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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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
Jan 3, 2016, 4:53 pm
#811
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: YYZ (ex-LHR)
Programs: BA Silver, VS Red, OZ Silver
Posts: 446
Had a fairly sassy encounter with a security operative at Gatwick South last month when the metal detector randomly selected me and I opted out. Got the usual 'you can't do that' stuff. Supervisor promptly arrived and was faultless.
The metal detectors were beeping well over 50% of people, instead of the 15% or whatever it's supposed to be.
What is the actual procedure for patting down someone who opts out? The treatment I received was just a regular pat down and a once over with a metal detector. Is that standard?
The metal detectors were beeping well over 50% of people, instead of the 15% or whatever it's supposed to be.
What is the actual procedure for patting down someone who opts out? The treatment I received was just a regular pat down and a once over with a metal detector. Is that standard?
Jan 6, 2016, 1:45 pm
#812
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
Had a fairly sassy encounter with a security operative at Gatwick South last month when the metal detector randomly selected me and I opted out. Got the usual 'you can't do that' stuff. Supervisor promptly arrived and was faultless.
The metal detectors were beeping well over 50% of people, instead of the 15% or whatever it's supposed to be.
What is the actual procedure for patting down someone who opts out? The treatment I received was just a regular pat down and a once over with a metal detector. Is that standard?
The metal detectors were beeping well over 50% of people, instead of the 15% or whatever it's supposed to be.
What is the actual procedure for patting down someone who opts out? The treatment I received was just a regular pat down and a once over with a metal detector. Is that standard?
Jan 23, 2016, 6:52 am
#813
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East Berlin
Posts: 1,533
Came through Heathrow T5 Fast Track (north) today. Went through the archway and it beeped. Opted out of the Pro Vision scan and supervisor (STL) called. Supervisor arrived and wanted to see my passport and boarding pass. I've not had this before when opting out.
Supervisor said it was a new procedure and she'd contact the police, who would need to confirm my details. She disappeared with my passport and flight details. After about half an hour (waiting at the entrance to security) another manager arrived. He returned my passport, rescanned my hand luggage and shoes then I was escorted for a private search. More questions on why I'd opted out.
Whole process took 45 minutes. By the time they'd finished, boarding had commenced, so I was very fortunate that I wasn't delayed any longer. I had advised the original supervisor of my flight times and she said; "you'll just have to sit and wait".
Not that busy at the airport and less than impressed with my experience.
Palmer
Supervisor said it was a new procedure and she'd contact the police, who would need to confirm my details. She disappeared with my passport and flight details. After about half an hour (waiting at the entrance to security) another manager arrived. He returned my passport, rescanned my hand luggage and shoes then I was escorted for a private search. More questions on why I'd opted out.
Whole process took 45 minutes. By the time they'd finished, boarding had commenced, so I was very fortunate that I wasn't delayed any longer. I had advised the original supervisor of my flight times and she said; "you'll just have to sit and wait".
Not that busy at the airport and less than impressed with my experience.
Palmer
Jan 23, 2016, 6:53 am
#814
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Urgh
Separately, how are the "police" going to confirm your details? Are they going to send a constable round to your address to look through the family photos??
If she meant, confirm the passport is valid with HM Passport Office, that's a different organization altogether.
Separately, how are the "police" going to confirm your details? Are they going to send a constable round to your address to look through the family photos??
If she meant, confirm the passport is valid with HM Passport Office, that's a different organization altogether.
Jan 23, 2016, 11:23 am
#815
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East Berlin
Posts: 1,533
Urgh
Separately, how are the "police" going to confirm your details? Are they going to send a constable round to your address to look through the family photos??
If she meant, confirm the passport is valid with HM Passport Office, that's a different organization altogether.
Separately, how are the "police" going to confirm your details? Are they going to send a constable round to your address to look through the family photos??
If she meant, confirm the passport is valid with HM Passport Office, that's a different organization altogether.
Palmer
Jan 24, 2016, 12:57 am
#816
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
This is the result of the UK being annoyed they cannot legally prevent anyone from flying just for opting out, and the fact that the legislation only states that as an alternative you will get "at least" a hand search. Being the paranoid police state they have become, they use that to the fullest extent.
Jan 24, 2016, 5:00 am
#817
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
This is the result of the UK being annoyed they cannot legally prevent anyone from flying just for opting out, and the fact that the legislation only states that as an alternative you will get "at least" a hand search. Being the paranoid police state they have become, they use that to the fullest extent.
Jan 29, 2016, 1:27 pm
#818
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
I wonder what happens if the passenger in question is flying domestically and not carrying a passport or any other ID? (BA does not require ID of any passenger who is travelling domestically or to DUB with hand luggage only.)
Jan 29, 2016, 3:45 pm
#819
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
If you introduce this kind of problem, security will have no idea what is going on. They will probably assume if you don't have a passport you can't get on the flight.
Jan 29, 2016, 4:05 pm
#820
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
I did get asked for my "travel documents" when I opted-out at EDI a couple of years ago, now that we mention it, and was travelling to LCY. I just showed my boarding pass which seemed to be satisfactory.
Feb 6, 2016, 5:38 am
#823
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 scanners are breeding. A single one in LHR T2's rightmost lane has become five in roughly every other lane in the main checkpoint and one in one of two lanes at the fast track. Today a barker was telling everyone which lane to go to too. Like most other UK implementations the scanners are set back behind the WTMD and if you beep the WTMD you get sent for a scan.
However, SDOO is generally achievable with care. When you get to the end of the tensabarrier queues, you can go left or right to choose a baggage X-ray and associated WTMD. This will usually end you up with a choice between a WTMD-only lane and a WTMD+MMW lane if you are careful. Fast track is a bad option as the WTMD-only lane is roped off unless it's heaving.
I write from the lounge having successfully done the above SDOO after I was directed between the two rightmost lanes, and went left to a WTMD-only lane – however, that lane was closed as I was picking up my stuff from the X-ray belt
Five minutes later and it would have been difficult.
However, SDOO is generally achievable with care. When you get to the end of the tensabarrier queues, you can go left or right to choose a baggage X-ray and associated WTMD. This will usually end you up with a choice between a WTMD-only lane and a WTMD+MMW lane if you are careful. Fast track is a bad option as the WTMD-only lane is roped off unless it's heaving.
I write from the lounge having successfully done the above SDOO after I was directed between the two rightmost lanes, and went left to a WTMD-only lane – however, that lane was closed as I was picking up my stuff from the X-ray belt
Five minutes later and it would have been difficult.
Feb 7, 2016, 11:12 am
#824
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 46
Looks like a new batch of implementations is underway. Does anybody have any updates from LGW North? The new checkpoint is set to open at some stage this year, is it open yet? Are there scanners? The old checkpoint was scanner free the last time I saw it, in September.
Feb 25, 2016, 1:50 pm
#825
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 261
A few updates from me:
STN and GLA remain as in the guide. Only one scanner at each. STN is easily avoidable. GLA also, but it appears they close most of the other lanes in the evening.
LHR T3 now has at least three scanners, from my vantage point. There may have been more, but I didn't see down the entire hall. They are only used as secondary on those who beep the WTMD. When I was there, each pair of open X-Ray belts has one WTMD and one body scanner. The closed belts had lanes without body scanners. The WTMD was doing a different beep (presumably "random" selection) every three or four people, so high chances of being asked to use the NoS, but easy to guess when to walk through to avoid the "random" beep.
STN and GLA remain as in the guide. Only one scanner at each. STN is easily avoidable. GLA also, but it appears they close most of the other lanes in the evening.
LHR T3 now has at least three scanners, from my vantage point. There may have been more, but I didn't see down the entire hall. They are only used as secondary on those who beep the WTMD. When I was there, each pair of open X-Ray belts has one WTMD and one body scanner. The closed belts had lanes without body scanners. The WTMD was doing a different beep (presumably "random" selection) every three or four people, so high chances of being asked to use the NoS, but easy to guess when to walk through to avoid the "random" beep.