What Are Full Body Scanners and Why Are They Used?
Full body scanners were introduced at major UK airports in 2010, following the failed bomb attempt on a transatlantic flight on Christmas Day 2009. A passenger had tried to detonate explosives hidden in his underwear. The technology and policies around these scanners have evolved considerably since then.
The scanners detect items hidden beneath clothing that traditional metal detectors would miss. This includes non-metallic threats such as plastic explosives, ceramic weapons and other prohibited items. They work by using radio waves or X-rays to create an outline image of a person's body and anything concealed on it.
Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Gatwick all use these machines, though individual airport layouts and resources mean that not every security lane will necessarily have a scanner available. They form part of a broader security approach used across UK aviation, alongside baggage screening and document checks.
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Refusing a body scan at a UK airport can result in being denied boarding. Under current regulations, if you are selected for a scan and decline, security staff may refuse you entry to the departure area. This applies whether or not you have already checked in.
The legal basis sits within aviation security legislation that gives airport operators and the Department for Transport powers to set mandatory security procedures. Passengers do not have an automatic right to choose an alternative screening method simply because they prefer one.
However, passengers who cannot undergo a scan for legitimate reasons, such as certain medical conditions, may still be offered a manual search as an alternative. This varies by airport and circumstance, so it is worth checking directly with your departure airport if you have specific concerns. Where no alternative is offered and you decline the scan, you will typically be turned away.
Most airline terms and conditions do not provide for refunds or rebooking if you refuse security screening. Airlines generally treat this as the passenger's choice not to travel. If you believe your situation warrants an exception, raising this with airport staff before you reach the scanner may give you more options than refusing at the point of selection.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Privacy Concerns and Legal Debates
Body scanners have faced criticism from privacy campaigners and civil liberties groups since their introduction. Organisations including Liberty and Big Brother Watch have questioned the level of detail captured and the potential for image misuse.
Early versions produced relatively detailed images of a person's body, which many passengers found uncomfortable. Staff viewing the images were located in separate rooms and were not supposed to see the passenger directly, but this did little to reassure everyone.
Modern scanners used in UK airports now typically display a generic body outline rather than an anatomically detailed image. Detected items appear as highlighted shapes on this outline. This change came partly in response to privacy objections and partly through regulations aimed at balancing security requirements with individual rights.
Some passengers still consider the scans intrusive. Concerns have been raised about how the technology affects people with medical conditions, those who have had surgery, and individuals whose religious beliefs require bodily modesty. There have been legal challenges and ongoing debate about whether current procedures adequately protect these groups.
What Happens If You Are Selected?
Selection is typically random, though security staff can direct specific passengers for additional screening based on intelligence or observed behaviour. You will not usually know whether you will be scanned until you reach the checkpoint.
If selected, you will be asked to stand in the scanner with your arms raised for a few seconds. Staff will review the image and either let you proceed or request further checks if something appears on the outline. The process is brief, though understandably some passengers find this moment stressful.
If you use a medical device such as a pacemaker or insulin pump, speak to airport staff before entering the scanner. Most scanners are considered safe for people with these devices, but staff can confirm the specific equipment in use and discuss alternatives if needed. Passengers with mobility aids should also flag any concerns at this stage.
If you have questions about your rights at airport security or believe you have been treated unfairly, you can contact the airport operator or raise a complaint with the Civil Aviation Authority. The GOV.UK website has the latest official guidance on airport security procedures.
When I tried to refuse the scan, I was just was told "that was the old system".
Obviously in that situation you are in a bit of a bind, as I wasn't sure on the law on this.
When I travelled before I would often choose an alternative.
No issues.
each time I had no problem with being let on the flight, after being taken to a private room, emptying out my pockets and taking off most of my layers of clothes except for the one layer;
and then had a pat down.
This is completely misinformation
Also we do not see body parts on the body scanners anymore that was the case when the scanners were first introduced but this is no longer allowed for obvious reasons. Its now just a generic ‘stickman’ picture and its the same for everyone.
The reason why we hate when people refuse to use the bodyscanner because of radiation is because you were subjected to far more radiation just travelling to the airport. One phone call alone is much more radiation than one scan. One flight alone is far more radiation. Also it holds up everyone waiting.
You present yourselves as expert. Not good enough!!
I refused to do the body scanner in Heathrow on 22/07/2023.
They forced me to sign a consent form which I verbally stated I was signing under duress which they didn't like at all.
I was told that I will being profiled if I insisted on not complying. First they said they would get the cops on me but then they backed off.
We must NOT comply with their global electronic enslavement agenda otherwise humanity is screwed
I unfortunately left my printed put directive at home on one flight to Turkey from Manchester 2018.
My son has severe autism ..I was picked out. .. I explained I wanted the other options..and most the security seemed not to understand that. .then they tried to scare me into it by saying I had to, and it may take ages to get a manager..even saying stuff like but your son might find the pat down upsetting ..is that what you want ?etc etc etc. .but I wouldn't budge. . I will not go through those full body scanners but will do whatever else fine.
Eventually. .15 plus mins we went into a room 3 security was swabbed and patted down. .. I'll take the print out of the opt out rights next time
However it made me feel almost immediately dazy and not well, although it was brief I refused other times and asked for body search, which they did and another just plain through the old metal detector, I dress with no metal. AT ALL, why should I have to allow someone to self harm! #agenda21?
Can anyone find the directive @mountaingoat mentioned on uk transport department website?
I've been trying to look for it but cannot find?
I believe these machine are extremely dangerous for the health. I tried two times and I was feeling bad after that. I have been sort of bullied but two agents at the airport who were supposed just to search me but instead they quizzed me over what I have done in my past trips showing on my passport. These was made on purpose to scare me out. They seemed not to care at all whether you are carrying something dangerous but their only concern is to stick you inside that machine. I'll be happy to remove all my clothes if that make me avoid that but these guys all the want is that you get inside there. This is something everyone should be worrying about . Everyone should help to raise awareness on this!
I went through Aberdeen airport recently and managed to get a pat down by showing the directive that I had printed out and carried with me.
The security staff did not know anything about it, however after a phone call they had to give me the manual search.
I WOULD SUGGEST YOU PRINT OUT THE DIRECTIVE AND CARRY IT WITH YOU WHEN TRAVELING THROUGH ANY UK AIRPORT: THEY HAVE BY LAW TO GIVE YOU A MANUAL SEARCH IF YOU REQUEST IT AND CANNOT LONGER REFUSE YOU THE RIGHT TO FLY!
? The exact type of the scanner (either backscatter/xray or millimeter wave) through which all were asked to pass? The unknown risks associated with millimeter wave scanning -- less known than xray.
? The potential health damages to expect due to insufficient testing and practice (“no known negative results”...) and because every human being is different; such informative approach is needed in light of the extended controversy and independent tests proving health damages (DNA and cellular breakages)
? The precise policy: by law travelers are allowed to opt out and ask for a pat-down search
The necessity of a warning is analogical to posting signs on wet floors, warnings on cigarettes and wine bottles, and mercury warnings in fish markets to protect customers’ health, kost of which are not needed while in this case such warnings are critically needed. It is very clear that most travelers do not know the information I have researched and learned recently, or they would not accept such procedure for themselves and their children. My reason for asking is because I have been experiencing abnormal symptoms that could only have been caused by the 4-in-a-raw exposure to scanning at 3 airports -- DFW, Heathrow, and CDG within 7 days: strange headache on left side of head, abnormal intestinal bleeding, an unusual swelling on my left forearm, burning feeling in neck spots, no appetite (I already lost 4 pounds) Expecting medical investigation next week. I have had no health issues -- have medical records going back 20 years prove so. I am a teacher, no criminal record, US citizen. I travelled to Europe for business between 2/16-2/27, from Dallas to London, London to Paris, Paris to Venice, Venice to London, London to Dallas. I started to feel sickness symptoms while in Paris and discovered the lump on my arm on 2/25; I had little travel experience and no knowledge of the scanner controversy and trusted the airport authorities by complying with all their requests. At CDG in Paris it became apparent that what had triggered the alarm there and at DFW and Heathrow had been a hair pin whose large bead covered a metallic portion (it triggered the alarm when placed in the luggage tray, too). By then I had been asked to go in the glass booth 4 times – twice at DFW -- and only the othewise obnoxious pat-down revealed the hairpin issue. I did not know that my head was being xrayed/"microwaved" too, or I would have categorically given up the trip. There was no sign at DFW instructing travelers in detail so that those concerned could take necessary measures to protect our health by avoiding that booth. Based on my research of this topic and the frightening reliable information I have learned these days, I WOULD HAVE CANCELLED THE FLIGHT/TRIP RATHER THAN GO THROUGH THAT BOOTH.
However, my main concern is the health effects of this. I've noticed recently that after one of the scans, my eyes are blurred and unable to focus for a day or two afterwards. I'm concerned this may be the start of the cumulative effects of being made to go through the scanner every week.
I asked for a pat down last week as I said I was concerned about the health effects of these scanners. I was told I would need to submit to full body search in a private room (I said ok, as I'd prefer that than be constantly subjected to the scanner machines), but because they didn't have any such facilities, this was not possible.
Has anyone else tried this? Is anyone else a frequent flyer and been scanned on every occasion and started to notice any physical effects?
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