Full-Body Scanners 101 :: Part 4 :: Your Rights (as of early 2010)

Although this is the final lesson on full-body scanners, it's always a good idea to look back at the past posts before we jump into this last look at your rights when it comes to this new security measure. Here's what we've covered so far:

· Full-Body Scanners 101: What Airports Have Them?
· Full-Body Scanners 101: The Two Types and How They Work
· Full-Body Scanners 101: How Naked is Full-Body Scan Naked?



So let's say you've arrived at one of the airports that has full-body scanners and you're waiting in line to go through security to reach your flight gate. You notice that they are sending the line through the massive machines, and you're concerned about your privacy or radiation or whatever, and you wonder: do you really have to go through a full-body scan? The quick answer is yes and no...
YES you should go through the full-body scanner.
Notice that we used the word "should" there, because going through one of the machines is not compulsory. Still, if you stay in line and don't pipe up and take your turn showing your goodies virtually to the TSA, then the lines move quicker and you get to your gate faster and (hopefully) without arousing the suspicion and alarm of security agents.
NO you shouldn't go through the full-bod scanner.
Currently—because they haven't quite nailed down whether or not to force people to go through a full-body scan where available—it is your right to decline the full-body scan. The TSA cannot make you go into the machine if you say no, and there is an argument for saying no and therefore protesting the use of these machines.
If you say no to a full-body scan, be warned that you are then submitting yourself to a physical pat-down. Usually the TSA will honor your request for a female or male agent based on your gender, but if it's busy and they're stressed and short-staffed and you look suspicious, then don't expect that courtesy. Anyone who denies a body scan is subject to advanced screening, and be warned that if the agent feels that they don't have a great handle on your pat-down, you could be one chosen to the full stripsearch treatment.