Opted for "Hands On" at TSA Checkpoint

[RoyGBiv]

I was flying back from RDU on Friday afternoon. RDU has the backscatter x-ray machines. I've been through these before at other airports, but I was a bit early for my flight and when I saw the "This x-ray machine is optional" sign, I informed the TSA agent that I would like to opt out of the x-ray today.

Honestly, with all the fuss about pat-downs in the news I felt I didn't really have the whole story. Was I missing out on something?? I find it's difficult to have a solid opinion without a first hand experience, so, I went for it.

I was asked to step aside and an agent was called. My bags were pulled from the x-ray and set aside on a separate table. The agent took off his gloves and put on a clean pair. He made a point of informing me that he was doing this. I came to find out why a bit later.

"Stand here please", "I'll be using the palms of my hands most places and the backs of my hands in any "sensitive areas"".... Blah, blah... Actually, the agent was pretty good about explaining things before they happened. It took about 3-4 minutes for the pat down and the only real surprise was that it was LESS invasive than I anticipated. Some fingers in my waistband, I had to take off my 5.11 tactical belt and run it through x-ray separately, but overall, I was not "grabbed" in any way that I would consider "inappropriate".

After the pat down, the agent ran his gloved hands over my luggage, shoes and laptop and then ran the gloves through the explosives detector machine. I was a bit worried since I had worn my belt to the range the week before, but, nothing came up on the scan and I was free to go...

Overall the agent was polite and professional. While I DO feel that airport security has jumped the shark, I did not feel that the pat down I got was anything to raise a fuss about. No, I'm not saying I'm ok with current airport security requirements, I'm just saying the pat down wasn't anything close to a sexual assault. YMMV.

Anyone else ever opted for the pat down? How'd it go?

[pbwalker]

I did last month, and was grilled on why I did it and was given a "science lesson" on radiation. I ignored him and his plainly evident lack of knowledge. But the pat down was professional and was thoroughly explained. I don't agree with any of it (part of the reason I opted out) but to call it sexual assault is a stretch.

[wheelgun1958]

You think, maybe, they've been instructed to 'tone it down?'

[Purplehood]

I heard on the radio this morning that since the present Administration has been in office that some 300+ "Terrorists" have been prevented from entering the country. The radio personality asked the question, "how many of those individuals were discovered through the TSA pat-downs and body-scanning machinery"?

Not having travelled in a civilian capacity in many years, I have no personal experience to fall back on in order to answer such a query. But I do have some questions:

1) How does the TSA stop people from getting into the country? Wouldn't they have to be outside the country to do that?
2) Isn't it some foreign security agency doing the screening from outside the country?
3) Doesn't the TSA only check people leaving or travelling from point to point within the country?

It just made me curious.

[speedsix]

...is it possible that they're lying to us??? naaah....nevermind...

[USA1]

The strange thing to me is I was never put through the X-Ray or a pat down. I simply only had to stroll through the metal detector. On the other hand, my 76 year old mother in law was pulled aside for a pat down.
...I told her she must have looked suspicious.

[Teamless]

1) How does the TSA stop people from getting into the country? Wouldn't they have to be outside the country to do that?

Darn, you caught the administration lying again, they didn't think anyone would figure that out.
Yes, TSA would have to be outside of the country, and as you so nicely pointed out, they are IN the USA checking people who are ALREADY here.

2) Isn't it some foreign security agency doing the screening from outside the country?

Yes normally. however if you are entering from the major airports in Canada, US Customs and Border Patrol screen you on the Canadian side, rather than the US side upon entrance

3) Doesn't the TSA only check people leaving or travelling from point to point within the country?

The TSA checks anyone boarding a commercial plane from an airport within the USA. The person could be traveling out of the USA however, not just point to point within the USA

[RPB]

RoyGBiv
I had intended to go to an airport 60 miles away and spend the day getting massaged, hardly seems worth the drive now.
I'd ask how much to tip them first and see if they offer a menu ... Swedish massage ... etc.
Still, hardly seems worth the drive now.

[sjfcontrol]

I'm a bit confused. (A sensation with which I am thoroughly familiar!)

Did some "authority" actually say (or imply) that TSA was preventing terrorists from entering the country?

[RoyGBiv]

RoyGBiv
I had intended to go to an airport 60 miles away and spend the day getting massaged, hardly seems worth the drive now.
I'd ask how much to tip them first and see if they offer a menu ... Swedish massage ... etc.
Still, hardly seems worth the drive now.

Sorry to disappoint you Boss. At least I saved you some gas money

As for TSA "preventing terrorists", I'm going to guess they would be referring to the no-fly list and terrorist watch list resulting in stops or arrests before unwanted people boarded transport bound for US shores.??

I've not ever seen any TSA presence in foreign airports checking US-bound flights. I HAVE seen USCBPS (Customs) agents in overseas airports..... It's REALLY nice clearing customs before you get on your flight.