Nearly 70 U.S. airports are now equipped with nearly 400 so-called Airport "full-body scanners," a type of technology that provides detailed images of passengers as they prepare to board planes. According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, the scanners allow workers to detect any metallic (or non-metallic) objects on a person that could "pose a threat to aviation security." These scanners can actually see through the clothes of travelers.http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/faqs.shtm

The technology has some passengers up in arms, claiming that the full-body scanners are too invasive and pose a privacy threat.http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-12/travel/travel.screening_1_body-scanners-pat-downs-travel-companies?_s=PM:TRAVEL One group is even calling for a "National Opt-Out Day" on November 24, 2010 - the day before Thanksgiving, traditionally a very busy travel day in the air.http://www.optoutday.com/

What passengers may not know is that they can choose to opt out of getting a full-body scan. According to the TSA's official website, doing so will result in a passenger receiving "alternative screening, including a physical pat-down." This guide will provide you with information about opting out of full-body scanning at an airport.http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/faqs.shtm

Before you can opt out of a full-body scan at an airport, you will need to determine whether that airport is equipped with the special scanning machines. A full list of all airports who either have or will soon have full-body scanners can be found on the TSA's official website. Approximately 68 airports in the U.S. currently utilize what the TSA calls "advanced imaging technology."http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/faqs.shtm If you find your airport on this list, you will likely face a full-body scan when you go through security to board a plane.

If your airport does have full-body scanning, you'll need to tell TSA officials that you don't want it. Simply explain that you'd like to "opt out" of the screening while you're in the security line. Be aware, however, that just because you opt out of the body scan, this does not mean you won't be screened. Instead of the full-body scan, you'll likely be given a an "alternative screening." This may include a full-body pat down by a TSA worker.http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/faqs.shtm

If you opt out of a full-body screening, you will be directed to another line and given a full-body pat down. By some accounts, you may also be subject to a thorough search of all of your belongings.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/business/02road.html In October of 2010, ABC News reported that the new pat downs are much more invasive, with TSA workers using the fronts of their hands, rather than the back. According to ABC, "in some cases" TSA employees will be "touching body parts that once were off limits."http://abcnews.go.com/WN/tsa-pat-procedure-airports/story?id=11998304