4 ms·
Protip: If you want to "opt out" without opting out, simply tell the TSA that you can't lift your arms above your head. They'll let you bypass the scanner - so
by caseysoftware 10y ago
Protip:
If you want to "opt out" without opting out, simply tell the TSA that you can't lift your arms above your head. They'll let you bypass the scanner - sometimes even the metal detector - and swab your hands.. and you're done. I've done it 20+ times in the last year. If they ever ask why, I say "it's a college basketball injury." I'm a 5'8" (1.72m).
And if you get really brave, you can try my thing "I can't lift my arms like this" while lifting my arms.
I have yet to be called on it.
- cloudjacker 10y agoLike wheelchair bound people, they aren't supposed to stand for an extended duration, but may be able to So yeah, that's ballsy but I can see how that would work
- ChrisBland 10y agoI have been Opting Out since the backscatter machines were used and they were "safe". What a boondoggle, wasted $800mm on those. The only downside is traveling with friends & family you get a few jokes cracked at your expense, but that never bothers me. Most agents I talk with acknowledge that its security theatre, only once is a while do you get an agent who thinks they will be the next rambo and having that extra .5oz of liquid over the limit in your bag is a threat to national security and treats you as such.
- caseysoftware 10y agoWhen I travel with friends of family, I encourage them to not acknowledge me for a few minutes and then turn opting out into a fun experience for everyone! Except the TSA. ;)
- schoen 10y agoIt's nice that there's such a simple alternative to opting out for some people, but if you have no such injury you might be violating 18 USC §1001. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001