"There are several factors that may require a passenger to undergo additional security screening (no photo ID, an unidentifiable or questionable item in your carryon baggage, a belt buckle or other metal on your clothing setting off the metal detector). Random screening is also one of the measures implemented by the Transportation Security Administration," says Paula Berg of Southwest Airlines.
Before that happens, you will place all items you are carrying on a conveyor belt to be taken through an x-ray machine. Remember these are restricted by size depending on the airlines requirements. Laptop computers, video cameras and other pieces of electronics may be required to be turned on before leaving the security area. Shoes are also screened. Boots and shoes with thick soles or metal will require additional screening.
A passenger then walks through a metal detector. Anything metal will set off the alarm and require you to be pulled aside for extra screening. If for some reason you do not wish to walk through a metal detector, you can request a pat-down inspection instead. Sometimes you may not set off the metal detector but because random inspections occur, you may be pulled aside for the extra screening. Even items such as earrings or other body piercings will set off the metal detector. You may want to remove certain items before arriving at the airport.
After you have been identified as requiring extra screening, you will be directed to a separate screening area. The screener can and will answer any questions you have. If you have a religious, medical or cultural reason that requires certain requirements, be sure to mention them first to the screener. Your screener should be a member of your gender except in very rare cases. If you are feeling embarrassed, request a private area for the search.
A hand wand is used to determine what set off the metal detector. The screener will pass the wand around your body, but will not have to actual touch you with it. If you have body piercings or have thick hair, the screener may decide to perform a pat-down search. Belt buckles and items on shoes are the frequent culprits for setting off the metal detector. If someone has a pacemaker or other medical device that could set off the alarm, bringing documentation with you can significantly speed up the screening process.
The TSA is training screeners at major airports to watch people and look for certain traits that may indicate someone is nervous or is angry. These people would be pulled aside for additional screening and questions.
