Last time I used the sky priority line in the south gate security line I was told by TSA I was REQUIRED to use the nude o scope and could not opt for the pat down. When I told her I wanted a pat down they made me walk all the way back through the line and go to the other side and wait in line again. Is that still the policy or is there an option to opt out in the sky priority line now?

As far as I'm aware, the NOS have been pulled from every airport.

Huh? The backscatter machines have been pulled. The millimeter wave machines are still very much in use.

The millimeter wave machines no longer produce a near-nude image for some back room TSA agent but I think the NOS nomenclature still applies.

Hence why I said the NOS have been pulled.

Now for those those worried about radiation, I guess you are on your own.

I guess we are arguing semantics but I think most people refer to any kind of x-ray machine as a NOS. But you are right, they no longer produce a nude image.

IMO, the purpose of this discussion is about the use of the x-ray machines and not whether they produce a nude image.

Yes i just want to know if you are required to use them in the sky priority line

As of Monday, nothing but NOS ASFIK no metal detectors

Is there a way around the NOS? (Like a door, side entry way,etc) I know now when you opt out you don't go through a metal detector (at least in my experience as of lately) you just go through a side door near metal detectors. Can you go around the NOS or is it essentially locked in?

The millimeter wave NOS still capture a nude image, but it is just presented on the screen as a outline drawing with yellow/red regions that it thinks may be an object.

I'm sure the original images are archived somewhere. The backscatter machines are all getting sent to smaller airports for use.

The TSA clerk who told you this was wrong. You should have stood your ground. I would have demanded a supe. Also, you could wait for your belongings to enter the x-ray belt and then say "opt out." What are they going to do then!?

Mods, please move to Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate forum.

According to TSA's website, the backscatter machines are gone...period...

From blog.tsa.gov:

"All Rapiscan AIT units currently operational at checkpoints around the country, as well as those stored at the TSA Logistics Center, will be removed by Rapiscan at their expense and stored until they can be redeployed to other mission priorities within the government. Most of the backscatter units being removed will be replaced with millimeter wave units. The millimeter units will be moved from the inventory currently deployed at other airports and from an upcoming purchase of additional millimeter wave units.

By June 1, 2013 travelers will only see machines which have ATR that allow for faster throughput. This means faster lanes for the traveler and enhanced security."

Interesting, since I saw some get installed not long ago at a couple airports that previously only had metal detectors. either way its still a big show.

thanks