The Transportation Security Administration has quietly adopted new “enhanced” pat-down searches for screening passengers at U.S. airports, a response to weaknesses in airport security. The TSA on Thursday began using a “universal pat-down” procedure that includes “enhanced security measures” to replace several pat-down tactics used in the past by TSA screeners that are presumably less invasive. TSA officials declined to detail the new universal procedure or the previous pat-down tactics, but the industry is bracing for passenger unhappiness about more invasive searches. TSA officers can also use a pat-down search on random travelers. Passengers have the right to request a private pat-down screening and ask to be accompanied by a companion of their choice.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 06, 2017 21:56 UTC