You don't have to go through the full-body scanner...
Read more …You don't have to go through the full-body scanner
Oct 3rd 2010, 22:41 by N.B. | WASHINGTON, DC
SCREENERS for America's airport security agency, the Transportation Security Administration, are required to offer pat-down searches if you refuse to go through a full-body scanner. But workers at Chicago's O'Hare airport didn't follow that directive last month when a pregnant traveller didn't want to go through the controversial full-body scanning machine. The screeners eventually bullied "Mary" into going through the machine. But she didn't get mad. Instead, she got even: she wrote to the Consumerist about her ordeal:
I was literally in tears because I wanted a pat-down instead of going through the machine, and I felt they declined me that option. No matter how much I pushed for a hand pat-down, they pushed harder for the machine.... I really felt the TSA agents were just being lazy since a pat down obviously takes more time for them, but I also feel like when I specifically ask for something that is an option for me, I should be able to get it.
Mary's absolutely right. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. And you would think that of all people, a pregnant woman might at least get a little sympathy from the TSA if she didn't want to go through the full-body scanner. Apparently that's not the case. This isn't the first time that Gulliver has passed on a story about people mistreating pregnant airline passengers. What's with all the rudeness? Come on now, folks. People need to mind their manners.
If screeners give you a hard time about requesting a pat-down, stand your ground. They want to keep the line moving, so there's a good chance they'll cave. If they don't, you can always do what the Consumerist suggests: call their bosses at (866) 289-9673.
Any readers have good stories involving standing up to rude or aggressive screeners? Let us know in the comments.
