Jul 18, 2013, 9:11 am
Last edit by: stifle
As and from 22 November 2013, passengers who are selected for a body scan may decline and receive a "private search alternative".
Body scanners are in place or on their way to the majority of major international airports in the UK. As of the end of 2013, they are deployed in LHR, LGW, BHX, MAN, EDI, GLA, STN, LCY, and BFS and were deployed in late 2014/early 2015 to ABZ, BHD, BRS, CWL, EMA, LBA, LPL, LTN, NCL and PIK. Until 21 November 2013, passengers declining a scan once selected were denied passage through the checkpoint and offloaded from their flight. As of 22 November 2013, passengers selected may decline a scan and will be hand-searched in a private room. This search may require the loosening or removal of some items of clothing and the passenger may have a witness present. The passenger's carry-on items will also be thoroughly searched and may be subject to explosive threat detection swabbing. Details of some FlyerTalkers' opt-out experiences can be read in post #606 and #661.
All body scanners in the UK are of the millimetre wave type. Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012. There are 4 models in use: the L3 ProVision, the L3 ProVision 2, the Smiths eqo (which has a passing resemblance to the single-pose Rapiscan backscatter), and the Rohde & Schwarz Quick Personnel Scanner. All use Automatic Threat Recognition software so the result of the scan is immediately visible in the form of a so-called "Gumby" figure on the screen. The passenger and the security clerk will see the figure and any anomalies are outlined with boxes; these areas are then patted down.
Scanners are not used as primary and all passengers pass through walk-through metal detectors in the first instance. In most locations, the scanner is associated with one WTMD and if you trigger this WTMD you will be directed to the scanner. Note that WTMDs in the UK are set to randomly beep with a certain probability (perhaps 15%) even if you have no metal. In some locations, however, the scanner is set back from the checkpoint and security clerks select people based on undisclosed criteria, sometimes after they have already packed up their stuff and put it back in their bags/pockets/etc.
A passenger may, if so inclined, request to be screened by the scanner rather than passing through the WTMD, which one supposes may be preferable to certain passengers possessed of metal implants which they cannot divest.
Historically the chance of being selected for scanning on any given trip was quite low, as there are generally multiple lanes at any given checkpoint but only one or two scanners. This is now changing at non-London airports where the lanes with scanners are used most and non-scanner lanes only opened to handle peak demand, and at London airports where more scanners are being installed. It was also usually the case through 2014 that fast track lanes for premium and status passengers were WTMD only; this is sadly history now.
Unless otherwise stated, the scanners below are located behind WTMDs and passengers beeping the WTMDs are scanned.
Scanner locations per airport:
LHR T1: Closed
LHR T2: Scanners on all lanes behind WTMD, except the very furthest lane from the entrance.
LHR T3: Recent information required.
LHR T4: Recent information required.
LHR T5: Scanners on most lanes behind WTMD. Due to limited space the lanes at either end of north checkpoint and at either end of south checkpoint (but not fast track) are scanner-free.
LGW TN: WTMD + scanner in every lane.
LGW TS: WTMD + scanner in every lane. Sometimes scanners switched to primary.
MAN: Scanners: one per checkpoint, used as secondary screening in lieu of pat-down if WTMD triggered.
EDI: Update needed from new checkpoint
STN: Scanners behind the WTMDs for lanes 7/8 and 15/16.
LCY: Scanners in both checkpoints, used as secondary. Two safe lanes in the old checkpoint (the one with automatic boarding pass scan gates) so use that and try to SDOO.
GLA: Between lanes 3 and 4. Note, fast track normally uses lanes 1 and 2 but you can get unlucky. (Updated 25 January 2014)
BFS: Scanner used as secondary if you trip the WTMD.
ABZ: Information needed
SOU: Scanner behind the only WTMD
BHD, LPL, BRS, EMA, NCL, LBA, LTN, CWL: Information also needed
See also: https://www.gov.uk/government/speech...ty-scanners--2
UK body scanners - opt outs permitted 22 November 2013
Feb 24, 2015, 1:46 pm
#706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
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Posts: 14,205
My sister tells me they are in the two lanes adjacent to fast track, but not fast track itself. Barkers direct you to a lane so SDOO is difficult.
Feb 26, 2015, 6:58 am
#707
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Seniors Bus Pass
Posts: 5,528
OT: update on the DUS scanner options
The fast track two lanes on the left have no Walk Through Metal Detector, (WTMD) just a single MMW L3 ProVision 2, as at LHR, and all must go through it in those lanes. All the remaining pairs of lanes only have a WTMD between them with no other MMW scanners.
Today there were six lanes running and obviously you could choose which lane you took, so can completely opt out of the MMW Scanner.
The last time I was here it was very quiet and there were only the two lanes on the left open as Fast Track and the rest. Everybody therefore had no choice of voluntary opt out by walking to another lane, but would have to request it. I don't know what would happen if you opt out and my German is not good enough to enquire tactfully!
Today there were six lanes running and obviously you could choose which lane you took, so can completely opt out of the MMW Scanner.
The last time I was here it was very quiet and there were only the two lanes on the left open as Fast Track and the rest. Everybody therefore had no choice of voluntary opt out by walking to another lane, but would have to request it. I don't know what would happen if you opt out and my German is not good enough to enquire tactfully!
Mar 4, 2015, 2:29 am
#708
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 50
The fast track two lanes on the left have no Walk Through Metal Detector, (WTMD) just a single MMW L3 ProVision 2, as at LHR, and all must go through it in those lanes. All the remaining pairs of lanes only have a WTMD between them with no other MMW scanners.
Today there were six lanes running and obviously you could choose which lane you took, so can completely opt out of the MMW Scanner.
The last time I was here it was very quiet and there were only the two lanes on the left open as Fast Track and the rest. Everybody therefore had no choice of voluntary opt out by walking to another lane, but would have to request it. I don't know what would happen if you opt out and my German is not good enough to enquire tactfully!
Today there were six lanes running and obviously you could choose which lane you took, so can completely opt out of the MMW Scanner.
The last time I was here it was very quiet and there were only the two lanes on the left open as Fast Track and the rest. Everybody therefore had no choice of voluntary opt out by walking to another lane, but would have to request it. I don't know what would happen if you opt out and my German is not good enough to enquire tactfully!
Mar 6, 2015, 3:49 pm
#709
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 261
I'm flying STN-CIA, FCO-NCE then NCE(T1)-LGW next month.
I know how to avoid the scanner at Stansted as I fly from there often. However, does anyone know if Rome Fiumicino or Nice have scanners. And if they do, how easy is it to opt out?
I know how to avoid the scanner at Stansted as I fly from there often. However, does anyone know if Rome Fiumicino or Nice have scanners. And if they do, how easy is it to opt out?
Mar 9, 2015, 2:59 am
#710
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 50
They did trial a scanner sometime in I think 2013, but it was relatively easy to opt out of. I had to spend a bit of time saying "I have a right to say no and I'm saying no, yes I understand I will get a pat-down," and so on.
Mar 9, 2015, 6:49 am
#711
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,205
As neither FCO nor NCE are in the UK, you might not be posting in the best place.
Mar 21, 2015, 2:23 am
#712
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
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LCY has substantially disimproved. The furthest lane from the entrance of the main checkpoint, plus both lanes at the small checkpoint, have picked up MMW scanners using the usual UK method of scanning anyone who beeps the WTMD. So use the main checkpoint (with automated boarding pass scanners) and try to work around to the other two lanes. Not always possible as you get barkers directing you to a lane.
Mar 21, 2015, 1:08 pm
#713
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada
Programs: AC E50k, A3*G, UA*S, MR Titanium, HHonors Gold, Carlson Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 3,669
I went through T3 transit and it seemed that people had to go through the scanner only if they set off the metal detector (or whatever it was). I opted out and spent ~1h at that checkpoint. I'd hoped to miss my flight so that I could get put on something more convenient, but no dice 
Last edited by pewpew; Mar 21, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Mar 22, 2015, 11:28 am
#714
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
I went through T3 transit and it seemed that people had to go through the scanner only if they set off the metal detector (or whatever it was). I opted out and spent ~1h at that checkpoint. I'd hoped to miss my flight so that I could get put on something more convenient, but no dice
Mar 23, 2015, 11:47 am
#715
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada
Programs: AC E50k, A3*G, UA*S, MR Titanium, HHonors Gold, Carlson Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 3,669
It was fun! I went through that metal detector (or whatever the heck it is), and it beeped, but the screener was talking to somebody behind me, so I just walked on, and he called me back after I'd pretty much consolidated everything 
.
Then I told him I wanted to opt out; he pointed at that sign that said it was safe for everyone and their unborn child; I told him I wanted to opt out; then I sat and waited for somebody to pat me down for 30 minutes.
Then his supervisor came to relieve him; his supervisor asked me why I wanted to opt out; I told him I didn't want to go through the machine; he asked why; then he told me that a) it's safe, and b) it's the UK government's machine.
Then that same screener from the very beginning ended up taking me to a private room to pat me down, and he searched all of my luggage.
. Then I told him I wanted to opt out; he pointed at that sign that said it was safe for everyone and their unborn child; I told him I wanted to opt out; then I sat and waited for somebody to pat me down for 30 minutes.
Then his supervisor came to relieve him; his supervisor asked me why I wanted to opt out; I told him I didn't want to go through the machine; he asked why; then he told me that a) it's safe, and b) it's the UK government's machine.
Then that same screener from the very beginning ended up taking me to a private room to pat me down, and he searched all of my luggage.
Mar 27, 2015, 10:59 am
#718
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
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Two further developments:
(1) The UK government has authorized body scanners to be used as primary screening, which was not the case before.
(2) The new German manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz has had its Quick Personnel Scanner 100 and 200 devices authorized for use in the UK. These vertical opaque scanners are deployed in sets of one, two, or three and do not require passengers to assume the surrender position.
(1) The UK government has authorized body scanners to be used as primary screening, which was not the case before.
(2) The new German manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz has had its Quick Personnel Scanner 100 and 200 devices authorized for use in the UK. These vertical opaque scanners are deployed in sets of one, two, or three and do not require passengers to assume the surrender position.
Mar 27, 2015, 4:23 pm
#719
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Two further developments:
(1) The UK government has authorized body scanners to be used as primary screening, which was not the case before.
(2) The new German manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz has had its Quick Personnel Scanner 100 and 200 devices authorized for use in the UK. These vertical opaque scanners are deployed in sets of one, two, or three and do not require passengers to assume the surrender position.
(1) The UK government has authorized body scanners to be used as primary screening, which was not the case before.
(2) The new German manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz has had its Quick Personnel Scanner 100 and 200 devices authorized for use in the UK. These vertical opaque scanners are deployed in sets of one, two, or three and do not require passengers to assume the surrender position.
Mar 28, 2015, 3:37 am
#720
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,403
https://netzpolitik.org/2015/bundesp...erkt-erfolgen/
The article is in German, sorry. But it doesn't sound so bad: no turning around with the "200" version, no arms up, and--reportedly--fewer false positives.
Although I'm not a fan of body scanners of any kind, this seems like the least onerous version.
The article is in German, sorry. But it doesn't sound so bad: no turning around with the "200" version, no arms up, and--reportedly--fewer false positives.
Although I'm not a fan of body scanners of any kind, this seems like the least onerous version.