Michael Turner
Pack unexposed rolls and loaded bodies inside carry-on baggage and request a manual inspection at security checkpoints. If manual inspection cannot be performed, consider a lead-lined pouch only as a last resort – lead shielding often triggers additional screening or refusal by some checkpoint operators.
Hold-screen CT and high-energy X‑ray units used for checked baggage deliver substantially higher doses than cabin X‑ray conveyors and can fog unprocessed photographic emulsion. Higher-speed stocks (for example, ISO 800+) are especially susceptible; a single high-dose scan may produce visible fogging or loss of shadow detail. Processed negatives and prints tolerate screening much better, but unexposed rolls are best protected in cabin.
Follow lithium-battery rules strictly: spare lithium‑ion cells must travel in the cabin, with a general limit of 100 Wh without prior airline approval; cells between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval; spares above 160 Wh are prohibited. Batteries installed in devices are safer when carried in the cabin; if removal is feasible, tape terminals and place each cell in individual plastic sleeves.
Use a rigid padded case, immobilize shutters and moving parts, separate lenses, include silica gel for humidity control, and photograph serial numbers before travel. Verify carrier- and country-specific regulations at least 48 hours before departure and allow extra time at screening for possible manual inspection of photographic media.
Loaded analog photographic equipment in hold baggage: TSA, IATA and airline rules
Bottom-line recommendation: Keep loaded analog photographic equipment in the cabin whenever feasible; if stowage in the aircraft hold is unavoidable, limit unprocessed light-sensitive rolls to ISO ≤400 and arrange for rapid processing after travel.
TSA specifics: Transportation Security Administration screening permits analog photographic devices and light-sensitive material in both cabin and the aircraft hold, but security X‑ray systems can fog unprocessed high‑sensitivity stock. Request a hand inspection for unprocessed rolls at checkpoint; if hand inspection is refused, items will be X‑rayed. Lithium batteries commonly used to power bodies and accessories are subject to the federal rule that spare cells/packs must travel in the cabin with terminals protected; installed batteries may remain in equipment but check carrier battery limits.
IATA guidance: International Air Transport Association advisory text recommends carrying unexposed light-sensitive material in the cabin or arranging special handling for commercial shipments. IATA does not ban loaded analog devices for normal carriage, but suggests operators and ground handlers minimise exposure of unprocessed stock to high‑dose hold-screening equipment used on checked items.
Common airline practice: Major carriers generally advise cabin carriage for unprocessed or high‑ISO material and accept loaded devices in the hold at the passenger’s risk; several airlines explicitly require spare lithium batteries in cabin only and may refuse liability for image loss caused by screening. A minority of carriers apply tighter limits at specific airports where higher‑dose CT or cargo X‑ray systems are used; policies vary by route and airport, so confirm with the airline before departure.
Practical checklist: Keep loaded analog equipment in a padded carry‑on case; request hand inspection for unprocessed rolls; segregate exposed versus unexposed stock; remove or protect spare lithium batteries (carry spares in cabin, tape terminals or use plastic covers); do not rely on lead‑lined containers to prevent screening (they often trigger additional inspection); if placing material in the hold is unavoidable, limit unprocessed stock to ISO ≤400 and process as soon as possible after travel.
How much X‑ray exposure from hold scanners harms unprocessed 35mm, 120 and large‑format photographic stock?
Avoid routing unprocessed 35mm, 120 or large‑format photographic stock through aircraft hold X‑ray streams; single high‑energy CT scans may produce measurable fog on high‑speed emulsions and repeated passes will visibly degrade low‑speed and reversal materials.
Typical scanner classes and practical effect per transit:
– low‑energy conveyor units used for carry‑on screening: very low per‑pass dose; most ISO 100–400 rolls or sheets tolerate many (dozens to hundreds) passes with no visible fog;
– high‑energy, multi‑view/CT units used for hold screening: per‑pass dose is substantially greater; a single pass can induce faint base fog on ISO 800+ stocks, 3–5 passes often yield visible density increases on ISO 400, and 10+ passes can cause noticeable fog on ISO 100 emulsions;
– explosive‑detection systems and older baggage cabinets sometimes deliver even higher dose density and therefore accelerate fogging compared with modern carry‑on scanners.
Relative susceptibility by format and type:
– 35mm and 120 (rolled) negatives: roll geometry offers modest self‑shielding; negative (print) stock tolerates X‑ray exposure better than reversal (slide) stock at the same ISO; high‑speed roll stock (ISO 800+) is most vulnerable to single high‑energy passes;
– large‑format sheets: largest surface area and lack of self‑shielding make sheets most likely to show uniform fog or edge artifacts after fewer transits;
– black‑and‑white silver‑halide vs. color: B&W emulsions commonly show gradual base‑fog increase that may be salvageable; color reversal (slide) tends to reveal X‑ray fog more conspicuously and is less forgiving.
Quantitative guidance and testing
Measure risk by count of high‑energy transits rather than abstract dose units when planning travel. Conservative operational thresholds:
– ISO ≤200 negatives (rolls/sheets): safe for a small number (1–3) of high‑energy passes; safe for many passes through low‑energy carry‑on units;
– ISO 400 negatives: risk appears after several high‑energy passes (3–10);
– ISO ≥800 negatives and most reversal stocks: risk from a single high‑energy pass is non‑negligible.
Field testing on an expendable sample roll/sheet of the same stock and speed is strongly recommended before transporting large quantities.
Mitigation
Effective protections: carry unprocessed stock in the passenger cabin when possible; request manual inspection at the checkpoint; use certified X‑ray‑attenuating containers (lead‑equivalent pouches) known to reduce scanner transmission – these typically provide protection for a small number of high‑energy passes but are not guaranteed for repeated CT scans. For critical shoots, ship processed work or duplicates instead of unprocessed material through hold screening.
Packing methods and materials to protect emulsions and photographic bodies in the aircraft hold
Primary recommendation: place unprocessed 35mm, 120 and large-format emulsions inside a metal-shielded container rated ≥0.5–1.0 mm Pb equivalent, then house that container and photographic bodies in a rigid, crush-rated case with custom-cut closed-cell foam and an inner insulating layer; store the assembly in the aircraft hold’s center, not against sidewalls.
X‑ray shielding: commercial lead-lined pouches or steel film cans provide measurable attenuation of baggage X‑rays; choose pouches specifying lead-equivalence (0.5 mm reduces low-energy scanner exposure, 1.0 mm offers stronger attenuation). Ammo-style steel tins (airtight) also reduce penetration and add crush resistance. Expect a weight penalty: a 0.5 mm Pb pouch for several rolls typically adds ~0.5–1.0 kg. Use metal shielding only for unprocessed negatives – processed prints are not affected.
Anti‑crush strategy: use a hard-case (polycarbonate or ABS outer shell or IP67-rated protective cases such as Pelican/Nanuk/SKB-style models) with minimum 25–40 mm of custom-cut closed-cell foam (EVA or polyethylene foam) around bodies and cans. Configure foam to immobilize items entirely, leaving no voids; add 20–30 mm of clothing or soft padding around the foam block for extra shock absorption. For heavy compressive exposures, select cases rated to resist a 100–200 kg static load or those marketed as “crushproof.”
Thermal and humidity control: keep emulsions between ~5–25°C during transit to limit latent-image fog and emulsion softening; avoid exposing to >30°C for extended periods. Wrap temperature-sensitive items in an insulating sleeve (reflective foil + 5–10 mm foam) and surround with clothing to create a thermal buffer. Include 1–2 silica gel packets (10–20 g each) inside sealed film cans to control moisture; use desiccant indicator cards for multi-day trips. When items move from cold to warm environments, keep them sealed in a zippered bag until temperature equalizes to prevent condensation – wait 1–2 hours depending on thermal mass.
Packing sequence and checklist: 1) put emulsions into metal-shielded container and seal; 2) place photographic bodies with lens/port caps on into custom-foam compartments; 3) remove batteries or short battery contacts and pack separately in padded pockets; 4) situate shielded container centrally between foam blocks; 5) add insulating layer of clothing around the foam core; 6) place silica gel and a temperature/humidity data logger if long transit; 7) verify case latches, straps and external ID. Keep fragile optical elements capped and immobilized to prevent impact damage.
Practical trade-offs and tips: metal shielding reduces X‑ray dose but increases weight and may trigger additional manual inspection; metal cans with robust seals double as humidity barriers. For short hops where weight is critical, prioritize foam protection, centre placement and thermal buffering instead of heavy lead pouches. Consider a molded protective carry-case within the hold bag to combine hard-shell crush protection with softer outer soft goods – see selected designs at best luggage on kickstarter.
Remove batteries, flash units and memory cards before stowing in the aircraft hold – direct recommendations
Remove all spare lithium batteries and external flash units; carry spares in cabin only. Installed rechargeable cells may remain inside the photographic body if the power switch is off and terminals are protected, but transporting spare lithium-ion cells in hold baggage is prohibited by major carriers and international rules.
- Lithium‑ion cells (rechargeable):
- Spare cells: must travel in cabin. No spare cells with a rating above 160 Wh are permitted at all.
- Ratings:
- <100 Wh – allowed in cabin without airline approval.
- 100–160 Wh – allowed in cabin only with airline approval; maximum two spares per passenger.
- Installed cells: allowed in hold by many carriers but recommended in cabin; if left installed, switch device off and protect terminals.
- Non‑rechargeable cells (alkaline, NiMH, NiCd):
- Spare AA/AAA generally permitted in both cabin and hold, but stow spares in original packaging or plastic bags to prevent short circuits.
- Loose terminals should be taped or placed in individual plastic sleeves.
- External flash units / speedlights:
- Remove batteries from the unit when storing in the aircraft hold; carry removed batteries in cabin.
- High‑voltage capacitors inside many flashes may retain charge even after battery removal. If inspection is requested, offer the unit to security for safe handling; professional discharge is recommended instead of attempting to short or open the unit.
- Pad flash bodies with foam and place in a rigid case to prevent accidental activation or impact damage.
- Memory cards and removable storage:
- Physically remove all memory cards and microdrives prior to placing any photographic equipment into hold. Store cards in cabin to reduce theft and physical damage risk.
- Use labelled, hard plastic or metal card cases with anti‑static lining; individual slots prevent bending and abrasion.
- Backups: keep at least one duplicate on separate media or cloud storage before travel if loss would be costly.
Terminal protection and packing checklist:
- Place spare battery terminals into individual plastic sleeves or cover with non‑conductive tape; do not allow metal contact between terminals.
- Use original battery packaging or dedicated battery pouches; avoid loose storage inside clothing or soft compartments.
- Label cases with owner contact details and include an inventory list inside checked containers when sending any gear to hold.
- Seal small items (memory cards, SD adapters, coin‑cell batteries) in clear, tamper‑evident zipper bags; keep these bags in the cabin if possible.
- Lock hard cases with TSA‑accepted locks and pad foam around sensitive items to prevent shock; remove heavy accessories that could crush delicate mechanisms.
What to expect during security inspection:
- Inspectors may request battery removal or visual inspection of flash capacitors. Do not attempt to bypass or disable safety features; request that inspections occur where a technician can handle high‑voltage components if needed.
- If an airline or authority requires that a spare battery remain in the hold (rare), obtain written confirmation; otherwise transport spares in cabin to remain compliant with IATA/ICAO/TSA guidance.
What to do if photographic gear or unprocessed rolls stowed in the aircraft hold are lost or damaged: documenting, claiming and proving value
Report the loss or damage at the airline baggage service desk immediately, obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) reference and retain boarding pass plus bag tag copies.
Immediate actions and evidence to collect
1) Obtain and keep the PIR number, staff name, time stamp and written notes from the desk. 2) Photograph the item and surrounding packing from multiple angles with a ruler or coin for scale; include close-ups of serial numbers, visible physical damage, and torn packing materials. 3) Preserve original packaging, tags, and any labels placed by airline staff; do not discard the damaged article unless the airline requests disposal in writing. 4) For unprocessed rolls, do not attempt development requested by airline staff; place rolls in sealed evidence bags and hand them to a professional photo lab that will issue a dated lab intake report and development log.
Documentation required for claims and value proof
Include these documents with every written claim or insurer submission: PIR, boarding pass, bag tag image, original purchase receipt or credit card statement, manufacturer warranty, serial-number record, recent repair invoices, and an authorized-service estimate for repairs. For items with commercial value (client work, commissioned shoots), attach signed client contracts, deposits, usage licenses, shot lists and any canceled schedule invoices showing expected revenue.
Establish monetary value via: 1) original invoice; 2) current market comparables (completed e‑commerce sales screenshots with dates and matched serial/model); 3) independent appraisal from an accredited photo-equipment appraiser; 4) repair-shop estimate plus parts list for irreparable units. For unprocessed media where images have commercial value, submit lab development reports demonstrating damage patterns consistent with X‑ray or crushing, plus contracts or licensing estimates that quantify lost revenue.
Airline/legal limits and deadlines: file damage claims in writing within 7 days of receipt of damaged belongings; for delayed items submit claim within 21 days from when baggage was made available. International liability under the Montreal Convention is limited to 1,288 SDR (approximately about US$1,700 – confirm current SDR conversion at time of claim). Increased carrier liability is possible if excess valuation was declared and paid at the time of handover; retain that declaration receipt.
Insurance and escalation: notify travel or homeowners/personal-articles insurers within their prescribed notification window (commonly 30–60 days) and submit the same packet described above. If the carrier denies or offers an inadequate settlement, escalate with a written appeal referencing PIR and supporting evidence, then file with national enforcement authorities or proceed to small-claims court; note the Montreal Convention two‑year statute of limitations for legal action.
Chain of custody and expert support: keep a dated log of all interactions (names, numbers, emails). For unprocessed media losses, request a written technical assessment from an independent photo lab describing exposure defects; include that assessment in claims and insurer files. Where possible, obtain a signed letter from an authorized service center stating repairability and cost.
Suggested attachments checklist: PIR, boarding pass, bag tag photos, item invoice, serial-number photo, repair estimate, market-comparable sales, lab report (for unprocessed media), client contracts (for commercial shoots), police report (if theft suspected).
FAQ:
Can I put a film camera in my checked luggage?
Yes, you can pack a film camera in checked baggage, but there is a risk to unprocessed film. Baggage X-ray systems used for checked luggage often expose contents to stronger radiation than the machines used for carry-on screening, and that can fog undeveloped film. Processed film, prints and memory cards are not affected. If you must check the camera, remove any unprocessed rolls and keep them in your hand luggage. Also keep spare lithium batteries with you in the cabin; many airlines prohibit spare batteries in checked bags.
Will airport X-ray machines ruin the film inside my camera if it’s checked?
Airport scanners can fog unprocessed film. Machines used for checked bags often use higher-energy X-rays or CT scanning technology, and repeated or high-dose exposure increases the chance of visible fogging or loss of contrast on negatives and slides. Film already developed is safe. Film inside a closed camera can be affected in the same way as loose rolls. As a practical rule: low-speed film (ISO 100–200) is less likely to show damage from a single carry-on scan, but high-speed stocks (ISO 800 and above) and any multiple exposures are more vulnerable. To lower the chance of damage, carry unprocessed rolls in your hand luggage where you can request a visual inspection; if a screening officer cannot inspect by hand, they may still X-ray them, so expect some variability by country and checkpoint.
How should I pack my camera and film if I need to check a bag? Any tips to protect gear and batteries?
If checking a bag is unavoidable, follow these steps: remove all unprocessed film from the camera and place it in carry-on; keep developed film and prints with you as well. Cushion the camera with padding (padded insert or bubble wrap) and secure lenses separately in padded compartments. For power: place spare lithium-ion batteries or spare power packs in your carry-on only; many carriers forbid spares in checked baggage. A camera with an installed battery is usually allowed in checked luggage, but it is safer to carry the camera aboard when possible. Avoid lead-lined pouches for film because they can trigger extra inspection or be opened by security officers. Finally, label fragile contents, use sturdy luggage, and consider insuring valuable kit before travel.
