So a while ago I wrote an article declaring the EZP body scanner safe.
I’ve gone with it through several body scanners since, and it has never come up, but apparently, this is NOT always the case.
Here’s an email from a customer whose experience differed somewhat from mine…
“I saw you did a post a while back, about the EZP and airport security and not having any problems. For the most part this has been my experience as well. I fly internationally about every two weeks. On my last trip from Portland to Calgary I had to go through a 3D scanner, and the EZP showed up. They asked what was in my pants, to which I explained that I am trans and that it’s an STP/packer. I had to go into a private room, remove the EZP and show that there was nothing in it, then have it tested for explosives if you can believe that. I’ve flown with the EZP 3 or 4 times previous to this without a problem, but I just wanted you to know that it can show up on the 3D scanners and I guess depending on the situation and on the TSA agent you have, you might have to whip it out, so to speak.”
So I absolutely had to share this story and have updated my earlier post to include this. I guess the verdict is, it’s MOSTLY safe, but if you’re at all nervous about it, then best not to wear it, and if you do wear it, remember your sense of humour if it’s detected.
AN UPDATE ON THIS UPDATE: I had a TSA agent contact me after I posted this and he explained to me that the way the body scanners work, is that in the US, it’s up to the TSA agent operating the machine to determine whether they are scanning a male or female body, so if the TSA agent determines that you are male bodied, the prosthetic will not show up, but if they determine you to be female bodied, then it will. In other countries, it is up to the person being scanned as to whether they enter the male or female scanner, so as long as you enter the male scanner, the prosthetic will not show up, but be aware that if you have not had chest surgery, that your chest may show up.
Fyi according to TSA and trans rights groups (to my understanding) it’s illegal for them to ask to see a prosthetic if you are wearing it… They can pat it down and wave the wand but are not allowed to look at it! So you can file a complaint about that.
Amending my comment to reflect TSA website: they may look at the device but you are NOT required to remove it and any demands that you do so are against TSA policy. You may do so voluntarily of course, but it is your right not to.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures?field_disability_type_value=6%20
I’m traveling through Abu Dhabi to Europe later this year and terrified about the prospect of this. Was planning to check my EZP into my checked luggage to avoid any issues but am still concerned that this could raise issues with body scanners (nothing appearing there – I definitely always pass as male with a full beard) or somehow being an issue as a “sex toy” in my luggage. Given the strict laws in the Middle East I’m worried. I will be traveling with my husband and we are aware that we needs to be discrete about our relationship. He happens to be middle eastern background and so is highly aware of the conservativeness of the thinking.
We are only stopping over in Abu Dhabi for a few hours each way.
What would you guys recommend I do with my EZP?
If you definitely look male and you are worried about it being detected in checked luggage and confiscated due to it being an illegal item/sex toy, then wear it. The only way that it may show up in the body scanner is if you’re wearing loose underwear and it’s separating from your body too much. I travel with it all the time and it’s never been detected.
not r.e. packers, but r.e. airport security and scanners: every time I bind, they pat down my chest and ask if im wearing a necklace. If I don’t bind, I don’t set it off. I assume I’m being read as “female” by whoever sets up the scanner, and thats really disheartening honestly. I thought being on T for 2 years would be enough for me to be gendered correctly :(
The U.S. needs to allow individuals to know their bodies better than strangers glancing at you for a second.
I’ve been on T for almost five years and for some reason I think TSA agents in US chose female when I go for the body scanner. I was at a few states airport and set off the “alarm” multiple times except once so I assume they chose differently?