Hmm…didn’t realise that the new security systems in place at US airports will trash undeveloped films. They’ve obviously upgraded the scan strengths. Nice one.
‘Passengers on flights departing from the US need to be aware of stringent security checks that could cause problems with undeveloped rolls of film. This is a potential problem for holiday snaps as well as for professionals.
All checked in baggage is screened for explosives using x-rays, which can cause fogging or white lines to appear on the film once it’s developed.
Although we do advise passengers to carry all film in hand luggage do not forget that hand-luggage is also subject to x-ray scanning at security checkpoints. Passengers should ask for the film to be checked by hand.
Film rated at ASA/ISO 800 or higher, and x-ray, scientific, sheet, large format, medical, motion picture and professional film are particularly at risk. As a guide, most standard films are usually ASA/ISO 100 – 200, but even these may be affected if they are repeatedly checked by x-ray.
