Airport Security Full Body Pat Down: What to Expect

For the first time ever, I decided to opt-out of the airport millimeter wave machine. I’ve had TSA PreCheck/Global Entry for a couple years now, and it has been a while since I needed to use the “standard” scanners. Stupidly, I did not add my Global Entry number to a United reservation that I made using Avianca LifeMiles, and I ended up in the standard security line at SFO. My decision to opt out of the full body scanner machine meant that I’d be subjected to the airport security full body pat down.

Sound like fun? It absolutely isn’t. But I’ve decided that I’d prefer not to use the millimeter wave detectors anymore, and this is the only other option.

You Actually Have a Screening Choice

You may not realize it, but you actually have the option of opting out of either the metal detector or millimeter wave full body scanner. I knew people with medical devices, metal plates, and in other situations have to be patted down. And there is also the “random” extra screening. But you actually can opt out altogether.

If you decline to use whichever scanning machine is being used, the only remaining option is a full body pat down. Also, if you’re to be scanned by millimeter wave detector, then you cannot simply ask to use the metal detector (which is what I tried first). The metal detector is standard screening in the U.S. for families with kids under 13 years old and those enrolled in Trusted Traveler Programs that provide TSA PreCheck.

You do need to declare that you are opting out of being scanned by machine. It’s best to phrase it exactly as such, such as: “I’d like to opt out of using the full body scanner.” The TSA agent was confused when I first requested to “not use” the millimeter wave machine.

Airport Security Full Body Pat Down: What to Expect

Once the TSA agent realized I was requesting to opt out, she hollered “male opt-out” over to another agent. TSA policy is to have a same-gender agent perform the pat down. It took him a full minute to head over to where I was and escort me through the gate to the end of the security area.

He informed me that he could either perform the pat down here near the end of the baggage conveyor, or I could be privately screened. It’s uncomfortable either way, but I have fewer qualms being screened in front of hundreds of people I will very literally never see again and would prefer to undergo the ordeal in a public place. If you do choose to be patted down in private, a second TSA officer will be present, and a traveling companion of your choice can be present.

Per policy, the TSA agent must explain the pat down procedure to you. They are also required to use gloves. In my case, the agent did everything by the book. He explained the pat down through each step and did try to make it as un-awkward as possible. Arms are cleared from shoulder to wrist, legs from mid-thigh to ankle, the collar is briefly searched (but not moved), and the torso screened using either front or back of the hands from top to bottom. The agent must use the back of his or her hands for sensitive areas such as buttocks and groin. The whole ordeal was over in less than a minute.

Was it uncomfortable? Yes. Did I feel violated? No.

TSA Has Strict Standards, And You Should Know Them

When agents have to screen sensitive areas such as a person’s breasts or groin, they are required to use the back of their hands. The TSA states that agents will use “sufficient pressure to ensure detection.” They are not to lift your clothes to expose skin, and they are not to squeeze or grope in any way. If they do, this is absolutely grounds to file a complaint, and I would suggest you do so immediately with a TSA supervisor. Filing a complaint would document the incident, leaving you the option of pursuing legal action, if warranted. Unfortunately, the TSA has a history of calling everything “routine” screening.

From what I understand, the procedures differ slightly if you’ve triggered the screening for explosives. The agents will be able to use the front of their hands in sensitive areas and things could be substantially more invasive. But I’ve also read that they have moved to a “universal pat down” procedure that leaves the agents no room for judgment when you have to be randomly patted down.

Children can even unfortunately be subjected to pat down, which I find appalling. I can bear with this unfortunate procedure, but I’d be livid if they ever have a “need” to screen my kids. You will absolutely be able to stay with your child during the procedure. In my opinion, the TSA should change this policy. TSA agents are supposed to use a modified procedure for kids 12 and under. But there are absolutely instances where agents are excessive.

Conclusion

Yes, the whole process is uncomfortable, and I understand why people loathe the TSA (especially when they are literally failing at their job). I’ve only had to go through one other airport security full body pat down, and this was at our tiny local airport when my hands tested positive for explosives! I was already “randomly selected”, and this just made things way worse.

The TSA had to take literally everything out of the bag to inspect it and had to perform a full pat down. My best guess is that it was caused by nitrates from the bag of dried apricots I’d opened less than an hour earlier. It was a very thoughtful gift from my wife (as they are one of my favorite snacks), but it had unfortunate unintended consequences.

I’m glad that I travel with my kids much of the time, which means that even if we end up in the normal security line, we’ll be waived through the metal detector. Even when my daughter turns 13 soon, we’ll still be able to use PreCheck, as I have both my older kids enrolled in Global Entry. The only wrinkle is that I’ll need to make sure both our TTP numbers are added to the reservation.