How bad is film affected by the airport X-ray scanners?

: How bad is film affected by the X-ray scanners at the airport?
Most likely my camera and film will be in my carry-on. Would the X-ray scanners damage my film while inside their little plastic containers? What about if the film is loaded into my camera?

Answers and Views:

Answer by fhotoace
Not so bad if the film is in your carry on and unexposed. If it is exposed film, you will want the security people to hand inspect it.

NEVER check film. The X-Ray machines are very, very powerful and can ruin film, exposed or not.

Only special lead lined film protection pouches can protect film from X-Ray. Those can be found in a proper camera store. Plastic containers and cameras provide NO protection.

Answer by Peter Drahozal
A lot depends on what ASA (ISO) the film will be processed as. Lower ASA films will GENERALLY not be affected. higher ASA films (over approximately 200 ASA) would be more susceptible to damage.

However much has changed in the field of airport security screening. Many airports have different screening (“X-Ray”) equipment. Equipment standards change rapidly and without the knowledge of the general public. Therefore always INSIST on non-damaging procedures for your films whether exposed or not. You have the right to have your items not run through the screening machine. Therefore cooperate with “the system” and leave yourself PLENTY of time so you are not rushed at the security checkpoint and so you are not a nuisance to other travelers.

Answer by jeannie
Put your film in a large plastic bag. Mix very fast film with slow film. Have the bag hand inspected. If the security person tells you to put it through the machine, explain that there are both fast and slow films in the bag so it can’t go through. Don’t back down on this.

Never put your camera or your film in a checked bag. The camera can be broken by the handling, or stolen, and the film will be ruined by the x-rays. Always carry the camera, the lenses and the film with you.