I’ve been sent this list of airports where you can choose to fly through with no TSA pat-down, just the metal detectors. I’m not sure how up-to-date it is, but here it is:
Aspen (ASE)
Jackson Hole (JAC)
Eagle-Vail (EGE)
Montrose (MTJ)
Boise (BOI)
Pocatello (PIH)
Idaho Falls (IDA)
Spokane (GEG)
Bellingham (BLI)
Bend/Redmond (RDM)* You can fly out of Redmond but only on Alaska and Horizon. All other airlines require you to go to Portland first.
Portland (PDX)* If you are flying out of Redmond, Oregon, you must fly into PDX before you can get on another aircraft.
San Jose (SJC)* Only if you are going to Hawaii! Horrible security check on the way back from Hawaii.
Ontario, CA – LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB)* Flights in and out of Long Beach are restricted only to Southwest Airlines.
Orange County/Santa
For the past few months I’ve been flying into three different airports where I am able to skip the TSA pat-down by using a body scanner.
The airport’s name is San Antonio International Airport, Texas [SAT]
It has a total of two body scanners, one of which is used at random in place of the metal detector. The other is not used at all. As for now, it is best to fly as early in the morning as possible so that you do not have to go through the metal detector.
The next city on my list is Portland International Airport in Oregon [PDX]
Pdx has three body scanners, all of which are used at random in place of the metal detector. It is best to fly as early in the morning as possible so that you do not have to go through the metal detector.
My third favorite airport to fly into without getting fondled is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas [AUS]
Aus has two body scanners, one of which is used at random in place of the metal detector. The other is not used at all. It is best to fly as early in the morning as possible so that you do not have to go through the metal detector.
The Transportation Security Administration hasn’t been having a very good time in the press lately. And for once, it’s not their fault. First, there was the story about a screener who admitted to stealing from passengers’ luggage. Then there was the story about the screener who fondled himself during a pat down. And today brings news of a screener who is being fired for leaving his post and abandoning his security duties at Newark International Airport to take a nap.
Ah, the TSA. Always doing its part to make sure that everyone feels safer on airplanes by making everyone feel more violated in every possible way. It’s understandable if you’re now considering alternatives to flying out of airports with TSA screeners present. But what if we told you that there are some airports where you can still bypass those aggressive pats downs and full-body scans? You’d say we were crazy, wouldn’t you? Well, we’re not.
The TSA has 17 “Certified Cargo Screening Program” airports across America where private companies conduct screening instead of federal agents. The program began in 2002 and has grown steadily ever since; it allows freight forwarders to screen cargo packages for airlines “in lieu of TSA screening.” But it also means that airline passengers don’t
Last week, the Internet was aflame with outrage and mockery over the TSA’s new airport security procedures. Of course, we all know that the best way to get through airport security is to fly into an airport that doesn’t have any security whatsoever. The TSA will be happy to tell you which airports are exempt from their screening rules.
The only catch is that these airports can only serve aircraft with 30 seats or less (i.e., no jets). Since most of us don’t own private planes, this rules out most of these places as destinations for your next vacation. However, if you do have an opportunity to fly on a small plane or have friends who do, here’s a list of U.S. airports where the TSA will not be manhandling your junk.
Airport Security and TSA Pat-Down Procedures
To avoid being selected for a pat-down at the security checkpoint, make sure your body, clothing and carry on baggage are free of prohibited items. It is also important to maintain a safe distance from passengers who are being screened in case an alarm is tripped or an explosive detection canine indicates a threat.
If you are selected for additional screening you will be escorted to the checkpoint’s private screening room by an individual officer of the same sex.
If you refuse to allow a pat-down, you will not be permitted to proceed through the security checkpoint. You may be subject to civil penalties in addition to any criminal charges that may result from your refusal.