🔓 Can The TSA Body Scanner See Under My Clothes 👀

Read today's edition of Gate Access • March 24th, 2025

Happy Monday. Great updates are coming to Gate Access. When I started writing this newsletter after leaving TSA back in 2022, I would have never thought it would last this long. Thank you for opening and reading it every week.

Now, it’s time to level up.

While building this newsletter, I’ve also been meeting with other travel creators and aviation personnel every week, forming a roster of credible voices to join me in my mission to entertain and educate travelers about their rights and more.

The best information comes from frontline workers within the aviation industry, not politically correct press releases. This is why I’ve connected with aviation officials across all major U.S. airlines and the government sector to provide you with the most valuable information possible.

These individuals will remain anonymous for their job safety, but I can assure you that I’ve validated each one, and you can trust what is shared via this newsletter. As for the travel creators, you’ll be meeting them soon!

All subscribers will now enjoy receiving this newsletter every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but I encourage you to support this work by upgrading to paid. Paid subscribers will continue to enjoy additional perks like extended versions of the newsletter, digital downloads of guides, and more.

—Caleb Harmon-Marshall (Harmony)/ Editor & Founder

Can The TSA Body Scanner See Under My Clothes

There once was a time when TSA officers were able to see highly revealing images of passengers.

Raw image from backscatter machine // credit wsva.com

Of course, this invasion of privacy didn’t sit well with the traveling public once it came to light in 2009, so TSA updated its tech and introduced Advanced Image Technology (AIT) in 2013.

A sample image from a system using ATR // credit dhs.gov

This is the tech TSA uses now to spot both metal and non-metallic threats while making things easier for folks who aren’t comfortable with physical screening.

Technically, the machine can still see under your clothing, but it swaps out the detailed body image for a generic figure, so there’s no exposure to anything personal.

More on this in today’s extended version.

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On The Radar

👉 Delta is partnering with JetZero to help develop a first-of-its-kind blended-wing-body aircraft that’s up to 50% more fuel-efficient than today’s planes, aiming to transform commercial aviation with sustainable design, lower emissions, and enhanced passenger experience—part of Delta’s push toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

👉 United has opened its second United Club Fly location at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, offering grab-and-go snacks, barista-made coffee, and quick entry for on-the-go travelers—part of the airline’s $2.6 billion investment in IAH and broader upgrades to its lounge network.

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What’s in Today’s Extended Version 🫣

• Answering Hot Advanced Image Technology (AIT) Questions and MORE

  • Learn if the machine stores images.

  • Learn when you can and can’t opt out.

  • Learn if the machine targets people of color.

  • Digital Download: Tips For Textured Hair & Plus-Size Travelers When Going Through The Body Scanner