As I went through the metal detector at LA airport a different sound went off and I was called aside for a hand swap test where my hands were wiped with a small wipe and put into a machine. The result was positive (but positive for what I was not told - I wrongly assumed drugs). They then tested other personal items in my luggage and said that as too many positives had come up I would have to be taken to a room and seen by two people. It was a most frightening experience and I couldn't understand why these tests were showing positive. Eventually I was told I was able to go and only caught my plane by running through the airport.

On researching the internet last night it seems that this can be caused through overusing hand lotion which contains glycerin and it would appear that they were suspicious of explosives. On the way to the airport I had used the last of my hand and body lotion on my hands and had rubbed it all over my arms too. I then obviously was touching my hand luggage and items in my hand luggage.

I would advise anyone not to use hand lotion before going to an airport as I am sure this must have been the cause of my awful experience.

Chris

Thanks for this info, it is very helpful. I'm sorry you had such an unpleasant experience, but as the old saying goes - all's well that ends well!

Best wishes,

Bob

So to hear about your scary experience but thanks for posting this its very useful advice for the rest of us.

Mick

How awful, what an experience for you and not a good one at that. I have a friend who works at security at LHR so I might of had an idea, I know hand creams can alter many things with readings and can effect even giving blood.

Thanks for posting your experience others can learn from this I am sure..

Cindy

Poor you. Thanks for the advice though. I sometimes watch border security programmes and there are times when people get positive readings, but have nothing on them. It is scary though.

Jaya

Having travelled back from Route 66 yesterday and experiencing a frightening time through airport security checks I thought I would pass on information I have found after researching what could have prompted my horrible experience to all travellers, especially women.

As I went through the metal detector at LA airport a different sound went off and I was called aside for a hand swap test where my hands were wiped with a small wipe and put into a machine. The result was positive (but positive for what I was not told - I wrongly assumed drugs). They then tested other personal items in my luggage and said that as too many positives had come up I would have to be taken to a room and seen by two people. It was a most frightening experience and I couldn't understand why these tests were showing positive. Eventually I was told I was able to go and only caught my plane by running through the airport.

On researching the internet last night it seems that this can be caused through overusing hand lotion which contains glycerin and it would appear that they were suspicious of explosives. On the way to the airport I had used the last of my hand and body lotion on my hands and had rubbed it all over my arms too. I then obviously was touching my hand luggage and items in my hand luggage.

I would advise anyone not to use hand lotion before going to an airport as I am sure this must have been the cause of my awful experience.

Chris

Hi Chris! So sorry you had such an awful experience with LA security. But thanks for the tip...I use hand cream a lot and will take extra care now! Especially if going to the USA. I always 'Beep' through security checks wherever I go as I have Hip Replacements! But it does make you stand out and feeling vulnerable! Off to Istanbul from Manchester on Sunday...so bracing myself for more of the same! Just don't let it put you off travelling!