Airport Baggage Scanning: What To Expect When Traveling

Airport baggage scanners are an essential component of aviation safety, employing advanced X-ray technology to detect potential threats and prohibited items. These scanners are used for both checked baggage and carry-on luggage, differentiating materials based on X-ray absorption and reflection to identify hazardous objects. Checked baggage is typically screened without the need for a physical bag search, but inspections may occur if suspicious items are detected. While the scanning process varies across airports, it is implemented to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent prohibited items from entering aircraft.

Baggage scanning methods vary across airports

Baggage scanning methods do indeed vary across airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. If a bag is flagged as suspicious, it is then inspected by TSA officers.

The specific technology used to scan checked baggage differs between airports. In the United States, most major airports use computer tomography (CT) scanners. These machines use X-rays to create detailed tomograms (slices) of the bag, which can be used to calculate the mass and density of individual objects. If an object's mass/density falls within the range of a dangerous material, the scanner warns the operator. Due to their slow speed, CT scanners are only used to check suspicious bags.

In Europe, airports use high-speed, automated X-ray machines that are integrated into the normal baggage-handling system. These machines have a higher KVP range than the X-ray systems used for carry-on items.

The level of scrutiny applied to checked baggage also varies depending on the route and the airport. Some airports only scan hand luggage, while others scan checked luggage multiple times. Certain airports, such as those in the United States with direct commercial flights to the US, have more extensive screening processes that may include additional checks of personal electronic devices. At some airports, checked luggage is also scanned upon arrival before passengers leave the airport, although these scans are generally less meticulous than departure scans.

Scanners can detect metallic and non-metallic objects

Airport scanners are designed to detect a wide variety of materials, from metallic to non-metallic objects. These include plastics, organic compounds, and explosives. With advancements in technology, modern scanners can identify threats that older systems may have missed. For instance, advanced X-ray scanners can identify weapons and explosive components made from plastic or ceramic materials by analyzing their shape, density, and other visual cues. They can also detect liquids, gels, and aerosols that exceed certain volume limits.

Body scanners, such as millimeter-wave scanners, are used to detect objects concealed on a person's body. These scanners can identify both metallic and non-metallic items, including weapons, explosives, and drugs hidden under clothing. The non-invasive nature of these scanners makes them suitable for large-scale use in airports. Modern luggage scanners utilize 3D imaging technology, allowing security personnel to view objects from multiple angles and identify hidden compartments or items wrapped in evasive materials.

Metal detectors, commonly used in airport security, employ magnetic fields to identify metal objects. When metal objects are present, the magnetic field reflects back to the machine, triggering an alert for the security agent. Metal detectors can ignore very small amounts of metal, such as buttons or small earrings, to focus on more significant potential threats. Additionally, millimeter wave machines use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats like guns and knives.

Overall, the combination of advanced imaging technologies and explosive detection systems enables airport scanners to detect a diverse range of metallic and non-metallic objects, ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.

Scanners can detect organic materials

Airport scanners use X-rays to see through the surface of checked baggage and build detailed images of the items inside. These images are usually sufficient for security personnel to recognise illegal items. However, the scanners do not explicitly detect any types of illegal items, and the security personnel will take a closer look at the items to determine if they are illegal or not.

The scanners can see the density and mass of everything packed in the luggage. However, they are not always able to establish what the objects are. If the luggage contains objects that arouse suspicion, security personnel will inspect the bag. The density of commonly used drugs is well-known to airport security officials, who will open luggage to investigate if a suspicious item is detected.

While modern X-ray scanners can detect most items, the only type of illegal item that they potentially cannot detect is if it is stored inside a human body, unless it is made of metal. This is because X-ray machines cannot detect items inside a human body if they are made of the same general chemical composition as the rest of the body.

Scanners can detect pills

Passengers suspected of swallowing drugs are scanned with a full-body X-ray machine, which can detect packages in the person's stomach. Airport scanners are also able to detect pills in liquid form. However, there is no limit to the number of pills one can fly with as long as they are not in liquid form. Medically required liquids are exempt from the 3.4 ounces/100ml rule and are allowed to exceed this amount in carry-on luggage.

It is important to note that individual airports are responsible for monitoring checked baggage facilities as part of their security plan. The methods of monitoring vary from airport to airport and may include CCTV. Additionally, some airports scan luggage at the destination before passengers leave the airport, although this scan is generally less meticulous than the departure scan.

To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early and inform the officer if you are traveling with medically required liquids or medication.

Scanners can detect money

Airport scanners are designed to detect prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. The scanners can identify the density and mass of objects in baggage, and they can determine whether an object is organic or metallic. They can also detect paper. While they cannot directly detect drugs, they can provide visual clues of drugs hidden in baggage. Passengers suspected of smuggling drugs internally may be scanned with a full-body X-ray machine, which can detect packages in the stomach. Scanners can also detect pills, whether in solid or liquid form, and in plastic, non-metallic, or metallic bottles.

Given that paper currency is typically made from a blend of cotton and linen fibres, it falls under the category of organic materials. Metal currency, on the other hand, is easily detectable due to the scanners' sensitivity to even the smallest amounts of metal. Therefore, it is safe to say that airport scanners can detect money.

To avoid raising suspicion, it is advisable to arrange currency in a way that does not deviate from the norm. Bundles of cash, for instance, may stand out during scanning and prompt a manual inspection of your baggage.

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily, the majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. However, the TSA may inspect checked baggage, and if your property is physically inspected, you will receive a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

The screening procedures and methods of monitoring checked baggage vary across airports and countries. Some airports may subject luggage to multiple scans, while others may not scan hand-carried luggage once you have passed through security. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for the screening process.

Frequently asked questions