Have you traveled as your female self (MTF) via air?

[ChrissyRyan]

Have you traveled as your female self (MTF) via airlines and thus went through TSA security?  Same for pickup up of your car rental?

Was this before getting your ID documentation and sex indicator changed, or only afterward, or both?

[KathyLauren]

I have, going to and from my GCS surgery.  It wasn't TSA, but the Canadian airport security is probably pretty similar.  They send you through the body scanner. 

I had heard about the scanner, and that there is a pink button and a blue button, for perceived females and perceived males, respectively.  Just as I went into the scanner for the flight to Montreal, I whispered to the guard that she should press the blue button.  I figured that I would rather have the machine register an anomaly on my top rather than my bottom if they are going to have to do a pat-down.  As it was, the machine didn't think my boobs were big enough to register as an anomaly with the blue button.  (Gee thanks, machine!)

Coming back from surgery, of course, there was no potential anomaly to worry about.  I was in a wheelchair, since I was less than a week post-op.  I had to get out of the wheelchair for the scanner.  Everyone was very considerate.

My driver's license was up to date by that time, so identification was not an issue.

[Tills]

I've always travelled female since transitioning, even before documentation. Fortunately my breasts are very large.However, I've not yet had the full op below so hadn't considered that issue!

No one has misgendered me thus far. In fact, airlines have been brilliant - even the Middle Eastern carriers. I think it's probably aircrew training and, let's face it, a LOT of LGBGT representation in the male cabin crew. Plus I think it's the same sort of attitude as Thailand: if you look like you want to be called female, they'll do so.

It's on the ground in the UK now that I feel greatest threat but that's a whole different story.

xx

[Shannonymous]

Yes, I travel for work fairly frequently.  I've gone to Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, Richmond, and a few other spots.  My passport and driver's license both have my correct gender and a female-presenting photo.

I have not had issues on any of these trips.  Not with TSA, not with ground transportation, not even with restrooms in the airport.  I do think that my age and presentation help--basically everyone who sees me lets me know that I look just like their old English teacher, and that's not the look that most transphobes expect to see. 🤓

[EllenW]

Before going full time, I flew both domestically and internationally many times as my true self. All of this with my deadname and old gender maker. Never had an issue.

Ellen
 

[ChrissyRyan]

Maybe I should have a go at just being myself with the air travel.

What do they do, toggle a male / female switch on those body scanners if at first something looks like it should not be down there?  A woman with a southern pole while carrying a small sack of nuts may arouse the inspectors.  I just am not into making explanations with so many people nearby!

Chrissy

[BlueJaye]

Several times. Been selected for "random" additional screening a few times, but never had any problems.

[Devlyn ✅]

I just say "I'm transgender" while putting my feet on the spots on the floor. They usually ask if I want to be scanned as male or female.

Being scanned as male and showing an "anomaly" up top has resulted in someone touching a bra strap on my back and then being on my merry way.

One time I was really excited about my trip and forgot to say anything. That resulted in being patted down in the downstairs area, and it was so thorough I was disappointed she didn't send me flowers. 🤣

I've been through three residency visa processes and not had a bit of trouble with any of them.

[Shannonymous]

What do they do, toggle a male / female switch on those body scanners if at first something looks like it should not be down there?

It might be worth it for you to do TSA Precheck.  No body scanners, only X-ray.