Entry bubble New TSA Screening Machines

By: Colleen | May 27, 2009 | Category: Travel

In a measly eight days I will be headed to glorious Las Vegas. My only other prior experience in Vegas was when I was 14, so I sense this trip will be somewhat different than the time I tagged along when my Dad attended a conference.

I plan on leaving my camera behind, to avoid the possibility of any remotely inappropriate photographs surfacing while I enjoy the splendors of Sin City.

However, one picture could be taken of me of which I have no control. In nineteen different airports around the country, new whole-body imaging machines are being used to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats on passengers.

In some airports these machines are the primary source of security. In others, passengers can opt to use them instead of a body pat-down from a TSA security officer.

The machine produces a robotic image, which some people find to be invasive, and bordering on the feeling of being naked- somewhat of a "virtual strip search."

To me, the pictures seem closer to that of a x-ray than anything I'd consider invasive or offensive. What do you think? Would you prefer the scanner over a physical pat-down?

The TSA blog is discussing this issue as well.

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