---
title: "Will airport X-rays fog my film? | Neo Analog Lab"
url: https://shop.neoanaloglab.com/en/news/faq-xray
language: en
description: "Traditional carry-on X-rays barely affect slower films, but the newer CT scanners can damage film in a single pass. Ask for a hand check."
---

# Will airport X-rays fog my film?

Traditional carry-on X-rays barely affect slower films, but the newer CT scanners can damage film in a single pass. Ask for a hand check.

faq Neo Analog Lab Published July 9, 2026 Updated July 11, 2026

faq film-basics travel

**Traditional carry-on X-ray machines**: film ISO 800 and slower rarely shows visible damage after a few passes - but damage accumulates, so be careful on multi-leg trips.

**CT scanners** (the newer machines rolling out worldwide) use far stronger doses and **can fog film with stripe patterns in a single pass**.

**Checked-baggage X-rays are the strongest of all - never put film in checked luggage.**

Best practice: carry all film in a clear plastic bag and **ask for a hand inspection** at security. Most airports will accommodate: "Film, hand check please."

## Sources

- [TSA's official guidance on traveling with photographic film](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/film)
- [Kodak's advisory on CT scanning X-ray technology and film](https://kodakprofessional.com/photographers/resources/ct-scanning-x-ray-technology-and-film)
- [ILFORD (HARMAN) advice on airport X-ray scanners and film](https://harmanlab.com/pages/advice-on-airport-x-ray-scanners)

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