Edinburgh and Glasgow have become the latest UK airports to introduce full body scanners as part of their national roll-out. But how much do you know about how they work?

We set out to banish the myths surrounding these new machines which are now in use at Scotland’s busiest airports, as well as at Manchester and Heathrow, where they have been in use since 2010, by answering your top 10 questions regarding their use:

1) Why are body scanners being rolled out across the UK?
The roll-out is part of a series of steps being taken to heighten aviation security after the UK government carried out an in-depth review of procedures following an attempted terrorist attack on an airline to Detroit in 2009.

2) Who gets scanned?
Anyone who sets off the metal detector or raises another concern at airport security will need to be scanned while others may be chosen at random.

3) What do I have to do if I’m selected?
All you’re required to do is stand very still with your legs slightly apart and arms raised so the scanner can get a clear picture of your outline.

4) How long does it take?
Full body scanning only takes seconds and doesn’t usually cause any additional airport delays.

5) What will airport security staff be able to see?
Security officials will only be able to see a mannequin-type image – almost like a cartoon as pictured above. They cannot see bodily features or skin.

6) What are they looking for?
They are looking for contraband – which is typically anything not allowed on the flight and, in particular, any drugs, chemicals or weapons which could be concealed on or in your body.

7) What happens to the images afterwards?
The images are deleted immediately after the scan.

8) Can I refuse?
Having the scan is mandatory under the rules of the Department of Transport and anyone who refuses will not be allowed to board their flight.

9) What about radiation?
The scan is 100 per cent safe with less radiation emitted than the average mobile phone.

10) Where can I find out more?
Each of the airports operating body scanners has information leaflets tailored for passengers and which solve any unanswered questions regarding the procedure.

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Once you’ve booked your flights for the much-needed family holiday you’ve all been dreaming of, you’re probably wondering how on earth you’re going to keep the kids entertained on-board. Well, it’s pretty simple. Just follow these sure-fire tips to happy travelling and you should be able to sit back and relax and enjoy the in-flight entertainment:

1. Take lots of travel games for the flight and be sure to pack them in your hand luggage. Magnetic versions of Snakes & Ladders are ideal for younger kids, while older children can while away the hours playing chess or backgammon with dad.

2. Pick up some comics or magazines at the airport which will keep the kids busy for at least half an hour. Basically, the more things you can arm yourself with to hold their attention, the better!

3. Pack some bumper colouring books and pencils for the younger ones and more challenging word searches, crossword puzzles, Sudoku and logic problem books for teens.

4. Provide plenty of drinks and snacks throughout the flight and make sure you pick them up before you reach the departure gate as they’re always really expensive on-board. You do need to buy them after security, however, as any liquids will have to be binned as part of the luggage search.

5. Encourage your children to nap on the flight so they’re refreshed to take on the rest of the trip at the other end.

6. Talk about what you are going to do when you get there which will build up their anticipation and make the flight feel like less of a chore.

7. Quash their popping ears with lollypops and boiled sweets, or chewing gum for the older ones.

8. Take hand santiser, or baby wipes, with you – the water on-board the aircraft (i.e. in the toilet) comes from the holding tank and generally isn’t that clean. You don’t want to start your holiday with tummy bugs.

9. Think about the potential for nausea beforehand and either invest in some acupressure bands, which you can get from most pharmacies, or some children’s travel sickness medicine.

10. If you’re child has had a cold or sinus infection recently, get them to use a Vick inhaler before the plane takes off to avoid any sore heads as the altitude and cabin pressure increases.

Finally, make sure you’ve done a travel money comparison before you hit the airport, where the rates at the last minute kiosks can be astronomical.

Happy travelling!

The post How To Keep The Kids Happy On International Flights: 10 Top Tricks appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.