Are SSDs Damaged by Passing Through Airport Scanners?
Over the years, I have frequently traveled with my solid-state drives (SSDs) without any issues. However, on a recent trip, both of my 8TB M.2 SSDs became unreadable upon reaching my destination. Trying them on two different computers, Windows would not recognize them at all. Strangely, the M.2 drives in my laptop were still functioning, since they are protected by the laptop's casing, but the two external SSDs enclosures were completely unusable.
This coincidence led me to believe that the x-ray scanner at the airport was the common culprit. After all, both drives failed simultaneously, and I had used them for the past year without any problems. From now on, I plan to have these devices hand-checked through TSA instead of passing them through the x-ray scanner. This leaves me in a tough spot, as I urgently need those drives for work!
Facts About SSDs and Airport Security
Contrary to my experiences, I have heard from several individuals who claim that they have never had any issues with their SSDs passing through airport scanners. For example, traveler1 mentioned that they had never had SSD problems caused by airport scanners. Similarly, traveler2, who travels frequently with an SSD-equipped laptop, assured that the X-ray radiation from airport scanners is not powerful enough to affect SSDs, hard drives, magnetic tapes, or unexposed film.
Why SSDs Are Safe for Airport Security Scanners
Unlike older storage devices, SSDs do not have any moving parts or magnetic media that could be affected by X-rays. This characteristic makes them incredibly resistant to the kind of radiation emitted by airport scanners. The X-ray machines in airports are designed to detect threats in electronic devices, but they do so without causing any harm to the device's internal components.
Safe Practices for Carrying SSDs
If you regularly travel with SSDs and are concerned about the impact of airport scanners, here are a few suggestions:
Ask for a Manual Inspection: When traveling, always inform the security personnel that you have sensitive electronics and prefer a manual inspection. Many security staff are willing to cooperate and reduce the risk of damage. Invest in Enclosures: Consider using protective enclosures for your SSDs. Enclosures can provide an additional layer of security and prevent accidental damage from other areas of the scanner or from handling. Upload to the Cloud: Another solution is to use cloud storage services. This way, if an issue does arise with your physical drives, you can still access your data online.SD Cards and Airport Security Scanners
When it comes to SD cards, passengers might also worry about their safety through airport security scanners. These cards, like SSDs, do not contain any moving parts or sensitive magnetic media. The X-ray emissions from airport scanners are insufficient to damage SD cards or any other form of flash memory.
In summary, airport security scanners pose no threat to SSDs or SD cards. These devices are safe to pass through scanners without the risk of damage. By taking a few precautions and educating yourself, you can travel with your storage media with confidence.