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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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
May 12, 2011, 4:38 pm
#76
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SJC
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Posts: 1,628
This is why they should allow opt-out. I suspect TSA is going to use that as an excuse to avoid any responsibility when it's proven how dangerous these things are. Passengers didn't HAVE to use the machine, they could have opted out, so it's all their fault they have cancer now.
May 12, 2011, 7:08 pm
#77
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May 13, 2011, 3:05 am
#78
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There's only one or two NOSs per terminal in the UK airports that have them (not even one per checkpoint). They are not used as primary, only (in LHR/LGW) for people randomly selected by a roaming clerk, or (in MAN) for people who alarm the WTMD at checkpoint number 5 (only).
May 14, 2011, 10:54 am
#80
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I assume anyone committing the offenses of FWB or FWAIA will be more likely to get picked.
May 14, 2011, 11:04 am
#81
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Programs: FB Ivory, BD Silver, BAEC Silver, HHonors Gold, Goldpoints plus Silver
Posts: 154
SFO
Flew SFO-LAS 2 weeks ago. Went to an empty security line only to find out it was the full body scanner one (not
Visible from outside) after having passport and boarding pass
Checked.
Funny thing is that it seemed to take longer than the normal screening process: you are scanned then have to wait for a few minutes whilst the security agent gets the all clear or not from a walkie talkie (the agent who can see the naked images is in another location and cannot see the passenger in the flesh). If there's a problem, he has to tell the
Screening agent where to look and the passenger is scanned again until cleared. Time consuming!
Is it the same in the UK? Seems a bit ridiculous since the whole point of this scanner is to
Accelerate the process, not to delay it!!
Visible from outside) after having passport and boarding pass
Checked.
Funny thing is that it seemed to take longer than the normal screening process: you are scanned then have to wait for a few minutes whilst the security agent gets the all clear or not from a walkie talkie (the agent who can see the naked images is in another location and cannot see the passenger in the flesh). If there's a problem, he has to tell the
Screening agent where to look and the passenger is scanned again until cleared. Time consuming!
Is it the same in the UK? Seems a bit ridiculous since the whole point of this scanner is to
Accelerate the process, not to delay it!!
May 14, 2011, 12:26 pm
#82
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: where the chile is hot
Programs: AA,RR,NW,Delta ,UA,CO
Posts: 41,714
Flew SFO-LAS 2 weeks ago. Went to an empty security line only to find out it was the full body scanner one (not
Visible from outside) after having passport and boarding pass
Checked.
Funny thing is that it seemed to take longer than the normal screening process: you are scanned then have to wait for a few minutes whilst the security agent gets the all clear or not from a walkie talkie (the agent who can see the naked images is in another location and cannot see the passenger in the flesh). If there's a problem, he has to tell the
Screening agent where to look and the passenger is scanned again until cleared. Time consuming!
Is it the same in the UK? Seems a bit ridiculous since the whole point of this scanner is to
Accelerate the process, not to delay it!!
Visible from outside) after having passport and boarding pass
Checked.
Funny thing is that it seemed to take longer than the normal screening process: you are scanned then have to wait for a few minutes whilst the security agent gets the all clear or not from a walkie talkie (the agent who can see the naked images is in another location and cannot see the passenger in the flesh). If there's a problem, he has to tell the
Screening agent where to look and the passenger is scanned again until cleared. Time consuming!
Is it the same in the UK? Seems a bit ridiculous since the whole point of this scanner is to
Accelerate the process, not to delay it!!
May 15, 2011, 3:34 am
#83
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
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In LHR it is the same with the clerk in the viewing booth having to phone through to the clerks at the NOS to confirm the pax is clear. In MAN, there is an automated system which either confirms "clear" or indicates a part of the pax to hand search. Don't know about LGW. Since NOSs are not currently used as primary in the UK, it doesn't slow the lines down as much; certainly in LHR if they are clearing an "anomaly" from the NOS then nobody else will be selected until that person is cleared.
May 15, 2011, 4:47 pm
#84
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1
Manchester T3 - Strip search isn't an option
Today I stupidly set off the metal detector with a steel bracelet. Upon being asked to enter the body scanner I requested a pat down and was refused. I then asked to speak to a supervisor who said the same thing. I even asked for a strip search but was told I had failed the WTMD so it was either scan or no fly. Every one was very polite but exceptionally vague when I asked what legislation permitted them to demand this and when it was enacted.
Whatever happened to removing the offending piece of metal and going thru the metal detector again? Just the brain dead nature of it all is appalling and adds nothing to the security against determined terrorists. (Anyone remember when razorblades were still in aircraft toilets long after metal cutlery was banned?)
FWIW The reason I declined was having read a recent Manchester Evening News article about a radiographer (Anthony Hall "there's no such thing as a safe X-ray") and I am interested in the whole pat down debate going on in the States. I had NO IDEA there was no opt out in the UK and had assumed that the Muslim women were refused for not accepting a pat down.
Of course I caved, I'm flying on business and don't think my client would be too impressed at any anti-radiation/ethical concerns :-|
VERY disappointed with the UK stance on civil liberties. What with the compulsory census or you get a criminal record bully boy tactics, bar coded ballot papers, PCSOs who are not under oath etc :-@
Whatever happened to removing the offending piece of metal and going thru the metal detector again? Just the brain dead nature of it all is appalling and adds nothing to the security against determined terrorists. (Anyone remember when razorblades were still in aircraft toilets long after metal cutlery was banned?)
FWIW The reason I declined was having read a recent Manchester Evening News article about a radiographer (Anthony Hall "there's no such thing as a safe X-ray") and I am interested in the whole pat down debate going on in the States. I had NO IDEA there was no opt out in the UK and had assumed that the Muslim women were refused for not accepting a pat down.
Of course I caved, I'm flying on business and don't think my client would be too impressed at any anti-radiation/ethical concerns :-|
VERY disappointed with the UK stance on civil liberties. What with the compulsory census or you get a criminal record bully boy tactics, bar coded ballot papers, PCSOs who are not under oath etc :-@
May 15, 2011, 11:21 pm
#85
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 12
That's a bit worrying. I would say that I set off the metal detector about half the time although I'm always pretty careful not to have any metal on me.
May 16, 2011, 5:04 am
#86
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MAN is tricky. It's got the only backscatter scanners in the UK. However it is usually not too hard to self-directed opt-out by avoiding security line number 5.
The UK in general has never been big on sending people back through the WTMD when they alarm. Indeed, at LHR once I went through, beeped, realised immediately that I had my mobile phone in my pocket, went back through to put it in the X-ray, and the clerk said "I'm still going to search you" and did so, even though I didn't trigger the WTMD second time around.
Edit: I have become aware that there are backscatter machines at LHR T5 as well, in case anyone reads this later.
The UK in general has never been big on sending people back through the WTMD when they alarm. Indeed, at LHR once I went through, beeped, realised immediately that I had my mobile phone in my pocket, went back through to put it in the X-ray, and the clerk said "I'm still going to search you" and did so, even though I didn't trigger the WTMD second time around.
Edit: I have become aware that there are backscatter machines at LHR T5 as well, in case anyone reads this later.
Last edited by stifle; Aug 5, 2011 at 1:34 am
May 17, 2011, 1:14 am
#87
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Flying Blue, easyJet Plus (!)
Posts: 1,762
Today I stupidly set off the metal detector with a steel bracelet. Upon being asked to enter the body scanner I requested a pat down and was refused. I then asked to speak to a supervisor who said the same thing. I even asked for a strip search but was told I had failed the WTMD so it was either scan or no fly. Every one was very polite but exceptionally vague when I asked what legislation permitted them to demand this and when it was enacted.
Neil
May 17, 2011, 2:27 am
#88
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The legislation is secondary legislation, a series of directives from the Secretary of State for Transport to the airport operators under the Aviation Security Act, 1982. Full details here.
May 17, 2011, 11:15 am
#89
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MAN/BHX
Programs: ABBA
Posts: 6,027
In November, when I was legally assaulted with ionising radiation (despite not setting off the metal detector for the first time in years), I asked for an opt out (no), and then asked if it was an MMW or Backscatter. The goon, and his supervisor, had no idea, gave me a piece of paper, and told me it used a combination of Backscatter and MMW!
Complaint to BAA went "we dont discuss security matters, perfectly safe, blah blah blah". No addressing of my concerns with their untrained staff.
That was at T5 South. I always use T5 north now, which appears to not have a murder booth.
Complaint to BAA went "we dont discuss security matters, perfectly safe, blah blah blah". No addressing of my concerns with their untrained staff.
That was at T5 South. I always use T5 north now, which appears to not have a murder booth.
May 17, 2011, 7:57 pm
#90
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GVA
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T5 North has a MMW scanner which is only used as a secondary device. It's located after the main security lines, next to the escalator which takes you back down to the main departure lounge.