What is TSA looking for when they scan your phone?

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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“TSA officers are really focused on looking for any possible explosives, and that's really what we're focused on because that could cause a catastrophic incident on an aircraft, said Farbstein.

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Passenger presents digital ID at the TDC (read: Travel Document Checkpoint) to engage CAT-2 to prompt the use of the digital ID. The passenger's device prompts the passenger to provide consent to securely transmit the requested data (i.e. name, gender, date of birth, and photo) to TSA.

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The TSA checks passengers' identity and whether a passenger has a boarding pass; generally, they are not screening for immigration status.

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Airport body scanners can't see inside the body and therefore can't detect a tampon on a TSA female body scan image. “Millimeter wave imaging technology does not detect items inside a passenger's body or penetrate the skin,” Langston says.

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Other things that accidentally set off body scanners are body piercings and wire supports in undergarments. External tumors might also trigger the machine, but growths inside—such as fibroids—will not. “Perspiration is probably the weirdest thing that can set off the scanners,” Malvini Redden says.

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Here's what you can't pack in your carry on:
  • Liquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
  • Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns)
  • Stun guns and tasers.
  • Sharp objects (knives, axes, razor blades)
  • Self-defense items (such as pepper spray, brass knuckle, billy clubs)


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“Mobile phone signals can interfere with aircraft navigational and landing guidance systems.” The relationship between phone signals and navigational systems is not an exact science, which is why everyone we spoke to was careful in their language.

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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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The TSA does not require you to have your medication in its original prescription bottle, so traveling with a pill case does not violate any rules. You will also generally not have to tell the officers about your medication unless it is a liquid.

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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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Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

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Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin. 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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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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Do you have to remove jewelry through airport security? Most fine jewelry and small pieces will go through airport security without a problem. Anything that's bulky or made of metal can trigger a wand-down, though, so make sure to remove those pieces and place them in your carry-on before going through security.

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You are not required to remove any jewelry when going through airport security unless it triggers an alarm from the metal detector.

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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. This is regardless if the pills are contained in plastic pill bottles, or contained in any other non-metallic and metallic objects.

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There are usually five types of items that security officers look for. They are liquids, powders, batteries, sharp objects, and organic materials. Each of these can be detected by the baggage scanners. A TSA agent will likely pull any flagged baggage for manual inspection.

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The TSA's liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person, or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag.

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You may place medications in 3.4 ounce (100 milliliters) or smaller containers in a one-quart size clear zip-top plastic bag along with your other personal liquid and gel items. If your prescription medications come in larger containers or bottles, you will need to pack them separately in your carry-on bag.

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