Is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) getting too frisky? A new full-body pat-down procedure that was recently put in place at airport security checkpoints has caused controversy. Some passengers and privacy advocates have said that the TSA pat down practice, which began on October 29th, is too invasive.

Passengers singled out for the pat down will have their entire body searched, including areas under their breasts and between their legs. Previously, TSA agents would perform a basic frisk around the body and legs. When feeling over any sensitive areas, such as the abdomen and lower back, the agents would only use the back of their hands.  The new procedure, however, calls for screeners to use the front of their hands for the entire search.

The TSA requires that male screeners search male travelers while female screeners search female travelers. This is still little comfort for nervous passengers, who complain that the pat down occurs in public and, though done by trained TSA agents of the same gender, is too invasive and embarrassing.

This new complaint comes on the heels of a controversy involving privacy issues raised by the use of full-body scanners. The scanners take an x-ray-like image of each person who passes through security and have been criticized by some passengers and privacy groups because the images can be viewed and possibly saved for future use.

The TSA has defended its policy, saying that the new pat-down procedures are more thorough and will lead to increased security.

Not everyone who passes through each airport checkpoint will be frisked. Only passengers who opt out of the full-body scan and those who set off metal detectors will be pulled aside for the pat down. And, TSA does offer another option for people who find the prospect of the public full-body-frisk too uncomfortable. Passengers who are singled out for a search can request that it be conducted in private room adjacent to the screening area. Passengers cannot, however, opt out of the search like they can opt out of the body-scanning. Security agents will also be able to single out passengers who pass the full-body scan for random pat-downs.

While passengers expressed some discomfort about the new pat-downs, the silent majority seems to consider it a fair trade-off for another layer of security and the peace of mind that comes from having that extra measure in place. But many, including those who don’t have a problem with the new practice, are probably wondering what could possibly be next.

The TSA has released a statement defending their new practices on their web site:

“Pat-downs are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items such as explosives. Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, among others.”

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TSA Airport Image via Inha Leex Hale