How Do Airport Scanners Affect Flash Cards & Film?

Concerning Flash Cards:

"None of the security equipment -- neither the machines used for checked baggage nor those used for carry-on baggage -- will affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed -- slides, videos, photo compact discs or picture memory cards." -- Transportation Security Adminstration

"Advice from SanDisk about Flash Memory Cards: You can put full or empty flash cards in your checked or carry-on baggage with little risk of damage from airport scanners. The International Imaging Industry Association (IA3) conducted tests last year with security devices used in U.S. airports and found that no damage to the cards resulted with normal travel frequency. As an added precaution, SanDisk recommends that you take the cards out of ALL checked baggage and cameras, and put them in your carry-on before passing them through security devices." -- EcoPhoto Explorers

"Taking Cards Through Airport X-Ray Machines and Metal Detectors: You can put full or empty flash cards in your checked baggage or in your carry-ons with little risk of damage from airport scanners. The International Imaging Industry Association conducted tests last year with security devices used in U.S. airports and found that no damage to the cards resulted with normal travel frequency. As an added precaution, SanDisk recommends that you take the card out of your camera before passing through security devices." -- Business Wire, June 30, 2005

"I have taken my FZ50 through many airport scanners countless times. In New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the United States. I always leave the battery in the camera and a memory card installed. Handy for taking shots at the airport but watch out for restricted areas. Spare cards are kept in the camera bag. I have never had any problem with corupt files." -- Jeff Shep, Flickr

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Concerning Film:

"Never place undeveloped film in your checked baggage, our security equipment used for screening checked baggage will damage your undeveloped film. Place your film in your carry-on baggage or request a hand inspection. Please note that our carry-on security equipment might also damage certain film if the film passes through more than five times.

"If your film cannot be cleared by X-ray inspection, or you desire to have it inspected by hand, you may be required to open the box, canister, or wrapper so our Security Officer can inspect it. We recommend leaving your film in the unopened manufacturer’s packaging. Our security equipment used for screening checked baggage will damage your undeveloped film. Carry undeveloped film with you to the security checkpoint.

"None of the security equipment - neither the machines used for checked baggage nor those used for carry-on baggage - will affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed - slides, videos, photo compact discs or picture memory cards.

You should remove all film from your checked baggage and place it in your carry-on baggage... To expedite the security process of a hand inspection, you should consider carrying your film in clear canisters, or taking the film out of solid colored canisters and putting it into clear plastic bags. Consider having your exposed film processed locally before passing through airport security on your return trip..." -- From the Transportation Security Adminstration