Tag Archives: airport security

hair frisk on 9/11 at Des Moines airport.

flying on 9/11 was a little eery but for the most part just fine. I had absolutely no wait at airport security in Des Moines. oddly empty but I was told that’s not unusual for a 10 am midweek flight. But oddly, After I did the scanner thing, the guard asked the squeeze my ponytail. A hair frisk of sorts.

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No “body cavity searches” – Amen to that

As I prepare to fly the not-so-friendly skies for the first time since April, I am trying not to get all hot and bothered about  the new airport x-ray scanners. Which is somewhat easy to do at least in Des Moines because we don’t have them yet.  If I encounter them, I intend to submit quietly – 1) Because I don’t want the alternative, the “grope pat down” 2) I just want to be on my way safely and quickly.

Am I convinced this is what’s needed to ensure our safety from terrorists? No.

Am I convinced this technology is completely safe? No.  According to a recent item in the NYTimes Travel section, the F.D.A.’s website says the screening system poses “minuscule” health risks (what else would it say?) but some academics at U of California San Francisco aren’t so sure.

One piece of good news: the head of the Transportation Security Administration told reporters today that body cavity searches are “not where we are.” Phew.

 

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