Full-body scans at Philadelphia International Airport get positive reactions

In January, before the implementation of full-body imaging scans at airport security checkpoints, USA Today published a poll indicating that 78 percent of respondents approved of the use of such security measures. Philadelphia International Airport is now among the 65 airports using this technology, and reactions remain positive.

According to the Transportation Security Administration’s website, the advanced imaging technology “safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives and other objects.” The devices allow for the detection of these threats without physical contact between security officials and travelers that was previously required.

The full-body scans are currently available in Philadelphia International’s Terminal F, which is home to mainly commuter and express flights.

Chad Wolf, vice president at Washington, D.C.-based public policy firm Wexler and Walker, spoke of the benefits of the new security measures, which he called “another tool in [TSA’s] tool box.”

The biggest benefit of the technology, according to him, is its ability to detect explosives at the checkpoint.

Wolf, who served as assistant administrator for security policy at TSA in 2005, explained that many of the threats to air travel safety are not metallic, and therefore will not be detected by standard-issue metal detectors. “Whole-body imaging provides another look at what an individual is bringing onto an airplane,” he said.

However, there are some groups who believe that the new imaging techniques are too invasive.

Ginger McCall, assistant director of the Open Government Program at Washington, D.C.-based Electronic Privacy Information Center, characterized full-body imaging as “a very invasive search that doesn’t rely on any type of suspicion and amounts to TSA taking naked pictures of American travelers.”

On Nov. 1, EPIC filed a lawsuit to suspend the use of the full-body scans, according to McCall. In the suit, EPIC raised concerns about the machines’ effectiveness. Other issues include full-body imaging’s perceived threat to individuals’ health, as well as religious and privacy issues.

Despite the EPIC suit, the machines remain relatively popular. An Oct. 31 poll by Rasmussen Reports indicates that 69 percent of likely voters would rather submit to full-body scans than the pat downs.

College sophomore and New Mexico native Ellie Joles will fly home for Thanksgiving later this month. Given the long lines that can form at airport security, Joles said, “If it doesn’t take any longer than normal security and doesn’t slow down the process. I don’t really care if they want to do that.”

Joles highlighted the importance of safety. “If it’s going to make things safer, then I don’t see privacy mattering,” she said.

Wharton sophomore Eddie Elizondo — who is from Texas — is more reluctant to support the full-body scans, which he called “intrusive.” However, he said he would choose them because “the alternative is, essentially, being groped.”

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