✈️ Is there any risk to my film if it goes through X-ray at airport security?

Traveling with film often raises legitimate concerns among film photography enthusiasts who come to buy their film in our shop and plan to fly:

👉 Can airport X-rays fog or damage my films?

The answer isn't entirely yes, nor entirely no. It all depends on several factors: the type of film, its sensitivity (ISO), and the type of scanner used. Let's take a closer look.

📸 Why are photographic films sensitive to X-rays?

Silver halide films are based on a photosensitive emulsion composed of silver salts.

X-rays, like light, can alter this emulsion and cause:

• a general veil
• a loss of contrast
• stains or artifacts
• an increase in grain

These effects are often irreversible, especially if the film is exposed multiple times.

🛄 Cabin and hold baggage scanner

✔️ Cabin baggage (conventional X-ray scanner)

👉 Good news :

Standard cabin baggage scanners are generally not very dangerous for:

• unexposed films
• films up to ISO 400
• an occasional exhibition

⚠️ However :

• Films with ISO 800, 1600 and higher are more sensitive
• Repeated passages increase the risk
• Films that have already been shown are more vulnerable

❌ Checked baggage (strong X-ray screening)

🚨 Absolutely avoid this.

The scanners used for checked baggage are much more powerful and can:

• to veil a film from the very first pass
• to completely ruin a film, regardless of its sensitivity

📌 Golden rule:

👉 Never put film in the hold.

🆕 And what about the new CT (Computed Tomography) scanners?

More and more airports are using next-generation CT scanners.

👉 Issue :

These scanners are significantly more aggressive on film, even at low sensitivity.

• ISO 100 or 200 → real risk
• ISO 400+ → high risk
• Films on display → very high risk

📍 These scanners are already present in some major European and international airports.

🙋‍♀️ Can we request a manual search?

✅ Yes, and it is highly recommended.

In most airports, you have the right to request a manual check for your film.

Practical advice:

• Have your movies out of their cases
• Store them in a clear bag
• Mention calmly:

  “These are sensitive silver halide photographic films.”

💡 Agents are more likely to agree when the request is clear and prepared.

🎞️ And what about "X-ray resistant" bags?

Weighted or “X-ray proof” bags are unreliable.

👉 For what ?

• Scanners can automatically increase their power
• The bag can attract attention and lead to additional checks.

➡️ They offer a false sense of security.

📷 Best practices for traveling with film photography

✔️ Transport films in the cabin only

✔️ Request a manual check, especially for ISO 400+

✔️ Avoid multiple passes

✔️ Develop the films before returning if possible

✔️ For long trips, it's best to buy film locally.

📷 We tested it for you!

During a trip back from Milan, we deliberately left a roll of Kodak Portra 800 film in the device which went through the X-ray scanner in the cabin.

After development and scanning, we found no damage, but the film only made one pass.

Here are some photos:

🌿 In summary

👉 When in doubt, always request a manual check.

📖 In conclusion

Film photography requires time, patience and special attention to the material.

Protecting your films during a trip is an integral part of the process.

Traveling with film also means accepting a degree of fragility — but certainly not negligence.​