Are Film Rolls Affected by Airport Security Screening?

If you're a film photographer, travelling with your rolls of film can be a bit nerve-wracking. Whether you're heading to a new destination for a photography project or taking a vacation with your favourite film camera, you might be wondering: Are my film rolls safe when going through airport security screening?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the potential impact of airport security screening on film rolls, and offer tips to help protect your film during air travel.

How Airport Security Screening Works for Film

When you pass through airport security, your bags and belongings are usually screened by either X-ray machines or sometimes even more advanced technology. For most items, this process is seamless, but when it comes to photographic film, things can get a little more complicated.

X-ray scanners, which are commonly used to screen luggage at airports, can have a negative impact on unprocessed film, especially when the film is exposed to high doses of radiation. The level of exposure depends on several factors:

• Type of Film: Black and white film is generally less sensitive to radiation than colour film, which is more prone to damage. High-speed films (ISO 800 and above) are particularly vulnerable.
• X-ray Strength: Most airports use low-dose X-ray machines that pose minimal risk to your film. However, older machines or certain high-security checkpoints might use stronger X-ray scanners, which can be more damaging.
• Number of Exposures: If you have multiple rolls of film or if your film is subjected to multiple rounds of screening (i.e., bags being rerouted for secondary screening), the cumulative effect can lead to noticeable image degradation.

The Effect of Airport Security Screening on Film Rolls

The potential impact of airport security on film rolls varies, but here are some common concerns:

• Fogging: Fogging happens when your film reacts to radiation exposure, leading to a cloudy or hazy effect that compromises the quality of your images. High-speed colour film is the most susceptible to fogging, particularly when exposed to stronger X-ray radiation.
• Loss of Detail: With colour film, especially, the contrast and vibrancy of the images can be reduced after exposure to X-rays. This may cause your photos to appear flat or lacking in sharpness, which is especially noticeable on professional film.
• Unpredictable Results: Even if you’ve passed through airport security without any visible issues, sometimes the effects of X-rays aren’t noticeable until the film is developed. This is why it's essential to take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Can You Avoid Film Damage at Airport Security?

While you can’t completely avoid the possibility of exposure, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your film being affected by airport security screening:

1. Request Hand Inspection of Your Film

The most effective way to protect your film from X-ray damage is to request a hand inspection. Most airports allow passengers to carry unprocessed film through security as long as you ask for it to be manually inspected rather than scanned by the X-ray machine. You should carry your film in a clear, easily accessible bag and let the security agents know that it is photographic film.

2. Use Lead Film Shields or Protectors

Lead-lined film protectors or bags can provide additional shielding against X-ray radiation. These bags are specifically designed to block X-ray exposure and protect your rolls of film. Keep in mind, though, that TSA and other security agencies might still ask you to remove your film for manual inspection, so it's important to plan ahead.

3. Pack Your Film in Carry-On Luggage

Always pack your film in your carry-on luggage instead of your checked baggage. This is because checked bags go through more intense and prolonged X-ray screening, which increases the likelihood of damage. By keeping your film with you, you can request manual inspection and avoid excessive exposure to X-rays.

4. Use Low-Speed or Black and White Film

If possible, consider using lower-speed film (ISO 100 or 200) or black-and-white film, which is generally less sensitive to radiation exposure. While this won’t eliminate the risk, it will make it less likely that you’ll notice any effects on your images.

How to Handle Exposed Film After Security Screening

If you’ve had your film exposed to an X-ray machine, you might notice some fogging or other damage. The best way to handle this is to:

• Develop Film Quickly: The sooner you can develop your film after exposure, the better you’ll be able to assess any damage. The effects of X-rays are often more pronounced on film that’s stored for long periods before development.
• Consider Professional Processing: If you suspect your film has been exposed to high radiation levels, consider taking it to a professional lab for processing. They may be able to identify and mitigate the impact of fogging or loss of quality.

Conclusion

While airport security screening can potentially affect your film rolls, taking proactive steps can minimise the risk. Always ask for a manual inspection of your film at security, pack it in carry-on luggage, and consider using protective gear like lead-lined bags. By being prepared, you can protect your film and ensure that your images come out as clear and vibrant as possible, no matter where your travels take you.

Next time you travel, keep these tips in mind, and don’t let airport security get in the way of capturing the perfect shot! Safe travels and happy shooting!