A growing number of airline passengers are reporting unexpected delays at airport security checkpoints due to an unusual culprit: a sweaty crotch.
According to multiple travelers, TSA body scanners at various airports are frequently flagging the groin area, prompting additional screening. One woman recently shared her experience on Reddit, claiming she was stopped at two separate airports during her first trip in 15 years. She described herself as a “midsized adult woman” and stated she was wearing bike shorts and regular underwear, with no metal implants or piercings.
Despite having empty pockets and no medical devices, she was flagged twice by the scanners, which are designed to detect irregularities using millimeter wave technology. Experts believe that perspiration—especially in sensitive areas—may be confusing the scanners.
“The most likely cause is a sweaty crotch,” one TSA expert explained. “The technology reads moisture as an anomaly, which can trigger an alert.”
Another traveler noted a similar experience, recalling how a TSA agent referred to the issue using terms like “swamp crotch” and “swamp rot.” These uncomfortable encounters underscore the limitations of the scanning equipment.
Security professionals have confirmed that sweat, combined with certain clothing or hygiene products, may result in false positives. While the TSA has maintained that its scanning algorithms are calibrated to accommodate different body types, they acknowledge that unexpected moisture, particularly from a sweaty crotch, can sometimes be misinterpreted.
In response to such concerns, some international airports in countries like France and Germany have opted to ban the scanners entirely, citing a high rate of false alarms.
For now, travelers experiencing delays due to a sweaty crotch are advised to remain cooperative during screenings and dress in breathable fabrics when flying.
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