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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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 21, 2011, 7:07 pm
#16
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,656
You don't seem to understand the way the system works in the UK. If you want to claim a medical exemption, the burden of proof lies with you to satisfy the security personnel that you qualify for this. This could take the form of a simple statement or could require written authentication from a medical professional. Misrepresentation of your circumstances at any point during this process is a crime and is treated accordingly. Simply choosing to "opt out" as personal preference is not an option. You may of course choose not to proceed with the screening and complete your journey via alternate means.
Feb 21, 2011, 7:46 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: North of DFW
Programs: AA PLT, HH Gold, TSA Disparager Gold, going for Platnium
Posts: 1,535
Throwing DYWFT will be taken as making a terroristic threat so even more reason to bring in LE for a complaint/report.
Feb 21, 2011, 7:58 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 121
We have to plan travel far more carefully these days to avoid these new airport dangers and hassles.
Feb 21, 2011, 8:48 pm
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: USA
Programs: UA/CO(1K-PLT), AA(PLT), QR, EK, Marriott(PLT), Hilton(DMND)
Posts: 9,538
I've been flying exclusively in and out of T1 since this monstrosity was implemented at LHR. The machine itself is to the far left of the checkpoint area in T1, so if you are using the premium lane (red tagged), which is to the far right of the checkpoint area, the clerks would have to physically walk you all the way over to the other side for a scan. If you know anything about the work ethic here, you know there's a slim chance of anyone walking five paces more than they need to unless there's a tea break or a cigarette involved. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that as long as you have access to the premium/fast track lane, your chance of winding up in no-opt out hell is slim.
Feb 22, 2011, 2:44 am
#20
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
but making that comment will get the offender a complaint filed with the local medical board for practicing medicine without a license. Considering what i went through to get and maintain my credentials im not going to let some mcdonalds reject get away with what is in every state in the US and most countries throughout the world is a crime with stiff penalties.
Throwing DYWFT will be taken as making a terroristic threat so even more reason to bring in LE for a complaint/report.
Throwing DYWFT will be taken as making a terroristic threat so even more reason to bring in LE for a complaint/report.
And I'm sorry, but the suggestion that a security screener giving the DYWFT line is a terroristic threat is specious.
*Metropolitan Police Service, police force of London
**National Health Service, closest UK equivalent to a medical board
Feb 22, 2011, 7:50 am
#21
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GVA
Programs: BA Gold, LH FTL, KL/AF Ivory
Posts: 1,878
As a matter of interest what status do the security staff at UK airports have? Are they employees of BAA or whoever operates the airport? Do they work for a private security firm? Presumably they have nothing to do with the police? And therefore have no right to detain you?
Feb 22, 2011, 8:44 am
#23
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Flying Blue, easyJet Plus (!)
Posts: 1,762
As a matter of interest what status do the security staff at UK airports have? Are they employees of BAA or whoever operates the airport? Do they work for a private security firm? Presumably they have nothing to do with the police? And therefore have no right to detain you?
Neil
Feb 22, 2011, 8:56 am
#24
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
Right. They might be contractors rather than airport operator staff, but there will generally be police around, who at larger airports will generally be packing sub-machine guns and/or semi-automatics. If you try to run through security, you can expect a terminal dump (unless you are currently starring in Love Actually).
Feb 25, 2011, 8:10 am
#25
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: FKB
Programs: Skymiles - FO
Posts: 207
NoS status at MAN
Does anyone have any information on how to avoid the NoS at MAN? Original information has them only in T2. Are T1 and T3 still safe? If not, how best to avoid being accosted and forced off a flight?
Feb 25, 2011, 9:01 am
#26
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
Backscatter machines have recently gone in at MAN T1 and T3, so there is no longer any safe checkpoint as far as I am aware. They are used liberally on anyone who alarms the WTMD (and in the UK, WTMDs are set to alarm on every 10 or so pax, just to keep people on their toes).
I am flying MAN/LHR in two weeks and will try to report back. If selected then complying may be necessary to avoid severe repercussions from Mrs. Stifle who would very much like to be guested into the BD lounge
I am flying MAN/LHR in two weeks and will try to report back. If selected then complying may be necessary to avoid severe repercussions from Mrs. Stifle who would very much like to be guested into the BD lounge
Feb 25, 2011, 12:02 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,967
I didn't realise that MAN used backscatter - I was of the apparently mistaken belief that the UK used MMW.
I have copied FriendlySkies on the post to update the sticky at the top of the TS&S forum but I am certain that many of us would appreciate your update from MAN. Best of luck!
I have copied FriendlySkies on the post to update the sticky at the top of the TS&S forum but I am certain that many of us would appreciate your update from MAN. Best of luck!
Feb 25, 2011, 1:08 pm
#28
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 121
In the latter case, that's an awful high rate of false positives to slow down the line and get the security lax to finding nothing IMO. In the first case, it should be set at whatever sensitivity is needed to detect a knife-size slab of metal moving through at normal walking speed.
Feb 25, 2011, 2:24 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 959
Do you mean they keep adjusting the sensitivity of the WTMD up/down so statistically 1 out of 10 set it off, or that it randomly goes off for about 1 of every 10 person even if the sensor didn't sense metal?
In the latter case, that's an awful high rate of false positives to slow down the line and get the security lax to finding nothing IMO. In the first case, it should be set at whatever sensitivity is needed to detect a knife-size slab of metal moving through at normal walking speed.
In the latter case, that's an awful high rate of false positives to slow down the line and get the security lax to finding nothing IMO. In the first case, it should be set at whatever sensitivity is needed to detect a knife-size slab of metal moving through at normal walking speed.
Feb 25, 2011, 2:52 pm
#30
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2
I had to fly from Manchester terminal 1 the other day and can confirm that the nude-o-scope is in use. 
There seems to be a lot of misinformation about the naked scanners in news reports so I thought I would clear up a few things. Firstly, the following article states that the scanners are only used when a passenger makes the metal detector arch beep.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/new...not-compulsory
This is not true at all. In fact, if you are in the lane where the scanner is (currently lane 5) then there is no archway to go through. Instead, after putting your belongings in a tray you immediately pass through some automatic doors into a sort of cubicle with the scanner in front of you. There is no way round so you have to go through the scanner. Of course, in the UK you cannot opt out of receiving a dose of potentially dangerous soft x-rays.
Next, these scanners are supposed to save time. This is not true. A queue was forming inside the cubicle in front of the scanner and the operating agent apologised for the delay. The scan itself took at least 10 seconds, probably more. In the past I have always found the metal detector arch plus a pat down very quick indeed but I suppose the UK authorities need to justify spending £80,000 each on these useless machines
. Considering the fact that 2 members of staff need to be employed, one to operate the machine and the other to view the porn, I can't see it being very economical.
Thirdly, many reports state that the nude-o-scopes avoid the need for passengers to remove their shoes. Wrong again. After going through the scanner you have to take your shoes off and put them through another x-ray machine. This all takes extra time before you can finally collect your carry on baggage.
There seems to be a lot of misinformation about the naked scanners in news reports so I thought I would clear up a few things. Firstly, the following article states that the scanners are only used when a passenger makes the metal detector arch beep.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/new...not-compulsory
This is not true at all. In fact, if you are in the lane where the scanner is (currently lane 5) then there is no archway to go through. Instead, after putting your belongings in a tray you immediately pass through some automatic doors into a sort of cubicle with the scanner in front of you. There is no way round so you have to go through the scanner. Of course, in the UK you cannot opt out of receiving a dose of potentially dangerous soft x-rays.
Next, these scanners are supposed to save time. This is not true. A queue was forming inside the cubicle in front of the scanner and the operating agent apologised for the delay. The scan itself took at least 10 seconds, probably more. In the past I have always found the metal detector arch plus a pat down very quick indeed but I suppose the UK authorities need to justify spending £80,000 each on these useless machines
. Considering the fact that 2 members of staff need to be employed, one to operate the machine and the other to view the porn, I can't see it being very economical.Thirdly, many reports state that the nude-o-scopes avoid the need for passengers to remove their shoes. Wrong again. After going through the scanner you have to take your shoes off and put them through another x-ray machine. This all takes extra time before you can finally collect your carry on baggage.