What does TSA screening look for?

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners at airports check passengers and personal items for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals and liquids that are not allowed as carry-on items.



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TSA uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers. Millimeter wave advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers without physical contact for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing.

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In Standard Screening Lane
Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.

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One of the most common reasons you will get a pat down is if you refuse to go through the walk-through metal detector or the full body scanner. For some people going through a metal detector is not an option, while others just may prefer to not go through these.

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The groin area between the abdomen and thigh contains several lymph nodes, blood vessels, and muscles. Airport body scanners often target the groin area because it contains sensitive areas that could be mistaken for weapons or explosives.

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Common Products That Test Positive
Hand soaps that contain glycerin (Rinse very thoroughly after washing your hands.) Lawn fertilizers (Nitrates: Wash your hands and especially your shoes.)

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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The TSA largely looks for physical evidence that a passenger could be a threat, so they'll generally have no reason to search through the data on your phone. After all, they're the Transportation Security Agency, not a detective agency. Even if they did have reason to want to access your phone, they'd need a warrant.

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In Standard Screening Lane
  1. Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
  2. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
  3. Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.


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Baggy clothing can include low-hanging pants, flowy skirts, heavy sweaters or sweatshirts, and loose dresses – things that would allow malicious travelers to hide prohibited items. Airport security may need to do a pat-down inspection if your clothes are too loose and they suspect you may be hiding prohibited items.

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Chargers and cables for electronic devices don't need to be removed from your carry-on when going through airport security. That said, they do clutter the x-ray images a lot, so unless you've packed just a few chargers in there, the TSA agents might ask you to remove them from the bag and place them in a separate bin.

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For example, classic stick deodorant doesn't have any limitations, so you're free to pack whatever size you want. Liquids and semi-liquids, on the other hand, are subject to restrictions. This includes many of the popular alternatives to stick deodorant: Roll-On Deodorants and Antiperspirants.

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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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If you're wondering if airport scanners can see pills, the answer is yes, they can see the pills that you are traveling with.

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Any item under your clothes, regardless of what it's made of, can be seen. This technology uses harmless electromagnetic waves to produce an image of the body that allows the security officer to ensure there are no items or threat items concealed on that person, said TSA spokeswoman Lauren Gaches.

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The Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. The TSA swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. This was an expansion in 2010 from simply swabbing luggage and other items.

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Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be carried in carry-on baggage. Flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin.

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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

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In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

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Security or immigration violations Some violations could result in denial, suspension or revocation, especially if there are criminal implications. Examples include assault, threat, intimidation or interference with a flight crew. Immigration violations are taken seriously, too.

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How accurate is TSA screening? According to officials briefed on the results of a recent Homeland Security Inspector General's report, TSA agents failed 67 out of 70 tests, with Red Team members repeatedly able to get potential weapons through checkpoints.

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Various nitrates are often used in the making of explosives (e.g., trinitrotoluene, a.k.a. TNT) and they're checking to see if you've been handling any recently. I find it interesting that they were checking hands—perhaps that's more accurate than some of the other sampling sites they've used in the past.

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