Groin no longer off-limits to US airport security

Passengers in America who opt-out of revealing full-body scans will get a new type of pat-down, according to the Transport Security Administration (TSA).

It is being reported that the physical searches will be more invasive, with security staff running their hands over the entire body, including sensitive genital regions. Some passengers have referred to it as reminiscent of 'foreplay'.

The exact procedure of the pat-downs themselves, however, is not known. The TSA keep specific details under wraps in the interest of national security.

The update comes less than a week after European airlines made their dislike of US restrictions known (see story here). The main cause for complaint is the amount of time it takes for scans and checks to be done. It's likely the enhanced procedures will be even longer.

According to the TSA, travellers can choose to go through the scanners or a standard metal detector. If the metal detector goes off, or someone is "randomly" selected by security personnel, they'll have to select either a pat-down, or the full-body scanner.
 
Essentially, you'll have to choose between one person touching your entire body, or another looking at it.

The TSA issued a brief statement on the new proceedings, saying "Pat-downs are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items such as explosives" and that passengers "should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, among others."