Airport Security And Binders: What You Need To Know

Trans and non-binary people often face additional security screenings at airports due to the use of body scanners that rely on a binary understanding of gender. These scanners detect anomalies in the body, including bound chests, tucked genitals, and prosthetics such as breast forms and packers. While the TSA has stated that it will not discriminate based on gender identity, in practice, trans and non-binary travellers are frequently subjected to invasive pat-downs and additional screenings, which can be humiliating and frightening. It is important to note that experiences may vary depending on the airport, with larger coastal cities in the United States reportedly having lower rates of invasive screenings. Additionally, travellers can opt for a pat-down instead of a body scan, which may be less likely to detect binders, especially if they are made of thin material and have no metal parts.

Metal clasps on binders can set off airport security

The type of binder you have may also determine whether or not it will set off the metal detector. If your binder has a zipper or metal clasps, it is more likely to be detected by the machine. On the other hand, if your binder is made of fabric without any metal parts, it is less likely to set off the alarm.

It is important to note that even if you are wearing a binder without metal clasps, you may still be flagged by the body scanner. This is because the body scanner looks for anomalies or unexpected layers of material/tissue in certain areas of the body. If you are binding your chest, for example, and the scanner detects a flat chest where it typically expects to see breasts, it may set off an alert. Similarly, if you are binding your hips and the scanner detects a lack of curvature in that area, it may also trigger an alarm.

In the case that you do set off the body scanner, you will most likely be subjected to a pat-down. This is a standard procedure and is done to ensure that you do not have any prohibited items hidden on your person. The TSA agent will typically run their flattened hands down your chest in one quick motion. It may be briefly awkward, but it is usually over quickly.

If you are concerned about being outed or having to explain what a binder is, you can simply state that it is a compression shirt, sports bra, or undershirt. You do not have to disclose your gender identity or explain why you are wearing the binder unless you feel comfortable doing so. The TSA agents are just doing their jobs and are most likely not interested in your personal life.

Overall, while metal clasps on binders can set off airport security, it is not something to be overly worried about. You can take steps to minimize the chances of being flagged, such as avoiding binders with metal parts, but even if you are flagged, the pat-down procedure is typically quick and uneventful. Remember to stay calm and know your rights as a trans individual when navigating airport security.

TSA agents push a binary gender button when a passenger enters the body scanner

When a passenger enters the body scanner, the TSA agent pushes a binary gender button, which is either pink for girls or blue for boys. The scanner then looks for "anomalies" under the passenger's clothing. This process involves technological sex/gender policing, as the scanner is set up to police binary sex and cisgender bodily expectations. Bodies that do not conform to these expectations set off alarms and are treated as potential terrorist threats.

The Automated Target Recognition" software used by body scanners is programmed to look for penises on passengers scanned as male and breasts on passengers scanned as female. If the officer selects the female button and the machine detects something in the passenger's groin area, it could interpret a body part as a potential threat, issuing an alarm. Similarly, if the male button is selected and the machine detects breasts, it will also issue an alarm.

The binary gender buttons can cause issues for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. If a transgender woman is scanned as male, for example, her breasts may trigger an alarm. In such cases, additional screening is often required, which can include pat-downs and more invasive searches.

The TSA has stated that it does not discriminate based on gender identity and that passengers will be treated with respect, regardless of their gender presentation. However, in practice, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals often face intrusive, frightening, and humiliating screenings. This is due to a combination of shortcomings in technology and insufficient training of TSA staff.

To address these issues, the TSA has implemented some enhancements and updates to its screening procedures. In May 2022, the TSA updated its procedures to better serve transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming travelers through less invasive screening. Additionally, the TSA introduced a new algorithm for its AIT security scanners, which was deployed nationwide by the end of June 2023. This new algorithm is designed to decrease the false alarm rate by 50% and implement a gender-neutral approach to screening.

TSA agents are supposed to receive training on trans policies

TSA agents are required to complete an immersive two-to-three-week training program at a TSA Academy. This training provides the foundation for their work, and employees continue to receive training throughout their careers.

TSA officers are responsible for learning and staying up to date on standard operating procedures. They must be adaptable, observant, and detail-oriented. They must also be able to handle difficult passengers and respond to threats.

In June 2023, the TSA implemented a gender-neutral algorithm for Advanced Image Technology (AIT) screening, which decreased the false alarm rate by 50%. This change benefits all travellers, including transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming passengers, by reducing the number of pat-downs.

TSA officers are instructed to treat all passengers with respect and dignity. Screening is conducted without regard to a person's gender identity, and officers are trained to respond appropriately to passengers' gender identities. For example, if a pat-down is required, it is conducted by an officer of the same gender as the passenger's gender identity. Passengers can also request to be screened in private.

TSA PreCheck® has also been updated to include an additional gender marker option to better serve non-binary and gender non-conforming passengers.

TSA agents may pat down the binder area

If a TSA agent pats down your binder area, it is likely due to the body scanner detecting an "anomaly" in your chest area. This is common for transmasculine people wearing binders, as the scanner is looking for "anomalies" or unexpected layers of material/tissue. If you are assigned female at birth, the scanner will detect a flat chest or lack of expected tissue in the chest area and may set off an alert.

If you are concerned about being patted down in this area, you can choose to wear a sports bra or a less compressive binder, as these are less likely to be detected by the body scanner. You could also consider putting your binder in your carry-on luggage and changing into it after passing through security.

If you do get patted down, it is important to know that this is a standard procedure and you are not being singled out. The TSA agent will likely do a quick, non-invasive pat-down of your chest area to check for prohibited items. You do not have to explain that you are wearing a binder or that you are trans unless you feel comfortable doing so. Simply stating that it is an undershirt, compression shirt, or muscle tape is usually sufficient.

It is important to note that experiences may vary depending on the airport, the individual TSA agent, and local culture. Some people have reported negative experiences with TSA agents who lacked understanding or respect for trans individuals. However, others have found that most agents are professional and discreet, and some airports even offer private screening areas if needed.

Overall, while the possibility of being patted down in the binder area exists, it is not something to be overly worried about. With some preparation and understanding of the process, you can navigate airport security with confidence and ensure your comfort and safety during your travels.

TSA agents may ask what you are wearing under your shirt

When passing through airport security, a TSA agent may ask what you are wearing under your shirt. This is because the body scanner used by the TSA is set up to police binary sex and cisgender bodily expectations. The scanner looks for "anomalies" under the passenger's clothing and in the process, engages in technological sex/gender policing. If the TSA agent selects 'male' and the scanner detects breast tissue, or if the agent selects 'female' and the scanner does not detect breast tissue, this will likely trigger further investigation.

If this happens, the first step is a public pat-down outside the scanner by a TSA agent. If the initial pat-down doesn't clear the issue, the passenger is taken to a screening room for a more invasive investigation. This makes the initial pat-down pivotal in determining how unpleasant the process of passing through security will be for a trans traveller.

If you are wearing a binder, you may be asked to explain what it is. You are within your rights to simply say that it is an undershirt, a compression shirt, or a sports bra. You do not have to disclose that you are transgender or explain why you are wearing it. However, if you feel comfortable doing so, you can explain that it is a chest binder. If the TSA agent does not understand what a binder is, you can explain that it is a prosthetic device or a piece of clothing used to compress your chest.

It is important to note that the TSA has stated that it will not discriminate based on gender identity. Passengers are to be screened based on their gender presentation, and any pat-downs are to be conducted by TSA agents whose gender matches the passenger's presented gender. Additionally, the TSA has promised that privacy will be protected during the screening process. However, in practice, intrusive, frightening, and humiliating screenings of transgender individuals continue to occur.

Frequently asked questions