To not want menstrual cup to show on airport scanner

[ThistlyPerf]

I’m due to fly next week when I’ll have my period and it got me wondering if sanitary ware is visible on the airport scanner. I know periods are a totally normal thing which half the population experiences but it still feels a bit (privacy) invasive.

A quick Google search confirms cups certainly are. Has anyone experienced any issues with body scanners? AIBU to feel uncomfortable about this?

@Seashor

Only your bags go through a scanner you go through a metal detector .

No a lot of airports have sophisticated body scanners now, it's not just the metal arch.

I worked In airport security for years, we literally couldn’t give a shit. If it’s not dangerous or going to bring a plane down they won’t give it a second thought. Imagine what they come across in baggage that is going to Paris for Valentine’s weekend..

You literally can't see fuck all

www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna29997633

They won't care or think much about it. You have to remember that you're one of a huge crowd of people they deal with...they won't be shocked by you.

I didn't think the scanners could see inside people, I thought that was just bags?

Either way it wouldn't bother me particularly.

I have a possibly stupid question for those of you who have done this job - is it easy to tell the difference between a menstrual cup and something being smuggled in a bodily cavity...?

Body scanners are optional. You can request a pat down. Prepare for it to take longer to get thrlugh security. We go through the metal detector, but have never done thenbody scanners.

Unfortunately that's what you sign up to when you fly these days. They can't take the risk that you might blow the plane up.

I was somewhat discomfited to see that my mirena coil was clearly visible as I went through the scanner. However, it was obvious that was what it was, so I expect not of interest to security staff.

@Violetroselily

I have a possibly stupid question for those of you who have done this job - is it easy to tell the difference between a menstrual cup and something being smuggled in a bodily cavity...?

Yes with good training. Also you’d be amazed what you learn to see in bags etc.

@Zarene

How weird.

Indeed. .

What do you imagine they would say or do OP? do you think they care even a smidgen about your sanitary wear.

Just so you know you are the only person who has ever had a period whilst going through the scanner. They will be shocked and disgusted. I hope you’ll be okay.

You are being totally unreasonable. Nobody cares.

they might even see if you were constipated

Why would anyone care?

I've always been more worried that my menstrual cup will turn into a vacuum on landing and suck my cervix out. Have you seen what happens to a plastic bottle of water on a flight?

@Violetroselily

I have a possibly stupid question for those of you who have done this job - is it easy to tell the difference between a menstrual cup and something being smuggled in a bodily cavity...?

This isn't relevant for airports because the airport scanners don't see inside bodily cavities, but would be an issue for prison scanners, and 'drugs inside a mooncup' will be something that they've probably encountered many times so will be watching out for. Kinder surprise eggs are another common way to hide things.

I've also heard from operators who've found hidden money as they can see the metal strips in rolled up notes.

I've always been more worried that my menstrual cup will turn into a vacuum on landing and suck my cervix out. Have you seen what happens to a plastic bottle of water on a flight?

😆😆😆😆😆

Gosh, I thought the days of being ashamed of having a period were long gone. Op all women have periods. You need to try to not care that for a flip second some random security person will know.

I thought X ray scanners only picked up metal, not rubber/plastic/silicone.

@Confrontayshunme Body scanners never seem to be optional in the airports I travel to and from! I often have to have a scan AND a pat down!

Packet of crisps taken on a flight ...

What @BarbaraofSeville said. They cannot see inside you!

These sorts of scanners just show a generic outline of a body and highlight areas of concern.

I travel a lot (pre-covid at least monthly) and saw the screens lots of times when going through.

Oh, I have a questions for those of you who’ve worked in airport security! I’ve gone through security several times with one of these card tools, which have a short blade. The first time was an accident, and I was surprised it wasn’t confiscated! Is it just being missed? I keep it in a little metal business card holder with a tiny mirror so I wondered if it hadn’t been spotted on the scanner. www.victorinox.com/uk/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Swiss-Cards/Swiss-Card-Classic/p/0.7100.T

Why is it a problem if they see your cup? They aren't about to jump up, point and shout 'unclean!' at you. It's one person, who probably won't even look up and register your face. You'll be gone, next one in. Forgotten about in less than a split second.

I think this is a worry too far.