airline security and film

[Stankfoot]

My son is flying to California and he just got a 35mm SLR film camera. Is there a still a problem with film going through the x-ray machine or has the technology progressed so you don't have to worry about it? I went digital years ago so I wasn't sure....

[furie]

No the technology has not progressed that far. infact the checkpoint technology for the most part hasn't progressed past the 70's. That will change in a few years as the next generation of screening equipment comes out. but that won't be fully rolled out until 2012.

Anyway, 35mm film (undeveloped) is fine through the checkpoint x-ray unit if it's on;y sent trough a couple of times. I know that the machines can damage undeveloped film if the film is exposed to x-rays more than three or four times. basicly, those units are not all that powerful.

If you put the film in your checked baggage, the film will be damaged. those units are much more powerful, but ofcourse they have to be.

Now it should be noted, that they might pull the film out of your bag for inspection (because the film acts as a shield and can at times confuse the software). They won't open it, but if for some reason it alarms for explosives, they will confiscate it.

I know you're thinking "Explosives?! I don't have explosives!" but many common and harmless things come up as explosives to the trace machines. Most commonly heart medication and fertilizer. So just be prepared for that.

hope this helps.

[Stankfoot]

That helps a lot. I'll tell him to make sure its not in his checked bag.
Thanks!