If a proposed plan -- for which public views have been sought -- is accorded green signal by the authorities concerned, then the harassing pat-downs and full-body scanners may soon be a thing of the past at airports. So, won't the move compromise with the security of passengers? Well, not really! For, the authorities would rely on an "identity-based intelligence system" that would keep a tab on travelers who may be a potential threat.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the organization that has mooted the idea, the step will ensure that "trusted status" travelers do not have to undergo the ordeal of such unnecessary checks.

Notably, pat-downs at airports, particularly those involving the members of the Sikh community who are told to remove their turbans (a symbol of religious significance), often lead to diplomatic controversies between various nations. Even VVIP travelers can't escape such scans.

Once in place, the new system, relying on "specific intelligence", would provide immunity from pat-downs and full-body scanners to frequent air travelers, similar to that enjoyed by pilots who had also opposed such checks as it left them exposed to radiation (through scans).

Seeking views about the proposed "identity-based" system from the general public, TSA's official Blogger Bob says, "Physical screening will likely never go away completely, but the idea of adding identity-based security makes good sense and it's an idea we're actively exploring. So, we'd like to hear your suggestions and ideas".