5 Tips for Traveling with Film
Today I’m sharing 5 Tips for Traveling with Film (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Negs), because we’ve all been there, right?! Film photographers know: when you commit to packing rolls of Kodak or Ilford in your carry-on, you’re not just bringing gear. You’re carrying your heart in emulsion form.
Whether you’re heading to Paris, the Oregon coast, or just road-tripping with your Pentax, traveling with film can be magical and mildly anxiety-inducing if you don’t plan ahead. So if you’ve ever stress-sweated your way through TSA, debated whether to pack Portra or Ektar for that golden-hour hike, this one’s for you. Here are 5 field-tested tips to keep your film safe, your camera happy, and your trip full of frame-worthy moments:
1. Pack Your Film in Clear Zip Bags (And Keep it in Your Carry-On)
X-rays from checked luggage scanners are not film-friendly. Always carry film on you, and stash it in a clear zip-top bag to make TSA hand-checks quicker and easier. Bonus points if you label the bag with “Film – Do Not X-Ray.”
2. Request a Hand Check (Even if it Feels Awkward)
You’re allowed to request a hand check for film under ISO 800 in the U.S.—and yes, you should. Just be kind, firm, and prepared. A friendly “Hi! I’m traveling with undeveloped film. Can I get a hand check instead of running it through the X-ray?” goes a long way.
3. Separate Your Used and Unused Film
Here’s a pro move: bring two clear plastic bags—one for unused film (which you’ll request a hand check for) and one for exposed rolls. Once film has been shot, it’s less vulnerable to minor X-ray exposure during carry-on screening. You can let TSA run those through without stress. Just make sure to keep the bags labeled so nothing gets mixed up mid-trip.
4. Packing Tips: Travel Light, Shoot Smart
Keep it simple. My travel go-to is always 35mm—it’s lighter, easier to load on the go, and less precious than lugging medium format gear through customs. I bring a couple of favorite lenses, plenty of film (Portra 400 is my holy grail for its flexibility), my Sekonic light meter, a microfiber cloth, and a couple of fun tools for experimenting (think filters, prisms, or even a plastic lens if I’m feeling wild). Keep your gear padded, labeled, and ready for adventure.
5. Label, Track, and Protect Your Rolls
Before you even leave home, label your rolls (especially if you’re shooting multiple stocks), track them in a notebook or app, and bring a padded case or sturdy container to keep them from getting squished. Bonus: you’ll look super pro and avoid the “which roll was this again?” regret spiral later.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with film is like taking a slow train through a fast world—and the memories you capture are worth every extra ounce of effort. With a little prep, a lot of ziplocks, and the confidence to speak up at security, you can explore the world one gorgeous grainy frame at a time.
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Kim Hildebrand
Photographer & Online Educator since 2007
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