Photography

📷 Photographic film

Rules differ by region: US airports are introducing high-dose CT scanners for carry-on bags that can damage film even at lower ISOs. Request hand inspection in all regions. Film in checked baggage is exposed to higher-dose X-rays and should always be carried in carry-on.

💼 Cabin bag

Depends

Permitted but request hand inspection — new CT scanners can damage film. TSA should accommodate hand inspection requests for undeveloped film.

✈️ Hold (checked)

Not recommended. Checked baggage scanners use high-dose X-rays that will damage undeveloped film.

💡 Tip: Undeveloped photographic film can be damaged by X-ray machines — particularly at high-dose CT scanners used in checked baggage. Request hand inspection at the security checkpoint for film under ISO 800. Film ISO 800 and above should never go through any X-ray.

Common questions

Carry-on X-rays may damage film ISO 800 and above. New CT scanners in carry-on lanes can damage lower ISO film too. Always request hand inspection for undeveloped film. Never put film in checked baggage — hold X-rays are high-dose and will damage it.

Alert the security officer before your bag goes through the X-ray. Say you have undeveloped photographic film and request manual inspection. In the US, TSA is required to accommodate this request.

Yes. Already developed film is not affected by X-ray machines.

Instant film (Instax, Polaroid) is sensitive to X-rays. Keep it in carry-on and request hand inspection for the same reasons as regular film.