Are the TSA searches really that bad?

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I am going on vacation and this is my first time having to go through the TSA "radiation or molestation" security procedures. My family has an extensive history of various types of cancer so the radiation and the thought of a stranger seeing me nude are not at all appealing. However, I am also a victim of assault and if the pat downs are as invasive as people say they are I am terrified as "triggers" of my PTSD often cause me to be absolutely livid and my reactions can be unpredictable. So, before I panic too much, has anyone had experience with this?

When I went to America to visit, I was the unlucky sod who was so called randomly searched. I thought they were going to do a cavity search, it was that invasive. No fun having a big sweaty bloke groping you.

I am genuinely concerned about my possible reaction to their search. When my PTSD is triggered by that type of contact I either become aggressive and go into a "defensive mode" where I find I do not have as much control over my impulses and a physical altercation is highly probable or I have a debilitating meltdown where simply standing or talking seems impossible. Unfortunately, the aggressive episode is more likely and while I revert back to my normal self much faster, it is more likely to get me in trouble.

I'd rather get nuked by backscatter than to have someone touch me. One of the reasons why i haven't gone to the US yet.

As for your question:
1. Click *HERE*
2. Continue to google "TSA Security theatre".

Me too....but it's not really that bad, OP. They won't actually do a cavity search....they do a really quick pat down (they don't grope...if they do you could probably sue ) and look through your things and ask you a couple questions about your things and if there's nothing suspicious they'll let you go after a couple minutes.

I found the crowded airport much more stressful, actually.

Last edited by daydreamer84 on 05 Mar 2013, 11:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Maybe you should let them know about the PTSD. Perhaps a female employee could search you if you have to be searched or something. Actually I think that's a very reasonable thing to ask.

Personally, my experiences with the TSA was pleasant. No invasive pat downs or anything of that nature.
As long as you follow their guidelines listed on the website prior travel, you should be fine.

^^^

You're right but sometimes if you have really weird, awkward body language (some ASD people do..I do) you can look suspicious unintentionally. I'm like this. I don't mind them searching me...I want us to have good security.

Example you might recognize, fake smile:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyiB5dKpglM[/youtube]

I hear that if you wear cloths that are snug and flat (like fitting yoga pants) it is showing that you are trying to be less of a threat, also makes for quicker pat-downs.

I have a hard enough time with routine maintenance (hair, eyes, teeth, chiropractor) touching, I don't like volunteering for security too.

Before you go through the detector make sure you take your shoes, hat, large accessories, belt, jacket and scarf off, also don't leave anything in your pockets.

And it's better to avoid wearing clothes with anything metalic on them. One time I went through one of those Advanced Imaging Technology machines and my scanned image had red Xs all over my upper body. The top I was wearing had some sparkly threads which must have been metalic. So I had to be patted down but it only took like 30 seconds. If you just follow what they ask you to do there should be no problem.

Also make sure you familiarise yourself with the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquid items as well.

I haven't been on a vacation that needed to go to an airport, but from what I've read and heard. TSA security are really invasive of privacy, not only that but really restrictive on things that are allowed... for example a knife is not allowed which is understandable, but another example is that a hockey stick is also not allowed. Which makes no sense, what harm will I do with a hockey stick?
As for your question on what do, the best thing I can give is to think of something positive to distract you while they search. I'm not sure if its the best thing to do, but that was the first thing that poped up in my head.

Simpler to just can a tube of toothpaste in a bin and buy new when you get to your destination than to try to convince some moron that no amount of toothpaste will EVER be explosive and it has been like that since - FOREVER.

Also, when it comes to luggage, to reduce stress - if you're not going on a long trip (several days), skip the check in luggage, just bring a rucksack with the bare minimum of clothes and stuff you may need. If you need a new t-shirt or underwear, i have news: they are available for purchase EVERYWHERE on the planet. Makes it less of a hassle than to bring a pile of clothes and you do not have to stand around in a stressful environment with 250 people trying to get their luggage all at the same time.

These things has caused less stress for me when i go abroad.

hahaha yes. I try to occupy my attention elsewhere by like reading the boarding pass or look on my phone while waiting on line so I dont look so nervous. I also recommend wearing snug clothes. I wear my gym clothes without pockets usually and I guess that also helps give off that non threatening vibe.

I've never had a pat down while traveling like this in the US. The Bahamas was a different story...

The TSA is nothing but a governmental bullying society. They do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to protect air travel, as they have to let some people pass right through in order to be "politically correct", while hassling 90-year-old quadriplegic passengers and 3-year-old girls with cancer in wheelchairs to fill quotas. Am I exaggerating? VERY debatable!

Charles

I was in Florida after the Terrorist tried to use a bomb in his underpants. They had Security checking your crotch to make sure people weren't packing explosives.