Owais Crawford
Airport security has become increasingly stringent since the 9/11 attacks, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implementing a range of measures to prevent prohibited items and other threats from entering airports. One of the most controversial measures has been the introduction of full-body scanners, which use advanced imaging technology to detect concealed items, both metallic and non-metallic, including explosives. While these scanners have raised privacy and health concerns, the TSA has taken steps to address these issues, and the machines are considered an effective way to enhance security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To identify contraband hidden under clothing |
| Types | Millimeter wave scanners, backscatter x-ray scanners |
| Deployment | 486 scanners in 78 airports in the US, with an estimated 1,000 scanners to be deployed by the end of 2011 |
| Radiation Exposure | Equivalent to around 1–3 minutes of flight time |
| Privacy Measures | Blurring of images, installation of less provocative software, display of a chalk outline of subjects |
| Effectiveness | Considered the most effective way to detect threats, surpassing metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs |
| Health Impact | Concerns have been raised about potential electromagnetic interference with pacemakers and defibrillators |
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What You'll Learn
Full-body scanners
There are two types of full-body scanners in use: millimeter wave scanners and backscatter x-ray scanners. Millimeter wave scanners emit extremely low-energy waves, similar to the frequency used by wireless data transmitters, and capture the reflected energy. Backscatter x-ray scanners, the more common type in the US, utilize very low doses of x-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging. These scanners can create detailed and revealing images, leading to privacy concerns. To address this, the TSA has implemented measures such as blurring faces, using less provocative software, and displaying chalk outlines of subjects.
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Security measures
One crucial security measure is the use of body scanners, which create detailed images of the human body to identify contraband hidden under clothing. There are two main types of body scanners: millimeter wave scanners and backscatter x-ray scanners. Millimeter wave scanners emit low-energy waves, capturing the reflected energy to generate an image. Backscatter x-ray scanners, on the other hand, utilize very low-dose x-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging. These scanners can detect objects as small as a razor blade, and passengers can remain fully shod during the scan.
Additionally, passengers may be subjected to pat-down procedures, particularly if the screening technology alarms or as part of unpredictable security protocols. These pat-downs may include sensitive areas of the body, such as the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, breasts, groin, and buttocks. Passengers may also be required to adjust their clothing during the pat-down.
Other security measures include the Secure Flight program, which identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by cross-referencing their names with trusted traveler lists and watchlists. TSA PreCheck® is another expedited screening option, where passengers do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
Furthermore, airports employ physical access control gates and passive systems to monitor restricted areas, sounding alerts if unauthorized access is detected. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also relies on the traveling public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags, individuals with threatening items, or attempts to enter restricted areas.
While these security measures are crucial, critics argue that some may be placebo security, providing a sense of safety without adding any real benefit. Additionally, the efficacy and privacy implications of body scanners have sparked debates, with some advocating for their use only when they demonstrably improve national security.
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Prohibited items
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening passengers at airports to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. TSA officers use various tools and procedures to detect prohibited items, including carry-on baggage screening, full-body scans, pat-downs, and technology that identifies suspicious behaviour.
Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for the screening process, which includes checking in luggage, obtaining a boarding pass, and undergoing security screening.
- Explosives and other dangerous items: TSA screens carry-on bags for explosives and other hazardous materials. Any items deemed hazardous are prohibited and will be turned over to local law enforcement.
- Firearms and sharp objects: Items such as guns, knives, and other sharp objects are prohibited in carry-on baggage.
- Liquids, gels, and aerosols: Passengers are limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols, with each container not exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. This includes common items such as toothpaste, shampoo, and lotion.
- Food and powders: Food is allowed in carry-on and checked bags but must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Powders over 12 ounces (350 milliliters) should be placed in checked baggage, and those that cannot be resolved by security officials will be prohibited from the aircraft cabin.
- Electronic devices: All electronic devices must be powered on during screening. Devices that cannot be powered on will not be permitted onboard.
- Lighters and flammable substances: Lighters are prohibited in checked baggage but are allowed in carry-on bags. Flammable substances, including bear spray, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Bulky clothing: Passengers may be asked to remove light outer garments or bulky clothing, such as oversized hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans, and ponchos. Additional screening may be required for those who cannot or are unwilling to remove such items.
- Medications, baby formula, and breast milk: These items are exempt from the liquid restrictions but must be declared at security.
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Pat-down procedures
A pat-down may include an inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and buttocks. Passengers may be required to adjust their clothing during the pat-down. The officer will advise the passenger of the procedure to help them anticipate any actions before they feel them. Pat-downs require sufficient pressure to ensure detection, and areas may undergo a pat-down more than once for the officer to confirm no threat items are detected. TSA officers use the back of their hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body.
Passengers will receive a pat-down from an officer of the same sex. TSA officers will explain the procedures as they conduct the pat-down. Passengers may inform an officer if they have difficulty raising their arms or remaining in the position required, if they have an external medical device, or if there are areas of the body that are painful when touched. Passengers may request a chair to sit in if needed. At any time during the process, passengers may request private screening accompanied by a companion of their choice. A second officer of the same sex will always be present during private screening.
While TSA policies prohibit unlawful profiling, the agency has been criticized for using screening methods that may encourage ethnic and racial profiling, particularly toward Muslims and people of color. There have been stories of invasive pat-downs of minors and transgender travelers, who have called for a change in protocols. Black travelers report that their hair often triggers pat-downs, as does religious headwear.
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Privacy concerns
Airport body scanners are an important aspect of aviation security, detecting hidden objects on or inside a person without physical contact or requiring the removal of clothes. They can identify both metallic and non-metallic items, including non-metal weapons, making them crucial in countering threats such as concealed explosives and drugs.
However, the use of body scanners in airports has also raised several privacy concerns. Firstly, early versions of body scanners could display naked images of passengers, raising significant privacy concerns. In response, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented measures to protect passenger privacy, including blurring the images of faces, installing software to make images less provocative, and using chalk outlines of subjects.
Additionally, there have been concerns about the health risks associated with the radiation emitted by certain types of body scanners, particularly the backscatter X-ray scanners. While the radiation exposure from these scanners is minimal, equivalent to around 1-3 minutes of flight time, there were initial worries about potential increases in radiation exposure for passengers. As a result, some countries banned the use of backscatter X-ray scanners, and newer scanners now utilize millimeter-wave technology, which is considered safer and does not use ionizing radiation.
Furthermore, the use of behavioral recognition systems, such as the Screening Passengers by Observation Technique (SPOT), has been criticised for misidentifying threats and leading to intrusive searches based on the hunches of TSA officials. The use of electronic gates that verify travellers based on their biometric information has also raised privacy concerns, as it involves the collection and processing of sensitive personal data.
To address privacy concerns, the TSA has implemented the Secure Flight program, which collects the minimum amount of personal information necessary for effective matching and follows stringent guidelines for handling personal data. Passengers can also protect their privacy by being aware of what they wear and carry, as certain items may trigger alarms and result in additional screening.
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Frequently asked questions
Body scanners are machines that detect "concealed items, both metallic and non-metallic, including explosives". They use electromagnetic millimeter waves that reflect off the skin and bounce back an image, which is then interpreted by the machine.
No, they do not. While older machines did display naked images, newer machines have safeguards for passenger privacy.
Yes, you can refuse to go through an airport body scanner. However, you should always be polite about it and not be aggressive or rude to TSA agents. You may be offered another form of screening, such as a pat-down.
