Bristol Airport unveils “full body” security scanners

New ‘full body’ scanners have come into operation at Bristol Airport which passengers have to be taken before entering the departures lounge. The airport says it means holiday makers can now look forward to shorter queues and quicker access to the duty-free.

The high-tech security kit, which came in to operation at the weekend, means that travellers are scanned instead of getting a ‘pat-down’ body search. However, passengers are able to opt out of the full body scan if they have concerns about their privacy.

Chief executive at Bristol Airport, Robert Sinclair, said: “The latest phase of our west terminal extension will make completing some of the essential processes required before flying much faster.”

“While we put the finishing touches to this latest development over the coming months we will also be turning our attention to the arrivals experience, where passengers are sometimes waiting longer than we would like at peak travel times.”

Although new to Bristol, scanning technology is already in use in many international and UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. As of Saturday, all passengers flying from the airport are asked to undertake the full body scan before entering the departures lounge, alongside completing the usual bag and passport checks. Individuals are invited to stand underneath the scanning machine while a wavelength image of their naked body appears on a screen visible only to security staff.

While recognised as a highly effective method of screening passengers, several groups have spoken out against the controversial technology on privacy grounds. “Scrap the Scanners” and the “American-based Electronic Privacy Information Centre”, claim that the process of taking naked images contravenes passengers human rights. Described by some as a “virtual strip search”, UK charity “Action for the Rights of Children” has claimed that scans of under 18s could be sold as child pornography if the images fell in to the wrong hands.

Under European law passengers can refuse to undertake a full body scan and instead opt for a traditional pat-down search. A Bristol Airport spokesman said: “Passengers who request not to use the security scanners will be required to complete a full enhanced body search and customers may be asked to loosen or take off some outer clothing.”

The new scanning area has increased the number of security lanes at Bristol Airport to 10 and is part of the second phase of its £24m terminal expansion. Alongside the scanning technology, the airport plans to open a dedicated “fast track zone”, a larger baggage reclaim section and a new-look “meet and greet” area. The arrivals lounge is also due to get an overhaul by next spring, and the company plans to introduce seven new ePassport gates and to run alongside the current ten gates. The airport claim the improvements will help it guide more than 10million passengers a year through its doors.