This story (and others) are the subject of the well-reviewed book "A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II" by Adam Makos and Larry Alexander
I believe this was previously the case, but it is now possible to opt out. I flew from Heathrow (Terminal 2) on Friday, refused the mm-wave scanner and had a pat-down in a private room instead.
The only alternative that can be offered to a scanner is a private search which allows for a more extensive hand-search than usual. Passengers will be escorted to a different location in the airport from the main search area (eg a private search room). The private search may involve the loosening and/or removal of clothing. A person undergoing a private search may ask to be accompanied by a witness.
This alternative screening method will take significantly more time than passing through a security scanner.
Facebook is the internet company that could have passed on information about Adebowale but failed to do so, the Telegraph has learnt.
The ISC describes the internet firm’s policy of not policing its own website as “unacceptable” and accuses the firm of “providing a safe haven for terrorists”.