The next time you’re at the airport, you might notice something a little odd. The Transportation Security Administration announced today it was instilling new pat-down procedures at U.S. airports, and it seems like the TSA is searching for a little love.
Characterized as a more “comprehensive” physical screening, the new method will involve a TSA screener using the front of their hands to search passengers in a private screening area. TSA agents previously had the opportunity to choose between five different pat-downs, but the front-of-the-hand search will now be the only method that will be used, according to Bloomberg.
If that doesn’t sound peachy-keen enough, the new method is aggressive enough that the TSA has already warned law enforcement agencies about the potential for a marked increase in the number of passengers calling in to report receiving an “abnormal” frisking from federal agents.
The change — which was at least partially brought about due to the findings of a 2015 report on TSA security gaps — is not expected to slow down the overall screening process but a TSA official confirmed that it will slow down individuals selected for the “more involved” pat-down.
Just one more reason to sign up for precheck.
Main image: Tim Boyle/Getty Images
This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Sign up now.
