‘Large Underwire Bra’ Triggers Metal Detector, Woman’s Wrath
Travel Blog • Valerie Conners • 08.26.08 | 2:20 PM ET
Ladies (maybe some gents, too?), I suggest you think twice before donning an underwire bra before flying. At Oakland International Airport, a “big-busted woman wearing a large underwire bra” set off a metal detector, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, prompting what the woman, Nancy Kates, believed was overzealous and humiliating scrutiny during the routine pat down.
“The woman touched my breast. I said, ‘You can’t do that,’” Kates said, adding, “‘You can’t treat me as a criminal for wearing a bra.’”
To be sure, Kates plans to contact the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Organization for Women. In the meantime, on flying days consider your choice of undies with care.
Related on World Hum:
* Passenger: TSA Forced me to Remove my Nipple Ring With Pliers
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Valerie Conners is the senior producer and editor at World Hum.
Eva 08.26.08 | 3:26 PM ET
What next? I already make sure to choose particular security-friendly belts and shoes on flying days…
Maybe the airports should just start issuing passenger uniforms at the door? Orange jumpsuits might work well.
Anjeeta Nayar 08.26.08 | 5:30 PM ET
I went through a similar experience while flying through Heathrow’s Terminal 1 en route to Spain in June this year. In my case the officer was as embarrassed as I was but let me through!
Frank 08.26.08 | 6:13 PM ET
I had the same problem with my large underwire jockstrap.
Lisa 08.26.08 | 7:37 PM ET
I have had this happen at several airports and it is not a very enjoyable situation. Instead of being treated with respect, several of the TSA nazis act as though I am doing something specifically to inconvenience them rather than wearing an appropriate undergarment!
ML 08.26.08 | 10:05 PM ET
Same thing happened to me in Aug 2005 in route to Rome. I nearly missed my origination flight. 3 scans/demand for a supervisor and offer to remove it right there at the checkpoint, and I finally got thru. I was down to a sleeveless tshirt, capri length pants, bra and panties. Had even told the screeners what the problem was. Not much more to give up! Learned to sag at security and put underwire on AFTER screening.
Ling 08.26.08 | 11:53 PM ET
I know its not funny to be at the recieving end of something like this, but just for the record, what size was it that it ticked off a metal detector?
Michael Yessis 08.27.08 | 12:14 PM ET
Alas, Ling, the story didn’t say.
Grizzly Bear Mom 08.27.08 | 12:18 PM ET
Underwire bras are frequently made of metal which set off detectors set to find metal regardless of the size of bra. Because I do prison ministry I learned this the hard way. For safety purposes, I except the TSA and corrections officers to respectfully frisk people who set off metal detectors.
DR E 09.02.08 | 12:55 PM ET
Overseas I have found it does not matter what metal you have/have not on. You will get a thorough pat down no matter what the metal detector says. India/Dubai/Germany are all recent experiences. No buzz but a full pat down/grope. Women are not allowed any leeway either they just get their own little booth in India/Dubai. I find TSA to be the least thorough of all. Except for the shoes and PC. Most other countries allow them through usually but sometimes everything changes.
Enzara 11.13.08 | 4:05 AM ET
I was down to a sleeveless tshirt, capri length pants, bra and panties. Had even told the screeners what the problem was. Not much more to give up! Learned to sag at security and put underwire on AFTER screening.