Breezing Past Airport Security Scanners: Tips And Tricks

Airport security systems use metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimetre wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines to ensure safety. While these measures are in place to keep travellers safe, some people may wish to bypass security scanners for reasons such as privacy concerns or medical conditions. It is important to note that bypassing airport security scanners can have serious consequences and may be illegal in some jurisdictions. However, there are a few ways to potentially bypass them, such as opting for a manual pat-down instead of walking through a scanner or exploiting vulnerabilities in the software of scanning machines.

Opting out of full-body scanners

Full-body scanners are not mandatory at airport security, and you can opt to not pass through them to get on your flight. However, opting out means you will have to undergo an alternative security procedure, which may or may not be preferable to you.

If you opt out of a full-body scanner, you will receive a full-body pat-down instead. To opt out, inform the TSA agent at the checkpoint of your decision. They will then ask you to step out of the way and wait until an agent of the same gender becomes available to pat you down. This usually does not take more than five minutes, though it can take longer.

The assigned agent will take you through to the other side of the security barrier and ask you to point out your luggage. They will then give a standard speech, including that they will pat down your entire body, use the back of their hand for 'sensitive areas', and run their hands along your waistband. They will be wearing gloves, and you can request that the pat-down takes place in a private room.

The agent will ask you to stand with your legs apart and arms out to the sides. They will then run their hands up and down your arms and legs, along your stomach, back, bottom, and crotch. They may also pat your head. The whole process is very fast and professional.

You will then have to wait while they test their gloves for suspicious residue. Once the gloves are cleared, you will be allowed to go on your way.

If you opt out, it is important to remain friendly and polite to the TSA agents, as your request may inconvenience them and cause them to be strict or short-tempered. It is also important to allow extra time to pass through security, as you will have to wait for an agent to become available.

Full-Body Scanner Concerns

The use of full-body scanners at airport security has been controversial. When they were first introduced in 2008, there were complaints and backlash due to the image these 'backscatter' machines produced, which showed the scanned person naked. This raised concerns about privacy and modesty. Since 2013, however, TSA has switched to 'millimetre wave' machines, which do not create the same 'naked' image. Instead, TSA agents see a generic, cartoon-like outline of a human body, with any potential areas of concern indicated in yellow.

Another concern with the full-body scanners is the carcinogenic effect of the radiation used. While experts agree that the risk is minimal, there is a small risk that passing through a 'backscatter' x-ray scanner could increase the likelihood of contracting cancer. These machines used ionizing radiation, which breaks apart molecules. This is why they were quickly banned in Europe and possibly contributed to their phase-out in the USA.

The current 'millimetre wave' machines emit a very low level of non-ionizing radiation, similar to that of a microwave oven or mobile phone. Most experts agree that there is no significant increased risk of cancer by using them, though some studies and experts advise against them. Beyond cancer concerns, there is also a small possibility of skin and eye damage.

Other Options

If you do not want to be subjected to body scanners or full-body pat-downs every time you fly, you can sign up for TSA Precheck. This allows you to keep your personal items packed and your shoes on, and you can usually avoid body scanners. To obtain TSA Precheck status, you must either apply for Precheck or obtain the status through a trusted travel program. If you apply for Precheck, you must pay an application fee and submit to a background check and entry interview, which includes a document check and fingerprinting.

Even with TSA Precheck status, you may still be randomly selected to go through the full security line at any time.

Requesting a pat-down search

A pat-down search is a manual screening by a TSA agent of the traveller's gender. The purpose of the search is to ensure that a traveller is not carrying contraband aboard an aircraft. While some pat-downs take place in public areas, travellers can request that the pat-down takes place in a private room.

During a pat-down search, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) will use their hands to feel for items that may be hidden on an individual’s body or underneath their clothes. The TSO will use the back of their hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body, such as the breasts, groin, and buttocks. In limited cases, additional screening involving a sensitive area pat-down with the front of the hand may be needed to determine that a threat does not exist. The officer will advise you of the procedure to help you anticipate any actions before you feel them.

A pat-down may include an inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas. You may be required to adjust your clothing during the pat-down. Areas may be patted down more than once to confirm that no threat items are detected.

Using TSA Precheck

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows low-risk travellers to undergo a smoother security screening process at the airport. It is available at over 200 airports and with more than 90 airlines.

To obtain TSA PreCheck status, you must either apply for PreCheck or obtain the status through a trusted travel program. The application process involves paying a fee, submitting to a background check, and completing an entry interview, which includes a document check and fingerprinting. The application fee varies depending on whether you apply online or in person, and by the enrolment provider you choose. For example, the cost of applying for TSA PreCheck with IDEMIA is $58.75 online and $66.75 in person, for five years.

Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you must add to your airline reservations. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, light jacket, and belt on, and your 3-1-1 liquids and laptops packed. Instead of going through a full-body scanner, you will pass through a dedicated PreCheck line, which includes passing through a metal detector.

However, even with TSA PreCheck status, you may be randomly selected to go through the full security line at any time. Additionally, if you are selected for "enhanced screening" (indicated by "SSSS" on your boarding pass), you may be required to undergo full-body scanning.

Hacking the security system

Airport security systems are designed to prevent terrorists and criminals from boarding planes and carrying out attacks. However, researchers have discovered vulnerabilities in these systems that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. Here are some ways in which airport security systems can be hacked:

• X-Ray Machine Manipulation: X-ray machines used to scan carry-on luggage for weapons and other banned items can be manipulated. The Threat Image Projection (TIP) function, designed to train operators and test their proficiency, can be exploited. An attacker with access to the supervisor's workstation could superimpose harmless images over x-ray scans, concealing contraband. Additionally, the system's login credentials could be bypassed using a simple SQL injection attack, allowing unauthorized access to the TIP feature.
• Vulnerable Software: Airport security systems often run on outdated and unsupported operating systems, such as Windows 98 or Windows XP, which have known vulnerabilities. This makes them susceptible to remote exploits and provides an entry point for hackers.
• Insecure Password Storage: Passwords for operator accounts were found to be stored in plain text within the system, making it easy for attackers to gain access without prior knowledge of user names or other details.
• Lack of Network Isolation: While airport security systems are not connected to the public internet, they are part of a central network called TSANet, which connects security equipment at multiple airports. This network has been found to have security problems, providing a potential pathway for attackers to access sensitive systems.
• Vendor-Specific Exploits: Different vendors supply X-ray scanners and other security equipment to airports. Each vendor's systems may have unique vulnerabilities that can be exploited. In the case of the Rapiscan 522B scanner, for example, the researchers discovered that the supervisor's password screen could be bypassed, and the system accepted rogue images for superimposition.
• Inadequate Image Processing: The X-ray scan images are processed using tailored image processing to highlight metallic objects or liquids. However, this processing can be manipulated by superimposing harmless images over contraband, or vice versa, tricking operators into missing prohibited items.

Using TSA-approved travel gear

TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 US airports. The program is available for both domestic and international flights departing from the US. With a five-year membership costing $85, it's a great investment for frequent travellers. The application process is simple, with an online form followed by an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Centre. Once approved, you'll receive a Known Traveller Number to input when booking flights, which will give you access to the TSA PreCheck lane.

Several credit cards cover the cost of TSA PreCheck as a member benefit, so it's worth checking if this is an option for you. Additionally, some credit cards offer full or partial statement credits for Clear Plus memberships, which can be useful if you want to skip the ID line.

For those with more extensive travel plans, Global Entry is a great option. Global Entry gives you all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus the added advantage of skipping the general customs line when returning to the US. With Global Entry, you simply scan your passport and complete the customs declaration at a kiosk, and you're on your way. The application process is similar to TSA PreCheck, but it may take longer to receive an appointment for the in-person interview. The program costs $100 for five years, and again, some credit cards will cover this expense.

TSA-approved travel gear and memberships are a great way to streamline your airport experience, saving you time and hassle.

Frequently asked questions