TSA has been testing the scanners, which produce images of people’s naked bodies with blurred facial features, since 2007. Officials said they aren’t sure what percentage of passengers at Logan would go through the device.
Logan, which yesterday was mostly quiet with lines moving briskly and some delays for international travelers, used to have a less controversial “puffer’’ scanning machine that detects traces of explosives with puffs of air, but some of the machines have been removed due to maintenance issues.
The Massachusetts Port Authority, which runs Logan, de clined to comment yesterday on security measures in use.
TSA official Ann Davis said the body-scanning machines that Logan and other airports are scheduled to get next year have proven effective in identifying threats concealed underneath clothing.
But privacy concerns led the US House over the summer to approve an amendment prohibiting the TSA from using the machines for primary screening, and requiring the TSA to instead give passengers the option of a pat-down search.
The Senate hasn’t taken up the bill.
US Representative Jason Chaffetz, Republican of Utah, who with New Hampshire Democrat Carol Shea-Porter cosponsored the bill curbing scanner use, is sticking by his stance that the scanners could violate a traveler’s privacy, but said of his bill: “I don’t think it’s going anywhere at this point.’’
Several travelers waiting for flights at Logan’s Terminal E said they would welcome any measure that enhances safety, even if it means giving up some privacy.
Brad Martin, who was returning home to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after attending a funeral in Vermont, wasn’t concerned with the personal nature of the body scanning technology.
“There’s a lot of crazy people out there,’’ said the 24-year-old student. “If a couple of people want to see me naked, that’s OK with me.’’
Troy Delaplain, 28, an engineer from Colorado, was equally willing to sacrifice. “If it’s for security, I think it’s OK,’’ he said. “As long as they don’t have it for everyone to see.’’
