Is film safe in checked baggage?

[mamacatnv]

Does anyone know for air travel whether it is safe to put film in bags that are being checked or should it be carried on?

Bringing a ton of film, just curious

 

[seashoreCM]

Checked baggage, no!

Carry on baggage, OK.

800 and higher speed film should be hand checked.

A theory I will test whenever I have a chance -- Take out the film canisters and put them in a separate bowl or tray. This I suppose will reduce the amount of time they sit under the X-rays as the attendant tries to make out what he sees on his screen.

Those film protecting bags (lead lined) will not protect film in checked baggage but may induce a hand check (which you probably wanted all along) without your having to ask. If you use this kind of bag, put the film in the suitcase instead of in a separate bowl.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[SHSFire]

We just returned through MCO and I asked the security if I should put my exposed film/camera through the xray, she said yes but never put it in your checked luggage.

When in doubt carry on and ask.

Julie

 

[safetymom]

The effects of the x ray are cumulative so to be safe ask for a hand inspection by the screeners. Do not put in your luggage. On your return trip take some mailers with you and send them out to be processed. That way you don't have to worry about taking them through the scanner.

Not all x ray scanners are set to the same strength. I wouldn't trust my photos to be safe.

 

[Aisling]

We must be so lucky, or have had faulty security scanners every time! I never knew about the possible damage to film, so I have always put our film in our checked luggage. All the pictures came out perfect every time. We're mostly doing digital this time, bit I hope I remember to put our few rolls of film in our carry on...I don't want to push my luck.