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CNN Saturday Morning News

The TSA Pat-Down Controversy; Should Airport Security Be Privatized?; Holiday Travel Rush is On; Black Friday Sales Uncovered

Aired November 20, 2010 - 09:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN TYNER, REFUSED TSA SCREENING: If you touch my junk, I'm going to have you arrested.

SEN. GEORGE LEMIEUX (R-FL), COMMERCE COMMITTEE: I wouldn't want my wife to be touched in the way these folks are being touched. I wouldn't want to be touched that way.

JOHN PISTOLE, TSA ADMINISTRATOR: The bottom line is we, the transportation security officers in particular are trying to work in partnership with the traveling public to say we want to ensure that you are safe on this flight.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: You heard it there. U.S. Senator George LeMieux of Florida this week summing up these enhanced TSA pat- downs this way, saying he wouldn't want his wife to be touched like that. Some travelers have called it outright assault. Lawsuits now being filed. There's a grassroots passenger revolt happening online right now.

So in anticipation of this busy holiday travel season, the TSA this week responded. You know what they said? They're not changing a thing. The policies, the new ones are going to stay in place. So this half hour, we're going to tell you exactly what you'll face at the airports. We'll tell you what changes you may need to make to your travel routine.

We're also going to debunk some of the myths out there about these enhanced screenings. First, though, let's take a look at these images that kind of got these whole things started. These are from the new advanced imaging technology, or commonly called just the body scanners at the airport. These are the ones that the TSA started rolling out in force earlier this year in response to the failed Christmas day bomber, you know, the underwear bomber.

Many people looking at these pictures and the images we'd be taking of them, if you go through security. They have a problem with these pictures because they think that they're just a little too revealing. Pilots unions, even for a couple of the airlines have advised their members not to go through the machines over concerns about radiation from these machines. But just yesterday, the TSA says it is changing things, at least for the pilots. Pilots now traveling in uniform on airline business will now be allowed to bypass some of the normal security screening if they show screeners their airline I.D. and another form of identification. Earlier this week, the head of Homeland Security said the radiation risk is minimal anyway.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JANET NAPOLITANO, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: These things, yes, they've been examined six ways to Sunday. I mean, the FDA, Johns Hopkins University, the U.S. Science and Standards Association have all measured the radiation involved in an AIT. It's almost immeasurable, it is so small. It's the equivalent to maybe about two minutes being in flight. You're exposed to radiation when you fly in a plane anyway. So these things are really minuscule.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Now, you heard her say AIT there. That's the Advanced Imaging Technology, or commonly just called the body image scanners. There are about 400 of these scanners at 68 airports around the country. They're not at every, just about 68, including Hartsfield- Jackson in Atlanta, JFK, LaGuardia, New York, L.A.X., as well, Dulles, Reagan, and Washington, D.C.. If you don't want to do the body scanner, you can opt out, but if you opt out you run into the next problem that a lot of people have.

Your option then is the pat-down. The problem is that the TSA unveiled an enhanced pat-down procedure just a couple of months ago that people find invasive. It is so hands on that it even prompted this exchange between a passenger and a safety screener. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If you touch my junk, I'm going to have you arrested.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. I don't understand how sexual assault can be made a condition of my flying.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is not considered a sexual assault.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It would be if you weren't the government. I'd like only my wife and maybe my doctor to touch me there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: His wife or his doctor. A lot of people - somebody even online called it government-sponsored sexual harassment. All right. That's the kind of reaction out there. And reaction to this recording you just heard and to the enhanced pat-down just exploded online.

Again, can you imagine that? Some people calling it literally state-sponsored sexual harassment. Well, testifying in Capitol Hill this week, the TSA administrator, John Pistole said he'd gone through the enhanced pat-downs himself. He called it "more invasive" than he's used to, but that doesn't mean anything is going to change despite this concern from one lawmaker.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. GEORGE LEMIEUX (R-FL), COMMERCE COMMITTEE: I'm frankly bothered by the level of these pat-downs. I've seen them firsthand in airports in Florida. I wouldn't want my wife to be touched in the way that these folks are being touched. I wouldn't want to be touched that way. I also understand that you would like to do everything possible to keep American people safe. But there are limits. There has to be a balance here. What can we do to right this balance? I think we've gone too far field.

PISTOLE: We know that there are additional things that we could be doing to detect things. And we know based on pat-downs and AIT, we have detected dozens and dozens of artfully concealed objects that could pose a risk to aviation. So for me, it comes down to that - that balance as you say in the fact that everybody wants to be secure on that flight knowing that you've been screened, I've been screened, everybody's been screened properly and we have a high level of confidence.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Now, regardless of the outcry over the new machines, the outcry over the new pat-down procedures, it's important to note out there, folks, that the overwhelming majority of you flying are not going to be going through either one of them.

Let me bring in our Kate Bolduan who is certainly a friend of our show, here on CNN Saturday and Sunday morning. She's standing by for us at Reagan National Airports, just outside of Washington. Kate, always good to see you. Help folks understand who will, who won't, who does, who doesn't go through these particular pat-downs and these scanners.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, there are a lot of headlines going on out there and there are a lot of people talking about this. One because it's raising a lot of eyebrows and also because we're heading into the busiest travel season of the year. I'm already saying it, we're going to say it a lot more. About 24 million people are expected to travel this holiday season and that's why we're talking about this.

And so we wanted to kind of maybe misspell some myths but do a little bit of a reality check to try to help people out and answer some of the questions that passengers will likely be having as they head to the airports this holiday season. I think we have some graphics that will help us a little bit. So I want to run through a few things that will probably help passengers out a little bit.

One, do all airports have these full-body scanners that you've been discussing, T.J.? Well, the answer is, no. And you mentioned it. There are 400 machines according to the Transportation Security Administration. And those machines are installed in about 69 U.S. airports. That's 69 out of the more than 500 commercial airports that are in the U.S. right now.

So that's only about 12 percent of commercial airports will have these full-body scanners. And that's why the TSA says many people - you know, probably a majority of the people who are flying will - many people will be able to bypass this full-body scanner, won't even come across it.

Another question that people may have, are these full-body scanners safe? This question has been raised by pilots union as well as also - their argument has been furthered by a group of professors out of California who said - who actually call in suspension of the full-body scanner program until the safety of the technology can be tested - further tested.

Well, TSA to that question, are the full-body scanners safe? They say, yes, they are. They say that independent studies have shown that there is less radiation exposure from one scan going through one scan of these full-body scanners than there is when you encounter in two minutes of a flight. So they say these are safe and these are necessary.

This is a point that I think is very interesting that you know that the TSA is very much wanting to point out. Does the American public support full-body scanners? Because we've been talking about it. Many say they're very invasive, it's almost like a virtual strip search. Well listen to this, 81 percent in a recent CBS News poll say, yes, they support body scanners. That's four in five Americans saying that they support this new technology of these full-body scanners.

What's the alternative, T.J.? If you don't want to go through the scan, you can get a pat-down. But does everyone get a pat-down? No, you get a pat-down if you refuse to go through the full-body scan. If you go through the scanner or the metal detector and you set off an alarm, or if you're randomly selected. So those are just some of the answers to some of the questions that people will probably have as they head to the airport this holiday season, T.J..

HOLMES: All right. Leave that up for a second. Kate, thank you, but this is important information that we have on screen right now.

Who is actually going to be getting pat-downs if you refuse the full-body scanner. That's very important to see. And you can see where Kate was, it's starting to get busy there already in Washington and many other airports across the country, but not everybody is going to get the pat-down. Not everybody is going through the full-body scanner. Only if there's some kind of anomaly, if you set off the other metal detector, or you can be chosen randomly. No rhyme or reason to that. But again, not everybody is going to go through it.

Now, take a look as these pictures. Let's go right to them now. These are from the "Denver Post." you've been hearing so much about these pat-downs. Look at that. Some of these pictures taken with some of these pat-downs taking place. Some passengers, you can see the look on this woman's face, actually. People have been wincing having to go through. That is a woman, as well.

A lot of people call these unreasonable. But these are part of the enhanced screenings. Got another couple of pictures I want to show you here, as well. A conservative watchdog group Minnesota Majority released some video. Now, again, we can't say for sure, but this is one everybody's been looking at. A child. I mean, you guess how old that kid is. He's a very small child being looked over and being screened with a wand. The same group released a still picture, picture, as well.

This is of a nun who was going through one of these enhanced screenings. So these are some of the things that at least are online that's fueling, quite frankly some myths out there. But still some of them showing accurately what is happening out there. But again, the outrage online has gone wild. Again, only about 68 airports out there. I want to let you know if you're wondering where those airports are.

As I click this button right here, I'm sending out a tweet as I speak. That tweet is going on right now, going out from T.J. Holmes CNN on Twitter. The link right now. You can click on and have a list of those airports. I sent it off right now. So just log on T.J. Holmes CNN, quick link, it'll show you where those airports are, see if you're flying through one.

Also, this coming week, CNN's bringing you all the travel news you can use. You can get travel updates both on the road, in the air, travel weather, as well. Follow us at Twitter.com.CNNtravel. Send us your iReports on your experiences, as well.

Quick break here. We continue.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: All right, 13 minutes past the hour now.

We've been hearing so much about people hating the hands on pat- downs and these screening procedures that take some would say a nude picture of you. Not everybody feels that way. Some folks like the enhanced security measures, says it makes them feel safer.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've been through the scanner, and I've been through the pat-downs. And I haven't had any problem with it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The person that they don't pat down or don't search thoroughly could be the person that takes the plane down.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Some out there say it's time to get rid of the TSA altogether, including one Republican congressman, Representative John Mica, he is from Florida, he says the government is too inefficient and private screening companies should take this over. Say they could do a better job, a better job, at least, of customer satisfaction.

One Florida airport is looking to do that. The president of Sanford International Airport in Orlando, just outside of Orlando, I should say. Says privatizing security will be more cost effective and better for the travelers.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LANDY DALE, PRESIDENT, SANFORD INT'L AIRPORT: More local control, more response to complaints, more review, more accountability, better efficiency. The good thing about private firm, number one, it brings competition into the mix. What I have a problem with is the pat-down, the standard pat-down procedures that I've seen demonstrate that I can't do as a law enforcement officer unless I have probable cause to put cuffs on you and take you to jail.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Now, the Department of Homeland Security is going to help pick the new company. More than a dozen airports across the country have already ditched TSA screeners in favor of private security agencies. Still important to note no matter who does it private or the TSA, the TSA still is in charge of the procedure.

So they would still, a security company, a private company would still have to use the TSA guidelines for security. Well, no matter, but the TSA pat-downs are expected to be a busier travel season than last year. Demand is up. Does it mean you can still get a good deal? Does it. "Travel and leisure" associate editor Sarah Spagnolo as she joins us now from New York. Always good to talk to you.

Before we get to those deals, how big of a headache could this cause with the new procedures, the pat-downs, and also the security machines, the scanners, and this opt-out day. You throw that into the mix, some are saying to opt out and do a pat-down. I mean, how much chaos could this cause?

SARAH SPAGNOLO, ASSOCIATE EDITOR "TRAVEL & LEISURE" MAGAZINE: You know, there is going to be a lot of busy-ness that you'll see in the holiday season this year. Actually the Thanksgiving travel season official started yesterday. There's going to be a 3.5 percent increase in travelers on airports that are expecting 24 million people in the air, 42 million people on the road.

So you are going to be seeing, perhaps delays, but definitely crowds. We recommend that you get to the airport about an hour earlier than usual, you know, bring your patience. And just your understanding when you think about getting dressed for your -

HOLMES: Sarah, did I hear you right? We're already told to be there an hour ahead. You're saying tack on another hour to that?

SPAGNOLO: I would if you're looking to travel - if you're with your family, perhaps you don't travel. You're not a frequent traveler. You're going to be seeing a lot of people that travel perhaps just one or two times a year. So I would come early and just, you know, opt for, you know, bring a snack, bring your family, bring a book and just settle in because you are going to be seeing a lot of extra lines and perhaps some delays.

But the good news, they just announced that they opened up some restricted air space starting on Tuesday, which is a day earlier than they did last year. So they're going to be trying to get people moving this holiday season.

HOLMES: OK. And what are those? Remind us of the busiest days that people are going to be in the air.

SPAGNOLO: The busiest days they expect are Wednesday and Sunday. Something to keep in mind, the holiday itself is often less busy. So you might consider when you're looking to travel on Thanksgiving and also on Christmas. Prices are also lower on those days, so that's another good thing to keep in mind.

HOLMES: OK. How are we doing? Are we in trouble if we haven't already bought our tickets for Thanksgiving? Or do you have time? Should you go ahead and wait until the very last minute now? How are we doing there?

SPAGNOLO: The options are going to be limited if you haven't booked your flights or your train tickets for Thanksgiving. But the good thing is if you're flexible, you might have more opportunities. And also if you're looking for Christmas, you still have plenty of time.

Bing.com has an airfare predictor, which is a great tool if you're looking to book for Christmas and of course, as I said, consider traveling on the holiday itself. The price difference is significant. If you're looking for a flight, for example, from New York to L.A. and you're going to be flying between Christmas and New Year's, the flight on - before Christmas and just after New Year's is going to be an average of $620. But it'll be about $200 less if you travel on Christmas day and you return on New Year's day. So, you know, that's, of course, a big change.

HOLMES: OK. Last thing here. Should people be prepared for any sticker shock if they start to remember what they paid last year for tickets versus this year? Are they naturally up a little bit this year?

SPAGNOLO: That's a good point. There is a big change, you know, people are more willing to travel. I think the economy is better. So you're going to see more travelers on the road. And airlines have not added flights. So there is going to be some sticker shock. There is going to be, you know, you are going to pay - well, not significantly more, but you are going to pay more.

A great thing to do, kayak.com, is a great web site if you're looking to compare. I think if you're flexible, you will find deals. There's always last-minute deals. The hitch is they might not be to the place where you want to travel to.

HOLMES: That doesn't do you any good, Sarah. All right. Sarah Spagnolo.

SPAGNOLO: No, unfortunately not if you're going to visit your family.

HOLMES: All right. Our associate editor again of "Travel and Leisure" magazine. Ma'am, always good to see you. Thanks for the info. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday.

SPAGNOLO. Thank you.

HOLMES: All right. We're getting ready, of course, for black Friday. You know the deals are going to be out there. But how would you like to be tipped off about the black Friday sales ahead of time? We're going to do that for you right here. It's 19 minutes past the hour. Stick around.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: Quick look now at some of the stories making headlines. The maker of Darvon and Darvocet agrees to pull those drugs off the U.S. market. FDA requests that prescription drugs be removed. They say they can cause heart problems. Both of these painkillers were already taken off the European market years ago.

Also Colombia's president declaring a state of emergency because of flooding. Take a look at this. At least 136 people have died. Another 200 plus have been injured. 28 of the nation's 32 states have been hit hard by heavy rains and flooding. Over one million people affected by these flood waters.

Also, President Obama, as you know, he's in Lisbon, Portugal right now for the two-day NATO summit. Military alliance of democratic states in Europe and North America. NATO has already been talking about getting a missile defense system, but also significant they're going to be talking about how to get NATO troops out of Afghanistan and hand security over to the Afghan people by 2014. We're right back. Stay here.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: All right. Everybody's standing by, waiting to see what's going to happen on black Friday, who is going to have the best deals. Well, we've got the inside track right now.

Let me bring in Donna Rosato. She is joining me now live from New York this morning. She is "Money" magazine's senior writer.

Ma'am, thank you for being here. You are our insider. People want the information you have right now. Tell us, where should we even start? Who's got the deals, who's going to have the big deals?

DONNA ROSATO, "MONEY" MAGAZINE SENIOR WRITER: Well, black Friday is less than a week away. And there are deals everywhere. Word has leaked out about deals that are going to be happening. So you want to probably start with going to the big box retailers. Black Friday is, of course, the biggest holiday season, the biggest shopping season of the year and the deals are incredible. If you want to start thinking about Target. Target has a big two-day sale. But they are starting their holiday sales. You can already find out what's going on there. So do you want to know the scoop at Target?

HOLMES: By all means, yes. We're waiting. I'm standing by!

ROSATO: All right. Let's start with Target. How about this? $3 appliances.

HOLMES: Like what? What kind of appliance?

ROSATO: It's hard to believe. All right. So these are small appliances, you're talking about an electric hand mixer, you're talking about a sandwich maker, but $3, it's an incredible deal. So if you go to Target on black Friday, that's what you can get. You can walk out of the store.

They also, of course, have usual deals on clothing, toys, things like that too. But that's a real standout at Target.

HOLMES: You said the big box stores so I assume Wal-Mart has to be in there somewhere. What they got cooking?

ROSATO: That's right. Wal-Mart, of course, is the biggest box store out there. Incredibly low prices. They are offering really huge deals on electronics and toys.

So for electronics, it's all about HDTVs. You could get a 32- inch HDTV for less than $200. If you want a bigger TV, a 42-incH HDTV, you can get that for less than $400 -- $300 or $400 depending on which model that you buy. So those are some pretty good deals.

You get the flip video HD camera for $99. And everybody likes Apple products. And of course, you can't get big discounts on Apple products. But if you buy the Apple 8-G iPod Touch, you can get that at Wal-Mart. It's $225 for the 8-gigabyte, but if you get it at Wal- Mart, they'll throw in a $50 gift card for you.

HOLMES: All right. I got time now. I got about 40 seconds to one more and that's Toys R Us, a lot of parents want to know what's going on there.

ROSATO: All right. Toys R Us is turning black Friday into black Thursday and they are opening on 10:00 p.m., the deals start then. You can get incredible deals, up to 50 percent or more off on electronic toys. Buzz Lightyear "Toy Story 3," $39.99 half price. You can get Leapfrog, my first computer, $19.99, half price, and you can also get some iPod products as well there too. But electronic toys, 50 percent off.

HOLMES: Great info. That is our insider. We're going to get that information on-line for you for people to check out. Donna Rosato, again with "Money" magazine senior writer. Ma'am, thank you so much for that inside information.

ROSATO: Thanks, T.J.. Happy shopping. HOLMES: Thank you so much.

"YOUR BOTTOM LINE" with Christine Romans starts right now.

I'll be back top of the hour for more live news. Stick around.