Monday, November 22nd, 2010 VOA News The head of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration has warned travelers for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday that new airport security procedures will stay in place, despite a public outcry that the measures are invasive.
John Pistole said on U.S. television Monday that he is “very aware” of concerns that full-body scanners and thorough pat-down searches invade travelers’ privacy. But he said no changes are planned for the immediate future.
An Internet campaign called “National Opt-Out Day” is urging people to decline the full-body scans on Wednesday, traditionally the busiest travel day of the year for Americans. The alternative is the pat-down search, which takes longer. Pistole warned against the boycott, saying it would cause delays at a time when most travelers just want to get home to their families.
Pistole said Sunday the security procedures are necessary to prevent attacks like last year’s attempted Christmas Day bombing. A Nigerian man is charged with attempting to blow up a U.S.-bound airliner on December 25 with a bomb hidden in his underwear. The bomb did not explode.
Travelers at some U.S. airports are required to step through the scanners, which take about 15 seconds and produce a virtually naked image with the face blurred beyond recognition. Those who refuse to go through the scanner may be required to receive a thorough pat-down examination by a security agent of the same gender.
Some information in this story was provided by AP and Reuters.
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