Disposable cameras can be a great way to snap memories while on holiday, but a travel expert has issued a major warning over taking them through airport security
When you’re on holiday, snapping a few pictures is a must to reminisce about the good times later. While smartphones do the job, there’s a growing trend of holidaymakers opting for disposable cameras to give their photography a vintage vibe, especially if they’re on holiday with friends.
Disposable cameras are also a top choice if you’re worried about getting out your phone for photos in bustling spots where it could easily be stolen or dropped. But before you pack a throwaway camera for your next trip, take note of a travel expert’s tip: be extra vigilant when passing through airport security.
The craze for taking disposable cameras on breaks has taken off on social media, but one woman found out the tough way that airport scanners can wreck the film in these cameras, potentially wiping out your precious memories.
A TikTok user named Magdala shared her regretful tale, saying she was “crashing out” after losing 39 snaps because she did not realise that airport security could be such a menace to her camera.
Magdala lamented in her post: “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 Republic specialists warn that disposable cameras typically contain film that’s vulnerable to X-ray damage, with modern airport security equipment proving particularly brutal on this type of film.
These advanced scanners blast out stronger radiation doses that can pierce through the camera’s outer shell and interfere with undeveloped film.
The problem becomes more severe during multi-leg journeys where luggage faces repeated scanning, potentially leaving your snaps cloudy and ruined before you’ve even seen them.
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 that while hold luggage scanners will probably ruin your film completely, cabin baggage scanners typically produce weaker radiation levels that shouldn’t harm your pictures.
If you’re still worried, though, you can ask security staff to manually examine the camera so it bypasses the scanning process entirely.
Specialists also offered tips for disposable camera novices, emphasising that shots should be taken in natural sunlight to prevent fuzzy pictures and other defects.
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.”