Opt out = Red flag
 

My ex traveled with my son over the holiday out of BWI and SLC. I had told them about the NoS, in particular that I didn't want our son going thru them.

She talked to TSA at BWI about it and she mentioned "opt out" and they're like "Don't say that up there ... we treat that as a red flag. Say anything but that."

I found that interesting that they seem to be treating "opt outs" as trouble makers. Doesn't surprise me really, but that's the first time I've heard that. Saying like "I'd rather not" seemed less "offensive" to them.

Any of you hear about anything like that?

Super

That sounds inaccurate.

I opt out of the X-ray scanners (due to a family history of skin cancer) and have yet to encounter a problem. They just do a patdown instead.

What your ex may have misunderstood is that (if I understand correctly) if you don't explicitly say “I opt out” then you haven't actually opted out. So if I tell the TSA “I have a family history of skin cancer,” I haven't opted out… but if I say “I opt out” then I have opted out.

(I usually say “I need to opt out” just to be polite.)

The “red flag” language might be someone's second-hand explanation of that.

Maybe. I always just say opt out and have gotten the standard harassment. BWI D gates tend to be a bit more roguish so what she said didn't surprise me given the retaliation I've gotten there in the past (most notably for the TSA wants to see me naked shirts).

I'm flying in a few weeks so maybe I'll just ask during my massage.

It sounds like someone who isn't being a good little sheep. The TSA hates that.

Getting "flagged" by the clerks in blue is not something I would be afraid of.

I think what they meant is that "I opt out" is more confrontational and it might trigger a power struggle. "I can't go through the scanner" is more amicable.

In other words, the TSO might give a more thorough pat-down to someone he/she perceives as opting out in order to send a message or cause trouble, and just a cursory pat-down to someone who is perceived to have a legitimate reason in their eyes.

Either statement should be fine, but it is sad that their own SOP language is considered potentially confrontational. It says I have the right to opt out. I should be able to say that without recourse.

Either statement should also be followed by "and I will need to move to a position where I can watch my belongings." And then do so. Whatever you say, it should be stated in a businesslike manner, even-toned and said with confidence that comes from a proper knowledge of the situation.

Using the 'opt out' wording marks you as a Flyertalker and therefore ipso facto a troublemaker in the eyes of the TSA. Or domestic terrorist, if you prefer :p .

Proud to be a member. :D

I just say something like: "I'll be one of your 'Male assist, no alarm' candidates today". That makes their eyes pop.... :D

^^^^^ gotta try that. :D

Good one ^ and yes, I'm gonna try that one as well ;)

That's bull. I opt out all the time. It's a clean, efficient, phrase. Who cares if the TSA doesn't like it? It's their job to do it anyway.

I'm a charter member of the 'involuntary medical opt-out club' - I'm physically unable to assume and hold the position necessary.

Most of the time, when I'm directed to the NoS and I explain that I'm physically unable to assume the necessary stance, the response is "So you're opting out?" or (shouting or talking into some kind of radio (?) device) "Opt-out".

I originally used the words 'opt out' myself, but I found that in some instances, that clearly indicated to the TSO that I was some kind of trouble-maker. It always resulted in a lengthy bag check, as well as a grope. In other instances, it led to a pointless attempt to convince me of the safety of the device - pointless, because I can't assume and hold the position so there's no way to get a clear scan.

I thought the TSA technically required the phrase "I opt out"?

After the sneaky New Year's Eve signing of the NDAA, I suppose it did just get a little bit more dangerous to opt out, so maybe the screener was informed and somewhat helpful. Kind of like points on your license now, too many red flags and you get disappeared.

Not that that would keep me from opting out.
Not that I'm even more inclined to stop boycotting flying in TSA airspace.