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ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) said he's pleased airport security officials are listening to Alaskans’ concerns about the controversial pat-downs that some travelers say are just too invasive.Begich joined Scott Johnson, TSA general manager for operations, and a handful of travelers for a roundtable discussion, Wednesday.The participants, who represented victims of sexual trauma and individuals who have disabilities, said security screeners could do a better job of accommodating people with special needs.

They say they'd like to see a system in which security screeners undergo sensitivity training and they'd also like special privileges; for example allowing a companion to comfort them in the event of a pat-down.Johnson said the TSA is listening and constantly reviewing its procedures. Their goal, Johnson said, is to someday have a “no hands” system in which all screening is done electronically.“I feel better, but not satisfied until we see some of these efforts they’ve talked about unfold,” said Begich, who in the past has criticized the TSA for its treatment of passengers.Advertisement One concept the TSA is considering is a system of risk assessment, in which screeners identify passengers which are less likely to be a security threat. For example, people in the Coast Guard, who have already been thoroughly vetted by the Dept. of Defense and therefore should not be subject to the same scrutiny as others.

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