Airport screeners see an outline of the body when travellers pass through a full body scanner. (Reuters file)

Airport security is certainly a hot-button issue with travellers.

I wrote last month about being scanned, at my request, at London Airport, where they'd started using this device. That column prompted more comments than any I've written in a long time.

One reader accused me of spreading "propaganda'' on how the Canadian Air Transport Safety Administration (CATSA) is making us safer by what the reader called "virtual strip searches.'' She questioned the accuracy of scanner images that accompanied the column and concluded by saying the column did a disservice to the "casual'' traveller.

She also told me about a pilot for a small American airline who she said became "a hero to frequent flyers'' after refusing to be either scanned or patted down. He was denied boarding.

Another reader questioned CATSA's claim that images of travellers being scanned can't be seen by anyone except the screening officer. When pat-downs were made mandatory, he wrote, the procedure was shown via "unseen overhead cameras.'' He claimed airport security systems monitor everything, including scanning.

Two more wrote about a security procedure everyone goes through - metal detection. They wondered if there was some way of reducing the fuss created when metal parts implanted during hip and back surgery were spotted.

And one reader, God bless her, realized what I was trying to accomplish - give travellers an idea of just what was involved in full body scans - and sent a note of thanks.

I told the first reader that I had made no claim that body scanners would make us any safer. And a pilot who refuses to submit to the same procedures as the people he was hired to fly is no hero in my books.

As for the "unseen overhead cameras'' the second reader mentioned, I'm prepared to accept the word of CATSA employees - both their media spokespersons and the front-line people at London airport - that images are seen by no one except someone sitting in a booth out of sight of the scanner itself.

Metal detection is a separate issue. I phoned CATSA's toll-free number, 1-888-294-2202, and asked about surgical implants. The agent suggested getting a note from the surgeon explaining what had been done and handing it to the screening agent before going through the metal detector.

"At least that way they (the screening agents) are forewarned.''

Whether such notes do any good is another matter. One reader wrote that when he tried using such a note, "the security people just rolled their eyes.''

Aside from e-mails, I also heard a couple of verbal complaints about luggage and passengers being searched more frequently at London Airport than at larger ones.

I've always found CATSA staffers at London airport more diligent than at, say, really busy airports such as Pearson. But being vigilant is their job. And as far as I can see, they're doing a pretty good one.

One more thing: CATSA's website says anyone chosen for a secondary search has the option of being scanned or patted down. If you choose a pat-down, you can request that it be done away from public view. Two screening officers of the same gender as you will be present. One will carry out the search, the other serve as a witness.

For more information, visit www.catsa.ca.

What's new Ever heard of Drury Hotels? I hadn't until I saw a copy of the latest edition of Along the 1-75. The tip about Drury Hotels is just one reason to buy a guidebook that has become an indispensable companion for the drive south to Florida. One hint about the Drury chain: It offers a lot of free extras. Along the I-75 is available at major bookstores, CAA travel offices in Ontario, online at www.i75online.com or by phoning 1-800-431-1579.

Doug English can be reached at denglishtravel@gmail.com or by mail c/o London Free Press, P.O.E. Box 2280, London, Ont. N6A 4G1.