That will free up TSA workers to process other passengers and Melendez said should speed up advanced security checks.

Passengers can still opt for pat downs instead of advanced screenings.

While some look forward to the less invasive scanning, others don't mind the extensive security steps to keep air travel safe.

"Anything that makes us safer when we're traveling I don't have a problem with. I travel a lot and I want to be safe when I get on that aircraft," said California traveler Ann Spray.

Along with the six high tech body scanners at the Honolulu International Airport, TSA also has a scanner at the Lihue Airport that uses back-scatter technology. It has not yet received the new software upgrade but Melendez said he hopes that will happen next year.