TSA's New High-Tech Scanners Could Mean Trouble for Oversized Bags and Film

The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out a billion-dollar upgrade to airport security, installing computed tomography (CT) scanners at checkpoints in nearly 300 U.S. airports. These machines create 3D X-ray images that officers can rotate for a clearer view of what's inside your carry-on, and they use smart algorithms to automatically flag explosives or other threats. But the switch comes with a catch: some bags that fit through older X-ray machines won't make it into the new scanners' smaller openings.

The CT units have a slightly narrower tunnel to accommodate the more powerful hardware, according to a TSA spokesperson. The agency advises travelers with large carry-on items to check them with their airline instead. If you're stuck at the checkpoint, TSA officers can help with oversized bags, though the agency hasn't specified exactly how—or whether that means sending you back to the ticket counter to check the bag. On the bright side, passengers using CT lanes don't need to remove laptops, liquids, or electronics from their bags, which speeds things up.

Photographers, take note: undeveloped film—including film already loaded into a camera like a Polaroid—can be ruined by the stronger X-rays in these new machines. The TSA recommends asking for a hand inspection instead of sending film through the scanner. This advice has been around for years, even with older X-ray tech, but the risk is higher now. As of early July, the TSA had installed 1,162 CT units at 296 airports, with plans to keep expanding as funding allows. If you're flying, check ahead to see if your airport has the new scanners—and measure your bag before you pack.