LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas woman is suing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after she claims she was forced to strip down and remove a "feminine hygiene product" at a Tulsa, Oklahoma airport.
According to the complaint, the woman — who has a metal hip implant — was boarding a flight through TSA pre-check through Tulsa International Airport on Mother's Day. Knowing her hip implant would set off a metal detector, she asked to be screened with a body scanner.
After she went through the body scanner, TSA agents informed the woman that she would need to submit to a pat down, which the woman agreed to.
During the pat down, the agent discovered a "common feminine hygiene product" that she was wearing under her clothes. She was also told that she would need to be escorted to a private room in order to be "cleared."
Once in the room, the woman was told to "clear the area" where she was wearing her feminine hygiene product. It's then that she claims TSA agents told her she would need to take down her pants and underwear.
The woman initially objected, but later did remove her clothes after being told by agents that she was required to do so.
The TSA never requires passengers to submit themselves to a strip search, according to a statement from the agency.
After removing her clothes, the woman says she asked agents for permission to leave four times before she was allowed to leave the room..
The woman says she is suffering severe emotional distress and says the search violated her rights.
TSA and provided the following statement:
"Due to pending litigation, we cannot comment on the specifics of this case. TSA does not conduct strip searches and is committed to ensuring the security of travelers, while treating passengers of all ages with dignity and respect.
