Airplane Travel - Australia to Japan - Body Scan Machine

[A-Tim]

The following info is for people figuring out how to avoid scanners while travelling, in particular if you live in Australia.

I live in Melbourne, Australia and recently traveled to Japan for holiday. I didn't want to use the scanning machines as I don't trust the authorities who say they're safe. At the Melbourne Airport I requested to be patted down rather than use the scanner. I said I was happy to do it in public or in a private room, it didn't bother me.

They asked me to wait while they got the manager. After a minute he came and handed me a sign. I don't recall verbatim what the sign said, but in essence it said I can either go through the scanner or not travel. It said it in a retarded way. Something like "you can come back tomorrow instead, and still do the scan".

I pushed him on getting a pat-down instead. He cited a biosecurity act. He said unless I had a medical reason, backed up by a letter from a doctor, I either go through the scanner or I don't travel. Frankly he was arrogant, rude, and a ****. So brace yourself for that type of behaviour.

In the end I accepted I lost this round and went through the scanner. In Japan they used different scanners (the older style). I was too tired to figure out how to communicate the point there with people who didn't speak English. So I can't say anything about how to get around Japan scanners.

My takeaway for travelling internationally during the Australian leg of the journey:
1) Get a medical certificate. Seems like far and away the easiest solution.
2) Have a backup strategy for mitigating the effects if they force you to go thru anyway. I believe people have discussed this elsewhere on the forum, but I haven't looked into it myself.

 

[bookshelf]

The following info is for people figuring out how to avoid scanners while travelling, in particular if you live in Australia.

I live in Melbourne, Australia and recently traveled to Japan for holiday. I didn't want to use the scanning machines as I don't trust the authorities who say they're safe. At the Melbourne Airport I requested to be patted down rather than use the scanner. I said I was happy to do it in public or in a private room, it didn't bother me.

They asked me to wait while they got the manager. After a minute he came and handed me a sign. I don't recall verbatim what the sign said, but in essence it said I can either go through the scanner or not travel. It said it in a retarded way. Something like "you can come back tomorrow instead, and still do the scan".

I pushed him on getting a pat-down instead. He cited a biosecurity act. He said unless I had a medical reason, backed up by a letter from a doctor, I either go through the scanner or I don't travel. Frankly he was arrogant, rude, and a ****. So brace yourself for that type of behaviour.

In the end I accepted I lost this round and went through the scanner. In Japan they used different scanners (the older style). I was too tired to figure out how to communicate the point there with people who didn't speak English. So I can't say anything about how to get around Japan scanners.

My takeaway for travelling internationally during the Australian leg of the journey:
1) Get a medical certificate. Seems like far and away the easiest solution.
2) Have a backup strategy for mitigating the effects if they force you to go thru anyway. I believe people have discussed this elsewhere on the forum, but I haven't looked into it myself.

Thank you for the heads up. I do not like to fly and avoid it at all costs. The scanners are one of the reasons. I will pass this on to others I know who travel more frequently and will keep it in mind for the few times I get up the courage to fly the "friendly" skies.

 

[A-Tim]

Haha, yes, the flying portion of holidaying isn't my idea of a good time either.

 

[Oleg]

Haha, yes, the flying portion of holidaying isn't my idea of a good time either.

here in the states if you ask for a pat down they tell you to put your luggage through X-ray machine and have you wait for quite a while not letting you get through to attend to your belonging/valuables. I am thinking stripping down to my underwear next time to expedite the process. Flying became the worst experience!

 

[A-Tim]

here in the states if you ask for a pat down they tell you to put your luggage through X-ray machine and have you wait for quite a while not letting you get through to attend to your belonging/valuables. I am thinking stripping down to my underwear next time to expedite the process. Flying became the worst experience!

Taking efficiency to a new level. True commitment.

 

[ladyofthelake]

The following info is for people figuring out how to avoid scanners while travelling, in particular if you live in Australia.

I live in Melbourne, Australia and recently traveled to Japan for holiday. I didn't want to use the scanning machines as I don't trust the authorities who say they're safe. At the Melbourne Airport I requested to be patted down rather than use the scanner. I said I was happy to do it in public or in a private room, it didn't bother me.

They asked me to wait while they got the manager. After a minute he came and handed me a sign. I don't recall verbatim what the sign said, but in essence it said I can either go through the scanner or not travel. It said it in a retarded way. Something like "you can come back tomorrow instead, and still do the scan".

I pushed him on getting a pat-down instead. He cited a biosecurity act. He said unless I had a medical reason, backed up by a letter from a doctor, I either go through the scanner or I don't travel. Frankly he was arrogant, rude, and a ****. So brace yourself for that type of behaviour.

In the end I accepted I lost this round and went through the scanner. In Japan they used different scanners (the older style). I was too tired to figure out how to communicate the point there with people who didn't speak English. So I can't say anything about how to get around Japan scanners.

My takeaway for travelling internationally during the Australian leg of the journey:
1) Get a medical certificate. Seems like far and away the easiest solution.
2) Have a backup strategy for mitigating the effects if they force you to go thru anyway. I believe people have discussed this elsewhere on the forum, but I haven't looked into it myself.

I understand that not everyone may be comfortable with this, but every time I fly I wear a tank top with leggings and no bra and no socks when I get into the security line. I put my Birkenstock’s and sweater with my carry-on through the x ray. I have always escaped the full body scanner when dressed like this.

 

[Oleg]

I understand that not everyone may be comfortable with this, but every time I fly I wear a tank top with leggings and no bra and no socks when I get into the security line. I put my Birkenstock’s and sweater with my carry-on through the x ray. I have always escaped the full body scanner when dressed like this.

I am glad to hear that it works. Makes me feel more confident. And if somebody around is not comfortable with this, they can say thank you, to our governments

 

[A-Tim]

I understand that not everyone may be comfortable with this, but every time I fly I wear a tank top with leggings and no bra and no socks when I get into the security line. I put my Birkenstock’s and sweater with my carry-on through the x ray. I have always escaped the full body scanner when dressed like this.

Very interesting. Which countries has this worked for you in? Did they pat you down when you asked not to be scanned?