So back she went to the ladies room, then through the security line a second time. Walking through the airport bra-less can be embarrassing for a large-chested woman, not to mention uncomfortable. The metal detector didn't beep on the second time through, but then officials decided to go through Kates' carry-on luggage, she said.

Barry Steinhardt, the director of the ACLU's technology and liberty program, said Monday of federal security officials, "They can't find bombs in checked luggage, and they're essentially doing a pat-down of private parts. This is a security apparatus that is out of control."