My bra and the TSA

[Sandra6sandy9sand]

Hi everyone, I am not a seasoned traveler so I’m not sure how the TSA will react to a trans feminine person going through security. I usually present as a male. All my travel documents have my birth name on them. Will there be a problem or should I not wear my bra?

 

Any experience you my have had would be helpful.

 

Thanks and Hugs.

 

Sandra

[VickySGV]

It will depend on the airport itself I am afraid to say.  I have never had any problem with bras myself.  If you are confident with who you are and your name and basic facial features match your ID photo the worst that can happen happen is the annoyance of a pat down after a body scan.  Look at it as an annoyance and not a criminal assault and it will smooth out.  Fewer people will see your discomfort or take it to mean anything out of their ordinary travel stress.  I have NEVER had real problems boarding a plane in female mode.  I did have one that was actually cute where a person checking my, then male, ID commented that my hair was much longer than on my ID. (I had on a wig.) 

 

I have one Trans friend who gets into trouble about every time she boards a plane, but it is her attitude that does the damage, not being Trans and she would have the problems even as male I am afraid. 

[Sandra6sandy9sand]

Thanks Vicky, I have a few months before I have to fly so I have some time to get ready.

 

Sandra

[VickySGV]

I did not mention it above, but do go to the TSA website where they actually have a page about flying while Trans that is mostly followed by their personnel. 

[luke_b]

here is a link for the TSA regulations for trans people https://www.tsa.gov/transgender-passengers

 

my personal experience with this as FTM was essentially what was stated on the website. the TSA agent has to select a specific gender, male or female, because they scan for areas of body heat. females often have more heat situated on their chests and males usually have more heat situated in their genitals, so if they select male, as they did for me, the machinery will pick up as having an abnormal amount of heat on the chest, and they had to pat down my chest. no questions were asked, it was a smooth process with no issues. the website states that if a pat down is needed, you can ask for one in a secluded room if that is what makes you more comfortable.

?good luck

[Carolyn Marie]

I've had the same experience as Luke but in reverse.  It often results in a pat down by a female agent, but I've never had a real problem.  All the agents that I've come across have been efficient and professional, even if not usually "friendly."  If I had to put hands on dozens of people every day, I doubt I would be very friendly, either.  There are a lot of us flying these days.  Most agents are used to it.

 

Carolyn Marie