How to opt-out of the body scanner?
 

So far, I have managed to avoid the body scanner by luck (not present at the security checkpoint/line with scanner not being used) or some planning (choosing the line w/o the scanner). However, I am guessing that at some point I will end up in the situation where I will have no way around it and will have to decline to go through the scanner. For those of you who have done this, what do you do when you step through the metal detector, and the TSA agent asks you to step into the scanner? Do you simply say "I would like to opt-out?" Is there a better way to phrase it?

In addition, I know the consequence of declining to go through is the pat down -- assuming you don't have an angry, retaliatory TSA, is it any different than the pat down if you are put through to "traditional" secondary screening? When do I call shenanigans?

That's one way to put it.

Something more empathic such as, "I'm opting out," leaves nothing open to interpretation.

Depends what you mean shenanigans, but as with any c/p experience pat downs can be pro forma affairs to rather intrusive. No crystal ball in the whole can tell you what to expect.

That said, a half dozen threads on the first page of this forum detail some recent opt out experiences. Take a look through these when you have a moment:

• Nude-o-scope experience at MIA
• Opt Out Experience at LAX This Morning (Long post)
• An Abberation: Had a rather hassle free opt out from the beast at PVD today
• Full Body Scanners at DCA
• What happened to the nudescopes being for secondary screening only?
• Mom upset about daughter's full body security scan experience [merged threads]

btw, Wecome to the TS/S forum. :)

TSA's initial Privacy Impact Statement for the Strip Search Machines said they would provide a brochure to gain a person permission to be screening, then they changed it to just having signage, and now it seems that TSA is nearly forcing people into the deadly, in the case of Backscatter, machines.

Be prepared to clearly say, "Opt Out" and also be prepared for retaliation from TSA. They can't handle people standing up for their rights because that's not how a good communist acts.

"No." Repeat as necessary.

No. Way. In. Hell.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

I was also wondering, are there any tips for dealing with the consequences of opting out? For example, I've heard that TSOs often don't let you keep your luggage in view while they pat you down. I also understand they go through your wallet. So I was wondering how I can minimize theft under these circumstances. I'm considering locking all of my carry-ons so that no one can pilfer my stuff (and the only way TSA can do a hand search is if I go to my bag and unlock it for them). The only problem is, I have to remove my laptop from my bag for the X-ray, and I'm not sure if TSA will give me a chance to put it back in my bag and lock it before they do the pat-down.

If I insist on being able to view my belongings (esp. my wallet) at all times that TSA people are handling them, how will I be treated? Will they generally comply, or will they retaliate further? Are there any tips for how I can be sure not to let my stuff out of my sight?

Any and all tips/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

1. Emphatically assert that your belongings be in your direct sight line at all times (when not in the actual X-ray tube)
2. If refused, demand a LEO and the airline GSC as witnesses
3. Be prepared for the slowest, most intimate search possible, done in as public a manner as possible so that TSA can humiliate you for failing to comply

Another possible option - demand a private screening. We know from statements of TSO on this board that SOP requires that the passenger and ALL of his belongings be taken to the private screening area, with all secondary inspections completed there. In this case, I would probably still demand a LEO and the GSC presence prior to the secondary process, and complain vociferously if any TSO started the process without complying.

What DevilDog said.

See also: Wallets at Body Scan Machines (from post #5 on down).

Thanks for the responses, everyone! I have a heavy month of flying coming up (after only a couple trips the first half of this year) and will plan accordingly for potential time-suck at the security checkpoint. Good times! :rolleyes:

Here's another OPT-OUT option. I suppose we can expect a lot of these:
http://borepatch.blogspot.com/2010/0...-drive_23.html

I am part of this club. I recently drove all the way from LA to Baltimore and back.

No strip search machines, no groping, shoes stayed on, took all the water I needed for the trip.

I am also part of this club - I will be driving BOS-FLL-BOS next month. Screw the airlines and TSA!:mad:

Recently drove to ATL and back to avoid the airports.

No Nude-O-Scopes, no groping, shoes stay on, all the water I need (for reasonable prices!)

Pretty soon, the airlines might get the message and put pressure on the gov't, or maybe they'll just get a BAILOUT!:td:

More the latter. I don't think a few people opting out of the strip search will have much of an impact on the airlines.

I don't know if we can get the airlines attention or not but will do my part.

Taking some time off in a couple of weeks, thought I would hop a AA flight to LAS and waste some money.

Airfares seem a bit high and adding the aggravation of Security TSA Style have decided to jump in the old gas guzzler and take a road trip.

No airfare, no LV hotel stay and especially no TSA.

I say screw the airlines and businesses that count on the the airlines to bring them their customers.

+1

Let 'em bleed, but make sure they know why. I'm giving USA airlines very, very little $ this year. Think it's the economy? Think again.