Transtasman travellers could be virtually stripped

A queue of passengers wait to go through security checks at Auckland International Airport. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

New Zealand travellers could undergo a virtual strip search as part of a security screening trial at Australian airports during the coming weeks.

The scanning machines were designed to show weapons hidden under clothing that may be missed by conventional metal detectors, the Dominion Post reported.

The Australian Transport Security Office said it would start a five-week trial of the scanners and other security measures at Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide airports from the middle of this month.

Executive director Paul Retter said New Zealanders travelling through or departing from these airports could be affected.

Measures would be put in place to protect passengers' privacy and dignity, including having the examining officer away from the scanning lane so they could not see who was being scanned.

Faces would also be blurred and images were not saved and could not be transferred.

Those apprehensive about having their body shapes revealed on the scanner screens could opt to go through the existing hand-luggage scanners and walk-through detectors.

- NZPA