disposable cameras in carryon?

[Malisa]

I'm pritty sure the last time I flew (was a while back) that I left my disposable cameras in my carryon bag and they were fine. Anyone else have any problems with this? Or should I take it out of the box and the wrapper and have someone hand check it? I have no clue what that is because I only flew once before and I'm not familar with airports at all. Thanks so much and woohoo I leave for disney tomorrow!!!

 

[dreamcometrue]

I would take it out and have them handcheck it! Better safe than sorry!

 

[disneygirlatheart]

I had them handcheck mine. I did not want my pictures messed up.

 

[CarolMN]

I asked to have some new (still in the original box and wrapper) disposable cameras handchecked this past March. The TSA employee made me open the box and take it out of the wrapper. He then swabbed it (checking for explosives, maybe?) and gave it back to me.

I wasn't thrilled about having to open the boxes, but it seemed better than sending them through the x-ray as they had high speed film.

 

[WillCAD]

Check out my page on flying with film for complete info on how to safely pack and travel with undeveloped film and disposable cameras:

http://willcad.org/image_film_tips.html

 

[sammax]

Any film speed lower than 800 is fine to go through the carry on xray machine. Never pack film in checked luggage as that is a much higher energy xray. I have actually put a thermo luminescent detector used to measure radiation exposure through the xray machine at the carry on security area, with no change in my monthly readings. Actually it went through the xray 3 times. Any film over 800 will probably fog as it much more sensitive.

 

[WillCAD]

Any film speed lower than 800 is fine to go through the carry on xray machine. Never pack film in checked luggage as that is a much higher energy xray. I have actually put a thermo luminescent detector used to measure radiation exposure through the xray machine at the carry on security area, with no change in my monthly readings. Actually it went through the xray 3 times. Any film over 800 will probably fog as it much more sensitive.

X-ray exposure is cumulative; more exposure means more damage.

Lower speed film is less sensitive to x-rays, so it is not damaged enough to notice by one or two exposures, but more time in the machine (which happens when the TSA screeners stop the belt to get a good look at a big bag with lots of stuff in it) or multiple times through the machine (such as when you head DOWN to WDW, then go HOME with the same film in your carry-on) can add up enough to fog your film.

On the other hand, simply putting your film in a plastic bag and handing it to the TSA agent saying, "Could I have this hand inspected, please?" will guarantee that your film will get absolutely no exposeure to x-rays. Problem solved.