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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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
Jul 3, 2014, 11:47 am
#676
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 80
stifle, based off what you said earlier, I assumed MAN still had a fair few scanners in use, so I would have put them in the same league as LGW south. What I feared was whether they would make them compulsory again, but that would be in clear violation of EU rules.
paulwuk,can you let us know what the scanner situation is like at MAN?
paulwuk,can you let us know what the scanner situation is like at MAN?
Jul 10, 2014, 10:26 am
#677
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 80
Update RE MAN.
Went through T3 on Sunday and only found one MMW scanner in use. It was at the one of the far left lanes. I went to far right lane(there was approx 11 lanes). People who set off the WTMD were just subject to a typical pat down. Would travel through MAN again if opportunity came along.
Went through T3 on Sunday and only found one MMW scanner in use. It was at the one of the far left lanes. I went to far right lane(there was approx 11 lanes). People who set off the WTMD were just subject to a typical pat down. Would travel through MAN again if opportunity came along.
Aug 17, 2014, 11:18 am
#678
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Hamburg
Posts: 60
first i have to say sorry for my bad english. this is also the reason i have a question. i read a lot of this thread and also the information above but i do not understand everything.
i will travel to edinburgh and would like to avoid the body scanner. is it still correct that bodyscanner are in lanes 5, 6, 7, and 8? how can i find the other ones and do i have the right to choose one?
are the other lanes safe or if the wtmd is triggered do i have to use a body scanner?
i read about the negative experience of stifle. do other people had the same experiences? do the pat down always take place in a separate room?
thank you so much advance.
i will travel to edinburgh and would like to avoid the body scanner. is it still correct that bodyscanner are in lanes 5, 6, 7, and 8? how can i find the other ones and do i have the right to choose one?
are the other lanes safe or if the wtmd is triggered do i have to use a body scanner?
i read about the negative experience of stifle. do other people had the same experiences? do the pat down always take place in a separate room?
thank you so much advance.
Aug 17, 2014, 1:13 pm
#679
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: 14,217
The lanes are clearly marked. You can choose your own lane to a certain extent by carefully following through the lines, but you will sometimes have a barker directing you to a certain line.
If you beep the WTMD at a scanner lane, you will be asked to get in the scanner. You can opt out per above. If you beep the WTMD at a non-scanner lane, you will be patted down in the traditional way.
If you beep the WTMD at a scanner lane, you will be asked to get in the scanner. You can opt out per above. If you beep the WTMD at a non-scanner lane, you will be patted down in the traditional way.
Aug 18, 2014, 12:39 pm
#680
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Hamburg
Posts: 60
The lanes are clearly marked. You can choose your own lane to a certain extent by carefully following through the lines, but you will sometimes have a barker directing you to a certain line.
If you beep the WTMD at a scanner lane, you will be asked to get in the scanner. You can opt out per above. If you beep the WTMD at a non-scanner lane, you will be patted down in the traditional way.
If you beep the WTMD at a scanner lane, you will be asked to get in the scanner. You can opt out per above. If you beep the WTMD at a non-scanner lane, you will be patted down in the traditional way.
thank you.
Aug 18, 2014, 2:16 pm
#681
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: 14,217
Yes, that is correct. The numbers relate to the x-ray machines and between each pair of machines is a metal detector lane, so there are six metal detector lanes in all.
Aug 19, 2014, 11:38 am
#682
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Hamburg
Posts: 60
Thank you again. Now I am a little bit confused. I thought the bodyscanner are in lanes 5, 6, 7, and 8? this would mean that they are all next to each other and no WTMD is between them?
Aug 20, 2014, 6:25 am
#683
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: 14,217
You're really overthinking this.
Behind the WTMDs for lanes 5-8 is a body scanner. If you beep the WTMD associated with a body scanner, you are sent for scanning as secondary. If you alarm the scanner, you are patted down in the indicated locations.
If you beep the WTMD in any other lane, you get a full pat-down.
Behind the WTMDs for lanes 5-8 is a body scanner. If you beep the WTMD associated with a body scanner, you are sent for scanning as secondary. If you alarm the scanner, you are patted down in the indicated locations.
If you beep the WTMD in any other lane, you get a full pat-down.
Nov 17, 2014, 1:20 pm
#684
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,213
Reporting another positive experience at GLA. After being randomly selected, I opted out of the body scanner today with a simple explanation - I won't be walking through the scanner, and am familiar with the secondary search procedure. No paperwork this time, just a quick brush down in the back office, a follow through with the wand and I was on my way. Secondary was done in about 3 minutes.
Dec 28, 2014, 5:56 am
#685
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: 14,217
Updated locations detail for EDI would be welcomed from any recent travellers as the checkpoint has been redesigned. Apparently they now have barkers choosing your lane for you so SDOOing is difficult.
Jan 1, 2015, 6:51 am
#686
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: 14,217
Warning about LHR T5 fast track
South security at LHR T5 has now gained a new MMW scanner in the fast track lane. Passengers entitled to fast track are advised to use north security and take a left after the boarding pass scan.
Feb 18, 2015, 5:31 am
#687
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Seniors Bus Pass
Posts: 5,531
LHR T5 South Fast Track L3ProVision experience this week
I had plenty of time before a flight this week so thought I would see what the current experience is like and report the update on stifle and Prospero's experiences when an opportunity presented itself.
Last month T5 South got a ProVision MMW (millimetre radio wave) scanner installed just after the walk through metal detector (WTMD) arch.
It should be noted that it is entirely possible to avoid ever going near the MMW scanner at LHR T5 by not using Fast Track at South security and just going through the normal South security and using lanes not fitted with the MMW scanners, or using Fast Track at North security.
On this occasion I entered and placed my bag on the new fast rollers followed by my iPad/liquids and suit jacket in separate trays. They shuttled off through the X-ray machine, were not selected for secondary security and went down the rollers to await my arrival. As I went through the WTMD I pinged and was asked to remove my shoes. They don't normally ping so I assume it was a random ping. I was then asked to step into the MMW scanner and I refused and asked for a hand search. I was asked why, and said I thought I had had too much radiation from these in the last few weeks so would prefer a hand search. I was asked to walk around the scanner and waited at the rear of the search area by the exit of the MMW scanner. All staff were exceedingly polite throughout the whole exercise.
I was given my shoes back by a member of staff. I could see my bag and clothing/iPad etc were sitting at the end of the rollers and expressed my corners as to their security. A security agent collected the three trays and placed them into the secondary check area until I could collect them. Then started a long palaver. The staff were polite at all stages and I have absolutely no complaint about the individuals I dealt with - but quite a bit about the "procedure".
I was kept waiting for about five minutes until a Supervisor in a suit arrived. He was told I wanted a private search. He went away and then reappeared a few minutes later. I was asked if I wanted a witness for the private search. I declined. I was then escorted by the two searchers to where they thought the private search room was. They were wrong! Another member of staff took directed them to the north side of the South security search area and we walked to where the shuttering is near the Boots chemist and back up a corridor to a door with a security keypad.
The two men then tried and failed to open the door using the PIN code which they openly recited to me as they tried again and failed. I waited with one man whilst the other went off and he returned citing the number again as he tried again to open the lock without success. I decided not to point out that these Simplex type locks should be cleared before you try again by lifting the lever - just in case they took it the wrong way!
At this point they decided to walk me to North Security as they knew the search room there was open. So off we went. We discussed issues with the system and I freely explained that I merely wanted to see what the system entailed. They agreed with me that the siting of the MMW machine is such that it is totally avoidable and this option is therefore a voluntary opt-in!
When we reached North security search room I was asked to read and sign a consent to search form, after quite a lengthy search for a consent form as none was to hand. I enquired if my reading ability was poor would they read it to me? Having been told they would, I had it read to me. I then signed it.
I was then given a pat-down search EXACTLY the same as we used to receive at the side of the WTMD when we "pinged" prior to the installation of the MMW device.
We then walked back to South security and in conversation on the way there the searchers explained that they would now subject ALL of my trays to a full secondary search. I enquired why this was and was told it was what they had been asked to do for all people who refused the MMW.
It seems to me that this is merely a punitive action as the bags had not been selected for secondary search and were cleared for collection BEFORE I refused the MMW. Indeed they could have been collected and gone to the lounge with a fellow traveller before the security staff realised they were mine!
Furthermore they also told me that if I were travelling with others, that ALL of their goods would ALSO be subject to a full secondary search. Let that be a warning to you. Let the others go through first, and let them gather your bag as you go last through the WTMD and they meet you later.
When we arrived back at South security my jacket bag and items were now subjected to a full secondary search and everything was swabbed. I then packed everything away and left for Galleries First for something to eat.
In all the whole process took just over 30 minutes.
There is a definite punitive element to the subsequent decision to do a full secondary baggage search in my opinion, as the refusal of the MMW may be for a variety of reasons - including medical or disability (inability to raise arms above the head, for example).
Since it is still optional whether you choose to go to a lane that contains a MMW machine is it remains theatrical security rather than practical security. I did point out in the discussions with the searchers that at Dusseldorf Airport the scanner is not optional so I was aware of the difference!
Thirty minutes of my life I won't get back, but I was only going to be hanging around at T5 anyway so it became one of life's little experiences and a new tale for FT
Last month T5 South got a ProVision MMW (millimetre radio wave) scanner installed just after the walk through metal detector (WTMD) arch.
It should be noted that it is entirely possible to avoid ever going near the MMW scanner at LHR T5 by not using Fast Track at South security and just going through the normal South security and using lanes not fitted with the MMW scanners, or using Fast Track at North security.
On this occasion I entered and placed my bag on the new fast rollers followed by my iPad/liquids and suit jacket in separate trays. They shuttled off through the X-ray machine, were not selected for secondary security and went down the rollers to await my arrival. As I went through the WTMD I pinged and was asked to remove my shoes. They don't normally ping so I assume it was a random ping. I was then asked to step into the MMW scanner and I refused and asked for a hand search. I was asked why, and said I thought I had had too much radiation from these in the last few weeks so would prefer a hand search. I was asked to walk around the scanner and waited at the rear of the search area by the exit of the MMW scanner. All staff were exceedingly polite throughout the whole exercise.
I was given my shoes back by a member of staff. I could see my bag and clothing/iPad etc were sitting at the end of the rollers and expressed my corners as to their security. A security agent collected the three trays and placed them into the secondary check area until I could collect them. Then started a long palaver. The staff were polite at all stages and I have absolutely no complaint about the individuals I dealt with - but quite a bit about the "procedure".
I was kept waiting for about five minutes until a Supervisor in a suit arrived. He was told I wanted a private search. He went away and then reappeared a few minutes later. I was asked if I wanted a witness for the private search. I declined. I was then escorted by the two searchers to where they thought the private search room was. They were wrong! Another member of staff took directed them to the north side of the South security search area and we walked to where the shuttering is near the Boots chemist and back up a corridor to a door with a security keypad.
The two men then tried and failed to open the door using the PIN code which they openly recited to me as they tried again and failed. I waited with one man whilst the other went off and he returned citing the number again as he tried again to open the lock without success. I decided not to point out that these Simplex type locks should be cleared before you try again by lifting the lever - just in case they took it the wrong way!
At this point they decided to walk me to North Security as they knew the search room there was open. So off we went. We discussed issues with the system and I freely explained that I merely wanted to see what the system entailed. They agreed with me that the siting of the MMW machine is such that it is totally avoidable and this option is therefore a voluntary opt-in!
When we reached North security search room I was asked to read and sign a consent to search form, after quite a lengthy search for a consent form as none was to hand. I enquired if my reading ability was poor would they read it to me? Having been told they would, I had it read to me. I then signed it.
I was then given a pat-down search EXACTLY the same as we used to receive at the side of the WTMD when we "pinged" prior to the installation of the MMW device.
We then walked back to South security and in conversation on the way there the searchers explained that they would now subject ALL of my trays to a full secondary search. I enquired why this was and was told it was what they had been asked to do for all people who refused the MMW.
It seems to me that this is merely a punitive action as the bags had not been selected for secondary search and were cleared for collection BEFORE I refused the MMW. Indeed they could have been collected and gone to the lounge with a fellow traveller before the security staff realised they were mine!
Furthermore they also told me that if I were travelling with others, that ALL of their goods would ALSO be subject to a full secondary search. Let that be a warning to you. Let the others go through first, and let them gather your bag as you go last through the WTMD and they meet you later.
When we arrived back at South security my jacket bag and items were now subjected to a full secondary search and everything was swabbed. I then packed everything away and left for Galleries First for something to eat.
In all the whole process took just over 30 minutes.
There is a definite punitive element to the subsequent decision to do a full secondary baggage search in my opinion, as the refusal of the MMW may be for a variety of reasons - including medical or disability (inability to raise arms above the head, for example).
Since it is still optional whether you choose to go to a lane that contains a MMW machine is it remains theatrical security rather than practical security. I did point out in the discussions with the searchers that at Dusseldorf Airport the scanner is not optional so I was aware of the difference!
Thirty minutes of my life I won't get back, but I was only going to be hanging around at T5 anyway so it became one of life's little experiences and a new tale for FT
Last edited by antichef; Feb 18, 2015 at 5:37 am
