Some Passengers May Be Required To Go Through TSA Scanner, No Pat Down Option
DENVER (CBS4) - There has been a slight change in security procedures for TSA, and not all passengers will have the option of a pat down.
Mostly everybody will have to go through the automated imaging machine, which prompts passengers to raise their hands as a scanner turns around the body. For those who prefer a pat down it may not be an option.
Last Friday, Homeland Security amended who may choose to opt out of the scan in favor of a pat down.
"I would rather go through the machine than a hands on search," said traveler Jill Ragaller.
TSA may deny a pat-down request and direct you through the scanner, which takes five seconds to collect a non-descript body image of what's on you.
CBS4 asked a passenger if it would be disturbing if TSA requested a pat-down instead of a scan.
"At first maybe, a little uncomfortable and uneasy with it, but again, it's to keep me safe and my family safe, I'm all for it," Isamarie Mauer, traveling from Jacksonville, Florida, said.
TSA says generally passengers will have the option of declining advanced imaging and opting for a pat-down, but there will be instances where some are absolutely required to go through it.
"This will occur in a very limited number of circumstances where enhanced screening is required," the TSA said in a statement.
Another passenger, Chris Helt a law student from Kansas, objects to the procedure.
"When you have these nebulous concepts of security considerations thrown about and we don't know what that is, the power gets put in the hands of the street level bureaucrats and the people who really can just implement the laws however they wish to implement them," he said.
While some travelers may have health concerns about the scanner, TSA insists they are safe and no pictures of the scan are kept.
Check DIA's security measures here.
