How to Fly with Film: X-Ray Damage, Airport Security, Hand Checking & More! (Detailed Guide)

[@amidahime]

As a current TSA agent, all true! A few words of advice though: When packing your film, do so with clean hands washed in a gentle non-scented soap - especially if you're a gardener. Any residue on your hands, whether washed or not will go to your film and when swabbed whatever residue is on your hands will transfer to the film packs. Once swabbed there is a chance that it could trip an alarm on the machine due to the materials in the soap, lotion, or fertilizer. If an alarm is tripped this will mean you will have to go through extra screening. Typically at airports (in the U.S. anyway) this will include the agent who checked your film calling for a supervisor or lead to check the code on the alarm, then telling you what has happened and what will follow to inspect the film further. If you have it in the "pop-tart" or instamax "boxes" They will ask if it is alright to take out and just have a visual and maybe swab that. Same goes for the cameras, if they have film inside and the alarm was tripped they will first and SHOULD ask their higher-up agent how to screen it further if need be. Higher up agents have two or three-stripes on their shoulder boards when they approach or are called. If the film is inspected further, swabbed again and no alarms. You should be good to go. However, if it trips the alarm again you may get a pat-down and your property searched further. This will depend on the alarm code, remember, when it comes to pat-downs you are allowed a private screening away from other passengers if you are uncomfortable out in the open. Now, in the event the film alarms again depending on the agent and higher-up they may have to send the film or camera in the x-ray anyway to clear the alarm. This is usually a last resort for the alarm resolution, so please be mindful on how you pack your film and wash your hands so it doesn't touch anything.

[@InAnInstant]

We have royalty in here! Thanks so much for sharing your words of advice and tips for a more peaceful experience.

[@ppknr336]

Seriously, must hand-check whatever customs guys says. I believed the incheon and chubu airport guys that saying 'our X-ray machine is safe for film.' while they refused hand checking. And...they ruined my films.

[@SharksfootSoup]

If only it were so easy. I have had TSA break the seal on box of “do not open” sheet film and when I became alarmed they gave me the “sir you need to calm down” treatment and then nothing was ok, no matter how calm I became, no matter that I had the TSA protocols printed out… flying with sheet film is a nightmare. I loose sleep,over it.

[@RobinFoxie]

“At first I was afraid, I was petrified.” Really excellent and entertaining video - and as a fly in, fly out worker who always travels with cameras for personal photography, some very helpful tips!

[@InAnInstant]

So glad you thought so, thanks Robin!!

[@InAnInstant]

"When I speak with confidence and I follow the system, my film is always fine. Thank you Instant Airlines, from the bottom of my heart." -Natt, Real Paid Customer

[@Megzeazez]

Yesss great tips, the ziplock bag means business 👍 I also write in sharpie on the bag “CONTAINS FILM 800 ISO AND ABOVE - PLEASE HAND CHECK”. And of course remembering to be extra polite, that golden rule can’t hurt. This may just be coincidence, but I’ve found that after I finally got TSA pre-check, I haven’t had any agents question the hand check or throw my film through the scanners, which used to happen all the time. I’m going to Japan for my honeymoon later this year, so we’ll see what happens for an international flight…🤞🏼

[@InAnInstant]

Thanks for sharing your experiences Meg! You might be right about pre-check easing up the agents. Either way, zip lock gang always stays true!

[@newcyp]

The best 90s 4:3 shorts ever made!

[@gouzigounette]

At Lisbon Airport you must give a 24h notice to let them know they will have to handcheck your film. I was not aware of this and my films went into the scanner anyway. So i addition to ask as kindly as possible to the airport staff to handcheck your film, send a message in advance to the airport to know the local procedure.

[@sneakingelephant]

I had this happen to me at Lisbon as well.

[@docDeutschmann]

First he was afraid - he was petrified... LMAO! Even though I only had good experiences asking for hand checks, you mileage may vary. While in the US TSA agents have to hand check when asked for it, other countries may not have the same rules. I still got my bag'o'films hand checked in other places, even ones I heard horror stories about before. Politely ask for a hand check - smile, be firm, not rude. Loved the video, that was a lighthearted presentation which still had a lot of takeaways for "travelers with film". Thanks guys!

[@BeFreVa]

Dude… literally flying tomorrow and started shooting film this week 🙌 thanks for the save

[@InAnInstant]

It's all going according to plan...

[@VincentPerryJr]

hand check always! but I always have my led bag just in case (which may not be ideal) getting 'pre-check' is definitely helpful as well. I feel like there's more patience from the agents in this line vs the reg since it's moving a bit more smoothly.

[@InAnInstant]

Good point VP!! Pre-check is immediate cred and has a generally less concerned crew.

[@ALaMode_Designer]

I am literally planning to fly with my Instax camera for the first time, so this video came just in time!

[@AxonnPL]

You forgot about one possibility - that the security just don't give a **** about a film hand check. They simply don't listen to your requests and arguments and simple there is no discussion with them. It happens to me all the time at Warsaw Poland and Riyadh Saudi Arabia airports.

[@raphaeliacone8774]

Thanks for your feedback even though that's annoying for the films ! I'm going to transit soon via Riyadh to go to Dhaka in Bangladesh and with films. From your experience, do you know if they use new CT scanners or old x-ray machines in this airport ? The news CT scanners seem to cause important damages to the films.

[@christosmanos1491]

Airports in Athens/Greece and Bordeaux/France will most probably ignore your requests and scan your films. If possible, try to buy and process film at your destination. During my last trip to France all my b&w films were damaged by x-rays beyond any post-processing repair...

[@lobomella128]

Dude! The level of production, editing, 90's video filter... Outstanding short. I have a couple of hard cases that are X-Ray proof (according to the manufacturer). They hold 4 135 canisters or 2 120 rolls and they are also water-tight!

[@PolaroidOfficial]

We love to see it 😍

[@steven_patrick]

Just to add to this good video. This x-ray damage also happens with motion picture film like 8mm, super8 or 16mm film.

[@JerOmyRamos]

Thanks for using a Polaroid Impulse as the logo for Instant Airlines 😁

[@InAnInstant]

Paying tribute when it's due 🫡

[@Daniel.Walker]

Most places have been great! The only airport that has said no across the board was Hanoi. Even film above 800. They just refused. London Heathrow also made me take out all film below 800, and only hand checked portra and cine 800, and Tmax 3200.

[@just_eirik]

Great job on this video! Very authentic 90s look and feel! Also interesting information. (Interesting, because I don’t shoot film.)

[@elStusso]

I have to say I've had a great time with security in the US, always having them hand check my film. They just do their job to be honest. Most other of my personal accounts differ with varying consequences. London Heathrow was recently very understanding when having to use their new CT scanners. They hand checked after I politely asked them if they could. Madrid Barajas gave me massive attitude for asking if I could not pass the film through their machine. In the end the manager was right and the ISO rating was safe in their device. Dominican Republic had CT scanners and nobody was around to ask for a hand check. They're usually very approachable and friendly people, even at border control, so I would've asked politely. I can't explain this easily as I swear it was the most bizarre security checkpoint I have ever been through. One big wall along the metal detector and CT scanners, separating the queue from the guards who stood on the other side. Literally no guards on our side of the wall. One instruction about leaving liquids and electronics in your bags. There was also nobody else in the queue. I thought I was in the wrong place. Latin America usually has mandatory x-ray checks for all your checked and hand-luggage when going through customs. I didn't ask to hand check, so I can't help with that -- I found the sniffing dogs and security guards too intimidating if I'm honest. Needless to say, massive damage throughout my film, but I'm a dirty amateur and would do it again. The world is a harsh place for film.

[@skara392]

travelled from Aberdeen to Birmingham in may and was shocked to find both airports had the new CT scanners. Aberdeen was helpful and hand checked my film without too much resistance, Birmingham was harder as they where overwhelmed thanks to their shiny new machines rejecting about 85% of luggage for hand checking but they eventually agreed and we waited a good 20 minutes for it. in February when we travelled from Aberdeen to Glasgow we did the big brain idea of sticking to the ground and took the train so no issue there! if we travel to Birmingham next year again we will either try to take the train OR probably try to find a camera shop that has film in the inner chavlands.

[@bassybossy]

Informative and lovely as always! Visuals and vibes on fleek, as they say

[@InAnInstant]

They have been saying that, a LOT! Thank you ever so much and happy flying!

[@Shmooexe3440]

Flying out of UK the agents refused to hand check film saying that there new scanners are fine for under 800iso film but hand checked my higher iso film, when arriving in the states they where more than happy to hand check all film, the only film that got destroyed was my E6 film. not to sure why they where happy to hand check the higher iso and not all, but an excelent video as always!

[@beanbag7096]

Oh man I should have known about this before my last trip

[@Fernando145.4]

That was a great infomercial lmao, love the effort that was put on this video, bravo!!

[@InAnInstant]

Appreciate you Fernando! How about them Jets!

[@Fernando145.4]

@@InAnInstant oh man, I hope they make it!!! I’ll be cheering all season long!!!

[@Nanou197373]

I'd love to have a Ben on my journey to check my film. Thank you Ben !

[@InAnInstant]

Happy to come along!

[@Socialmocracy]

This is so great. Very reminiscent of a corporate film from the 90s. I like to shoot with film that doesn’t fall in the normal three. I hand make my own Kodak 101 and 104 film. It’s mostly DIY backing paper and cut down Agfa Aviphot Pan 200. Would getting obviously handmade rolls hand checked set off alarms or cause trouble? It takes more work for me to make them and I don’t want to risk them getting opened.

[@InAnInstant]

That's a great question! I'd say hand spooled film is not at any more risk as long as you remain clear with the agent.

[@Socialmocracy]

@@InAnInstant Thank you for the advice! I’ll take it as legal advice 😂 JK thanks

[@vanandpillai9424]

Absolutely love this! Thank you. !

[@balisong46]

Thanks for this! I'm flying to a workshop with Hidden Light next week!

[@TimParker]

Schiphol is always amazing with hand checking but I've had nightmares at Heathrow and all over Asia... I just hope to get my film developed while away next time so I only have to hand check on the way out. So stressful!

[@Mihoshichan]

I asked for a hand check of my film at Schiphol and they said no... Basically had no success in Europe, been refused at Heathrow, Leeds, Warsaw, Prague and Amsterdam. Especially when they find out that it's film, they are like "it's fine, it's fine" and force you to go through the scanner anyway.

[@ChrisBrogan]

How many times did you have to do the acronym bit? I'm flabbergasted.

[@InAnInstant]

I am only miffed I couldn’t get one more in, it’s very WIGOMI (Wish I Got One More In)

[@CodyTurner]

THIS WAS SO HELPFULL! BLESS YOU

[@InAnInstant]

Thank you for flying Instant Airlines!

[@ManuelBianchiBooks]

That‘s why I usually bring one camera with me and try to get film after landing.

[@wotajared]

Good video! EU citizen here and living in another country. So far with the old Xray machines I did not bother with handchecks but I had asked to get the "lower than ISO1600 nah". But CT scanners are another thing. Lina Bessonova has a great site and the big damage test! Curious that you mention 120 goes better with the propacks, I thought loose and factory wrapped should be OK. I did print Fujis CT scanner news release and their propacks have a nice "protect from Xray written" but traveling soon with 70 rolls so without the packs it's way less volume. I also managed to get a lead bag whose previous owner perhaps encountered the "red flagging" but I think I will take it for the intra asia controls on ports and such

[@oat5662]

Perfect timing, I have a flight in 6 days

[@InAnInstant]

I’ve been watching

[@kookapics]

Cant wait for my Instant Airlines Dummy Film to come in! My film is truly saved now😂

[@ribsy]

Surprisingly the USA is the best country for hand checking film. Everywhere else … good luck

[@pedrogabory]

Thanks Ben I’m flying this week. Did you know? Nah don’t tell, I love you too

[@InAnInstant]

I have been keeping close tabs on your travel itinerary, as I do for all my loved ones.

[@ColtonMatocha]

Informative and fun!

[@LetsExplore307]

Hello really informative video still I got a question, Im traveling to Japan in November and I recently invested in the mini evo install camera from fujifilm and I'll take it with me on the trip. Would you recommend putting it in a gallon zipploc and without the box only with the plastic that comes the film inside? or should I keep the box with the film inside? First time using the install film in my life and I have no idea how to deal with the airport in this situation as also is my first time traveling internationally. Would really appreaciate your help in this.

[@bentbilliard]

Dude, the softness in this one is so soft! I can't believe how you got all that softy softness into this! No Seriousely, dude, this is SOFT, as in S.O.F.T. I can't get over how softy, softy, soft this footage looks. Please share your magic trickery with us other softies, how to soften this so darn soft. Yes? Ps.: This is soft, dude...

[@__________________v___00000]

"Or worse" Oh man I dont know why that made me laugh so hard. Wasn't expecting it

[@AeromaticXD]

I went to Saudi, through Heathrow airport in late 2022. I was lucky that my film turned out okay, but it definitely had effects from the X-ray. It went through a lot of x-rays on the way there…

[@InAnInstant]

Condolences from all of us at Instant Air 😞

[@Poorgeniu5]

I did an hand check recently at a my city's airport when I was visiting someone. The TSA officers are very chill and will hand check/swab a loaded camera! But I do worry when I travel internationally, specifically East Asia where language barrier become greater. Am I better off hoping they'll understand what im saying and/or use a lead bag as insurance (And possible get taken in for questioning)?

[@InAnInstant]

Good point about the language barrier, that can be problematic! I think it best to research the airport you’re going and the verbiage they use to identity “hand checks” - you may find lead bags do more harm than good, as you said (prepare to be questioned and possibly gripped).

[@ascgazz]

“Do Not Open”. Next time I fly with a kilo or two I’m using that one. 😂😂

[@IFrickenLoveRamen]

flying out of london heathrow tomorrow and i just know they will only hand check my 3200 film, unfortunately i have about 60 rolls of 100-400 iso film with me which are definitely gonna get x-rayed

[@IFrickenLoveRamen]

update: got EXTREMELY lucky and encountered a very nice man who was very willing to hand check my film - took about 10 minutes for them to individually inspect all 70 rolls of film i had but i made it through a 2.5 week trip through europe without any of my film getting x-rayed once!

[@InAnInstant]

@IFrickenLoveRamen WOW! Thank goodness!

[@josephschwartz1883]

Fresh!!

[@chocogr2024]

bro, i have to cath a flight in like 1 week. LIFESAVER

[@Biriadan]

Yeah I honestly sold my G2 and got an x100 since it’s just too hard to travel with film anymore.

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Good tips, but I've settled on digital when I have to fly. It's not worth the anxiety to me. It's also a good reason to prioritise other means of travel that are more environmentally friendly.

[@mamunoz23]

So if I already have a roll in the camera, I have them hand check it and not have to worry about them opening it up?

[@fontanna888]

Very interesting and informative video! However, besides hand-checks, there is one more secret option of having your film avoid scanners, which is forgetting you have it in your pocket and going through the metal detectors with it. I've heard it happened to some people and everything was fine. Have you got any thoughts on that? 🤔

[@InAnInstant]

Wow that is unhinged and I love it!

[@kevinbaylon7660]

Was waiting for Gloria at 6:21

[@Subgunman]

I still have my lead film pouch and I demand hand checking the pouch. Film is usually developed where I take photos so I will know if it has been damaged by the first check.

[@mdjmurray]

All good info. But security agents in Europe no longer care. I’ve had a 0% hand check success rate since COVID. Not really sure why. So I bought a Fuji and will use that when travelling abroad.

[@Daniel.Walker]

You missed the part where the agent immediately says “no, we don’t hand check photographic film”, and when calmly asking to speak to their manager, the manager agrees!

[@NBJ97]

Instructions unclear. Got stuffed through the X-Ray scanner and developed X-Ray vision.

[@sladelaps]

I love you Ben😂😂this is so funny

[@InAnInstant]

I love you and I'm IN love with you

[@jaelynhamilton1021]

This was incredible hahahah

[@robert-janvanloon1227]

already shot Polaroid film is safe then, that's great news

[@anyavanona]

I was wondering is it the same with x-ray film? I’m shooting 4x5 on xray film.

[@anyavanona]

Unfortunately some airports just refuse to check it manually no matter what.

[@mgflash4337]

When I was in Barcelona, airport or train station, they refused to hand check my film and kept saying that their scanners were safe 😑 maybe if it goes through then once. My film ended up scanned over 3 times. My photos had color shift and fog 😞

[@connernoah391]

Ok but where can I buy the dummy film

[@InAnInstant]

Dial 1-800-3200-NOW!

[@quite1enough]

so much for this security theater, all of this "safety measures" didn't stop actual criminals :(

[@gewglesux]

Big cities are a culprit and NYC!! I had a chick drop(while swabbing) my 70/200 2.8 i caught it before it hit the surface. I was told "next time let it fall"

[@paddy_g7676]

Yeah, handchecking works always fine. Except at the Heathrow airport. They don't care.

[@hanfo420]

When film is sensitive to X-Ray, then how come the film is xrayed at production? Also if it would be sensitive to X-Ray, we could take photos in X-Ray spectrum. Don't believe - think and check stuff yourself.

[@fiver-hoo]

Ben is not a very believable TSA agent. He's able to speak in complete sentences.

[@InAnInstant]

Required a lot of training and I’m only able to speak in short bursts🤘

[@Surag1057]

In Europe they never allowed my films to be hand checked :(.

[@InAnInstant]

Don't let this discourage you now. Follow the system and believe in your own knowledge to optimize success in European travel.

[@robiulahmed]

I’ll just ask them to hand check my lead bag, they’ll put it through the x ray, then they’ll hand check it anyway 😅

[@InAnInstant]

Playing 9D chess 🤯

[@MichaelKingJunior]

Joker getting lead poisoning 😂

[@InAnInstant]

Tonight we lost joker 😞🪦

[@hansnotig6250]

tbh never had any problems with film that got twice trough x-ray machines and even if there would be any softness or lightleaks, isn't that the apeal of film photography... imo if you want to have ultra clean photos dont stress around with film, go digital...

[@InAnInstant]

Film is the highest resolution medium there is! I shoot medium format and large format quite a lot, nothing digital can remotely come close.

[@hansnotig6250]

@@InAnInstant unfortunately just not true, do your research, even medium format tops at an equivalent resolution of 80MP, and than you have to have the super highres scanner too, there many many digital cameras around 100-400 MP today, we dont live in the 2010s anymore

[@InAnInstant]

My 8x10 film can resolve 600MP.

[@hansnotig6250]

@@InAnInstant hahah okay true, but what about dynamic range and options of manipulation/photoshop? Aaaand you need a really expansive scanner, idk if this scenario is a bit too hypothetical and far fetched...

[@northwestdepressed]

I spy Sarah @5:22

[@InAnInstant]

You have won the I Spy Sarah contest! Your prize is you get to know Sarah 😍

[@northwestdepressed]

@@InAnInstant What an honor and a privilege!

[@blainehale]

Note: most of this only applies to the US. I've had a ton of resistance in other countries towards hand check.

[@InAnInstant]

This is the information you need to know. It has worked for me while traveling internationally without issue, even with language barriers. This video is about removing variables, and *perfect* practice makes perfect.

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

Tbh as Polaroid film is so “ok” I don’t see any difference

[@InAnInstant]

Polaroid film can get absolutely fricked up by CTs, do not mess with it.

[@motorvelo]

When film was the norm I flew all over and never had an issue. It was an urban myth and probably still is.

[@Rangefinder48]

I thought I saw Louis CK giving me film advice for a sec.

[@InAnInstant]

Brb gonna go deplane myself from being alive

[@JayD-e2w]

Used every film avaliable in Europe from brilliant Polish black and white film to EVERYTHING from fuji, agfa, kodak and Ilford... Flown everywhere and NEVER had an issue with hand luggage in over 30 years of flying and being a pro photographer who still uses film. Pointless video.

[@InAnInstant]

Why I oughta!!

[@dtyndall11]

How to fly with film… dont. Ship it to your destination, then ship it to your film lab afterward.

[@InAnInstant]

That would nice, and is certainly an option in some circumstances, but not in others - especially when it comes to shipping film to a destination. Often passengers do not know if packages can arrive safely at AirBnbs, travel lodges, or hotels. Something so valuable can rarely be left up to great chance. I try to never let my film leave my hands, or my sight.

[@dtyndall11]

@@InAnInstantall fair points. I try to do this whenever i can but it isnt always possible, especially outside the country

[@b6983832]

Unfortunately, there are many airports where the security staff will always refuse all requests for hand inspection of films. This is common in European Union. There is nothing you can do except taking the risk or developing the film before you return from place like this. Also, if you live in a place like this, you might consider buying film from your destination. Places like Helsinki, Finland, are notorious for this. Also, in Israel, no mercy for film should be expected from security agents at Ben Gurion.

[@RaistlinMaj]

Good luck in Europe.

[@InAnInstant]

I have traveled to France, Switzerland, Amsterdam, and London with this method, and faced no issues. The issue you may have encountered is lack of confidence. Remember: you’re the expert, not them!

[@RaistlinMaj]

@@InAnInstant I fly with 8x10, no, sorry. Good luck in the UK. I travel multiple times a year with film and I've gotten my 8x10 scanned in some airports after calling multiple managers. It is not confidence, it is their protocols. TFSA are oblidged to do a hand check. In europe they are not. Please don't make this look like confidence or not. It is the EU law, currently there is none about film scanning. They have started to move because of the now more common CT scanners.

[@InAnInstant]

@RaistlinMaj because there is no law, that is PRECISELY why it is about how you approach the agents. Please observe our mantra PACAC: Preparedness And Confidence And Compliance

[@sorintopala4242]

@@InAnInstant I've also had good results asking for hand checks in Romania, Italy and Poland

[@fontanna888]

​@@sorintopala4242 can I ask which airport in Poland you were at? I've been trying to find some info on hand-checks there but so far it seems like the practice doesn't even have a name in Polish 😅

[@_guillermo]

Not to be that guy, but it’s only a matter of time before people start hiding shit in their film containers. This seems like an easy exploit.

[@mamunoz23]

So if I already have a roll in the camera, I have them hand check it and not have to worry about them opening it up?

[@InAnInstant]

Correct, they know not to, but specify of course.