X-ray Scanners: Travelers Advised to Protect Film and Cameras
Always pack film and single-use cameras in a clear plastic or mesh bag to carry with you on-board. Never pack unprocessed film into baggage you intend to check.
Security precautions at US airports are being significantly tightened following the tragic events of September 11. Among precautions that travelers can expect will be the increased use of high-intensity x-ray scanners for checked baggage.
It is important to understand that placing your camera and film on a standard conveyor for x-ray scanning with other carry-on baggage (purses, briefcases, etc) at security checkpoints in the US will not cause damage to unprocessed film. However, the high-intensity x-ray machines now in use at many airports for checked luggage will damage all unprocessed film--amateur, professional, or medical. Under no circumstances, therefore, should unexposed or unprocessed film or single-use cameras be packed in checked baggage.
While the FAA on September 20 confirmed that current x-ray equipment used at airport security checkpoints for carry-on items does not harm film, some passengers may be randomly selected to submit their carry-on items to a high-intensity scan through a machine usually located apart from the normal security checkpoints.
Eastman Kodak Company advises all persons traveling by air, rail, or cruise ship to pack all film and single-use cameras in a clear plastic or mesh bag for carrying with them on-board and ask for inspection by hand when passing through security checkpoints employing high-intensity x-ray scanners. As in the past, travelers should be wary of all scanners at airports outside the US. When traveling internationally, therefore, always ask for hand-inspection of your film and single-use cameras.
Tip: Baggage inspectors are there to help ensure your safety. You can make their job easier by having your unprocessed film out and ready for inspection in a clear plastic, or mesh bag.
Source: Eastman Kodak Company
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