Airport security scrutinizes passengers who exhibit heavy sweating, due to potential concern for concealed items or unusual behavior.
Heavy perspiration during travel can lead to unexpected encounters with airport security, as sweat can cause Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines to false alarm, triggering additional screening procedures. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), this happens because sweat alters the density of a person's body and clothing, making it difficult for the scanners to accurately detect anomalies[1][2].
In such cases, a manual pat-down search is typically conducted, often focusing on the area where the alarm was indicated. Passengers have the option to request this additional screening in a private room if preferred. It's important to note that these cases do not necessarily indicate a security threat, but rather a technical limitation of the scanners dealing with moisture[1][4].
To reduce the chances of sweat triggering alarms, the TSA advises travellers to wear light, breathable clothing, minimise layers, and try to stay dry before security screening[1].
Meanwhile, travel in the United States has been eased slightly with the removal of the requirement for all passengers to take off their shoes at airport security checkpoints[3]. This change should help speed up TSA lines, regardless of a traveller's sweating levels.
For those facing the heat during their travels, CNN Underscored has a guide to 16 products that help with perspiration[5]. Additionally, CNN has also produced a US heat-risk tracker to help navigate high temperatures and know when extra hydration is important[6].
On a lighter note, a man recently proposed to his girlfriend in Yellowstone National Park, while another adventure saw a Chihuahua saving its owner from falling into a crevasse while exploring a glacier[7][8].
As for those seeking a change of scenery, several expats have found a new home in France. A Florida couple, the Zuerchers, in their early 60s, have moved to Nice and agree with Jennie Vercouteren's sentiment about the beauty and calmness of life in France[9]. Carole Carson, a writer from Colorado, also found her new home in France at the age of 80, crediting it with saving her life and providing the freedom to become a writer[10].
In Western Europe, air conditioning is still very rare in homes, making the summer heat particularly challenging. Despite this, the Pope is currently enjoying his summer vacation in a hilltop town, a tradition that has been ongoing for centuries[11].
In other news, Japan's panda capital is facing a crisis as its pandas are leaving due to the city's increasing urbanisation[12].
Lastly, for those who need to stay hydrated during their travels, there is a TSA-approved hack that allows travellers to bring a bottle of water past the scanners[13]. Just remember, the 3.4 ounce liquid rule remains in place at airport security.
[1] https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2019/05/28/tsa-tips-traveling-during-hot-weather [2] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tsa-sweat-security-screening/index.html [3] https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2021/04/27/tsa-announces-changes-security-checkpoint-procedures-response-covid-19-pandemic [4] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tsa-sweat-security-screening/index.html [5] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cnn-underscored-guide-to-perspiration-products/index.html [6] https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2021/07/health/us-heat-wave-tracker/index.html [7] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/yellowstone-national-park-proposal/index.html [8] https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/03/us/chihuahua-saves-owner-glacier/index.html [9] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/moving-abroad-nice-france/index.html [10] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/carole-carson-france-writer/index.html [11] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/pope-francis-summer-vacation/index.html [12] https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/02/asia/japan-sapporo-pandas-intl-hnk/index.html [13] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tsa-water-bottle-travel/index.html
- To avoid triggering false alarms in Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines during travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises passengers to wear light, breathable clothing and try to stay dry before security screening.
- For those facing high temperatures during their travels, CNN Underscored has a guide to 16 products that help with perspiration, and CNN also provides a US heat-risk tracker to help navigate high temperatures and know when extra hydration is important.
- Meanwhile, those seeking a change of scenery might find a new home in France, like the Zuerchers, a Florida couple in their early 60s, who moved to Nice and agree with Jennie Vercouteren's sentiment about the beauty and calmness of life in France.
