AIRPORT Fliers complain about screeners

Some women have had their breasts and buttocks touched.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- About two dozen people have complained to federal transportation officials since airport screeners began more extensive pat-down searches of passengers, officials said.
Since September, Transportation Security Administration screeners have been allowed to pat down passengers, including women's breasts and the buttocks of both sexes. The searches are aimed at finding hidden explosives.
Twenty-five people, including two in Pittsburgh, have lodged complaints since the more extensive searches began, TSA officials told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in a story published Thursday.
Screeners who pat down passengers must be of the same sex and must use the back or edge of their hands to go over the passenger's body. Screeners are to keep passengers informed of where they are going to touch, according to the federal guidelines.
"I think most people accept it," Pittsburgh TSA Security Director Bob Blose said. "It's necessary for security. Some people might consider it invasive, but the purpose is to detect and deter. We haven't uncovered anything at Pittsburgh, but it serves as a deterrent."
Stepped-up searches
The federal transportation agency announced the more stringent searches after the midair bombing of two Russian jetliners in August. Authorities believe two women smuggled explosives onto the aircraft, possibly in "torso packs" underneath their clothing.
The more extensive searches have rankled some passengers. In October, a San Diego woman rented a car and drove home from Denver rather than submit to what she viewed as an intrusive search.
This week, Idaho Congressman C.L. "Butch" Otter complained that he and his constituents had been subjected to degrading pat-downs.
"I recognize the importance of effective screening procedures to ensuring the security of our nation's air transportation system," Otter wrote in a letter to the TSA.
"However, I am alarmed by the number of constituents who have contacted me in the past month, complaining that they are being treated with disrespect and unnecessary harshness as they are inspected at security stations," Otter wrote.
Travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport standing in long lines waiting for luggage on Wednesday had mixed opinions about the searches.
Specific cases
Jill Cielo, 50, of Vero Beach, Fla., said she was relieved she wasn't searched. Two weeks ago, security screeners "made me unhook my pants and patted me down right there of front of everyone," she said.
"I was so embarrassed. I was in a hurry to make my flight, so I didn't complain. But if they did that to my kids, I'd be furious," Cielo said.
Meanwhile, Maggie O'Grady, 19, of Bridgeville, said screeners were professional and that she had no problems.
One man interviewed by the newspaper also said he wasn't worried about the body searches.
"It's not a big deal," said Chris Coverdill, 26, of Gainesville, Fla. "I went through security. It's for safety."
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