Owais Crawford
Traveling while menstruating can be a challenging experience for many people. Airports and airplanes often lack accessible menstrual products, and some airport security scanners can detect tampons and other menstrual products. This has resulted in invasive body searches for some passengers. To avoid this, some travelers opt to remove their menstrual products before passing through security, while others suggest always carrying menstrual products in your carry-on bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can tampons be carried in hand luggage? | Yes |
| Can tampons be carried in checked luggage? | Yes |
| Can airport body scanners detect tampons? | Yes |
| Are tampons readily available at airports and on flights? | No |
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What You'll Learn
- TSA full-body scanners can detect tampons and other menstrual products
- TSA agents may conduct invasive body searches if menstrual products are detected
- Tampons and other menstrual products are not readily available at airports or on planes
- TSA scanners may detect scar tissue from pelvic surgery
- TSA scanners can detect menstrual cups
TSA full-body scanners can detect tampons and other menstrual products
Some women have also reported that they have set off the scanner in the pelvic region, whether or not they are on their period. This has resulted in a private area pat-down. Gynecologists have also reported being unsure of what could be causing this, with one woman speculating that it could be due to scar tissue from surgery.
To avoid these issues, some people recommend removing all menstrual products before going through security and instead using "period panties" that will absorb any fluids while waiting in line and going through security. Others suggest getting to the airport 20 minutes earlier than usual to allow for additional screening if needed.
The detection of menstrual products by TSA full-body scanners has raised concerns about the accessibility of menstrual products at airports. Some people have shared stories of struggling to find pads or tampons at airports, and airlines often do not offer them, not even for sale. This has led to calls for airports to install menstrual product vending machines in their restrooms and for airlines to make the availability of menstrual products a standard on their flights.
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TSA agents may conduct invasive body searches if menstrual products are detected
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits tampons and other menstrual products in carry-on and checked bags, there have been concerns about TSA body scanners flagging menstrual products and triggering additional searches. TSA scanners use radiofrequency waves to locate unknown objects on passengers, and while they cannot detect items inside a person's body, they may identify menstrual products, including pads, tampons, and menstrual cups.
TSA agents cannot require the removal of a tampon or cup that is in use and can only use the back of their hands for all sensitive areas. However, if the explosives trace detection alarms after a pat-down, specifically trained officers may conduct secondary pat-downs using the front of their hands. While these searches are typically brief, some travellers have reported more invasive experiences, including swabbing of the hands for traces of explosives.
The detection of menstrual products by TSA scanners has raised concerns about privacy invasion and embarrassment for travellers. Some travellers have reported feeling uncomfortable and intruded upon when their menstrual products trigger additional searches. It is important to note that travellers can opt out of the body scanner scan, but this will result in a full-body pat-down. Refusing the pat-down will lead to law enforcement being called to conduct the search.
To mitigate these concerns, it has been suggested that the TSA should invest in advanced training for their staff. This training should focus on recognising menstrual products and conducting respectful searches when necessary. By empowering their staff with the proper tools, the TSA can better support menstruating travellers and ensure their privacy and comfort while maintaining security. Additionally, travellers who menstruate can take precautions, such as allowing extra time at the airport for potential additional screening and being mentally prepared for the possibility of a more invasive search.
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Tampons and other menstrual products are not readily available at airports or on planes
Despite 1.8 billion people menstruating every month worldwide, no US or international law or policy requires planes to carry menstrual products, such as pads and tampons. Tampons are, however, allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
The lack of menstrual products on planes can lead to serious hygiene and health issues for those who menstruate. Nadya Okamoto, CEO of August Co., which sells sustainable period products, and founder of PERIOD, a nonprofit organization fighting for menstrual equity, has been advocating for free period products on airplanes. She explains that some airlines consistently provide period products, while others never do, and some airplanes could have them one day and not the next. Some airlines carry pads but rarely tampons, perhaps because tampons are more expensive and used less than sanitary napkins.
Okamoto describes the difficulties with accessing menstrual products even if they are present in a plane. They may be hidden in a compartment without any indication of their presence, or they may be in a compartment that only opens in a particular way, such as by hitting the bathroom wall. If menstruators cannot easily access or are unaware of the products, they won't use them. This secrecy only perpetuates the stigma that continues to make it difficult for menstruators to access menstrual products.
Efforts have been made to increase the number of period products in public spaces, including in schools and prisons. So far, 27 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to require free access to period products in schools. In Texas, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston partnered with Aunt Flow, a company dedicated to expanding access to menstrual products, to offer free period products through smart technology dispensers. While some airlines may provide period products, there is no guarantee, and it is best to bring your own if possible.
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TSA scanners may detect scar tissue from pelvic surgery
It is unclear whether or not TSA scanners can detect scar tissue, let alone scar tissue specifically from pelvic surgery. However, some passengers have reported being flagged by body scanners in the groin area due to scar tissue. In some cases, this has resulted in a pat-down, which can vary in aggressiveness.
Scar tissue refers to thick bands of tissue that develop as the body attempts to repair itself after trauma, such as surgery. In the case of pelvic scar tissue, these bands of tissue join two internal surfaces within the female reproductive system that are not usually connected. Pelvic scar tissue can develop after pelvic surgery, a pelvic infection, or as a response to another condition like severe endometriosis.
Diagnosing pelvic scar tissue can be challenging, as it often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for symptoms of the underlying cause. It can also be difficult to detect through physical exams, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans. A diagnostic laparoscopy, a procedure that allows a doctor to view and remove the tissue if necessary, may be performed if scar tissue is suspected.
If an individual with pelvic scar tissue experiences pain or discomfort, surgery known as adhesiolysis can be performed to remove the adhesions. During a laparoscopy, a doctor will make a small incision to access and remove the scar tissue. This approach typically yields better results than more invasive methods, which can lead to further scar tissue development.
While there is no guarantee that TSA scanners will detect pelvic scar tissue, it is important to be aware of the possibility of being flagged for additional screening due to the presence of scar tissue in the groin area.
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TSA scanners can detect menstrual cups
TSA body scanners use radiofrequency waves to locate unknown objects on passengers. If the scanner detects something, it will indicate to agents where the object is located on the body.
If you are concerned about your menstrual cup being detected, you can arrive at the airport earlier to allow for additional screening if needed. Alternatively, you can go to the bathroom before the security check and switch to a pad, then switch back to the cup after the check. It is important to note that TSA agents are not permitted to conduct cavity or strip searches or require passengers to remove tampons or cups that are in use. They are also not allowed to determine whether a passenger is menstruating.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport scanners can detect tampons and other menstrual products.
If a tampon is detected during a full-body scan, it may result in further screening or an invasive body search. It is recommended to remove all menstrual products before going through security to avoid any potential issues.
Yes, some people choose to use menstrual cups or period panties while travelling to avoid the hassle of tampons.
Yes, tampons are allowed in carry-on bags. However, it is always a good idea to check the specific regulations of the airport and airline before travelling.
Unfortunately, tampons and other menstrual products may not be readily available at all airports or on planes. It is recommended to bring your own supplies to avoid any inconvenience.
