Air travelers planning to take off for the holiday season will face a string of new security procedures and find that old rules no longer apply.
Even travelers who do not set off walk-through metal detectors will occasionally be pulled aside for pat-downs as part of changes that go into effect Dec. 22. A new procedure calls for screeners to routinely touch passengers in the mid-thigh area and arms -- not just their torsos. Security officers, newly trained in "behavior recognition" screening, will scan the crowds for travelers who appear to be nervous and will pull them aside for extra scrutiny. [Getting 'felt-up' for free by your local TVA...what will they be stuffing in your stockings? Oh you still have to take those off!]