I've heard that in the UK they have people controlling those automated passport gates - the matching of the photograph is not done by machine. Needless to say, mine never works and I have to go to the person who asks "is that really you?" and I reply "yes" and that's enough human touch verification to pass through

I've found that there are quite a few things you need to get right with the UK gates, and the UI doesn't do a great job of encouraging correct usage.

In particular, I was instinctively looking at the screen instead of the camera, despite the big sign telling you not to.

It might not be everywhere, I find I have different level of success at different airports in the UK. The machines at Gatwick never have a problem with my passport so maybe they have 'human help'. At Stansted however my passport has failed to work at least the last four times I've been through.

Mine used to not work, now, the same passport works everywhere without flaw. I notice I have to take my glasses off otherwise I does not, but that is not too strange as my passport pic has glasses. Not that it matters, most airports have manual checks after automated check anyway.

Where are the second checks? I've used the system often in Europe, mostly London, and never had a second check.

Heathrow, Malaga to name two.

I think some passports are just bad at this, but I have no plausible theory as to why. Mine never scans without at least 3 attempts at any scanner, in any situation, anywhere I've been in the world.

Try the new mobile passport app instead: http://www.mobilepassport.us/