X-ray backscatter security scanners

[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.

[Pax]

Roxy - In a former life I was a LEO and have done thousands of pat downs; done properly it's very quick and professional. The groin touch (if done) is to check for a "padded feel" so it's just a light bump with the side of the hand. An officer who does dozens of these a day should be VERY smooth and quick.

I actually did a demonstration speech in my college speech class, showing how they're done. People were amazed at how minimal the touching part was.