TSA PS came on Cruise Critic awhile back with the same pitch, that he would answer, or find answers to questions, concerns.

I don't think he anticipated how many questions and responses he was going to get, especially on Flyer Talk. It is certainly a time consuming thing to take on, especially as a volunteer endeavor, but will be much appreciated if it works.

I, and apparently others, from reading this thread, would like to know why the TSA employees make opting out so difficult, plus in many cases taking 30 minutes or more just to get to the other side.

I have a heart devise. My Electrophysiologist and the device maker tell me to not go through any of the screening machines because TSA will not give the heart device makers enough information for them to advise the people with the device that it is safe.

Multiple times I have had TSA employees argue that it is safe, and try to just blow me off. I have a letter from the device maker stating what I said above. I travel a lot and have had a heart device (this is my 2nd one) for over 14 years.

If the TSA PS ever comes back, and if he ever sees this, I would be interested to know how best to handle this when TSA employees seem to think they know more then my device maker and therefore choose to not call a female to pat me down so I can get on my way.

As someone posted above, another issue is the personal item and carry on.
I have also been told to just send it through, which obviously is not something I can do until there is a female agent there to catch it and pat me down.

And Ross, just so you know.... I am always polite, I never argue, I just repeat "my device maker says I can't go through". I say "please" and "thank you". I just want to get to the other side. Help please!!!!

There are also TSA employees who don't argue, and who do call a female, and it goes reasonably well. Unfortunately there is no consistency to the process.

I now get to the airport 3 hours in advance for a domestic flight. This is due to almost missing a flight when I arrived 2 hours in advance, and got held up due to the opt out.

My home airport is IAH but I fly all over. All I want is to get to the other side in time for a bagel and Diet Coke.