TSA Patdown

[Janet Hill]

Can TSA patdown a 16 year old without a parent present?

 

[Vijoge]

My guess would be yes

 

[Malibustyle23]

I have no idea but I would think they can pat down anyone they want or you deny and not fly.
Can't they fly by them self? They wouldn't be able to ask a parent right then and there.

I could be wrong but I'd imagine somewhere in all of your airline ticket small print or even written somewhere just walking into the airport you sign every right over including a Tsa pat down.

 

[Malibustyle23]

Can TSA patdown a 16 year old without a parent present?

What made you ask?

 

[BigAlsGal]

Yes. I'm pretty sure they can.

 

[minnie mum]

There are lots of minors who fly unaccompanied. They are subject to the same TSA rules as anyone else.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Yes.

They patted down my 11 year old. And offered to take him into a room for privacy.

 

[DVC-Don]

You have the right to refuse, but then they will not allow the person through security.

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes, I'm sure they can. Why would a parent have to be there? 16 is more than old enough to fly solo, so would have to either go with the pat down, or not fly. No one is exempt.

 

[Shanti]

Can TSA patdown a 16 year old without a parent present?

If they can fly, they can be patted down, parent or no parent. Every passenger is subject to security screening.

Why do you think the parent's presence would be required for a pat down? So the parent could say, "you're not patting down my daughter", and then the TSA agent would say, "okay, never mind, she can go on through without security clearance"?

The TSA is in control of security at the airport, not the parent.

Helicopter parking is outside.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes. Therefore, if the 16 year old isn't familiar with flying, it's a great idea to read up on what the patdown does and doesn't entail. I've been patted down many times and it's truly NO big deal. They use the backs of the hands, they narrate exactly what they are doing just before and as they are doing it. They just want to get it done with. They are simply making sure you have nothing hidden under your clothes, taped to your body, etc.

 

[n2mm]

At 16 you get an adult passport, I don't see why anyone would even think a 16 year old would be excluded from a pat down. If they feel there's a reason for it, then they will do it. They make the rules. Last year my grandson's friend flew with us on vacation. She forgot her driver's license, so had to have a pat down and her carryon bags opened and checked. She had to produce everything and anything to verify who she was. I was just happy she could get through the TSA check point.

 

[Vijoge]

Why do people worry so much about a pat down, anyway. I've been patted down, and my ECV/WC swabbed every flight I've been on since the TSA was formed. Every single agent has been most respectful and professional. It's not a big deal, whether you're 16 or 66.

 

[kamik86]

Hmm since you said present I would assume that if the child was flying alone then yes as the only other option would be not have them fly. However if the parent was there and said they wanted to be present I'm not sure if they could say no to allowing the parent to be present during the patdown or why they would want to (most pat downs seem to happen right there at the security checkpoint anyway so its not like anyone is excluded from being present)

Actually I would think it would be more likely that the TSA would insist that a parent or traveling companion be present if available if they were going to do a patdown in a more private location to prevent the TSA agent from being subjected to "She touched me inappropriately" claims (either true or false ones). When I worked at a camp we were told to try to never be the only adult with a group of kids and to NEVER be the only adult with one kid.

 

[bumbershoot]

At 16 you get an adult passport, I don't see why anyone would even think a 16 year old would be excluded from a pat down. If they feel there's a reason for it, then they will do it. They make the rules. Last year my grandson's friend flew with us on vacation. She forgot her driver's license, so had to have a pat down and her carryon bags opened and checked. She had to produce everything and anything to verify who she was. I was just happy she could get through the TSA check point.

A 16 year old flying domestically inside the US doesn't need ID.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

There was NO reason for that to happen with a 16 year old. None.