Yes, you can opt out of TSA body scanners and request a pat-down screening instead, though you should expect a slower and more thorough process.
You know the routine. Shoes off, laptop out, liquids baggie in the bin. Then you face the tall machine with the blue lights where you stand with your hands above your head for ten seconds. Not everyone loves that moment.
Some travelers have medical devices, others have privacy concerns, and a few just don’t want the millimeter wave scan. The good news is you have a choice. TSA policy lets you decline the body scanner and receive an alternative screening method, typically a thorough pat-down.
How The Opt-Out Process Actually Works
When you reach the front of the security line and an agent directs you toward the body scanner, you simply say “I’d like to opt out” or “I request a pat-down instead.” Speak clearly and early — giving the agent time to adjust the flow of the line helps everyone.
The TSA agent will then call over a same-gender officer to perform the pat-down. You stay in the checkpoint area for this screening unless you specifically request a private room. The entire process takes longer than a standard body scan.
If you refuse both the body scan and the pat-down, the situation escalates. Local police can ask you to leave the airport, and the government can issue a fine for refusing security measures entirely. Opting out is legal; refusing all screening is not.
Why Travelers Choose To Skip The Body Scanner
Privacy and health concerns drive most opt-out decisions. The body scanners use millimeter wave technology to create a generic outline of your body — not a detailed image — but some travelers still prefer not to expose themselves to even low-level radio frequency energy. Others have medical implants or devices they’d rather not test against the machine.
- Medical devices and implants: Pacemakers, insulin pumps, and joint replacements can trigger the scanner or cause concern about interference. TSA allows these travelers to opt out without question.
- Pilot radiation concerns: Some pilot unions have questioned whether enough independent testing has been done on millimeter wave and terahertz radio frequency emissions from body scanners, though no agency has confirmed health risks.
- Privacy and modesty: The images produced by older backscatter X-ray scanners were more detailed than current millimeter wave units, but the privacy concern has lingered for some travelers.
- Physical discomfort or mobility issues: Standing with arms overhead for ten seconds can be difficult for people with shoulder problems, back pain, or balance issues. A pat-down avoids that position entirely.
- Children and family travel: TSA has modified screening procedures for children 12 and under that reduce the likelihood of pat-down screening, but parents can still opt out on behalf of their child if they prefer.
Most travelers who opt out do so because they prefer a predictable, hands-on screening over a machine-based scan. The pat-down follows a standard protocol, and you know exactly what’s coming.
What To Expect During The Pat-Down Screening
The pat-down is not the same as a quick frisk. It follows a structured sequence where the officer uses the back of their hand to check all areas of your body, including your torso, arms, legs, and feet. The officer must be the same gender you identify as.
If you feel uncomfortable being patted down in view of other passengers, you have the right to request a private screening area. The officer will escort you to a nearby room where the pat-down happens away from the public line. You can also request a witness or supervisor be present.
The TSA’s own advanced imaging technology FAQ confirms that travelers who cannot or choose not to go through the metal detector may request AIT screening or an alternative pat-down. The option is written into official policy, not granted as a favor.
| Screening Type | Time Required | Contact Level |
|---|---|---|
| Standard body scanner | 10-20 seconds | None |
| Metal detector walk-through | 3-5 seconds | None |
| Standard pat-down | 2-4 minutes | Moderate — back of hands over clothing |
| Enhanced pat-down | 4-6 minutes | More thorough, includes front of hands |
| Private room pat-down | 5-10 minutes | Same as enhanced, with delays for room setup |
The pat-down does not involve removing your clothing beyond what you normally take off at security. The officer may ask you to adjust a waistband or pull up a pant leg, but you stay fully dressed throughout.
Steps To Take Before Opting Out At Security
Walking up to the scanner without a plan can create confusion. The line behind you gets backed up, the agent has to redirect traffic, and you’re standing there explaining yourself. A little advance preparation makes the interaction smoother.
- Get there early. Opting out adds at least five to ten minutes to your security time, possibly more if the line is long. Build that into your airport arrival window.
- Speak up early and politely. The second you see the agent gesture toward the scanner, say “I’d like to opt out, please.” Don’t wait until you’re standing in the machine.
- Decide whether you want privacy. If the idea of a pat-down in front of strangers bothers you, ask immediately for a private screening. Once the public pat-down starts, switching to private is harder.
- Keep your hands visible. During the pat-down itself, keep your hands out, your stance relaxed, and follow the officer’s instructions. Resisting or tensing up prolongs the process.
- Know the consequence of refusal. If you refuse the pat-down after opting out of the scanner, you’re refusing all screening. That can mean being escorted out of the secure area and potentially fined.
Travel experts at USA Today recommend being polite and clear when you opt out. A cooperative attitude keeps the interaction brief and professional for everyone involved.
TSA PreCheck And Other Alternatives To The Body Scanner
If you fly frequently and the body scanner bothers you, TSA PreCheck changes the equation entirely. PreCheck lanes use a metal detector rather than a body scanner, and you keep your shoes, belt, jacket, and laptop in your bag. The entire experience takes less time and avoids the raised-hands position.
PreCheck costs $78 for five years and includes a background check and in-person enrollment. For travelers who opt out regularly due to medical devices or privacy concerns, the program often pays for itself in saved time and hassle. You still can’t refuse screening in PreCheck — the metal detector has its own issues for some travelers — but the screening is gentler.
For travelers who don’t have PreCheck, opting out remains straightforward. A legal review of TSA pat-down procedures published by The Higgins Firm notes that travelers who opt out should expect delays pat-down screening will take longer than the body scanner, and the process may involve uncomfortable touching. The key is knowing your rights before you reach the front of the line.
| Screening Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Body scanner | Most travelers — fastest and least invasive |
| Metal detector | PreCheck members and travelers who prefer no machine scan |
| Pat-down | Those opting out for medical, privacy, or comfort reasons |
| Private pat-down | Travelers who want screening out of public view |
One thing that hasn’t changed: a 2017 court ruling found that TSA violated its own rulemaking procedures regarding body scanner opt-outs, but the ruling did not require the program to stop. The opt-out option remains available today as an established part of checkpoint procedure.
The Bottom Line
You can absolutely opt out of TSA body scanners at any U.S. airport. You’ll trade a 10-second scan for a 2-to-5-minute pat-down, and you’ll want to arrive earlier than usual to account for the extra time. The process is straightforward if you speak up early and stay cooperative.
For travelers planning future flights, check with your specific airline or the TSA website about current checkpoint procedures, especially if you’re flying out of a smaller airport where agents may be less familiar with opt-out requests. Your best resource is the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 for specific medical or accessibility questions before you travel.
References & Sources
- TSA. “What Happens If I Cannot Go Through or Opt Out Metal Detector” The Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is the official TSA term for the full-body scanners used at airport security checkpoints.
- Thehigginsfirm. “New Patdowns and Body Scans At” Travelers who opt out of a body scan should expect delays and some uncomfortable touching during the pat-down process.