Jazmin Li
Full-body scanners have been implemented at many airport security checkpoints, and while they are not mandatory, opting out of them means undergoing an alternative security procedure, such as a manual full-body pat-down. This has raised concerns about privacy, health, security, cost, effectiveness, and convenience. Some travellers opt out due to concerns about radiation exposure, while others view the full-body pat-down as an invasion of privacy. However, opting out may result in longer wait times and potential discomfort during the pat-down process. Ultimately, travellers must decide whether to use the full-body scanners or opt for alternative screening methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Body scanners are not mandatory, and passengers can opt out. |
| Opt-out procedure | Inform the TSA agent at the checkpoint. |
| Alternative security procedure | Full-body pat down by a TSA agent of the same gender. |
| Health concerns | Body scanners emit radiation, and there are concerns about potential health risks. |
| Privacy concerns | Some passengers consider body scanners and pat downs an invasion of privacy. |
| Effectiveness | Body scanners have been criticised for not being 100% effective in preventing security issues and for having a high false-positive rate. |
| TSA PreCheck | Passengers with TSA PreCheck may be routed to a metal detector instead of a body scanner. |
| Enhanced screening | Passengers selected for enhanced screening may be required to undergo a body scan without the option to opt out. |
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What You'll Learn
Opting out of body scanners: Informing the TSA agent
Opting out of body scanners at airports is a right that travellers can exercise. While full-body scanners have replaced metal detectors at many airport security checkpoints, they are not mandatory. Travellers can opt out of passing through them and choose an alternative security procedure.
To opt out, inform the TSA agent at the checkpoint that you would like to do so. You will then be asked to step aside and wait for a same-sex agent to become available to perform a manual full-body pat-down. This usually takes around five minutes, though it can sometimes take longer. The agent will then open the gate and take you through to the other side of the security barrier. They will ask you to point out your luggage coming through the x-ray machine, which they will then carry for you.
The TSA agent will deliver a standard speech, informing you that they will pat down your entire body, use the back of their hand for "sensitive areas", and run their hands along your waistband. You can request that the pat-down take place in a private room.
It is important to note that opting out of the body scanner does not excuse you from security screening procedures. Additionally, if you have been selected for "enhanced screening" or "SSSS" on your boarding pass, the TSA may still require you to undergo a body scan.
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Health and privacy concerns
Privacy concerns have also been raised about full-body scanners. While the TSA asserts that the machines protect passenger privacy by using a generic human form rather than revealing detailed images, there have been reports of tens of thousands of scanner images that were improperly saved and disseminated. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential for employees to alter the settings of the machines on-site, removing privacy safeguards. The TSA does not permit independent assessment of the machines, which further adds to the privacy concerns.
Given these health and privacy concerns, some individuals may choose to opt out of full-body scanners at airports. It is important to note that opting out does not mean skipping security measures altogether. Instead, passengers who opt out will undergo a pat-down screening by a same-gender TSA officer. This option allows individuals to make an informed decision about their comfort level and preferences regarding security procedures.
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Alternative security procedures
If you opt out of body scanners at airports, you will be subject to alternative security procedures. These procedures may include:
Manual Pat-Down Search
Instead of passing through the body scanner, a TSA agent will perform a manual pat-down search of your person. This involves the agent patting down your entire body, using the back of their hand for sensitive areas, and running their hands along your waistband. This process may take a few minutes, and you may have to wait for a same-sex agent to become available.
X-Ray Machine and Physical Screening
You will be asked to send your luggage through the x-ray machine as normal. After informing the agent that you would like to opt out of the body scanner, you will be escorted to the other side of the security barrier. You will need to point out your luggage coming through the x-ray machine, but you should not pick it up. The agent will then carry your luggage for you to ensure that you cannot move any unscreened items from your body to your luggage.
Comprehensive Pat-Down
In the past, TSA agents could choose from five different pat-down procedures. However, new rules have been implemented that require a more comprehensive and thorough pat-down, which may involve an officer of the opposite sex.
Metal Detectors
If you have TSA PreCheck, you will likely be routed through an old-style metal detector instead of the body scanners.
It is important to note that opting out of body scanners may be inconvenient and may result in negative reactions from TSA agents. Additionally, if you are selected for "enhanced screening" (indicated as "SSSS" on your boarding pass), the TSA may still require you to go through the body scanners.
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Manual pat-down searches
Passengers can opt out of body scanners at airports. However, opting out does not excuse you from security screening procedures. Instead, you will be subject to a manual pat-down search of your person.
Passengers can request that a pat-down be performed privately. During a pat-down, TSOs may use the front of their hands to feel non-sensitive areas, including the arm from the shoulder to the wrist, the back, the abdomen, and the legs from mid-thigh to the ankle. To check sensitive areas, such as the crotch or upper chest, the TSO is required to use the back of their hand.
If a passenger resists both the scan and the pat-down, they may be removed from the airport. However, if a passenger believes they have been subject to an improper pat-down search, they can inform a screening supervisor or obtain a feedback form at any checkpoint.
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TSA PreCheck
If you have TSA PreCheck, you will likely be directed to an old-style metal detector rather than a full-body scanner. However, if you are selected for "enhanced screening," the TSA may still require you to undergo a full-body scan.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can either apply online or visit one of the 536 enrolment centres. The cost of enrolment varies by provider, and children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on the child's boarding pass.
It's important to note that even with TSA PreCheck, all travellers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can opt out of going through full-body scanners at airports.
If you opt out of a body scanner, you will be subject to a full-body pat-down search by a same-sex agent instead.
To opt out, inform the TSA agent at the checkpoint. You will then be asked to step out of the way and wait for another agent to become available to pat you down.
In most cases, you can opt out of body scanners. However, if you have been selected for "enhanced screening" or if you are deemed to pose high security risks, the TSA may require you to go through a body scanner without the option to opt out.
