Airport security measures prompt new website

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Too shy for full-body scanners? Embarrassed by vigorous pat-downs? A new website invites travelers to share their views about tightened airport security measures.

The U.S. Travel Association set up the website, YourTravelVoice.org, after it received more than 1,000 unsolicited comments from travelers about the increased security following recently foiled bomb plots involving U.S. bound parcels.

"It was clear to us that there was some national concern about this issue. We are hoping that this website can help people express those views so we can all work together," said Geoff Freeman, the executive vice president of the trade group.

He added that he hopes feedback from the website can provide a platform through which travelers can share their opinions with policy makers in Washington.

Not all the comments on the site are critical. Freeman said many travelers are wondering about the long-term wisdom of it all.

"Feedback is critical. Currently, the system is not built with the travelers' vision in mind," he explained. "As of now, Congress has established an unachievable goal for TSA by telling them to eliminate all risk. That's not possible," he said, referring to the Transportation Security Administration.

The TSA ramped up security after two air packages containing bombs, which were both sent from Yemen and addressed to synagogues in Chicago, were intercepted in Britain and Dubai.

"It's important that the system becomes one in which we are using ever smarter techniques with the resources we have," Freeman said. "It's a healthy question to ask. This isn't a black and white question. It's a gray area that needs to be addressed."

(Reporting by Bernd Debusmann Jr., Editing by Patricia Reaney)