Security machine at SFO?

Hi all

I've just returned from SFO-LHR. I have a question about part of the security checks..

In the section where the metal detector door/gate/bag x-ray is, we were called over and asked to enter a machine/cubicle-thing (excuse the poor explanation, jet-lag has hit hard and fast!).

This was a cubicle, with markers to place your feet on. The doors then close and a blast of air comes up. A few seconds later you get a green light and off you go.

At the time I didn't ask what this was for (paranoid of appearing suspicious I guess!)..does anyone know?

Cheers

Andy

Andy,

I believe I have heard about this new technology in the past. I have managed to track down the following article on the net. It looks as if the air is tested for traced of explosives and other such substances.

Article

HTH

These are popping up everywhere ... they're certainly at Gatwick ... but I believe since there's only a few (cos they're very expensive) that only a randomly (?) selected number of people pass through them.

Cheers for the info guys.
Funny, I tend to be 'randomly' selected for more screening far more often when my tattoos are showing! Either that or I just look guilty!

[mitchja]

I've also seem one of these at LHR T3 arrivals security area, although I've never seen it been used.

Regards

There are a couple in T4,never been invited in:D

They've got a few of these at the Statue Of Liberty too.......you have to stand still inside the square area on the floor in the machine with your arms slightly out.

I saw them at MIA in June this year, as mentioned in the TR.

They also have them at the CN tower.

They're called the Sentinel. The do an entire body scan and show physical outlines to the agents using them. Some privacy experts were "up in arms" when they were first introduced. I'm not sure how 'clear' the image might be, but expect to hear some giggles from operators in due course...

Originally posted by mitchja
I've also seem one of these at LHR T3 arrivals security area, although I've never seen it been used.

Regards

Yes I've also seen them at LHR T3 Arrivals -- again, never being used. Other posts are correct, they're sort of a large scale ETD. They force trace particles off of the "subject" which are then snalyzed for traces of explosives, etc. My question is why they have them at T3 Arrivals... one would think it would be better to screen in Departures, before the subject gets on an aircraft??

Can't they also be used for drugs? Hence perhaps why in arrivals.