Whole Body Scanners Opt Out Stories [merged]
#466
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
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#467
Join Date: May 2010
Location: FLL - Nice and Warm
Programs: TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 1,025
#468
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SE Asia
Posts: 647
Hey, Nappy! You claim the scans are 'family friendly' and 'safe for the cover of Reader's Digest'??????
Then prove it. Go through a NoS, with the press present, and then show the world just how 'family friendly' it is. Put your money where your mouth is or shut up.
You won't do it because you know your agency is lying to the public.
#469
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,121
TPA E-airside about 4pm today...the whole airport seemed very empty today at this time. When I got off the tram there were only about 10 people in the line in front of me, they had one lane open, one MMW, (the big circular glass machine, I think that's the MMW) and one WTMD. They were directing roughly every 3rd person into the nude-0-scope. The others were directed through standard WTMD. If all they had used was the body scanner I can forsee the line backing up fast.
.
.
Please post your story on the TSA Blog.
http://blog.tsa.gov/
#470
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,216
Manchester Airport body scanners to become compulsory
Anyone able to tell me if the UK has the same 'opt out' option as the US?
I've avoided the NOS most of this year, except in AMS, where they were forcing everyone through them AND doing full pat downs. On a TATL to MSP.
Anyone able to tell me if the UK has the same 'opt out' option as the US?
I've avoided the NOS most of this year, except in AMS, where they were forcing everyone through them AND doing full pat downs. On a TATL to MSP.
#471
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: 42,222
#472
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,216
#473
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: 42,222
#474
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,967
#475
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
Programs: DL 2+ million/PM, YX, Marriott Plt, *wood gold, HHonors, CO Plt, UA, AA EXP, WN, AGR
Posts: 9,388
Opted out at RDU this morning. RDU has installed and is operating strip-search machines on ALL the lines going to the concourse with AA/DL/UA.
Screener as standing in front of WTMD and tried to make me go through machine, I said that I opt out. He looked stunned and asked me to repeat, which I did. He brought me through WTMD and ordered me to stand where I was ("that's an order"). Called for a male assist. After no one showed for a bit, he called again. Meanwhile he was standing in the WTMD forcing folks to go through the strip-search machine.
Finally another screener came over, and screener #1 said "he's refusing" - to which I said "I'm opting out, not refusing" and he noted that "TSA calls it refusing". Screener #2 gathered my things from the x-ray, telling me not to touch them, then indicated that he would pat me down. No open-palm grope today, but he insisted on patting down the bottom of my feet. Completely foolish. Asked me where I was going, and I noted that it was none of his business, to which he replied that he understood.
So, except for the use of the term "refusal" and the pat-down of the feet, it was professional. I did note that things were a lot slower through the lines, and that there were 15 or so folks lined up by the time I was done, where I was second in line coming through. Much, much slower.
Screener as standing in front of WTMD and tried to make me go through machine, I said that I opt out. He looked stunned and asked me to repeat, which I did. He brought me through WTMD and ordered me to stand where I was ("that's an order"). Called for a male assist. After no one showed for a bit, he called again. Meanwhile he was standing in the WTMD forcing folks to go through the strip-search machine.
Finally another screener came over, and screener #1 said "he's refusing" - to which I said "I'm opting out, not refusing" and he noted that "TSA calls it refusing". Screener #2 gathered my things from the x-ray, telling me not to touch them, then indicated that he would pat me down. No open-palm grope today, but he insisted on patting down the bottom of my feet. Completely foolish. Asked me where I was going, and I noted that it was none of his business, to which he replied that he understood.
So, except for the use of the term "refusal" and the pat-down of the feet, it was professional. I did note that things were a lot slower through the lines, and that there were 15 or so folks lined up by the time I was done, where I was second in line coming through. Much, much slower.
#476
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: RDU
Programs: OnePass
Posts: 772
Opted out at RDU this morning. RDU has installed and is operating strip-search machines on ALL the lines going to the concourse with AA/DL/UA.
Screener as standing in front of WTMD and tried to make me go through machine, I said that I opt out. He looked stunned and asked me to repeat, which I did. He brought me through WTMD and ordered me to stand where I was ("that's an order"). Called for a male assist. After no one showed for a bit, he called again. Meanwhile he was standing in the WTMD forcing folks to go through the strip-search machine.
Finally another screener came over, and screener #1 said "he's refusing" - to which I said "I'm opting out, not refusing" and he noted that "TSA calls it refusing". Screener #2 gathered my things from the x-ray, telling me not to touch them, then indicated that he would pat me down. No open-palm grope today, but he insisted on patting down the bottom of my feet. Completely foolish. Asked me where I was going, and I noted that it was none of his business, to which he replied that he understood.
So, except for the use of the term "refusal" and the pat-down of the feet, it was professional. I did note that things were a lot slower through the lines, and that there were 15 or so folks lined up by the time I was done, where I was second in line coming through. Much, much slower.
Screener as standing in front of WTMD and tried to make me go through machine, I said that I opt out. He looked stunned and asked me to repeat, which I did. He brought me through WTMD and ordered me to stand where I was ("that's an order"). Called for a male assist. After no one showed for a bit, he called again. Meanwhile he was standing in the WTMD forcing folks to go through the strip-search machine.
Finally another screener came over, and screener #1 said "he's refusing" - to which I said "I'm opting out, not refusing" and he noted that "TSA calls it refusing". Screener #2 gathered my things from the x-ray, telling me not to touch them, then indicated that he would pat me down. No open-palm grope today, but he insisted on patting down the bottom of my feet. Completely foolish. Asked me where I was going, and I noted that it was none of his business, to which he replied that he understood.
So, except for the use of the term "refusal" and the pat-down of the feet, it was professional. I did note that things were a lot slower through the lines, and that there were 15 or so folks lined up by the time I was done, where I was second in line coming through. Much, much slower.
#477
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Denton County, TX
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 737
Howdy folks,
Had my first experience with the ATI machine today at SJC and, of course, chose to opt out. I will bullet point my experience for (hopefully!) ease of reading:
1. Barely anyone in the security line. Metal detector line was right next to ATI but since no one was in the ATI line, the agent asked me to come over.
2. I went over, placed all my things in the bin, he asked if my wallet was in my pocket, and then I was directed to go to the ATI.
3. I replied “No thanks” and he stated to the metal detector agent – “Opt out – male assist please”.
4. The metal detector agent (who looked like she just rolled out of bed in her double-wide trailer) said “Sir – YOU wait there” which was next to the metal detector as a few others went through. Definite tone in her voice.
5. I waited approximately 4 minutes while she requested a male assist 3 times into her official spy issue walkie-talkie. (my items, including two laptops and my $2500 watch, were out of my view the entire time)
6. The male agent assigned to do my grope politely asked me to follow him as he gathered my things and brought them to the super special stainless steel table.
7. He explained what he was doing, asked me if I wanted a private screening area which I declined, explained that the backs of his hands would be used over the “groin” and “buttocks”.
8. He was professional about it but I found the procedure to be unnecessarily invasive, though not quite to the point of being obscene. However, I strongly object to any of this on principle.
9. He attempted friendly conversation but I made it very clear I was in no mood for idle banter.
10. He swabbed my computer and said “have a nice day”.
OVERALL: The experience was a waste of everyone’s time and was undoubtedly an infringement on my rights as a law-abiding American. Clearly there are agents out there who will be personally offended when people opt out and they will take advantage of their positions to make you wait and/ or “be punished”. (I think this attitude has the potential to change for the better if more and more people opt out, as it will become way too much time and effort to “punish” everyone). Several thousand dollars worth of personal belongings were out of my sight for a minimum of 5 minutes. The grope was BARELY acceptable as done, although the agent was trying his best to be nice. If the front of hands were used on the private areas it would definitely have crossed the line into criminal sexual assault. I adamantly oppose this entire process and if anyone in the DFW area would like to start a group to pass out flyers, educate the public, or do any kind of grassroots resistance please contact me.
Thanks…
Had my first experience with the ATI machine today at SJC and, of course, chose to opt out. I will bullet point my experience for (hopefully!) ease of reading:
1. Barely anyone in the security line. Metal detector line was right next to ATI but since no one was in the ATI line, the agent asked me to come over.
2. I went over, placed all my things in the bin, he asked if my wallet was in my pocket, and then I was directed to go to the ATI.
3. I replied “No thanks” and he stated to the metal detector agent – “Opt out – male assist please”.
4. The metal detector agent (who looked like she just rolled out of bed in her double-wide trailer) said “Sir – YOU wait there” which was next to the metal detector as a few others went through. Definite tone in her voice.
5. I waited approximately 4 minutes while she requested a male assist 3 times into her official spy issue walkie-talkie. (my items, including two laptops and my $2500 watch, were out of my view the entire time)
6. The male agent assigned to do my grope politely asked me to follow him as he gathered my things and brought them to the super special stainless steel table.
7. He explained what he was doing, asked me if I wanted a private screening area which I declined, explained that the backs of his hands would be used over the “groin” and “buttocks”.
8. He was professional about it but I found the procedure to be unnecessarily invasive, though not quite to the point of being obscene. However, I strongly object to any of this on principle.
9. He attempted friendly conversation but I made it very clear I was in no mood for idle banter.
10. He swabbed my computer and said “have a nice day”.
OVERALL: The experience was a waste of everyone’s time and was undoubtedly an infringement on my rights as a law-abiding American. Clearly there are agents out there who will be personally offended when people opt out and they will take advantage of their positions to make you wait and/ or “be punished”. (I think this attitude has the potential to change for the better if more and more people opt out, as it will become way too much time and effort to “punish” everyone). Several thousand dollars worth of personal belongings were out of my sight for a minimum of 5 minutes. The grope was BARELY acceptable as done, although the agent was trying his best to be nice. If the front of hands were used on the private areas it would definitely have crossed the line into criminal sexual assault. I adamantly oppose this entire process and if anyone in the DFW area would like to start a group to pass out flyers, educate the public, or do any kind of grassroots resistance please contact me.
Thanks…
#478
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
Howdy folks,
Had my first experience with the ATI machine today at SJC and, of course, chose to opt out. I will bullet point my experience for (hopefully!) ease of reading:
1. Barely anyone in the security line. Metal detector line was right next to ATI but since no one was in the ATI line, the agent asked me to come over.
2. I went over, placed all my things in the bin, he asked if my wallet was in my pocket, and then I was directed to go to the ATI.
3. I replied “No thanks” and he stated to the metal detector agent – “Opt out – male assist please”.
4. The metal detector agent (who looked like she just rolled out of bed in her double-wide trailer) said “Sir – YOU wait there” which was next to the metal detector as a few others went through. Definite tone in her voice.
5. I waited approximately 4 minutes while she requested a male assist 3 times into her official spy issue walkie-talkie. (my items, including two laptops and my $2500 watch, were out of my view the entire time)
6. The male agent assigned to do my grope politely asked me to follow him as he gathered my things and brought them to the super special stainless steel table.
7. He explained what he was doing, asked me if I wanted a private screening area which I declined, explained that the backs of his hands would be used over the “groin” and “buttocks”.
8. He was professional about it but I found the procedure to be unnecessarily invasive, though not quite to the point of being obscene. However, I strongly object to any of this on principle.
9. He attempted friendly conversation but I made it very clear I was in no mood for idle banter.
10. He swabbed my computer and said “have a nice day”.
OVERALL: The experience was a waste of everyone’s time and was undoubtedly an infringement on my rights as a law-abiding American. Clearly there are agents out there who will be personally offended when people opt out and they will take advantage of their positions to make you wait and/ or “be punished”. (I think this attitude has the potential to change for the better if more and more people opt out, as it will become way too much time and effort to “punish” everyone). Several thousand dollars worth of personal belongings were out of my sight for a minimum of 5 minutes. The grope was BARELY acceptable as done, although the agent was trying his best to be nice. If the front of hands were used on the private areas it would definitely have crossed the line into criminal sexual assault. I adamantly oppose this entire process and if anyone in the DFW area would like to start a group to pass out flyers, educate the public, or do any kind of grassroots resistance please contact me.
Thanks…
Had my first experience with the ATI machine today at SJC and, of course, chose to opt out. I will bullet point my experience for (hopefully!) ease of reading:
1. Barely anyone in the security line. Metal detector line was right next to ATI but since no one was in the ATI line, the agent asked me to come over.
2. I went over, placed all my things in the bin, he asked if my wallet was in my pocket, and then I was directed to go to the ATI.
3. I replied “No thanks” and he stated to the metal detector agent – “Opt out – male assist please”.
4. The metal detector agent (who looked like she just rolled out of bed in her double-wide trailer) said “Sir – YOU wait there” which was next to the metal detector as a few others went through. Definite tone in her voice.
5. I waited approximately 4 minutes while she requested a male assist 3 times into her official spy issue walkie-talkie. (my items, including two laptops and my $2500 watch, were out of my view the entire time)
6. The male agent assigned to do my grope politely asked me to follow him as he gathered my things and brought them to the super special stainless steel table.
7. He explained what he was doing, asked me if I wanted a private screening area which I declined, explained that the backs of his hands would be used over the “groin” and “buttocks”.
8. He was professional about it but I found the procedure to be unnecessarily invasive, though not quite to the point of being obscene. However, I strongly object to any of this on principle.
9. He attempted friendly conversation but I made it very clear I was in no mood for idle banter.
10. He swabbed my computer and said “have a nice day”.
OVERALL: The experience was a waste of everyone’s time and was undoubtedly an infringement on my rights as a law-abiding American. Clearly there are agents out there who will be personally offended when people opt out and they will take advantage of their positions to make you wait and/ or “be punished”. (I think this attitude has the potential to change for the better if more and more people opt out, as it will become way too much time and effort to “punish” everyone). Several thousand dollars worth of personal belongings were out of my sight for a minimum of 5 minutes. The grope was BARELY acceptable as done, although the agent was trying his best to be nice. If the front of hands were used on the private areas it would definitely have crossed the line into criminal sexual assault. I adamantly oppose this entire process and if anyone in the DFW area would like to start a group to pass out flyers, educate the public, or do any kind of grassroots resistance please contact me.
Thanks…
If you have to opt-out again, make sure your belongings are in your sight while waiting.. If they aren't tell the all mighty clerk that you want to see your belonging, and to pound sand if they refuse. At that point, I might also call for a supervisor, and possibly a LEO..
#479
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Denton County, TX
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 737
Thank you FriendlySkies for the correction and the advice. I travel every week, sometimes multiple times a week, and will be sure to remember that it is within my rights to have my belongings in view at all times.
#480
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
Programs: DL 2+ million/PM, YX, Marriott Plt, *wood gold, HHonors, CO Plt, UA, AA EXP, WN, AGR
Posts: 9,388