Originally Posted by
Majuki
The only time I ever heard a TSO say that an opt-out was available was in early 2010 at BOS. This was before many airports had the body scanners, and it might have been limited to just BOS and LAS at the time.
You can help with this!!! When you are going to opt out, instead of saying "I opt out", walk up to the edge of the cancer box, then just stand there. When they motion you through, just stand there silently, don't move. They will repeatedly implore you to move, but just stand silently. Ultimately THEY will finally use the words "Would you like to opt-out?" Then say "Yes."
I do this every single time. The idea is to get THEM to offer opt-outs, and get in the habit of offering it, instead of having the person to know some sort of "magic words."
This was more important awhile ago, and now there is more publicity around the availability of opt out. It is still good to get them to offer it to people who may not know though.
Sometimes it has taken a minute or two, and often (most) of the time the TSAhole will get really pissed and say "ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS SAY OPT OUT."
I reply, "Yes, but I am happy you offered."