Pat-Down Procedures – What to Expect at Airport Security

The new TSA pat-down procedures have been in the news a lot lately and, due to this, may have resulted in the procedure being blown out of proportion. Some Americans have even made the choice to avoid air travel in order to not go through the pat-down. This article will provide some helpful hints about what to expect at airport security check points.

While the pat-down procedure may not be something that anyone looks forward to, we may accept them more easily if we consider the words of TSA’s administrator, John S. Pistole, which he recently wrote in a statement to the American people about the TSA security measures. He wrote, “We all wish we lived in a world where security procedures at airports weren't necessary but that just isn't the case."

The fact is that only a small number of passengers - 3 out of 100 - go through the pat-down procedures. Who is selected for this extra security measure? The pat-down is performed on those who either choose not to go through the full-body scan or those who set off the alarm when passing through the metal detector.

Given the two motives above, it is possible to avoid the pat-down procedure. First of all, do not opt out of the full-body scan. The process is quick and painless. According to three different institutions including the FDA and John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, the machines pose no health risk to those who pass through them. Also, none of the images from the scan are stored.

Another way to avoid the pat-down is to not set up the alarm of the metal detector. Some of the items that might set off an alarm include keys, coins, jewelry, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, metal hair barrettes, belt buckles, clothing with metals snaps or buttons and bras with wire in them. Avoid using as many of these as possible on the day you travel. Those items that you must carry with you such as keys or a cell phone should be taken out of your pockets before going through metal detector.

If you are called aside for the pat-down procedure, understand that it is not personal. Those who perform the pat-downs have been trained in the procedure. The pat-down is done by someone of the same sex as the passenger. You can have a witness present. Remember, TSA officials are only following pre-established procedures that are in place to guarantee your security and that of all the other passengers. The truth is that the majority of Americans support these security measures.

We live in a world where terrorism is a real threat. Because this threat is real and is ever increasing, these security measures are necessary. The pat-down procedures are just one component of the security package meant to keep air travel safe. It may be a hassle and consume more of your time but you will no doubt be thankful these airport security measures are in place each time you hear that weapons and explosives were confiscated at an airport due to the pat-down procedures.