Originally Posted by
Ruthalaska
Hi folks,
I will be travelling to/from LHR in April. (It's unavoidable). Can anyone tell me the status of the body scanners there? The sticky says random/secondary -- no opt out. Am I correct that this means I could be randomly chosen for a scan, and that if I alarm the WTMD I will definitely be chosen?
I am pregnant and I'm especially concerned about the possible health effects of the body scanner on my baby. Any chance they'll be sensitive to this concern and let me not be "randomly" chosen for a scan if I don't alarm the WTMD? If it matters, I'll be visibly pregnant by then. Would a letter from my doctor advising me to avoid the scanners help?
Thanks.
Unlike in the US, they aren't used that often, and at times are roped off.
From what I've seen and heard, the random selection doesn't usually include anyone who would visibly not be able to stand, hold arms a certain way, etc. I honestly cannot say that I've ever seen anyone selected who was pregnant so I'm not entirely sure what would happen in your case.
That said, if you are selected, there is no opt out at all. You go through or you don't fly.