Last Updated on August 28, 2022
Cameras in general are permitted in both carry-on luggage and in checked luggage.
Nobody will stop you packing a camera in your luggage.
But if you are flying with a disposable camera that uses film you need to think about whether or not the airport security scanners will damage the film inside.
This post talks you through it.
Can Disposable Cameras Go Through Airport Security?
Unlike digital cameras, disposable cameras contain film.
The Transportation Security Administration has this to say about packing film in your luggage.
Let’s first talk about checked bags.
While disposable camera are permitted in checked baggage the x-ray machines used to scan hold luggage are much more powerful making it a bad idea.
That’s why the TSA recommends that you pack undeveloped film and disposable cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags.
Never pack disposable cameras in checked bags.
But they also say that you can ask for a hand inspection.
In theory, undeveloped film that is under 800 ISO should not be damaged by the x-ray machines at airport security checkpoints.
However, some disposable cameras actually use 800 ISO film meaning that it’s right on the border between safe and risky.
The undeveloped film inside some disposable cameras could be damaged by going through the airport security x-ray machine.
Here’s the TSA on Twitter giving further clarification:
Any disposable camera containing high speed film (800 ISO and higher) should be physically inspected instead of undergoing X-ray screening.
The Kodak Funsaver disposable camera uses ISO 800 photographic film and is probably best removed from your carry-on baggage so it doesn’t go through the x-ray machine.
On the other and the Fujifilm QuickSnap disposable camera uses ISO 400 photographic film.
Hence the Fujifilm disposable camera is less susceptible to damage from x-ray machines can could perhaps be left in your carry-on bag.
If In Doubt…
If you have any doubt, and if any risk to the undeveloped film inside your disposable camera is unacceptable, then ask for your disposable camera to be hand checked at the airport security line.
The Bottom Line
You are permitted to pack a disposable camera in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
However, the x-ray machine that scans checked luggage is more powerful meaning their is an increased rise of x-ray fog. It’s not advisable to pack disposable cameras in checked baggage.
You should always pack disposable cameras in carry-on luggage. Disposable cameras containing unprocessed film under 800 ISO should not be damaged by the x-ray machine at the carry-on security checkpoint.
However, if your disposable camera has valuable photos and you don’t want to take any risk you can ask for your disposable camera to be hand checked by the TSA agents working the security checkpoints.
If you want to avoid potential delays at airport security it’s best to take photos using your cellphone or pack a digital camera!