US baggage screening could damage exposed film

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Just checking the Virgin Atlantic website to see if it has any guidance on locked/unlocked luggage (it doesn't state either way) and I came across this statement which is new to me:

Passengers on flights departing from the US need to be aware of stringent new security checks being introduced, which could cause problems with undeveloped rolls of film. This is a potential problem for holiday snaps as well as for professionals.

By 31 December 2002 all checked in baggage will have to be screened for explosives. Most checks will be carried out by EDS (Explosive Detection System) using x-rays, which can cause fogging or white lines to appear on the film once it's developed.

We would advise passengers to carry all film in hand luggage. Since hand-luggage is also subject to x-ray scanning at security checkpoints, passengers should ask for the film to be checked by hand. It's a good idea to put it in an easily removable, separate bag inside the hand luggage. If the bag and film canisters are clear all the better.

To be specific the following films are particularly at risk: film rated at ASA/ISO 800 or higher, and x-ray, scientific, sheet, large format, medical, motion picture and professional film.

As a guide, most standard films are usually ASA/ISO 100 – 200, but even these may be affected if they are repeatedly checked by x-ray. One way to avoid problems is to get exposed films developed locally.

I've often put un-developed film into my hold luggage before, with no ill effects, but I guess I'll use handluggage from know on, and ask for a hand search for particularly precious films.

Regards

Rob

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Oh I should have mentioned this - Paul and I fell out for 5 minutes on the way back from LA because I had packed one of my films and there were signs everywhere saying "you'll film will be damaged if it goes through the x-ray machine" I also used to leave mine in packed luggage but I spoke to one of the security men and he said all the airports have now got new x-ray machines for lugguge and these are much stronger than they used to be so your films will get damaged.

Our luggage was x-rayed after we checked in - we had to make sure that the bags were unlocked and then take them to the x-ray machine ourselves and then when they were x-rayed we were allowed to put our locks back on before they went on the belt.

 

[BevS97]

we've started getting our pictures developed while we are out there. I don't think it's particularly cheap, but it's one less thing to worry about, and if any of the films are ruined for any reason, (or, you forget to put a film in the camera....... who wouldn do such a thing ) you still have the chance to take a few more photos.

Bev

 

[UKDEB]

I wasn't aware of this particular warning from Virgin, but for as long as I can remember it has been suggested that film is carried in your hand luggage and that you ask for it to be manually checked.

 

[kazzie]

Thanks Rob.....I didn't know this