Atlanta News

It’s all dumbass security theater anyway. There’s no good reason to ever have done it. Same with the vast majority of other shit TSA makes one do.

I worked at an airport back in the late noughties, and as airport staff, TSA was significantly more lenient with screen checks, even though employees have far far far more opportunity to cause damage/terror than some rando traveler.

Reminder to everyone: You can refuse the face scan while going through security checks. It is NOT mandatory. Just tell the TSA agent that you want to opt out of it and they will just check your ID and wave you by.

TSA policy requires that TSOs show each traveler respect and ensure their privacy is protected. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial recognition technology process may decline the optional photo, without recourse, in favor of an alternative identity verification process, which does not use facial recognition technology to verify their identity. This action will not take longer and travelers will not lose their place in line for security screening. TSA is committed to protecting traveler privacy, civil rights, civil liberties and ensuring the public’s trust as it seeks to improve the traveler experience through its exploration of identity verification technologies.

You can also opt out of the body imaging:

At any time during the screening process, you may request private screening and have a witness of your choice present. The screening is conducted by a TSA officer of the same sex. The officer will explain the pat-down process before and during the screening. Since pat-down screening is conducted to determine whether prohibited items are concealed under clothing, sufficient pressure must be applied in order to ensure detection. You should inform the officer if you have a medical condition or any areas that are painful when touched.