Signal boost: How the TSA handles non-standard maxi pads

TSA Groin Searches Menstruating Woman

I know enough women who use cloth maxi pads or menstrual cups (which may have an externally visible tab to facilitate removal) instead of tampons that I really want to get this information out there. It's got to be each individual's personal choice whether they let this change how they approach air travel while menstruating, but we should know all the facts. Including if sometimes, it really is as bad as we think and they actually are out to get us.

Additionally, I don't really want to think about how RH would react if I were pulled out for this kind of search. My guess would be somewhere between livid and belligerent.

I've heard people suggesting that we write letters to our favorite airlines, telling them that we like their service but may no longer be able to travel with them, due to the emotional stressors of getting through the TSA's increased security. The theory is that the airlines themselves can put some pressure on the airports, who can either make changes to their security vendors or put pressure in turn on the TSA (I'm a little hazy on that last part). Does anybody have any idea if this is worth pursuing? I'm tired of other people telling me that I have to live in fear.