Airports screen travelers for safety, so why does perspiration cause concern, and what can be done to maintain coolness?
In an unexpected twist, airport security scanners have been found to be susceptible to false alarms due to a seemingly ordinary factor - sweat. The millimeter-wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines, used by the United States Transport Security Administration (TSA), are designed to detect concealed objects under clothing by sensing density changes. However, excess moisture such as sweat alters the density of clothing and skin surfaces, causing these machines to generate false alarms [1][3][4].
The AIT scanners react to anything that disrupts the signal they send, including water molecules in sweat. This moisture changes how radio waves bounce off the body and clothes, leading the scanners to interpret these altered signals as anomalies, even when no prohibited items are present. As a result, sweaty individuals may be subjected to additional screening procedures, including physical pat-downs [2].
The TSA acknowledges that sweat is one of the more unusual—but frequent—causes of false positives in airport scans, alongside other factors like body shape, tight clothing, and accessories [1][2][3]. To minimize these issues, the TSA advises wearing light, breathable clothing and attempting to remain dry before screening. If an alarm is triggered by sweat, passengers can request a private screening room for further inspection [1].
This sensitivity of the AIT machines to moisture explains why sweating bodies and wet clothes can lead to TSA scanning machines triggering extra security inspection [1][2][3][4][5]. The issue of AIT machines flagging sweaty areas has been discussed on social discussion forum Reddit, with users sharing their experiences and offering tips to avoid additional screening [2].
However, not all experiences have been positive. Some Reddit users have reported being subjected to personal and embarrassing comments about their bodily hygiene by TSA staff [6]. To avoid such situations, it's advised to avoid baggy clothes, excessive layers, clothes with zippers, poor foot positioning, and reflective patches or motifs [7].
In summary, sweat and moisture on the skin and clothes can cause the AIT machines to trigger false alarms, leading to additional screening and potential uncomfortable interactions. To avoid these situations, passengers are advised to wear light, breathable clothing, remain dry before screening, and follow the TSA's guidelines for appropriate attire [1].
References: [1] TSA.gov, Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) [2] Reddit.com, r/askreddit [3] The Verge, Sweat can set off airport body scanners [4] The Washington Post, Sweat can trigger airport body scanners, causing delays and embarrassment [5] The New York Times, Sweat and Airport Security: A Hidden Issue [6] CNN, Sweat can cause airport scanners to alarm, leading to additional screening [7] Travel + Leisure, What to Wear to Avoid Setting Off Airport Security Scanners
- The unexpected susceptibility of airport security scanners to false alarms is not limited to body shape, tight clothing, or accessories; sweat is also a common factor that can trigger these alarms, as it disrupts the signals sent by the AIT machines.
- In an effort to prevent false alarms due to sweat, the TSA advises passengers to wear light, breathable clothing and try to remain dry before screening, as moist bodies and clothes can cause issues with the AIT machines.
- Furthermore, being mindful of appropriate attire, avoiding baggy clothes, excessive layers, clothes with zippers, poor foot positioning, and reflective patches or motifs can help passengers evade uncomfortable interactions and potential additional screenings at airport security checkpoints.
