Taking film through Paris airport… new CT scanners and hand check?

I have not used film in many years, but even then the X-rays were safe except for high speed film.

Bob,

Yes, thanks. I've travelled with film a lot in the past but it has been a while and lots has changed since then. Digital is much easier in this respect.

The new CT scanners they are using in some airports will DESTROY film. It's no longer an issue of high-speed film only, or repeated passes. One hit from a CT machine will ruin the negatives.

I know most people don't travel with film anymore but i'm hoping someone has some experience at CDG and can help me understand what my options are. I wouldn't be against shipping the film back home if there was a safe way to do that (fedex or similar) or maybe even having it developed in Paris before I leave (but this is a last resort).

According to the French specialized press (from February 20, 2023), CT Scanners are not yet used in France. A test is underway at Paris Orly 3. It must take place "for a year in a real situation", said the head of Paris airports ADP.

In Europe, to date, only Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has also deployed these 3D scanners.

They are also in use at Teesside Airport and London City, although the latter is currently only half of the machines. Will be 100% by Easter. Deployment across Europe is moving fast.

OK, so I probably don't need to worry about it much at CDG this summer, but I'd still prefer to not even have the film go through a normal x-ray machine because the impact is cumulative and sometimes I will push the film for low-light situations and that makes the risk/damage greater.

Thanks for that information.

I had read, however, that while bield able to get a hand-check is possible basically anywhere in the US, it is essentially much less available in Europe. Does anyone know if it is even possible to request it and if it will be successful?

---Michael

While we’ve never had a request for hand-scanning denied in the US, we have been refused in Europe, and we don’t know if this was down to security procedures or a language barrier. For this reason, if you do travel with analog cameras overseas, consider bringing a slower-speed film, which is most likely to survive scanning with no ill effects. That said, we understand that some European countries are also introducing CT scanners for hand luggage, which is much more likely to fog film.

Ultimately, it’s best to check the official website for the security agency of the country to which you are traveling. If they don’t have a clear-cut policy covering film, you might want to consider traveling with a digital camera or making provisions to mail your film home before you leave.---
https://www.popphoto.com/how-to/fly-with-film/

Hopefully someone knows the ID for the TSA equivalent in France

Years ago, I bought a couple of lead-lined bags to protect film. Drawbacks: they're heavy, and I had to open them for hand inspection of the film rolls.

I don't know if these bags are even sold anymore, or if they are adequately protective with today's X-ray machines. Mine are in a closet somewhere ... I could give them to you! PM me if interested.

Yes, the lead bags... I don't thnk they will be much help and it might just cause them to be more aggressive with the bag (or me).

Thanks for the offer, but I think my chances will be better if I forego those and get there early and ask nicely, hahaha...

Keep in mind that you're dealing with bureaucracies. They may have "official" rules and regulations but often it comes down to the experience, training and even mood of the people working when you show up. And whether the machines are all working, and how busy it is, and if it's time for a coffee break, etc. I'm thinking you should ask Fedex or DHL if it's safe to ship film using them.

Good comment. I am going to do that for Fedex and DHL. Not sure about UPS over in Europe, but I'll check.

Perhaps have the film developed before returning to the U.S.? Or do the newer scanners also damage processed film? Just a thought.

TC,

Yes, that is a possibility. I have done a little research on this and there may be a lab I can use while I am in Paris for the final days of the trip. I do prefer to develop myslef, though.

Once developed, no further damage will occur to the film from x-rays or the CT scanners.

---Michael