‘Pasties’ claim to protect privacy during body scan

A COMPANY has tackled the problem of intrusive airport full-body scanners — with a product that covers your private parts.

Flying Pasties — as in sticky — can be fixed onto the body to cover sensitive areas that would otherwise be viewable in the scan.

Made from 2mm thick rubber, they can either be slipped under underwear or attached with an adhesive hook, either inside or outside clothing.

And they can also be bought with humourous slogans on them such as “Only my boyfriend sees me naked” or you can add your own.

Michael Luongo, spokesperson for the LA-based company, says: “Until now, citizens haven’t had a proper way to voice their displeasure over the intrusive nature of airport scanners.

“Flying Pasties are meant to provide airplane travellers adequate protection from intrusive full body scanners while not interfering with airline security.

“The unique ease of removability will allow travellers the ability to retain their self dignity.”

Flying Pasties start from $15 (€11.30) each or $19.99 for a set.

Full body scanners, which produce “naked” images of passengers, replace traditional “pat down” searches.

They work by beaming electromagnetic waves on to passengers while they stand in a booth. A virtual three-dimensional image is then created from the reflected energy.

There have been concerns that the resulting naked image is tantamount to a strip search.

A 12-month trial at Manchester airport began in December while 11 airports in the US will begin using body scanners to screen passengers as the Transportation Security Administration launches a plan to buy 1,000 of the machines over the next two years.