Luton Immigration nitpicking
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Luton Immigration nitpicking
A word of warning to the unaware using Luton's remote immigration clearance facility. The system always required submittal of all crew & pax details 8 hours in advance of arrival, that the authorities could review and approve or deny the onboard/ remote inbound clearance - if the pax and crew were regulars it was normally pretty easy but in the past 6 months things have got increasingly pedantic. Earlier this week one of our aircraft (thankfully not mine) which was arriving into Luton did the submission 8 hours prior; when the FBO staff were checking the passports on arrival it was found (shock, horror) that one of the (regular) passenger's middle names had been ommitted from the list provided. Same passport number, first, surname, date of birth, passport issue and expiry dates but for the heinious oversight of not having the middle name on the list ALL crew and pax were required to go across to customs and immigration and pass through the normal channels. The boss, a Luton regular, was not a happy guy. This was an inter-European flight.
Be careful of the Luton Neddies and ensure that every last little detail is as it is in the passport.
Be careful of the Luton Neddies and ensure that every last little detail is as it is in the passport.
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I've seen this happen too - client sent us the wrong PP exp date, so that's what we sent to immigration, which apparently ruined everything. 
Also, for a while the handlers made us fill in the sodding form manually, when we'd already sent them all the details... eventually we managed to educate them
Also, for a while the handlers made us fill in the sodding form manually, when we'd already sent them all the details... eventually we managed to educate them
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in UK security and immigration are managed by a bunch of far west sheriffs who think of saving the word on each flight, these guys won't recognize a condom from a bazooka! simply ridiculous. Specially in luton I am surprised no one has yet reported to the CAA safety dept. that crew are not allowed to bring their own drinks inside the airside, great safety improvement, let's suppose my company does not provide me drinks for free how am I suppose to take a meal opportunity during 12hrs duty..
I know the FBO manager at Cranfield who has just done an amazing job upgrading the facilities there to process guys really slickly. If you are going to noth of London you might like to try out Cranfield as an option.
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Luton Airport seem determined to make life as unpleasant as possible and charge you for the pleasure.
Immigration is only one of the details......Heaven forbid you should walk on the ramp with a hi-vis NOT DONE UP!!!!! Yes folks, I was stopped by a slightly over jealous security official, (over jealous at any other UK airport that is), who informed me that it was within his managers remit to confiscate my licence for non-compliance of their rules! When I explained I was visiting aircrew and could not possibly be aware of local regulations he then explained that the Handling Agent would therefore receive a caution!
Why do Luton Airport take the DFT regulations and then further impose their own even more restrictive rules? I know that local councils are rarely run efficiently, and I believe Luton is run by the local authority? You are certainly doing a very good job of pushing work to one of the many airports around London who cater for biz av who are more efficient, more friendly and more cheaply?
Immigration is only one of the details......Heaven forbid you should walk on the ramp with a hi-vis NOT DONE UP!!!!! Yes folks, I was stopped by a slightly over jealous security official, (over jealous at any other UK airport that is), who informed me that it was within his managers remit to confiscate my licence for non-compliance of their rules! When I explained I was visiting aircrew and could not possibly be aware of local regulations he then explained that the Handling Agent would therefore receive a caution!
Why do Luton Airport take the DFT regulations and then further impose their own even more restrictive rules? I know that local councils are rarely run efficiently, and I believe Luton is run by the local authority? You are certainly doing a very good job of pushing work to one of the many airports around London who cater for biz av who are more efficient, more friendly and more cheaply?
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little people
Again we go to Luton each week, and the crew and pax manifest are forwarded to the Handler and Signature. The powers to be always are ready to catch the owner tipping his way out, but NEVER seem to be to eager to process and help any immigration issue. They know all our names for the last 7 years.
But any passport needs to go the terminal for processing.
Crooks, where are they ?
But any passport needs to go the terminal for processing.
Crooks, where are they ?
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Can someone explain me why is it so fancy to go to Luton ?
Though we go from eu and send the details everytime, it is a nightmare... Those pax being brought from one side to antother, those immigration dealing with them in the same lines with wizzair pax.
If i were to choose among all of London apts Biggin is the one...
Though we go from eu and send the details everytime, it is a nightmare... Those pax being brought from one side to antother, those immigration dealing with them in the same lines with wizzair pax.
If i were to choose among all of London apts Biggin is the one...
Could it be the local UKBF office at Luton? I've read reports on another forum that where aircraft are landing at a couple of minor airfields within the Luton office area (Sywell is one) the ATSU is required by Luton Border Force office to check passports against the GAR form ie doing their job for them; I don't know of any other UKBF office which requires this, certainly not my airfield's local one. They sometimes fax us a VISA to be handed to a non-EU passport holder, or they sometimes (rarely) attend, but that's all the hassle we get.
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Chevron,
Pretty hard for the local ATSU unit to check passport details against the GAR unless UKBA have furnished it to them because when one uses the new Electronic submission scheme the Airport do not get copied -Only UKBA, Police and Customs.
Pretty hard for the local ATSU unit to check passport details against the GAR unless UKBA have furnished it to them because when one uses the new Electronic submission scheme the Airport do not get copied -Only UKBA, Police and Customs.
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security official ,,, within his managers remit to confiscate my licence
Luton (aka toilet town) is renowned for grossly over-zealous officiousness and bitter & twisted Walts particularly in the "security" department and has been for years.
Luton, I believe was turned over recently by UKBA inspectorate, and found to be wanting at their job and gonads were removed. Stansted has just been taken over by Manchester Airports Group, so if their security becomes like MCR, God help us all.
Last edited by air pig; 30th May 2013 at 11:35.
Luton (aka toilet town) is renowned for grossly over-zealous officiousness and bitter & twisted Walts particularly in the "security" department and has been for years.
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Luton is where the Enema should go
We are now running 3/3 for full immigration procedures on arrival for pax and crew in the last week. Full paperwork submitted up to 24 hours ahead of time, yet every time, it's everyone out to go and join the Eastern European diaspora queue in the hope of getting some quick FaceTime with a stoic stamper.
I think I ran into a manager on the last trip in, and that would explain Everything . Potentially one of the nastiest pieces of work I have come across in the field of customs and immigration. And that's saying plenty. She would be the one wearing the bandana over her dreads.
I should be experiencing it again in the next 12 hours and will report back. Once more, all admin in order...so we will see.
I think I ran into a manager on the last trip in, and that would explain Everything . Potentially one of the nastiest pieces of work I have come across in the field of customs and immigration. And that's saying plenty. She would be the one wearing the bandana over her dreads.
I should be experiencing it again in the next 12 hours and will report back. Once more, all admin in order...so we will see.
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First off, as many have pointed, I always go to Farnborough, unless I need to see Gulfstream (and I'd really rather not use Luton for that either).
Secondly, as it pertains to US CBP regs, the PIC is liable for the $10,000 fine, not the aircraft owner, the management company, or anyone else. I saw a friend of mine get out of it the first time with the use of the planning service lawyers, but they made it clear that "next time" they would impose the max.
Food for thought next time you are at 30 West.
FR
Secondly, as it pertains to US CBP regs, the PIC is liable for the $10,000 fine, not the aircraft owner, the management company, or anyone else. I saw a friend of mine get out of it the first time with the use of the planning service lawyers, but they made it clear that "next time" they would impose the max.
Food for thought next time you are at 30 West.
FR
Farnboro based Gulfstream Crew, only use Luton when Fab closed - but hopefully that may now change.
In to Luton after a v long flight. Harrods met us, radioed to Harrods Ops that all was ok with Gen Dec's, Passports etc....we were then made to send passports to Terminal where bored Official took 5 seconds to say ok, but cause 25 minutes delay (0350 in the morning). I went with Harrods Rep and asked why we were made to do this and could I meet Supervisor? I was told no to meeting Supervisor and not my business to why we had been checked.
Long term UK based Jet, Brit Crew and Brit based Owner. Boss furious, Luton happy to rip us off but not to provide a service.
Harrods & Signature - you need to get on top of this or the GA Community will all move elsewhere. Luton is already a bloody awful Airport (and GAL do not impress either).
In to Luton after a v long flight. Harrods met us, radioed to Harrods Ops that all was ok with Gen Dec's, Passports etc....we were then made to send passports to Terminal where bored Official took 5 seconds to say ok, but cause 25 minutes delay (0350 in the morning). I went with Harrods Rep and asked why we were made to do this and could I meet Supervisor? I was told no to meeting Supervisor and not my business to why we had been checked.
Long term UK based Jet, Brit Crew and Brit based Owner. Boss furious, Luton happy to rip us off but not to provide a service.
Harrods & Signature - you need to get on top of this or the GA Community will all move elsewhere. Luton is already a bloody awful Airport (and GAL do not impress either).
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Signature at Luton! Now that's a completely new rant... Not sure what gets my blood boiling most. Antiquated facilities? Being parked 3 deep on their over crowded ramp? Exorbitant fees? Annoying procedures for crew?
I could get going here, but I'm having a nice evening with a great beer.
FR
I could get going here, but I'm having a nice evening with a great beer.
FR
