Last fall, full-body pat downs became a necessary humiliation for travelers at U.S. airports, after female suicide bombers downed two Russian airliners in August, killing 89 passengers. Hundreds of consumer complaints later -- most of them filed by women who felt violated by the new measures, which included manual inspection of the breasts -- the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) relaxed its policy on December 23, in time for the Christmas rush.
Screeners may no longer touch a woman's chest area unless it triggers the hand-held metal detector or otherwise looks suspicious. And passengers in wheelchairs will no longer have to rise for inspection; screeners will use their metal detecting batons to check them while seated. TSA spokesperson Deirdre O'Sullivan says, "After the bombings, we quickly put the pat downs in place as a low-tech solution to that particular security threat. In the months since, we've analyzed what we were doing and made modifications."
Before passing through metal detectors, passengers must still doff jackets or other top layers -- especially bulky cover-ups, such as hooded sweatshirts or fleece cardigans. And frisking is still in order if a passenger arouses suspicion -- if, say, a garment doesn't fall properly or looks bulky enough to conceal a weapon. Those unable to pass through metal detectors, including passengers in walkers, must also undergo full-body pat downs. And women in underwire bras with a lot of metal can continue to expect close inspection of the chest if the screener's hand-held metal detector sounds.
Standard, public inspections now involve patting down a passenger's sides, backs, and front torso from below the chest to the waist. Travelers subject to full pat downs are entitled to private inspections by screeners of the same sex. Screeners must use the back of the hand on sensitive areas -- which include the breasts, genitals, and buttocks -- and the front of the hand elsewhere. They also must explain what they are doing and why, before commencing.
"Preparedness is the issue," says O'Sullivan. "We don't want people to be surprised by the new policies when they arrive at the checkpoint."
"This is where the trouble often begins," she continues. "Many women come to the airport wearing small shirts under their jackets, and they feel violated when asked to remove them. If they're not wearing blouses or tops under their jackets, they may keep them on. But otherwise, they must come off." And travelers who trigger metal detector alarms must expect to undergo further examination.
Business travelers make life easy for TSA employees, she says. "They have it down to a science. As soon as they reach the checkpoint, they remove their jackets and shoes and present their cell phones. People who don't travel as often, though, aren't aware. Neither are business travelers who haven't flown since September."
To make life easier still, for passengers and workers alike, the TSA is developing various high-tech solutions to tighten security. Chief among these are the use of electronic trace detection machines, already in place at six U.S. airports -- New York JFK, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, San Diego International, Providence International in Rhode Island, Greater Rochester in New York, and Gulf Port-Biloxi in Mississippi. After passengers walk through metal detectors, they must pass through the new machines, which blow puffs of air on the body, releasing dust and particles that can be analyzed for explosives. O'Sullivan says, "We're testing the machines as part of a pilot program to be implemented at 14 airports by next spring."
Even with new technologies in place, however, some form of human screening will be part of the drill for the foreseeable future. To pass inspection without a hitch, O'Sullivan makes the following recommendations: Don't wear underwear, shoes, belts, or garments containing metal. Be prepared to remove any outer layers besides the one covering your undergarments. If you set off the metal detecting batons, be prepared to request a private screening by an employee of the same sex. It's your right.
If you feel an airport employee has violated the new guidelines and, thereby, your civic rights, report the incident right away to a screening supervisor. Fill out a feedback form as well, which the TSA is supposed to supply at all checkpoints. You can also report the incident to the TSA Contact Center (tel. 866/289-9673; e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov). If the violation was severe, contact the TSA's Office of Civil Rights (tel. 866/536-9679 or 877/336-4872).
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