Expert: Roberto Gomes - 5/31/2004

Question
I am wondering if it is safe to run a digital camera through the airport security screening machines.  My camera has compact flash memory.  Will the metal detectors that you walk through or the machine that x-rays your bags and purses do any damage to the memory card?
Should I remove it from the camera before it is checked?  Can I place the camera or maybe just the memory card into the tray where you put your metal objects, to avoid the effects of the metal detectors?

Answer
Dear Dave,

The digital camera and the memory card won't be affected by the screening machines.

The only concern is on regular film which can be damaged by the equipment used for screening checked baggage.

If it is the case please note the precautions when traveling with Film:

Never place undeveloped film in your checked baggage.
Place film in your carry-on baggage* or request a hand inspection.

* Carry-on screening equipment might also damage certain film if the film passes through more than 5 times.

None of the screening equipment - neither the machines used for checked baggage nor those used for carry-on baggage - will affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed, slides, videos, photo compact discs, or picture discs.

General use film **

You should remove all film from your checked baggage and place it in your carry-on baggage.  The X-ray machine that screens your carry-on baggage at the passenger security checkpoint will not affect undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800.

If the same roll of film is exposed to X-ray inspections more than 5 times before it is developed, however, damage may occur.  Protect your film by requesting a hand-inspection for your film if it has already passed through the carry-on baggage screening equipment (X-ray) more than 5 times.

Specialty film **

Specialty film is defined as film with an ASA/ISO 800 or higher and typically used by professionals.

At the passenger security checkpoint, you should remove the following types of film from your carry-on baggage and ask for a hand inspection:

- Film with an ASA/ISO 800 or higher
- Highly sensitive X-ray or scientific films
- Film of any speed which is subjected to X-ray surveillance more than 5 times (the effect of X-ray screening is cumulative)
- Film that is or will be underexposed
- Film that you intend to 'push process'
- Sheet film
- Large format film
- Medical film
- Scientific film
- Motion picture film
- Professional grade film

Best Regards,
R. Gomes