Airport 'puffer' machines?

[Aggie]

OK, I may be a little dense but, how exactly does an air puffer thingy help with security? I've not seen one of these things yet and I went through Houston just last summer which is pretty big.

[Fearnest]

OK, I may be a little dense but, how exactly does an air puffer thingy help with security? I've not seen one of these things yet and I went through Houston just last summer which is pretty big.

It's similar in appearance to the metal detector, but as you stand in it it puffs air at you from various angles. Sensors then "read" the air to see if you're giving off chemical traces from nonmetallic explosives, etc.

[Fearnest]

While I have not yet had experience with one, I would think that it shouln't lift a kilt, otherewise there would be a lot of women suing due to their exposure in skirts.

Adam

But technically wouldn't the airport be responsible for causing said exposure?

Yes, but there are plenty of signs that warn you of the possibility - and so you can "guard" yourself against exposure. I'm sure they'll have a puffer in a remote location for those who are truly concerned - but the issue is probably less about these machines than it is of the scanners that see "through" your clothing and let the security folks examine you in very explicit detail. (TSA is trying to get around that by having the screener at a remote site so he/she can't put a face to a scanning.)

And I guess the true bottom line is, if you're not willing to submit to the airport security procedures, take the bus.

[Aggie]

Are these a very recent thing?

[mkmound]

I had to go through one last year in Dallas-Ft. Worth airport; only one occurrance of all the trips I made last year (probably a dozen). I assume that it's a random screening. As far as I know, DFW only has them in Terminal D (international).

I had a lighter weight kilt on (either SWK or USAK semi-trad, don't remember for sure), and it did get blown up almost enough to be interesting. The puffing lasts a couple of seconds. I had my arms down at my sides, but in hind sight, should have gatheres at least the side pleats and held them down to minimize the lift.

[SoldierSpike]

Puffers work by sampling the air against a known slew of chemical/biological/explosive weapons, from what I've seen in their smaller handheld cousins they can be quite effective.
Their use is more widespread than it was in '05, but they still aren't everywhere.

Marc

[Fearnest]

Puffers work by sampling the air against a known slew of chemical/biological/explosive weapons, from what I've seen in their smaller handheld cousins they can be quite effective.
Their use is more widespread than it was in '05, but they still aren't everywhere.

Marc

Yep, as with the "through the clothing" scanners, they'll be rolled out as the perceived threat and funding dictate/allow.

[cavscout]

So other than my dog, the guy at the airport wants to sniff my crotch too?
I feel loved

Just smile and as you walk away ask them "Was it good for you?" or "At least say you love me.", or "You probably won't call after that." You might even try turning your head and coughing during the search

Just a joke, sometimes you have to laugh

[turpin]

Just a joke, sometimes you have to laugh

"...once a day, because a day without sunshine is like......night._

- Steve Martin

[arrogcow]

Are these a very recent thing?

Fairly, just another step that says, "look were doing something." that really doesn't make anyone safer.

Adam