Airport Security Alert: Common Clothing Item Triggers Unusual Screening Incident
Woman’s Airport Security Pat-Down Goes Viral Over ‘Swamp Crotch’ Alert
By Esther Marshall | Updated: 11:26 BST, 4 July 2025
A woman shared an embarrassing encounter at airport security that left the internet buzzing. After flying for the first time in 15 years, she revealed her groin area was flagged twice by body scanners.
In a Reddit post, the traveler explained she wore bike shorts and regular underwear, had no piercings or medical devices, and underwent a pat-down after both alerts. “They were polite, but I’m curious what triggered it,” she wrote.
Fellow Reddit users pointed to an unusual culprit: sweat. One commenter recalled a TSA agent mentioning “swamp crotch,” linking moisture to scanner alarms.
Body scanners can detect sweat due to millimeter wave technology (stock image).
Experts confirm perspiration can set off airport scanners. Shawna Malvini Redden, an aviation security researcher, told Reader’s Digest, “The sensors detect water molecules, so sweat—especially in tight clothing—creates anomalies.”
Millimeter wave scanners, used widely in the U.S., bounce electromagnetic waves off the body. Dense moisture, like sweat under synthetic fabrics, disrupts the reflection, prompting alarms. France and Germany phased out these scanners due to frequent false positives, but they remain in American airports.
Breathable fabrics may reduce sweat-related scanner alerts (stock image).
To avoid “swamp crotch” mishaps, experts suggest:
- Wear loose, breathable clothing (e.g., cotton) to minimize sweating.
- Avoid tight outfits like leggings or shapewear.
- Remove hair clips or metal accessories pre-scan.
Body scanners also flag bun hairstyles, underwire bras, and external medical devices. Internal conditions (e.g., fibroids) typically don’t trigger alerts.
The post sparked relatable stories online, with users sharing similar pat-down experiences. While awkward, most praised TSA’s professionalism.
For stress-free travel, dress smart and stay dry—your crotch (and security line) will thank you.
Share your airport security stories in the comments!
