Originally Posted by
Mimi111
1. NoS is not used as primary.
2. Randomizer mat is used.
3. Should you be selected for secondary screening, note that Canada uses MMW (for me no difference, I don't go through either). However, you can choose either NoS or patdown (it's not really an opt out). Signage is everywhere and very clearly states that it is an option. Per Transport Canada's site: "Passengers selected for a secondary search can always choose between the full-body scanner, if available, and a physical search." Note that the scanner is an option "if available", not the other way around.
4. It is not the same "patdown" that is used in the US. It is pretty much the old style patdown with the waistband check (but rarely from what I have experienced). The big differences: it is not as invasive as in the US, it is done very professionally, the agents are generally very polite (YUL can be a being the exception at times but that exception is still 100 times better than in the US), same sex agents are there or come quickly and the secondary itself is pretty quick.
5. Why on earth would you "flee"? You have the option of leaving screening and just not flying. You don't need to "flee" in order to avoid a fine.
6. Canada and the US share information. Canada is not the US. It uses it's own procedures. It has, however, for US bound flights implemented some of the TSA's inane procedures at their request just like many other countries.
I think you need to do some research before you assume that another country's screeners will treat you like the TSA does, especially when you aren't even flying to the US. This is a good place to start:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/air-lmenu.htm
1. MMW IS primary if you are "randomly" picked for additional screening. Of course, one can opt out and then get a pat down.
2. Not all airports are using the randomizer mat. YYC (at gate A and going to U.S.) no longer uses the mat -- they scan the boarding pass and apparently it tells them whether or not the passenger gets additional screening. I seriously have my doubts about this method because I have been picked every, single time. That, in my mind, is not a random occurrence.
3. As mentioned earlier, with secondary screening, you definitely have to opt out if you do not want to go through the MMW.
4. I just had the new pat down on February 1st (after opting out) and it is much more intrusive than the old one. Waistband is checked. Breasts are now thoroughly checked with the palm, not the back of the hand. The hand runs up each leg until it meets resistance. The whole body (front and back) receives a pat down and the bottom of the feet are also checked. How is this not invasive?