Think Twice Before Opting Out of TSA Body Scan

Posted November 22, 2010 in Uncategorized by Arthur Buono
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This Wednesday’s been widely promoted as National Opt Out Day. You know, the day for air travelers to opt out of TSA’s body imaging system and choose instead an enhanced pat down. Well, this might not be such a good idea.

     
  • The point of National Opt Out Day is to make a point
  • Be careful how you choose to make your point
  • One man facing $11,000 in civil fines for pulling a double opt out
  • Copy this link to share with friends: http://bit.ly/9t8uR6

 

Opting Out Maybe Not Best Way to Send Message

This San Diego man’s potentially $11,000 lighter for opting out of body imaging, and then balking at an enhanced groin palpation. Keep this in mind. If you’re opting out of the body scanner because you’re a prude or whatever, fine. If you’re opting out to give TSA the finger, or bring the screening process to a standstill, think twice. At least don’t try to make a point of it then and there.

There seems some confusion over just what your rights are in the screening process. Here’s what’s clear. The government, in the person of the TSA, isn’t going to let you on a plane unless you clear screening. The Constitution’s Fourth Amendment lets the government conduct warrantless administrative searches. While some claim there’s no law requiring you to identify yourself at the airport, failing to do so won’t get you anywhere, literally.

Besides, TSA Administrator John Pistole (somehow aptly named) has said he wants the screening to be as minimally invasive as possible. He thinks though the current process is about as minimally invasive as possible without compromising safety.

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