What happens if you put film through security?
Asked by: Aimee Cormier | Last update: November 15, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (56 votes)
While many airports' X-ray machines aren't strong enough to cause damage to film with one pass, the damaging effect is cumulative, meaning that if you're going to go through multiple airports, you could end up with foggy film by the end of your trip.
Is my film ruined if it went through airport security?
The increased radiation dose emitted by CT scanners will have a damaging effect on your film, and once damaged, there is no turning back. Traditional damage by radiation causes fogging on your negatives, resulting in a loss of detail and color accuracy.
Is film okay to go through security?
Checked Bags: Yes
We recommend that you put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask for a hand inspection. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'
What happens if a disposable camera goes through airport security?
Although it has been the problem of most photographers in the past, multiple organizations confirm that it doesn't affect or damage security cards nowadays.
Can I take Kodak film on a plane?
Airport X-Ray Security
Kodak recommends that air travelers do not carry unexposed or unprocessed motion picture film.
How to Fly with Film: X-Ray Damage, Airport Security, Hand Checking & More! (Detailed Guide)
Can 35mm film go through airport scanners?
For the most part, these machines use a less intense x-ray that is unlikely to damage film. The TSA states that film less than 800 ISO can go through the x-ray machine for carry-ons without a problem.
Can Kodak 200 film go through airport security?
Up to 200 ISO, the films are decisively safe. However, at 400 ISO, things change.
Do metal detectors ruin film?
Metal detectors use a pulsing magnetic field, which doesn't affect film.
Is it OK to put camera through airport security?
X-Ray Screening: All electronic devices, including cameras, need to go through X-ray screening. You have to take your camera out of your bag and put it in a separate bin for inspection. Lenses and Accessories: Smaller items like lenses and other accessories should be packed securely in your camera bag.
Can instax film go through TSA?
To prevent possible fogging of unexposed INSTAX instant film during X-ray inspection of luggage at airports, it is recommended that all INSTAX instant film and instax™ instant cameras loaded with INSTAX instant film be carried as carry-on baggage (not checked baggage).
Why can't you film TSA?
TSA does not prohibit photographing, videotaping or filming at security checkpoints, as long as the screening process is not interfered with or sensitive information is not revealed.
Will airport scanners ruin polaroid film?
These scanners damage the film as they do a 360° scan using a higher radiation dose. Therefore, we recommend having the film hand-checked. This will guarantee that the film is not damaged by the radiation. Damaged film typically shows a pinkish hue and a washed-out, foggy look throughout the photo.
What happens if film goes through airport?
While many airports' X-ray machines aren't strong enough to cause damage to film with one pass, the damaging effect is cumulative, meaning that if you're going to go through multiple airports, you could end up with foggy film by the end of your trip.
Do CT scanners ruin film?
The consensus is that CT Scanners are more impactful when compared to older x-ray screening technology and can result in deterioration in image quality, even for the slowest exposure films.
Should I get 200 or 400 film?
A low ISO film, such as 100 or 200, produces sharper images with less grain, but will require more light to capture an image. A high ISO film, such as 400 or 800, results in brighter images in low-light environments but can introduce more grain in the photo.
Can you take 35mm film on a plane?
Film in carry-on baggage: Ask for a 'hand inspection'
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that the X-ray machines it uses for carry-on baggage are safe for photographic film up to ISO 800*.
How to protect film at airport security?
Take your film out of all its packaging and wrappers and store it in a transparent, ziplock bag (the same way you would for all your liquids in your hand luggage). This way you can easily show it to airport security for hand inspection!
What film is safe at the airport scanner?
Airports typically say that film below ISO 1600 is safe for X-ray and CT scans, though individual airports may provide lower ISO numbers. However, Bessonova's results show damage to film at as low as 50 ISO. It is minimal but noticeable, especially when compared to a control film.
Is my film ruined if it went through TSA?
Typically, airport scanners, including X-ray machines used for carry-on luggage, should not damage ISO 800 film. However, it's always a good idea to inform security personnel that you have film in your bag, as they might request a hand inspection to prevent potential damage.
Can magnets affect 35mm film?
Magnets certainly don't interfere with film - analog photography is photochemical and not electromagnetic like, say, video on a VHS tape. The only possible interference you could theoretically cause is some part of the mechanism not moving where it should because of the magnet.
Can super 8 film go through airport security?
CAN SUPER 8 FILM GO THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY? Yes you can travel with Super 8 film, but always ask for a hand check and never x-ray film.
Does TSA ruin disposable camera film?
Never place undeveloped film (disposable cameras) in checked baggage. Security equipment used for screening checked baggage will damage undeveloped film. Place film in your carry-on baggage and request a hand inspection.
Can film go through airport security reddit?
TL;DR: if going through airport security with unexposed/unprocessed film, place all film in a clear bag for inspection, ask an agent for a hand-check, and give yourself a little extra time (~10 minutes) just in case the hand-check takes some time.
Can film go in hand luggage?
The x-ray scanners used by airports for security can actually expose and damage your unexposed film. It is best to take it in carry-on cabin luggage, as the scanners used for these bags aren't as powerful and therefore there is less potential for damage. It is sometimes possible to request a hand inspection for films.