Sweating due to hot weather can cause trouble for travelers going through airport security, especially when perspiration accumulates in sensitive areas. Many have experienced being scanned with handheld metal detectors due to excessive body moisture.
A recent post on Reddit by an air traveler gained attention after recounting their experience with security scanners, sparking a discussion about sweating while flying, according to Fox News Digital.
The Reddit post was titled, "My groin set off the alarm twice, any thoughts?".
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Security check procedures at the airport. Photo: AP |
The passenger explained that they triggered the alarm twice at two different airports in June. While not bothered by the additional checks due to the polite security staff, the passenger was curious about the cause.
The post quickly drew numerous speculative comments. Some suggested that sweat, especially during summer, could easily trigger false alarms.
Another user shared a similar experience at Tampa airport, expressing embarrassment when security personnel mentioned their excessive sweating. Another recounted a last-minute rush to the airport, resulting in profuse sweating that triggered the scanner's moisture detection. This individual underwent two additional checks.
According to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), body moisture alters the density of clothing fabric. This can cause full-body scanners to trigger false alarms, particularly if sweat accumulates in sensitive areas. When the alarm is triggered, passengers must undergo additional screening. Security personnel typically use handheld metal detectors and manual checks of the suspected area to ensure no prohibited items are present.
To avoid such issues, the TSA advises passengers to wear breathable clothing, use antiperspirant, and dry themselves before passing through scanners. Passengers are also advised to remain calm during additional checks, as these are necessary security procedures.
Beyond sweating, other behavioral indicators can also raise suspicion. Jeff Price, an Australian airport security training coordinator with 33 years of experience, explained that security personnel are trained to detect unusual "clusters of behavior," rather than single gestures.
"We often have people observing passengers, monitoring their attitudes and behavior to understand what's considered normal at an airport," Price said.
One noticeable sign is clothing inappropriate for the departure or arrival location's weather. Excessive yawning can also attract attention. According to Price, people tend to inhale more oxygen when stressed.
Mai Phuong (According to Fox News Digital)
