TSA/Full-Body Scanners While Pregnant?

FutureMrsW9

DH and I are flying this week.  My m/w gave me the OK to fly, but said not to go through the full body scanners - there's no proof that they're not safe, but there's also no proof that they are safe while pregnant.  That said, has anyone had to go through security while pregnant and avoid going through the scanners?  If so, did you have to make arrangements ahead of time?  I'm not sure if I need to make arrangements ahead of time or just tell the TSA agent when he checks my ID.  I looked on their website, but it didn't have anything about pregnant women or how to even contact them to ask this question.  I just want to make sure I cross my T's and dot my I's before we leave so that I don't hold up my whole family and/or a line of disgruntled people waiting to go through security.

steprozz

I have and I chose not to go through the full body scanners. you have the right to make that choice. they will pull you to the side and do a full body pat down and use the handheld wand. it will take an extra 15-20 minutes and is kind of embarrassing but worth it to not take the risk of the scanner IMO

eta you dont have to make arrangements ahead of time just let them know when it's your turn to go through that you don't want to because you're pregnant.

jaybee11

I flew around 26 weeks and had the same question.  On my initial flight, I deferred and got the pat-down.  You just put your things on the scanner like normal, then tell the agent in front of the scanner that you don't want to go through.  Some may give you attitude, but I honestly didn't care that much--I feel like their whole smoke and mirrors security thing is BS anyway.  Just make sure that you give yourself a little extra time, since you may have to wait for a female agent to do the pat-down.  They aren't always in a hurry with that.

Just a note--on my return flight, I was running late and actually went through the scanner.  I really don't think the amount of exposure you and LO will get from one scan is enough to make a difference; I would be more concerned if I were a very frequent flier.

rastrau

I never go through the full body scanners, pregnant or not. You don't need a doctor's note or even an excuse, just tell them you opt-out. 

If you can, scope out the security lines and see if any of them are feeding directly through the metal detectors as opposed to the scanners - if any are, get in that line and it's a non-issue. If you end up in a body scanner line and opt-out when it's your turn, they'll pull you to the side and you'll get a pat down from a female TSA agent. They'll want to run their fingers around the inside of your waistband and up your legs, so dress accordingly.

As PP have mentioned, you may have to wait a few minutes for a female agent to be available, but it shouldn't be terribly long. Definitely allow for this extra time when planning your arrival at the airport though.

ElTrain5

You'll get a lot of people telling you "they are perfectly safe".  The reality is, they are perfectly safe IF they are tested and maintained perfectly.  To put it in perspective, the x-ray machines at hospitals are testing very frequently, sometimes daily, for radiation output/functioning/maintenance, etc.  The current recommendation for the TSA is to check their machines once a year.  So, the question then  becomes, 1) is that sufficient for you, and 2) do you really think they check them even that often.  As a former flight attendant, I answer "nope" to both, so I opt for a pat down.  I still work for an airline and travel extremely frequently.  All you have to say is "I am opting for a pat-down" once you get up to the back-scatter machine.  99% of the time a pat-down includes you standing in a designated spot, shoes off, arms out, while your stuff goes through the scanners, a person of the same sex wearing gloves will lightly rub their hands over your arms, legs (including in between), and torso.  They will then use the backs of their gloved hands to lightly run them over your breasts.  They will also awkwardly narrate the entire thing ("I am now going to run the backs of my hands over your breasts.  Do I have your permission to touch your breasts with the backs of my hands?" "Um...go for it?").  I've never in the last decade of flying had anyone reach into my pants or under my shirt.  If they need to do anything like that (and I've never even seen it being done to anyone else) they should take someone to a private room.  Takes about 20-30 seconds on average, although finding a female TSA agent to come over and do the pat down may take a couple of minutes.  It's really no big deal at all. Regardless of whether you go through the back scatter scanner, they may also want to check your hands/feet/shoes/etc. for chemicals, which involves them running a small cotton square over whatever they are checking, placing the square in a machine, waiting for a result, and then letting you go on your way.

emfoxc

I've done this for three trips since pregnant.  Like a pp mentioned, try to hit the metal detector line, but if you don't, just tell the TSA agent right there that you want to opt-out.  I have never been hassled about it or gotten attitude.  They actually seem apologetic when they say it may be just a moment for a female pat-down assist.  Only one time did it take a ridiculous amount of time (10 minutes of pure waiting, but seemed long considering how many female agents were milling around chatting).  Most pat-downs were SUPER easy, almost a joke.  But on my return from the east coast yesterday, that was the most thorough pat-down I have every received.  They did the inside the waistband check that someone mentioned, which was a little surprising.  Also, FYI they did offer to do the pat-down in a private screening area, but seems that would just take more time....really it's no big deal, they do it all the time.

Valie18

I skipped the scanners when I went through security at ~20 weeks. I got to the front of the line and said "I prefer a pat-down please." I got called "Prego," but otherwise the experience was fine. I was wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt under a thin sweatshirt. The pat-down was super fast and non-invasive.

FutureMrsW9

Thanks for all the input ladies, I'm less concerned now - it was more about whether or not I needed to let them know ahead of time, which it looks like I don't.  I'm flying out of EWR, and unfortunately I don't think they even have the metal detectors anymore...in the past few years all of the lines have had the full body scanners.  Figures.  We're going to MCO...not sure if they have metal detectors or body scanners these days, but I guess I'll find out on the way home.

If I want my DH to be present when I'm being pat down, do you know if that'll be an issue?  Male or female patter-downer, I'd prefer my husband to be on guard...it's just a comfort thing that I think I get from my dad.  We flew the summer after 9/11 and all of my mom, my sister (who was like 10 at the time) and me got pulled out and patted down.  My dad REFUSED to walk away while it was happening and insisted on watching saying "that's my wife, I'm not going anywhere while you touch her" etc. and they gave him attitude but let him, but then made him get back on line once it was done and go through security again LOL...so yeah, that's probably where I get that from.

Taymiller

I have flown several times during this pregnancy and I just tell them I would like to opt out. I had one agent give me a lot of crap about how it is safe and I shouldn't worry. I told him this is my unborn child and there isn't enough research and my doctor husband told me I should opt out as well. He continued to give my crap to which I finally said I am not here to argue with you, I would like my pat down now thank you.

It isn't a big deal and the pat down just adds a little time to the security wait. Out of the 10 times I have gone through security I only had that one jerk.

FutureMrsW9

@Taymiller said:

I have flown several times during this pregnancy and I just tell them I would like to opt out. I had one agent give me a lot of crap about how it is safe and I shouldn't worry. I told him this is my unborn child and there isn't enough research and my doctor husband told me I should opt out as well. He continued to give my crap to which I finally said I am not here to argue with you, I would like my pat down now thank you. It isn't a big deal and the pat down just adds a little time to the security wait. Out of the 10 times I have gone through security I only had that one jerk.

That's obnoxious.  I would probably have asked him to provide me with the research showing that it's safe and if he could produce that then I'd be happy to go through.  Otherwise, feel free to ask my unborn baby what s/he would prefer to do....oh wait....

k2k2tog

I opted out a couple weeks ago flying out of Vegas. First time I've actually been faced with one of those monstrous things, so I wasn't exactly expecting it. I just told the agent I wanted a different option and got the pat down. He was pretty grumpy about it, but the woman who did the pat down was completely understanding and very quick and respectful. Not really fun, but in the end, NBD. 

The unfortunate part? We got separated from my parents going through security. In their line, the airport was trying something new, apparently. My parents got to go through normal scanners (which I have no problem with), didn't have to take off their shoes, and made it through security in 10 minutes flat. DH and I took almost 45.  

steprozz

I'm jealous of you people with easygoing TSA and no biggie security stuff! they are way intense at the Atlanta airport if you don't get selected for pre-check. it's awful!

ElTrain5

FutureMrsW9 said:

Thanks for all the input ladies, I'm less concerned now - it was more about whether or not I needed to let them know ahead of time, which it looks like I don't.  I'm flying out of EWR, and unfortunately I don't think they even have the metal detectors anymore...in the past few years all of the lines have had the full body scanners.  Figures.  We're going to MCO...not sure if they have metal detectors or body scanners these days, but I guess I'll find out on the way home.

If I want my DH to be present when I'm being pat down, do you know if that'll be an issue?  Male or female patter-downer, I'd prefer my husband to be on guard...it's just a comfort thing that I think I get from my dad.  We flew the summer after 9/11 and all of my mom, my sister (who was like 10 at the time) and me got pulled out and patted down.  My dad REFUSED to walk away while it was happening and insisted on watching saying "that's my wife, I'm not going anywhere while you touch her" etc. and they gave him attitude but let him, but then made him get back on line once it was done and go through security again LOL...so yeah, that's probably where I get that from.

You will only be patted down by a female, never a male.  As for your husband "standing guard", he will be going through security at the same time as you, and will need to stay in the area he is supposed to stay in, typically you will be standing in a little squared off area right next to the security line (in Newark it's right there next to the scanners about 2-5 feet away, roped off with this little movie theater line things).  I would recommend your husband just go through security normally, he will be within eye sight of you, but not to make any kind of stink about needing to stand right next to you or "guard" you, as this will probably set off the TSA agents and make things unnecessarily tense/add more time to the process.  It really only takes a couple of minutes, and you will be right there in full view of the rest of the security line at all times (unless for some reason additional screening was needed).   

Taymiller

I do have to add one thing....they usually ask to go around the top of your pants.....on one such trip I was wearing my preggo pants up to my boobs. The TSA lady looked confused as I had to reach WAY up under my shirt to produce the top of my pants So from then on I always made sure to have my pants rolled down so I don't have to dig up my shirt for the top of my pants.

FutureMrsW9

@ElTrain5 said:

FutureMrsW9 said:

Thanks for all the input ladies, I'm less concerned now - it was more about whether or not I needed to let them know ahead of time, which it looks like I don't.  I'm flying out of EWR, and unfortunately I don't think they even have the metal detectors anymore...in the past few years all of the lines have had the full body scanners.  Figures.  We're going to MCO...not sure if they have metal detectors or body scanners these days, but I guess I'll find out on the way home.

If I want my DH to be present when I'm being pat down, do you know if that'll be an issue?  Male or female patter-downer, I'd prefer my husband to be on guard...it's just a comfort thing that I think I get from my dad.  We flew the summer after 9/11 and all of my mom, my sister (who was like 10 at the time) and me got pulled out and patted down.  My dad REFUSED to walk away while it was happening and insisted on watching saying "that's my wife, I'm not going anywhere while you touch her" etc. and they gave him attitude but let him, but then made him get back on line once it was done and go through security again LOL...so yeah, that's probably where I get that from.

You will only be patted down by a female, never a male.  As for your husband "standing guard", he will be going through security at the same time as you, and will need to stay in the area he is supposed to stay in, typically you will be standing in a little squared off area right next to the security line (in Newark it's right there next to the scanners about 2-5 feet away, roped off with this little movie theater line things).  I would recommend your husband just go through security normally, he will be within eye sight of you, but not to make any kind of stink about needing to stand right next to you or "guard" you, as this will probably set off the TSA agents and make things unnecessarily tense/add more time to the process.  It really only takes a couple of minutes, and you will be right there in full view of the rest of the security line at all times (unless for some reason additional screening was needed).   

OK, that's good to know - thanks!  I'm sure I've seen it before as I always fly out of Newark, but I've never taken the time to actually look and make a mental note.

MNOpea

I haven't ever had a TSA agent send me through the full body scanner, ususally when they see I am pregnant they send me through the old scanners and then do a hand swipe thing..

Abenedict2011

Thanks for the tips ladies. I'll be flying next week and hadn't even thought about the scanners, but now I feel prepared.

ElTrain5

Here's a couple of examples of where they'll do the pat down, right there in front of everyone.  Shouldn't be a problem for your hubby to keep an eye on you without being right next to you. 

JelloBean1

Funny to see this post today because I flew from FL to New Orleans this morning and was stressed all week about what to do when I got to security. Turns out the security line I went through doesn't even have the backscatter x-ray machines -- they only had the old-fashioned metal detectors so I just walked through those with no worries. If they did have the x-ray, I was going to ask for a pat-down as that is what my Doctor recommended. I'll have to see what the New Orleans security line is like going home.

FutureMrsW9

@JelloBean1 said:

Funny to see this post today because I flew from FL to New Orleans this morning and was stressed all week about what to do when I got to security. Turns out the security line I went through doesn't even have the backscatter x-ray machines -- they only had the old-fashioned metal detectors so I just walked through those with no worries. If they did have the x-ray, I was going to ask for a pat-down as that is what my Doctor recommended. I'll have to see what the New Orleans security line is like going home.

Were you flying out of MCO or a different airport in FL?

JelloBean1

FutureMrsW9 said:

@JelloBean1 said:

Funny to see this post today because I flew from FL to New Orleans this morning and was stressed all week about what to do when I got to security. Turns out the security line I went through doesn't even have the backscatter x-ray machines -- they only had the old-fashioned metal detectors so I just walked through those with no worries. If they did have the x-ray, I was going to ask for a pat-down as that is what my Doctor recommended. I'll have to see what the New Orleans security line is like going home.

Were you flying out of MCO or a different airport in FL?

I was flying out of Fort Lauderdale. I usually take JetBlue, and I've always gone through the scanners there, but I went Southwest this time and it was in a different terminal which had only the metal detectors. So, I guess it's not just dependent on what airport, but also what terminal you're in. 

SA1112

I'm surprised to hear about people getting attitude for not wanting to go through the scanner. I've done this twice now just said I'm pregnant I prefer not to be go through the scanner. They specifically waited for a female TSA agent to become available and then she patted me down and also asked if I wanted to go to a separate area for privacy they were really nice and it was no big deal I hope you have the same experience

MrsCase1

I refused the scanner and asked for the pat down and was chastised repeatedly by an agent. He made it into a huge scene and then dramatized about how long it would take to find someone "qualified" to do  a pat down. It did take several minutes to find someone but the pat down was super quick and she was really nice. You never have to go through the scanner, pregnant or not so I called the airport head for TSA and reamed the guy a new one. He got in trouble for not knowing people's rights.

momo21

I can't believe so many of you have received attitude. I'm always just ushered through to the regular metal detectors (this happens when you are carrying a baby in your arms too) and have never received a pat down. I don't remember which airports specifically, but I most often fly out of/to ORD, MDW, RDU, EWR and LGA.

momo21

Oh! But one time I did receive major attitude when I was traveling without the baby (but with breast milk). It was almost five years ago, and I don't remember the specifics, but I do remember the agent asking me how she could be sure that I'm breastfeeding, and I told her she could squeeze my boob and watch the milk come out. She looked shocked and there were a few snickers from the people in line behind me. Then her supervisor came over and apologized to me because she didn't know the rules. (But he also scolded me a little for being so cheeky.)

temursgirl

My experiences have been like what @ElTrain5‌ described. My home airport only has scanners, but no one has given me attitude over asking for a pat down. The pat down might take longer, but only like two minutes or so. DH is not a US citizen and fits a "profile" so even though he flies every week and they know who he is, it slows us down a bit in security anyway... The pat down is done by then. They always ask if I want to do it privately, but personally I think things like that are better done out in the open. I've never had an invasive pat down inside the US. If you go through security with your H, he will be pretty close by during the pat down. Also, one of you probably wants to keep an eye on your stuff, so he'll be collecting it during your pat down.

Shineoncrazy

I traveled quite a bit for business, and I would go through the scanner as your radiation exposure pales in comparison to the radiation you’re exposed to while in the air. I read a year or two back that TSA is phasing out the use of backscatter xray in favor of wave scanners.  At DFW--and most international airports--I’ve only encountered the wave scanners, which tend to be safer in the sense that they don’t have the energy to alter DNA. At this point, TSA should be able to easily accommodate your request for a pat down, and it sucks that people have had problems.  

It doesn’t really help you on such short notice, but consider doing the Global Entry program in the future. The lines are shorter, and they wave you through a metal detector. It’s the best thing ever.

 

@momo21 I'm still giggling. I kinda want to get hassled about breast milk in the future so I can use your line

curlylocks3

If you want a pat-down, just tell them when you get to the scanner. They'll ask you to indicate your stuff on the Xray line and then have you step to the side while you wait for a female agent. I see other people commenting that they got attitude from TSA about this but I've done it on 6 different flights while pregnant and never once did I have anyone be anything but perfectly nice. 

I've also been pulled aside and patted down while not pregnant (who knew an underwire bra could cause that much of an issue!) so I knew what to expect. Sure, they are pretty thorough but I've never heard of them requiring you to take your clothes of beyond what you need to remove to go through the scanner (shoes, belt, sweatshirt, etc). You can also ask for a private screening but I've never felt that was necessary. As for going in your waistband, yeah, its part of the standard protocol. They always tell you before they touch you what they are going to be doing so when they get to the part about the waistband once I was in maternity pants I always just warned them that I was wearing full panel pants and asked if they needed me to lift up my shirt so they could reach it. Again, I was always friendly and polite and got the same in return from every TSA agent who has given me a pat down while pregnant. 

Danischn

I have to go through the pat down every single time I have to go through airport security because of a metal rod I have in my arm. I've always had the waistline check, the thigh check and the most embarrassing is boob check in which they follow the underwire of your bra. I'm used to it, but for those of you who don't want to be subjected to this in front if all travelers, they are required to offer a private screening away from people. It may take a couple more minutes but it should be available.

ELC252011

KrystaJ said:

I opted for a pat down coming home from Hawaii a few weeks ago. I definitely got attitude, it took longer, and they are very... thorough.  

I got side eyed when I was coming from hawaii too!!!! I'm sure if they were pregnant they would have done the same thing.

MamaTree17

What @MNOpea said. I don't think I've ever actually had to request it - every time I've flown and been visibly pregnant they just ushered me to the side. Usually I get the hand swipe, and once it clears I'm good to go, and one or two times I've had to get the pat down. Never a big deal either way. Same situation when I travel with DD because I always wear her through security.

FutureMrsW9

@curlylocks3 said:

If you want a pat-down, just tell them when you get to the scanner. They'll ask you to indicate your stuff on the Xray line and then have you step to the side while you wait for a female agent. I see other people commenting that they got attitude from TSA about this but I've done it on 6 different flights while pregnant and never once did I have anyone be anything but perfectly nice. 

I've also been pulled aside and patted down while not pregnant (who knew an underwire bra could cause that much of an issue!) so I knew what to expect. Sure, they are pretty thorough but I've never heard of them requiring you to take your clothes of beyond what you need to remove to go through the scanner (shoes, belt, sweatshirt, etc). You can also ask for a private screening but I've never felt that was necessary. As for going in your waistband, yeah, its part of the standard protocol. They always tell you before they touch you what they are going to be doing so when they get to the part about the waistband once I was in maternity pants I always just warned them that I was wearing full panel pants and asked if they needed me to lift up my shirt so they could reach it. Again, I was always friendly and polite and got the same in return from every TSA agent who has given me a pat down while pregnant. 

I've never worn a bra without underwire except for sports bras, which I obviously don't wear on a plane and it's never been an issue.  That's so weird!!  Did they actually make you take your bra off?!?

FutureMrsW9

@Shineoncrazy said:

I traveled quite a bit for business, and I would go through the scanner as your radiation exposure pales in comparison to the radiation you’re exposed to while in the air. I read a year or two back that TSA is phasing out the use of backscatter xray in favor of wave scanners.  At DFW--and most international airports--I’ve only encountered the wave scanners, which tend to be safer in the sense that they don’t have the energy to alter DNA. At this point, TSA should be able to easily accommodate your request for a pat down, and it sucks that people have had problems.  

It doesn’t really help you on such short notice, but consider doing the Global Entry program in the future. The lines are shorter, and they wave you through a metal detector. It’s the best thing ever.

 

@momo21 I'm still giggling. I kinda want to get hassled about breast milk in the future so I can use your line

How do you know which scanners are which?  All I know is the ones at Newark, at least in Terminal A and C, are the ones you stand in with legs apart, put your arms over your head and have to stand still while it goes around you.  I can tell you they're more than just metal detectors, but really I have no clue what they actually really are or do.

curlylocks3

@FutureMrsW09- no they did not. This was several years ago but they send me through the Xray multiple times and it was apparent to them that the bra was setting it off....so I got a pat down. I no longer wear underwires while traveling

Shineoncrazy

@futuremrsW9

 Comparison of Scanners

Google wins for this gem...it even has a searchable database for which airports use each type of scanner (it's under the "What Airports" section). I totally understand why people would opt for the pat down, especially given you're about to be exposed to a larger dose of radiation on the airplane (why potentially add more, especially given the issues raised about upkeep of backscatter machines some mentioned in this thread?!).

Hope this helps!

 

ElTrain5

FutureMrsW9 said:

@Shineoncrazy said:

I traveled quite a bit for business, and I would go through the scanner as your radiation exposure pales in comparison to the radiation you’re exposed to while in the air. I read a year or two back that TSA is phasing out the use of backscatter xray in favor of wave scanners.  At DFW--and most international airports--I’ve only encountered the wave scanners, which tend to be safer in the sense that they don’t have the energy to alter DNA. At this point, TSA should be able to easily accommodate your request for a pat down, and it sucks that people have had problems.  

It doesn’t really help you on such short notice, but consider doing the Global Entry program in the future. The lines are shorter, and they wave you through a metal detector. It’s the best thing ever.

 

@momo21 I'm still giggling. I kinda want to get hassled about breast milk in the future so I can use your line

How do you know which scanners are which?  All I know is the ones at Newark, at least in Terminal A and C, are the ones you stand in with legs apart, put your arms over your head and have to stand still while it goes around you.  I can tell you they're more than just metal detectors, but really I have no clue what they actually really are or do.

The back scatter machines have you stand either between two devices or in a "booth" and stand in a pose with legs apart, arms up while you are scanned. The metal detectors are just a squared archway that you quickly walk through without stopping.

FutureMrsW9

curlylocks3 said:

@FutureMrsW09- no they did not. This was several years ago but they send me through the Xray multiple times and it was apparent to them that the bra was setting it off....so I got a pat down. I no longer wear underwires while traveling

Is it sad that I'm more jealous that you can wear bras without underwire than anything else about this whole thread? lol  What I would give!!!  I've tried, I really have given it the old college try, I.just.can't.   Thinking about how comfortable it is makes me sleepy I-)

FutureMrsW9

@Shineoncrazy said:

@futuremrsW9

 Comparison of Scanners

Google wins for this gem...it even has a searchable database for which airports use each type of scanner (it's under the "What Airports" section). I totally understand why people would opt for the pat down, especially given you're about to be exposed to a larger dose of radiation on the airplane (why potentially add more, especially given the issues raised about upkeep of backscatter machines some mentioned in this thread?!).

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks for that!  So it looks like EWR has the millimeter waves ones (I could tell just by the picture, but then the description definitely confirmed).  Do we know whether or not these are safe?  I googled but basically found the same info just in different words.  It seems like they're safer than the backscatter ones.

ElTrain5

@FutureMrsw9 Same answer...they are safe IF they are properly and frequently maintained. I personally do not trust the TSA to devote the necessary time and money into that particular project, so I decline both. Also, I don't say this to be snarky, but I really hate to see you potentially stressing over something so simple and incredibly common as requesting a pat down. I would venture to guess that about 75% of the time that I go through the security line I see someone getting one, and it really just takes a minute or two. Please don't worry! I'll also add that a LOT of airport workers/flight attendants always opt for the pat down, since they go through those scanners sometimes dozens of times a day and worry about the repeated exposure.

FutureMrsW9

@ElTrain5 said:

@FutureMrsw9 Same answer...they are safe IF they are properly and frequently maintained. I personally do not trust the TSA to devote the necessary time and money into that particular project, so I decline both.

I think you make a valid point about the maintenance, and you're right.  I think it's better to be safe than sorry.  I know the exposure is minimal compared to what you get on the actual plane, but why put yourself in a position to get even a little more if you don't have to.

Susanrush13

I didn't even realize I could opt for a pat down. They told me the scanners were approved for pregnant women when I asked so I went through it. I'll opted for the pat down when I fly next week.