X-ray backscatter security scanners

[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...

[Trek420]

So far it's been easy to explain to the TSA who checks ID against boarding pass that I've had skin cancer, want to reduce radiation and not do the back scatter.

Each time I've just been pointed to the line that's using the regular metal detection etc. So far no pat down. I empathise with anyone who would find the pat down upsetting. I would not exactly look forward to it but probably would not ruin my day either. I just wanted to reduce the ammount of radiation I get due to a skin cancer scare I had.

[channlluv]

I'm happy to explain about the skin cancer. I'd rather not have an emotional meltdown because of the pat down, though. Especially not when we're heading to Hawaii, and my daughter doesn't know about my history. I'd rather not spend the five-hour flight explaining.

I'd be fine with the regular machines. I hope that's what happens.

Roxy

[GLC1968]

Don't wear a dress. They single out women in dresses because they claim something could hide up there that could be used to take over the plane.

I don't buy this. I wore a skirt on one leg of my trip and was not singled out. On the return trip, I was wearing pants when they sent me through the backscatter scanner. My boss, who was travelling with me on the return trip WAS wearing a skirt and she was sent through the regular x-ray machines. Exact opposite of what you are suggesting!

[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.

[channlluv]

That doesn't sound at all ridiculous. It actually strikes me as a good plan.

I've not had a lot of luck with therapy, but I do like your suggestion.

Roxy

[pll]

@channlluv:

The x ray is easily avoided by saying you "opt out" without having to give any explanation whatsoever. Cannot help with the pat down, but I've had it done several times. One time, because I was in a particularly bad mood, I asked to the TSA rep to please change her gloves. She did, a bit annoyed, though (so, we were even... mission accomplished).

I am thinking that asking for a private room may lead to the meltdown: you will have to wait, with tension building up. It might be easier to get the pat down on the spot, just look around the terminal. It does not take long; remember that the TSA person is uncomfortable, too, perhaps more than anyone else. In my last international flight, just last week, I opted out and was not patted, simply waived through the usual metal detector. Go figure.

[jessmarimba]

I am not sure how things work at your airport, but you may be able to pick a line without the option of an image scanner. Denver usually filters into about 6-8 lines for security and you can see in advance that at least 2 will only have a metal detector. They're generally the faster lines, too, so it doesn't look suspicious to pick them

In better news, I just made it through my first image scanner in Omaha that I wasn't singled out for a patdown afterwards. Maybe as my back gets stronger, the metal becomes less visible! (Note to self - don't skip pilates tomorrow...)

[Biciclista]

ps opting for a private room would make it WORSE for me too!

[KnottedYet]

I fly probably once every month or two.

Every time I've told the dude who checks ID (before the screeners) that I've had skin cancer and cannot go through the backscatter, he (or she) has directed me to the line with only a metal detector. I've never been asked to show my surgery scars or any other "proof." (though I'm ready to whip off my shirt if anyone wants to see them) I've offered to go through the "medical needs" line, but I've never been directed there.

I've only been patted-down once.

The pat-down itself was not that bad. Roxy, I've got issues, too. Therapy helped me a lot for things like pat-downs and medical exams. Consider asking your doctor for a prescription for a couple valium pills. I've used them before the kind of things that do set me off, and they work great. Just enough to take the edge off but no sense of inebriation or being spacey. I couldn't tell I'd taken anything, other than the fact that I didn't have a panicked freak-out like I'd expected. People with me can't tell I've taken anything, either.

I like valium. You can get a prescription for only 1 or 2 pills. You don't even have to take them. Just knowing you have them if you need them is a huge relief.