What Is a Full Body Scanner?

What is a full body scanner?

A full body scanner is the security machine at airport checkpoints that screens passengers for items concealed under their clothing, without physical contact. According to the TSA, these machines, known as Advanced Imaging Technology or AIT, use safe millimeter-wave technology to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats hidden on the body, which a traditional metal detector would miss. You step into the scanner, raise your arms over your head in the marked position, and stand still for a couple of seconds while it scans. The scanner is a key part of modern screening, replacing sole reliance on walk-through metal detectors at many lanes. It looks for anomalies on your person, complementing the X-ray screening of your bags.

How does a full body scanner work?

Using the scanner is quick and simple. When directed, you step onto the marked footprints inside the machine, raise your arms above your head with elbows bent, and hold still for a moment while the scanner sweeps around or across you using millimeter waves. Rather than showing a detailed image of your body, the system displays a generic outline, the same cartoon-like figure for everyone, and highlights the specific area of that figure where it detects a possible anomaly, so the officer knows where to check. If nothing is flagged, you walk through and collect your belongings. If an area is highlighted, an officer will resolve it, usually with a targeted pat-down of that spot. The whole process takes just seconds when nothing is flagged.

Are full body scanners safe?

Yes, the full body scanners in use are considered safe. Modern airport scanners use millimeter-wave technology, which emits low-energy, non-ionizing radio waves, not the ionizing radiation of X-rays, so they do not carry the radiation concerns associated with medical X-rays. The energy involved is very low, comparable to or less than that of everyday devices like cell phones. The older backscatter X-ray scanners, which did use a small amount of ionizing radiation and raised more concern, were phased out of US airports years ago. Health and safety authorities regard the current millimeter-wave scanners as safe for regular use, including for frequent flyers. If you still prefer not to use one, you always have the option to opt out.

Can you opt out of a full body scanner?

Yes, you can opt out of the full body scanner and request a pat-down instead. If you prefer not to go through the scanner for any reason, simply tell the officer you would like to opt out, and you will be screened by a physical pat-down conducted by an officer of the same gender, typically in view of other passengers or in a private area if you request. The pat-down is thorough and takes longer than the scanner, so allow extra time. Some travelers are also routinely sent through a metal detector instead, and TSA PreCheck lanes often use a walk-through metal detector rather than the body scanner. Opting out is your right, though it means a hands-on screening rather than the quick scan.