Should you worry about your photo film while traveling through airport x-ray machines?
Many photographers ask the burning and essential question: should I worry about my film being ruined when I put it through the x ray machines at the airport. And usually the airport authorities give the same answer: probably not, but it just depends. So if you are a shutterbug and want to preserve your film, do some preparation ahead of travel, and stay on the safe side of the ambiguity surrounding the problem. It is true that some films can be exposed and wrecked in the machines. Other machines, especially those made within the past decade, are sophisticated enough to detect what’s in your bags without obliterating your film. Some travel and photo shops sell their idea of a remedy, a lead-lined bag or pouch. You pop your film inside and then it is protected. But if the authorities want to, they will open the bag anyway and run the film through by itself. Of course if you go digital, you don’t have to worry about film at all, because there is none. But many photographers prefer real film, and for them, it is best to call airports ahead of time and find out exactly what kind of machinery they use, and then check with the company that makes your film. If you are into taking slight risks, though, like most non-professional photographers, don’t worry. We rarely hear of people having their film messed up by x ray machines anymore. Well, then again, it all depends. Someday somebody will solve this dilemma, once and for all. Meantime, it’s unlikely anything will go wrong, but not a foolproof situation.