Woman on her period triggered a double warning at airport security — the reason was not what anyone expected
Airport security checks can sometimes leave travelers with more questions than answers. TikTok user Lindsey Gurk recently shared one such experience after she received an unexpected double warning while going through airport security. The incident drew attention online as viewers tried to figure out what could have triggered the alert. In a video posted under the handle @lindseygurk on Friday, June 5, 2026, Gurk recalled being stopped shortly after completing a routine body scan. She said the request for additional screening caught her off guard. At first, she believed there was probably a simple explanation and waited to find out why security officers wanted to take a closer look before allowing her to move on.
@lindseygurk Maybe everyone else knew this. But it was a big surprise to me. 🤷♀️😆✈️
♬ original sound - Lindsey Gurk
According to Gurk, the warning was triggered because she was on her period, and she later realized that blood contains iron, which may have contributed to the alert on the scanner. However, it was the detail she shared later that made the bizarre incident seem more plausible. She said she was on the second day of her period and wearing period underwear when she got flagged at security. Recounting the experience in her video, Gurk explained that an officer asked her to step aside after the scan. “Must be my necklace or something,” she remembered thinking at the time. However, when she glanced toward the monitor, she noticed yellow and red warning markers appearing around her crotch area.
The display immediately left her confused because she could not think of anything unusual that might have caused the alert. Security personnel then informed her that they would need to carry out a more detailed inspection. As the screening continued, an officer asked whether there was anything they should know before beginning the check. Gurk explained that she was wearing period panties, which helped clarify the situation.
She later shared that the officer gave a small chuckle once the possible reason behind the warning came out. The inspection included checks around her legs and nearby areas as part of standard airport procedures. Gurk chose to be screened in front of other travelers rather than move to a private room because she felt comfortable doing so and considered it a normal process. She summed up her surprise in the caption, writing, “Maybe everyone else knew this. But it was a big surprise to me.”
According to a survey conducted by The Fornics, nearly 90% of respondents admitted that they had no idea period products could trigger body scanners. Meanwhile, 2.5% revealed that their period product had actually resulted in an additional security check. The incident garnered more than 15.6 million views after being shared online. Many internet users quickly related to the experience in the comments section as well.
@jaymanclayton joked, "'My iron levels are so good, my period got flagged at security.'" @kryssy_cae remarked, "This happened to me on my last Disney trip!" @agirlie1 recounted, "I got flagged in the same area. The lady asked if I wanted to go to a private room. I said 'No ma’am, I want witnesses.'" @beautifullybroken_jm mentioned, "Every time I go through security!"
For more lighthearted lifestyle content, follow @lindseygurk on TikTok.