What do the TSA scanner colors mean?

By comparing the two detectors' outputs, the machine can construct an image showing not just the position of objects, but also roughly what they're made of and their density. Organic materials like paper, food and explosives are orange, while blue or green are used for metals and glass.



On modern TSA Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners, the "colors" you see on the screen are part of an Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software designed to protect passenger privacy while highlighting potential threats. The software displays a generic "cookie-cutter" human silhouette rather than your actual body. A Yellow/Orange box appearing on a specific part of the silhouette indicates an "anomaly" or an object that the scanner cannot identify as part of the human body, such as a forgotten wallet, a belt buckle, or even a thick bun in a passenger's hair. This triggers a targeted "pat-down" of only that specific area. A Green screen with the word "OK" or "CLEAR" means no anomalies were detected, and you are free to proceed. If the system detects a more significant density discrepancy, it may flag the area more prominently for a supervisor. Unlike older X-ray machines, these colors do not represent "organic vs. inorganic" materials (which are usually blue/orange on baggage scanners) but are simply "location markers" for security officers to investigate further.

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Baggage scanner color codes
  • Orange represents organic material (food, paper, marijuana),
  • Green represents medium-dense non-organic materials like plastic soda bottles,
  • Blue represents metals or hard plastic.


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Organic materials like paper, food and explosives are orange, while blue or green are used for metals and glass. The denser the material, the darker the colour.

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Can you see a tampon during an airport body scan? This is a frequently asked question on Google, and if it's something you're worried about, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Airport body scanners can't see inside the body and therefore can't detect a tampon on a TSA female body scan image.

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Traveling with your Silicone Breast Form Newer airport security body scanners detect all objects between the scanner and the skin, and while they are able to recognize clothing, they are unable to identify silicone breast forms. If you are wearing a prosthesis it could therefore trigger an alarm.

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If there is a threat, a red box will appear on the outline at the location of the object. If there is no threat, an OK will appear on the screen without an outline. It will also allow the passengers to see what the TSA agents see when they step through the scanner.

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It depends on how your ticket was booked. If your flights were booked under one ticket, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. If your flights were booked under separate tickets, you will need to collect your bags and recheck them before your connecting flight.

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While other colors are increasingly common, black remains a great suitcase color for hiding signs of wear and tear. You can't go wrong with a stylish black luggage set, especially if you travel for business purposes. A black suitcase is the bag of choice for corporate travelers.

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In the US, TSA doesn't care about cigarettes as they are no hazard to aircraft operation. So there is no need to hide them. You can carry one book of safety matches or 1 lighter on your person, or in your carry on bags. Matches and lighters are prohibited in checked luggage in general.

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Airport scanners generally show solid masses on the surface area of a person's body and/or in their clothing. If a large cyst or mass appears to stick up above the skin or body outline around it, or looks like a solid mass compared to the area around it, the scanner may reflect that, said Dr.

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Furthermore, the GAO report found that it isn't just headgear and hairstyles that increases the rate of false alarms, a passenger's body fat content will also affect the rate of false alarms.

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TSA Officers must apply sufficient pressure in order to ensure detection of any prohibited items. The officer will describe the patdown procedure, which may include inspection of your head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and buttocks.

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There are signs that will indicate you have been flagged for additional screenings: You were not able to print a boarding pass from an airline ticketing kiosk or from the internet. You were denied or delayed boarding. A ticket agent “called someone” before handing you a boarding pass.

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As shown in more detail below, this additional screening could be caused by things like: Your name matching a name of interest in a database. You raising suspicions while going through airport security. Your bag getting flagged when going through an x-ray machine.

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Airport body searches, or “pat downs” involve being physically pat down by a security officer to confirm that you aren't carrying prohibited items under your clothing. Airport pat downs happen for two reasons: by random chance or because something about your clothing, appearance, or luggage seems suspicious.

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The TSA Full Body Scanner CAN See Your Menstrual Cup - Here's What You Need to Know. Have you ever wondered if the airport full body scan can see your menstrual products? Yes, it can. Find out what to expect when flying with your period.

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Airport security body scanners detect all objects between the scanner and the skin; and whilst they are able to recognise clothing they are unable to identify silicone breast forms. If you are wearing a prosthesis it could therefore trigger an alarm.

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Metal implants in the body, including joint replacements, plates, screws, and rods, can set off metal detectors during airport security screenings.

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