This is just going to be a quick one! As many of you may know, new CT scanners are being installed in airports around the world at a rapid pace. These new scanners are being used to inspect carry on baggage and Kodak has reported that only one pass through the scanner will destroy your film. For decades it has been the recommendation to simply let your film go through the carry on X rays, but that is no longer the case. Now, more than ever, it’s important to do your best to get your film hand checked especially if you see the new machines in the airport.
For those of us who have flown with 4x5 film, we know that TSA agents often don’t love our opened film boxes with our exposed sheets in them. We have to hold them together with tape and rubber bands and to them it looks fishy. I get it, sheet film is not exactly common. I have put together some label templates that can be printed out onto Avery #6479 sheets that have 30 labels per page. The goal is that instead of using suspicious-looking tape, the boxes will be sealed up with these fancy labels that look to be from the factory. No rubber bands, no tape, just labels.
Is there any guarantees that this will work? Absolutely not, but it’s worth a shot. The biggest advice I can give is to politely ask for a hand check during security. If the agent doesn’t know what you are talking about or tells you to put the film through the scanner, ask to see a supervisor. Maintain a cordial tone and explain that the boxes can’t be opened. If all goes well they will swab the boxes and you’'ll be on your way. In a worst case scenario, I would be prepared with your film changing bag (don’t pack it in your checked baggage!) so that if they really want to open the boxes they can use your bag.
Again, my goal here is just to help people with the hand check process. I am supplying the label template at no charge. Just go to an office supply store or Amazon or wherever and get the Avery 6479 labels and print them out! Here is the link to download:
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this content, perhaps you might also like my ebook “Film in a Digital Age.” Its 180 pages packed with knowledge and dive deep into all sorts of topics to help you master your film technique