EU sets limits on body scanners
Nov 14, 2011 | 10:39 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Marriott Plat
Posts: 968
EU sets limits on body scanners
This should force the UK to make them optional, at a minimum.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45286987.../#.TsFRWFb4KUs
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45286987.../#.TsFRWFb4KUs
Nov 14, 2011 | 11:21 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Salish Sea
Programs: DL,AC,HH,PC
Posts: 8,972
One hopes so, but I imagine the DfT will balk, delay and argue. Don't expect any changes soon 
.
I suppose a real strip search could be the only offered alternative. Doesn't say 'acceptable'.
.
passengers must be informed and be given the right to choose an alternative method of screening.
Nov 14, 2011 | 1:49 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Europe & Indonesia
Programs: BAEC Gold, LH SEN, EK ex-Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 11,571
HAM ran a trial on scanners until not too long ago. As far as I know it was discontinued because of too many false positives. The test involved a different technology than what is used at US airports I think.
Nov 14, 2011 | 4:32 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney (for now), GVA (only in my memories)
Programs: QF Lifetime Silver (big whoop)
Posts: 9,352
The technology tested and rejected by Germany was the millimetre wave (MMW = radio) technology, exactly as used in many US airports. The US also uses backscatter (= x-ray = ionizing radiation) scanners.
Nov 14, 2011 | 4:47 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Europe & Indonesia
Programs: BAEC Gold, LH SEN, EK ex-Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 11,571
There have been several threads here, often started by exbayern quoting German news sources. There were false positives caused by pleats, zippers, sweat stains and posture. According to one report, most passengers either needed a second scan or a patdown, or both.
The technology tested and rejected by Germany was the millimetre wave (MMW = radio) technology, exactly as used in many US airports. The US also uses backscatter (= x-ray = ionizing radiation) scanners.
The technology tested and rejected by Germany was the millimetre wave (MMW = radio) technology, exactly as used in many US airports. The US also uses backscatter (= x-ray = ionizing radiation) scanners.
Nov 15, 2011 | 2:39 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: AA ex-EXP (buh-bye!), HH Gold, SPG Gold, UM Go Blue
Posts: 543
This is a cross post from the other part of the forum - this is so confusing - but EU has not really set limits, they have put some guidelines in places so that more body scanners can be deployed all over Europe. Currently, in most European airports, there are none, just WTMD.
Wall Street Journal: EU's Airports to Use Full-Body Scans
from the WSJ article:
from the AP article:
The only good thing about this is that they are apparently limiting it to MMW:
I guess it depends on your point of view. I like the current system with WTMD much better, thank you.
Wall Street Journal: EU's Airports to Use Full-Body Scans
from the WSJ article:
"The new legislation legally allows member states and airports to replace current security systems with security scanners," the commission said.
The European Union adopted new guidelines Monday on using body scanners at airports, hoping to address the privacy concerns that have delayed their implementation across the continent.
And in order not to risk citizens' health and safety, only security scanners that do not use X-ray technology can be used at EU airports.
Nov 15, 2011 | 9:55 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: AA ex-EXP (buh-bye!), HH Gold, SPG Gold, UM Go Blue
Posts: 543
At least Germany is exercising some rational thinking and not implementing them at all.
Nov 15, 2011 | 3:34 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BOS
Programs: DL PM, Hertz Gold Plus, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,049
Consumerist ran a short article on this today - and they included a direct link to the "Complete List of Airports with Whole Body Imaging/Advanced Imaging Technology Scanner" thread. ^