Originally Posted by
SATTSO
The pat down you received has not been modified. It is the standard procedure that all opt outs receive. And I am glad you were treated in a professional manner. All passengers should expect and receive that.
I can say that children will receive a modified, less intrusive pat down than the one you received. That is what has changed.
Why?
Seriously. Same question for flight crews, airline personnel, TSA personnel, and anyone else who gets a free pass or a modification.
If, as we are being told, these pat-downs are absolutely and totally necessary for our safety and security, if every single person entering the sterile area is not patted-down in exactly the same manner every time they enter the area, is airline safety and security NOT compromised?
And if a child who is 11 years, 11 months, and 29 days old can be safely allowed on a plane with a 'modified' pat-down, why not a day later? Why can't his 13 year old sister be safely allowed with a modified pat down? And why not her parents, and grandparents?
At what point does it become really, really obvious that it's not about providing
actual 'security' and 'safety' so much as the
impression of security and safety?