Airport Scanners: Can They See Private Parts?

Going through an airport body scanner can be intimidating and embarrassing, and it may feel like an invasion of privacy. While older scanners produced naked images of travellers, these were phased out due to privacy concerns. Current airport scanners use millimetre-wave technology, which bounces off the surface of the traveller's body to create a generic avatar with indicators of areas that need further investigation. While these scanners cannot see inside the body, they can detect piercings in private parts and may require a pat-down in these areas.

Airport scanners use generic avatars to indicate areas that need further investigation

Airport body scanners can be intimidating and may seem like an invasion of privacy. However, today's scanners use generic avatars to protect travellers' privacy. These avatars are gender-neutral and resemble paper cut-out dolls.

The scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and millimetre-wave technology to detect both metallic and non-metallic objects on a person's body. If something suspicious is detected, the scanner will indicate this on the avatar, with a yellow or red block over the area that needs further investigation. This could be in the form of a pat-down or inspection.

The generic avatar ensures that the privacy of the traveller is maintained, while still allowing security officials to identify potential threats. The avatar does not reveal specific identifying features and looks the same for every traveller.

Previously, airport scanners used backscatter technology, which produced detailed images of travellers' bodies, effectively amounting to virtual strip searches. These scanners were phased out due to privacy concerns and the current scanners are designed to address these issues.

While the new scanners do not reveal private parts, they can detect piercings, especially if they are large or made of metal. Additionally, they can detect the presence of foreign objects or irregularities, which may require further investigation.

It is important to note that travellers can refuse to go through a body scanner and opt for a physical search or pat-down instead. However, this may raise curiosity among security officials and could result in a more detailed check.

Scanners use millimeter wave screening that bounces off the surface of the body

Airport body scanners can be intimidating and can feel like an invasion of privacy. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) previously used backscatter scanners that produced naked images of travellers, effectively amounting to a virtual strip search. These scanners were phased out within a decade due to privacy infringements.

Scanners use millimetre wave screening that bounces off the surface of the body

Current airport scanners use millimetre wave screening that is non-ionising. The waves of the scanner bounce off the surface of the traveller's body (not through it) and back to the machine. The scanners emit a special type of microwave, not X-ray. Two rotating transmitters produce the waves as a passenger stands still inside the machine. The energy passes through clothing, bounces off the person's skin and any potential threats, and then returns to two receivers, which send images to an operator station.

The software then creates a 3D, black-and-white, whole-body silhouette of the subject. It employs a feature known as automated target recognition (ATR), which detects threats and highlights them for easy identification. ATR technology can detect liquids, gels, plastics, powders, metals, ceramics, explosives, drugs, and money.

The ATR software also ensures that the scanner forms a generic outline of a person, which is the same for everyone. If the scanner detects something suspicious, it will display a generic outline with the suspicious item indicated by a yellow box. If the scanner finds nothing, it will display "OK" with no image.

Scanners can detect piercings in private parts

Airport scanners can detect piercings in private parts, especially if they are large or made of metal. The more metal on your body, the more likely you are to set off the alarms. However, the scanners used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) do not show detailed images of your private parts. Instead, they show a generic avatar with blocks over areas that need further investigation.

Airport scanners use millimeter-wave screening that is non-ionizing. The waves of the scanner bounce off the surface of your body and back to the machine. If the scanner detects something unusual, it will indicate the area to be checked on the generic avatar.

The primary purpose of airport scanners is to detect potential threats, such as weapons, knives, guns, or explosives. Scanners can detect both metal and non-metal items that could pose a security risk.

Piercings and Metal Detectors

Metal detectors work by emitting electromagnetic fields that break up when they come into contact with metallic objects. When this disruption occurs, the metal detector signals to the security personnel.

Avoiding Setting Off Metal Detectors

If you want to avoid setting off the metal detectors, you can remove your piercings before passing through security. However, if your piercing is less than six months old, removing the jewelry may increase the risk of infection. Additionally, even with healed piercings, removing the jewelry for prolonged periods can cause the pierced area to close up.

If you have a new piercing that is still healing, you may want to consider delaying your travel plans to avoid potential issues. Alternatively, you can consult a professional to have your piercing removed and replaced after your trip.

It is important to note that even without piercings, you may still trigger alarms at airport security. Stay calm if this happens, as it is a common occurrence. Security personnel will perform a manual check with a handheld scanner and may ask you to declare all your piercings. You have the right to choose the gender of the agents who conduct the search if private areas need to be inspected.

Scanners can detect the size of private parts

Previously, airport scanners could detect the size of a person's private parts. This was understandably deemed an invasion of privacy and the TSA canceled its contract with the scanner providers. The scanners were phased out within a decade.

Current Airport Scanners

Today, airport body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), which shows a neutral avatar of your body without all the bumps and curves in various places. There are norms for two genders, and the TSA official indicates your gender as you enter the scanner. The scanner will detect anomalies if the person’s bumps and curves don’t fit into the prescribed range.

If your "bits" fall outside the normal range according to the AIT program, you might need to add extra time to your travel plans to explain the object hidden in your pants.

Since airport scanners use two default gender settings, what happens when a transgender person, or someone in mid-transition, goes through a body scanner? Depending on the gender default the TSA officer has chosen, you might be flagged as having something suspicious in your groin or chest. This is because trans bodies do not always match the scanner’s default settings.

Scanners use two default gender settings, which can cause issues for transgender people

The TSA official indicates the passenger's gender as they enter the scanner, and the scanner will detect anomalies if the person's body does not fit into the prescribed range for that gender. For example, if a transgender woman is scanned as female, but the scanner detects male genitalia, this will be flagged as an anomaly. Similarly, a transgender man who is scanned as male but has growing breasts from hormone treatment may also be flagged. This can result in additional screening, such as a pat-down, which can be embarrassing and frustrating for both the traveller and the TSA official.

In recognition of these issues, the TSA has implemented several changes to make travelling easier for transgender people. In June 2023, the TSA introduced a gender-neutral algorithm for the AIT, reducing the false alarm rate by 50%. The TSA has also updated its TSA PreCheck® program application to include an additional gender marker option to better serve non-binary and gender non-conforming passengers. Additionally, the TSA is working with airlines to promote the use of the "X" gender marker on identification documents and reservations. These changes aim to reduce the number of invasive searches for transgender travellers and ensure that all passengers are treated with respect and dignity.

Frequently asked questions