TSA.." We need to Feel you up a little more" ...

US airports to impose more rigorous body checks


The Transportation Security Administration has rolled out new pat-down procedures at airport screening, warning travellers body checks will be 'more rigorous'.

Checks will involve 'more intimate contact' than before, the TSA warned, but it stressed it will not increase airport delays for the two million people who pass through TSA screening each day.

Previously the were five pat-down options for passengers who set off metal detector alarms, which were conducted based on risk.

Now a single standardised procedure will be used and 'will be more thorough and may involve an officer making more intimate contact than before'.

"TSA continues to adjust and refine our systems and procedures to meet the evolving threat and to achieve the highest levels of transportation security," said Department of Homeland Security spokesman Bruce Anderson.

Some passengers complained pat-downs are now more invasive.

Frequent traveller Joel Stratte-McClure told NBC News: "This was the most intriguing, intense and invasive pat down I've had by the TSA since they came into existence.

"Seasoned travellers might take it in stride but infrequent travellers will be embarrassed and shocked."

The new procedure has been described as 'legalised groping' on Twitter.

The agency also said airport workers may face more random checks.

I read this. Those body scanners are nowhere near ideal to begin with (I had it show something in the way to SAN in my pockets - these pants had no pockets!) so I have a real issue with them "feeling me up"as a result. I honestly don't se this as making anyone safer.

MrsDonna, I had a similar issue in ATL. I wore my nice knit yoga pants and they said there was something in my pocket. I said the only other thing I was wearing in that area was my pair of undies. The 'lady' agent damned near pulled my pants down until I objected and she insisted on searching me further in a 'screening' area. I was so PO'd and I told her to stop and get a super. I don't mind the normal search but she was VERY INVASIVE! I guess I shouldn't have lost 5# and made those pants to easy to bring to my knees. It was offensive. *(and about 6 months ago!)