Flight passengers across the country are incensed over the introduction of new anti-terrorism screening procedures introduced by Homeland Security.

These procedures which include choosing between a full-body scan by image detectors and consenting to a probing pat-down, have not only fueled outrage among passengers, but also among airline workers.

Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano has reiterated that the measures are necessary to combat terrorism and are a worthwhile sacrifice towards achieving this end. Senior federal security officials insist they had prepared passengers for the institution of these measures, but judging from the resistance that they are being met with, this was not done adequately.

Passenger John Tyler created a web sensation when he blogged about his experience with the new measures. The software engineer had chosen to have a pat-down rather than a full-body scan but adamantly refused to be touched in the groin area. He was then ejected after being threatened a fine and a lawsuit, an occurrence that further awakened public outcries over the invasive security procedures.

Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, stated that travel managers also believe the measures are going too far and that it had become one of the chief complaints among their clients.

This trend is expected to cause delays as passengers are reluctant to consent to the new procedures. In addition, most airports are short on staff and there is a thanksgiving holiday rush.
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