PREGNANT?

TSA Travel Tips for Pregnant Passengers

Traveling at any time can be stressful, but it can be even more challenging when you’re pregnant. Here’s some information to help you prepare for the checkpoint process:

Consult your physician before your visit to the airport.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time before your scheduled flight, especially if you plan on opting out.
Ask for help getting your bag on the belt if you need assistance.

Understandably, many expectant mothers are concerned about going through screening technology. Before deploying any technology, TSA conducts a variety of tests to ensure it’s safe for all passengers, including pregnant women. TSA’s Advanced Imaging Technology and walk through metal detector systems do not use X-rays to produce the image, but instead use non-ionizing electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the body. According to research conducted by the Center for Devices and radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration, it is safe for everyone, including pregnant women, to go through these machines. If you would like to read more about the testing conducted by the FDA, please visit fda.gov.

If you are pregnant and still concerned, you can opt out of going through screening technology altogether and requesting a pat down. The pat-down will be conducted by a female Transportation Security Officer, who will advise you about the pat-down details. This isn’t done to punish anyone because they opt out; we just want to make sure every passenger is screened equally prior to getting on an airplane.