After the metal underwire in her bra was discovered during an airport check, Lisa Wilkinson was left seething, causing a ’embarrassing’ public pat down.
On Thursday, the TV anchor resorted to Twitter to discuss her ‘inappropriate’ security screening experience, inspiring scores of women to share their own security screening horror stories.
‘The scan revealed the underwire in my bra and the zip on my pants in Brisbane and Adelaide airports, and I had to undergo a thorough pat-down in both locations,’ Wilkinson tweeted.
‘Embarrassing, inconvenient, and inappropriate, and it has to be corrected.’
Her post came only hours after ABC journalist Louise Milligan spoke out about her own ‘uncomfortable’ encounter with the new full-body scanners.
Milligan stated, “I’m at Sydney Airport & new full-body security screening was made to take off tailored business jacket (just had small camisole below”).
‘I’ve never had anything like this happen before. Man in front, wearing a huge thick sweater, refuses to change. It was humiliating, unsettling, and disturbing.
‘I told the excellent Qantas crew about it, and they were angry, saying they’d had other ladies complain about similar security heavy-handedness this week.’
‘A woman was alleged to be weeping after being forced to remove her t-shirt,’ they stated. They’ve made a formal complaint to the airport’s management.’
Other women instantly backed up the journalist’s story, encouraging her to file a formal complaint or record the incident for future reference.
The male personnel had requested her to remove her fitting jacket because the ‘new full-body scanner wouldn’t be able to scan correctly,’ according to the journalist.
Milligan also responded to Wilkinson’s post with a ‘gross’ description of her own encounter.
‘Was everything caught on camera? Is it, in other words, amassing a library of material that may be misused?’ one lady said.
‘Is it possible to file a formal complaint with both the regulator and the AFP? This is a complete embarrassment. We’re far too obedient and cooperative.’
‘I’m very sorry this happened to you, and I can’t believe a lady had to remove her t-shirt, that’s outrageous!’ another person wrote.
‘Absolutely ludicrous! They would have had to restrain me and remove my jacket. No way – you’re being so disrespectful!’ Another lady concurred.
‘Could it be jackets in particular that require removal for some reason such as pockets or padding?’ a user asked.
‘No they told me it was because it was too loose. It’s not loose. It’s fitted. I pointed out the loose, bulky jumper and they had nothing,’ Milligan replied.
‘I had this happen at Melbourne airport recently. I was wearing a t-shirt with a white unbuttoned shirt over the top and was asked to take my shirt off,’ another shared.
‘I was alone and it felt so weird.’
‘Their reasoning is so arbitrary. I imagine this happens a lot. I’m sure many have noticed what appears to be a misuse of power whilst waiting in line,’ one man said.
Sydney Airport later apologised to the journalist in the Twitter thread.
‘Louise, we are really sorry this happened and are urgently following it up with our security contractor. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. If you have further details, please send us a DM,’ the account wrote.
‘Thank you for replying. They were rude and, frankly, sexist,’ Milligan replied.
‘I felt humiliated. And yes, I will DM.’
‘Bulky outer wear apparel,’ like as coats or jackets, must be removed, according to Sydney Airport’s ‘Passenger screening procedure’ requirements, which can be seen on their website.
Hats and jewelry follow the same regulations.
While the federal government has set criteria for aviation security screening, it is the duty of airports, airlines, and contractors to fulfill those standards, according to the Department of Home Affairs website.
‘Security appears to be permitting guys with big coats a pass, but a fitting jacket for ladies is a problem,’ another Twitter user speculated.