How to Travel Internationally with Film

Traveling with film can be a little tricky and adds a few more considerations to the film process, but it is worth it! I took 6 rolls of 35mm film on my most recent trip to The Azore Islands, Portugal. Half of the rolls were Porta400 and half were 400XT. After 2 weeks across 2 Portuguese cities and going through 7 airports, here are my takeaways.

4 Tips for Traveling Internationally with Film:

1. Check The Airport Policies

1. Different airports have varying policies on carrying film through security. While most allow film to bypass X-ray scanners, some may insist on scanning. Research the policies of each airport on your itinerary beforehand.

2. Request Hand Inspection

1. Advocate for your film! Politely ask security personnel for a hand inspection even if the X-ray is mandatory. Most airports are accommodating if you explain the sensitivity of film to X-rays.

3. Pack in Carry-Ons

1. Always keep your film in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage goes through more intense screening, increasing the risk of X-ray damage.

4. Consider Buying a Lead Bag

1. Some airports won’t budge and make you put your film through an X-ray scanner. To protect your film, a lead bag is the best tool.

Conclusion

My film ended up going through an X-ray scanner once in Lisbon. But all of the other airports were happy to check my film separately. Black and white film is less sensitive to X-rays, so it does better with travel, but I didn’t have any issues with either rolls of film.