Taking disposable cameras on holiday has become popular on social media, but one woman learned the hard way they can cause issues when going through airport security
When you jet off on holiday, you’ll typically want to capture some photographs so you can reminisce about your trip with fondness in years to come. While snapping away with your phone is perfectly adequate, some travellers have started using disposable cameras to achieve that nostalgic aesthetic.
Disposable cameras are also practical if you’re reluctant to risk misplacing your phone while taking a quick photograph, particularly if you’re visiting somewhere bustling where you might accidentally drop your device or have it pinched. But if you’re considering bringing a disposable camera on your upcoming break, you should pay attention to one cautionary tale from a travel expert, who warns you must be extremely careful when passing the cameras through security.
Social media has embraced the idea of bringing disposable cameras on holiday, but one woman discovered the hard way that airport security scanners can destroy the photographs stored on the film inside a disposable camera, meaning your precious memories could be wiped out completely.
In one TikTok clip, a woman revealed she was “crashing out” but had learnt her lesson after she lost 39 photographs because she was unaware that taking the camera through security was a terrible idea.
The woman, called Magdala, posted: “PSA [public service announcement], Airport security X-rays destroy film even in little s**t disposable cameras and you lose everything. (39 grained moments but ones you can’t get back).”
WARNING: The below TikTok video contains strong language.
Travel specialists at Travel Republic warn disposable cameras contain film that reacts badly to X-ray exposure. Modern airport security equipment proves particularly damaging to this type of photography gear.
The advanced scanners produce stronger radiation levels that can pierce through the camera housing and affect undeveloped film inside. This becomes a particular concern for travellers on connecting flights where luggage faces multiple screening processes, potentially leaving holiday snaps appearing cloudy and ruined before development.
Holiday gurus suggest several protective measures: “Rather than carrying your disposable camera in checked baggage, have it easily accessible in your hand luggage.
“You can also request a hand inspection at airport security instead of putting the camera through the X-ray scanners. Lead-lined film bags can also help to shield your camera against X-ray exposure if needed.”
The standard guidance indicates while hold luggage scanners will probably ruin your film completely, hand luggage screening equipment typically produces weaker radiation levels that shouldn’t harm your photographs.
For extra peace of mind, though, passengers can request a manual inspection to bypass scanning machinery entirely.
Travel professionals also offered guidance for newcomers to disposable photography, emphasising that pictures should be taken in bright natural light to prevent fuzzy results and other quality issues.
They advised: “To get the clearest images, stick to shooting in bright, natural daylight. If you decide to use the flash indoors or at night, get close to your subject when taking pictures to avoid blurred imagery. Avoiding strong backlighting will also help to stop the camera from confusing exposure and causing silhouettes.”
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