Body scanners and pat downs

[goofy4tink]

No, that isn't correct. Children 12 and under requiring further screening get a "modified" patdown. http://blog.tsa.gov/2010/11/tsa-myth-or-fact-leaked-images.html

Unfortunately, TSA won't tell what that means.

I stand corrected. That is what I intended but got interrupted and lost my train of thought.
I will say that my dd, now 17, has been through pat downs several times now. She never felt uncomfortable or ill at ease.
This will NOT turn into one of those argumentative threads.

 

[maxiesmom]

Pat downs happen if you refuse to go through one of the newer scanners. Or if something sets the scanner off. MCO does have these scanners.

BUT.....not everyone is subjected to the new enhanced pat down or the new scan. We didn't get either when we flew thru Orlando last month. Odds are you won't. It is smart to prepare for the possibility, but don't spend to much time fretting about it.

 

[sam_gordon]

This will NOT turn into one of those argumentative threads.

But Mooooommmmmmmmm.....

 

[clori]

I'm a bit confused. I'll be flying with my 87 year old father in a few months. He has a pacemaker and drs note to avoid metal scanners. Can he go thru the body scanner or does he automatically get a pat down? Also my dd10 broke her arm and has a rod in it now. I think I was told it is titanium but not positive. Can she go thru the metal detector and body scanner or does she also need an automatic patdown?

 

[happymommy]

No, that isn't correct. Children 12 and under requiring further screening get a "modified" patdown. http://blog.tsa.gov/2010/11/tsa-myth-or-fact-leaked-images.html

Unfortunately, TSA won't tell what that means.

On my recent trip BWI - MCO, they were taking everyone in our line through the scanner, but NO KIDS. My kids walked through the metal detector, and I refused the scan. They were so rude - said there's no radiation. I just politely told them I'd prefer the patdown. The guy said it would take a while to find someone to pat me down, but I said I'd wait.

It was about 3 minutes, no big deal. Gotta tell you folks, that pat down is... well, they should buy you a drink first!!!

I didn't care, as it was my option. But they said no kids go through the scanner.

 

[BibbityBobbitySue]

Thanks for all the answers! We bought the package in July...before these new aggressive pat downs were put into place. If I knew then I wouldn't have booked our trip....I really don't want to be touched like that by a stranger.


If they do choose me for a pat down, can I request to be patted by a same-sex (female) TSA agent.....or I have absolutely no say? I read a few articles online that said some female passengers were patted by male TSA agents.......


Thanks!

I got felt up.....oops, meant the new enhanced screening procedure at the Minot, ND airport in Nov.
They don't have a body scanner and I didn't set off the metal detector. Believe me when I say after Miss TSA agent got through with me I wish it would have been a man.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

I got felt up.....oops, meant the new enhanced screening procedure at the Minot, ND airport in Nov.
They don't have a body scanner and I didn't set off the metal detector. Believe me when I say after Miss TSA agent got through with me I wish it would have been a man.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I'm a bit confused. I'll be flying with my 87 year old father in a few months. He has a pacemaker and drs note to avoid metal scanners. Can he go thru the body scanner or does he automatically get a pat down? Also my dd10 broke her arm and has a rod in it now. I think I was told it is titanium but not positive. Can she go thru the metal detector and body scanner or does she also need an automatic patdown?

Dad needs to tell TSA he has a pacemaker and can't go through the WTMD - he will get a pat down. You need to find out from the Doc whether or not Dad can go through the body imaging scanners. Pray that dd doesn't alarm the WTMD.

From the TSA site

Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Other Implanted Medical Devices, & Metal Implants

If you have implanted medical device, that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the Security Officer to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process.


It is recommended (but not required) that individuals with a pacemaker carry a Pacemaker Identification Card (ID) when going through airport security. Show the Security Officer your pacemaker ID, if you have one, and ask the Security Officer to conduct a pat-down inspection rather than having you walk-through the metal detector or be handwanded.


It is recommended (but not required) that you advise the Security Officer that you have an implanted pacemaker, other implanted medical device, or metal implant and where that implant is located.


Security Officer will offer you a private screening once it becomes known that you have a metal implant or implanted medical device.


If your Doctor has indicated that you should not go through the metal detector or be handwanded because it could affect the functionality of your device or the magnetic calibration of your device, or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for a pat-down inspection instead.


Security Officers will need to resolve all alarms associated with metal implants. Most alarms will be able to be resolved during a pat-down, therefore clothing will not be required to be removed or lifted as part of the inspection process.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#1

 

[rascalmom]

I have a metal plate and pins in my ankle from a bad break a few years ago. I triggered the alarm with the regular metal detector when I flew in December. Because of that, I was patted down (my airport does not have the new scanners). I was informed of the need for the pat-down by the same agent that conducted the procedure - a female agent.

She was very polite and did not make me feel uncomfortable - explaining what she was doing before she touched any particular area of my body.

It is not something I would necessarily choose to do, but when confronted with it, I hope the next time I get an agent as professional as that woman was.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Sounds like pp had a better experience that Cheryl Burke (DWTS) - http://www.tmz.com/2011/01/18/cheryl-burke-dancing-with-the-stars-tsa-agent-pat-down/

 

[ntsammy5]

The airports I have gone through (BWI, MCO, CLT, BUF and ORD) have a combination of scanners and metal detectors. Which technique they use depends on what is running at the moment and the luck of the line you're in. I have a replacement knee and the one time I went through the scanner there was NO pat down. The times I go through the metal detector - pat down.

It is no big deal IMHO. No worse than before just back of hands not a wand. My wife has a lot of instrumentation in her back (screws and stuff) and she never sets off the detectors. Go figure.