‘Navigating airport security: a guide for gender nonconforming travelers

Let’s be honest. Traveling as part of the LGBTQIA+ community brings its own challenges that others might not recognize or may overlook entirely. As a transgender woman (MTF), I’ve discovered that getting through security presents its own unique obstacles.

It’s challenging to accurately gauge how many individuals worldwide identify as transgender or non-binary, but estimates suggest it’s less than 1%. This implies I might be the only transgender person a security agent encounters that day—or perhaps ever.

At the core, we’re all human, and security agents are simply fulfilling their responsibilities. I’m focused on reaching my destination while they work to ensure safety for everyone, including me. Although it shouldn’t be necessary, there are programs that genuinely simplify the travel experience for trans individuals, which I refer to as ‘passing’ security.

In our post-9/11 reality, security checkpoints have transformed to enhance travel safety. While this is a crucial step for protecting travelers, different countries and regions have adopted varied methods for border security. These programs enable travelers to become ‘known travelers,’ which, although not specifically designed for gender nonconforming individuals, can simplify the process of navigating security checks.

In the United States, we have access to programs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and the privately owned CLEAR, which inform airport staff of a traveler’s pre-registered status. I believe utilizing at least one of these programs—or a combination—greatly assists transitioning individuals in navigating both domestic and international security screenings more smoothly.

While traveling to and from the U.S., I’ve found that investing in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR helps alleviate certain issues since these programs involve a prior background check. With these options, I can avoid some of the typical security hassles. For instance, CLEAR uses my eye and fingerprint for identity verification—traits that remain constant regardless of my presentation—allowing me to skip being screened by personnel who might hold biases and refer me for additional checks based on my appearance.

TSA PreCheck eliminates the need to remove my shoes and, most of the time, allows me to bypass the body scanner—I've learned that there’s a button they can press to set the scanner to female or male. If the setting is female and I’m still anatomically male, it triggers the sensors, resulting in an invasive pat-down.

TSA actively supports transgender/non-binary/gender nonconforming passengers, even featuring a dedicated page on their website that outlines useful information, including rights concerning additional screenings and pat-downs. Gender nonconforming travelers should consider these pre-screening options to become known travelers and lower perceived security risks, reducing the likelihood of encountering human bias.

I’m always on the lookout for similar programs when traveling internationally. Recently, I journeyed through both the United Kingdom and Germany, which is part of the Schengen Area. Some airports allow you to pre-book a time for security checks, while in others, everyone must go through the same line. It's wise to check your departing airport for these options. Even if they aren't available, most airport websites provide information about security procedures and what to expect, so it's beneficial to review them before your trip. Keep in mind that you may encounter multiple security checkpoints. For instance, when I flew from Berlin, Germany to Boston, USA, via London, I went through:

• Security at Berlin Brandenburg Airport
• Border control at Berlin Brandenburg Airport
• Border control at London Heathrow Airport
• Security at London Heathrow
• Border control at Boston Logan Airport

That's five security checks for a single journey, and I have to do this in both directions.

It's crucial to keep your documents (passport, visas, and boarding passes) easily accessible. I enjoy having my boarding pass on my mobile phone, but it’s best not to rely solely on technology. Always print out your boarding passes as a backup.

I believe it’s essential to research the security regulations for your destination country or any connecting airports where you may have to re-clear security. The UK and the Schengen Area have stricter rules regarding the amount of liquids allowed than the US, including makeup. Anyone who uses makeup wouldn’t want their expensive products confiscated at security, so it’s best to pack these items in checked luggage.

As I pen this, I'm in the midst of planning my upcoming journey to Switzerland and Italy. I'm excited to visit two locations I haven't experienced since coming out and to forge new memories.

Always remember to plan ahead, safeguard your journey, and most importantly, be true to yourself. Safe travels!