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 Backscatter machines were previously used but withdrawn in 2012.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
#661
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,212
I was randomly selected at GLA this afternoon and in a fleeting moment of defiance, I informed the security employee I’d be opting out of the “request” of a secondary body scan.
I was asked to step aside and wait for a security manager to come over. This took a minute or so and after we exchanged pleasantries he explained the procedure which would involve an invasive search but not a strip search. My personal effects laid out in two trays were moved out of harm's way and I was escorted into a back office.
I was given a DoT leaflet and a declaration form printed on Glasgow Airport letter head to read, provide my name in block letters and a signature. He also asked to see my boarding pass (which was not on my person). I was given a cursory pat down and wand scan by the manager. The entire exchange was undertaken in the presence of a witness and was done and dusted in under 5 minutes. I was escorted back to the security area where my possessions were returned to me. At this point I retrieved my boarding pass for presentation to the manager.
I thanked him for his professionalism and we parted company.
I was asked to step aside and wait for a security manager to come over. This took a minute or so and after we exchanged pleasantries he explained the procedure which would involve an invasive search but not a strip search. My personal effects laid out in two trays were moved out of harm's way and I was escorted into a back office.
I was given a DoT leaflet and a declaration form printed on Glasgow Airport letter head to read, provide my name in block letters and a signature. He also asked to see my boarding pass (which was not on my person). I was given a cursory pat down and wand scan by the manager. The entire exchange was undertaken in the presence of a witness and was done and dusted in under 5 minutes. I was escorted back to the security area where my possessions were returned to me. At this point I retrieved my boarding pass for presentation to the manager.
I thanked him for his professionalism and we parted company.
#664
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
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I am able to advise that LHR T2 has one scanner at the main checkpoint which is at the rightmost lane. The fast track checkpoint is safe.
#665
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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#670
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
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I asked a mate who frequents MAN; his recollection is that every WTMD is paired with a MMW and you get directed for a scan if you beep the WTMD.
#673
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I don't think it can. With the exception of LGW South and perhaps EDI and BFS, no UK airport has enough scanners to do anything mad like use them as primary or otherwise increase the percentage, without gumming up security horrendously.
#674
Join Date: May 2006
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#675
Join Date: Nov 2010
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