New Wave of Body Scanners Coming Soon

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

Boston’s Logan International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport are set to receive the first of 150 new whole-body imaging machines that will roll out nationwide this year. Logan will receive three machines, with one going to O’Hare. Both airports are due to receive the machines in the next few weeks.

Boston CBS affiliate WBZ reports that Logan and O’Hare were chosen “based on risk … and whether the airports were physically able to install the machines and provide screeners to operate them.” According to the Chicago Tribune, the remaining machines should be fully deployed by June, though no details are available as to which airports will get them, and when.

O’Hare and Logan are such large airports that the implementation of one scanner, or even three, will have a negligible effect on most travelers. And the few passengers that do find themselves lined up for the body scanners can opt for a pat-down instead.

This group of 150 scanners is paid for by $25 million set aside in last year’s stimulus plan. The proposed 2011 budget calls for 1,000 new body scanners at a cost of $734 million.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.