New (Microwave) Scanners at FRA - No "opt-out"?
 

Just went through security at FRA A and went through the new scanner line.

Asked for a manual check, but was informed that no "opt-out" exists in Europe. However, was shown the metal detector line that I could have used.

Was advised that this "microwave" device was not the same as the US ones and was not as "harmful"...

Any info on this and current regulations?

Was advised that this would become mandatory throughout European airports...

I'd be interested to know the regulations on this one as I was under the impression that passenger could opt out of full body scanners in UK/Europe. Anybody know the answer?

I opt out regularly ie almost weekly in FRA with zero issue and the resulting check is far less invasive or rude than in America. Same holds true for the dozens of times I have opted out in AMS.

I often get funny comments opting out in FRA and DUS, including once case where I was told it would be reported to the police. I told them to go right ahead...

You apparently got told bull..

I would have asked for a superior.. those "security" guys seems to be on drugs since they've striked themselves to fairly high hourly wages..

2 months ago myself, my wife and our 6 month old went through security in FRA T2 where they only had one of these machines, no metal detectors (as the security is at the gates in the non-schengen section.

I went through alone, my wife passed me our daughter around the side and then she went through but they didn't know what to do about the baby! So in the end she was not checked at all.

Microwave , EMF = Bad for Body.

I'm highly sensitive to electromagnetic energy and have always opted out of any of those units and have been given a pat down.

No matter how 'safe' it claims it is, it isn't. My head literally burns when passing between two units.

It's not microwaves, it is millimeter waves. Does that change your reasoning, or is it just based on casual reading about the evils of "radiation"?

Do you use a cellphone? Sit near fluorescent light bulbs? Or are you only sensitive to the things that you think are bad?

I am sure there is a note at the check that for example pacemaker pax can opt out.

I encountered this miracle of safety techn:rolleyes:l:rolleyes:gy at FRA on Friday. The 'friendly' FRA safety dude noticed my :rolleyes: and volontarily offered me to go to the other station if didn't want to be milliwaved. ^

You can opt out anywhere in the European Union.

I think the most amusing experience I had was in IJK (Izhevsk, Russia). Security was a WTMD, but the lady manning the detector saw my insulin pump and motioned to take it off. My Russian doesn't extend to explaining insulin pumps but I showed her it was attached to me and couldn't come off. She then seemed to decide it was some kind of pacemaker, wouldn't let me through the WTMD, sent me round it and gave me the briefest wanding I have ever had.
I didn't even opt out:D

I experienced tingling all over my body after I was *forced* through one in an outstation in Denmark just a few days ago. Therefore, a +1 on this.

I get dull headaches after using a cellphone - try to hold it about 4 inches away from my head...

+1, in a way - that's what the guy indicated at FRA to me, but I already put my handluggage through his (millimeter) machine lane/line.

So far this is disputed at 2 airports in Europe...would like copies of some legislation.

Piece of cake:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/...canners_en.htm

They are legally required to allow an opt out. It is part of what allowed the scanners to be used in the EU.

The only place that does not allow an opt out of a body scanner at an airport check point is Australia (which to do so, the government backtracked on what they had promised, then ignored every single public comment on the matter). Even then, in the 3 years since they got forced on people departing Australia, I have yet to be forced into one.