800 speed film at the airport?

[jeanneg4of4]

not really a tip but a question
We have had film before go through the x-ray machine at the airport and the last few times they insisted it go through and always told us it would be ok. We have never had a problem before with our film being exposed but, have never taken 800 sp film. I was confused and though the higher the speed, the less of a risk you take *I had it backwords. Would it be less risky putting it in my checked bag than my carry on? we have 12 rolls of800 and thought of taking 400 in my carry on.I am really not interested in buying a special case for my film to protect it. Anyone with any sugestions?

 

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by jeanneg4of4
Would it be less risky putting it in my checked bag than my carry on?

It could be catastrophic....well, ok that's exagerating, but the new 'checked luggage' scanning machinery is a much higher powered device. Reportedly it will fog ALL undeveloped film.

Given that you'll never know if your bag will be scanned before going into the hold of the plane, the current recommendation is to always take film carry-on.

-Joe

 

[Limmer]

Just so you know, a special case need only be a lead bag you get from a camera store for $5 or $6. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.

 

[GaDisneyDad]

Never, ever put any speed film in your checked luggage. The x-ray machines are much more powerful than what your carry-on's go through. 800 speed film should be fine in your carry-on bag.

 

[ILuvDlSNEY]

Definately do not put it in your checked luggage! Lead lined bags are pretty inexpensive so why take the risk of ruining your film? The bags are re-usable & they aren't like a hard piece of luggage, so it'll kinda "form" between your other belongings in your carry on bag. I bought mine about 10 years ago for about $10 & it holds about 22 rolls of film. After years of squeezing more than the 22 rolls it was suppose to hold in there (plus a disposable underwater camera now & then), I just replaced it to use for my next trip to WDW. My new on was $15 but it is thicker for 800 ASA film (there's also one available for 1600 ASA). I definately got my money's worth!! AND NO FOGGED PICTURES!

 

[SueM in MN]

Just wanted to mention that using lead lined film bags might make you more likely to be chosen for further screening.
I have read this in some newspaper articles and also a friend who traveled recently saw the person ahead of her stopped for that reason. The film bag showed up as a black blob that the scanner couldn't see thru. She had to take all her stuff out of the carry on so they could check out the bag.

When we traveled in March, there was a sign warning that checked baggage would be screened with a new high power Xray that would probably damage film. We had some 400 ASA film in our checked bag by mistake and it was not damaged, but I sure wouldn't try my luck again.

 

[MelanieL]

This is a good link from Kodak on film being run through airport x-rays, including examples:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml