TSA and the Radiation Machines 101
Aug 11, 2011, 11:02 am
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,110
I have to agree with Boggie Dog. You really don't seem to know or want to know facts. 'Articles' like these which are full of misinformation frankly I think weaken the argument and don't earn support.
You wrote 8oz liquids, didn't clarify the 100-1-1 (or 3-1-1) rules, then you changed it to 3oz, which is still incorrect. The vast majority of the world uses the metric system. Even after all the time I have spent in the US in my life, I still cannot visualize ounces or cups or estimate Fahrenheit. Bad enough that you twice included the wrong amount, but worse that you say this is aimed towards a non-American audience and then don't write in terms they understand or use daily.
It now says 'No liquids (except 3 oz (100 ml) essentials)' which is rather vague and still incorrect. Why not correct your error which I pointed out twice now, and actually put the rules (which are quite common around the world). As it stands, this 'article' really doesn't have much useful information at all.
MMW or backscatter is certainly not in use in every airport in the US, and is not in primary use at most airports. I suspect that I have flown to/from/through many more US airports than you in the last year (or even six months) and the times I have been selected are still very low. Many TS&S posters who are regular flyers have managed to avoid the machines completely.
You wrote 8oz liquids, didn't clarify the 100-1-1 (or 3-1-1) rules, then you changed it to 3oz, which is still incorrect. The vast majority of the world uses the metric system. Even after all the time I have spent in the US in my life, I still cannot visualize ounces or cups or estimate Fahrenheit. Bad enough that you twice included the wrong amount, but worse that you say this is aimed towards a non-American audience and then don't write in terms they understand or use daily.
It now says 'No liquids (except 3 oz (100 ml) essentials)' which is rather vague and still incorrect. Why not correct your error which I pointed out twice now, and actually put the rules (which are quite common around the world). As it stands, this 'article' really doesn't have much useful information at all.
MMW or backscatter is certainly not in use in every airport in the US, and is not in primary use at most airports. I suspect that I have flown to/from/through many more US airports than you in the last year (or even six months) and the times I have been selected are still very low. Many TS&S posters who are regular flyers have managed to avoid the machines completely.
0 C = 32 F, 15 C = 59 F, 30 C = 86 F
Aug 11, 2011, 11:27 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,967
Thanks, lewisc has been trying to teach me that for years. Somehow '30' sounds hotter than '86' in my brain. In Kindergarten they used to give us blocks in 1cm, 10cm etc sizes to learn by tactile methods; I just cannot seem to train my body to 'feel' Fahrenheit correctly. 
But to the OP - 3oz vs 3,4oz really does make a significant difference, especially to those of us who measure and purchase in ml.
Aug 11, 2011, 11:29 am
#18
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: DTW
Programs: DL DM/1MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 199
I would do everything in my power to ensure never going into a private room with a TSO. From what I understand, the only time that they're going to insist is on a resolution pat-down. If all other attempts fail, including appealing to the goodness and decency of a LEO (IMHO, there's little to nothing that should be done outside of the watching eyes of the public), some have had good luck in requesting an airline representative, the ground security coordinator.
Aug 11, 2011, 11:54 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,110
Thanks, lewisc has been trying to teach me that for years. Somehow '30' sounds hotter than '86' in my brain. In Kindergarten they used to give us blocks in 1cm, 10cm etc sizes to learn by tactile methods; I just cannot seem to train my body to 'feel' Fahrenheit correctly. But to the OP - 3oz vs 3,4oz really does make a significant difference, especially to those of us who measure and purchase in ml.
In the end the porridge is either just to hot, to cold or just right!
Aug 11, 2011, 1:30 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AAPLT, RR Alist
Posts: 220
Thanks, lewisc has been trying to teach me that for years. Somehow '30' sounds hotter than '86' in my brain. In Kindergarten they used to give us blocks in 1cm, 10cm etc sizes to learn by tactile methods; I just cannot seem to train my body to 'feel' Fahrenheit correctly. But to the OP - 3oz vs 3,4oz really does make a significant difference, especially to those of us who measure and purchase in ml.
Aug 11, 2011, 2:06 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 629
You might at least mention that "opting out" translates to having your genitals fondled. This also includes a hand sliding down inside your arse crack (but outside of your clothes) all the way from your back to your scrotum or vulva making sure to touch your anus (to check for detonators?) and having a gloved hand touching the bare skin under your waistband as it slides all the way around inside your pants. Women will have their breasts thoroughly stroked. It also involves a scalp massage for that extra touch of intimacy.
From your article it sounds like there is a genuine opt-out possibility when for most people the "opt-out" grope is more of a violation than the nude photos. A true opt-out means that you won't be flying that day at that airport. You will be escorted out of the airport by an angry and annoyed LEO who might even decide to arrest you on trumped up charges because his micro-brain believes that only a genuine terrorist would opt-out by not flying and he wants the chance to search you that arresting you will provide. Or you might just annoy him. There are no practical repercussions for a cop arresting you on false charges and they are well aware of it.
From your article it sounds like there is a genuine opt-out possibility when for most people the "opt-out" grope is more of a violation than the nude photos. A true opt-out means that you won't be flying that day at that airport. You will be escorted out of the airport by an angry and annoyed LEO who might even decide to arrest you on trumped up charges because his micro-brain believes that only a genuine terrorist would opt-out by not flying and he wants the chance to search you that arresting you will provide. Or you might just annoy him. There are no practical repercussions for a cop arresting you on false charges and they are well aware of it.