Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport puts omniscient X-ray to use

We don't envision very many people enjoying the idea of having TSA employees seeing every curve their body has to offer, but unfortunately for those who fail the primary metal detector test at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, you could be in for such a treat. While airport shoe scanners have already garnered sufficient criticism for holding up the show rather than helping things out, the "backscatter" X-ray machine is officially being trialed in Arizona as a means of snuffing out hidden "explosives and other weapons" that can't be detected by other means. While the technology allows the viewer to see just about every follicle on your body (and any stray .500 Magnums adorning your person), there is still currently a workaround if you're not entirely comfortable with going full-frontal before boarding your flight. A TSA spokesperson proclaimed that the process is completely voluntary, as folks who get dinged by the metal detector can opt for a standard pat-down in order to clear things up. Interestingly, the officials operating the machine have reportedly "adjusted the equipment to make the image look something like a line drawing" rather than detailing all your 2,000 parts, but critics suggest that altering the image also hampers the chance of discovering contraband in the first place. Still, unless this causes some serious uproar in the near future, it looks like it's there to stay, and folks traveling through LAX and New York's Kennedy Airport will likely face a similar beast (if they so choose) before the year's end.

[Andrew Paul Baisden @ Feb 26th 2007 9:36AM]

maybe one day instead of walking through metal decters we just walk through x-ray and we won't have to be searched for having keys in our pockets.

[Wiserun @ Feb 26th 2007 9:41AM]

Why have your keys in your pocket when you're getting on a plan?

[Matt @ Feb 26th 2007 10:15AM]

Exactly, everyone should leave their keys in their cars. Makes it easier for the car thieves.

[tiuk @ Feb 27th 2007 12:46AM]

I'm sure as hell not putting my keys in my luggage. If it gets lost I want to be able to get into my house when I get home.

[Wiserun @ Feb 26th 2007 9:41AM]

a "plane", even.

[Rob @ Feb 26th 2007 10:25AM]

Wonder if they'll screen airport NSA workers to make sure they're not sex offenders. Wonder if exhibitionists will request this type of screening.

[dgary1980 @ Feb 26th 2007 10:49AM]

I've seen this in person at a security expo in DC, and trust me when I say, those "line drawings" are VERY detailed.

The lady doing the presentation apparently was hired just for the show and had no idea what the image on the machine looked like, but her nipple ring showed clear as day, along with other "parts".

I'll stick with the proctology frisk.

[David Talmage @ Feb 26th 2007 11:43AM]

Why would any woman of child bearing years submit to an X-Ray at an airport? I hope Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has plenty of female screeners for the standard pat-down.

[mastershake @ Feb 26th 2007 12:06PM]

As a former Homeland Security Officer my self let me just say, this is uneccessary. The reason we have this is because there are too many Stupid lazy people and believe it or not too many whiny PC lawyers. There is no need to use this machine, IF we did things they way they should have been done in the first place. But lazy oppritunistic F#ckers let the airlines and the politicians get involved. (and I DON"T MEAN BUSH!) and now we will have big brother.

[msafi @ Feb 26th 2007 12:36PM]

Sorry, this is irrelevent, but I thought you people should know: Arizona is the best place to live on earth.

[paul34 @ Feb 26th 2007 12:40PM]

You know, if they just allowed CCL/CHL owners to carry weapons onto planes, I don't think we'd have these "safety concerns" anymore.

(Of course, if people just quit living and cowering in fear everyday it wouldn't be as much of a problem, but... whatever).

However, most people lack the proper training for in-flight weapon usage... more than likely they'll end up depressurizing the cabin... not good!

[Hatch @ Feb 26th 2007 12:42PM]

Arizona may be a great place to live, but Sky Harbor already has the slowest and most inefficient security screening of any airport I've ever been to. I've never understood why I typically wait 15 minutes in line at JFK but never less than an hour in Phoenix. It's ridiculous.

[SHOTT3R @ Feb 26th 2007 12:45PM]

And the frog continues slowly to the bioling point...

[trunchfiddle @ Feb 26th 2007 5:16PM]

Had this done to me in Heathrow. At least I went tdirectly to the front of a very long line.

[Marvin Magnificent @ Feb 26th 2007 5:58PM]

But where does it all stop?

The UK government have plans for putting these things in residential street lampposts.
See this BBC report http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6309917.stm .


My view is that if we can't use the technology to catch terrorists we can always use them to catch Evil Witches. See http://marvin-the-magnificent.blogspot.com/2007/02/using-passive-millimeter-wave.html for details.


Marvin The Magnificent

[Andy @ May 8th 2007 6:14AM]

The x-rays are said to not penetrate skin, allegedly making them not dangerous.

Just wear a leather jacket and you can walk down the street carrying whatever you like.

[David @ Feb 26th 2007 8:40PM]

WOOHOO! Now I have another excuse to NOT visit my in-laws down there!

[Nekked @ Feb 27th 2007 1:57PM]

haha, I bet nudist view it as progress or exhibitionist. ;o)