What do you prefer privacy or security in the airport?

I’m fine with everything short of a body cavity search.

The first time I flew after 9/11 my wife and I were the only two people singled out for additional attention. They gave me a very thorough pat down; lets just say that if I was concealing something on my leg or in my underwear they would have found it.

A few flights later my wife was the only passenger chosen. I was going to wait for her and I was more than a bit curious what they were going to do to her. When TSA agents saw me waiting one shouted to me that I had to get on the jetway. With the angle of the jetway I could still see her from half way down it so I stood there and watched my wife’s search. When the TSA agents noticed I was still watching one ran down the jetway and pushed me toward the plane and told me that I had to board.

My concern isn’t that I was felt up by a TSA agent, I just wonder why I was singled out and my wife was singled out twice. Seems like a bit coincidence though they said we were randomly chosen.

For those advocating the ‘if you have nothing to hide’ line please, just start walking around naked, after all ‘if you have nothing to hide…’ (providing you are of legal age and it’s legal where you’re at…after all, I don’t want to be seen as encouraging youngsters or unlawful behavior.)

I’m all for security where appropriate and I really don’t have a problem with the millimeter scanners as far as I understand the TSA procedures. What I bet is that in a few years or so, the scanners will make their way out of airports and into more mundane environments with far less controls on procedures. I can see the arguments already for installation in concerts, malls, schools or anywhere else that people congregate.

And for those of you willing to expose yourself for security, just know that while you’re willing to run around naked, PETN, the explosive used in the recent attempted bombing does not necessarily show up on the scanners.

I agree toadaly…

A right to privacy is not something to be discarded lightly. Where does it end?

As Ben Franklin said, “They, who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty nor security.”

Great analysis miscegenymiser…

The TSA is totally ineffective and I have zero confidence that stripping even more dignity from passengers will accomplish anything. They spend all their time measuring toothpaste tubes and confiscating toenail clippers. It’s a facade.

I would vote for shutting down the TSA and returning to the reasonable security precautions that existed prior to 9/11.

not really sure what to say about that but I understand what you mean if they have security that can see thru your clothing and stuff, but if you think about it how many freaks are out there that try to get into other countries and stuff with illigal items and stuff. especially with the terrorists out there.I would say if you have nothing to hide then I wouldnt worry about it so much. better to be safe then sorry.

I’m ok whit being checked on everything.. this will keep us safe, pravicy cannot, it can make manny people intending to do bad come to us. My opinion is that they should check everything. Will keep us safe and clear of anathing.