unilad homepage
unilad homepage
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • World News
    • Crime
    • Health
    • Money
    • Sport
    • Travel
  • Music
  • Technology
  • Film and TV
    • News
    • DC Comics
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Netflix
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • 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>US News
Updated 15:10 13 Mar 2026 GMTPublished 14:35 13 Mar 2026 GMT

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

This might be worth considering next time you fly...

Gerrard Kaonga

Gerrard Kaonga

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Featured Image Credit: George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Topics: News, Travel, US News

Gerrard Kaonga
Gerrard Kaonga

Gerrard is a Journalist at UNILAD and has dived headfirst into covering everything from breaking global stories to trending entertainment news. He has a bachelors in English Literature from Brunel University and has written across a number of different national and international publications. Most notably the Financial Times, Daily Express, Evening Standard and Newsweek.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Travelers have been issuing warnings about going through security as they notice just how often they're flagged for a pat down.

For some people going to the airport is just the first stage of a wonderful vacation, but for others, it's a cause of dread.

This could be because of how busy airports tend to be, or due to a fear of flying, but in some cases it's down to anxiety caused by the security checkpoints.

The fear hopefully won't be because you've done anything wrong, but more likely because the whole situation can be nerve-wracking.

Advert

But appearing anxious or nervous can often result in further security checks like a pat down, as one woman on Reddit discussed as she revealed that her 5’8, 169 lb adult self had her ‘crotch flagged twice’

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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

  • Travelers issue warning after going through TSA with 'sweaty crotch' and seeing what showed on camera
  • Urgent warning for US travelers as TSA agents go unpaid due to another government shutdown
  • TSA issues urgent warning to travelers following terrifying scam that could steal your money in seconds
  • Houston airport travelers reveal who they blame for miles-long TSA lines

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
3 hours ago
6 hours ago
7 hours ago
  •  ANP via Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    Tom Cruise's 'cringy' World Cup final speech sparks backlash - and its down to the final line

    The Hollywood icon left American sports purists absolutely enraged by choosing global phrasing on US soil

    News
  • Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Image
    3 hours ago

    Donald Trump turns World Cup final into absolute bunker with 'fortress' security that dwarfs King Felipe's royal detail

    MetLife Stadium has been placed under unprecedented military lockdown as F-16 fighter jets, snipers, and Secret Service sweep the venue.

    News
  • Getty Stock
    6 hours ago

    Experts warn why you should never take a 'Sleepcation'

    Sleep expert Tracy Hannigan says there's a type of person who shouldn't book this kind of adventure

    News
  • X
    7 hours ago

    Expert lip reader ‘reveals’ couple’s World Cup argument that had people urging woman to file for divorce

    The couple were filmed having a domestic during a World Cup match

    News