film damaged by the x-ray security??

[tbuot]

Anybody have their film ruined by the x-ray scanning machines at the airports? I heard that this could happen. I am wondering if this has happened and what suggestions you may have about not having cruise memories destroyed.

Thanks

 

[Towncrier]

Film should not be packed in your checked baggage. The xray machines used to scan checked bags are more likely to fog your film. You should keep all film in your carry on bag.

 

[tbuot]

Don't they scan carry on luggage when you go through security? I don't know if this is something that would hurt the film.

 

[first.visit.in.72]

As an Airline Employee and one who travels extensively I can tell you to a cetainty that my film has never been compromised. It is indicated that (carry-on) passenger security xrays will not harm film unless it is of the high speed variety >1000.

Put another way, if you are using traditional over the counter film (400asa) I would not worry about it - if you are a photographer with sophisticated equipment and sensitive film then I would take precautions.

The checked luggage screening process is another type of system - the machine reminds me more of a CAT scan than an Xray machine. If it were me I would put my film in my carry-on bags.

Cheers...

 

[disneyholic family]

yes the machines used on checked baggage WILL damage film....they even tell you that if your luggage is selected for the special screening...but by that point it's too late to pull out the unexposed film....
i threw out a ton of film on our last trip because of that...

 

[AnnMorin]

So does this mean to put my film in like our camcorder case and carry that on? What about the disposable underwater cameras? I have three of those, do I need to put those in a carry on too? What about the film after it has been exposed (waiting to be developed)can it then go in the checked bags? Wow I did not even think of this,.. so many things to think about!

 

[vicnmickey]

Yep, put your film in your carryon bags. All of if it, including
the water cameras and the film that you already have taken pictures on. I do this just to be on the safe side. Don't want those precious vacation pictures to turn out blurry!

 

[bkline]

I made a $25.00 investment and purchased a film protection bag from a camera shop where I live. Is it a 100% guarantee? No, but I like the added protection and so far my film has never been damaged. That includes cruise trips, trips overseas, and trips since 9/11. I put all my film and waterproof cameras in the bag. Photos are a big part of the memories of a vacation and I want to do all I can to protect them. Just another suggestion.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Ok, I'm with the group that is betting on safer rather than sorry. I've always put film in my carry-on. All it has is photography equipment and supplies. While I'm not a professional photographer I shoot a lot of film at all speed levels ranging from 400 to 1600. Almost every trip I've politely requested and been granted a hand check.

The last time we cruised 2000 I was denied this request. The security pesonnel assured me the film would be fine. Well some was and some wasn't. After getting the fogged photos back I was showing them to a professional photographer. Without my saying anything he said, uh-oh x-ray fog. He then went on to explain that a SINGLE exposure isn't the problem but when you're making connections etc there are multiple exposures.

Sooo, I have invested in the x-ray bag which will hold the film inside my camera bag. I will again ask politely if they will hand search that bag or at least the film bag. We'll see what happens. Hopefully I won't end up detained somewhere and miss the cruise!

Deb