Film
 

Packed or carry on? Anyone know about the x-ray machines?

If the film is less than 800ASA, it should be fine as checked. But as different airports are using various levels of xray, and no uniformity, I'd suggest you take in carry-on.

Pack the film in a clear ziplock bag for easy inspection, if asked. If the film comes in black or gray canisters, I'd suggest you take film out before placing in ziplock. If clear canisters, you can keep them.

Once film has been exposed (on way home), there shouldn't be any impact whether in check or carryon.

The new x-ray machines are more powerful then the old checked baggage x-ray machines. From the TSA website

"Never place undeveloped film in your checked baggage, our security equipment used for screening checked baggage will damage your undeveloped film. Place your film in your carry-on baggage or request a hand inspection. Please note that our carry-on security equipment might also damage certain film if the film passes through more than five times."

Glad I asked! Thanks!

Definately carry on. Apart from anything else if your bag goes astray you may not be able to replace the film.
J

Our films went through x-ray machines 7 times on our trip last year and I feel the quality of the finished product was affected. At every airport I requested to have the film hand checked, but nobody was willing to do so, even with all the films out of their cases and in a clear ziplock bag. So, count on its being exposed to lots of x-rays. I'm going digital for our 2008 trip.

NEVER put your film in your checked luggage, exposed or not! Most checked luggage is put through CAT scanning machines and will ruin your film. This is different than the X-ray machines through which you put your carry-on items.

Carry-on always, with hand inspection whenever possible.

You take your chances whether you use film or digital-- files on memory cards or portable storage devices can be corrupted without going anywhere near an airport, but it's just as rare as low-ISO film being affected by airport X-rays.

I've not yet had film (400 ISO or below, mostly 100 ISO) spoiled on any trip, and my stocks have been through as many as 8 x-ray checks per trip. The number of hand inspections has varied...none on one occasion, a few on others, and all eight on the last.

Of course, it often depends on goodwill of the inspection staff; but it helps to be early rather than late. Get in before the rush, and be firm but polite.

John