Flying and Film
 

I've heard many different theories on this topic, but is it safe to take 35mm film with you through airport security? Some people say the safest thing to do is buy the film when you get there and develop it before you come home, but that's not always possible. Has anyone ever had film destroyed by airport xray machines?

You should not put film in the checked luggage. The new bomb scanning equipment will damage the film. It is fine to put in carry-on luggage.

We have traveled extensively with film - and I tend to buy professional film which has a shorter shelf life - and I haven't had any trouble with the film - but I ALWAYS carry it on with me..... I have gotten into the habit of trying to get it developed as I go (when it is possible) - but more for the fact that if something happens to it, I might have the chance to recreate some key shots. Unless I'm traveling in the US - and depending on where, I usually can't find the film I like to use, so I normally buy that before I go... As Deborah said, though, don't check the film - because I know of cases where that has definitely hurt the film.....

Sometimes I put the rolls out of the boxes in a ziploc bag, hand them to the guy and he doesn't send them through.

As mentioned, definitely do not put your film in your checked luggage(some airlines actually ask if you have done this and advise you to remove it when checking in).
The carry on luggage scanners do not produce anywhere near as strong X-rays as the checkin type but generally speaking you should be fine with this unless you are using high speed film above 1000 or so. The effects are cumilitive, but a few carry on scans should not affect it. Kodaks website has information about scanners at
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/servi.../tib5201.shtml