Individuals undergoing screening using AIT generally will have the option to decline an AIT screening in favor of physical screening. Given the implementation of ATR and the mitigation of privacy issues associated with the individual image generated by previous versions of AIT not using ATR, and the need to respond to potential security threats, TSA will nonetheless mandate AIT screening for some passengers as warranted by security considerations in order to safeguard transportation security.
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AIT technology improves threat detection capabilities for both metallic and non-metallic threat objects, while improving the passenger experience for those passengers for whom a physical screening is uncomfortable. ATR software provides even greater privacy protections by eliminating the human image that appeared with previous AIT technologies.
I’ve been opting for a pat-down for as long as I can remember, at least 5 years, possibly earlier. It adds very little time to the check-in process and I avoid stepping into a machine. It looks like DHS has decided to make opting out find until it’s not fine. The very indecisive methodology here for what’s fine and not find is a bit annoying. I get security but if wearing a hat or wearing cowboy boots gets me forced to go into a machine, I’d like to be aware of that so I can continue with the pat-down.
It’s just like I won’t answer 21 questions when talking to border-control. I’m a citizen of this country and when entering, they check for warrants, interpol and other data sources and verify I am who the passport says. Asking me how many hours I slept last night is absurd.
If they want to know that, they can just read my blog.