Body scanners in Aus... No option to opt out?

[pshepvic]

From what I've read it is less radiation than from the actual flying (a long haul flight is the equivalent of 2 chest x-rays) however my understanding is that radiation is all coughulative anyway. So every little bit counts, so if there is a way to avoid a little bit then I will do it (including refusing these types of scans where that's an option).

 

[but-y?]

To be honest, I'm not so much concerned about coughulative radiation as the fact that it's inconvenient and a waste of time. Perhaps the money should first be spent on making sure that we have sufficient and competent staff. Not to disparage the hardworking majority, but some people in security have the intelligence of a freshwater whelk.

Oops, just realised that this is the fifth page of a thread. Apologies if I'm duplicating what's already been said.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

To be honest, I'm not so much concerned about coughulative radiation as the fact that it's inconvenient and a waste of time. Perhaps the money should first be spent on making sure that we have sufficient and competent staff. Not to disparage the hardworking majority, but some people in security have the intelligence of a freshwater whelk.

Oops, just realised that this is the fifth page of a thread. Apologies if I'm duplicating what's already been said.

Welcome to AFF but-y?

 

[NYCguy]

You may have to be content with your privates being handled in a manner your significant other has never known or tried before.

Oh, you'd be surprised!

 

[missafternoondelight]

I think given the number of us that have many multiple flights per year we are in a unique position to prejudge the likely aesthetics of the security groper... :-|

I seem to attract the huge, short-haired mannish looking female security guards when it comes to the pat down. If I'm going to be felt up by a woman, I'd prefer it was an attractive one.

 

[oz_mark]

If I'm going to be felt up by a woman, I'd prefer it was an attractive one.

I can identify with this point of view

 

[clifford]

some people in security have the intelligence of a freshwater whelk.

Oops, just realised that this is the fifth page of a thread. Apologies if I'm duplicating what's already been said.

Whelks are quite intelligent creatures, so my cousin who has a whelk stall on Blackpool's North pier tells me (she really does).

I don't think most security people at airports in Australia do actually come up to this standard (and being able to speak English would also be helpful).

 

[medhead]

I've probably already mentioned this but I'll repeat. The radiation dose from the scanners is trival. The current radiation protection system does say that all/any dose is potentially harmful. In fact, dose is basically a direct measure of lifetime risk. However, there is significant evidence that say there is actually a threshold radiation dose. Below that threshold there is no effect and the dose from one of these scans is an insignificantly small fraction of any possible threshold. Even with the current risk model that is used for radiation it would be impossible to ever say for someone who had a scan and then later (sometime in the next 50 years) got cancer, that the cancer was due to a particular scan. So yes the dose is minisicule.

Having said all that I was vocal about being opposed to these scans. The reason for my opposition was on a technical point. All activities that involve radiation exposure are supposed to be justified - the benefit must exceed the risk. When they first talked about these scanners in Australia they didn't do the justification. That was why I objected. They have now done the justification process, so my issue has been addressed.

In summary the technical reason to object has been addressed and the radiation dose is trivial.

 

[drron]

I seem to attract the huge, short-haired mannish looking female security guards when it comes to the pat down. If I'm going to be felt up by a woman, I'd prefer it was an attractive one.

Many years ago leaving Taipeh.mrsdrron was patted down by a fellow and I by a woman.Unfortunately she did not understand when I asked for the pat down to be repeated.

 

[gumpy]

I got groped 4/8 security check points last trip to the US. It was really awesome... not really... yeah I really didn't enjoy it but yeah i feel it's better than additional radiation doses... I'm sad to see Aus adopt scanners and probably the body gropers.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Gotta have a laugh sometimes....

View attachment 2981

 

[woolnough04]

Just travelling through LAX in June i had no issue with the body scanner.I was wearing a large shirt not tucked into my trousers so i guess they needed to check.Also got the explosive residue check no dramas so i can't see any issue with security.the more the better.

 

[Maca44]

As I mentioned previously, with two metal hips I get the pat down at every airport, but you expect it and get used to it. The scanner would make life a bit easier for me and I have no problems with the minimal amount of radiation exposure. I've probably caused more damage using my cell phone.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Many years ago leaving Taipeh.mrsdrron was patted down by a fellow and I by a woman.Unfortunately she did not understand when I asked for the pat down to be repeated.

that is clearly a communication problem on your part Drron!!!

 

[medhead]

As I mentioned previously, with two metal hips I get the pat down at every airport, but you expect it and get used to it. The scanner would make life a bit easier for me and I have no problems with the minimal amount of radiation exposure. I've probably caused more damage using my cell phone.

Well if your at the stage of life to have 2 new hips the radiation risk factors are so much lower. Do I need to mention that "cell" phone radiation is not the same as the radiation from the scanners?

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Coming very soon (sorry if someone has posted today already)

Sydney Airport trials full body scanners


A FULL body scanner is set to go on trial at Sydney airport.

The device, which will be trialled in early August, will produce a generic outline of a passenger and detect non-metal items under clothing.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese assured passengers the device is safe.

"The scanners are perfectly safe and one body scan emits 10,000 times less radio frequency energy than an average mobile phone call," he said today.

The program is voluntary and any passengers not wanting to try the scanner will go through the standard screening procedures.

Sydney Airport trials full body scanners | thetelegraph.com.au

 

[gumpy]

Yay we get to opt out, I love getting groped. If I was allowed I'd get back out and try to get groped again. The flounge spa has nothing on these guys.

In all seriousness I think Australia's setup is a good one whereby it's only if you set off the metal detector and you do get to opt out anyway...

 

[Moopere]

In all seriousness I think Australia's setup is a good one whereby it's only if you set off the metal detector and you do get to opt out anyway...

I agree. I hope it stays this way and we don't lose the 'opt out'. Seems reasonable, if it turns out the way you are describing above.

 

[Skyring]

It's like when people laugh at the irony of someone buying 2 KFC burgers and a diet coke. Well, fair enough, but it's still better than 2 KFC burgers and a normal coke

I'd laugh, too. KFC doesn't sell Coke.

 

[Skyring]

My problem with these things:

° I've got my procedure down pat and I can walk straight through the metal scanner. I don't want to have to turn and raise my arms and stuff.

° Maybe the software shows generic images, maybe not. I don't like the thought of some geek in a backroom checking out my wife and kids.

° If you are going to smuggle explosives onto a plane and you know that these things look at what's strapped to your body, concealed in underpants, hidden in socks etc. then you're going to hide them somewhere where they won't be seen. After all, if you are going to blow yourself to bits, you probably don't mind a bit of discomfort.

° This is another incremental reduction in liberty. Another little bit of the cough we are forced to put up with that makes travelling so unpleasant.