FOAM (not silicon) pads and TSA body scan

[Sandi Beach]

So, I have an interesting twist on a discussion that has gone on a few times. But, my question has never been asked, or answered.

i have an upcoming flight that will require 18 hours of flying in 1 day. For me, the hardest part of these LONG flights is not enough padding in the seats, making for a very sore butt when I land. So, got this flight, I am thinking about wearing my Foam butt pads for extra padding. No silicon pads, or breast forms, bras, and other things that people have asked about screening when going through TSA. I'm sure that these pads will show up on the body scan, but I don't know if TSA cares about them, like they do with silicon pads or forms.

if I was traveling by myself, I wouldn't care if I was pulled aside to be asked about the padding that may show up on the scan. I would just explain why I was wearing them, and not care what the TSA agent thought. But, I will be traveling with a co-worker, and if I get questioned from TSA, I don't want to explain to a co-worker why I own a butt pad enhancer.

So, for all those that have traveled dressed, or packed things on a carry on, do FOAM pads ever cause an issue or a search? If there is the slightest chance of these pads being an issue, I will suffer with the sore butt for my long flight. Anyone else ever do this?

[Lauri K]

Sandi,

I have many unfortunate events with TSA over the years and not because I was wearing forms or pads but simply they were profiling trans looking folks.

If you have a KTN / TSA Pre Pass you could probably sail through without any issues, the KTN was my answer to keep from getting felt up by those nasty perverts.

Although I must say the last few trips they patted me quickly and let me go on about my way, unlike 2014/15 before they got more training on how to deal with trans people.

If I were you I would take my foam pads and put them in your purse, backpack, carry on etc., get thru security and then go to a family restroom in the terminal and put your foam pads / forms on for the flight.

It is absolutely no fun to fly anymore, but that's my advice

Everything is on high alert right now, not a good time to test the system.

[Tracii G]

You worried your friend will think you are gay for wearing butt pads?
I have heard it all now.
Its none of his business and if he doesn't like it so what? You want to be comfortable right? Thats all he needs to know.

[MissDanielle]

Put it in carry on and then find the restroom to change. That's my advice.

[ReineD]

So you'll be dressed as a guy but just wearing the foam butt pads? It actually sounds like a great idea for anyone, CDing or no CDing. I might try it next time for the sheer comfort.

Why would it matter to your traveling companion (if it comes up), if you explain that you're wearing padding to help your comfort levels on an 18 hour flight. He'll likely wish he had thought of it too. :)

[donnalee]

Or you could carry on a foam seat cushion. That should give you more cushioning than butt pads and avoid your worrying about your co-worker.

[Rogina B]

Just wear them and get the patdown..He will never know why they chose you,anyway..lol

[Sandi Beach]

To be clear, this is not about traveling "dressed". I will be in 100% male mode, and with 100% male clothes, on the outside. In the past for these long trips, I only have worn compression hosiery for blood circulation on these long trips. That has never been an issue at all. But, I've been on enough of these flights to know how sore my butt gets, and adding these pads underneath is all about comfort. I have silicon pads that I think would be more comfortable for this long flight, but from my searches, I know those would need to be examined. I'm just trying to understand from anyone who has carried, or worn foam pads, if those would be examined?

I've thought about carrying them through, and changing before boarding. But, I'm wondering if they will be taken out of my carry on to be examined? Again, I know silicon would, but I'm asking about foam for anyone who has ever carried that on? The other issue with changing is that I will be on a domestic flight to LAX for 4 hours, then change terminals for the 14 hour international flight. I will need to go through security again at the international terminal, and really don't want to change twice, if wearing these will not cause an examination. I wouldn't care about a pat down. I want to know if I would have to undress for these to be examined.

I have also thought about just getting a seat cushion that was suggested. On past flight, when I got sore, I tried sitting on the supplied blankets for extra padding, and even the pillow once. But, these were too thin, and shifted too much. I though pads in pants would stay in place, would not need to be carried through multiple terminals, baggage claim, cabs, etc. Just much easier to have a pad hidden under my pants. As a male, I have "no butt", and have a lot of extra material in the seat of my male pants. Wearing pads would not even be noticeable on me in male mode. It's all about would TSA would do when they see the foam pads on X-ray.

[Tracii G]

Call the TSA and ask them and have them send you an email or some kind of proof its OK with them.
That would be the best way to find out.

[Andrea Renea]

I wore my forms recently and when through TSA at Charlotte Douglas here in NC. I'm TSA pre-checked.
Didn't even have to remove my shoes or belt. I just walked through a metal detector.