http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... ights.shtmQ. What can passengers expect to see at airports?
A. Passengers traveling to the U.S. from international destinations may notice enhanced security and screening measures throughout the passenger check-in and boarding process which could include explosives trace detection, use of advanced imaging technology, canine teams or pat downs, among other security measures to keep air travel safe.
Q. If a passenger does not wish to be screened using advanced imaging technology, do they have options?
A. This technology is optional to passengers in the U.S. Passengers who opt out of imaging technology screening will go through alternative screening, including same-gender pat downs. Passengers flying to the U.S. from international destinations should check with the country from which they are flying regarding that nation’s policies. For more information on use of advanced imaging technology in the U.S., visit
www.tsa.gov.
Q. Will the majority of passengers still receive enhanced screening?
A. To more effectively mitigate evolving terrorist threats, the new security directive utilizes multiple, random layers of security, both seen and unseen, and all passengers may be subject to enhanced screening.
Here's some more:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1049.shtmPat-Down Inspection
A pat-down inspection complements the hand-wand inspection. In order to ensure security, this inspection may include sensitive areas of the body. Security Officers are rigorously trained to maintain the highest levels of professionalism. You may request that your pat-down inspection be conducted in private.
And some more:
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtmTSA began deploying state-of-the-art advanced imaging technology in 2007. This technology can detect a wide range of threats to transportation security in a matter of seconds to protect passengers and crews. Imaging technology is an integral part of TSA's effort to continually look for new technologies that help ensure travel remains safe and secure by staying ahead of evolving threats.
TSA uses two types of imaging technology, millimeter wave and backscatter. Currently, there are 385 imaging technology units at 68 airports.
In March 2010, TSA began deploying 450 advanced imaging technology units, which were purchased with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.
Advanced imaging technology screening is safe for all passengers, and the technology meets national health and safety standards. Learn more about the safety of AIT here.
TSA has implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy, which is ensured through the anonymity of the image. Additionally, advanced imaging technology screening is optional to all passengers. Learn more about the privacy measures TSA has taken here.
Over the course of testing imaging technology, over 98 percent of passengers chose this technology over alternative screening procedures. Click here to see independent polling on AIT acceptance.
Additionally, passengers with joint replacements or other medical devices that would regularly alarm a metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less invasive than a pat down.
Seems like what you can expect is pretty well covered. So again, I ask, if one doesn't like these policies, then why is he/she entering the airports with the intention of flying?