Beating Airport Body Scanners: Strategies For Safe Travel

Airport body scanners are devices that detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without physically removing clothes or making physical contact. There are two main types: millimeter wave scanners and X-ray-based scanners. While these scanners are designed to ensure safety, they have been criticised for raising privacy and health concerns. This article will explore ways to beat airport body scanners, considering the ethical implications of doing so.

Wear a wig or hat to cover thick hair, which can set off the scanner

How to Beat Airport Body Scanners: Wear a Wig or Hat to Cover Thick Hair

Thick hair can set off an airport body scanner, especially if it's in a braid or bun. This is because the electromagnetic waves used by the scanners to detect items hidden under clothing may get blocked or absorbed by thick hair.

One way to avoid setting off the scanner is to wear a wig or a hat that covers your hair. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a wig or hat that is made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, as synthetic materials may contain metal fibres that could also set off the scanner.
• Avoid wearing any hair clips or other metal accessories in your hair, as these can trigger the alarm.
• Opt for a loose-fitting wig or hat to avoid flattening your hair, which could make it appear thicker on the scan.
• Consider a style that is different from your usual look, as drastic changes in appearance can sometimes trigger further security checks.
• Be prepared for the possibility that you may still be selected for a pat-down, especially if your hair looks suspiciously flat or if you are wearing a hat or wig that is too tight.

While wearing a wig or hat can help to conceal thick hair, it's important to remember that airport security staff are trained to look for suspicious behaviour. Try to remain calm and act naturally during the screening process to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.

Avoid metal hair clips and other hair accessories

Metal hair clips and other metal hair accessories can set off airport body scanners. This is because the body scanners are designed to detect "metallic and non-metallic threat items".

To avoid setting off the body scanner, it is best to avoid wearing metal hair accessories. Opt for non-metal alternatives such as plastic or fabric hair ties, fabric headbands, or scrunchies. If you have thick hair, consider braiding your hair or tying it up before going through security, as thick hair can also trigger the body scanner.

If you have a medical device or other metal items on your body that you cannot remove, inform a TSA agent before going through the scanner. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and may offer alternative screening methods such as a pat-down.

It is also important to remember to remove all metal items from your body, such as jewellery, belts, and watches, as these can also set off the metal detectors.

Remove piercings

Piercings can set off airport scanners and metal detectors, but it is not a given. The more metal you have on your body, the greater the chance you will set off the alarms. If you are concerned about this, the best way to completely avoid triggering any alarms is to remove your piercings before going through security. If you have a mix of larger and smaller piercings, remove the larger ones.

If your piercing is less than six months old, think carefully about removing it. If the piercing has not completely healed, removing the jewellery could risk triggering an infection. Even with a healed piercing, removing the jewellery for a prolonged period can cause the pierced area to close up, and putting the jewellery back in may be painful. If you have to avoid triggering alarms with a new body piercing at all costs, you can remove the jewellery, but make sure it is replaced by a professional at the end of your trip.

If you only have a few metal body piercings, the chances of getting flagged at the airport are slim. However, as the number of piercings increases, so do the chances of drawing attention to yourself. There is no telling how multiple piercings laced with different types of jewellery can affect the magnetic field of a metal detector.

If you do not want to remove your piercings, you can refuse to go through the full-body scanner. However, this will require you to go through a full-body pat-down, either in public or in a private screening room, where your sensitive areas might be touched.

Avoid underwire bras

To avoid any hiccups at airport security, it is recommended to avoid wearing underwire bras as they contain metal wiring and hooks that may set off the metal detectors. Although it is a rare occurrence, it is better to be safe than sorry. If the metal in your bra does trigger the alarm, you may be subjected to additional security screening, such as a pat-down or the use of a handheld detector. To avoid any inconvenience or embarrassment, opt for a wireless bra or a sports bra instead.

Wireless bras, also known as wire-free bras, are designed with plastic or other non-metallic materials for support, eliminating the risk of setting off the metal detectors. Similarly, sports bras are made with stretchy fabric and do not contain any metal components, making them a safe choice for air travel.

If you choose to wear an underwire bra, and the metal wiring does trigger the alarm, remain calm and inform a female security officer. She will likely use a handheld metal detector wand to locate the source of the trigger and may perform a manual "frisk." You have the right to request that this additional screening be carried out in a private area, and you will not be asked to undress.

In summary, to beat the airport body scanners and metal detectors, avoid wearing underwire bras. Instead, opt for wireless bras or sports bras made with non-metallic materials. If you do wear an underwire bra and set off the alarm, remain cooperative and follow the instructions of the security officers.

Wear clothing that doesn't have buttons, zippers, or metal fasteners

Wearing clothing without buttons, zippers, or metal fasteners is one way to reduce the likelihood of setting off a body scanner or metal detector at the airport.

Body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) for full-body scans at airport checkpoints. They are millimetre-wave scanners that can detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic threats in a matter of seconds. The machines send millimetre waves toward a passenger's insides, and these waves go through clothing and reflect off the skin and whatever else is concealed, bouncing back an image that is interpreted by the machine.

If you are passing through a body scanner, it is important to remember that even items that are not metallic can set off the scanner. For example, thick hair, especially if it is in a braid or bun, can set off the scanner. Hair clips, body piercings, wire supports in undergarments, and sweat can also trigger the machine. Even things as innocuous as layered clothing, zippers, and buttons can lead to alarms.

Therefore, wearing clothing without buttons, zippers, or metal fasteners can reduce the chances of setting off the body scanner, as these items of clothing will not reflect the millimetre waves in the same way that other items will. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing thick hair in braids or buns, hair clips, or undergarments with wire supports.

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