[killermonkeys]

You can also opt out of the scan when you travel which registers your opinion. On average this adds about 3 minutes to the security time, though sometimes longer (up to 7) if other people are getting patdowns. In SFO they log reasons and include health concerns and privacy concerns.

[netnichols]

I did this once in Charlotte (which btw is normally an excellent airport). I had to wait about 15 minutes for 'the agent' to show up that would conduct the pat-down. There were about 5 TSA agents standing around doing nothing while I was waiting. Setting aside the wait time, they were all friendly enough, but they all had this look of "ugh... what is this guy's problem", and I wouldn't bet against the wait time being a purposeful deterrent.

So, while I will continue to opt out when possible, I wouldn't recommend doing it if you're short on time.

[ratsbane]

I always opt out, politely but firmly. I was flying out of SFO once last year when a TSA agent asked me "and your reason for opting out is...?" and I answered "...none of your business." He smiled and from his response I inferred that he approved of and appreciated my response.

[petejansson]

At first I thought my opt-out would be recorded, but most of the airports through which I've flown do not record anything about the opt-out. They just pat down the subject and try to keep the lines moving. I no longer believe this is an effective way of registering my opinion.

[davorak]

On maybe 2-5% of my trips it ends up being 20-30 minute wait at the same airports that normally take 3-5 minutes to find a screener.

As a result I still need to show up 20-30 minutes earlier then I would otherwise.

[hkmurakami]

I did this about 4 times so far but then the last time it now up in my face by adding 1 hour to my screening time and while I philosophically wasn't too keep opting out I have to wonder if I can keep justifying it pragmatically.

[tlrobinson]

How did it add an hour to your screening?

[hispanic]

As netnichols stated above, "I had to wait about 15 minutes for 'the agent' to show up that would conduct the pat-down." I'm guessing that this is the reason.

I've successfully opted out once. In that instance, an agent performed a pat-down with no wait. I tried again more recently and, after fruitlessly waiting 5-10 minutes for the special pat-down agent to arrive, gave up and reluctantly went through the backscatter.

[Zigurd]

I always opt out.