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TSA Installing Body Scanners At MIA

New scanners already in use at 6 other airports nationwide

MIAMI (CBS4) ― The Transportation Safety Administration, or TSA, will place body scanners in four airports this month, including Miami International. The new scanners are said to be able to spot ceramic and plastic weapons as well as explosives.

The scanners have been tested since last year at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and are currently in use in six other airports.

TSA agents will study highly detailed black and white images of randomly selected passengers who would stand inside the portal with their arms raised. The detail in the images has some passengers concerned about losing any level of privacy still left in air travel.

"It's going a little too far…I mean you can see everything," traveler Bill Watson said.

The TSA says blurring their faces protects a traveler's privacy and deleting images right after screeners check them. Some passengers and pilots don't mind the extra security.

"I don't see a problem with this, because of the need for better security. It benefits us all," passenger Melissa Hutzler said. Captain Robert Pritchard, an American Airlines pilot for the last 22 years agrees. "It's for the benefit of the public…everyone," Pritchard said.

The TSA says the body scanners could eventually replace metal detectors and pat downs for passengers who need extra screening. If you refuse to go through the scanners, you will be patted down.

TSA says the new scanners could be used at railroad stations, arenas and office buildings in the future.

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