✋ Hand luggage
Permitted but request hand inspection — new CT scanners can damage film. TSA should accommodate hand inspection requests for undeveloped film.
🧳 Hold luggage
Not recommended. Checked baggage scanners use high-dose X-rays that will damage undeveloped film.
Based on TSA guidance for United States. Official rules ↗
Photographic film rules by country
How carry-on and checked-bag rules for photographic film compare across the 14 countries we cover.
Photographic film
Common questions
Carry-on X-rays may damage film ISO 800 and above. New CT scanners in carry-on lanes can damage lower ISO film too. Always request hand inspection for undeveloped film. Never put film in checked baggage — hold X-rays are high-dose and will damage it.
Alert the security officer before your bag goes through the X-ray. Say you have undeveloped photographic film and request manual inspection. In the US, TSA is required to accommodate this request.
Yes. Already developed film is not affected by X-ray machines.
Instant film (Instax, Polaroid) is sensitive to X-rays. Keep it in carry-on and request hand inspection for the same reasons as regular film.
Related items
Browse all Photography →Based on official United States security guidelines. Rules vary by airline and route — always verify with your carrier before travel. · Rules last verified May 2026.