I'm not sure how I feel about the newest security measures being put into place at airports across the country.
In airports across the country, TSA is installing full-body scanners. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has been using them for the last year as a test program. However, over the course of the next few weeks, a total of 38 scanners will be put in place...much to the dismay of holiday travelers. Can you imagine traveling Thanksgiving weekend with children and having to do this? Ugh!!!
Anyway, these scanners are used to see through your clothing to make sure that you aren't trying to smuggle plastic explosives on your person onto the aircraft. Hmmm...not sure I really want a stranger to see all the intimate details of my body. TSA assures everyone that no one but the person behind the screen will view the scan and the machines don't have the capacity to save images. Still...is the TSA screening their employees for pedophiles and sex offenders?
TSA is giving travelers the option of a physical pat-down in lieu of the FBS. Hmmm...now instead of seeing through my clothes they're touching me in places no stranger should be allowed to do. Again, is the TSA screening their employees?
I understand the reasoning for all of this step-up in security, but when does it become an invasion of privacy. It has given me pause to consider whether or not I will be flying anymore.
My husband just returned from Moscow this past weekend and encountered the newest security measure put into place. He said that the biggest hassle was having to take EVERYTHING out of your pockets. There were no signs at the conveyors that scan your carry-ons that stated passengers needed to remove everything from their pockets, so it caused a back-up at the scanner. All of this adds 3-5 minutes to getting through security. While 3-5 minutes may not sound like much, multiply that by the thousands of travelers flying. Getting to the airport 2 hours before your flight will not be enough anymore. And heaven forbid if a passenger declines the FBS. The TSA agent yelled across the checkpoint for another agent to do a physical pat-down. How embarrassing!!!
I'll be watching to see what effect this new security measure has on the busiest travel weekend of the year.
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3 comments:
I have halted planning a trip for our 10 day break, because I am not sure I want to fly with the kids. You beat me to it, but I am mulling a post about it. I will not subject my 12 year old daughter to this screening.
I wouldn't subject the kids to it either. It's definitely not fun to fly anymore...but then, it's been that way since 9/11.
We just flew to Denver in October and almost missed our flight due to incredibly long lines at security. And yes, we were there very early. It was a huge hassle. We were planning another trip in the spring and I have to say I can't imagine having my kids subjected to either the scan or the pat down.
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