« The Best Rated Rolling Luggage | Main | Airlines “Relieving” You of Your Money with Fees »
Airport Security: Body Scanners vs. Metal Detectors
By Mike | February 20, 2009
Recently, the TSA tested a new security technology. Airline passengers travelling through Tulsa airport had the option to skip the metal detector, and instead pass through one of the TSA’s new full body scanners. These scanners use electromagnetic technology to construct an image of your whole body. This is meant to close the security loophole that potentially allows passengers to carry non-metal weapons past the checkpoint (i.e. plastic or liquid explosives).
Pros
- Would show non-metal foreign objects
- Saves travelers, with metal implants (hip replacements, etc.) the hassle of a pat-down
Cons
- Considered invasive by some people (shows images of private body parts).
- Takes longer because the scan takes longer, and the scan viewer is in a remote location and has to communicate with TSA security by radio.
This is a new technology and will be thoroughly tested before it is fully implemented, if ever. People have had mixed reactions to it, though of those that used it in Tulsa, most did not seem to mind. Obviously this will again bring up the issue of privacy vs. security.
What do you think?
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »