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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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
Jun 7, 2013, 4:04 pm
#556
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 80
When did this start, and are you referring to T5 South with the location of the NoS? I was at LHR T5 2 weeks ago and it looked normal and were even switched off. Hopefully it will be sorted by the middle of July.
Jun 14, 2013, 2:02 pm
#558
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 403
What Percent Chance of Getting through LHR T1?
Flying into LHR from the USA this week on business.
Returning the following week on UA from T1.
I refuse to be scanned by the MMW
I have a Eurostar booked to Paris that night in case I am selected for the MMW, and a flight booked home from Paris for the next day.
In your opinion, assuming that I do nothing stupid with metal on my body, what is the percentage chance that I get through LHR T1 security without being selected for MMW?
THANKS!
Returning the following week on UA from T1.
I refuse to be scanned by the MMW
I have a Eurostar booked to Paris that night in case I am selected for the MMW, and a flight booked home from Paris for the next day.
In your opinion, assuming that I do nothing stupid with metal on my body, what is the percentage chance that I get through LHR T1 security without being selected for MMW?
THANKS!
Jun 17, 2013, 8:06 am
#560
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,455
Jun 26, 2013, 5:03 am
#561
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 403
LHR T1 MMW Info from Supervisors
Yesterday I traveled from UK to USA via T1. I had Fastrack so MMW was not an issue but as I am considering other visits to the UK and also potential LHR transits, I went out of my way to speak with supervisors about the MMW situation at both the landside security and transit security.
T1 Landside security: Supervisor said that MMW is not always used when WTMD beeps. I saw one guy who got beeped and was then "wanded". BUT supervisor said that as one is leaving the security area there is a MMW where some peodple are being RANDOMLY selected for the MMW. This may not be news, but I thought I had read every post and don't recall reading this.
So there is definitely the chance that one will be selected for MMW at T1 landside security even if one does not beep the WTMD.
and there is also the chance that you can beep the WTMD and not be directed to the MMW.
T1 Transit security: Spoke with a supervisor there (i walked to the exit area of the security area and asked to speak to a supervisor) and he confirmed that MMW is only being used when transit passengers beep the WTMD. No randoms.
T1 Landside security: Supervisor said that MMW is not always used when WTMD beeps. I saw one guy who got beeped and was then "wanded". BUT supervisor said that as one is leaving the security area there is a MMW where some peodple are being RANDOMLY selected for the MMW. This may not be news, but I thought I had read every post and don't recall reading this.
So there is definitely the chance that one will be selected for MMW at T1 landside security even if one does not beep the WTMD.
and there is also the chance that you can beep the WTMD and not be directed to the MMW.
T1 Transit security: Spoke with a supervisor there (i walked to the exit area of the security area and asked to speak to a supervisor) and he confirmed that MMW is only being used when transit passengers beep the WTMD. No randoms.
Jul 1, 2013, 8:53 am
#562
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT G (1MM);DL G, UA GM
Posts: 2,028
Just a couple of hours ago I had to go through the MMW scanner in T3 -- my first time ever through a scanner. 
I don't transit LHR that often (2-3 times/year) but it was the first time I'd seen a scanner in T3, and the staff looked eager to use it. My shoes (I think) alarmed, and that was that. Anomalies were found, and I had my second quite thorough groping of the day. 
At LHR sterile gloves are at the option of the screener. It apparently had never occurred to my screener that she might not want to touch dozens if not hundreds of people with her bare hands. 
I don't transit LHR that often (2-3 times/year) but it was the first time I'd seen a scanner in T3, and the staff looked eager to use it. My shoes (I think) alarmed, and that was that. Anomalies were found, and I had my second quite thorough groping of the day. At LHR sterile gloves are at the option of the screener. It apparently had never occurred to my screener that she might not want to touch dozens if not hundreds of people with her bare hands.
Jul 4, 2013, 6:59 pm
#563
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: YVR
Posts: 80
Two patdowners ready to go, one male and one female. Felt like screening at CDG.
Jul 17, 2013, 5:41 pm
#564
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Sussex, England
Posts: 59
So to summarise the current knowledge:
LHR T1: Scanner near left exit of security, selection appears to be random. Transit and zone K safe.
LHR T3: Scanner on the right near main exit of security, selection appears to be random. Transit checkpoint has scanner but no further known details. Fast track usually avoids.
LHR T4: Scanner in the centre. Selection criteria unknown.
LHR T5: Scanners roughly in the centre of north and south checkpoints. North includes transit. Used as secondary screening in lieu of pat-down if WTMD triggered. Fast track avoids.
LGW TN: Scanner present, location and details unknown. Fast track avoids.
LGW TS: Scanner at right-hand end of security checkpoint. Criteria unknown. Fast track avoids but SDOO easy.
BHX: Scanner in lanes 2/3, used as secondary screening in lieu of pat-down if WTMD triggered. Fast track goes into lane 1 but this could be roped off if quiet and lane 2 used instead.
MAN: Scanners all over the dang place, used as secondary screening in lieu of pat-down if WTMD triggered.
EDI: Scanner at the far left end, apparently random selection.
STN, BFS, LCY, GLA: No details known, please contribute!
LHR T1: Scanner near left exit of security, selection appears to be random. Transit and zone K safe.
LHR T3: Scanner on the right near main exit of security, selection appears to be random. Transit checkpoint has scanner but no further known details. Fast track usually avoids.
LHR T4: Scanner in the centre. Selection criteria unknown.
LHR T5: Scanners roughly in the centre of north and south checkpoints. North includes transit. Used as secondary screening in lieu of pat-down if WTMD triggered. Fast track avoids.
LGW TN: Scanner present, location and details unknown. Fast track avoids.
LGW TS: Scanner at right-hand end of security checkpoint. Criteria unknown. Fast track avoids but SDOO easy.
BHX: Scanner in lanes 2/3, used as secondary screening in lieu of pat-down if WTMD triggered. Fast track goes into lane 1 but this could be roped off if quiet and lane 2 used instead.
MAN: Scanners all over the dang place, used as secondary screening in lieu of pat-down if WTMD triggered.
EDI: Scanner at the far left end, apparently random selection.
STN, BFS, LCY, GLA: No details known, please contribute!
There are three entrances to the screening area that are in a row adjacent to each other (let's call them "Left", "Middle" and "Right", as viewed from landside), each leading to around five lanes each.
These numbers might be slightly off, but "Left" entrance led to lanes 1-5, "Middle" to lanes 6-10, and "Right" to lanes 11-15.
There was one scanner visible: it was between the Left and Middle entrances, i.e. between lanes 5 and 6.
To avoid it, enter security/go through to departures using the third (right-hand) entrance.
Jul 26, 2013, 3:59 am
#567
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 80
GLA and LHR T5
Last month I travelled through GLA and the scanner was towards the LHS of the security screening area. When I was there, you could pick a lane for yourself and I went to the one farthest away from the scanner (there was 5 or 6 open and it was 08:30). Myself and my party of 6 got through the security search without getting searched and it didnt appear that people were getting picked out from other lanes to go through the scanner. People in that lane did appear to be fed through it, although I didnt watch it the whole time and I wasnt sure whether those where ones who set off the WTMD. The ones who set off the WTMD in my lane and the ones closest to it appeared to recieve patdowns instead.
Last week, I transited through LHR T5 and it appeared to be what stifle has summed up. Again, myself and my party of 6 got through without any issues and I think people got patdowns in our lanes. You could self-pick your lane after the passport checks during transit.
Last week, I transited through LHR T5 and it appeared to be what stifle has summed up. Again, myself and my party of 6 got through without any issues and I think people got patdowns in our lanes. You could self-pick your lane after the passport checks during transit.
Jul 30, 2013, 4:58 pm
#569
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 80