Reason erections can set off TSA scanners after man was flagged and saw what showed on camera

Airport security can already be stressful enough, but for some travelers, an unexpected and awkward issue is making things even more uncomfortable. Some men have shared that their private parts — particularly if they’re well-endowed or happen to have an erection — have triggered TSA scanners, leading to some very personal and embarrassing encounters.

Airport scanners use millimeter wave technology to scan the body and flag any unusual objects or shapes. The system highlights anything that stands out on a body scan, whether it’s a metal object or something else that doesn’t fit the software’s usual pattern — including, in some cases, a man’s genitalia.

One man described his experience on Reddit. After saying goodbye to his girlfriend at the airport — with some passionate kissing before his flight — he entered security still experiencing what he described as a “slight chub.” When he stepped into the body scanner, he was shocked to see the screen light up with a red circle right around his crotch. A TSA officer did a standard pat-down, but then called over a supervisor to check again. Embarrassed, the man quietly explained what had happened, and the officer eventually waved him through.

He called it the most humiliating moment of his life and hoped there weren’t any cameras recording the whole thing.

Another frequent flyer shared a similar story. He said that almost every time he travels, the scanner flags his crotch. A yellow box shows up on the screen, and he’s subjected to a detailed pat-down each time — a process he finds uncomfortable, invasive, and frustratingly slow.

Other people chimed in online, sharing that they’d experienced the same thing, especially after situations that led to a partial erection before entering the scanner. While TSA agents are just doing their jobs and following protocol, these kinds of personal incidents can be incredibly awkward for travelers.

So, the next time you’re heading through airport security, keep in mind: metal in your pockets isn’t the only thing that might get flagged. Sometimes, your body itself can cause unexpected complications. And if you’re feeling, well, a little too alive down there… maybe give yourself an extra moment before stepping into that scanner.