In case you were in a cave over the past few months, the TSA's Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners have caused some complaints from privacy advocates. The equipment can see under your clothes, and some travelers are understandably a little concerned about that. The TSA has made some moves to address these concerns. For example, the images are not stored, and the TSA officer looking at the images is located in a private room.

Well, today the TSA began testing new software where you image won't even be seen. If you're clear, the screener will just see a screen that says "OK." If an area worth a second look is detected, then a generic outline of a person will be shown that indicates what part of one's body needs to be screened further.

The software launched in Vegas today, and will roll out in Atlanta and Washington (National) soon.

I like this move. I bet some travelers still don't like the whole idea of body scanners, but this progress, and I think it shows the TSA does respond to public pressure.

For pictures and more details you can head over to the TSA's official blog.

Travel expert Peter Greenberg's website has a very well-written analysis of the subject.

If you're hoping that your airport makes the switch so you won't have to deal with any pat-downs, etc., well that's just not going to happen. Private contractors handling airport security must follow the same security procedures as TSA, and the government agency needs to approve any contractor that an airport is looking to hire. Basically, all of the same rules will apply no matter what. TSA makes all of these decisions.

Where private security firms could excel, however, is service. Some proponents believe that these companies are more motivated to keep travelers happy (I assume because they would like to keep the contract) than the TSA, and that employees that do an unsatisfactory job are easier to deal with than TSA agents.

Personally, I have yet to have a really poor TSA experience. I don't think anyone particularly enjoys the screening process, but 99% of the time I'm treated professionally. My rule of thumb is that if you're familiar with all of the rules and are respectful to TSA agents you're not going to have any trouble whatsoever.

But who knows. Maybe if more airports start looking this way the TSA will begin to re-focus on customer service. I can't say I mind private companies doing screening, as long as they do as good or better job than TSA.

On the bright side, some airports are realizing this can be pretty annoying for travelers, and are actually offering to wrap gifts! Airports in Philadelphia, San Diego, Phoenix, and San Francisco will be offering the service, according to USA Today.

If you're traveling soon and unsure if you would like to go through a body imaging machine or have a pat-down instead, this video might provide some helpful insight.