Could Oklahoma Travelers Have Higher Potential For Enhanced Pat Downs?

Thousands have viewed a video on YouTube of a man's protest to enhanced pat downs and security screenings at a San Diego airport has gone viral. Now as holiday travel looms Oklahomans could have a higher potential for getting the new controversial pat down.

Thursday, November 11th 2010, 5:23 pm

By: News 9


Colleen Chen, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands have viewed a video on YouTube of a man's protest to enhanced pat downs and security screenings at a San Diego airport has gone viral. Now as holiday travel looms Oklahomans could have a higher potential for getting the new controversial pat down.

Citing security concerns, TSA officials will not say in detail what the enhanced pat down means, but a viral video from San Diego sheds a little light on the process.

"We're going to do a groin check. That means I'm going to place my hand on your hand, my other hand on your inner thigh, slowly go up and slide down," a San Diego Airport TSA agent to a traveler in the viral video.

But some travelers have complained that the extensive pat down is invasive. The measures will be performed at the discretion of local TSA agents and by agents of the same gender as the traveler.

"We do our best to protect the right to privacy while working to eliminate security concerns," said Luis Casanova, TSA.

The enhanced pat down is a technique that is a security screening alternative to the advanced imaging full body scans. Will Rogers World Airport does not have full body scans in place yet.

"Security is really stepped up right now. You're not going to have as many chances. No walking in and out of the metal detector to take off jewelry or belts. If you set off the detector, and there is nothing visible that looks like a reason for setting it off, chances are, you're going to get an enhanced pat down," said Will Rogers spokesperson Karen Carney.

Casanova said the enhanced pat down takes approximately four minutes, which is why walking through a full body scan is more efficient. Since Will Rogers does not have the machine, airport officials urge travelers to wear travel friendly clothes to avoid slowing down the lines.

As holiday travel time approaches, travelers are also cautioned how they pack their carry-on luggage.

"With baggage fees, more and more people are trying to cram everything they need into their carry on. Packing things within things like stuffing items into shoes may cause TSA agents to have to open your luggage during this time of heightened security," Carney said.

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