Whole Body Scanners Opt Out Stories [merged]
#2941
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 729
I'm not going to lie. Also, even if I am able to minimize the ordeal for myself by lying about a medical condition, it doesn't address the underlying problems of rights violations, radiation risk, government waste, etc.
#2942
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Posts: 239
While this has been rendered moot for myself due to recent actual shoulder injury, simply saying "I cannot assume the position" should be sufficient. If pressed, THEN you can admit that it is based on principle, spite, hatred of the machines, or whatever personal reason you choose, and get the grope you would have otherwise. If they accept your statement at face value, it is not a lie and you get the WTMD as desired.
#2943
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,606
One reason I haven't tried it (and probably won't) is that you have to go all the way into the box before you can fake your injury, and once you're in the box you can't see your stuff. Ditto for the period that you're standing around waiting to go through the WTMD after faking it, when your stuff is already on the back side of the checkpoint and you're standing in front.
When I have to declare a medical, I plant myself in front of the WTMD, and tell the moat dragon that I can't go through. I don't step anywhere close to the backscatter or MMW.
#2944
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 41,705
Often, I say nothing and go into the NoS as directed. When the NoS monitor directs me to assume the position, then I explain that I can't. At that point, I'm in the NoS, holding up the line, and right on the other side are TSOs waiting to perform post-NoS 'resolution' gropes to clear anomalies. I exit the NoS and get a 'resolution' grope that covers my entire body - but at least I never have to wait for an 'assist', so overall, the process is much faster. Also, I've never gotten a bag search/swab when I proceed this way, which speeds things up even more.
#2945
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: PIT
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, Amex Plat
Posts: 314
Now that I'm better, and provided that I have enough time, I'm actually opting out instead of using the shoulder/medical waiver. I like to make other passengers aware that it's an option.
Today at JFK, my SDOO failed and the TSO told me to stand in line for the BSXR. I said "Fine, but then I'll be opting out." He then pretended not to listen thinking I might change my mind when I got to the front of the line. When that happened, I turned to him again and said "I told you I was going to opt out." He rolled his eyes and called for a male assist.
The new TSO arrived in less than 10s. The agent was nice and the grope and explanations were very professional like in all my previous experiences at JFK, albeit a little more thorough than usual. In 3 mins I was on my merry way.
#2946
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CLT
Posts: 7,249
Exactly. I want them to know I am opting out because I don't support the machines. I see no reason to lie.
#2947
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards. Tha... that's about it.
Posts: 4,332
This is generally the only issue I run into. They quickly change their gloves (usually without asking), let me watch my bags, carry them over for me, etc. What they don't do, however, is get a "male assist" in an efficient manner (e.g. yelling or walkie). They will often just say "male assist" outloud even though there is clearly no male assist around to hear them say it. It's quite frustrating and I will often point out the fact that no one heard them.
#2948
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,220
One reason I haven't tried it (and probably won't) is that you have to go all the way into the box before you can fake your injury, and once you're in the box you can't see your stuff. Ditto for the period that you're standing around waiting to go through the WTMD after faking it, when your stuff is already on the back side of the checkpoint and you're standing in front.
#2949
Join Date: May 2003
Location: At This Point, Only G*d Knows!
Posts: 3,467
I have a shoulder injury (the surgery has only been mildly successful) and I find raising my arm to be uncomfortable (I can do it, but it does cause discomfort) and each time I am always directed to a metal detector.
A few times I have been told to raise my arm to whatever height I am able to and then they run the machine and one time they simply ignored the warning on the arm that I was unable to raise and once they sort of lightly touched it and sent me on my way.
Most time I am sent through the metal detector after being told I am ineligible for AIT.
A few days ago I was told that since I am medically ineligible I was by default an opt-out. The TSA employee called for a male assist and said he is a "medical opt-out" and essentially I was patted down in a cursory manner sort of like the olden days, avoiding all sensitive area.
I asked if this was a new process and he said that medical opt-outs were considered to be not self directed (like a regular opt-out) and due to ADA they had to make an accommodation for those who cannot use the AIT.
Dan
A few times I have been told to raise my arm to whatever height I am able to and then they run the machine and one time they simply ignored the warning on the arm that I was unable to raise and once they sort of lightly touched it and sent me on my way.
Most time I am sent through the metal detector after being told I am ineligible for AIT.
A few days ago I was told that since I am medically ineligible I was by default an opt-out. The TSA employee called for a male assist and said he is a "medical opt-out" and essentially I was patted down in a cursory manner sort of like the olden days, avoiding all sensitive area.
I asked if this was a new process and he said that medical opt-outs were considered to be not self directed (like a regular opt-out) and due to ADA they had to make an accommodation for those who cannot use the AIT.
Dan
#2950
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,685
You guys aren't being dramatic enough I start my performance long before I get near the machine. I make sure they see me placing my bags on the table and doing my unpacking, shoes, etc., with my arms stuck to my sides, wincing in pain. I don't go into the machine, I step in front of the WTMD and state that I cannot raise my arms, making sure the pain from the "ordeal" of lifting, placing my bag is obvious....then I get walked through and repeat the process on the other side as I claim my stuff. Once I'm out of view, I return to normal
#2951
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
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Posts: 42,220
#2952
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,685
It seems only fair. The government continues to lie to the traveling public about the NoS, so there should be no moral compromise to avoid them via a lie.
#2953
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,606
I'm physically incapable of assuming and holding the position. Without exception, when I explain this, I'm told that I am an 'opt-out'. Sometimes it is clear that the TSO thinks I'm faking it because he/she keeps re-iterating that if I don't use the NoS, there's going to be a wait, might be a while, very thorough search of my body and belongings, bla-bla - as though these threats will mysteriously make my physical limitations go away (if only). Sometimes the 'assist' arrives promptly, sometimes there's an extended wait. I always get the bag search and swab.
Often, I say nothing and go into the NoS as directed. When the NoS monitor directs me to assume the position, then I explain that I can't. At that point, I'm in the NoS, holding up the line, and right on the other side are TSOs waiting to perform post-NoS 'resolution' gropes to clear anomalies. I exit the NoS and get a 'resolution' grope that covers my entire body - but at least I never have to wait for an 'assist', so overall, the process is much faster. Also, I've never gotten a bag search/swab when I proceed this way, which speeds things up even more.
Often, I say nothing and go into the NoS as directed. When the NoS monitor directs me to assume the position, then I explain that I can't. At that point, I'm in the NoS, holding up the line, and right on the other side are TSOs waiting to perform post-NoS 'resolution' gropes to clear anomalies. I exit the NoS and get a 'resolution' grope that covers my entire body - but at least I never have to wait for an 'assist', so overall, the process is much faster. Also, I've never gotten a bag search/swab when I proceed this way, which speeds things up even more.
#2954
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Winter Garden, FL
Programs: Delta DM-3MM United Gold-MM Marriott Lifetime Titanium Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 13,498
Bruce
#2955
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP, 2mm; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 325
I'm physically incapable of assuming and holding the position. Without exception, when I explain this, I'm told that I am an 'opt-out'. Sometimes it is clear that the TSO thinks I'm faking it because he/she keeps re-iterating that if I don't use the NoS, there's going to be a wait, might be a while, very thorough search of my body and belongings, bla-bla - as though these threats will mysteriously make my physical limitations go away (if only). Sometimes the 'assist' arrives promptly, sometimes there's an extended wait. I always get the bag search and swab.
Often, I say nothing and go into the NoS as directed. When the NoS monitor directs me to assume the position, then I explain that I can't. At that point, I'm in the NoS, holding up the line, and right on the other side are TSOs waiting to perform post-NoS 'resolution' gropes to clear anomalies. I exit the NoS and get a 'resolution' grope that covers my entire body - but at least I never have to wait for an 'assist', so overall, the process is much faster. Also, I've never gotten a bag search/swab when I proceed this way, which speeds things up even more.
Often, I say nothing and go into the NoS as directed. When the NoS monitor directs me to assume the position, then I explain that I can't. At that point, I'm in the NoS, holding up the line, and right on the other side are TSOs waiting to perform post-NoS 'resolution' gropes to clear anomalies. I exit the NoS and get a 'resolution' grope that covers my entire body - but at least I never have to wait for an 'assist', so overall, the process is much faster. Also, I've never gotten a bag search/swab when I proceed this way, which speeds things up even more.
They aren't following proper procedure. In the case of "ineligibility" or a medical reason that the person cannot assume the position, they are supposed to send them through the WTMD and pat them down *only* if there's an alarm. You're getting the grope because you didn't go through the WTMD. If you're told "you're an opt out" after saying "medical," a polite but firm "No, I never used that term. I said I am medically unable to lift and hold my arm" is the proper response. Calling an STSO usually does the trick as well.