Body scanners will definitely alarm on any objects in your pockets, including cash, ID, boarding pass, and of course anything substantial like a phone or wallet. They will sometimes alarm on thicker clothing, too, such as cargo pockets, which is why TSA requires you to divest yourself of any outerwear (coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves, hats, etc) before being scanned.
Walk-through metal detectors will only alarm on metal.
Best practice is to empty your pockets and lock the contents, and your outerwear, in your carry-on bag, before you even enter the queue to the checkpoint. Keep out only your ID and boarding pass, which you will need to show the TDC, and as soon as you pass the TDC, lock your ID and BP up in your bag as well.
It often takes me a good five minutes to put myself back together after I transit a c/p (put shoes and belt back on, put stuff back in pockets, put laptop back in carry-on, pull stuff out of carry-on that I need in my seat, etc), so I do whatever I can to make the process of divesting and re-vesting go smoothly and quickly. A little preparation can go a long way toward easing the pain.
FAQs
It is your RIGHT! Save yourself future cancers. Yes, you have to remove your wallet (and all your money , boarding pass , passport , etc) and possibly have them stolen, while wasting time in the scanner and their being out of your sight.
Do I have to empty my pockets for PreCheck? ›
It is recommended that you remove items from your pockets, bulky outer garments, or other items that might cause an alarm to expedite the screening process and minimize the opportunity for additional screening.
Do I have to take cash out of my pocket at airport security? ›
No law prohibits you from bringing any amount of money on a flight. Likewise, the TSA has no rules that limit how much money you can bring through security.
Do you have to take everything out of your pockets at the airport? ›
In Standard Screening Lane
Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
Can a body scanner detect cash? ›
Explosives: contraband detector can detect explosives that may be hidden on the body or inside luggage. Currency: X-ray scanners can detect large amounts of cash that may be hidden on the body, which may be indicative of money laundering or other illegal activities.
What do you have to take out of your bag for PreCheck? ›
The TSA PreCheck security rules are as follows:
- Do not remove shoes.
- Leave laptops in bags.
- Leave liquids in bags (must still meet 3.4 ounces in a quart-sized bag rule)
- Leave belts on.
- Do not remove sweatshirts or light outerwear.
What is TSA PreCheck®? The TSA PreCheck® program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints (for a complete list of participating airports, visit the TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airlines page). No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets.
Where to put your passport when going through airport security? ›
But this is entirely up to the discretion of the agents. In any event, it'll certainly take some time, and it's not going to be a particularly pleasant process. The bottom line: always, always, always keep your passport on your person or in your personal item — one that will never be gate-checked.
Why does my groin get flagged at TSA? ›
Metal Objects: If you have metal objects in your crotch area, such as zippers, buttons, or belt buckles, they can trigger the scanner to highlight that specific area for further inspection [1].
What are the TSA rules for seniors? ›
Passengers 75 and older can receive some form of expedited screening through risk-based intelligence-driven security that allows TSA to better focus resources on passengers who more likely pose a risk. You may leave on your shoes however; removal of light jackets is required for Advanced Imaging Technology screening.
A good X-ray scanner will always detect money. Airport scanners can detect even the smallest amount of metal and can detect paper. The scanners will always look after things that look different to the norm. In this case, if the currency is arranged in bundles, it will be more easily detected.
How much cash can you fly with? ›
You need to declare it when traveling internationally
It's legal to travel with more than $10,000 in the United States and abroad. You have the right to travel with as much money as you want. However, during international travel, you need to report currency and monetary instruments in excess of $10,000.
What do check scanners look for? ›
The routing and transit, account, and check numbers on checks are printed with magnetic ink that the scanner amplifies and then reads. The images are translated into characters so the majority of data entry is handled electronically.
What can scanners not see through? ›
Here are some materials that airport security x-ray machines are incapable of seeing through:
- Metals: X-ray machines cannot see through metals such as gold, platinum, tungsten, lead, and other heavy metals [1]. ...
- Crystals: X-ray machines may have difficulty seeing through crystals [1].
A good X-ray scanner will always detect money. Airport scanners can detect even the smallest amount of metal and can detect paper. The scanners will always look after things that look different to the norm.
Does money set off metal detectors? ›
Normally the notes (as well as jewelry) will not trigger an alarm when passing through metal detectors. However other items may trigger an alarm, which in turn may result in a pat-down, an additional scan with the hand “wand”, which may detect cash.
How much cash can you take through security? ›
No limit exists on how much money you can carry on a domestic or international flight. However, if you're travelling internationally, you should also be aware of the regulations in the country you're travelling to. Some countries may restrict the amount of money you can bring into the country.
Can airport security confiscate cash? ›
No, it is perfectly legal to fly with cash. In fact, the law allows you to fly with as much or as little as you like. Think about it: Have you ever heard of someone getting arrested at the airport for possession of too much cash?
