How to Prepare for Full Body Scanners at the Airport
As of mid-2011, 78 airports across the United States used full body scanners, according to the Transportation Security Administration. TSA uses two different types of machines to conduct these scans, also known as Advanced Imaging Technology, or AIT. The millimeter wave AIT uses radio waves to create a three-dimensional image of your body, while the back scanner AIT employs a low-energy x-ray beam to create an image resembling a chalk drawing. Because the images show both metallic and non-metallic items, AIT screening requires you to remove items from your pockets that normally would pass through a metal detector without question.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 qt.-sized clear plastic bag with zipper top
- 3.4-ounce or smaller plastic containers
Instructions
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Before Leaving for the Airport
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Slip-on shoes help speed your voyage through security. Wear slip-on shoes such as clogs, loafers, mules or deck shoes that are easy to remove in the security line. Wear socks so you won't be barefoot after removing your shoes.
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Place all liquids, gels or aerosols you plan to carry onto the aircraft in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. Put these containers in a single one-quart, clear, plastic, zipper-top bag. Put this bag on the top of the items in your carry-on luggage.
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Empty your pockets of any items you won't need on the plane, such as extra change, gum wrappers or receipts.
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Chunky jewelry is more likely to cause screening difficulties. Select minimal jewelry to wear on your trip or choose non-metallic options.
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A belly piercing may look suspicious on airport imaging. Remove jewelry from any body piercings, if possible.
At the Airport
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Have your travel documents and ID ready for inspection. Hold your boarding pass and photo identification, such as your driver's license for domestic travel or your passport for international travel in your hand as you approach the security area. Hand these to the TSA officer when asked.
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Remove your shoes as you approach the X-ray machine. Place directly on the belt leading into the X-ray machine.
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Take the plastic bag with your liquids, gels and aerosols from your carry-on and place it in a bin provided for items to be X-rayed.
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Use bins to keep your small items together during x-ray. Remove your jacket or sweater and place it in the same bin. Also place any other medium-sized objects you are carrying separately from your carry-on, such as a laptop, handbag, cell phone or reading materials. You may use more than one bin, if necessary. Keep all items in a single layer in each bin. Place the bins on the belt leading to the X-ray machine.
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Small bins help pocket items pass through X-ray safely. Empty the contents of your pockets into one of the small bins, which are usually circular bowls. Remove your belt, watch, wallet or chunky jewelry and place it in another small bin. Place these on the belt leading to the X-ray machine.
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Follow the directions of the TSA officer when it is your turn to enter the body scanner. Stand facing one wall of the machine with your feet on designated points on the floor mat with your hands over your head. After the scan, exit the machine and wait with your feet positioned on a similar mat outside the machine until the officer tells you that your image has cleared inspection.
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Tips & Warnings
You may leave small electronics such as cells phones and I-pods in your carry-on luggage, but not in your pockets. These cause an anomaly on the image that security officials will need to examine.
You have the right to refuse a full body scan, which subjects you to alternative screening techniques that include a physical pat down.
Do not challenge airport security officials or joke about threats. Such behavior triggers additional security screening.
References
- Transportation Security Administration: Advanced Imaging Technology
- Transportation Security Administration: How to Get Through the Line Faster
- ABC News Travel; Does Your Airport Use Full-Body Scanners?; November 2010
- Department of Homeland Security; Fact Sheet; Advanced Imaging Technology Health & Safety
- Transportation Security Administration: Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Baerbel Schmidt/Digital Vision/Getty Images Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
