going through the airport with film?

[kamekaze]

Originally Posted by studiocygnet

"fellow wine stewards" would infer that you yourself are a wine steward? Nice job. By the way, since you're in Austin, if you want to borrow one of my lead film bags you're welcome, I'm not flying in the next few weeks, just got back from Laguna Beach CA myself.

You are correct, I am a wine steward with HEB. I would love to borrow a lead bag if I can get the time before I leave, I'm working till 8 tonight but should have an early day tomorrow.

[studiocygnet]

Just pm'ed you about picking up the bag.

[chris00nj]

David_3 is correct. Just put your film in carry-on luggage, have it x-rayed and it will be fine. No need for a lead bag. Kodak even says you can x-ray it five times without issue.

Do not put it in checked luggage. The x-rays used there are much more powerful and even one time could ruin your film.

I've flown many many times with film and I've never had an issue.

[ronocnikral]

i know i'm a little late to the game here...

but, I just got done traveling with film - foma 100 and velvia 50 and 100. I haven't developed the slide film yet. The b&w film...fogged.

In houston, i had everything in a ziplock bag and ready to go. there was even a sign that said nothing over ISO 1000 will be harmed. I still handed my film to the guy to have it swabbed. It was done right when i was packing up my computer.

Next security check point was in Frankfurt, Germany after coming back from day room. I tried to explain to the lady it was film, but my german isn't so hot. She looked at it, said, "no problem" and put it through. Times through x-ray = 1.

When I finally landed in Africa, I cleared customs, grabbed my bags and had to get everything checked again. I pulled it out and the Angolan guys told me it was no problem. My portuguese isn't too hot either. Times through x-ray = 2.

Leaving Angola, I was in belief that it wouldn't harm my film. Scanned again. Total times through x-ray = 3.

Back in Frankfurt, went to my gate and had to clear security. Total times through x-ray = 4.

Found out the business class lounges in terminal C @ Frankfurt doesn't have showers and that I had to go to the B terminal to get one (<-- travel tip). Back out of the security area, into another one. Film scanned by x-ray again. total times = 5.

Took my shower and had to go back to the C terminal. scanned film again. total times = 6.

So...after all that, I had a little fogging in the middle of my foma 100 speed 120 film. I have yet to scan and/or print. It is barely noticeable on the negative, but that doesn't mean it will be that way when i print. And...I have yet to see the results from the slide film.

maybe i went through too many times...but to say you'll be ok isn't always correct. I would love one of those lead bags and will be looking for one on ebay.

[David_3]

Conor brings up a good point. The x-ray machines in other parts of the world (Europe,etc) are reportedly much more powerful than the ones used in the US, so extra caution is prudent. All of my personal experience is here in the US.

[venchka]

I have a lead bag. I've never thought to use it. Maybe I will. Or get a good price for it from one of my buddies at TPF?

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by venchka

I have a lead bag. I've never thought to use it. Maybe I will. Or get a good price for it from one of my buddies at TPF?

"good" is such a relative word...

[henrysamson]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

When I finally landed in Africa, I cleared customs, grabbed my bags and had to get everything checked again. I pulled it out and the Angolan guys told me it was no problem. My portuguese isn't too hot either. Times through x-ray = 2.

Leaving Angola, I was in belief that it wouldn't harm my film. Scanned again. Total times through x-ray = 3.

I have never had problem in Europe but I have heard that many of the x-ray machines in the third world are older high power machines that were surplus when the newer lower power machines came out. So, I wonder if it was the two passes in Africa that did you in? I have seen some pretty ancient machines in the third world. Have always managed a had check some how.

[heespharm]

just flew to indiana to visit the folks... i asked for hand inspection of film and they did it no questions asked...