Editing Transportation Security Administration (section)

===Passenger and carry-on screening===

====Identification requirements====
{{See also|No Fly List}}

The TSA requires passengers 18 and older to show a valid ID at the security checkpoint before boarding their flight. Valid forms of identification include [[passport]]s from the U.S. or a foreign government, state or tribal-issued photo identification, or military ID. Passengers that do not have ID are often still allowed to fly if their identity can be verified through alternate means satisfying a [[certificate of identity]].<ref name=identification>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification |title=Identification | publisher=Transportation Security Administration |work=tsa.gov |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref>

===== REAL ID requirements =====
Passed by [[United States Congress|Congress]] in 2005, the [[Real ID Act]] established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/resources/realid_factsheet_071516-508.pdf|title=TSA Real ID and Air Travel|website=www.tsa.gov/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115140432/https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/resources/realid_factsheet_071516-508.pdf|archive-date=November 15, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref> Implementation has been deferred for two decades by DHS, and enforcement has never begun.

====== Current list of acceptable IDs ======
* Federally recognized:
** Driver's licenses, [[enhanced driver's license]]s or other photo identity cards issued by U.S. state or territorial [[Department of Motor Vehicles|Departments of Motor Vehicles]].
** Tribal photo identification issued by a tribe [[List of federally recognized tribes in the contiguous United States|federally recognized]] by the [[Bureau of Indian Affairs|U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs]]
** Canadian provincial or territorial [[Driver's licences in Canada|driver's licence]], [[Canadian provincial and territorial photo cards|photo card]] or [[Indigenous Services Canada]] card
** [[Passport]] issued by a [[Sovereign state|recognized]] foreign country
** Airline employee or flight crew ID
** [[Security identification display area]] (SIDA) badge issued by the airport.
* Federally issued:
** [[HSPD|HSPD-12]]/ [[FIPS 201]] PIV cards issued to federal employees and contractors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gsa.gov/technology/it-contract-vehicles-and-purchasing-programs/federal-credentialing-services?gsaredirect=fedidcard|title=Federal credentialing services|website=U.S. General Services Administration}}</ref>
* [[United States Department of State|U.S. Department of State]]-issued:
** [[United States passport]]
** [[United States passport card]]
** [[Border Crossing Card]]
* [[United States Department of Homeland Security|U.S Department of Homeland Security]]-issued:
** CBP trusted traveler cards ([[Global Entry]], [[NEXUS]], [[Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection|SENTRI]], [[Free and Secure Trade|FAST]])
** USCIS [[refugee travel document]]
** USCIS [[U.S. re-entry permit|re-entry permit]]
** USCIS [[Permanent residence (United States)|permanent resident card]] (''aka'' green card)
** USCIS [[employment authorization document]] (''aka'' work permit)<ref name="identification" />
** TSA [[Transportation Worker Identification Credential]] (TWIC)
** Coast Guard [[Merchant Mariner Credential]] (MMC)
* [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]]-issued:
** [[Common Access Card]] (CAC)
** [[United States Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card|Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card]]
* [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs|U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs]]-issued:
** [[Veteran Health Identification Card]] (VHIC)

Passenger names are compared against the [[No Fly List]], a list of about 21,000 names ({{as of|2012|lc=y}}) of suspected terrorists who are not allowed to board.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-fly-list-doubles-in-a-year-now-21000-names/|title=No-fly list doubles in a year – now 21,000 names|date=February 2, 2012|work=[[CBS News]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> Passenger names are also compared against a longer list of [[selectee]]s; passengers whose names match names from this list receive a more thorough screening before being potentially allowed to board.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/10/22/no.fly.lists/index.html|title=Terrorist watch lists shorter than previously reported|last=Alvarez|first=Lizette|date=October 22, 2008|work=[[CNN]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> The effectiveness of the lists has been criticized on the basis of errors in how those lists are maintained,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-dec-29-la-oe-schoenfeld29-2009dec29-story.html|title=Politics and the no-fly list|last=Schoenfeld|first=Gabriel|date=December 29, 2009|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> for concerns that the lists are [[Constitutionality|unconstitutional]], and for its ineffectiveness at stopping [[Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab]], who attempted to detonate plastic explosives in his underwear, from boarding an aircraft.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/12/31/how-did-us-no-fly-list-miss/|title=Plane bombing plot: No-fly list procedure needs revamping, critics say|last=Tankersley|first=Jim|date=December 31, 2009|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref>
At the airport security checkpoint, passengers are screened to ensure they are not carrying prohibited items. These include most sorts of sharp objects, many sporting goods such as baseball bats and hockey sticks, guns or other weapons, many sorts of tools, flammable liquids (except for conventional lighters), many forms of chemicals and paint.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items|website=tsa.gov|title=Prohibited Items|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> In addition, passengers are limited to {{convert|3.4|USoz|lk=in}} of almost any liquid or gel, which must be presented at the checkpoint in a clear, one-quart [[Zipper storage bag|zip-top bag]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons|title=3-1-1 for Carry-ons|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411045917/http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons|archive-date=April 11, 2013}}</ref> These restrictions on liquids were a reaction to the [[2006 transatlantic aircraft plot]].

The number of passengers who have been detected bringing firearms onto airplanes in their carry-on bags has increased in recent years, from 976 in 2009 to 4,239 in 2018, according to the TSA. Indeed, a new record high for firearms found in carry-on bags has been set every year since 2008.<ref>{{cite book |last=Gayden |first=Greg |date=2017 |title=Commercial Aviation 101|url=http://www.dfwtower.com/101/CommercialAviation101.pdf |location=Dallas |publisher=443 Critical |page=23}}
</ref> In 2010 an anonymous source told ABC News that [[red team|undercover agents]] managed to bring weapons through security nearly 70 percent of the time at some major airports.<ref name=quinn/> Firearms can be legally checked in checked luggage on domestic flights.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transporting Firearms and Ammunition |url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |access-date=September 5, 2021}}</ref>

In some cases, government leaders, members of the US military and law-enforcement officials are allowed to bypass security screening.<ref name="AP112310" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2010/11/who_is_exempt_from_airport_sec.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316024827/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2010/11/who_is_exempt_from_airport_sec.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 16, 2012|title=Who is exempt from airport security?|last=O'Keefe|first=Ed|date=November 22, 2010|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref>

====TSA PreCheck====
{{main|TSA PreCheck}}
[[File:TSA Precheck logo.svg|thumb|right|TSA PreCheck logo]]

In a program that began in October 2011, the TSA's PreCheck Program allows selected members of [[American Airlines]], [[Delta Air Lines]], [[United Airlines]], [[Alaska Airlines]], [[Hawaiian Airlines]], [[Virgin America]], [[Southwest Airlines]], [[Air Canada]], [[JetBlue]], and [[Sun Country Airlines]] [[frequent flyer programs]], members of [[Global Entry]], [[Free and Secure Trade]] (FAST), [[NEXUS]], [[SENTRI]] and members of the US military, along with cadets and midshipmen of the [[United States service academies]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/military-travelers |title=Military Travel |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=TSA.gov |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |access-date=July 22, 2019 |quote=All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard can benefit from TSA Pre✓® expedited screening at select airports when flying on participating airlines. Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy are also eligible to receive TSA Pre✓® screening benefits. Use your Department of Defense identification number when making flight reservations.}}</ref> to receive expedited screening for domestic and select international itineraries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/business/tsa-eases-security-for-chosen-fliers.html|title=ON THE ROAD; For the Chosen Fliers, Security Check Is a Breeze|last=Sharkey|first=Joe|date=November 8, 2011|work=The New York Times|page=9|access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> As of March 2019, this program was available at more than 200 airports.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/map|title=TSA Pre✓® Airports and Airlines|website=Transportation Security Administration}}</ref> After completing a background check, being fingerprinted,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/travel/stuck-line-tsa-precheck-expansion-slowing-down-frequent-travelers-8C11484578|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205051721/http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/stuck-line-tsa-precheck-expansion-slowing-down-frequent-travelers-8C11484578|url-status=dead|title=Stuck in line: TSA PreCheck expansion slowing down frequent travelers|website=[[NBC News]]|archive-date=February 5, 2014}}</ref> and paying an $85 fee, travelers will get a Known Traveler Number. The program has led to complaints of unfairness and longer wait lines.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-21/tsa-chief-john-pistole-gets-into-a-knife-fight|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324003055/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-21/tsa-chief-john-pistole-gets-into-a-knife-fight|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 24, 2013|title=TSA Chief John Pistole Gets Into a Knife Fight|author=Jeff Plungis|date=March 22, 2013|work=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> [[Aeromexico]], [[Etihad Airways]], [[Cape Air]], and [[Seaborne Airlines]] joined the program bringing the total number of member carriers to 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2016/06/aeromexico-etihad-cape-air-seaborne-airlines-join-tsa-precheck/# |title=Aeromexico, Etihad, Cape Air and Seaborne join TSA PreCheck |date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=June 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617084145/http://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2016/06/aeromexico-etihad-cape-air-seaborne-airlines-join-tsa-precheck/ |archive-date=June 17, 2016 }}</ref> On December 15, 2015, the program expanded to include [[Allegiant Air]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2015/12/15/tsa-precheck-expands-include-allegiant |title=TSA Pre✓® expands to include Allegiant |access-date=September 21, 2017 |date=December 15, 2015 |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922101414/https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2015/12/15/tsa-precheck-expands-include-allegiant |url-status=dead }}</ref> On June 21, 2016, it was announced that [[Frontier Airlines]] and [[Spirit Airlines]] will also join the program starting in the fall of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/21/frontier-airlines-joins-tsa-precheck/ |title=Frontier Airlines to join TSA PreCheck program |date=June 21, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910123054/http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/21/frontier-airlines-joins-tsa-precheck/ |archive-date=September 10, 2016 }}</ref> On August 31, 2016, the program expanded to include [[Lufthansa]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2016/08/31/tsa-partners-lufthansa-offer-tsa-precheck-0 |title=TSA partners with Lufthansa to offer TSA Pre✓® |access-date=September 21, 2017 |date=August 31, 2016 |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922101531/https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2016/08/31/tsa-partners-lufthansa-offer-tsa-precheck-0 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and on September 29, 2016, [[Frontier Airlines]] was added.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2016/09/29/tsa-partners-frontier-airlines-offer-tsa-precheck-0 |title=TSA partners with Frontier Airlines to offer TSA Pre✓® |access-date=September 21, 2017 |date=September 29, 2016 |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922101542/https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2016/09/29/tsa-partners-frontier-airlines-offer-tsa-precheck-0 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2017, 11 more airlines were added on January 26,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2017/01/26/tsa-partners-11-additional-airlines-offer-tsa-precheck |title=TSA partners with 11 additional airlines to offer TSA Pre✓® |access-date=September 21, 2017 |date=January 26, 2017 |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922101827/https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2017/01/26/tsa-partners-11-additional-airlines-offer-tsa-precheck |url-status=dead }}</ref> and another seven were added on May 25.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2017/05/25/tsa-precheck-expands-include-7-more-domestic-and-international-airlines |title=TSA Pre✓® expands to include 7 more domestic and international airlines |access-date=September 21, 2017 |date=May 25, 2017 |publisher=Transportation Security Administration |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922101954/https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2017/05/25/tsa-precheck-expands-include-7-more-domestic-and-international-airlines |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of March 2019, a total to 65 carriers were participating in the program.

In October 2013, the TSA announced that it had begun searching a wide variety of government and private databases for information about passengers before they arrive at the airport. They did not say which databases were involved, but TSA has access to past travel itineraries, property records, physical characteristics, law enforcement, and intelligence information, among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/22/business/security-check-now-starts-long-before-you-fly.html|title=Security Check Now Starts Long Before You Fly|date=October 22, 2013|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

====Large printer cartridges ban====
After the October 2010 [[2010 cargo plane bomb plot|cargo planes bomb plot]], in which cargo containing [[laser printer]]s with [[toner cartridge]]s filled with explosives were discovered on separate cargo planes, the U.S. prohibited passengers from carrying certain printer cartridges on flights.<ref name="washingtonpost3">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/02/AR2010110200276.html|last1=Apuzzo|first1=Matt|author-link1=Matt Apuzzo  |last2=Sullivan|first2=Eileen|author-link2=Eileen Sullivan  |title=Officials suspect Sept. dry run for bomb plot |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=November 2, 2010|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The TSA said it would ban toner and [[ink cartridge]]s weighing over 16 ounces (453&nbsp;grams) from all passenger flights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/international/uk-plane-bombs-explosions-were-possible-over-u-s-ncx-20101110 |title=UK: Plane Bombs Explosions Were Possible Over U.S |publisher=Fox News |access-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329061859/http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/international/uk-plane-bombs-explosions-were-possible-over-u-s-ncx-20101110 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="pcmag1">{{cite news|last=Hoffman |first=Tony |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372313,00.asp |title=U.S. Bans Large Printer Ink, Toner Cartridges on Inbound Flights |publisher=PC Mag |date=November 8, 2010 |access-date=November 17, 2010}}</ref> The ban applies to both carry-on bags and checked bags, and does not affect average travelers, whose toner cartridges are generally lighter.<ref name="pcmag1"/>

====November 2010 enhanced screening procedures====
Beginning in November 2010, TSA added new enhanced screening procedures. Passengers are required to choose between an enhanced [[patdown]] (allowing TSOs to more thoroughly check areas on the body such as waistbands, groin, and inner thigh)<ref name="AP112310">{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=Eileen|author-link1=Eileen Sullivan |last2=Kellman|first2=Laurie |last3=Crustinger|first3=Martin|last4=Margasak|first4=Larry |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101123/ap_on_bi_ge/us_airport_security_vips |agency=Associated Press |date=November 23, 2010 |title=TSA: Some gov't officials to skip airport security |access-date=November 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125153320/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101123/ap_on_bi_ge/us_airport_security_vips |archive-date=November 25, 2010 }}</ref> or instead to be imaged by the use of a [[full body scanner]] (that is, either [[backscatter X-ray]] or [[millimeter wave scanner|millimeter wave detection]] machines) in order to fly. These changes were made in reaction to the [[Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab]] bombing attempt.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2010/11/new-poll-says-61-oppose-new-airport-security-measures.html|title=Poll finds 61% oppose new airport security measures|last=Martin|first=Hugo|date=November 23, 2010|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref>

=====Pat-downs=====
{{See also|Frisking}}

The new pat-down procedures, which were originally not made public,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_nature/2010/11/groping_in_the_dark.html|title=The government's secret plan to feel you up at airports.|last=Saletan|first=William|author-link=William Saletan|date=November 23, 2010|work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> "routinely involve the touching of buttocks and [[genitals]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/R41502.pdf|title=Changes in Airport Passenger Screening Technologies and Procedures: Frequently Asked Questions|last=Elias|first=Bart|date=January 26, 2011|work=[[Congressional Research Service]]|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cfr.org/air-transportation-security/debate-over-airport-security/p23673|title=The Debate Over Airport Security|last=Bajoria|first=Jayshree|date=December 28, 2010|publisher=Council on Foreign Relations|access-date=April 7, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621143819/http://www.cfr.org/air-transportation-security/debate-over-airport-security/p23673|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-21/underwear-bombers-show-limits-of-tsa-s-groping.html|title=Underwear Bombers Show Limits of TSA's Groping|last=Goldberg|first=Jeffrey|date=May 21, 2012|work=[[Bloomberg L.P.]]|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> as well as breasts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.katu.com/news/local/108607084.html|title=Replacement hip singles out woman for new TSA pat-down|last=Tilkin|first=Dan|date=November 17, 2010|work=KATU|access-date=April 7, 2013|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016235320/http://www.katu.com/news/local/108607084.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> These procedures were controversial, and in a November 2010 poll, 50% of those polled felt that the new pat-down procedures were too extreme, with 48% feeling them justified.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/new-poll-suggests-shift-in-public-views-on-t-s-a-procedures/|title=New Poll Suggests Shift in Public Views on T.S.A. Procedures|last=Silver|first=Nate|date=November 22, 2010|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> A number of publicized incidents created a public outcry against the invasiveness of the pat-down techniques,<ref>[http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/michigan-man-left-covered-in-own-urine-following-tsa-pat-down-20101122-mr Michigan Man Left Covered in Own Urine following TSA Pat-Down] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123211249/http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/michigan-man-left-covered-in-own-urine-following-tsa-pat-down-20101122-mr |date=November 23, 2010 }} [[Fox News]] Detroit, November 22, 2010.</ref><ref>Mike Clary, [http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/nov/22/full-body-scanners-trigger-concerns-some-fliers/ Full-body scanners trigger concerns for some fliers] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103202710/http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/nov/22/full-body-scanners-trigger-concerns-some-fliers/ |date=November 3, 2013 }}, Sun Sentinel, November 22, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/could_a_pat-down_backlash_crip.html Airport screening horror stories: Could a pat-down backlash cripple holiday airline travel?] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20120911061124/http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/could_a_pat-down_backlash_crip.html |date=September 11, 2012 }}, ''[[The Post-Standard]]'', November 22, 2010.</ref> in which women's breasts and the genital areas of all passengers are patted.<ref name="Sharkey"/> Pat-downs are carried out by agents of the same gender as the passenger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/transgender-travelers|title=Transgender Travelers|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411045959/http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/transgender-travelers|archive-date=April 11, 2013}}</ref>

Concerns were raised as to the constitutionality of the new screening methods by organizations such as the [[American Civil Liberties Union]].<ref>[[Radley Balko|Balko, Radley]] [http://reason.com/blog/2010/12/13/why-was-the-aclu-silent-about Q: Why Has the ACLU Been Silent About TSA Abuses? A: Because You Haven't Been Listening] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711204402/http://reason.com/blog/2010/12/13/why-was-the-aclu-silent-about |date=July 11, 2016 }} ''[[Reason Magazine|Reason]]''</ref> As of April 2011, at least six lawsuits were filed for violation of the [[Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourth Amendment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/blog/tsa-gropers-draw-tea-party-wrath-unionizing-vote-next|title=TSA Gropers Draw Tea Party Wrath; Unionizing Vote Next|last=Ward|first=Kenric|date=November 28, 2010|work=Sunshine State News|access-date=November 30, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Little-Rock-man-sues-over-enhanced-TSA-screenings/eDhDNr44aUm5CL4a5UVkhg.cspx|title=Little Rock man sues over enhanced TSA screenings|last=Goins|first=David|date=November 23, 2010|publisher=FOX16.com|access-date=November 30, 2010|location=Little Rock, AR|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128165746/http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Little-Rock-man-sues-over-enhanced-TSA-screenings/eDhDNr44aUm5CL4a5UVkhg.cspx|archive-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref> [[George Washington University Law School|George Washington University]] law professor [[Jeffrey Rosen (legal academic)|Jeffrey Rosen]] has supported this view, saying "there's a strong argument that the TSA's measures violate the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures."<ref>[[Jeffrey Rosen (legal academic)|Rosen, Jeffrey]] (November 28, 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20101205063930/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/26/AR2010112604290.html The TSA is invasive, annoying – and unconstitutional], ''[[Washington Post]]''</ref> Concerns were also raised about the effects of these pat-downs on survivors of sexual assault.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/11/17/tsa-screenings-worry-sexual-assault-survivors.html|title=TSA Screenings Worry Sexual-Assault Survivors|last=Dailey|first=Kate|date=November 17, 2010|work=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=April 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406090543/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/11/17/tsa-screenings-worry-sexual-assault-survivors.html|archive-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> In January 2014, Denver police launched an investigation against a screener at Denver International Airport over what the passenger stated was an intrusive patdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/01/15/tsa-pat-down-at-dia-leads-to-sex-assault-investigation/|title=TSA Pat-Down At DIA Leads To Sex Assault Investigation|date=January 15, 2014}}</ref>

=====Full body scanners=====
{{Main|Full body scanner}}
{{See also|Backscatter X-ray#Health effects|Millimeter wave scanner#Possible health effects}}
[[File:TSA Millimeter Wave Scanner avatar.jpg|thumb|160x160px|The screen operators of millimeter wave scanners now see]]
TSA has used two kinds of full body imaging technology since first deploying them in airports in 2010. Previously [[Backscatter X-ray|backscatter X-ray scanners]] were used which produced [[ionizing radiation]]. After criticism the agency now uses only [[millimeter wave scanner]]s which use [[non-ionizing radiation]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Farah Naz |title=Is That Airport Security Scanner Really Safe? |url=https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/is-that-airport-security-scanner-really-safe/ |access-date=2022-12-04 |website=Scientific American Blog Network |language=en}}</ref> The TSA refers to both systems as Advanced Imaging Technologies or AIT. Critics sometimes refer to them as "naked scanners," though operators no longer see images of the actual passenger, which has been replaced by a stick figure with boxes indicating areas of concern identified by the machine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/oukin-uk-germany-bodyscanner-idUKTRE4AS1V320081129|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104194749/http://uk.reuters.com/article/oukin-uk-germany-bodyscanner-idUKTRE4AS1V320081129|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 4, 2016|title=Germany plans lab tests for airport naked scans|date=November 29, 2008|work=Reuters UK}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> In 2022, TSA announced it will allow passengers to select the gender marker of their choice and alter algorithms used by the machines to be inclusive of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Previously the agency required screeners to select a male or female button based on a brief glance at the passenger as they entered the machine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2022 |title=TSA announces measures to implement gender-neutral screening at its checkpoints |url=https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/03/31/tsa-announces-measures-implement-gender-neutral-screening-its |access-date=2022-12-04 |website=TSA.gov}}</ref>[[File:Mmw large.jpg|right|thumb|160px|Screenshot from a [[millimeter wave scanner]] before they were replaced by stick figure avatars]]Passengers are directed to hold their hands above their heads for a few seconds while front and back images are created.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/tsa-removes-x-ray-body-scanners-from-major-airports|title=TSA Removes X-Ray Body Scanners From Major Airports|last=Grabell|first=Michael|date=October 19, 2012|work=Pro Publica|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> If the machine indicates an anomaly to the operator, or if other problems occur, the passenger is required to receive a pat-down of that area.[[File:Tech backscatter.jpg|160px|thumb|An older Rapiscan [[X-ray backscatter|backscatter]] X-ray scanner]] [[File:Backscatter large.jpg|thumb|160px|[[X-ray backscatter]] technology produces an image that resembles a chalk etching.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/how_it_works.shtm |title=TSA: How it Works |publisher=Tsa.gov |access-date=January 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221030830/http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/how_it_works.shtm |archive-date=December 21, 2011 }}</ref>]]Full-body scanners have also proven controversial due to privacy and health concerns. The [[American Civil Liberties Union]] has called the scanners a "virtual strip search."<ref name="Puzzanghera">
Jim Puzzanghera, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-nov-22-la-na-tsa-pat-downs-20101122-story.html 'Invasive' airport pat-downs not going away for the holidays], [[Los Angeles Times]], November 22, 2010.</ref> Female passengers have complained that they are often singled out for scanning, and a review of TSA records by a local CBS affiliate in Dallas found "a pattern of women who believe that there was nothing random about the way they were selected for extra screening."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/female-passengers-say-theyre-targeted-by-tsa/|title=Female Passengers Say They're Targeted By TSA|date=February 13, 2012|work=CBS Dallas|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref>

The TSA, on their website, states that they have "implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy which is ensured through the anonymity of the image,"<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120311010041/http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtm "Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)"] - Retrieved September 19, 2012,</ref> and additionally states that these technologies "cannot store, print, transmit or save the image, and the image is automatically deleted from the system after it is cleared by the remotely located security officer."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tsa.gov/ait-privacy|title=AIT: Privacy|date=December 24, 2012|publisher=Transportation Security Administration|access-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215190320/http://www.tsa.gov/ait-privacy|archive-date=February 15, 2013}}</ref> This claim, however, was proven false after multiple incidents involving leaked images. The machines do in fact have the ability to "save" the images and while this function is purported to be "turned off" by the TSA in screenings, TSA training facilities have the save function turned on.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Norman|first1=Joshua|title=Naked Body Scan Images Never Saved, TSA Says|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/naked-body-scan-images-never-saved-tsa-says/|access-date=November 23, 2014|work=CBS News|date=November 16, 2010}}</ref><ref>[https://gizmodo.com/5690749/these-are-the-first-100-leaked-body-scans One Hundred Naked Citizens: One Hundred Leaked Body Scans] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011050549/http://gizmodo.com/5690749/these-are-the-first-100-leaked-body-scans |date=October 11, 2016 }}. Gizmodo.com. Retrieved on April 28, 2014.</ref>

As early as 2010, the TSA began to test scanners that would produce less intrusive "stick figures".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2010/11/19/131450769/airport-body-scanners-transform-travelers-into-stick-figures|title=Airport Scanners Transform Bodies Into Stick Figures: NPR|last=Smith|first=Novia|date=November 19, 2010|work=[[NPR]]|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> In February 2011, the TSA began testing new software on the millimeter-wave machines already used at Amsterdam's [[Schiphol Airport]] that automatically detects potential threats on a passenger without the need for having an officer review actual images. Instead, one generic figure is used for all passengers and small yellow boxes are placed on areas of the body requiring additional screening.<ref name=":1">[http://news.cheapflights.com/2011/02/tsa-tests-modesty-saving-threat-detection-software/ News.cheapflights.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723181430/http://news.cheapflights.com/2011/02/tsa-tests-modesty-saving-threat-detection-software/ |date=July 23, 2011 }}</ref> The TSA announced in 2013 that the [[Rapiscan Systems|Rapiscan's]] backscatter scanners would no longer be used since the manufacturer of the machines could not produce "privacy software" to abstract the near-nude images that agents view and turn them into stick-like figures. The TSA continues to use other full-body scanners.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130409115649/http://www.federaltimes.com/article/20130121/TRAVEL02/301210002/TSA-dumps-near-naked-Rapiscan-body-scanners]"TSA dumps near-naked Rapiscan
body scanners"</ref>

Health concerns have been raised about both scanning technologies.

With regards to exposure to [[radiation]] emitted by backscatter X-rays, and there are fears that people will be exposed to a "dangerous level of radiation if they get backscattered too often". Ionizing radiation is considered a non-threshold [[carcinogen]], but it is difficult to quantify the risk of low radiation exposures.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Leon Mullenders |author2=Mike Atkinson |author3=Herwig Paretzke |author4=Laure Sabatier |author5=Simon Bouffler |title=Assessing cancer risks of low-dose radiation |journal=Nature Reviews Cancer |volume=9 |issue=8 |pages=596–604 |year=2009 |doi=10.1038/nrc2677 |pmid=19629073 |s2cid=10610131}}</ref> Active millimeter wave scanners emit radiation which is non-ionizing, does not have enough energy to directly damage DNA, and is not known to be [[genotoxic]].<ref name="Cancer.org">{{cite web |title=Radiation Exposure and Cancer |url=http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/MedicalTreatments/radiation-exposure-and-cancer |publisher=cancer.org |access-date=December 1, 2011 |archive-date=April 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406123124/http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/medicaltreatments/radiation-exposure-and-cancer |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Ryan 2000">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ryan KL, D'Andrea JA, Jauchem JR, Mason PA |title=Radio frequency radiation of millimeter wave length: potential occupational safety issues relating to surface heating |journal=[[Health Physics (journal)|Health Physics]] |volume=78 |issue=2 |pages=170–81 |date=February 2000 |pmid=10647983 |doi=10.1097/00004032-200002000-00006 |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1234790}} ''"Thus, it is clear that RF radiation is not genotoxic and therefore cannot initiate cancer... the majority of such studies have shown that chronic exposure of animals to RF in the range of 435 to 2,450 MHz did not significantly alter the development of tumors in a number of animal cancer models... the same acceleration of skin cancer development and reduction in survival occurred in animals exposed to chronic confinement stress in the absence of RF exposure, suggesting that the RF effect could possibly be due to a non-specific stress reaction."''</ref><ref name=carcinogenesis>{{cite journal|author1=Patrick Mason |author2=Thomas J. Walters |author3=John DiGiovanni |author4=Charles W. Beason |author5=James R. Jauchem |author6=Edward J. Dick Jr |author7=Kavita Mahajan |author8=Steven J. Dusch |author9=Beth A. Shields |author10=James H. Merritt |author11=Michael R. Murphy |author12=Kathy L. Ryan |title=Lack of effect of 94&nbsp;GHz radio frequency radiation exposure in an animal model of skin carcinogenesis|journal=Carcinogenesis|date=June 14, 2001|volume=22|issue=10|pages=1701–1708|doi=10.1093/carcin/22.10.1701|pmid=11577012 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

=====Reverse screenings=====
In April 2016, TSA Administrator, Peter V. Neffenger told a Senate committee that small airports had the option to use "reverse screening" – a system where passengers are not screened before boarding the aircraft at departure, but instead are screened upon arrival at the destination. The procedure is intended to save costs at airports with a limited number of flights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://700wlw.iheart.com/onair/aviation-blog-jay-ratliff-43304/tsas-moneysaving-plan-screen-after-the-14643459/|title=TSA's Money-Saving Plan: Screen after the flight?? &#124; Aviation Blog - Jay Ratliff &#124; 700WLW|date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816064154/http://700wlw.iheart.com/onair/aviation-blog-jay-ratliff-43304/tsas-moneysaving-plan-screen-after-the-14643459/|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 16, 2016}}</ref>

=====Reactions=====
After the November 2010 initiation of enhanced screening procedures of all airline passengers and flight crews, the [[US Airline Pilots Association]] issued a press release stating that pilots should not submit to full-body scanners because of unknown radiation risks and calling for strict guidelines for pat-downs of pilots, including evaluation of their fitness for duty after the pat-down, given the stressful nature of pat-downs.<ref name="Sharkey">Joe Sharkey, [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/business/16road.html?_r=1&ref=joe_sharkey Screening Protests Grow as Holiday Crunch Looms] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221235651/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/business/16road.html?_r=1&ref=joe_sharkey |date=February 21, 2015 }}, ''[[New York Times]]'', November 15, 2010.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110722040738/http://usairlinepilots.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7709several President's Message], [[US Airline Pilots Association]] press release, November 8, 2010.</ref> Two airline pilots filed suit against the procedures.<ref>Steve Everly and Randy Heaster, [http://www.kansascity.com/2010/11/19/2454162/airline-security-gets-private.htm Airline security gets private]{{dead link|date=October 2012}}, [[The Kansas City Star]], November 19, 2010.</ref>

In March 2011, two [[New Hampshire]] [[New Hampshire House of Representatives|state representatives]] introduced proposed legislation that would criminalize as [[sexual assault]] invasive TSA pat-downs made without [[probable cause]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Andrew J. |last=Manuse |title=Rep. Andrew J. Manuse: Why I sponsored the TSA 'don't touch my junk' bill |date=March 7, 2011 |url=http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Rep.+Andrew+J.+Manuse%3A+Why+I+sponsored+the+TSA+%27don%27t+touch+my+junk%27+bill&articleId=efce1bff-2306-4c81-accc-595d35f06027 |work=[[New Hampshire Union Leader]] |access-date=March 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006020917/http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Rep.+Andrew+J.+Manuse%3A+Why+I+sponsored+the+TSA+%27don%27t+touch+my+junk%27+bill&articleId=efce1bff-2306-4c81-accc-595d35f06027 |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first = Josh | last = Rogers | title = O'Brien Applauds Vote to Retain Anti-TSA Bill | date = March 10, 2011 | url = http://www.nhpr.org/obrien-applauds-vote-retain-anti-tsa-bill | work = [[New Hampshire Public Radio]] | access-date = March 21, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110311213906/http://www.nhpr.org/obrien-applauds-vote-retain-anti-tsa-bill | archive-date = March 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first = Lauren | last = Frayer | title = Man With 4th Amendment on Chest Sues Over Airport Arrest | date = March 15, 2011 | url = http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/15/aaron-tobey-student-with-4th-amendment-on-chest-sues-over-airp/ | work = [[AOL News]] | access-date = March 21, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110323235856/http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/15/aaron-tobey-student-with-4th-amendment-on-chest-sues-over-airp/ | archive-date = March 23, 2011 }}</ref> In May 2011, the [[Texas House of Representatives]] passed a bill that would make it illegal for Transportation Security Administration officials to touch a person's genitals when carrying out a [[Frisking|patdown]]. The bill failed in the [[Texas Senate|Senate]] after the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] threatened to make Texas a [[no-fly zone]] if the legislation passed.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sullum|first=Jacob|title=Feds Threaten No-Fly Zone Over Texas|url=http://reason.com/blog/2011/05/25/feds-threaten-no-fly-zone-over|access-date=May 25, 2011|newspaper=[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]|date=May 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Kashmir|title=TSA Threatens To Cancel All Flights Out Of Texas If 'Groping Bill' Passed|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2011/05/25/tsa-threatens-to-cancel-all-flights-out-of-texas-if-groping-bill-passed/|access-date=March 8, 2013|newspaper=[[Forbes]]|date=May 25, 2011}}</ref> In the [[United States House of Representatives]], [[Ron Paul]] introduced the [[American Traveler Dignity Act]] (H.R.6416),<ref>[https://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/11/ron_paul_would_like_to_give_yo.html Ron Paul Would Like to Give You Back Your Dignity] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023033953/http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/11/ron_paul_would_like_to_give_yo.html |date=October 23, 2012 }}, New York magazine, November 18, 2010</ref> but it stalled in committee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/6416?s=1&r=36|title=H.R.6416 - 111th Congress (2009-2010): American Traveller Dignity Act of 2010|date=November 17, 2010}}</ref>

On July 2, 2010, the [[Electronic Privacy Information Center]] (EPIC) filed a lawsuit in federal court asking to halt the use of full-body scanners by the TSA on [[Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourth amendment]] grounds, and arguing that the TSA had failed to allow a public notice and rulemaking period. In July 2011, the D.C. Circuit court of appeals ruled that the TSA did violate the [[Administrative Procedure Act (United States)|Administrative Procedure Act]] by failing to allow a public notice and comment rule-making period. The Court ordered the agency to "promptly" undertake a public notice and comment rulemaking. In July 2012, EPIC returned to court and asked the court to force enforcement; in August, the court granted the request to compel the TSA to explain its actions by the end of the month.<ref>[https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/08/court-orders-tsa-to-justify-year-long-defiance-of-the-law/ ARS Technica] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420064638/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/08/court-orders-tsa-to-justify-year-long-defiance-of-the-law/ |date=April 20, 2016 }}- Posted August 2, 2012; Retrieved August 8, 2012,</ref> The agency responded on August 30, saying that there was "no basis whatsoever for (The DC Circuit Court's) assertion that TSA has delayed implementing this court's mandate," and said it was awaiting approval from the Department of Homeland Security before the hearings take place. The TSA also said that it was having "staffing issues" regarding the issue, but expects to begin hearings in February 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/08/tsa-no-scanner-stonewalling/ |title=TSA Denies Stonewalling Nude Body-Scanner Court Order |magazine=Wired |access-date=September 3, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219020907/http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/08/tsa-no-scanner-stonewalling/ |archive-date=February 19, 2014 }} TSA Denies Stonewalling Nude Body-Scanner Court Order.</ref> The comment period began on March 25, 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-03-22/tsa-to-ask-public-about-naked-image-scanners-pat-downs |title=TSA to Ask Public About Naked-Image Scanners, Pat-Downs - Businessweek |access-date=March 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330003711/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-03-22/tsa-to-ask-public-about-naked-image-scanners-pat-downs |archive-date=March 30, 2013 }} TSA to Ask Public About Naked Image Scanners, Pat-downs</ref><ref name="regulations">{{cite web|url=http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=TSA-2013-0004-0001|title=NPRM: Passenger Screening Using Advanced Imaging Technology (Federal Register Publication)|date=March 25, 2013|publisher=Regulations.gov|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref> and closed on June 25, 2013, with over 90% of the comments against the scanners.<ref name="regulations" /> As of October 2015, no report has been issued.

Two separate Internet campaigns promoted a "National Opt-Out Day," the day before [[Thanksgiving]], urging travelers to "opt out" of the scanner and insist on a pat-down.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/t-s-a-screening-measures-draw-virtual-protests/?src=twrhp | work=The New York Times | first=Sara J. | last=Welch | title=T.S.A. Screening Measures Draw Virtual Protests | date=November 19, 2010}}</ref> The enhanced pat-down procedures were also the genesis of the "[[Don't touch my junk]]" [[Internet meme|meme]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/17/junk-conquers-pop-culture-universe/|title="Junk" catchphrase rockets into pop culture lexicon|last=Rowe|first=Peter|date=November 17, 2010|work=San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=April 7, 2013}}</ref>

==== March 2017 electronic device restrictions ====
On March 21, 2017, the TSA banned electronic devices larger than [[smartphone]]s from being carried on flights to the U.S. from 10 specific airports located in Muslim-majority countries. The order cited intelligence that "indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items".<ref name="ars-tsa17ban">{{cite web|title=TSA explains why it won't allow electronics on some USA-bound flights [Updated]|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/03/government-bans-electronics-on-us-bound-flights-from-10-airports/|website=Ars Technica|date=March 21, 2017|access-date=March 21, 2017}}</ref><ref name="CBC-nsa17ban">{{cite web|title=What to know about the new airline electronics bans|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/electronics-ban-flights-us-middle-east-1.4034311|website=CBC News|access-date=March 21, 2017}}</ref> The restrictions were ended in July following changes in screening procedures at the specified airports.