Going from SAN back to SJC. They were herding everyone headed for Gates 1 & 2 through the backscatter machine. (Except for the 4 Reno bound passengers that were running late; they had them all go through the metal detector.) I get up there and state that I don't wish to go through the machine and am opting for a pat down. I wait on a chair for 3 or so minutes until a guy shows up. He politely explains the process, asks about doing this in public view and if I have any questions. I politely thank him, let him know I'm fine in public and have no questions. I do let him know that I am very familiar with a proper pat down in the search for drugs, weapons and/or contraband having worked with police departments and the US Marine Corps. He responds that his probably won't be, then, as good. I reply that it's no problem as long as it doesn't go too far where I feel I'm being violated.

Our eyes meet for about a second and he then breaks away saying that we should get started. Result? proper pat down and i'm on my way.

Thoughts:

1. Because the Reno passengers were late, they go through the easy, fast, less secure route? WTH?

2. His pat down won't be as good? It should be.

3. I probably had an easier time of it due to a few things: the police/Marine Corps reference, firm but polite tone and, although i'm not a huge guy, one can definitely see that i'm in excellent shape and muscled appropriately. Unfortunately, the latter can intimidate some people.

TL;DR Went through security at SAN and it turned out to be better than expected.