Airport Scanners: What They're Looking For And Why

Airport scanners are used to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. They are designed to detect potential threats, such as weapons or explosives, and items that violate carry-on rules. These scanners use various technologies, including metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines. While older scanners raised privacy concerns by revealing detailed body images, modern scanners use privacy software, providing only generic outlines of the human body. Additionally, passengers can opt for alternative screening methods if they have concerns about radiation exposure or privacy.

Metal objects

The use of metal detectors and X-ray machines is justified by their ability to detect weapons and other metallic objects that could pose a threat to the safety of passengers and crew. These scanners can identify objects made of metal, regardless of whether they are concealed on a person or in their luggage. This includes metallic objects hidden under clothing, as well as those stored within bags or suitcases.

Airport scanners, particularly X-ray machines, can provide visual clues about the presence of metal within scanned items. They can determine whether an object is metallic or non-metallic and assess its density. This information helps security personnel identify potential threats or prohibited items. For example, the detection of metal in a passenger's luggage may prompt a manual search to ensure the item is not a weapon or an explosive device.

Metal detectors at airports often employ non-ionizing radiation to scan for hidden metallic objects. This type of radiation has insufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms but can cause them to vibrate or move within a molecule. By sending these waves across scanned surfaces and analysing the returning signal, the machine can identify the presence of metal. This technology ensures the safety of both travellers and security personnel by minimising their exposure to potentially harmful radiation.

Additionally, some airport scanners, such as millimeter wave machines, use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect metal and other potential threats. These machines emit extremely low levels of energy, even less than a standard cellphone, to bounce waves off the body and back to the machine. This process generates an outline of the scanned individual, with indicators highlighting areas that require further investigation by security officers.

Non-metal objects

Airport scanners are designed to detect threats and maintain safety. They can identify metallic and non-metallic objects, as well as organic materials. While the technology behind these scanners is complex, the process of scanning is straightforward. Here is what you need to know about non-metallic objects:

Firstly, airport scanners can detect non-metallic objects, including liquids, gels, and aerosols. Each passenger is typically allowed to carry only a limited quantity of such substances, usually in a clear, transparent, resealable plastic bag. These items are screened for security and must comply with airline guidelines. This includes beverages, shampoos, lotions, creams, toothpastes, hair sprays, and similar products.

Secondly, airport scanners can identify non-metallic objects such as pills and medications. If you are carrying pills, especially in liquid form, ensure they are in your carry-on baggage and do not exceed the permitted quantity. Scanners can detect pills, even if they are in non-metallic containers or hidden inside clothing or the body. This also applies to illegal drugs, which scanners can detect as organic materials.

Additionally, airport scanners can detect paper and money. If you are carrying large amounts of cash, it is advisable to declare it beforehand to avoid suspicion. Scanners can also identify other organic materials, including food and explosives. It is important to note that certain items, such as lighters, matches, paints, and thinners, may be allowed on your person but must comply with airline regulations.

Lastly, airport scanners are capable of detecting items made from non-metallic materials, such as plastic or ceramic. This includes electronic devices, cameras, and other valuable items. These items are typically allowed in carry-on baggage but should be declared to ensure a smoother screening process.

Threats

Airport scanners are designed to detect threats to aviation security, including weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items. These scanners use a variety of technologies, including metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter-wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines.

Weapons and Explosives

Airport scanners are primarily focused on detecting weapons and explosives that could pose a threat to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. This includes firearms, knives, and other sharp objects, as well as explosive devices. Scanners can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, ensuring that a wide range of potential weapons are identified. Backscatter X-ray machines, for example, can detect weapons or explosives that a person might be carrying under their clothing.

Drugs and Contraband

While airport scanners cannot directly detect drugs, they can provide visual clues about the presence of drugs or other contraband. Scanners can distinguish between organic and inorganic materials, and drugs, like other organic materials such as food, explosives, or paper, will be marked with an orange color. Additionally, passengers suspected of swallowing drugs may be scanned with a full-body X-ray machine, which can detect packages in the stomach, even if they are contained within plastic or metallic bottles.

Money and Valuables

Airport scanners, particularly X-ray scanners, are capable of detecting money and other valuables. If large amounts of currency are bundled together, they will be more easily detected. This can help identify potential issues related to money laundering, smuggling, or other illegal activities.

Health and Safety Concerns

Airport scanners have also been known to detect items that may not be prohibited but could pose health or safety risks. For example, breast prostheses will be detected during a full-body scan, and passengers with breast prostheses should inform the TSA agent before proceeding through the scanner. Additionally, passengers with pacemakers or other medical devices should inform security agents, as X-ray machines and metal detectors pose a limited risk to pacemakers.

Organic materials

Airport scanners are designed to detect a wide range of materials, including organic compounds. The ability to identify organic materials is critical to ensuring passenger safety and smooth airport operations.

Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) play a crucial role in this process. EDS technology is designed to identify the molecular makeup of various explosives, which often contain organic compounds. This capability ensures that even well-hidden explosive devices or materials do not go unnoticed.

Additionally, airport scanners can detect powder substances, including those resembling common household products that could be used in dangerous ways. Scanners can analyse these powders to ensure that substances like drugs or bomb-making materials are not smuggled through security.

To maintain privacy, airport body scanners typically generate generic avatar images of the human anatomy, rather than detailed depictions of an individual's body. These scanners focus on identifying potential threats, such as weapons or contraband, rather than physical attributes.

Money

Airport scanners are designed to detect threats and prevent dangerous items from being transported onto aircraft. They can identify metallic and non-metallic objects, as well as organic materials, using advanced X-ray technology. This technology allows scanners to create detailed images of luggage contents, which security officers can use to identify items based on their density and atomic number.

When it comes to money, specifically large amounts of cash, there are a few things to consider. While carrying large amounts of cash through airport security is not illegal in most places, it can raise some red flags. Most countries have a threshold amount, such as $10,000 in the United States, above which you are legally required to declare the money to customs officials. Failing to declare large amounts of cash is considered illegal.

It is important to note that cash can trigger body scanners at airports. However, as long as you are not carrying an excessive amount, it is not typically an issue. Some travellers prefer to keep their cash on their person while going through security, rather than placing it in their luggage or handbag. They may hold the cash in their hands or keep it in a pocket during the scanning process. It is advisable to cooperate with the authorities and declare any amounts that exceed the legal threshold to avoid legal complications.

To ensure a smooth process when travelling with large amounts of money, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and regulations of the countries you are travelling to and from. Additionally, consider contacting the appropriate authorities or seeking legal advice if you have any concerns or questions regarding the transportation of significant sums of cash across borders.

Frequently asked questions