Q: I know that film can’t go though an airport x-ray machine but is it safe for memory cards?
A: According the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the security equipment used for screening checked baggage will damager undeveloped film, as will the x-ray used for carry-ons if the film goes through multiple times, so to be safe, take it out and request a hand inspection.
Don’t worry about the rest though— none of the security equipment for either checked baggage or carry ons—will affect digital camera images, film that has already been processed - slides, videos, photo compact discs, or memory cards.
However, remember to put your lithium batteries in your carry-ons, they are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions and have been banned from checked luggage.
—Kathleen Davis
Assistant Editor
A: According the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the security equipment used for screening checked baggage will damager undeveloped film, as will the x-ray used for carry-ons if the film goes through multiple times, so to be safe, take it out and request a hand inspection.
Don’t worry about the rest though— none of the security equipment for either checked baggage or carry ons—will affect digital camera images, film that has already been processed - slides, videos, photo compact discs, or memory cards.
However, remember to put your lithium batteries in your carry-ons, they are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions and have been banned from checked luggage.
—Kathleen Davis
Assistant Editor
