To scan or not to scan

All the big travel talk this week was of the new body scanners and pat-down procedures in U.S. airports.

Travellers face full body pat-downs if they don’t want to go through the ­scanners, prompting YouTube sensation John Tyner to tell a Transportation Security Administration ­official: “If you touch my junk, I’m ­going to have you arrested.”

But privacy advocates think both procedures are invasive.

The scanners can be found in 65 U.S. ­airports so far, including Bermuda gateway cities Philadelphia and Newark.

Logan Airport in Boston also has them on order.

The device enables ­security officials to see through your clothes to check passengers for bombs or weapons.

If you are travelling through the U.S. you should expect to have to face a scan or pat-down at some point.

Some scientists are ­advising people to have a pat-down as they say ­scanners cause harmful ­radiation.

The pilot unions for both American Airlines and US Airways are also urging members to avoid them.

Travel briefs
- Giveaway

Meyer-Franklin Travel is giving away two round-trip American Airlines tickets.

 To enter the draw you have to purchase an AA ticket between now and ­December 31.

The tickets are good for anywhere in the continental U.S., the Caribbean, ­Bahamas, ­Canada and ­Mexico where American flies.

Contact Meyer-Franklin on 295-4176 for more ­information or check them out on ­Facebook.

- Delta boosts international flights

If you are a Delta ­Airlines fan, you will be pleased to learn it is ­expanding its international flights next year.

The airline is to offer a twice-daily service from ­Atlanta to Shanghai from June 5.

It is also introducing a twice-daily service from Boston to London Heathrow from March 26.

Get the full list of flights at Delta.com

- HAL garners nine awards

Holland America Line wore out the carpet going to the podium for Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

The cruise line snagged nine awards, including Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line; Best Private Island (Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas); Best Alaska Itineraries; Best Northern Itineraries; Best Central and South American Itineraries; Best Canada and New England Itineraries; Best Shore ­Excursions; Best Medical Facilities; and Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers.

- Infinity upgraded

The Celebrity Infinity will leave dry dock on ­December 3 with a new look, having been ­upgraded to Solstice Class standards.

Passengers with AquaClass accommodations will have exclusive use of the Mediterranean-themed restaurant, Blu.

The ship has also added more verandas and ocean-view and inside staterooms.

Passengers will also be able to partake of several new bars and restaurants.

They include the Tuscan Grille steakhouse, Creperie Bistro on Five, ­the ice-topped Martini Bar, Café al Bacio and Gelateria, and ­Cellar Masters Wine Bar. 

Got a travel tip? E-mail Don Burgess at [email protected]