Airline Security Increases Anger Many Passengers

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The week many Marylanders prepare to get out of town, there's controversy at the airport.  Security practices have many passengers upset.  Weijia Jiang has a look at what you should expect.

Many of the tens of thousands of Marylanders flying this week share concerns growing across the country over being scanned or patted down at the airport.  A lot of passengers say they're fed up.

"I'm skeptical this is really necessary," said a BWI passenger.

Full body scanners--which critics call virtual strip searchers--are in full effect for BWI.

"I think body scanners are invasive.  They show too much and are not necessary," said Thayer Fisher.

Protesters nationwide are urging passengers to refuse the ten-second screening and get a four-minute patdown instead, but that could make long lines even longer.

"What I would hope is that they consider the vast majority of people who just want to get home for the holiday and spend time with their loved ones," said TSA administrator John Pistole.

For some like George Ondiek, the scan's speed isn't its only advantage.

"If anything, the four-minute patdown is more invasive than the screening," Ondiek said.

Passenger Thomas Sawyer says his patdown in Detroit was so aggressive, it spilled his urine bag, which he's work since cancer surgery.  He traveled in a urine-soaked shirt and pants.

"I was just mortified.  My underwear had been dropped to the floor.  I was standing in front of them with my underwear and had to ask to pull it up," Sawyer said.

TSA authorities say they're reviewing all procedures but no drastic changes are expected any time soon.  The latest CBS News poll shows four out of five Americans are okay with that.

"It's unusual and weird but we have to accept it if we're gonna be safer," said Jimmy Conway.

About 20% of air travelers are asked to have a full body scan.  TSA assures the screener never sees the image and the officers who do never see the passenger.

Airlines are telling customers to leave plenty of extra time at the airport this week.