opting out of TSA scanners

BrightenMySky · December 2015

I am planning to ask my dr about this tomorrow (have appt scheduled already), but curious if others have talked to their doctors or thought about not going through the TSA full-body scanners and if this is a legit concern. I just read that TSA may not let you opt out of the scanners (https://www.inverse.com/article/9535-tsa-can-make-you-go-through-body-scanners-now), so debating whether to ask the dr for a note for upcoming travel or if that will seem overly paranoid. (Also the appt happens to be with one of my RE's colleagues, not my RE, since mine is on vacation, so I don't know this dr at all--I would be 100% comfortable talking to my RE about this.)

AGK2015 · December 2015

I took a trip at about 10 weeks, and my doctor recommended that I opt out of the scanners. I followed her instructions on the first leg of my trip... TSA was fine about it, but it was a hassle and took forever. I went through the scanners on my way back.

You'll be exposed to more radiation in the air than you will in the scanners; chances are good they're perfectly safe. I don't know that it's worth having a doctor's note on hand to try to get out of it... if you're giving them the sort of security concern that would merit them over-riding your choice to get the pat-down, I don't know that showing them a doctor's note is going to improve your situation. Chances are good that if you just tell them you'd like to opt out, you'll be fine.

ecwk · December 2015

I flew in my first tri and opted out, I got a pat down. I can't imagine being refused, I don't think they can legally do that.
I'm flying tomorrow and will opt out again, I'm not bringing a note or anything.

BrightenMySky · December 2015

Thanks. I used to opt out, then I got precheck so generally a non issue. I agree that this may not be legal, and I hope it is challenged in court if this is actually the new SOP for them...not that that would help us with holiday travels!

lalala2004 · December 2015

I think they're really not going to hurt. You're in there for such a short time. The pat downs they give you are awful. I never felt more violated in my
life when I had one before an international flight (after already going through the scanner. Ugh.) So keep in mind, declining the screening does is NOT fun, as they will seriously touch you EVERYWHERE.

PugsandKisses · December 2015

It is a scanner, not an Xray machine.
You get more radiation from the sun every day.

am0987 · December 2015

Hi there! I actually happened to read the sign while I was waiting in line for the scanner, and it says it's safe for pregnant women and children. Not sure if you choose to trust TSA but for the record they publicly declare its safe for us in this condition.

LoveIsOwlYouNeed · December 2015

Lurker but wanted to chime in. With my DS, I flew roundtript four times in my first trimester and did the scanner. We are both fine. As others have said, you're exposed to more radiation in every day life than that machine has.

jmathi0149 · December 2015

I agree with everyone else. They told me the radiation was equal to what you get from your phone on a daily basis. However, if you feel more comfortable opting out just ask for a pat down. Leave a little extra time though. Sometimes they are short staffed and have a hard time finding a woman to take a break to do it.

BrightenMySky · December 2015

@PugsandKisses some of them are backscatter x-rays..."scanner" is a general term. Just an fyi.

ETA: apparently the backscatters are now in other places, according to DH who follows this kind of stuff very closely!

tripledaggerWed95976 · December 2015

All of the TSA scanners are perfectly safe for pregnant women- I've flown twice this pregnancy so far and have gone through the scanners.

Jules08 · December 2015

I went through the full body scanner at 14 weeks with DS - he's 4 now and perfectly fine. I wouldn't hesitate to go through it again if I were to travel during this pregnancy.

ArtlessIbex · December 2015

I was a long-haul flight attendant for 8 months of my last pregnancy. I flew 14 hours a day several times a week. The scanner won't hurt you or your baby.

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