You may receive a pat down if you trigger an alarm going through an airport security metal detector or a full-body scanner, also known as an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machine. If your airport uses AIT scanners, you can choose to receive a pat down instead of going through the AIT scanner. As of November 2010, 68 airports across the United States use AIT machines.
Choose between a public or private pat down. The private pat down will be conducted in a private room by a TSA officer of the same gender. You also have the right to have a companion with you during the pat down.
The TSA officer will explain the pat down process before they proceed with the pat down.
Hold out your arms to the side. The TSA officer will conduct the pat down using the front of the hand to feel around your body, including the breasts, inner thigh and buttocks.
