Originally Posted by
loops
Does the WTMD alarm on ALL metals?
Since it works on magnetic fields, ferrous
should set it off more than nickel/stainless which are slightly magnetic more than brass/copper/gold. However I have learned the hard way that the 1 by 1 inch foil seal on a single Benedryl blister pack tab will set it off. The foil appears to be aluminum but the WTMD is real sensitive to it.
Originally Posted by
cordelli
Not really sure how the TSA telling people which way to face to slip metal through undetected is providing any security as they walk through the metal detector
Originally Posted by
bdavids1
The TSA agent had a better suggestion though -- go through the metal detector sideways, as it reduces the surface area of the wire in the bra that the machine is looking at.
The machine seems to be more sensitive in a single plane as you go through, and as the OP learned going sideways puts the metal pieces through one at a time and does not trip it. However don't try it on your own or they will bust you.
Years ago I read that touching the inner wall of the WTMD will set it off and send you to the penalty box. I have wide shoulders and there is very little clearance when I pass through. To avoid accidental contact, I thought I was being clever and started walking with my torso twisted to have one shoulder three or four inches in front of the other, giving much more clearance. This trick plus a plastic belt buckle and I never tripped the WTMD any more.
At the time I did not know that going sideways was a trick to get more metal through without tripping. Until a few years ago when one TSO past the WTMD saw me and asked in a very harsh tone "Why did you go through with your shoulders tilted?" I explained my concern about hitting the sides but he told me "You are not allowed to go through twisted." Thus ended my semi sideways trips through the WTMD. Now I know why, and that the operators are looking for pax who try to go through sideways.
