Originally Posted by
Jetbee
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?
1. I should have been more clear in that it is not used as primary unless you are selected. It is used as secondary if you alarm.
2. Fair enough, there are some differences. In your case, might you be on the "Passenger Protect" list or have a name similar to someone who is? I would look into it.
3. I've never had to opt out. Unless you call stating that you choose the patdown an opt out. Have always had both options given and selected the patdown but in fairness, I've not been selected for secondary very often flying from home (Canada).
4. Do you usually fly out of YYC? The reason I ask is that there have been numerous complaints out of Calgary including the senior citizen back in Oct and another incident with a 4 year old girl. I usually fly out of YOW or YYZ and have never had the patdown done as described above, even as recently as last month. I have had the waistband checked, back, arms, legs (not to resistance) but never palms on breasts. I agree that what you describe above is invasive. I wonder if the screeners in Calgary are watching too many cop shows.