Passengers have several thoughts in their heads when they go through the TSA screening process. The moment they have to pass the body scan machines, they may feel a bit of panic. Many assume that the TSA check machines can look inside the bodies, and what if they’re invading their privacy?
Before 9/11, the security checks were not so strict. People could chill before the flights without any restrictions on what they could carry, and even the limits on liquids were not so strict. However, the security aspect changed after the event. Moreover, now people have to carry REAL IDs even for domestic travelers for identity confirmation.
The tight security restrictions include facial recognition and body scans to ensure a person’s identity. They are often asked to take off their shoes, put items from their bags in a tray, and empty their pockets. In addition, they also have to pass the body scanners, feeling like digital scanners are stripping their body.
Friendly reminder that the facial recognition scan at TSA is optional and totally unnecessary when we already show our ID, our ticket and let them scan our body + bags. “I decline the photo” is all you have to say and you’ll be done with it. 😉 pic.twitter.com/YHtWalJmIy
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) April 24, 2025
However, this isn’t the truth; the scanners cannot scan skin or cellulite! These machines work using technology like X-ray machines. They emit radiofrequency and electromagnetic waves that reflect back from organic matter, metal, and non-metal obstructions. It helps notify people about suspicious or dangerous objects.
The electronic waves are low power, so they don’t have any impact on the skin. They do not penetrate the organs or create an image of them on the computers. In reality, these machines have 1000 times less radiation than a traditional X-ray machine in hospitals.
So even if you have a pacemaker, you do not have to worry about the machines impacting it. These mild wavelengths only detect objects without causing any harm to the body. Plus, they don’t create an image of your body in case you feel invaded.
🌞 Skip The TSA Scanners
The mmWave scanners at TSA blast your body with 24–30 GHz frequencies.
Yes—they say it’s “safe.”
No—it’s not.Always opt for the PAT DOWN.
The scan takes 5 seconds. That damage can last for years. pic.twitter.com/EcaV7aTzfc
— 🌞 Christian Van Camp 🌞 (@cvcwellness) April 8, 2025
For TSA agents, these machines are there to detect drugs or explosives, but they also give an image of keys, wallets, and coins if left in the pockets. What else do the TSA agents see? They are not seeing your nude under the machines for sure. The machines just give a layout of the human body with the shape and nothing else. So it doesn’t give away the goods.
The waves create something similar to a silhouette and any object that may be an obstruction.
If they detect you’re carrying a suspicious object, you may get hand-scanned by the agents. TSA agents often catch people carrying endangered birds in their shoes or snakes in their pants. Moreover, addicts try to smuggle drugs hidden in their bodies. So these searches do make sense when people are doing such illegal activities.
With that said, the workers are aware of the privacy and how many people may not know how the search works. But you don’t have anything to worry about unless you’re doing something illegal. Just carry the right IDs and comply with the screening process to board your flight quickly.
