1. Full-body screening:
Travelers should expect to be randomly assigned to pass through either a metal detector or a full-body scanner. Those who opt out of the advanced imaging scans — and you can certainly refuse — will be asked to undergo an "enhanced" pat-down as alternative screening.
2. Pat-down procedure:
The U.S. government has tightened security screening measures, including a change in how the Transportation Security Administration does pat-downs. The new technique allows TSA security officers to use their palms and fingers to probe for hidden weapons and other devices. In the past, officers used the backs of their hands to brush past sensitive body parts. Children age 12 and under will not be subjected to the "enhanced" version, but will receive a modified pat-down. (You can find out more on pat-downs at