Villaraigosa Set To Test Full-Body Scanner At LAX

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will walk through an Advanced Imaging Technology scanner Monday at Los Angeles International Airport, showing his support for the more invasive security tactics for airline travelers.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou Reports From LAX

The scanners -- and enhanced pat-downs of travelers who refuse to walk through the machines because they can reveal their privates through their clothes -- have become controversial, as a growing number of passengers are complaining of feeling violated and humiliated by the more invasive screening techniques.

A video of passenger John Tyner, who last week told a TSA guard in San Diego not to "touch my junk" during the enhanced, full-palm, up the groin, between the breasts, all-body pat-down, has gone viral on the Internet.

Opponents of the enhanced techniques say they are an invasion of privacy and do not improve airline security.

Some have called for travelers to boycott the scanners and opt for physical pat-downs on the day before Thanksgiving, which could result in long delays at airports.

Passengers who are selected to be scanned and refuse have to go through the full-body pat-down before being allowed on an airliner.

According to the Mayor's Office, Villaraigosa will walk through and demonstrate the AIT scanner and make a statement in support of the technology.

The mayor has been an advocate for using new technologies and tactics to keep LAX on the cutting edge of airport security.

The airport is considered to be the top terrorist target on the West Coast, and the AIT scanners are being installed at all of the terminals at the airport.

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