Last Updated on September 6, 2022
Key Takeaways
- Never pack a Poloroid camera in checked bags
- You can bring a Polaroid camera or Polaroid film in your carry-on bag but ask the TSA to hand check your camera or the film could be damaged
Bringing A Poloroid Camera Through Airport Security
The Transportation Security Administration permit you to bring a polaroid camera on a plane in either carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
However, there is a risk that the x-ray inspection might cause damage to undeveloped film.
The x-ray machines used to screen checked baggage are emit more radiation than those typically used to screen hand luggage.
For that reason you should never pack a polaroid camera containing undeveloped polaroid film in checked baggage.
The TSA claims that film with an ISO sensitivity of 800 and higher is safe to go through the TSA x-ray machine in carry-on luggage
Undeveloped Poloroid instant film typically has an ISO sensitivity of 640 meaning that it could be damaged by the normal security screening process.
This would result in x-ray fog on your Polaroid photos. They would be less saturated and washed out.
So can poloroid film be x-rayed?
Not without risk. The best advice is to ask for a hand inspection of your Polaroid camera when you go through airport security.
You simply remove the Polaroid camera from your carry-on baggage and explain to the TSA officer that your camera needs to be hand checked because it has high speed film. This can take a little more time so it’s best to arrive at the airport a little earlier.
Previously exposed film is not at risk from x-rays and airport scanners.
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