Lois Larson
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience for photographers due to the risk of airport security scanners damaging their unprocessed film. Airport scanners use light energy, to which film is sensitive, and can cause fogging and ruin film. The new CT scanners, in particular, are powerful enough to damage film in a single pass. Traditional X-ray scanners, on the other hand, have been found to be safe for film with an ISO of 800 or less. To protect film from airport scanners, photographers are advised to keep film in their carry-on luggage, request a hand inspection, and consider using a film bag designed to protect film from X-rays.
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What You'll Learn
Keep film in hand luggage
To protect your film from damage when travelling through an airport, it is recommended 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 or ruin your film.
If you are travelling with film, make sure your ticket allows you to bring carry-on luggage, and pack your film in a bag small enough to join you in the cabin. You can buy specialised lead-lined film bags that claim to protect film from X-rays, although it is unclear if they protect against CT scanners. If you do use one of these bags, be aware that it will likely show up as a large dark blob on the security scan, which may trigger a secondary inspection.
To avoid this, you can request a hand inspection of your film. Simply tell a TSA agent that you have photographic film and would like to request a hand check. It is recommended to have your film easily accessible, such as in a backpack, so that it can be quickly removed for inspection. You should also consider taking it out of all canisters and wrappers and placing it in a transparent, ziplock bag.
It is important to note that hand inspections are not always granted, and this may depend on the country or specific airport. For example, hand inspections are commonly granted in the US, but less likely in Europe. CT scanners, which are increasingly being used for carry-on luggage, can damage even slower-speed film. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website of the security agency of the country you are travelling to, and consider mailing your film home before you leave if necessary.
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Request a hand inspection
If you're travelling with film, it's important to know how to protect it from damage at the airport. One way to do this is to request a hand inspection. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Firstly, always pack your film in your carry-on luggage. Do not put undeveloped film in your checked baggage, as the scanners used for checked baggage have higher energy X-rays that can fog or ruin your film. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that the X-ray machines used for carry-on baggage are safe for film up to ISO 800.
When you reach the security checkpoint, inform the TSA agent that you have undeveloped film and request a hand inspection. You may take your film out of your carry-on bag and hand it to the agent for inspection. If your film is in a camera, you may also request that the camera be inspected by hand.
In some cases, TSA agents may open film that is wrapped in silver wrapping. To save time and ensure that this is done with care, you can prepare your film by removing it from its wrappers ahead of time. Instant film, such as Polaroid, Fuji pack film, and Instax, should always be hand-checked as it will be fogged by X-ray machines.
While hand inspection requests are typically granted in the US, they may be refused in other countries due to security procedures or language barriers. If you are travelling internationally with film, consider bringing slower-speed film, which is more likely to survive scanning without issues. Additionally, look into the regulations and procedures of the country you're visiting, as these may differ from those in the US.
By following these instructions and requesting a hand inspection, you can help ensure that your film is protected from potential damage caused by airport X-ray machines and CT scanners.
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Use lead-lined film bags
If you're looking for a way to protect your film from airport X-ray scanners, one option is to use a lead-lined film bag. These bags are designed to protect your film from the damaging effects of X-rays, which can fog or ruin your film. While it is rare for lead-lined film bags to be necessary, they can provide peace of mind and an extra layer of protection for your film.
There are several manufacturers that offer lead-lined film bags, such as Domke Filmguard, which offers a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects. These bags are made with a flexible lead-impregnated vinyl sheet and a smooth nylon packcloth interior. They are also durable, with a triple-layer, water-resistant ballistic nylon outer shell. Another option is the Filmguard Bag, which can protect thirty-five rolls of 35mm film or three 50-sheet boxes of 4x5" film.
When using a lead-lined film bag, it is important to note that they may not always block 100% of the damaging rays, especially if the X-ray settings are maximized. Additionally, the use of these bags may trigger a secondary inspection, as they can show up as a large dark blob on the security scan. To avoid this, you can request a hand inspection of your film, which is your best option to ensure your film is not damaged.
While lead-lined film bags can offer some protection, it is worth noting that they may not be necessary for all types of film. Films with an ISO of 800 or less are generally not affected by X-ray scanners, according to signs at TSA security checkpoints and some personal accounts. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your film. If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and use a lead-lined film bag or request a hand inspection.
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Avoid CT scanners
CT scanners are becoming an increasingly common feature at airports worldwide. These scanners are used to inspect baggage from every angle and create a 3D image of the contents. They are an effective way to detect weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items. However, if you are travelling with film, it is important to note that CT scanners can damage unprocessed film.
To avoid potential damage to your film, there are several precautions you can take. Firstly, consider avoiding bringing film through the airport altogether. If you are travelling to a big city, you may be able to purchase film locally or have it delivered to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can ship your exposed film to a film lab for processing prior to your trip or have it mailed to your destination, so you don't have to worry about it during your travels.
If you must travel with film, always keep it with you in your carry-on luggage. Do not put unexposed or undeveloped film in checked baggage, as the scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful and will likely fog or ruin your film. When going through security, request a hand inspection for your film. Instant film, in particular, must be hand-checked and never scanned through an X-ray machine. While some airports may refuse this request, especially in Europe, it is always worth asking to avoid potential damage to your film.
Additionally, you can purchase specialised film bags designed to protect film from X-ray scanners. These bags are lined with lead and can safeguard against fogging or streaking of unprocessed film. However, it is unclear whether these bags offer protection against CT scanners, and they may trigger a secondary inspection.
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Buy film locally
If you're travelling to a big city, you might be able to buy film locally. This could save you the hassle of bringing film through airport security altogether. If you're staying at a high-end hotel with a concierge, they may even be able to buy film for you, although this may come with some hefty prices and fees.
You can also mail-order film and have it sent directly to your lodgings. However, you should check with the property first to see if they can receive packages, and bring a couple of rolls in case your shipment is lost or delayed. You can also consider sending the film off for development from your destination before you leave for home.
If you do need to bring undeveloped film through airport security, it is recommended to keep it in your hand luggage. Luggage that goes into the hold of the plane will be x-rayed with harsher machines than hand luggage. You can also ask airport security to check your rolls of film by hand. It is important to note that the effects of x-ray machines are cumulative, and multiple scans may cause fogging.
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Frequently asked questions
Do not put film in your checked luggage. The scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used for carry-on luggage and will likely fog your film.
Keep your film in your carry-on luggage and carry it through security yourself. You can also put your film into a transparent ziplock bag to make it easier for security to check.
You can ask airport security to hand-check your film. This is a common practice and you should not encounter any objections.
You can buy specialised film bags that are lined with lead to protect your film from CT scanners.
