It probably would cause less stress on the Cat if he/she is carried through the X-ray by the owner and not handled by a stranger (like a TSA agent.) But the whole experience would be stressful for any animals (and many humans I guess.)

I always wonder if the X-ray could damage the Cat. In addition, the small space might freak out some Cats.

Most Cats see the carrier and freak out. There are a few exceptions like Eddie who goese in the carrier easily (sometimes I think because he wants to go test his teeth on strangers. )

Many good posts here. I see your poor Cats have gone through the sometimes nightmare of travel.

I have had landed several new Cat sitting clients because they were tired of dealing with the frustrations of getting the Cats medicated, then dealing with security, then the Cat getting sick on flights. One client said her two Cats saw the vastness of O'Hare United Terminals that the one Cat almost bolted (the other hid in the case.) Both had harnesses on.

Every Cat has its own personality. I should know. I babysit Cats for a living and each one is different. Same with my Eddie (who would have made shreds of a TSA's agent shirt and pants... Eddie would probably have to go through secondary screening because he would object to going through the X-Ray and get a male agent to do it. Eddie probably would be denied boarding.

Eddie says he would only fly if it's first class. Since I don't have top tier on United anymore Eddie says he'll stay home.

FYI: Here's another great thread if F-T ever gets a Travel with Pets forum