Is it often that someone makes a scene at the security checkpoint because s/he would be embarassed taking off a jacket or sweatshirt?

Why not have a blanket or hospital gown handy for those persons (or do airports already do that)?

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ITs like the shoe thing. IT is a judgement call. If the wearer has nothing appropriate to be seen in,in public, screeners are not to insist that it be removed. The person goes down for secondary screening. IT still doesnt have to come off but screeners will have to ensure that it is not concealing something prohibited.

Don't forget that privacy screening is always an option as well.

Here's the catch: it's still fashionable for women to wear certain lingerie items either as outer wear or to have them exposed. So it's pretty hard to tell. Also, there are some garments that appear to be a coat with part of the blouse exposed underneath. It's actually all one garment sewn together to give the appearance of a coat and blouse. Those, of course, cannot be removed unless we turn checkpoints into cabarets.

Rule of thumb: if a passenger really objects to removing an outer garment, then make sure to offer private screening to resolve any issues/concerns. If unable to resolve the issue, that passenger simply won't fly. It's been my experience that many of these issues are easily resolved during secondary screening.

What if someone is wearing nothing at all under their jacket? In particular I'm thinking about the unlikely situation where a woman is wearing one of those jackets where things are held in place with toupee tape. Do the people doing secondary have any authority to strip search (which, when you think about it is actually my question)?

It boils down to this: there are no strip searches. Unless you've been arrested and taken to jail or prison, then your use of the term "strip search" is quite exaggerated.

Rule of thumb is this: you should never be asked to expose your underwear or bare skin at any time during security screening. Of course, as I've stated in other threads, some women don't have a problem with wearing a camisol or even bustier as an outer garment.

Absolutely. It's just interesting to hear the chapter and verse rather than some random interpretation.

I like to wear a bulky sweatshirt without a teeshirt underneath. I fully intend to remove as ordered by my government and walk through the checkpoint bare-chested. Hasn't happened yet (and it's getting to warm to continue wearing it), but, given the track record, I expect it to happen one of these days. Don't get too excited -- I'm a 50 year-old guy.

If this is the case, and since I always get secondary at shoe carnivals when I refuse to take off my shoes, would it be acceptable to leave my jacket on as well? I mean if secondary is all that's going to happen to me if I keep my jacket on, and I expect to get secondaried anyway, why bother taking it off?

Absolutely no problem; it's always your choice. Just understand that you will undergo secondary screening. Also understand that if a screener reaches a point where she (assuming you're female) cannot clear you, then you will not be allowed into the sterile area. For the most part, screeners should be able to clear you successfully. However, there are certain types of garments that are difficult to clear without having them removed and x-rayed.

Just giving you some additional information so that you make a sound decision.