• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Travelers issue warning after going through TSA with 'sweaty crotch' and seeing what showed on camera

Home> News> Travel

Published 12:54 25 Jun 2025 GMT+1

Travelers issue warning after going through TSA with 'sweaty crotch' and seeing what showed on camera

The thought of TSA security officers stopping you for a pat-down can be incredibly nerve-racking

Joe Yates

Joe Yates

If you've been through airport security, chances are that you've been patted down - but a lot of these searches aren't just random, as one traveler discovered after having their 'sweaty crotch' examined.

There's often an air of anxiousness for tourists as they queue at Transport Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints up-and-down the US and further afield.

Many fearing that they were going to be selected for a pat-down or that something could crop up in their luggage meaning their bags must be rifled through by officers, and anything embarrassing waved around in public.

The nerves can so easily get to you, and so often do with the masses inside the sweltering hot security room perspiring - and one of those who felt this anxiety was a 5'8", 169lbs, 'midsized adult woman' who shared on Reddit that her 'crotch was flagged twice'.

Advert

The thought of TSA security officers stopping you for a pat-down can be incredibly nerve-racking (Getty stock)
The thought of TSA security officers stopping you for a pat-down can be incredibly nerve-racking (Getty stock)

She wanted to know why she was recently stopped and patted in the same region of her groin twice, adding that she was wearing 'bike shorts and normal underwear'.

One user asked: "Were you sweating?"

"Probably a little, I'm terrified of flying so I was nervous," she conceded.

Advert

The Redditor explained that she wasn't offended by the pat-down, but was just curious as to why she had been stopped but her wife hadn't.

However, another user shared a similar problem two years ago, posting to the social media platform to vent his frustration and to understand why his 'sensitive area' - as he puts it - was being frisked so often.


Advert

He conducted his own experiment to help determine why - although didn't get to the problem on his own.

The frustrated gentlemen thought the reason his crotch was being flagged was because of the pants he had on.

The first time he donned double-knee trousers, the next flight he wore canvas pants, then blue jeans the next time, and finally pajama bottoms - each and every time he was patted-down.

However, one commenter explained why he believes he is always halted.

Advert

"I've flown a lot over the last few years. I'm a bigger guy and I've had that problem," they explained. "My unscientific testing has told me the following. If I'm sweaty, I'm getting a pat down.

The queues at airport security can get a bit sweaty for all of us (Getty Stock Image)
The queues at airport security can get a bit sweaty for all of us (Getty Stock Image)

"The machine triggers on sweat, especially in the lower back and private areas.

"Boxer briefs over boxers, the boys need to be high and tight. Pants material doesn't make too much of a difference. What does is sag. When you get in the machine, pull your pants as high up as you can. Sagging pants makes a shadow or something, and it guarantees a pat down.

Advert

"The last thing is be patient. They don't want to search you down there any more than you want to be searched, but sometimes it's just going to happen."

So, if you're a sweaty mess going into airport security... you should expect a pat-down... sorry guys!

UNILAD has contacted the TSA for comment.

Featured Image Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty

Topics: Travel, US News, Reddit

Joe Yates
Joe Yates

Joe is a journalist for UNILAD, who particularly enjoys writing about crime. He has worked in journalism for five years, and has covered everything from murder trials to celeb news.

X

@JMYjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • TSA issues urgent warning to travelers following terrifying scam that could steal your money in seconds
  • Reason erections can set off TSA scanners after man was flagged and saw what showed on camera
  • What is REAL ID to fly on a plane as TSA clarifies Costco cards confusion
  • TSA issues warning as they ban certain card at airport security that's owned by millions

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • Getty Stock Image
    an hour ago

    Expert reveals 4 key signs a relationship has run its course

    There are some signs you might be ignoring that show your relationship is well and truly done

    News
  • Getty Images/pipat wongsawang
    an hour ago

    Experts reveal one often overlooked symptom of cancer happens while you're sleeping

    It can easily be overlooked

    News
  • South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    Trump increases production of some of the most powerful missiles amid WW3 fears

    Geopolitical tensions continue to rise, sparking more concern among US citizens

    News
  • Getty Stock Image
    2 hours ago

    Researchers warn AI is manipulating us by using one very human tactic

    The researchers discovered popular companion bots use some worrying tactics to keep users engaged

    News