It's a process that one often doesn't think twice about.

"I think we all agree that air travel has gotten more difficult. I understand that," said Svati Shah, University of Massachusetts associate professor.

But for some travelers, this security routine has become a pain.

"I actually don't mind taking out my computer and toiletries and things like that and putting them in the bin. What I do mind is getting patted down in my groin area every time I go through the TSA because I am a transgender, non-conforming person," said Shah.

It’s a measure Shah encounters often.

"I think that the amount of bodily contact I have to deal with to get through security is over the line and I would just like for that to stop. I have to say that TSA staff are respectful, but they have to touch you and it's just not appropriate. I don't understand how this enhances security," said Shah.

But TSA says they have a well thought-out system.

The body scanners one walks through use millimeter wave technology. 

"It's basically looking to detect anything between your skin and clothing," said Lisa Farbstein, TSA acting media relations director and press secretary.

Before entering the machine, a TSA officer will press a button indicating male or female. 

"By pressing the button, you're indicating to the machine which algorithm it should use; a male algorithm or a female algorithm. It's up to, in that case, the TSA officer again based on the presentation of the passenger, to make that decision," said Farbstein.

"I always announce female not because I identify myself with female necessarily, but because I know that they have to put 'F' for me, so that I avoid getting patted down as much," said Shah.

If a traveler presents his or herself as female and is wearing bulky clothing, the machine may think that area of the body does not fit what a female chest should look like. So, it may detect that something is there and signal an alarm.

"I should be able to just go through security without having somebody touch me in a way that almost feels so inappropriate," said Shah.

But, there are ways around this form of security check. 

"They can opt out. Some people are just uncomfortable going through the scanning machines for a personal reason they may have. They may choose to opt out and then they come into the private screening area. You can bring your traveling companion with you in the private screening area if it makes you feel uncomfortable," said Farbstein.

And that's what the goal is—making everyone feel comfortable.

"We aim to treat every passenger with dignity and respect. People come to our checkpoint with all different types of needs, questions, concerns and we do what we can to accommodate them," said Farbstein.

In the meantime, the transgender and gender non-conforming community are doing what they can to ease the burden of the process.

"Other people like me, we share tips. Pull up your pants. Dress like this. Dress like that," said Shah.  

So everyone can safely get to their destination.