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Frequently Asked Questions

Advanced Imaging Technology

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Q. What is advanced imaging technology? A. Advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers for both metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under a passengers’ clothing without physical contact to keep the traveling public secure.

Q. Does imaging technology work? A. Yes. Imaging technology is a highly effective security tool, which can detect both metallic and non-metallic items that may pose a threat to aviation security. AIT is a proven technology and TSA is highly confident in its detection capability.

Q. Is imaging technology optional? A. Yes, imaging technology screening is optional for all passengers. Passengers who do not wish to receive imagining technology screening will receive alternative screening, including a physical pat-down.

Q. Is imaging technology safe? A. Advanced imaging technology is safe and meets national health and safety standards. Backscatter technology was evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). For comparison, a single scan using backscatter technology produces exposure equivalent to two minutes of flying on an airplane, and the energy projected by millimeter wave technology is thousands of times less than a cell phone transmission. Millimeter wave imaging technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards. In fact, the energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 1000 times less than the international limits and guidelines.

Q. What has TSA done to protect my privacy? A. TSA has implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy, which is ensured through the anonymity of the image.
For millimeter wave technology: Automated target recognition (ATR) software detects any metallic and non-metallic threats concealed under a passenger’s clothing by displaying a generic outline of a person on a monitor attached to the AIT unit highlighting any areas that may require additional screening. The generic outline of a person will be identical for all passengers. If no anomalies are detected, an “OK” appears on the screen with no outline.
For Backscatter technology: A remotely located officer views the image and does not see the passenger, and the officer assisting the passenger cannot view the image. The image cannot be stored, transmitted or printed, and is deleted immediately once viewed. Additionally, there is a privacy algorithm applied to blur the image.

Q. How does the imaging technology screening process work? A. Each passenger will be asked to take everything out of their pockets (including non-metallic items) and walk into the imaging portal. Once inside, they will be asked to stand in a position and remain still for a few seconds while the technology creates an image in real time. Passengers then exit the opposite side of the portal and collect belongings. The entire process takes a matter of seconds.

Q. How does backscatter imaging technology work? A. Backscatter technology projects an ionizing X-ray beam over the body surface at high speed. The reflection, or “backscatter,” of the beam is detected, digitized and displayed on a monitor. Each full body scan produces less than 10 microREM of emission, the equivalent to the exposure each person receives in about 2 minutes of airplane flight at altitude. It produces an image that resembles a chalk-etching, and has a privacy filter applied to the entire body.

Q. How does millimeter wave imaging technology work? A. Millimeter wave imaging technology uses harmless electromagnetic waves to detect potential threats, which are highlighted on a generic outline of a person appearing on a monitor attached to the unit. If no anomalies are detected, an “OK” appears on the screen with no outline.

Q. Where are imaging technology machines located?
A. Currently, there are approximately 600 advanced imaging technology machines located at approximately 140 airports nationwide.

Airports that have, or are scheduled to receive, imaging technology:

Q. Where else is advanced imaging technology used? A. Domestic locations:

International locations: Advanced imaging technology is used in hundreds of locations around the world in aviation and mass transit environments, including Canada, France, the Netherlands, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

If you need additional information, please e-mail the TSA Contact Center at TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov or call 866-289-9673