As if America’s airports weren’t already crowded enough, an influx of travelers is expected in 2026 thanks to major international events such as the FIFA World Cup, as well as America’s 250th birthday celebration. In an effort to get ahead of the crowds and to streamline the airport security process in general, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has partnered with the identity verification technology company CLEAR to introduce new biometric “eGates,” and their rollout has already begun. Here’s where you can find them (so far) and what you should expect when encountering an eGate for the first time.

What Are eGates?

Electronic gates (eGates) are biometric security checkpoints designed to expedite the identity verification process. They eliminate the need for staff to physically inspect a person’s travel documents to make sure they match up against their ID, which can be a time-consuming step that leads to long lines and frustrated travelers. Instead of physically handing over their ID and boarding pass, travelers can walk right through eGates in mere seconds.

In an August 2025 press release, the TSA further explained that eGates “allow TSA to automatically compare traveler biometrics with their identity document and boarding pass without the need for a human operator, enhancing efficiency and security.” The technology is operated and managed by CLEAR, which is funding the integration of these eGates at no additional cost to taxpayers. 

While the TSA plans to adopt the technology at other airport checkpoints in the future, eGates are currently available only as an opt-in feature for CLEAR+ members, who pay for access to quicker ID verification lines that are separate from standard TSA screening and TSA PreCheck lines. As of late 2025, the service currently costs individuals $209 annually.

Where Can You Use eGates?

According to the CLEAR website, eGates involve a simple three-step process. Once you’ve enrolled in CLEAR+, enter the dedicated lane and scan your boarding pass. Then, walk up to the eGate, which uses built-in cameras and scanners to verify that your face matches your travel documents. Once verified, the eGate will automatically open and you can proceed to the TSA X-ray bag screening.

As far as privacy concerns, CLEAR says that eGates transmit limited data. The technology simply compares a live photo to the ID you used when enrolling, along with your boarding pass and other basic identity information. CLEAR says it has no access to any sensitive info compiled by TSA (e.g., watchlists), and its employees cannot manually open the gates or override TSA decisions, a measure designed to ensure a thorough and safe screening process.

The statistics during this initial run of testing have been promising. In an interview with Axios, CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker claimed that “the total transaction time should be between three and six seconds.” However, eGates have been deployed at only three major U.S. airports at the time of writing in September 2025: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Seidman-Becker said that the “expectation is to roll this out nationwide” by around next summer in preparation for July’s World Cup.

The Expansion of Biometrics

The new eGates are just one example of a larger effort to expand the use of biometrics nationwide. The TSA currently deploys facial recognition technology at some 238 airports, with the goal of expanding this technology to more than 400 airports in the future. But that’s not all: In an interview with Fox News Digital, TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl stated the eventual aim is to oversee a “fully frictionless process, one that’s fully automated, that’s tech-enabled, that is as seamless as possible.” 

That means passengers can likely expect to see other airport security steps streamlined and automated in the future, such as bag screening. However, passengers who feel uncomfortable or have privacy concerns can currently opt out of biometric scans and request a standard physical security inspection instead.

Other Airport Security Changes

The deployment of eGates comes amid a flurry of changes by the TSA to make the screening process more efficient. In July, the Department of Homeland Security ended its long-standing policy requiring travelers to take off their shoes at TSA checkpoints. The agency also unveiled TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which allows eligible travelers who have enrolled in TSA PreCheck to simply scan their face rather than present physical travel documents. Lastly, you may notice dedicated family screening lanes at select airports, which are designed to make the checkpoint process easier for those traveling with young children. 

Ever visited a new state and dreamed of buying a vacation home or even relocating there? Of course, before you actually consider making the move, it’s important to check out local property taxes. These taxes are essential for funding schools, roads, and other public projects, though the exact rates differ from state to state (and from county to county within each state). To find the states with the highest property taxes, we’re taking a look at the effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing in each state, based on a 2025 report from the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit research organization specializing in tax policy. (This figure is calculated by dividing total real taxes paid over the total home value.) Here are the 10 U.S. states with the highest effective property tax rates in 2025.

10. Wisconsin

Effective property tax rate: 1.25%

Wisconsin’s property tax rate of 1.25% is the 10th-highest in the nation. And while that may be the average rate throughout the state, some counties levy a significantly higher tax rate. The county with the highest rate is Menominee County — the quaint jurisdiction has a population of only 4,255 residents, but they pay a 3.64% effective rate. After that, there’s a considerable drop-off to No. 2, Milwaukee County (2.04%), followed by Dane County (home to the capital city of Madison) at 1.71%. According to additional estimates from the Tax Foundation, Wisconsinites pay $5,953 in annual property taxes per capita.

9. New York

Effective property tax rate: 1.26%

In terms of real dollars, New Yorkers pay the highest average property taxes per capita of any state, shelling out $12,685 each year. In fact, the state has six counties where the median property tax payments exceed $10,000: Nassau, New York, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester. Despite these high figures, on a statewide basis the Empire State ranks ninth in the nation when it comes to the average effective property tax rate. The New York county with the highest tax rates is Orleans County (3%), located in the Finger Lakes region of western New York.

8. Ohio

Effective property tax rate: 1.31%

Ohio’s effective property tax rate recently rose from 1.23% to 1.31%, landing the Buckeye State in the eighth spot on this list. In real dollars, Ohioans fork up about $5,741 in property taxes per person each year. Residents of Cuyahoga County — the home of major cities such as Cleveland, Parma, and Lakewood — are taxed at a 2.08% rate, which is the highest countywide rate in the state.

7. Texas

Effective property tax rate: 1.36%

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the 1.36% effective property tax rate that ranks as the seventh-highest in the U.S. This comes entirely in the form of tax rates set by local governments, as there’s no statewide property tax in Texas. The highest tax rate belongs to El Paso County, where the effective property tax rate is 2.09%. On a statewide average basis, Texans typically pay around $5,459 in property taxes each year.

6. New Hampshire

Effective property tax rate: 1.41%

With no income tax nor sales tax, New Hampshire relies quite heavily on property taxes to generate revenue, which helps explain why its effective tax rate is the sixth-highest in the country. The highest county rates can be found in Sullivan (2.38%), Cheshire (2.32%), Coos (2.07%), and Merrimack (2%). New Hampshire’s most populous county, Hillsborough, has an effective tax rate of 1.76%, the seventh-highest in the Granite State.

5. Vermont

Effective property tax rate: 1.42%

Despite Vermont’s small size, its residents end up paying an average of $8,158 per capita in annual property taxes, which is the eighth-highest total in the country in terms of real dollars. The highest tax rate in Vermont by individual county belongs to Windsor County — which is located in the eastern part of the state and includes the town of Woodstock — at 1.98%.

4. Nebraska

Effective property tax rate: 1.43%

Nebraska jumped from sixth place in the Tax Foundation’s 2024 rankings to the fourth-highest property taxes in 2025. The Cornhusker State’s effective rate increased from 1.32% to 1.43% year over year. Unlike other states on this list where there’s at least one individual county with a tax rate exceeding 2%, that’s not the case in Nebraska. The highest countywide tax rate is 1.79% in Sarpy County — a county that shares a border to the south with Douglas County, which is home to Omaha.

3. Connecticut

Effective property tax rate: 1.48%

Nutmeggers pony up $9,718 per person in property taxes per year — the third-highest figure in the country, behind New York and California. On a statewide level, the effective property tax rate of 1.48% for Connecticut also ranks third in the nation. These rates are particularly high in places such as the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, which levies a 2.15% property tax on residents. The Capitol Planning Region (home to the city of Hartford) imposes a 2.14% effective property tax rate.

2. New Jersey

Effective property tax rate: 1.77%

Much like in neighboring New York, there are a whopping eight counties in the Garden State where median annual property tax payments exceed $10,000: Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union. New Jersey is also home to two counties — Camden County and Salem County — where the effective property tax rate is above 3%.

1. Illinois

Effective property tax rate: 1.83%

Illinois residents have the highest property tax rates in the U.S. This is especially true in Lake County — home to the Chicago suburbs of Highland Park, Lake Forest, and others — where the tax rate is 2.68%. Despite the high property tax rate in Illinois, in terms of real dollars, residents pay about $8,148 per capita each year, which ranks ninth in the nation.

Summary of States With the Highest Property Taxes

Staying at a luxury hotel is like stepping into your own personal castle, a world where everything works perfectly and you’re treated like royalty from the minute a uniformed attendant whisks open the doors. This magic, naturally, comes at a price. Often, the nightly rate for five-star hotels can range into the high five figures (or even more), depending on location, amenities, and many other factors. But some truly outstanding properties might cost less than you think. Here are five of our favorite luxury hotels in the U.S. that offer five-star experiences for around $500 per night or less.

The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, Virginia

The Jefferson is Richmond’s crown jewel and a Beaux Arts masterpiece that’s been hosting presidents and dignitaries since 1895. A living piece of American history where every corner tells a story, the hotel makes guests feel as if they’re staying in a friend’s private mansion. Make sure to get a picture with the life-sized sculpture of Old Pompey, an alligator who used to hang out in the hotel’s Palm Court lobby (yes, really). 

The grand staircase was inspired by the one at the Paris Opera House, and the rooms — many with working fireplaces — blend classically influenced elegance and up-to-date luxury. At the Jefferson, guests will find Southern hospitality elevated to an art form. The on-site restaurant, Lemaire, consistently ranks among the state’s finest eateries, serving contemporary cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and Virginia wines.

Depending on season and room category, rates typically range from $300 to $500 per night. The hotel’s amenities include a spa, fitness center, and concierge service that will arrange everything from private museum tours to wine tastings in the countryside. The Jefferson is particularly magical during the holidays, when the lower rotunda lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland that’s dominated by a majestic 30-foot Christmas tree.

Sonnenalp Hotel – Vail, Colorado

Family-owned for five generations, this European-style luxury resort in Vail Village brings Bavarian charm to the Colorado Rockies. Among the first Michelin Guide-recommended hotels in America, the Sonnenalp feels like a cozy alpine retreat where you can (almost) ski right to your door — the hotel is just a five-minute walk from the gondola.

The hotel features numerous restaurants (don’t miss the fondue at Swiss Chalet), a full-service spa, a cocktail bar, and rooms that feature fireplaces and mountain views. The spa is particularly special, offering treatments that help you recover after long days on the slopes, while the restaurants serve everything from fondue to refined contemporary cuisine.

Rates typically start around $350 per night in spring and fall — reasonable for Vail’s luxury market, especially considering the Sonnenalp’s intimate, family-owned feel. The Gore Creek views are unforgettable, and, especially during winter, the heated outdoor pool surrounded by snow-covered peaks is pure Rocky Mountain magic.

Lotte Hotel – Seattle, Washington

Bringing modern Korean luxury to downtown Seattle, this Philippe Starck-designed hotel has 189 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of Elliott Bay. The design blends rustic Pacific Northwest nature with sleek contemporary aesthetics, starting with the front desk, which is crafted from a 3,000-year-old sequoia tree.

The hotel offers a full-service spa and multiple dining venues, and is perfectly positioned near Seattle’s waterfront and Pike Place Market. Charlotte Restaurant and Lounge, with panoramic city views from the top floor, is a showstopper.

Room rates start around $230 per night, making it surprisingly accessible for a luxury property in a major metropolitan area. Sleek accommodations, an enviable location, and sophisticated Korean hospitality make the Lotte especially appealing for travelers who want to experience the city from a stylish home base.

Hotel Bardo – Savannah, Georgia

Occupying a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of the city’s Victorian district, Hotel Bardo represents Savannah’s newest entry into luxury hospitality. The boutique property captures Savannah’s mystical spirit, while the design of the intimate yet sophisticated spaces celebrates the city’s artistic heritage.

Designed with custom furnishings, each room features locally sourced bath products, and many have private balconies overlooking the city’s historic squares. Bardo’s restaurant focuses on contemporary Southern cuisine with a creative twist, while the rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city’s church spires and moss-draped oaks.

Pricing typically runs at an accessible $250 to $400 per night, but the real value lies in the personalized service and the hotel’s ability to connect guests with Savannah’s hidden gems, from private ghost tours to exclusive access to local artists’ studios.

Grand America Hotel – Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City’s answer to European grand hotels, the Grand America wouldn’t feel out of place in Paris or Vienna. This massive hotel features more than 775 rooms and suites appointed with English wool rugs, Italian marble, and French fabrics. The lobby is a castle-worthy space with crystal chandeliers, hand-painted ceilings, and live music in the afternoon and evenings. Meanwhile, downtown Salt Lake’s walkable attractions are easily accessible by foot, and the hotel is just one block away from a TRAX train stop that services three of the major lines that travel throughout the city.

The property spans an entire city block and includes multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and extensive meeting facilities. The Garden Cafe serves contemporary American cuisine, while the spa offers treatments inspired by both European and local wellness traditions. The hotel’s proximity to world-class skiing, national parks, and downtown attractions also makes it an ideal base for exploring Utah.

Rates typically range from $200 to $350 per night, a true value for a property of this caliber. The Grand America delivers big-hotel amenities with attention to detail that rivals smaller boutique properties, and the helpful concierge team is happy to arrange outdoor adventures that showcase Utah’s incredible natural beauty.

Museums are some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. In order to educate and inspire millions of visitors each year, it takes a team of thoughtful professionals working together to protect and display artifacts and artwork, making visitors’ experiences meaningful from the moment they walk through the front door. But even the best-curated museum can’t do its job if visitors aren’t also doing their part. Whether it’s ignoring signs, touching fragile objects, or rushing through an exhibit, guests often make any number of minor missteps that can undermine the experience. So, what do museum staff really wish you knew before your next visit? Here are six important museum tips you should keep in mind.

There’s One Simple Tip To Improve Your Experience

This is advice many visitors overlook, even though it can significantly enhance the experience: Take a moment to stop and read the placards. I’ve fallen victim to this museum faux pas myself. I remember walking into the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the first time and feeling overwhelmed by its enormity, which led me to skip many placards. As a result, I didn’t fully understand what I was looking at — I walked through a sea of statues without any real context, and it was entirely my fault.

But I’m not alone. As one staff member who works at a small museum explained on Reddit, “Everyone walks past the signs and texts that’ll give an overall introduction to what you’ll see coming in.” This staffer went on to say that guests often leave feeling confused and say there wasn’t much to see. A staff member at another museum also chimed in on Reddit, adding that while guests don’t have to read every panel, at the very least, reading the introductory panel can help orient them.

Touching Artifacts Is Worse Than You Think

“Do not touch” is one of the most important pieces of guidance in museums, according to staff. Museum artifacts are often fragile and can be severely damaged by environmental changes such as humidity, temperature, and light. Human touch does even more damage because oils and dirt from our hands can harm delicate surfaces. On the rare occasions when museum professionals handle these objects, they do so with care, using gloved hands.

The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England, set out to illustrate how harmful human touch can be by introducing a “touchometer” to track the number of individuals who touched an object made from various materials. After nearly 8 million touches, the part of the object that was touched showed severe damage compared to the protected section. The stone developed a patina, the metal became shiny, and the cloth wore away.

While 8 million touches might seem like a lot, consider that the Met in New York City sees more than 5 million visitors annually. With those numbers, it would take less than two years for an artifact to experience that same wear and tear if everyone were allowed to touch it.

In addition to artwork and artifacts, visitors should also avoid touching frames, platforms, labels, display cases, or other items used to protect the objects on display. Here’s a simple tip: Unless it is explicitly stated that touching is safe, assume it is not.

Photography Is a Tricky Topic

Typically, museum staff encourage visitors to take personal photos whenever allowed, but if there are restrictions, it’s for a good reason. For instance, flash photography is typically banned because it might damage artifacts and artwork. Some pigments break down faster when exposed to intense flashes or overhead lighting, which is why museum lighting is carefully controlled to minimize harm. For particularly delicate objects, protective glass cases are used.

Professional photography might also be restricted due to copyright reasons, especially when an exhibit is on loan from another institution. Other times, as one museum staff member pointed out on Reddit, restrictions arise out of respect. For example, Sanchita Balachandran, associate director and conservator at the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum in Baltimore, has expressed concern about patrons taking selfies with the museum’s famous Goucher mummy and has encouraged them to refrain from doing so out of respect. If you are ever unsure about whether you can photograph something, look for guidance on signs or ask a staff member for clarification.

Timing Is Everything

For a better museum experience, time your visit thoughtfully. You can usually expect larger crowds on weekends, so for a quieter visit, try going during off-peak hours, such as early mornings. For example, one guest asked a staff member at the Met about the best time to visit. They noted that the busiest time of day is typically from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when most tourists are out and about. The quietest times are in the early morning hours, right after opening, and during the evenings, about two hours before closing.

If you do visit later in the day, make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy the museum before it closes so you don’t feel rushed. For instance, although the last entry to the British Museum in London is at 4:45 p.m., to fully appreciate the collection, you should expect to spend at least three to four hours there to see the highlights, such as the Rosetta Stone. Museum staff suggest following a three-hour “museum trail” to enjoy all the major galleries.

Please Show Respect to All Employees

Museums require extensive planning, and it takes a large team to keep the show running behind the scenes. Curators, archivists, researchers, tour guides, marketers, security guards, and many others work together to create a memorable and safe experience. This is why it’s so important to listen to and respect all museum employees, regardless of their title.

One common issue that many museum employees face is visitors ignoring guidelines, such as barriers, ropes, and no-entry signs. These measures are in place to optimize crowd flow and ensure safety, but museum staff often experience backlash when enforcing these rules.

For example, in a Reddit thread, a mechanic at an aviation museum recalled seeing guests walk straight into private maintenance facilities and duck under “do not enter” signs. They have also witnessed guests attempting to enter aircraft on display, vandalizing aircraft, and climbing on installations. Remember that ignoring the rules of staff can lead to the closure of exhibits and your removal from the museum.

Museum staff spend months, if not years, planning installations and exhibits. From the height at which paintings are hung to the placement of benches in front of particular statues, everything inside a museum is an intentional choice to enhance the guest experience, so it’s important to respect their hard work by following guidelines.

Pace Yourself

Lastly, remember that you don’t need to see everything in a museum. Some visitors try to see every exhibit in a short amount of time, which can lead to “museum fatigue.” A curator at the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum recommends slowing down and taking a break to prevent sensory overload.

Find a comfortable bench where you can sit and relax, taking in the surroundings. Above all else, museum staff want you to have an enjoyable visit, and this begins with setting realistic expectations about how much you can actually see. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask a museum staff member for guidance on which exhibits to check out. 

France and fine dining are practically synonymous, but that doesn’t mean you need to seek out high-end restaurants to have a good meal in Paris. Quite the opposite, in fact, as excellent food is everywhere, from streetside cafés to casual bistros and bustling brasseries. Along with how seriously they take food, the French also have a number of unwritten but deeply ingrained etiquette rules as to the dining experience. Here are six dining do’s and don’ts to learn before your next trip to Paris.

Don’t: Expect an Early Bird Special

Like in many European countries, people in France tend to eat late. Many restaurants will close for a few hours between lunch and dinner, so plan accordingly and don’t expect to have your final meal of the day any earlier than 7 p.m. (or, as the French like to call it, 19:00). Dinner tables at most restaurants in Paris start to fill up between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., but many kitchens are open later into the evening.

Do: Take Your Time

Unlike as is often the case in the U.S., eating out is a leisurely affair in France. Your waiter might not check on you as often, but don’t interpret this as rudeness. They simply don’t want to rush you, as quick turnover isn’t as high a priority as it would be at a busy chain stateside restaurant. You’ll get used to it quickly, though, as it allows you to savor every aspect of your meal — including the social aspects, which some might consider just as important as the food.

Don’t: Tip

It isn’t just Americans who think American tipping culture is out of control. Most Europeans tip far less, if they tip at all. France falls into the latter category. It’s considered unnecessary, as waiters take home higher wages and don’t depend on gratuity, and French restaurants, bars, and cafes must legally include a 15% service charge (service compris) on all bills. Adding a small additional tip isn’t out of the question if you receive truly exceptional service as part of a great meal, but you shouldn’t feel obligated.

Don’t: Expect To Take Home Leftovers

French restaurants are now required by law to give customers to-go boxes when they request them, so taking home leftovers is becoming somewhat more acceptable, but it’s still not a common practice in France. That’s partly because portion sizes are smaller than they are in America, and most diners finish their meals (or at least come close). Some may still consider the practice inelegant, so it’s best to skip the doggie bag after your meal.

Do: Greet and Thank Your Waiters in French

If you don’t feel comfortable putting your high school French to the test while dining out in Paris, fear not — many servers will speak enough English for you to not worry about ordering in a language you can’t speak. Still, a little courtesy goes a long way. Greeting your waiter (and just about everyone else) by saying “bonjour” (“hello”) or “bonsoir” (“good evening”) will be appreciated, as will saying “merci” rather than “thank you.” They’ll know from your accent that these two words are probably the extent of your French ability, but it’s considered a nice gesture nevertheless.

Don’t: Expect Milk Alternates at Cafés

Over the last few years, the anecdotes have become more common: An American asks for oat milk with their latte at a Parisian café and is met with confusion (or worse). French food is pretty dairy-forward — think of all that fromage, not to mention buttery croissants — and most Parisians still pair their coffee with actual milk instead of the oat, soy, or almond varieties. However, dairy substitutes are (slowly) popping up more and more in Paris, particularly with younger generations.

As any air traveler can attest, getting your luggage X-rayed is a standard part of the TSA’s security screening process. But have you ever paused and wondered what it would be like to view those X-rays with your own eyes? Sure, some flyers might catch a brief glimpse of the screen, but most travelers are left wondering what the agents actually see when they scan your bags. Let’s take a closer look at the type of information these X-rays provide.

Early 2D Imaging and Color Coding

Airports have been using X-ray baggage scanners since the 1970s. In 1970, a device called the Saferay debuted, which created a two-dimensional, black-and-white image of a bag’s contents. In those images, metal objects appeared darker, with vivid outlines, while nonmetal items such as clothing or shoes had faint outlines. During a 1970 demonstration of this new technology, a reporter for Popular Science remarked, “The picture was remarkably sharp and clear,” and noted that they were able to clearly see the outline of a revolver hidden in the luggage. However, the technology had its limitations — all it could really do was produce two 2D images, one from the top and one from the side.

When the TSA was founded in 2001, standard airport X-ray scanners still relied on these 2D images, though they had evolved to be color-coded. Colors were assigned based on atomic weight, allowing agents to determine the material that an item was made from. The darker the color, the more dense the object. Nick Bowring, head of the Centre for Sensing and Imaging at Manchester Metropolitan University, explained in a 2015 interview with the BBC that heavier metal objects were colored blue, lighter metals appeared green, and organic materials came out orange.

However, one issue with this color-coded system, which remains in place at some airports today, is the fact that all organic material appears orange, whether it’s a bottle of water or a potentially explosive device. With these older X-ray scanners, there’s no surefire way for a TSA agent to distinguish between harmless and harmful items. It’s up to them to take note of the color, carefully inspect the object’s shape, and make a determination from there. This can potentially lead to time-consuming physical bag inspections. Thankfully, these machines are slowly being replaced by a newer, more sophisticated technology that debuted within the last decade.

A New Technology Emerges

In 2017, the TSA began testing a technology known as computed tomography, which is similar in quality to a medical CAT scan. Though the rollout of these scanners has been slow, they’ve been appearing at more and more airports in recent years. The European Union set a 2026 deadline to have CT scanners at all airports, while the TSA estimates that it may take until 2040 to have these machines at all screening lanes throughout the United States.

Unlike their predecessors, CT scanners can produce highly detailed, cross-sectional, 3D images of a bag’s contents. These images are so detailed that TSA agents can manipulate, rotate, and enhance them however they see fit — for example, by altering the contrast to make specific types of materials stand out. The hope is that these 3D images will cut down on false alarms, thus lessening the need for physical bag inspections and speeding up the security line.

Interestingly, the technology is so thorough that some passengers at international airports such as London’s Gatwick Airport are being told to keep objects such as laptops or liquids inside their luggage (items that they would’ve been required to take out using the older system). This new software algorithm is advanced enough to detect whether a liquid is harmless or if it poses an explosive risk. The TSA may soon follow suit, with reports that the agency is considering scrapping its long-standing liquid rules for passengers. 

What Do Body Scanners See?

The thought of a stranger looking through your luggage seems intrusive enough, but what about body scanners? In an interview with Reader’s Digest, TSA researcher Malvini Redden explained that while the “early versions of the scanners came out without any privacy protections,” those scanners were removed in 2013 amid privacy concerns.

Modern body scanners rely on what’s known as Advanced Imaging Technology, and their goal is to detect any metallic or nonmetallic threats that may appear on a passenger’s person. In doing so, the scanners keep all personal information private, rendering your likeness as if you were a generic image. In that same Reader’s Digest article, TSA adviser Eri Jenkins assured travelers that today’s scanners “provide a nondescript avatar image of the human anatomy,” so you needn’t worry about potential privacy issues.