[I'm aware of existing threads on this topic, but this is a specific project for the full roll out of CT scanners in T5, work has started in T3 in a separate project].

I have some details of the roll out of CT scanners to LHR, which is mandated for all UK airports before June 2024. In the case of T5, the main project starts from 5 December.. The scanners have now arrived under HAL's control, and are going to be implemented in all areas of T5.

- 2 CT scanners in the First Wing
- 13 in South
- 13 in North
- 2 in T5B
- 1 in T5C (not sure why they are bothering, it's rarely open).

It's a huge project with demolition of Travelex shops, changes to lighting, removal and restoration of private search areas. It mainly happens overnight, in terms of removal of the existing ATix devices and replacement with the new CTix scanners. The process is complex and I've not seen exact dates, but in North they are starting from the middle outwards and in South from the northern end to the southern end. In main security there is an overall reduction in lanes by 1 or 3 lanes, depending on how you count them, the other areas remain at current strength.

Apart from Christmas it's usually a quiet period, but there may be some disruption while this all goes on.

Thanks for the heads up on this, corporate-wage-slave. The last few times I�ve been through T5N they�ve never had all the lanes open, so hopefully this won�t have too much of an impact.

You mention the new scanners are mandated by June 2024, but do you have any indication how long the works are intended to take? I guess there is at least the goal of getting them done well in advance of the deadline, but are we talking eg Easter?

Do you know when they will be installed in staff search areas?

My understanding is that there isn't a requirement to do this, so I don't think this is on the agenda at the moment. As you probably know there are some limited provisions to take liquids through staff areas - that may be improved since the regulatory landscape changes by July 2024. It would not surprise me if some old ATiX machines are stored for repairing (etc) the staff search zones but in the fullness of time these scanners will become obsolete and more to the point the software will not be updated.

Is there any indicative calendar of when the work will be completed in the various areas? I imagine they do them sequentially? Obviously particularly interested in knowing when the FW will finally have them installed!

I would expect to get more details nearer the time, at the moment I just know it starts on 5 December 2023 with the demolition of a Travelex shop.

Thanks for sharing. Presumably the travel pros around these parts will still remove liquids / cables / ipads etc to avoid chances of secondary screening in the early months?!

I recall from a previous discussion a rumour that the weight of the new scanners meant the floor of the terminal needed to be reinforced - did this prove to be false?

Only if you enjoy getting shouted at by security, I expect. Dublin airport has two CT scanners on the far left which I use when not fast track, and I get to choose between either leaving in my liquids and laptop and 100% of the time going to secondary screening, or taking them out and getting shouted at not to (by the Dublin crew who are a whole lot more friendly than the Heathrow ones).

I don't know, but it may explain why there aren't so many scanners in the new set up and the removal of surrounding structures. For T3, where I can see there is a realistic issue, I know that they are under-pinning some of the the columns in the building.

Ha! Using them in JER last week, I'd say more than 50% were going to secondary. It was all rather slow and painful

i look forward to the 2024 threads on massive queues for secondary if the LCY launch is any indicator!

My understanding from what I've heard via BA internal rumblings is that these new CT machines will be installed in BA crew security areas at least. When this'll happen I do not know and I have no info regarding other HAL staff security areas.

Now please excuse these stupid questions but this is not about the timing and I know that this is not BA specific

1) Am I correct in that liquids and gels do not need to taken out? Must they be in the same sort of containers or if the quantities change meaning that one take more that 100ml? Do the need to be in a freezer bag or make up case which is transparent?

2) I understand that laptops, Ipads and Kindles will not need to come out?

3) Will there be secondary screenings for those who have prosthetics such as hip replacement?. Him Indoors is always stopped.

4) This is happening in T5 - do we have any information concerning T3?

These are probably very basic and have been answered elsewhere so forgive me. Will this - at least in theory - make Security go quicker?

From the 'Lucy' webpage:

Get ready to speed through

Our security team check all hand baggage and clothing for dangerous or banned goods. To help with this process, please put any items you don�t need during the flight into your check-in luggage.

Baggage rules vary per airline and ticket type, so please check your airline's baggage guidelines before arriving at the airport.

Leave it in the bag

No more plastic bags! Our CT security scanners can now scan liquids and electronics inside hand baggage.

What to do at Security

Please follow the instructions from our security officers and shown on video screens as you pass through.

Leave liquids, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices inside hand luggage

Liquids and gels only allowed in containers of up to 2 litres in hand luggage

Only one cigarette lighter allowed per person

Declare camera film to the security officer before it enters the CT scanner

We appreciate your cooperation and wish you a great business trip or holiday!