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Guest
Will airport x ray machine damage the films? I'm going to a trip and worry about it. Does anyone have the answer?
jeff
jeff
CI Photocommunity
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G
Guest
> > Print Post Edit Post > > Will airport x ray machine damage the films? I'm > going to a trip and worry about it. Does anyone have > the answer?>>>
I've never had a problem with sending film through the scanners at the airport. Do NOT put film in your checked luggage. The x-ray machines for checked luggage are much stronger and will damage the film.
I've never had a problem with sending film through the scanners at the airport. Do NOT put film in your checked luggage. The x-ray machines for checked luggage are much stronger and will damage the film.
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Guest
Thank you.
G
Guest
Hi Jeff--
Checked baggage is almost guaranteed to have film destroyed--the X-rays are high-intensity. If you carry-on, then your best bet is to use an X-ray bag and request a hand search. Stack the film in a clear plastic bag so they can see it well without opening the package. About half the time you will be denied, but at least with a trip requiring multiple passes through security you can cut down on the exposure. You can have the film go through the standard carry-on X-ray machine around 5 times without trouble (100 speed). I'd avoid taking faster film; also, try to get your film processed locally if at all possible.
Good luck,
Jim Kerner
Checked baggage is almost guaranteed to have film destroyed--the X-rays are high-intensity. If you carry-on, then your best bet is to use an X-ray bag and request a hand search. Stack the film in a clear plastic bag so they can see it well without opening the package. About half the time you will be denied, but at least with a trip requiring multiple passes through security you can cut down on the exposure. You can have the film go through the standard carry-on X-ray machine around 5 times without trouble (100 speed). I'd avoid taking faster film; also, try to get your film processed locally if at all possible.
Good luck,
Jim Kerner
G
Guest
> ...your best bet is to > use an X-ray bag and request a hand search...
> About half the time you will be denied...
Denied what? If you are flying in the US, you have the right to ask for a hand inspection, and it must be granted. It's part of the FAAs rules.
Section 108.17 "Use of X-ray systems."
"(e) No certificate holder may use an X-ray system to inspect carry-on or checked articles unless a sign is posted in a conspicuous place at the screening station and on the X-ray system which notifies passengers that such items are being inspected by an X-ray and advises them to remove all X-ray, scientific, and high-speed film from carry-on and checked articles before inspection. This sign shall also advise passengers that they may request that an inspection be made of their photographic equipment and film packages without exposure to an X-ray system."
That's THE LAW.
> About half the time you will be denied...
Denied what? If you are flying in the US, you have the right to ask for a hand inspection, and it must be granted. It's part of the FAAs rules.
Section 108.17 "Use of X-ray systems."
"(e) No certificate holder may use an X-ray system to inspect carry-on or checked articles unless a sign is posted in a conspicuous place at the screening station and on the X-ray system which notifies passengers that such items are being inspected by an X-ray and advises them to remove all X-ray, scientific, and high-speed film from carry-on and checked articles before inspection. This sign shall also advise passengers that they may request that an inspection be made of their photographic equipment and film packages without exposure to an X-ray system."
That's THE LAW.
G
Guest
> > Denied what? If you are flying in the US, you have the right to ask for a hand inspection, and it must be granted. It's part of the FAAs rules.
Austin, I'd love to be there when you DEMAND your hand inspection. Threatening the inspectors will do wonders, try it sometime. LOL, ROFL
Austin, I'd love to be there when you DEMAND your hand inspection. Threatening the inspectors will do wonders, try it sometime. LOL, ROFL
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Guest
> > > Denied what? If you are flying in the US, you have the right to > ask for a hand inspection, and it must be granted. It's part of the > FAAs rules. > > Austin, I'd love to be there when you DEMAND your hand inspection. > Threatening the inspectors will do wonders, try it sometime. LOL, ROFL
Michael,
I clearly said ASK, not DEMAND, and I certainly didn't say anything about "threatening the inspectors". Why are you making these things up that I clearly didn't say? I didn't write the law, and the law IS the law, whether you, or the inspectors, like it or not.
Anyway, the LAW states that they have to comply with your request. In fact, I have asked, been denied, and then asked to speak with a supervisor...and asked again, denied...and pointed out that the FAA regulations do state that I am entitled to it...and he checked, came back appologized, and took care of it with no problem. Note, this was prior to 9/11. That is the only time I've been hassled about hand inspection. It was in Atlanta returning to Boston.
Austin
Michael,
I clearly said ASK, not DEMAND, and I certainly didn't say anything about "threatening the inspectors". Why are you making these things up that I clearly didn't say? I didn't write the law, and the law IS the law, whether you, or the inspectors, like it or not.
Anyway, the LAW states that they have to comply with your request. In fact, I have asked, been denied, and then asked to speak with a supervisor...and asked again, denied...and pointed out that the FAA regulations do state that I am entitled to it...and he checked, came back appologized, and took care of it with no problem. Note, this was prior to 9/11. That is the only time I've been hassled about hand inspection. It was in Atlanta returning to Boston.
Austin
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Guest
It all depends on the airport: I live in Boston, and have been able to get hand-inspections, especially when I note that special film is involved (like a few rolls of higher-speed or Polaroid), or mumble something about push-processing, or note how nicely I packaged everything to assist them in the hand-inspection; on the other hand, forget about it in London, where I have never had any luck. You just have to know what to expect.
G
Guest
For information on this subject, go here:
and download the PDF file of things you can and can't carry on. Go to page 3, and you'll read the following under "Electronic Devices/Camera Equipment":
"ASK THE SCREENER TO CONDUCT A HAND INSPECTION"
"YOU MAY ALWAYS REQUEST A HAND INSPECTION"
I do not find anywhere were it states that if you request a hand inspection it may be denied.
and download the PDF file of things you can and can't carry on. Go to page 3, and you'll read the following under "Electronic Devices/Camera Equipment":
"ASK THE SCREENER TO CONDUCT A HAND INSPECTION"
"YOU MAY ALWAYS REQUEST A HAND INSPECTION"
I do not find anywhere were it states that if you request a hand inspection it may be denied.
G
Guest
> > Austin,
I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, I know you are right about the FAA regulations. I guess I just read too many email threads about the horrors of airport security.
I wonder, though, if the new TSA department is bound by the old FAA regulations. FAA is not in the airport security business anymore. >
I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, I know you are right about the FAA regulations. I guess I just read too many email threads about the horrors of airport security.
I wonder, though, if the new TSA department is bound by the old FAA regulations. FAA is not in the airport security business anymore. >
G
Guest
Hi James,
> It all depends on the airport...
That is my point, no it doesn't, according to the Federal regulations I cited. You have a right to ask for it...as they ADMIT that the new x-ray machines CAN damage film. See my last post with the a URL to the TSA regulations.
Austin
> It all depends on the airport...
That is my point, no it doesn't, according to the Federal regulations I cited. You have a right to ask for it...as they ADMIT that the new x-ray machines CAN damage film. See my last post with the a URL to the TSA regulations.
Austin
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Guest
> Posted by Michael Monas on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 8:45 pm: > > > > Austin, > > I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers,
He he...Michael, no ruffling taken. It's just that I've been over and over and over this issue with people who claim what I am merely citing is wrong, and I have the damned regulations in front of me when I write this...so I've got to believe I've done my homework right, and someone else hasn't ;-)
Of course I'm not saying the stories people tell aren't true...I believe they are, but there are ways to deal with inspections in a pleasant manner...not that I'm the poster boy for pleasant merrers, mind you...though I do try.
And yes, I posted links to the new TSA info.
Regards,
Austin
He he...Michael, no ruffling taken. It's just that I've been over and over and over this issue with people who claim what I am merely citing is wrong, and I have the damned regulations in front of me when I write this...so I've got to believe I've done my homework right, and someone else hasn't ;-)
Of course I'm not saying the stories people tell aren't true...I believe they are, but there are ways to deal with inspections in a pleasant manner...not that I'm the poster boy for pleasant merrers, mind you...though I do try.
And yes, I posted links to the new TSA info.
Regards,
Austin
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Guest
In exceptional circumstances they don't have to offer it to you. The language is sufficiently vague to make it hard to insist. You can try, but the atmosphere these days is not very understanding. Check out the relevant threads on Photo.Net, where the issue has been discussed at amazing length.
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>Austin, I do not think that you are fully informed on this issue.
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I just ran a roll of exposed Fuji Reala thru the hand luggage xray on Friday. I wouldn't dare put it in the checked luggage xray... I'll let you know if there are any problems with the hand carry xray..
Colorado Jeff
Colorado Jeff
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> Posted by clark e. erickson on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 9:50 pm: > > >Austin, I do not think that you are fully informed on this issue.
Well, Clark...Perhaps you can update me on as to what the correct regulations I should be using are than to be using the current ones listed on the TSA web site, which you apparently believe are "not fully informed" ;-)
Be aware that I was STRICTLY talking about US regulated airports, and being you are 6 hours later than I am, according to your time st& above, you are probably in Europe, where your regulations may in fact be different.
Austin
Well, Clark...Perhaps you can update me on as to what the correct regulations I should be using are than to be using the current ones listed on the TSA web site, which you apparently believe are "not fully informed" ;-)
Be aware that I was STRICTLY talking about US regulated airports, and being you are 6 hours later than I am, according to your time st& above, you are probably in Europe, where your regulations may in fact be different.
Austin
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Hi Clark,
Reading both from the FAA and TSA: Austin is correct and informed, to say he is not informed is somewhat derogatory. It may be that some inspectors are not informed and may not understand that there is a right to hand inspections.
Now arguing with an uninformed inspector may be a different story. I've made the mistake of not asking for an inspection with high speed film, and yes, it was fogged. Good images destroyed (am I being optimistic? ;-). (Try to get compensation, fat chance!) Henseforth I ask.
Please keep in mind that the calibration of xray machines may vary from airport to airport, or from that matter from one station to another within a given airport, so your experience on one trip may not be the same as another if your film is not hand inspected.
David
Reading both from the FAA and TSA: Austin is correct and informed, to say he is not informed is somewhat derogatory. It may be that some inspectors are not informed and may not understand that there is a right to hand inspections.
Now arguing with an uninformed inspector may be a different story. I've made the mistake of not asking for an inspection with high speed film, and yes, it was fogged. Good images destroyed (am I being optimistic? ;-). (Try to get compensation, fat chance!) Henseforth I ask.
Please keep in mind that the calibration of xray machines may vary from airport to airport, or from that matter from one station to another within a given airport, so your experience on one trip may not be the same as another if your film is not hand inspected.
David
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JUST an idea..but I've started taking a postage paid padded envelope with me on trips. Before I head to the airport, I put the film in the padded envelope and mail it to my home. You can get a priority mail st& for $3.20 which is good for up to a pound (?). You can send several rolls of film home and not worry about the xrays...
Colorado Jeff
Colorado Jeff
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Guest
>I think Austin is right on the law but there's a practical problem. We went to Italy this summer and i insisted on hand inspection, thus irritating my wife and 18 year old daughter, who said, "didn't you hear the lady say the machine won't damage the film." When I insisted (not for the faint of heart, they were quite surly in Philadelphia) they took their sweet time having me take all of the cassettes out of the little cannisters, sweeping them for explosive residue, etc. then, for spite, they asked for my shoes, my wallet, etc. And had she said "no" in violation of those regs., would I have traded my trip for the principle? I think not. One outcome of a confrontation with these people is getting put in a safe place to cool off, while the flight
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Guest
Two comments about the X-ray issue:
1. I have had no problem getting hand inspections in the U.S. since the TSA took over from the private contractors. The new inspectors seem to be much better trained and informed than the old ones. They are usually even polite and helpful about it, if asked politely.
2. I recently did a test in which I took an unexposed roll of TMAX3200 both ways on a trip. I intentionally sent it through the X-ray twice. At home I developed it with a roll that I had left home. There was no perceptible fog on the X-rayed roll. I conclude that it just isn't a big problem, at least for reasonably new machines.
1. I have had no problem getting hand inspections in the U.S. since the TSA took over from the private contractors. The new inspectors seem to be much better trained and informed than the old ones. They are usually even polite and helpful about it, if asked politely.
2. I recently did a test in which I took an unexposed roll of TMAX3200 both ways on a trip. I intentionally sent it through the X-ray twice. At home I developed it with a roll that I had left home. There was no perceptible fog on the X-rayed roll. I conclude that it just isn't a big problem, at least for reasonably new machines.