Topic: Passenger Screening

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Bare feet to pat-downs: Five big changes in TSA screening at airports

Security screening at US airports has undergone waves of changes in the years since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
TSA screenings: What protections do you have?

Full-body scans and enhanced pat-downs have become America’s “primary screening” technique, but have also generated a rising tide of criticism for being too invasive. At each of the 68 major airports where the 385 new full-body scanners are in place, passengers will be directed to them, says Sarah Horowitz, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Here's what to expect – and what protections you can demand:
In Pictures: Airport security
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 12/30

All Content

Secret CIA informant volunteered to be al-Qaeda bomber (+video)

The intelligence agency had planted a spy in the al-Qaeda organization behind the latest attempt at an underwear bomb; the informant's inside information was what allowed the CIA to bring down the plot and kill its organizer.
Decoder Wire
Sen. Rand Paul knows how to fix the TSA: end it

Freshman Sen. Rand Paul, backed by GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul, aims to abolish the TSA – and its intrusive searches of air travelers – and to establish a passenger bill of rights.
Why Rand Paul refused a TSA pat down, missed flight to D.C.

Sen. Rand Paul refused a pat down by TSA agents after a scanner found an 'anomaly' on his knee. Rand Paul is a critic of TSA practices.
Did TSA airport screeners violate free speech rights of bare-chested student?

A US judge in Virginia allows a college student to sue two TSA screeners over his arrest after he stripped off his clothes to reveal a protest message written on his chest.
TSA warning describes surgically implanted bombs

TSA warning: If terrorists hide bombs inside their bodies, current screening measures may be useless.
TSA defends searches of children, elderly, amid fresh complaints

After an elderly traveler complained of experiencing indignities at the hands of the TSA, the question arises: When do invasive searches become too invasive?
Cockpit attack highlights four on-board incidents last weekend

Five airline passengers were removed from aircraft over the weekend. Law enforcement officials say that they do not believe terrorism played a role in any of the four incidents.
Full-body scanners pose 'exceedingly small' radiation risk, says new study

As Japan brings radiation into daily headlines, a new report from biomedical researchers finds that full-body scanners emit 'extremely small' doses of radiation, posing very little health risk to fliers.
TSA aimed to put body scanners in public places

TSA denies it used airport body scanners elsewhere. But documents show it tested similar technology at a commuter train station in New Jersey and signed contracts for more scanning in public places.
Terrorism & Security
Moscow bombing prompts scrutiny of airport security worldwide

The Moscow bombing Monday that left 35 people dead has prompted calls for tighter airport security measures – but some say better intelligence is the answer to thwarting attacks.
Terrorism & Security
Moscow attack on airport will complicate Medvedev's investment pitch at Davos

As the investigation into the Moscow attack at Domodedovo airport continues, President Dmitry Medvedev left for Davos to seek foreign investment – now a tougher pitch.
TSA looks to expedite screening for air cargo on US-bound passenger planes

Screening for all air cargo shipped to the US via commercial passenger planes must be in place by the end of 2011, under a TSA proposal. The Yemen bomb plot led TSA to accelerate its timetable.
The Circle Bastiat
The anti-economics of 'freedom fondles'

Do TSA techniques ask us to sacrifice personal freedoms in exchange for security, or security theater?
Should TSA let airport passenger screening go to the dogs?

It's time to send bomb-detecting dogs sniffing up and down lines of passengers at airports, say some security analysts. Dogs may reduce the need for TSA screening that is more invasive of personal privacy.
TSA chief John Pistole speaks on latest airport security procedures

TSA chief John Pistole cites 'determined, resourceful enemy' in defending airport body screenings and pat downs that some passengers say are too intrusive. But no plans for body cavity searches.
Air travelers tweet: TSA pat-downs and scans evoke humor, tears

Thanksgiving travelers are reporting their TSA encounters via Twitter and Facebook. The pat-downs and full-body scans range from entertaining to violating, they write.
Bare feet to pat-downs: Five big changes in TSA screening at airports

Security screening at US airports has undergone waves of changes in the years since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
Editorial Board Blog
Airport pat downs and body scans: My questions for TSA chief Pistole

Like a lot of the flying public in America, I have doubts and concerns about the new airport security screening methods. What about loopholes? What about effectiveness? What about profiling? I put these questions to TSA chief John Pistole at a Monitor breakfast today. Here's what he said.
Video: TSA chief Pistole says no immediate changes to airport screening

Transportation Security Administration chief John Pistole told reporters at a Monitor Breakfast that the TSA had no plans to alter controversial screening practices, despite public outcry.
TSA airport screening to be 'refined'

TSA chief: Agency will try to minimize invasiveness of screening, though no changes imminent.
Obama notes travelers' plight, but won't change airport security

President Obama and Secretary Clinton sympathize with air travelers irked by intrusive security measures, including X-rays and body pat downs. But for now, things are unlikely to change.
Travelers, lawmakers up in arms over airport security measures

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, 1.6 million travelers are expected to fly. How will passengers deal with new airport security measures critics say invade personal privacy?
TSA screenings: What protections do you have?

Full-body scans and enhanced pat-downs have become America’s “primary screening” technique, but have also generated a rising tide of criticism for being too invasive. At each of the 68 major airports where the 385 new full-body scanners are in place, passengers will be directed to them, says Sarah Horowitz, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Here's what to expect – and what protections you can demand:
TSA body scanners: safety upgrade or stimulus boondoggle?

Many Americans will get their first look at the TSA's body scanners at airports around the US during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Pilots to be exempt from airport scanners, intrusive pat-downs

Airline pilots will no longer have to go through body scanners or be subject to body pat-downs, as do ticketed passengers. TSA is also testing scanners designed to be less intrusive.