Clark Boyd

Clark Boyd

Clark Boyd is a reporter for The World. From advances in technology to the ups and downs of the markets, he has reported from many different countries for the show. He is now based out of the Boston newsroom.

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Talking Travel: TSA scanners cause controversy

November 22, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
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There’s only one thing on air travelers’ minds this Thanksgiving travel season…and it’s not grandma’s turkey. No, we’re talking about airport security. And in particular, the new full body scanners that the TSA will be employing at many airports across the country. Proponents say the technology will help keep the flying public safer. But critics contend that it amounts to a virtual strip search. Some are even calling for a National Opt-Out Day on November 24th as a way for fliers to show their displeasure with the machines. Needless to say, not all frequent travelers agree that this is the best way to influence policy. If you do opt out of the machines, be forewarned that the alternative…the enhanced TSA pat-down…is also not likely to please you. In this episode of Talking Travel, David Allan from the BBC Travel Website talks about your options as you get ready to fly on or near Turkey Day. And Lonely Planet’s Robert Reid offers up this little video, comparing the amount of time it takes to go through the scanner, versus the dreaded “take off your shoes” deal:

In this episode, we’ll also hear about the latest news from Burma, including the recent elections (deemed neither free nor fair by President Obama) and the release of dissident Aung Sang Sui Ki. What does all this mean for travelers? Well, a recent tourism boycott call has been lifted, at least for those who want to go to Burma on their own, and not with a package tour. But you should still think carefully about a trip to Burma, as some of your money will almost certainly end up in the hands of the military regime.

We’ll end with a look at that iconic travel experience, the Road Trip. We’ll delve into books and films to plot our course, and we’ll even discuss ways to eat healthy on the road (not always easy, we know). Robert will follow the path of the new movie Due Date looking for interesting stops along the way.

(Photo: Ralf Roletschek)

Discussion

One comment for “Talking Travel: TSA scanners cause controversy”

  • Jim Sugar

    Let’s go to the bottom line. An earlier program on my PBS station talked about the TSA personnel being trained to be profesional. I’m a male. I believe that almost all males, no matter how professionally trained would feel some arousal watching an attractive femmale raise her arms for the scanner or be “patted down” by another female. Grown females understand this. If males feel “violated” when male hands near their genitals they might feel they look like something they are not and uncomfortable. These are the primary reasons this practice should be eliminated. We will not find any explosives this way. We will just cause massive undeserved embarassment and normally unsolicited, against all law, pleasure for some.