For what reasons could you be requested to go through the full body scanners?

[DizBelle]

For what reasons could you be requested to go through the full body scanners? Is it random selection? Is it because you set of an alarm on the metal detector? Is it something else?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

It could be any reason, but most common is just random. Eventually these are intended to be primary scan points, but that will take a long time to accomplish due to the timing of the scans.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

For what reasons could you be requested to go through the full body scanners? Is it random selection? Is it because you set of an alarm on the metal detector? Is it something else?

It can be all of the above.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Screening by a full-body scanner is optional for all passengers, according to the TSA. “Those who opt out may request alternative screening at the checkpoint, to include a pat-down,” said Greg Soule, an agency spokesman. Although he declined to offer details on the agency’s screening techniques, he added that checkpoint requirements for passengers departing from the United States haven’t changed since the underwear bomber incident last December. In other words, the TSA claims it isn’t pushing travelers into the scanners and punishing those who decline a scan.

In other words, the TSA won't tell us who is chosen for AIT full body scanning.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Screening by a full-body scanner is optional for all passengers, according to the TSA. “Those who opt out may request alternative screening at the checkpoint, to include a pat-down,” said Greg Soule, an agency spokesman. Although he declined to offer details on the agency’s screening techniques, he added that checkpoint requirements for passengers departing from the United States haven’t changed since the underwear bomber incident last December. In other words, the TSA claims it isn’t pushing travelers into the scanners and punishing those who decline a scan.

In other words, the TSA won't tell us who is chosen for AIT full body scanning.

Nor will they tell us what to expect if we opt out of the scanner for the enhanced patdown. That kind of lets a screener do what they want.

 

[seashoreCM]

Doesn't everyone go through the body scanners unless someone says he wants to "opt out" in which case he gets a pat down?

 

[DebbieB]

Doesn't everyone go through the body scanners unless someone says he wants to "opt out" in which case he gets a pat down?

From what I've heard, no airport has enough of them for 100% screening. Not sure if that's the future plan or not. They had the "puffer" machines a few years ago and they were random, not every line. I can't see how they could use them 100% and not have huge lines. I got randomly chosen in Richmond in August and it takes 3 or 4 times the time of the metal detector. You stand in it and then have to wait until someone reviews the pictures, then they radio back OK or not. Then you have people opting for the patdown or whatever and that is going to take time.

 

[goofy4tink]

Doesn't everyone go through the body scanners unless someone says he wants to "opt out" in which case he gets a pat down?

Nope, not even close. Maybe a third of all passengers, if that many. As mentioned already, airports don't have the ability to screen every single passenger this way...way too costly.

 

[Let'sGoFlyAKite]

does Kansas City use these?? How 'bout Orlando?? I simply feel it is a HUGE invasion of privacy.....Dont want to use an airport that uses full body scanners.

 

[DebbieB]

does Kansas City use these?? How 'bout Orlando?? I simply feel it is a HUGE invasion of privacy.....Dont want to use an airport that uses full body scanners.

Every airport is going to be using them, I don't think you can avoid it.

I went through one in Richmond in August and wasn't crazy about it but I think this whole thing is being overblown. As far as radiation, I heard on GMA this morning it's about 1/30 of a chest x-ray.

 

[safetymom]

Orlando's first one went live yesterday.

 

[Let'sGoFlyAKite]

....great.....That really sucks. You realize they can see what you look like naked??!! That is VERY upsetting to me. I purposely wear clothes that mask my fat. It is a HUGE invasion of my privacy.

 

[jodifla]

Every airport is going to be using them, I don't think you can avoid it.

I went through one in Richmond in August and wasn't crazy about it but I think this whole thing is being overblown. As far as radiation, I heard on GMA this morning it's about 1/30 of a chest x-ray.

When you think of the cumulative total, that would be a huge problem for pilots and flight attendants. There's a reason they don't stay in the room with you while doing xrays!

I didn't mind the scanner for me...but even AFTER the scanner, they patted me down. And it took FOREVER. Security waits would be hours-long if they did every passenger. THe scan itself is quick, but then you have to wait for the all-clear. So instead of a one second walk through a metal detector, you have a 3 to 5 minute process for each person.

New scanner also will be VERY bad for young children or children with disabilities. You have to stand too still, and there's too much verbal instructions.

I was more neutral on the process -- or even inclined to defend it -- until I saw it in action.
And then you have to hand your child over to be groped by a total stranger! It's really a problem.

 

[Tara]

....great.....That really sucks. You realize they can see what you look like naked??!! That is VERY upsetting to me. I purposely wear clothes that mask my fat. It is a HUGE invasion of my privacy.

You can elect to have an enhanced pat-down instead of going through the AIT.

 

[Uncleromulus]

At BWI this past trip Mrs U and I went thru the scanners--seemed quite random to us.
And we were in and out very fast--stand on the foot markers, raise your hands--and it's done.

 

[jodifla]

At BWI this past trip Mrs U and I went thru the scanners--seemed quite random to us.
And we were in and out very fast--stand on the foot markers, raise your hands--and it's done.

Really? I had to stand on two different sets of footprints. Then wait quite a while for them the to hear on the radio that it was oK, then they had me sit on a chair to check the bottom of my feet, then the waistband of my pants.

It was a horrible way to start the trip.

 

[Uncleromulus]

That's all we had to do--it was over almost too fast!!!

I do recall they had two sets of "footprints" but we only had to stand on one.

And what on earth could they have been checking on the bottom of your feet, with your shoes already off????

 

[CPT Tripss]

Doesn't everyone go through the body scanners unless someone says he wants to "opt out" in which case he gets a pat down?

As another poster said, there aren't enough scanners to handle all the traffic. Also TSA claims (as of today) that the WBI aren't primary screening tools. To which I reply - yet.

You can elect to have an enhanced pat-down instead of going through the AIT.

Yes, a patdown that they won't describe to you ahead of time but which reportedly involves grasping the genital region and the chest (of women).

 

[Let'sGoFlyAKite]

At BWI this past trip Mrs U and I went thru the scanners--seemed quite random to us.
And we were in and out very fast--stand on the foot markers, raise your hands--and it's done.

So some perv somewhere is looking at naked pics of you.

 

[Let'sGoFlyAKite]

As another poster said, there aren't enough scanners to handle all the traffic. Also TSA claims (as of today) that the WBI aren't primary screening tools. To which I reply - yet.



Yes, a patdown that they won't describe to you ahead of time but which reportedly involves grasping the genital region and the chest (of women).

Yes, I just read some VERY disturbing articles about this. http://www.aclu.org/technology-and-...uralnews.com/030351_TSA_airport_security.html
The second one brings up a VERY worrisome point: What if they choose my kids to go through. This is in DIRECT opposition to Child Porn laws!!?? AND what if I choose not to go through, but get the enhanced 'pat down'?? I tell my kids "NO one can touch you there" If they see ME being touched all over......am I now supposed to add "Unless he's a government official" ....this is really infuriating that the government can ignore my constitutional rights, but if I'm doing 5 mph over the speed limit my butt's in trouble!!!