Owais Crawford
Airport body scanners have been a standard security measure at airports since the 2000s, when various airliner bombing attempts raised concerns about non-metal objects that could be smuggled onboard. While body scanners are effective at spotting weapons, they are not foolproof and can be set off by a variety of unexpected things, from hair clips to sweat. If you accidentally set off a body scanner, you will likely be subjected to a pat-down, which can be awkward for some travellers. To avoid this, it's helpful to know what might trigger the scanner and plan accordingly.
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What You'll Learn
Metal objects, including hair clips, body piercings, and undergarment wire supports
Metal objects are one of the most common triggers for airport body scanners. While the scanners can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, it is still important to be cautious about the metal items you carry on your person when passing through security.
Hair clips, for instance, can set off the body scanner, particularly if you have thick hair. If you are wearing your hair in a braid or a bun, the chances of the scanner going off are even higher. It is advisable to remove hair clips before passing through the scanner to avoid triggering the alarm.
Similarly, body piercings, which are typically made of metal, can also set off the alarm. If possible, it is recommended to remove all body piercings before going through airport security. If you are unable to remove a particular piercing, be sure to inform the TSO (Transportation Security Officer) beforehand to avoid any surprises or delays.
Undergarment wire supports, such as those found in underwire bras, are another metal item that can trigger the body scanner. To avoid this, consider leaving your underwire bra in your checked luggage or opting for a different style of bra when travelling.
It is important to remember that even innocuous metal objects, such as buttons or zippers, can occasionally lead to alarms. If you do accidentally set off the scanner, remain calm and follow the instructions of the TSA agents. They may perform a pat-down or use alternative procedures to resolve the issue.
Additionally, keep in mind that airport security measures are constantly evolving, and procedures may change over time to address new threats and maintain the highest levels of transportation security.
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Glycerin, a compound used in skincare and bombs
Airport body scanners use either backscatter x-ray or millimeter-wave technology to generate an outline of the human body to identify contraband hidden under clothing. While these scanners do not see under the skin, they can detect hazardous liquids or contraband in pockets.
Surprisingly, glycerin, a compound commonly used in skincare products like soap and lotion, has been known to set off airport body scanners. This is because the scanners can mistake glycerin for an explosive substance, as glycerin can be used to make dynamite and bombs. Glycerin is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and is a clear, odourless, and syrupy liquid. In skincare products, glycerin is used as a humectant, a type of moisturizing agent that hydrates the outer layer of the skin by pulling water from deeper levels of the skin and the surrounding air. It is often used in combination with occlusives, another type of moisturizing agent, to trap the moisture drawn into the skin. Glycerin is also used in bath bombs, where it acts as a binder and provides a skin-conditioning effect.
If you are travelling with products containing glycerin, it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid setting off the airport body scanners. Additionally, if you have any medical devices, such as a pacemaker, be sure to inform the TSA before entering the scanner, as these can also trigger false alarms.
Other common items that can set off airport body scanners include thick hair, especially if it is braided or in a bun, hair clips, body piercings, undergarments with wire supports, and sweat. While these items may seem innocuous, they can trigger the scanner's sensors, leading to further checks or pat-downs.
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Medical devices, like pacemakers
Medical devices, such as pacemakers, have been known to cause false alarms at airport security. However, it is important to note that pacemakers do not affect the functionality of airport body scanners. A 2019 study by the Heart Rhythm Society found no negative interference after analyzing over 1,000 scans. This study is significant as it is the first to examine the relationship between body scanners and the impact on the functionality of medical devices.
The study included various types of devices, such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), conventional pacemakers, subcutaneous ICDs, and leadless pacemakers. The results showed that individuals with these devices can safely pass through airport security checkpoints without restrictions or special precautions.
Despite these findings, some individuals with pacemakers may still feel uncomfortable passing through body scanners. In such cases, it is advisable to inform the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or security personnel before proceeding. They may offer alternative procedures, such as a pat-down, to accommodate your concerns.
It is worth mentioning that airport body scanners have evolved over the years. Initially, there were privacy concerns as the scanners produced detailed images of passengers' bodies. However, software improvements have been made to address these issues, including blurring facial images and displaying chalk outlines instead. Additionally, security personnel are now separated from passengers, ensuring that they do not directly view the scanned individuals.
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Sweat, especially with powder
Sweat can set off airport body scanners, which is surprising given that it does not violate the TSA liquid limit. According to TSA expert Shawna Malvini Redden, "perspiration is probably the weirdest thing that can set off the scanners".
Body scanners use a technology called Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) for full-body scans at airport checkpoints. This technology uses electromagnetic radiation to send millimeter waves toward a passenger's insides. The waves go through clothing and reflect off the passenger's skin and anything else concealed, bouncing back an image that is interpreted by the machine.
The waves can detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic threats in a matter of seconds. However, the machines are not infallible. They can malfunction, and alarms can occasionally be set off without good reason.
If you are someone who sweats a lot, there are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of setting off a body scanner. Firstly, dress simply and avoid wearing clothing with thick hair, braids or buns, hair clips, wire supports in undergarments, or body piercings, as these can all trigger the alarm. Secondly, make sure to remove everything from your pockets, including small scraps of paper, as even these can cause the scanner to go off. Finally, if you are concerned about setting off the scanner due to perspiration, you can inform the TSO of your concerns before entering the machine.
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Thick hair, particularly in braids or buns
Thick hair, particularly when styled in braids or buns, can set off airport body scanners. This is because hair, especially when thick and in braids or buns, can show up on body scanners as a "bulge" or "anomaly" that warrants further investigation. This is especially true if you have hair clips holding your hair in place, as the metal in the clips can also set off the scanner.
It's important to note that airport body scanners are primarily looking for threats, such as weapons or explosive materials. They are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic threat items. For example, if you have a medical device, such as a pacemaker, it could set off the scanner, but it's important to let the TSO know before you go through the scanner so they can take that into account. Similarly, if you have thick hair that may set off the scanner, you can inform the TSO beforehand to help expedite the process.
While older versions of body scanners raised privacy concerns as they showed naked images of passengers, newer scanners have implemented safeguards to protect passenger privacy. These newer scanners display a generic or "paper doll-like" outline that does not reveal gender or body type. Additionally, the officer viewing the image is kept separate from the passengers, ensuring that the scanner operator never comes into direct contact with the person being scanned.
It's worth mentioning that body scanners are not perfect and can sometimes malfunction or produce false alarms. For example, they may be set off by something as innocuous as layered clothing, zippers, or buttons, or even perspiration. If you do accidentally set off the scanner, it's usually not a huge problem and may simply require a pat-down by a same-gender TSA officer who will wear clean gloves and explain the procedure to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport body scanners detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without physically removing clothes or making physical contact. They can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects. Some common items that set off airport body scanners include:
- Thick hair, especially if it's in a braid or bun
- Hair clips
- Body piercings
- Underwire bras
- External tumours
- Sweat
- Glycerin, which is often found in skincare products
- Powder-like substances
- Buttons and zippers
If you set off an airport body scanner, you may be pulled aside for a more detailed check. This could include a pat-down screening, where a TSA officer of the same gender as you will explain the procedure and wear clean gloves. They will use the backs of their hands to touch you in private areas, and you can ask for the pat-down to be conducted in a private room.
Airport body scanners are devices used for security screening purposes to detect objects on or inside a person's body. They were introduced in airports after various airliner bombing attempts in the 2000s, including a failed attempt to detonate explosives hidden in underwear on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit in 2009. There are two main types of full-body scanners: millimeter wave scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners.
