Ruth Haines
Airport body scanners have been the subject of some controversy, with many people wondering if they invade personal privacy. While smaller airports tend to use metal detectors, larger airports use full-body scanners that rely on radiofrequency or millimeter-wave technology to locate unknown objects. These scanners are designed to detect weapons and metal objects, but they can also be set off by dense fabrics, thick socks, and loose clothing. While tampons are not supposed to be detectable, some travelers have reported being pulled aside for additional screening due to the presence of period products. However, others have reported no issues with tampons or pads. Overall, while the scanners are not perfect and may sometimes require additional screening, they are an essential security measure in airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport body scanner type | Millimeter-wave |
| How airport body scanners work | Use low-energy microwaves or radiofrequency waves to measure the shape of surfaces |
| What airport body scanners detect | Weapons, metal objects, and other unknown objects |
| Can airport body scanners detect tampons? | No, but there is some anecdotal evidence to the contrary. TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston stated that "millimeter-wave imaging technology does not detect items inside a passenger's body or penetrate the skin." |
| Can airport body scanners detect pads? | Possibly, depending on how the scanners are calibrated. Pads can show up as extra material in the crotch area. |
| Can you opt out of a full-body scan? | Yes, by informing a TSA agent beforehand. However, this may result in a longer process as a full pat-down is required. |
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What You'll Learn
Tampons and pads may not set off scanners
While scanners primarily look for weapons and metal objects, they can also be set off by thick fabric. For example, one person was flagged for wearing thick knit socks under jeans. Another was flagged for wearing a romper with a waist bow tied too tightly. It is important to note that scanners have a high failure rate, with a 2015 investigation finding that scanners and agents failed to detect weapons 95% of the time.
Although tampons and pads may not set off scanners, it is important to be prepared for additional screening. Some travellers have reported being pulled aside for a pat-down due to loose-fitting jeans or thick underwear. To avoid this, pull your underwear and pants up as high as you can before going through the scanner. If you are uncomfortable with the full-body scan, you can opt for a pat-down instead, although this may take more time.
Ultimately, many women go through TSA checks daily without any issues related to their periods. While it is unlikely that a tampon or pad will set off a scanner, it is always a good idea to be prepared and know your options.
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Scanners detect metal and weapons
Scanners at airports are designed to detect metal and weapons, using radiofrequency waves to locate unknown objects on passengers. They differ from metal detectors as they use millimetre-wave technology to measure the shape of surfaces. This means that they can be set off by dense material such as shapewear, pads, or thick fabric. Some travellers have reported being flagged for wearing thick socks, or having loose material in the crotch area of their pants.
The scanners do not detect items inside a person's body or penetrate the skin. They are calibrated to detect objects on a person's body and indicate to agents where the object is located.
The machines and staff have been reported to have a high failure rate at detecting weapons, with a 2015 investigation finding that scanners and agents failed to detect weapons 95% of the time.
Some travellers opt for a full-body pat-down instead of going through the scanner. Travellers have a right to opt out of the full-body scan, although this may take more time.
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Scanners use radiofrequency and microwave technology
Scanners at airports use radiofrequency and microwave technology to detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without physically removing clothes or making physical contact. They can detect non-metal objects, which became an increasing concern after various airliner bombing attempts in the 2000s.
Millimetre wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the form of low-energy, high-frequency radio waves. They send energy across scanned surfaces, which reflect off the surface of the skin to be interpreted by the machine and reveal objects hidden on a body. These millimetre waves are directed at a passenger's insides, go through clothing, and reflect off the skin and whatever else is concealed, bouncing back an image which is interpreted by the machine.
The millimetre wave scanners do not generate ionizing radiation and do not pose a health risk. They do not pick up size, weight, or height, and instead, generate generic images of a body. They are also being designed to deliver faster scans and more accurate results, leading to fewer physical pat-downs.
While the scanners are designed to detect weapons and metal objects, some travellers have reported being flagged for other reasons, including thick fabric, dense shapewear, and loose clothing. However, there is no evidence that tampons will be detected by airport scanners.
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Scanners produce an image of the passenger
Most modern airport scanners use millimetre-wave technology, which employs low-energy microwaves to measure the shape of surfaces. These scanners do not detect items inside a person's body or penetrate the skin. However, depending on their calibration, they can flag dense objects, including some feminine hygiene products.
Some older scanners use X-rays, which can penetrate the skin and detect items inside the body. These scanners have been controversial due to privacy concerns and have mostly been replaced by millimetre-wave scanners.
It is important to note that the purpose of these scanners is to detect weapons and other prohibited items, not to identify feminine hygiene products. While tampons are unlikely to be detected, pads may trigger the scanner if they create extra material or bulk in the crotch area. Additionally, thick or dense clothing may also prompt further investigation.
Passengers have the right to opt out of the full-body scan, although this may result in a more time-consuming pat-down.
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You can opt-out of full-body scans
While full-body scanners are now the primary method of security screening at airports, you do have the option to opt-out of the body scanner for any reason. If you do so, the alternative security measure is a full-body pat-down by a TSA agent of the traveller's gender. This is a manual screening to ensure that a traveller is not carrying contraband aboard an aircraft.
To opt-out, simply inform a TSA agent as you approach the scanning area. Be aware that opting out may take more time than going through the scanner, and you will not be able to opt-out if your boarding pass has "SSSS", indicating enhanced screening.
Some travellers opt out of the full-body scanner due to concerns about the unknown health effects of the technology. The scanners emit millimetre-wave (MMW) and terahertz radio frequency, and there has not been sufficient testing to show what harm or damage this could do to a person. The TSA does warn that children and pregnant women should not go through these scanners.
Other travellers opt out due to privacy concerns or because they have a physical or mental condition that makes them uncomfortable with the body scanner. If you have a condition that concerns you, you can contact the Federal Security Officer at the airport to discuss arrangements ahead of your travel.
Finally, some travellers prefer the body pat-down because they feel it is a more respectful process than the body scanner. They report that the body scanner is an awkward process that requires passengers to stand with their arms up, whereas the body pat-down feels more dignified.
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Frequently asked questions
No, airport body scanners cannot detect tampons. According to a TSA spokesperson, "millimeter-wave imaging technology does not detect items inside a passenger's body or penetrate the skin."
Airport body scanners are looking for weapons and metal objects. They use radiofrequency waves to locate unknown objects on passengers.
No, airport body scanners cannot see inside your body. They use low-energy microwaves to measure the shape of surfaces and detect objects on a person's body.
No, you have the right to opt out of the full-body scan. However, opting out may result in a more time-consuming pat-down.
If an airport body scanner detects something, the image will indicate to agents where the object is located on the person's body. This may result in a pat-down or additional screening.
