Travelers leaving from Philadelphia's other terminals still go through metal detectors, but get a pat-down if they set off the detector.
So exactly what is involved in the new pat-down? The TSA is not saying.
"We would not describe the pat-down in any detail for security reasons," said TSA spokeswoman Ann Davis.
The head of the US Airways pilots union, Capt. Mike Cleary, said Wednesday that he had learned in informal conversations with TSA personnel that security officers now "are to run their hand up the inside of your leg until they meet bone resistance. In addition, they use a circular pat-down routine from the small of the stomach, around through a person's crotch, and up into the small of the back."
The changes in hand-search policies came recently, about the same time TSA tightened screening for air cargo, following explosives found on two cargo planes in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and London last month.
Said the TSA, in a statement: "Pat-downs are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items such as explosives. Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, among others."
No pat-downs took place during an hour of observation by a reporter late Wednesday afternoon at the Terminal F security post.
Whole-body scanners - 450 are in airports nationwide - and the "enhanced" pat-down anger privacy advocates who have filed suit in an effort to stop them. Unions representing pilots and flight attendants also are concerned.
