Holiday Travelers Confront New TSA Body Scanner Rules

(CBS) -- Holiday travelers trying to fly into or out of Chicago today are facing new TSA rules. CBS 2's Sandra Torres explains what it means on a very busy travel day.

The new rules apply to the body scanners, meaning more travelers will likely have to go through them, whether they like it or not.

Ken Lopez is on his way to Spain.

"My kids are over there and my wife," Lopez said. "I'm the last one to leave."

When we approached him, he had not heard about the Transportation Security Administration's new body scanner protocols at airports. But now that he knows, he's okay with it.

"I'm a law-abiding citizen and if that's what they require me to do, I'll be happy to do it," he said.

The changes are outlined in a report obtained by CBS News. In the documents, TSA officials indicate the agency was updating the ability of individuals to opt out of AIT screening, advanced imaging technology, in favor of physical screening.

That now clears the way for the TSA to make body screening mandatory for some passengers to ensure safety.

"I think that's not a good way we should have a choice," said traveler Donna Sadowski.

The body scanners are no longer what they used to be some saw them as virtual strip searches but now the machines replace an individual's image with that of a generic figure, officials believe that lessens privacy concerns.

Many traveling today welcome the changes.

"I'm all for the security," said Francisco Banietti, who was flying to Brazil. "If you have to spend a little more time at least it's for the safety, I'm okay with that."

A TSA spokesperson says this is an important change to ensure the security of travelers.