X-ray backscatter security scanners

[Crankin]

Nope, we were standing in the same line. I was behind him. He was motioned to stand in front of the scanner and when I was about to step forward, the agent waved over to the other line, to go through the regular thing. They do this all of the time at Logan and it seems rather arbitrary.
It also happened in San Diego.

[shootingstar]

I find this strange and interesting for U.S. domestic flights, the pat down.

I haven't had a pat down since 9-1-1. Or ever in my life. And I have flown since that time, well over 15 different flights with 6 flights outside of Canada into the U.S. and Europe.

I fly at least once per yr.

[NbyNW]

Last winter/spring I (and everyone taking flights to the US) was routinely getting patted down or scanned at the Edmonton airport. Seems to have eased off of late, and I have no idea why.

[channlluv]

My husband, daughter and I are flying to Oahu in a couple of weeks. I'm terrified of the pat down procedure, but I'm more scared of the radiation from the machines. I've called the TSA to ask for other options and was assured by the guy on the phone that they're not doing this to upset me - thanks - but I had a weeping anxiety attack as I sat there on the phone with him telling me I had no choice in the matter. I could either submit myself to physically dangerous radiation (skin cancer history), or to the psychologically dangerous enhanced pat down (rape and molestation survivor).

I even wrote a message to the White House about it today, but I doubt it will be taken seriously. I wrote to Barbara Boxer a few months ago and got a "thank you for your letter but there's nothing I can do for you" response.

My daughter is only 13. Except for me, the only people to even see her naked in the last ten years are her doctor and the other women changing at the Y pool locker room. She's shy about getting naked in front of people, but if everyone's doing it, it's not as big a deal. To my knowledge, there has been no touching of any kind for her.

So do we have to have an amendment to this no touching rule? Do we have to include random TSA agents?

I'm really hoping we get to just walk through the regular scanners.


What should we wear?
Knot, did the lycra thing work out well for you?
If I wear a dress, they can't check a waistband, but how far up do they go with their hands?

Can I insist on them changing their gloves before patting me down?

Any other suggestions for getting through this with a minimum of psychological trauma?

Thanks,
Roxy

[Biciclista]

wearing bike stuff does help because it's form-fitting. I really feel for you, but i have no good news because so far whenever they've been challenged, authorities are coming to the sides of TSA (like making that 90 year old woman take off her depends!!!!)
your daughter will be fine. She isn't going to see what they are seeing. And if you're lucky you will all just cruise on through there like I did the last time I flew (October, 2010)

[channlluv]

Thanks, Mimi. I do tend to get myself worked up over stuff.

Roxy

[GLC1968]

If you are ok with your daughter doing the scan, I would just let her. I just had my first one a couple of days ago and it was no big deal. My image was not visible to anyone on the outside (even me) and it's really quick and simple. I was watching their system while waiting for my traveling companion to put on her shoes and they were alternating sending through one male and then one female. It was mostly done without even speaking instructions, it was that quick and simple.

As far as the pat down, I can't help you there. I haven't seen it (or experienced it), but I agree with Mimi - chances are that you'll not be selected anyway, so try not to get too worked up about it. Easier said than done, I know...

[ny biker]

Thanks, Mimi. I do tend to get myself worked up over stuff.

Roxy

I'd say you have a reason to get worked up.

I think that if they are doing the pat down, the person can request that it be done in a private room. So that might be an option to avoid having anyone else see a potential emotional meltdown.

Also I know emotions tend to be unpredictable and difficult to control, but I wonder if there's anything you can do in advance to try to minimize any reaction you might have on the spot. Like repeating to yourself over and over that the screener is doing a job, not trying to victimize anyone, not trying to hurt anyone. More like a doctor doing an exam -- just doing a job.

Sorry if that sounds ridiculous, I'm just wondering if analyzing the situation beforehand might make it less overwhelming in the event that it actually happens. Or if there's some coping mechanism you might have picked up from a therapist or support group that could be applicable.