Throughout 2010, many fliers have seen the large increase in backscatter body scanners at airports nationwide. Of course it turned to full controversy when TSA changed their pat-down procedure for those wanting to opt-out of the body scanner.

While the argument still wages on about the whether the new procedures are an invasion of privacy, health issues, ineffective, “security theater” or a necessary step; many of us still have to fly and deal with the fact that it IS the current procedure.

The good news, is that some fliers have taken note that not all gates/airports are utilizing the new procedures and are keeping track to help future fliers who are stressed about the procedures.

TSA STATUS is a new flier-updated site listing airport codes and 5-level color-coded system reporting their use of newer measures. It goes from Green (indicating there is no backscatter/radiation machine visible at this checkpoint.) to RED (indicating there is a backscatter/radiation machine in use for all or nearly all passengers.). The listing also shows the date of the last time that airport/checkpoint was updated; and allows any site visitor to update a status should you have an update for them.

While its not a perfect guarantee for those wanting to avoid the scanners, its at least helpful to know that for those flying through Dulles, the site reports that Terminal B is using scanners by random selection while the other Terminals have reported no use at all. Hopefully this information can help some of you fly with a little less stress about the TSA.