yes. Canadian. LOL

I would imagine if you didn't give your permission then they could have refused you past security.

Interesting. Glad they asked though.

The regional airport security are the funniest

Don't be too upset all round.

Terrorists and Drug Smugglers have in the past (and famously) used children as unknowing mules or suicide bombers (also unknowing).

If you let your young'un know as much as you want to explain of this kind of thing and that it is for the safety of all, there should be no issue!

I think they always ask permission before they begin - doesn't matter how old you are.

My husband and I have each been selected for the secondary screening on our last 2 overseas trips. In both cases we were approached and the procedure was explained and permission was requested before we were led behind the privacy screens and the search proceded.

I assume that if you refused then you wouldn't be getting on the plane.

"Interesting. Glad they asked though.

The regional airport security are the funniest"

Yes indeed they are. All 20 passengers were all in stitches as my daughter was joking with the security folks. "Be careful....I was at my uncles ranch. There might be horse poop somewhere". :D followed with "Kidding, kidding...my mom made sure I washed my shoes before we got here".

Everyone thought it was rather comical that the 12 year old was hit with the randomness. They did ask her age and said I had to give permission for the search. (hence why I thought...who would actually refuse??)

Regardless of location, not funny at all to many. What if the 12 year old (or adult for that matter) was a victim of sexual assault in the past -- how do you think he/she would react to a pat down? What if this was a movie theater or shopping mall and a mall security guard wanted to pat down your daughter - there have been shootings there after all.

While travelling in the air, I am sorry. I have zero issues with a security pat down, or explosive swab, or a body scan. As someone who has lost two friends to a terrorist bombing on an Air India flight 25+ years ago, I really don't have an issue with it.

As a victim of sexual assault when I was 10 I still have no issues. I did request a female officer do so. My daughter was not in the least bit made uncomfortable and it was done in my presence. I am glad she was able to experience an amiable security screening and had the confidence to crack jokes.

No one has answered what would have happened if I had said no?

With all due respect what does a mall cop or a movie theatre have to do with airline security? (I'll answer....Nothing, that's a pretty big leap out of topic)

I am curious. Could I have refused but volunteered instead? I really am curious for an answer. I would assume they would not let you board, but is there a seperate set of rules for minors?

I should note her pat down was literally so fast it barely could be called that. They went no where near her private parts. Legs from feet to kneesarms and side. That was it.

It's not like they mauled the child or did anything the remotest bit inappropriate.

They did go through her bag, (no big deal) and swabbed her stuff.