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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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
Apr 6, 2015, 12:14 pm
#736
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
I'm not exactly sure why the DFT mentions "loosening/removal" of clothing, when I've never heard of a UK opt-out experience where somebody has been asked to strip down. Either this is to cover themselves if a member of staff does that, or if maybe that just refers to the fact that a pat down in a winter coat is a bit useless? That quote has always worried me - I would rather use the MMW than get naked at a security checkpoint!
Apr 7, 2015, 12:14 am
#737
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GVA
Programs: BA Gold, LH FTL, KL/AF Ivory
Posts: 1,878
I'm not exactly sure why the DFT mentions "loosening/removal" of clothing, when I've never heard of a UK opt-out experience where somebody has been asked to strip down. Either this is to cover themselves if a member of staff does that, or if maybe that just refers to the fact that a pat down in a winter coat is a bit useless? That quote has always worried me - I would rather use the MMW than get naked at a security checkpoint!
Apr 16, 2015, 11:32 am
#738
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Orlando
Programs: DL 4MM/PM, UA 1MM/Gold, AA Paper
Posts: 1,386
Would be interested to hear from anybody that has gone through LGW South Terminal security now that they have been reported to be using MMWs as primary. Will be travelling through there next month and would like to know the layout, etc. and how to avoid the MMWs if possible.
Apr 18, 2015, 12:40 pm
#739
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
Would be interested to hear from anybody that has gone through LGW South Terminal security now that they have been reported to be using MMWs as primary. Will be travelling through there next month and would like to know the layout, etc. and how to avoid the MMWs if possible.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:23 am
#740
formerly rxfleming
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: AUH, DXB (and GLA)
Programs: BA GGL, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat Elite
Posts: 2,455
I was randomly selected at GLA this afternoon and in a fleeting moment of defiance, I informed the security employee I’d be opting out of the “request” of a secondary body scan.
I was asked to step aside and wait for a security manager to come over. This took a minute or so and after we exchanged pleasantries he explained the procedure which would involve an invasive search but not a strip search. My personal effects laid out in two trays were moved out of harm's way and I was escorted into a back office.
I was given a DoT leaflet and a declaration form printed on Glasgow Airport letter head to read, provide my name in block letters and a signature. He also asked to see my boarding pass (which was not on my person). I was given a cursory pat down and wand scan by the manager. The entire exchange was undertaken in the presence of a witness and was done and dusted in under 5 minutes. I was escorted back to the security area where my possessions were returned to me. At this point I retrieved my boarding pass for presentation to the manager.
I thanked him for his professionalism and we parted company.
I was asked to step aside and wait for a security manager to come over. This took a minute or so and after we exchanged pleasantries he explained the procedure which would involve an invasive search but not a strip search. My personal effects laid out in two trays were moved out of harm's way and I was escorted into a back office.
I was given a DoT leaflet and a declaration form printed on Glasgow Airport letter head to read, provide my name in block letters and a signature. He also asked to see my boarding pass (which was not on my person). I was given a cursory pat down and wand scan by the manager. The entire exchange was undertaken in the presence of a witness and was done and dusted in under 5 minutes. I was escorted back to the security area where my possessions were returned to me. At this point I retrieved my boarding pass for presentation to the manager.
I thanked him for his professionalism and we parted company.
I asked for a supervisor, who came quickly and was very professional - and I had the exact same experience as Prospero.
Supervisor did say the female member of staff would be "re-trained"
May 18, 2015, 12:52 pm
#741
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 261
Does anyone know the situation at Luton? First time flying from LTN early tomorrow morning and heard they have acquired body scanner(s). Don't really have enough time to do an opt-out, so would ideally like to avoid it if possible.
May 28, 2015, 7:44 am
#742
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
Were there any at LTN?
May 28, 2015, 11:43 am
#743
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 261
Flew out from LTN last week. There is one MMW scanner between lanes 1 and 2 (the very left hand side). It is totally avoidable. The two entrance queues merge into one long line. At the very last "turn" of the queuing system, there are "right turns" into smaller queues for each lane. You can choose which one you prefer (lane 1 is the furthest from this point). There is a shouter telling people to go further down, but there are plenty of lanes on the way to turn into. From a distance it looked to only be used when passengers were setting off the WTMD.
I'm not sure where the priority entrance ended up, but I would hazard a guess it is at lane 1 or 2. But I cannot say this with any certainty.
Totally off-topic, but worth noting there are plenty (three) drinking water taps located immediately after security, so take an empty water bottle through if you want to avoid the "airport water tax".
Jun 20, 2015, 2:57 pm
#744
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
Gatwick South, June 2015
Last time we travelled through Gatwick south we were able to use the family lanes which didn't have a scanner that was visible, and had a generally pleasurable preflight experience.
This week, not so much. The family lanes have been moved to the left hand side (From Landside) of the rest of security. They happily separated us from all our belongings going through the x ray the went through the metal detector. Wife carrying baby went first and set it off, I went through and it triggered also. we are very thorough to make sure we dont set it off. we were asked to remove shoes and head through a scanner lane. Wife said no but they didnt make her stop in it with the baby. thought they would do the same with me but they asked me to stop in it. which i refused, much safety of the scanner talk from security ensued, i was then asked to sit and wait. A manager approached and asked what the problem was. 'i was asked to sit here'.
Again asking why i replied it is my right to opt out where i was warned the law may change in future. I was escorted at snails pace to the far right of the area to be patted down, something they could have done there and then. no witness was offered. the main security area had several scanners.
This week, not so much. The family lanes have been moved to the left hand side (From Landside) of the rest of security. They happily separated us from all our belongings going through the x ray the went through the metal detector. Wife carrying baby went first and set it off, I went through and it triggered also. we are very thorough to make sure we dont set it off. we were asked to remove shoes and head through a scanner lane. Wife said no but they didnt make her stop in it with the baby. thought they would do the same with me but they asked me to stop in it. which i refused, much safety of the scanner talk from security ensued, i was then asked to sit and wait. A manager approached and asked what the problem was. 'i was asked to sit here'.
Again asking why i replied it is my right to opt out where i was warned the law may change in future. I was escorted at snails pace to the far right of the area to be patted down, something they could have done there and then. no witness was offered. the main security area had several scanners.
Jun 20, 2015, 3:16 pm
#745
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Last time we travelled through Gatwick south we were able to use the family lanes which didn't have a scanner that was visible, and had a generally pleasurable preflight experience.
This week, not so much. The family lanes have been moved to the left hand side (From Landside) of the rest of security. They happily separated us from all our belongings going through the x ray the went through the metal detector. Wife carrying baby went first and set it off, I went through and it triggered also. we are very thorough to make sure we dont set it off. we were asked to remove shoes and head through a scanner lane. Wife said no but they didnt make her stop in it with the baby. thought they would do the same with me but they asked me to stop in it. which i refused, much safety of the scanner talk from security ensued, i was then asked to sit and wait. A manager approached and asked what the problem was. 'i was asked to sit here'.
Again asking why i replied it is my right to opt out where i was warned the law may change in future. I was escorted at snails pace to the far right of the area to be patted down, something they could have done there and then. no witness was offered. the main security area had several scanners.
This week, not so much. The family lanes have been moved to the left hand side (From Landside) of the rest of security. They happily separated us from all our belongings going through the x ray the went through the metal detector. Wife carrying baby went first and set it off, I went through and it triggered also. we are very thorough to make sure we dont set it off. we were asked to remove shoes and head through a scanner lane. Wife said no but they didnt make her stop in it with the baby. thought they would do the same with me but they asked me to stop in it. which i refused, much safety of the scanner talk from security ensued, i was then asked to sit and wait. A manager approached and asked what the problem was. 'i was asked to sit here'.
Again asking why i replied it is my right to opt out where i was warned the law may change in future. I was escorted at snails pace to the far right of the area to be patted down, something they could have done there and then. no witness was offered. the main security area had several scanners.
Indeed you are entitled to your opt out, and you will receive a pat down at the slowest pace available. All of your hand luggage and that of your companions could have been manually screened.
The metal detectors have a certain "random" rate at which they will go off, so it might not have been your "fault".
Jun 24, 2015, 4:45 am
#747
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Jun 24, 2015, 5:35 am
#748
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Brexile in ADB
Programs: BA, TK, HHonours, Le Club, Best Western Rewards
Posts: 7,067
So we need to watch out to see if government ministers go through these or do they get their daughters to do it by themselves...
Jun 24, 2015, 6:49 am
#749
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: 14,214
Airport staff are allowed to opt out and receive a standard search (i.e. in place and of the nature used for passengers who trigger a WTMD in a lane with no MMW). (Source: conversation with security manager at EDI, January 2014)
I will let you draw your own conclusions.
As an aside, a scanner has been installed at LHR T5B transit checkpoint.
I will let you draw your own conclusions.
As an aside, a scanner has been installed at LHR T5B transit checkpoint.
Jun 24, 2015, 8:09 am
#750
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
Last time we travelled through Gatwick south we were able to use the family lanes which didn't have a scanner that was visible, and had a generally pleasurable preflight experience.
This week, not so much. The family lanes have been moved to the left hand side (From Landside) of the rest of security. They happily separated us from all our belongings going through the x ray the went through the metal detector. Wife carrying baby went first and set it off, I went through and it triggered also. we are very thorough to make sure we dont set it off. we were asked to remove shoes and head through a scanner lane. Wife said no but they didnt make her stop in it with the baby. thought they would do the same with me but they asked me to stop in it. which i refused, much safety of the scanner talk from security ensued, i was then asked to sit and wait. A manager approached and asked what the problem was. 'i was asked to sit here'.
Again asking why i replied it is my right to opt out where i was warned the law may change in future. I was escorted at snails pace to the far right of the area to be patted down, something they could have done there and then. no witness was offered. the main security area had several scanners.
This week, not so much. The family lanes have been moved to the left hand side (From Landside) of the rest of security. They happily separated us from all our belongings going through the x ray the went through the metal detector. Wife carrying baby went first and set it off, I went through and it triggered also. we are very thorough to make sure we dont set it off. we were asked to remove shoes and head through a scanner lane. Wife said no but they didnt make her stop in it with the baby. thought they would do the same with me but they asked me to stop in it. which i refused, much safety of the scanner talk from security ensued, i was then asked to sit and wait. A manager approached and asked what the problem was. 'i was asked to sit here'.
Again asking why i replied it is my right to opt out where i was warned the law may change in future. I was escorted at snails pace to the far right of the area to be patted down, something they could have done there and then. no witness was offered. the main security area had several scanners.