Traveling with Film
4 Essential Tips for Traveling with Film
You've carefully chosen your rolls and envisioned your shots... the last thing you want is for your precious film to be compromised before you even press the shutter. Traveling with film can feel tricky, especially with the ever-present X-ray machines and varying airport rules.
Whether you're embarking on an international adventure or a domestic road trip, understanding how to protect your film is crucial for any analog photographer. These four essential tips will help you navigate airport security and ensure your film arrives safely, ready to capture stunning memories. Make your next journey with film worry-free!
Remove Film from Boxes
Why carry unnecessary weight? Remove your film from boxes and plastic canisters. Not only does this save space, but it also speeds up the TSA hand-check process.
Pack Film Like It's Your Firstborn Child
Treat your film like it's the last roll on Earth. Store it in your carry-on, preferably in a Ziploc or the new Sissi Lu X-Ray film pouch. Keep it easily accessible.
Download Kodak's H-512 Do Not X-Ray Label
Want to make your film bag look like it's carrying state secrets? Download Kodak's "Do Not X-Ray" label and slap it on your gear. It will make you look like a serious photographer... or someone transporting classified information. Either way, it's bound to turn heads.
(PDF is formatted to print perfectly on 3.33x4" AVERY 5164 White Laser Shipping Labels.)
TSA: The Gatekeepers of Your Film's Fate
When approaching security, SMILE and clutch your film like it's the Holy Grail. Politely request a hand inspection, because nothing says, "I'm a serious photographer," like holding up the line. If they deny you, unleash your inner drama queen. Cry, beg, or offer them a bribe (just kidding, don't do that). Don't forget to smile!
Airport X-Ray Security
Travelers can expect increased use of new, high-intensity x-ray scanners for checked baggage and hand-carried baggage. These highâintensity scanners will fog and ruin unprocessed film of any speed, whether exposed or not. Never pack unprocessed film in baggage that will be checked, always request hand-inspection, and allow additional check-in time for such procedures.
Fog Effects from High Intensity Explosive Detection System on KODAK VISION 200T Color Negative Film (400 ft. roll)
Milford Photo is Your Resource for Film Products & Services
Beyond these travel tips, remember Milford Photo is your complete resource for all things film. We stock a wide variety of film sizes and styles, ensuring you'll find the perfect roll for any project. Our comprehensive film services cover everything from expert developing, high-resolution scanning, professional printing, and much more, all designed to bring your analog visions to life. We even have pre-owned film cameras! More about Milford Photo's Film Services.
We stock film for every project: CineStill, Fujifilm, Ilford, Kodak, Lomography, Polaroid and more!
Find Sissi Lu's "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, slide viewers, and other accessories for your film-related endeavors.
