I have been travelling solo for a lllloong time now, starting in my late teens; always a target for the searches, though I have yet to figure out why. I have asked a couple of times and heard different explanations, but none of them really make sense. I have come to the conclusion that the main reason is being on your own (travelling to exotic destinations) is probably the key. I was actually told once that they selected me because they were doing training and I looked "nice". I almost missed my flight because I looked "nice".....wtf
Since my destination has been Jamaica only for the last few years, I think it is even worse. On my September trip, I became well aquainted with the new body search xray machine. One thru the metal detector: "please step on the mat"....."this machine has randomly chosen you for......". I was in it twice on my trip home on Sept. 11 due to heightened security. Actually, it beats a pat down by far, so when they give you the option, I would choose the machine. You simply step inside, raise your arms, wait 3 seconds, done! Better then someones hands upon you. Then, as they usher everyone to the left coming out of security, they look at my card and say: Please come this way.....full luggage search as usual. This is why I always try to select flights with plenty of time in between conections. I have gotten used to it and just roll with it!