Since when....
Sep 28, 2011 | 8:16 am
#16
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,265
The east security point had at least one of these monstrosities in use from 10:45PM-4:45AM. For a good portion of that time it was the only way through security.
Sep 29, 2011 | 7:54 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, CX DM, SQ Gold
Posts: 1,608
I did stuff a pair of socks into my underpants before I went to the airport just in case.
Sep 29, 2011 | 9:17 pm
#18
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,265
Sep 29, 2011 | 10:06 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, CX DM, SQ Gold
Posts: 1,608
For my HKG flights I had security BEFORE immigration (is that new or do I just not pay enough attention??) and then straight to lounge and from lounge to gate without further checks.
Sep 30, 2011 | 9:28 am
#20
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Copied and pasted this link from a thread in the Travel And Security forum:
http://nudeoscope.com/Brochure/5a.pdf
Note that this was produced for USA concerns, and verbiage about "Opt Out" of being scanned by the machines (which is one's right in the US) may not apply at BKK! But the technical part in the middle of the brochure is applicable and shows the machinery configurations, so you can recognize what one is when you see it.
A walk through metal detector (WTMD) we all know and love. The Millimeter Wave (MMW) is usually a glass tube or octagon or similar, that you stand inside. The Backscatter are two solid looking boxes that you stand between. The computer screen image and the operator/viewer are located remotely, though normally in fairly close proximity to the imaging point.
A huge problem with these machines, besides privacy and safety concerns, is logistical. First of all, they are much slower than a WTMD. Then there are so many issues with false positives and unclear images that a large number of people being imaged are having to be pulled aside and physically patted down anyway. This is the experience in the USA and I believe that it also was the experience in Germany, during the trial period which was recently ended and declared a failure by the Germans. Ultimately, these machines slow things down at the security queues.
If these start popping up in common usage at all BKK security points regular and transfer, we may have to upwardly adjust recommended time allowances for getting through the formalities to get airside or to make transfer connections.
http://nudeoscope.com/Brochure/5a.pdf
Note that this was produced for USA concerns, and verbiage about "Opt Out" of being scanned by the machines (which is one's right in the US) may not apply at BKK! But the technical part in the middle of the brochure is applicable and shows the machinery configurations, so you can recognize what one is when you see it.
A walk through metal detector (WTMD) we all know and love. The Millimeter Wave (MMW) is usually a glass tube or octagon or similar, that you stand inside. The Backscatter are two solid looking boxes that you stand between. The computer screen image and the operator/viewer are located remotely, though normally in fairly close proximity to the imaging point.
A huge problem with these machines, besides privacy and safety concerns, is logistical. First of all, they are much slower than a WTMD. Then there are so many issues with false positives and unclear images that a large number of people being imaged are having to be pulled aside and physically patted down anyway. This is the experience in the USA and I believe that it also was the experience in Germany, during the trial period which was recently ended and declared a failure by the Germans. Ultimately, these machines slow things down at the security queues.
If these start popping up in common usage at all BKK security points regular and transfer, we may have to upwardly adjust recommended time allowances for getting through the formalities to get airside or to make transfer connections.
Last edited by jiejie; Sep 30, 2011 at 9:34 am