Can you decline a TSA picture?
Asked by: Constantin Legros | Last update: October 20, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (47 votes)
TSA posts signs at checkpoints using facial recognition technology. The traveler's right to decline a photo is highlighted in the sign, on passenger-facing screens, in officer advisements, and on TSA.gov.
How do I opt out of a TSA photo?
All you have to do is speak up
But the scan is entirely voluntary, meaning all passengers can verbally opt out. Simply tell the TSA agent that you'd prefer a standard ID check. This requires the agent to verify your ID from their eyes alone—the traditional process before scanners were introduced.
Can you decline a TSA face scan?
They told NewsNation the technology is the most secure form of identity verification and that they do not retain any personal data from passengers. If you want to opt out of a face scan at an airport, all you have to do is tell the TSA you decline facial recognition.
Do you have to let TSA take your photo?
Privacy and Facial Recognition Technology
The photo is optional. Your photo and personal data are deleted after your identity is verified**. Images are not used for law enforcement, surveillance and not shared with other entities. Tell the officer if you do not want your photo taken.
Can you refuse TSA screening?
You can tell the TSA agent that you do not wish to go through the scanner. TSA agents are required under TSA policy to honor your request, but might try to encourage or pressure you to go through anyway. To be as clear as possible, say, "I opt out." If you opt out, you will be subject to a “standard pat-down.”
What Happens if Film Goes Through TSA Scanner at an Airport??
How do I skip TSA screening?
If you're otherwise looking to skip the TSA line, you may consider enrolling in either TSA PreCheck or Clear. Although these services aren't free, there are credit cards that offer statement credits to offset the charges you'll incur.
Can TSA see my tampon?
This is a frequently asked question on Google, so we went straight to the TSA for an answer. “The body scanners cannot see anything inside of the body, including tampons or any other items,” Jenkins says. So if this is something you're worried about, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Should I opt out of facial recognition at the airport?
The traveler will not experience any negative consequences for choosing not to participate. There is no issue and no delay with a traveler exercising their rights to not participate in the automated biometrics matching technology.
Why does TSA PreCheck take your picture?
TSA is using facial identification to verify a passenger's identity at its security checkpoints using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Traveler Verification Service (TVS), which creates a secure biometric template of a passenger's live facial image taken at the checkpoint and matches it against a gallery of ...
Can you opt out of a photo at customs?
Opt-out provisions: U.S. citizens who do not wish to submit to facial photo capture pursuant to these processes may request alternative processing, which typically involves a manual review of their travel documents by a CBPO.
Can I refuse facial recognition?
Everyone, regardless of citizenship, can opt out when it comes to domestic flights in the US. (For international flights, US citizens can opt out but foreign nationals have to participate in face scanning, with some exceptions.)
What triggers TSA scanner?
Metal detectors create a magnetic field by using a brief pulse of electrical current. The magnetic field will be reflected back to the machine if there are any metal objects present, such as a watch or a belt buckle. The return signal is detected by the machine and a beeping noise is produced to alert the TSA agent.
Why would you be denied TSA?
If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...
Why is TSA checking my phone?
However, if they have reason to suspect that the physical device could be potentially dangerous—like if the internals look suspicious when it goes through the baggage scanner—they'll usually want to inspect it to ensure that it's untampered with.
Can you opt out of facial recognition on an iPhone?
If you choose to enroll in Face ID, you can control how it is used or disable it at any time.
Do you have to let TSA take your picture?
In theory, travelers can opt out of the pilot at the security checkpoint to avoid having their picture taken and their identity verified by facial recognition. In those instances where a traveler opts out, a TSA agent is supposed to check the ID manually to verify identity.
How to opt into TSA Touchless?
After saving your KTN and passport, you can opt in to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID on the same page. Each traveler must opt in through their own account before checking in on the app. Make sure to read our privacy policy and give us permission to use your facial scan as identification.
Why do I always get flagged at TSA?
Reasons You May Be Flagged
Paying for a ticket with cash. Making flight reservations on short notice. Recent travel to certain countries. Holding a passport from a country that the U.S. does not have a good relationship with.
Can you opt out of a photo at the airport?
All you have to do is make sure you're standing away from the camera when presenting the TSA officer with your physical ID and say something along the lines of, “I opt out of biometrics. I want the standard verification process.”
What is TSA really looking for?
TSA uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers. Millimeter wave advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers without physical contact for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing.
Do they take a picture for TSA PreCheck?
During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment. Any website that claims to allow consumers to register for TSA PreCheck that does not end in “.gov” is not an official TSA PreCheck website.
What triggers a TSA pat-down?
You may be required to undergo a pat-down procedure if the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, for enhanced screening, or as an alternative to other types of screening, such as advanced imaging technology screening.