We just passed through SEA security. We're on our way to a cruise so brought along a couple of insulated coffee mugs for various beverages. Mrs. Fredd placed them separately in the tray to avoid any hassles, obviously a mistake.

The TSA then swabbed both the cups and Mrs. Fredd's hands. That's apparently SOP. The cups were deemed okay but Mrs. Fredd's hands tested positive (must be that Doubletree soap).

We didn't see any of the new scanners in operation but in any event they told her she would need a full patdown. They suggested it could be in a private room and that I could come along, but we both elected to have it done in public.

It wasn't as bad as the worst we've heard about but it's still not a great way to start your day at 5:30 a.m. It also took several minutes before two female screeners could be summoned, one to feel and the other to watch. The screeners were probably more uncomfortable doing it out in public than we were. We'd definitely recommend that to others, as has been mentioned here regularly.

Happy New Year...