Whole Body Scanners Opt Out Stories [merged]
Sep 20, 2010, 10:56 pm
#226
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 57,953
2. In all honesty-Is there a place in this forum for someone with an opinion who has always had issues with authority (police, high school administrators, 35 years of managers, parents, TSA, Immagration, police, etc,) but is not as "passionate"? If not, that's OK too.
Sep 20, 2010, 11:50 pm
#227
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,967
I too am amazed at how many people are ready to give up their personal rights for some illusion of safety, without learning the facts.
The thread which directed here reads like one of the many on infrequent traveller websites.
The thread which directed here reads like one of the many on infrequent traveller websites.
Sep 21, 2010, 12:17 am
#228
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SNA
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum
Posts: 529
QUESTION?
How many of you have actually written letters to the TSA about this?
How many of you have actually written a LETTER to your representatives about this?
How many of you have gotten the media to get involved in this?
ANSWER?
If you can't say you have to all three, then you are all talk. Your advice is useless and balogna otherwise.
How many of you have actually written letters to the TSA about this?
How many of you have actually written a LETTER to your representatives about this?
How many of you have gotten the media to get involved in this?
ANSWER?
If you can't say you have to all three, then you are all talk. Your advice is useless and balogna otherwise.
Sep 21, 2010, 1:19 am
#229
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: LAX (or BUR)
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors Gold
Posts: 18
Except the the scanners don't really work well ....
http://dailycaller.com/2010/01/22/fu...rman-tv-video/
In this German TV show one can see how the scanner does a great job of finding a cell phone, but missing a bomb.
If someone wants to smuggle something on board they will find a way to do it. Best security is to prevent unsavory characters from flying in the first place instead of inconveniencing the rest of the traveling public.
Our gov't is so reactionary.
http://dailycaller.com/2010/01/22/fu...rman-tv-video/
In this German TV show one can see how the scanner does a great job of finding a cell phone, but missing a bomb.
If someone wants to smuggle something on board they will find a way to do it. Best security is to prevent unsavory characters from flying in the first place instead of inconveniencing the rest of the traveling public.
Our gov't is so reactionary.
Sep 21, 2010, 5:18 am
#231
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Back in YYZ after 3 years of expat life in LHR
Programs: AC SE100K
Posts: 924
Departing YYZ through US departures - got the lucky arrow today and didn't have to go through the random full search. Moat dragon was friendly and appreciated that I had all necessary items out and off ready to go. Security was BUSY (7am) so they were pushing people through - I didn't see anyone redirected to the NoS. It was just a lucky day.
Sep 21, 2010, 6:30 am
#232
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Programs: DL, US Air, AA, HH Diamond
Posts: 79
Opted out in IND
Went through Terminal A about noon yesterday. It was super slow - there were only 2 people in front of my father and I in the security line. I had already warned him about the NoS machines and that I would be opting out. The 2 people in front of us were sent through the metal detectors, my father and I were of course chosen for the NoS.
When pointed to the strip search area, I shook my head and politely said "No, thank you. I opt out". The TSA agent looked like he was about to try to argue with me, but just rolled his eyes and called for a female opt out.
The woman that came over to do my secondary screening reminded me of someone's mother, and explained that the process, and that she would be using the back of her hands. I had an eye on my baggage the whole time (still sitting at the end of the belt), but still called out for my father to keep an eye on it after he was done going through the NoS and getting briefly patted down.
All in all, it was a pretty painless process that didn't take too long - but you might've been reading a completely different account if they had opted to do the enhanced pat down.
When pointed to the strip search area, I shook my head and politely said "No, thank you. I opt out". The TSA agent looked like he was about to try to argue with me, but just rolled his eyes and called for a female opt out.
The woman that came over to do my secondary screening reminded me of someone's mother, and explained that the process, and that she would be using the back of her hands. I had an eye on my baggage the whole time (still sitting at the end of the belt), but still called out for my father to keep an eye on it after he was done going through the NoS and getting briefly patted down.
All in all, it was a pretty painless process that didn't take too long - but you might've been reading a completely different account if they had opted to do the enhanced pat down.
Sep 21, 2010, 6:50 am
#233
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,559
FLL Terminal 3, F gates (Jet Blue / AA)
One WTMD going and one backscatter machine. Backscatter machine is extremely slow as usual, so they are sending most people through the WTMD. They waved me over to the Backscatter, I pointed to the WTMD and said I'd prefer to through that. The guy was confused and told me to come through the backscatter again, so I pointed at the opt out sign, and told him the sign says its optional, so I'm opting out. The opt out sign was a little less conspicuous than during my previous visits, this time it was further back and if I didn't know to look for it, I would not have seen it.
The TSA guy asks someone what they are supposed to do for an opt-out and is told to request a pat down. So they call "male assist, opt-out" and take me past the WTMD/backscatter machines to the pat down area.
Pat down area is a small square cordoned off on 4 sides by tensa barriers. A new guy comes over, puts on new pair of gloves and gives me a pat down. My stuff stayed over on the belt, but I was able to watch it from where I was, and wallet was hidden inside anyhow.
TSA folk were generally friendly/indifferent this time. Having been through this same checkpoint numerous times this month, this was the only time I had to opt out. Other times the machine was either not running, or I was able to easily use the WTMD line.
The backscatter is so time and labor intensive I can't imagine how they can possibly use it during peak travel times, but I guess we'll find out during Thanksgiving.
One WTMD going and one backscatter machine. Backscatter machine is extremely slow as usual, so they are sending most people through the WTMD. They waved me over to the Backscatter, I pointed to the WTMD and said I'd prefer to through that. The guy was confused and told me to come through the backscatter again, so I pointed at the opt out sign, and told him the sign says its optional, so I'm opting out. The opt out sign was a little less conspicuous than during my previous visits, this time it was further back and if I didn't know to look for it, I would not have seen it.
The TSA guy asks someone what they are supposed to do for an opt-out and is told to request a pat down. So they call "male assist, opt-out" and take me past the WTMD/backscatter machines to the pat down area.
Pat down area is a small square cordoned off on 4 sides by tensa barriers. A new guy comes over, puts on new pair of gloves and gives me a pat down. My stuff stayed over on the belt, but I was able to watch it from where I was, and wallet was hidden inside anyhow.
TSA folk were generally friendly/indifferent this time. Having been through this same checkpoint numerous times this month, this was the only time I had to opt out. Other times the machine was either not running, or I was able to easily use the WTMD line.
The backscatter is so time and labor intensive I can't imagine how they can possibly use it during peak travel times, but I guess we'll find out during Thanksgiving.
Sep 21, 2010, 6:51 am
#234
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 41,693
Went through Terminal A about noon yesterday. It was super slow - there were only 2 people in front of my father and I in the security line. I had already warned him about the NoS machines and that I would be opting out. The 2 people in front of us were sent through the metal detectors, my father and I were of course chosen for the NoS.
When pointed to the strip search area, I shook my head and politely said "No, thank you. I opt out". The TSA agent looked like he was about to try to argue with me, but just rolled his eyes and called for a female opt out.
The woman that came over to do my secondary screening reminded me of someone's mother, and explained that the process, and that she would be using the back of her hands. I had an eye on my baggage the whole time (still sitting at the end of the belt), but still called out for my father to keep an eye on it after he was done going through the NoS and getting briefly patted down.
All in all, it was a pretty painless process that didn't take too long - but you might've been reading a completely different account if they had opted to do the enhanced pat down.
When pointed to the strip search area, I shook my head and politely said "No, thank you. I opt out". The TSA agent looked like he was about to try to argue with me, but just rolled his eyes and called for a female opt out.
The woman that came over to do my secondary screening reminded me of someone's mother, and explained that the process, and that she would be using the back of her hands. I had an eye on my baggage the whole time (still sitting at the end of the belt), but still called out for my father to keep an eye on it after he was done going through the NoS and getting briefly patted down.
All in all, it was a pretty painless process that didn't take too long - but you might've been reading a completely different account if they had opted to do the enhanced pat down.
Sep 21, 2010, 8:34 am
#235
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Programs: DL, US Air, AA, HH Diamond
Posts: 79
According to him - nothing. They patted down under his arms in the armpit area and down his sides. He was wearing a polo shirt without a pocket, so there was nothing to alarm. I don't know if he managed to not take his belt off when he went through, as I was being distracted with my own pat down. He is a larger man, and a belt is a necessity unless you want to see his underwear, so maybe it was b/c he didn't remove his belt - but I do know they didn't pat the lower half of his body.
Sep 21, 2010, 3:34 pm
#236
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,726
RADsticker?
I wonder if going through the Nude-O-Scope with a RADsticker would show anything? Certainly would be an eye-opener if it did.
Sep 21, 2010, 3:45 pm
#237
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Join Date: Sep 2002
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I wonder if going through the Nude-O-Scope with a RADsticker would show anything? Certainly would be an eye-opener if it did.
Sep 21, 2010, 3:50 pm
#239
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NI4U has the best prices I've seen thus far. I like the Nuke Alarm as well but that won't go through the detector(s).
Sep 21, 2010, 3:57 pm
#240
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,726
Someone's playing games with GoDaddy again.
http://www.ki4u.com/products1.php works direct, but you'll have to scroll down through the mess to find RADstickers
ETA: Oops, that was my brain fart, sorry.
http://www.ki4u.com/products1.php works direct, but you'll have to scroll down through the mess to find RADstickers
ETA: Oops, that was my brain fart, sorry.