Pregnant Consumerist reader Mary was recently going through the security checkpoint at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. When she realized that she would be going through a full-body scanner, she told the screeners she wanted to exercise her right to a pat-down — even if it meant experiencing the TSA’s new, icky “enhanced” pat-down. But instead of the screeners doing as she requested, Mary claims they proceeded to bully her into the scanner.
Let’s hear it straight from Mary:
The two TSA agents asked me, “Why don’t you want to go through this?” I said, “I don’t trust it.” They said, “Why don’t you trust it?” I said, “I am pregnant and would rather be pat down.” And they said, “Oh but you get ultrasounds, don’t you?”
I answered yes and the TSA officer said, “Oh it is less than an ultrasound, and it’s really easy so just go through.”
The TSA officers are doctors now??
They repeated again for me to just go through the scanner and it would be done in 5 seconds. I was literally in tears because I wanted a pat-down instead of going through the machine, and I felt they declined me that option. No matter how much I pushed for a hand pat-down, they pushed harder for the machine.
Then, after I stood in the machine, the officer waiting on the other side of it patronized me by cooing, “There, that was easy, wasn’t it?”
I mentioned that I was forced to do it and went to the belt to take my possessions, while tears ran from my eyes.
I really felt the TSA agents were just being lazy since a pat down obviously takes more time for them, but I also feel like when I specifically ask for something that is an option for me, I should be able to get it.
A rep for the TSA confirms to Consumerist that TSA screeners are obligated to offer alternative screening, including a pat-down, for travelers who can’t or won’t go through the full-body scanners.
For Mary and other travelers experience problems with TSA screeners, the agency recommends using its “Talk to TSA” function available here. They claim that this allows travelers to file their grievances directly with TSA officials at the specific airport(s).
Travelers can also call (866) 289-9673 or e-mail the TSA at tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov
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By the way … people who keep arguing about hormones. You folks do realize that men are regulated by hormones too, right?
That men also have cyclical periods of ups and downs, running approximately 30 days?
So, women AND men are capable of having monthly “moods”.
Seriously how paranoid can some people be? Her and her baby will take far more radiation from the flight itself than the machine will ever put out, and yet she’s afraid of the machine? some folks really need to open a book one day and get a basic understanding of things.
Having said that, the TSA is still in the wrong and should have given her the pat down as per their own policy.
I’m no doctor but what are the health considerations to an unborn in the case of these scanners and exposure levels? How much study has gone into researching the exposure to the equipment? As for me, I do not care to be the lab rat in this experiment. I’m already participating in the National Voluntary Mobile Phone Industry’s RF Exposure Experiment with the rest of you. You automatically sign up with each ‘new every two.’
This is tongue-in-cheek, for those of you who are missing their humor today:
She wanted the gender of her baby to be a surprise.
Since being naked is considered indecent exposure, I should wear the “man-kini” (or 1-piece man swimwear) that Borat wears–AND THEN REQUEST A PATDOWN
Well when her baby comes out with a third leg she’ll be able to lay claim against the TSA.
At Philly Airport, I informed the TSA humps that I have a titanium plate in my head from brain tumor surgeries. I was concerned that I would be fried going thru the scanner. The TSA humps said they didn’t know what would happen and kept asking me if it was a Pacemaker.
Hi. My husband is a TSO. He ALWAYS gives the option of a pat down. We are not in O’hare, but I would assume that she was given the option as well. If not by the TSO then by a supervisor. You ALWAYS have to option to ask for a supervisor. Many interactions with passengers are video taped and if there was ANY mistreatment of the passenger, it will be handled quickly. They are VERY strict about their correction of employee behavior.
The training the TSOs receive is extensive and ongoing. They have a fantastic training program.
And I for one wouldn’t want to get on a plane where everyone wasn’t thoroughly checked. You and I are not privy to the number of people that are stopped from getting on a plane with explosives or weapons. You should all be thanking the TSOs just like you thank the military for protecting YOU and YOUR FAMILY.
The behavior of some of the PASSENGERS is truly appalling. Many mothers would be ashamed if they knew the behavior and language from some passengers. Act like an adult, be grateful for the protection you are getting and get to the airport early. If you can not behave that way, then please choose to drive, because I don’t want to sit that close to you on a plane anyhow.
Have a nice day.
The concern for your fetus is valid. The agent who mentioned ultrasound is ignorant of the fact that ultrasound does not emit radiation and is safe to mother and baby. The same cannot be said for radiation emitting equipment. Radiation is cumulative and is not safe in certain circumstances.