During this summer, many countries around the world are experiencing sweltering heatwaves. As it is also the peak of vacation season, numerous families are taking flights to travel with their children. However, flying during these sweaty days may pose an unexpected issue – undergoing additional body searches during security checks.
According to a report by Fox News, a passenger triggered an alarm while passing through airport security, leading to further body searches at two airports in the United States. The passenger shared their experience on social media, sparking an online discussion about passing security checks while dripping in sweat.
The passenger wrote, “I don’t mind the body search. They were polite and professional, and I don’t mind it, but I want to know the reason behind it.”
One internet user commented, “The machine will sound the alarm when there is a lot of sweating (I’ve experienced it myself), and now it’s summer, so this situation may be more common.”
Another user asked, “Are you sweating?” The searched passenger replied, “Perhaps a little. I’m afraid of flying, so I’m nervous.”
Another commenter shared, “Every time I sweat due to rushing to catch a flight, this situation happens to me.”
Excessive sweating can result in passengers being subjected to additional body searches while passing through the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners at airport security, especially when sweat accumulates on tight-fitting clothes.
So, why does this happen? A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official revealed the secret behind it.
A TSA spokesperson told CNN, “An increase in body moisture can alter the density of clothing, causing sweat to trigger alarms in our Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners.”
“If this situation occurs, passengers may need to undergo additional security checks, such as body searches on the areas indicated by the AIT alarms, to ensure there is no danger,” the spokesperson said.
One internet user explained, “If you pass through a machine that requires raising your hands over your head during security checks, it will detect moisture.”
“I’ve been stopped for additional checks twice,” another user shared.