Sachin Walls
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience, especially when you consider the possibility of x-ray machines ruining your film. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your film remains undamaged. Firstly, always keep your film in your hand luggage, as hold baggage goes through more powerful x-ray machines that can fog or leak light onto your film. When going through security, place your film in a clear plastic bag and request a hand check. If your film is already loaded into a camera, inform security staff to avoid any accidental damage. Some airports may use newer CT scanners that can damage film, so it is important to ask for a hand check or wipe-down instead.
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What You'll Learn
Keep film in hand luggage
When travelling with film, it is recommended to keep it in your hand luggage. Luggage that you check in will go through powerful X-ray equipment that can cause damage to your film and affect your photos. This may look like light leaks or fogging on the images.
Before you go through security, place your film in a clear plastic ziplock bag and keep it separate from the rest of your hand luggage. Keep it in a side pocket or another easily accessible area of your carry-on bag for quick removal.
You can request a hand check for your film, which will generally be granted. It is recommended to pass through the line with the eldest agents, as they are more likely to be familiar with film and hand-checking it. If your film is above 800 ISO, you will often be allowed a hand check even for X-ray scanners. However, do note that some countries will hand-check, and some won't.
You can also buy specialised film bags for X-ray scanners online, although some sources suggest that these may not be effective, as airport staff may simply crank up the X-rays or take the film out of the bag to scan it.
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Request a hand check
Requesting a hand check is a recommended way to ensure your film avoids damage when going through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises that undeveloped film and cameras with undeveloped film should be placed in carry-on bags and taken to the checkpoint, where you can ask for a hand inspection.
It is a good idea to arrive at the airport early, giving you time to assess the security line and request a hand check. You can also look out for the older security agents, who are more likely to be familiar with film and grant your request. When you get to the front of the line, ask security to hand-inspect both the camera (if there is film inside) and the film canisters. Presenting the film in a clear plastic bag is a good way to keep it separate from the rest of your hand luggage.
While hand checks are usually granted, some travellers have reported that their requests were denied, with staff citing policy reasons. However, others have pointed out that this goes against TSA policy, and travellers are encouraged to make their voices heard by emailing TSA/transportation agencies.
It is worth noting that some airports have CT scanners, which resemble hospital CT scanners or industrial-sized microwaves. These scanners can damage your film, so it is important to request a hand check if you suspect this equipment is in use.
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Avoid CT scans
CT scanners are becoming an increasingly common feature at airports worldwide. These scanners are highly advanced, producing 3D images of luggage and detecting prohibited items with improved accuracy. While this technology brings many benefits, it poses a significant risk to unprocessed film. The powerful X-rays used in CT scanners can damage unprocessed film, potentially ruining your photos before you even reach your destination. Here are some tips to avoid CT scans and protect your film when travelling through airports:
Keep Film with You
Always carry your film in your hand luggage or carry-on bag. This way, you can ensure it remains within your sight and reduce the risk of it being accidentally scanned by a CT machine. Place the film in a transparent, ziplock bag, making it easily accessible for inspection. Keep it in a side pocket of your bag for quick removal during security checks.
Request a Hand-Check
When you reach the security checkpoint, politely inform the TSA agent that you have photographic film and would like to request a hand-check. This is a widely accepted method of inspection, and most agents will be familiar with such requests. During the hand-check, the agent will likely swab the film rolls and inspect them for any residue. Ensure they do not open any canisters or unwrap the film, as this could expose the film.
Avoid Checking in Film-Loaded Cameras
If you have a camera with film already loaded, avoid checking it in with your hold luggage. Airport security staff may open the camera to inspect it, unintentionally exposing the film. It is advisable to unload any film from cameras before reaching the airport and to load new film only once you reach your destination.
Ship Film in Advance
Consider shipping your film to your destination in advance. This is especially useful if you are travelling to a well-connected city or staying at accommodation that can receive packages. Alternatively, you can purchase film locally when you arrive, saving you the worry of transporting it through airport security.
Be Mindful of Checked Baggage
Never place unprocessed film in checked baggage. The X-ray scanners used for checked luggage operate at a higher energy level than those used for carry-on bags, which can cause immediate and irreversible damage to your film. If you must check in luggage with film, use specialised film bags designed to protect against X-ray exposure.
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Use a clear plastic bag
If you're travelling with film, it's important to take steps to protect it from potential damage caused by airport security scanners. One recommended method is to use a clear plastic bag to store your film while passing through security. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Firstly, it is advised to keep your film with you as hand luggage. Do not pack it in checked baggage or hold luggage, as these bags typically go through more powerful X-ray machines that can damage your film. Always carry your film with you onto the plane.
Before going through security, separate your rolls of film from the rest of your hand luggage and place them in a clear plastic bag. A clear plastic ziplock bag, similar to the ones used for liquids, is ideal for this purpose. This makes it easier for security staff to inspect the film and ensures it is separate from other items that could potentially damage it.
Some sources suggest bringing an extra roll of film that security staff can unravel to inspect the inside. This can help them understand your request for a hand check and ensure they handle your film carefully. It is also recommended to arrive at the airport early and scout the security lines. If possible, choose a line with older security agents, as they are more likely to be familiar with handling film and accommodating your request for a hand check.
When approaching security, inform the staff that you are carrying film and request a hand check. Be firm that it is analog film and needs to be inspected by hand. If the film is already loaded into your camera, inform them not to open the camera as it may damage the film. Most security staff are accommodating of these requests and will perform a hand check without any issues.
While clear plastic bags are a good option, it is worth noting that some airports may have different procedures or requirements. Some airports may use newer CT scanners that can damage film, so it is always important to check the specific regulations of the airport you are travelling through. Additionally, consider checking with the airline beforehand to understand their policies on carrying film and any special instructions they may have.
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Call ahead
Calling ahead to the airport is a good idea if you are planning to travel with film. While some sources suggest that this is unnecessary, others recommend it to ensure that security is prepared to meet you. When you call ahead, you can inform security about your special carry-on item – film. You should also inform the airline about your film, so they are aware and can advise you on their specific procedures.
Calling ahead can give you peace of mind and ensure a smoother process when you arrive at the airport. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about their security procedures and how to best protect your film from potential damage. You can ask about the type of scanners they use, as newer CT scanners can damage film. Knowing this in advance can help you prepare and decide whether to request a hand check for your film.
When you call ahead, be sure to ask for specific instructions on how to package and label your film for the security screening process. You may also want to enquire about any restrictions or limitations on the amount of film you can bring. This way, you can ensure you are following the correct procedures and avoid any potential issues at the airport.
Additionally, calling ahead can give you a better understanding of the airport's familiarity with handling film. Some airports may have staff who are more experienced with film and can guide you through the process, while others may be less knowledgeable. By calling in advance, you can assess their level of expertise and determine if you need to provide additional instructions or guidance to protect your film.
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Frequently asked questions
Take your film out of all canisters and wrappers and place it in a transparent, ziplock bag. Keep it in your hand luggage, preferably in a side pocket or another easily accessible area.
Airports use X-ray scanners and CT scanners. X-ray scanners are used for hand luggage and CT scanners are used for checked luggage.
If the airport staff ask you to remove liquids from your bag, they are using an X-ray scanner. If they don't ask you to remove liquids, they are likely using a CT scanner.
It's recommended that you request a hand check for your film to avoid any risk of damage. However, most films under 800 ISO can go through an X-ray scanner with no issues. CT scanners can damage even slower-speed film.
You can consider shipping your film to a lab for processing before your trip, buying film locally when you arrive at your destination, or mailing film to yourself at your destination.
