Originally Posted by
eyecue
To answer your questions:
The NOS has a level of detection that cannot be matched by any other means EXCEPT a patdown. If you refuse the NOS then you have to be screened to the same level of detection and your method would not be to that standard.
Yes you can bring a witness with you to the private screening area. I am fairly certain that you and your witness cannot tape the screening.. If you refuse the patdown for any reason then you cannot proceed to your gate.
With deceased and other examples that you have listed, that is considered cargo and there is something called a "trusted shippers" program that allows them through various means to certify that the cargo is safe and has been inspected and is free of prohibited items. However the rules for what is prohibited in cargo are different from what you are allowed to carry on.
I hope that answers your questions.
If I give consent and permission, who is to say the search can not be photographed? It is my search. If you are patting me down in the public area, I could grant that permission. What makes this different?
If it is the possible embarrassment, save it, it will not embarrass me. I think it may be the embarrassment to the TSA that is the concern. Or is there statute or regulation that does not permit it?
I am sorry to make this such a sticking point, and I hope it never, ever comes up.