand inspections of their film at security checkpoints.

To protect film from potential damage, photographers can take several precautions. Some sources recommend shipping film to a lab for processing before travelling, while others suggest using specialised film bags, like Filmguard Bag, that offer protection against X-rays. Additionally, photographers can hand-carry film and politely request a hand inspection, although regulations for this vary by country. Proper labelling is also essential when shipping film internationally, as it ensures that customs officials handle the package correctly.

In summary, CT scanners are indeed becoming more common for hand luggage at airports, and they pose a significant risk to unprocessed film. Photographers can take several steps to protect their film, including requesting hand inspections, using specialised bags, and shipping film separately for processing. By being proactive and diligent, travellers can minimise the potential impact of airport security scanners on their unprocessed film.

TSA regulations vary by country, so hand-searching film may not be honoured at all airports

It is understandable that photographers are concerned about their film being damaged by airport security screening. X-ray machines emit a small amount of radiation that can fog and damage undeveloped film, especially higher-speed films (ISO 800 and above). However, even lower-speed films can be affected by multiple exposures to X-rays.

While some travellers assert that their film has been damaged by airport security, others claim that their film has not been affected. This variation in experiences may be due to differences in TSA regulations across countries. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has implemented stringent security measures at 280 foreign airports with direct flights to the US, spanning over 100 countries. These airports may have more extensive screening processes, which could increase the risk of film being exposed to X-rays.

Additionally, some travellers may request a private screening, where they can be accompanied by a companion. During this process, a second officer of the same sex is also present. This additional screening may involve the use of X-ray machines, potentially increasing the chances of film being affected.

Furthermore, the TSA employs advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers for weapons and explosives. While this technology is designed to be safe, passengers with film may still have concerns. The variation in TSA regulations and screening technologies across different countries means that hand-searching film, as an alternative to X-ray scanning, may not be accommodated at all airports.

To mitigate the risk of film damage, photographers can take precautions such as using protective bags or requesting hand checks. However, with the evolving security landscape and varying procedures across airports, there are no guarantees that film will be exempt from potential damage during airport security screening.

Some airports use stronger X-ray machines for checked luggage that will ruin film

It is a well-known concern that airport X-ray machines used for security screening can ruin film. While some sources claim that this is a myth, others have found that X-ray machines emit a small amount of radiation that can fog and damage undeveloped film. The risk is higher with higher-speed films (ISO 800 and above), but even lower-speed films can be affected by multiple exposures to X-rays.

To avoid any risk of fogging or ruining unprocessed film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection of your carry-on bag at the airport security checkpoint. This is because the risk of damage only applies to unprocessed film. However, regulations and inspections vary by country, so some international airports may not honor this request. Additionally, airports are not required to post notices if their equipment will potentially damage carry-on film, so it is important to be diligent in asking for hand inspections and checking ahead of time to see if the airport uses a CT scanner.

There are also specialized film bags available for purchase that are designed to protect film in X-ray scanners. These bags, such as the Filmguard Bag, are lined with lead and can protect against fogging or streaking of unprocessed film. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these bags may vary, and they may not completely protect your film from damage.

Overall, while some airport X-ray machines may not ruin film, it is important to take precautions when travelling with film, especially if it is unprocessed. Placing film in carry-on baggage, requesting hand inspections, and using specialized film bags can help reduce the risk of damage.

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