Could Wearing an Underwire Bra Subject you to an Intrusive Body Search at an Airport Checkpoint?
When you get dressed before a trip there are certain things that you think about. Will I be comfortable wearing this all day? Will I look put together when I get there? If you’re an experienced traveler, you may even take the time to dress with the TSA checkpoint in mind. You might forgo a bulky coat or wear shoes that slip on and off easily. Until it happens to you, however, you are unlikely suspect that your undergarments could set off the scanning machine and subject you to a pat down or strip search.
Underwire Crackdown
Unfortunately, this scenario is a very real one. According to the TSA, their scanners are so sensitive that even the small amount of metal in an underwire bra can set them off. Indeed, this is one of the leading causes of an alert on the scanner and underwires are listed on the TSA regulations website as an item to avoid when flying.
Avoiding Underwire Unpleasantness
So what does that mean for you as a traveler? It depends. You could simply continue to wear your bras to fly and take the chance that you won’t be asked to submit to a more invasive procedure by the TSA. The scanner does not always alert to underwires since many are made with more plastic than metal these days and many women never have to deal with the issue at all. In addition, various TSA employees will handle such an alert in different ways. Some will wave you through when they determine the issue while some will take a harder line. Just remember however, that resisting scans or searches can get you barred from travel or fined. Alternatively, you could choose to wear a bra that provides support without an underwire—an easy way to avoid the issue—or go without and pack a bra in your carry on in case you decide you need it later.
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