Film damage?

[suntanzi]

Have any of you experienced any damage to the rolls of film you brought home from your cruise? Did you pack it in your carry on or checked luggage?

[Big Al B.]

For most films, carry them on with you. The x-rays they use on checked baggage can damage films. Unless you are using a very fast film speed, you should have no problem. Places like Magellan's do sell special film bags.

[jean-lynd]

Do not pack it in your checked luggage. Pack it in your carry on and try to have it hand checked if possible. Once or twice through the machines may not hurt it but if you carry it on and off of the ship with you it will get xrayed every time and the more it is xrayed the better chance you have of it being ruined. I hope this helps!

[Boo's Mom]

Xray exposure/damage is accumulative.

 

If you are traveling through the US and/or Canada.....you can ask for a hand inspection at the airports...and they will (maybe slightly reluctantly) comply.

 

I cannot speak about the other countries, as my experience has only been with these two.

 

Also, the ship will hand inspect. Again, they will try to convince you that your film will be fine.

 

I know better. 12 rolls from our Alaskan cruise....completely damaged.

 

At the time, the airports did not have the signs everywhere...telling you to get the film out of the checked luggage. Three weeks later, the signs were everywhere.

 

The xray machines have changed....since 9/11.