Originally Posted by GradGirl
I'd have to say this is the real issue. We are agreeing to the contract of carriage without being advised about the manner in which the search will be conducted. In this case, the manner in which they are being conducted has changed drastically from the time of purchase, so shouldn't that nullify any prior agreement to cooperate with a prior form of search?
First, you agree to the Contract of Carriage as revised at the time of purchase on United (I am not aware of other airlines' policies). So if United drastically changes their policies after ticketing, you are protected under their original policies. (That is why when they make a major change, they say it applies to all tickets
issued after a certain date.)
I agree that the CoC does not provide specifics as to what type of searches are permitted; this is probably because the airlines are not in control of screening and it is not their jurisdiction. Thus, in the CoC, you consent to practically any search, but you can revoke that consent at any time, and, if so, receive a full refund.
A side note: what would happen if you called up reservations and told them you would refuse to consent to a search; would they refund you the money then or do you have to go to the airport?
To summarize, I think
GradGirl has a good point in that the searches could change drastically between ticketing and travel. I believe that is why one is entitled to a full refund if he or she does not wish to be searched.