Flying with Film: Everything You Need to Know and Common Misconceptions

If you're a film photography enthusiast, you've probably wrestled with concerns over how to protect your valuable film from potential damage when you're flying to and fro. Nothing is more ominous than waiting in line at TSA feeling like you’re lining your film up for the slaughter. I’m here to mostly ease your worry by dispelling common myths, shedding light on essential precautions, and sharing advice on how to effectively travel with film.

Understand How X-Ray Scanners Affect Film

Myth: X-ray scanners at airports will irreparably damage film.

One of the most common misconceptions is that airport X-ray scanners will utterly destroy film. However, the reality is more nuanced. X-ray machines can, indeed, fog film, especially high-ISO films (typically 800 and above) and film that is exposed to scans repeatedly. But most carry-on baggage scanners at the security checkpoints of commercial airports worldwide are considered to be film-safe for ISO 400 and lower.

On the other hand, checked baggage scanners are much more powerful and could potentially damage any film, regardless of its ISO rating. So, the best practice is to always carry your film in your hand luggage.

It's also essential to understand that different countries have different practices and varying intensities of scanners. When in doubt, ask the security personnel about their scanning processes. With film’s growing popularity I have noticed more over the years that flyers’ concerns about their film have become something agents seemed to be briefed on. Even back in 2016/2017 I might get strange looks for asking for a hand check but now it seems par for the course.

via jesuselcapitan

Request Hand Inspections

Myth: It's impossible to avoid X-ray scanning for your film.

You can request a hand-check for your film at most airports, especially if it's high-speed film. While the regulations may vary depending on the country, in general, staff will accommodate. If you’re looking for TSA horror stories, there’s no shortage. Reddit is oozing with threads of film being ruined, tossed, and sent through x-rays multiple times. Although this is a possibility, remember that you have a lot of control over how the airport interaction goes. Do remember that it is a request, not a right, so politeness will go a long way.

I’ve found the best success is being extremely confident and direct in your request. Most of the time the problem is not that the film needs to be sent through the scanners, it’s that every TSA agent doesn’t know the airport’s policy surrounding film. If you encounter an agent who has never been asked to inspect film outside the automatic system, asking in a nervous, diffident, “only if you guys can,” tone only confirms the employee’s uncertainty and is usually the difference between your film, getting hand checked or scanned.

Be prepared that this process might be time-consuming, especially in busy airports. Having your film in clear plastic bags and without canisters can make this process smoother, as the security staff can more easily visually inspect your film. I have seen tons of people suggest you keep your film in the clear plastic holding canisters which I recommend against. These casings are only semi-transparent and still require the agent to remove every roll from its canister. This will make the process arduous and you’re more likely not to get a hand check.

Film Shield Bags: Helpful or Harmful?

Myth: Film shield bags are always beneficial.

Film shield bags are designed to protect your film from low-grade X-ray machines by attenuating the X-ray beam. They are essentially lead-lined bags that are meant to limit the amount of radiation that reaches the film inside the bag.

Although this is a great idea in theory I do not recommend buying one of these. If the X-ray operator can't see through the bag, they are likely to increase the machine's power to peer inside, potentially causing more harm than good to your film. TSA will not let things through that they don’t know the contents of, whether that will result in a hand check or your film x-ray frying, is really a gamble. Holding up a ratty ziplock full of colorful canisters is gonna get you through will much less trouble than a black, sealed, led bag!

Keeping Film Cool

Myth: Film always needs to be refrigerated.

While it's true that film lasts longer when stored in cooler temperatures, this doesn't mean that your film will instantly spoil if it's not refrigerated. Most film is pretty hardy and will easily withstand normal room temperatures for a few weeks.

When traveling, the main concern is not so much the heat but drastic changes in temperature and humidity. So try to store your film in a stable environment. A well-insulated bag can help with this, and a small cooler could be a good idea if you're going to be in very hot conditions. The truth is I see much more film damage from people storing film in a hot bag on a beachside vacation, than I do passing it through security. If your film looks washed, fogged, and unexposed chances are this is because of how you’ve stored it and of no fault of the airport.

Develop Before You Fly

Myth: Developed films are as sensitive as undeveloped ones.

Once your film is developed, it's no longer sensitive to X-rays. So if you have the opportunity to get your film developed before you fly home, that's a great way to ensure it won't get damaged by any scanning machines. However, do remember to store your developed negatives or slides safely to prevent physical damage.

Labs are cropping up everywhere, allocate some time at the end of your trip to get your film processed before getting on a plane. Tons of labs offer rush services if you are under a time constraint. Remember if you won’t be collecting your negatives from the lab, there is no need for you to physically be in the place you are getting your photos developed. Make it easy on yourself and drop it off before you fly.

What I’d recommend above all us is mailing your film. While there is no guarantee it won’t be scanned, the scanning would be at a much lower level and very unlikely to affect your film. We have hundreds of rolls shipped to Nice Film Club every day from all over the world that make it safe and sound. Read our 3-step shipping tips

Through personal experience I’ve found if you prepare, are polite and calm, allocate extra time to be at the airport, and make your requests confidently you have no problem flying with film. If you find the entire process too stressful to manage you can develop at your travel location and you can always send your film to us!

Happy shooting!