Travelling with film: packing and airport scanners

Pack film where you can reach it easily and check the screening arrangements for each airport on your route. Airport CT scanners can damage unprocessed film, including rolls you have already exposed but haven’t developed.

Keep unprocessed film out of checked baggage

Carry your film with you and request a hand inspection before it enters the scanner. Kodak’s CT guidance advises against putting unexposed or exposed, undeveloped film through CT scanners, regardless of ISO.

A low film-speed rating is not a guarantee of protection. ILFORD’s guidance also warns about CT screening across its film range.

Prepare the request before you reach the queue

Place your rolls in an accessible clear bag and tell staff that you have photographic film. Allow extra time and check the airport’s current guidance before leaving home. A hand inspection is a request, and the checkpoint decides how it can screen your belongings.

Remember connecting flights and the journey home. If the camera is loaded, mention that too. Don’t open its back to demonstrate the film, because light can damage the exposed frames.

Take a kit you can carry comfortably

One familiar camera and a lens you know are enough for many trips. Check the battery before leaving and carry a suitable spare. If the camera is new to you, develop a test roll before the journey.

A compact such as the original Olympus mju is easy to bring along, while an SLR gives you more lens choices. Our finder can help you compare models by the way you want to shoot.

Look after the rolls between photographs

Follow the film manufacturer’s storage guidance and keep rolls out of hot parked cars and direct sun. Mark exposed rolls so you can separate them from fresh film.

If you plan to develop film during the trip, contact the lab beforehand about its process and turnaround. Processed negatives no longer have the same sensitivity to airport scanners as unprocessed film. Keep them in protective sleeves and bring them home with your scans.