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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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 30, 2015, 11:38 am
#766
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Sussex, England
Posts: 59
This appears somewhere way up the thread but it is worth posting again for the use of people having to traverse places like my nearest airport Gatwick. It's a Freedom of Information request with a very helpful reply saying what security staff are not in a position to demand from a passenger when opting out. I would print out the PDF reply that is available on this page and keep it with your passport:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque..._to_airport_bo
The crux of the reply from the Department of Transport is this:
Touch-wood I've never been manoeuvred into a NoS yet ... long may it continue.
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque..._to_airport_bo
The crux of the reply from the Department of Transport is this:
Is a passenger obliged to disclose any personal information whatsoever if he or she willingly submits to an alternative search after declining a body scan?
No. Please see the answer to question 2
also there is no such thing as a "consent form" or a need to fill one out or sign one if proffered by the airport security staff.No. Please see the answer to question 2
Touch-wood I've never been manoeuvred into a NoS yet ... long may it continue.
Jul 31, 2015, 4:08 pm
#767
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
This appears somewhere way up the thread but it is worth posting again for the use of people having to traverse places like my nearest airport Gatwick. It's a Freedom of Information request with a very helpful reply saying what security staff are not in a position to demand from a passenger when opting out. I would print out the PDF reply that is available on this page and keep it with your passport:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque..._to_airport_bo
The crux of the reply from the Department of Transport is this:
also there is no such thing as a "consent form" or a need to fill one out or sign one if proffered by the airport security staff.
Touch-wood I've never been manoeuvred into a NoS yet ... long may it continue.
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque..._to_airport_bo
The crux of the reply from the Department of Transport is this:
Is a passenger obliged to disclose any personal information whatsoever if he or she willingly submits to an alternative search after declining a body scan?
No. Please see the answer to question 2
Thank you so much. I can't express in words how handy this will come in at my next flight, which will probably be out of the 90% NoS Gatwick South. If you fly more than once a year, I would say that once LGW north has built its new security checkpoint, you will probably be sent towards a scanner, I'm afraid. I suppose we all now have exactly the right equipment for a fuss free opt-out now. No. Please see the answer to question 2
also there is no such thing as a "consent form" or a need to fill one out or sign one if proffered by the airport security staff.
Touch-wood I've never been manoeuvred into a NoS yet ... long may it continue.
Sep 18, 2015, 3:06 am
#768
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 2
Hi,
Just went through EMA and as a result of my (or rather, partner and child’s experience) found this website...
My memory is a bit hazy but I believe it was lanes 3 and 4 which had the NoS. It was an L3 ProVision.
Partner and child were hurried along while I moved items from luggage outside into trays. Child had a belt, partner had buckles on sandals. Belt was not visible but sandals were, she wasn’t reminded to take them off and put them in the tray. They went through the WTMD together and unsurprisingly it went off.
Partner told security staff they would go back through the WTMD separately, she was told no.
Partner was patted down by a female member of security staff then afterwards told to go into the NoS, not told any other information. I understand reading this website that while not informing you that you have the right to opt out and the right to request that the NoS is staffed by someone of the same sex appears to be normal, the first pat down before the NoS does not appear to be following procedure.
Child did not go into the NoS but was told to wait next to the NoS’s exit.
I came through WTMD afterwards and did not go off, by which time partner was leaving the NoS and told to wait there.
Partner was told to remove child’s shoes, child got slowly patted down and afterwards told to sit to one side on a chair.
Partner was then slowly wanded, paying special attention to the sandals.
Overheard someone, appeared to be in charge, telling other staff he likes to take his time and do things thoroughly.
Not the first unpleasant experience with EMA, when child was smaller they didn’t know how to accommodate babies at all well.
Perhaps someone knows in a situation like this exactly what your rights are? After reading around afterwards I believe as soon as the WTMD goes off you can ask for an alternate search to avoid excessive searching like this.
Just went through EMA and as a result of my (or rather, partner and child’s experience) found this website...
My memory is a bit hazy but I believe it was lanes 3 and 4 which had the NoS. It was an L3 ProVision.
Partner and child were hurried along while I moved items from luggage outside into trays. Child had a belt, partner had buckles on sandals. Belt was not visible but sandals were, she wasn’t reminded to take them off and put them in the tray. They went through the WTMD together and unsurprisingly it went off.
Partner told security staff they would go back through the WTMD separately, she was told no.
Partner was patted down by a female member of security staff then afterwards told to go into the NoS, not told any other information. I understand reading this website that while not informing you that you have the right to opt out and the right to request that the NoS is staffed by someone of the same sex appears to be normal, the first pat down before the NoS does not appear to be following procedure.
Child did not go into the NoS but was told to wait next to the NoS’s exit.
I came through WTMD afterwards and did not go off, by which time partner was leaving the NoS and told to wait there.
Partner was told to remove child’s shoes, child got slowly patted down and afterwards told to sit to one side on a chair.
Partner was then slowly wanded, paying special attention to the sandals.
Overheard someone, appeared to be in charge, telling other staff he likes to take his time and do things thoroughly.
Not the first unpleasant experience with EMA, when child was smaller they didn’t know how to accommodate babies at all well.
Perhaps someone knows in a situation like this exactly what your rights are? After reading around afterwards I believe as soon as the WTMD goes off you can ask for an alternate search to avoid excessive searching like this.
Sep 18, 2015, 7:34 am
#769
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
Since EMA is in the European Union, EU regulations apply. The use of the NoS is voluntary. If the WTMD is set off, the passenger can - at their discretion - accept the use of NoS or demand a manual search.
Are there any signs, posters, flyers, etc at EMA informing passengers of their rights with regards to the NoS?
Are there any signs, posters, flyers, etc at EMA informing passengers of their rights with regards to the NoS?
Sep 19, 2015, 9:46 am
#770
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
You don't have to remove your shoes unless asked in EU. I usually don't bother. However if they contain a lot of metal, it may be wise to remove them.
Sep 19, 2015, 2:15 pm
#771
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
There are no requirements in the UK for passengers to be informed, by notice or otherwise, of their right to opt-out.
Sep 19, 2015, 9:11 pm
#772
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
Before being screened by a security scanner, the passenger shall be informed of the technology used, the conditions associated to its use and the possibility to opt out from a security scanner.
Sep 20, 2015, 12:56 am
#773
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Barcelona, Catalunya
Posts: 2,108
<...> EU 1147/2011 (cf http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...LEX:32011R1147) very clearly stipulates that passengers must be informed:
Sep 20, 2015, 2:24 am
#774
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 2
I did try a quick search for the relevant UK legislation but I haven't found it yet.
Last edited by FrankA; Sep 20, 2015 at 2:58 am
Sep 20, 2015, 4:36 pm
#775
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
I am currently in the process of working with someone from the Marechaussee to get that corrected. If that fails I have lined up contacts within the European Commission to take action.
Sep 20, 2015, 4:37 pm
#776
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
Sep 21, 2015, 1:33 am
#777
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 genesis of this thread was the UK's failure to offer an opt out in the first place – the UK considers itself above EU law in a number of areas. Whilst the regulation has direct effect in the country, a private citizen wishing to take legal action would be hard-pressed to show actual damage, given that to know about the entitlement to information about opt-puts you probably need to know about opt-outs to start with.
I'll ask the moderators to split off-topic discussion about AMS to a different thread.
I'll ask the moderators to split off-topic discussion about AMS to a different thread.
Sep 21, 2015, 9:08 pm
#778
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
You do not have to show actual damage to press legal charges if you are not seeking damages. The EU has its own system for dealing with suspected violations of EU legislation and submitting cases is surprisingly simple.
Sep 22, 2015, 6:09 am
#779
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
I haven't seen any. If there are they aren't given the same prominence as posters about sharp objects, liquids, etc... Perhaps the UK legislation states that passengers being informed verbally is enough?
I did try a quick search for the relevant UK legislation but I haven't found it yet.
I did try a quick search for the relevant UK legislation but I haven't found it yet.
Another off-topic thing, but the worldwide thread about scanners is not being updated. If anyone could edit that wikipost to show the recently posted info, that would be great. DUS is almost totally scannered out. I found 1 WTMD lane at the A checkpoint. You can use that to go to any gate. They actually have a sign in German which says "Kontrolle durch den Körperscanner ist freiwillig", meaning "Screening through the body scanner is voluntary". At least they are doing it right.
Sep 22, 2015, 6:14 am
#780
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
The genesis of this thread was the UK's failure to offer an opt out in the first place – the UK considers itself above EU law in a number of areas. Whilst the regulation has direct effect in the country, a private citizen wishing to take legal action would be hard-pressed to show actual damage, given that to know about the entitlement to information about opt-puts you probably need to know about opt-outs to start with.
I'll ask the moderators to split off-topic discussion about AMS to a different thread.
I'll ask the moderators to split off-topic discussion about AMS to a different thread.