Body Scans @ the Airport?

Question

Does anyone know if the airports allow passengers alternatives to the full body scan now being used at airports? To me it's immodest to be scanned in such a manner and I was wondering if the security checks allow for alternative methods, for example, a body pat down and the traditional walk through the metal detecting arch. Also, I've heard that these scans emit 10 times more the amount of radiation of an x-ray.

Does anyone know?

Answer 1

yes yes you have a right not to go through it, they can not make you go through the scanner



but if you refuse to go through the scanner they will pat you down.

Answer 2

Where the body scanners have been introduced at Heathrow and Manchester airports in the UK, those selected to be scanned have to do so or they will not be allowed to fly.



The following are the main points from the Department of Transports guide on the use to protects passengers privacy:

1. The operator viewing the scan image will not see the passenger directly and will not see the passengers face in the scan image.

2. A passenger can request that the operator is of the same sex as the passenger.

3. After the scan image has been assessed, it will not be printed or saved in any way.

4. Any security officer involved in any further checks on the passenger will not have seen or have access to the scan image.



I think this guide will make people feel a bit easier. - plus, anything that improves security will make alot of people feel easier.

Answer 3

Probably depends on the airport. In the US, they are not deployed at all airports, and probably won't be for quite some time. I believe it is the intention that there is an alternative - such as a physical pat down.



There are two types of scanners - one that uses radio waves, and one that uses low energy x-rays. The radio wave types do nothing at all to you. Whoever told you that the x-ray types emit 10 times the dose of an ordinary x-ray is completely wrong.



The whole point of the body scanners is to bounce the radiation off of the skin back to the receiver, not to penetrate it. The energy must be at a very low level, and of the proper wavelength to do that. The exposure has been compared to the amount you would get naturally just by flying in an airplane at high altitudes.

Answer 4

I went through one in Amsterdam and there were no alternatives as you had to go through them to actually get to the other side of the security area, so I cannot figure out how that would work if you refuse, but I never asked the question either.



The way it was situated meant that no one except the security personnel could see the scan so I didn't find it intrusive at all.



I also found this article from the UK:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1247715/Passengers-refuse-body-scan-Heathrow-Manchester-airports-barred-flights.html

Answer 5

Wrong. They have much much LESS radiation than an x-ray.

Answer 6

I can understand your concern, looking the way you do....



I wonder if there are any openings at the TSA where you fly the most.



I won't stare..I promise.