BAA - long security queue delays this Xmas
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BAA - long security queue delays this Xmas
Despite earlier reports that BAA would be on top of the security queue situation this xmas, papers are reporting that marquees are to be installed at Heathrow and measures taken at other BAA airports for an expected minimum 100 minute wait to get through security.
OK it's a press report but 100 minutes just to get through security !!!!! Things really must have got out of hand and I think a lot of people might be out of work soon , it can't go on like this .
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Sounds about right - estimate for this week at LGW is around 1 hour 30 minutes from check-in through security into departure lounge.
Sooner BAA is split up and gets some competition the better for all concerned.
Sooner BAA is split up and gets some competition the better for all concerned.
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I went through security at LHR terminal 3 the other day and it was just a joke.
Took me about 90 minutes just to get through security, one thing I noticed when I returned from Copenhagen was that both male & female security guards search both male & female passengers using the hand-held scanner, it was so much quicker.
Took me about 90 minutes just to get through security, one thing I noticed when I returned from Copenhagen was that both male & female security guards search both male & female passengers using the hand-held scanner, it was so much quicker.
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Well what do we expect of the BAA. If they were not a monopoly they would have been bankrupt years ago. I cannot understand why the DoT doesn't sort them out as they are just helping to bring the airline industry in this country to its knees. To all of you travelling this xmas good luck and keep smiling!!
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My daughter and I went through LGW NT yesterday at around 9am and the security lines were not particularly long. Some lines required the removal of shoes, but not all. The process took about 15 minutes. Seemed pretty efficient and speedy as far as I could tell.
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Well gdiphil you were lucky. It does seem to make a differance as to what BAA airport you go through and what time. I got stuck at 0800 at LHR recently for around 45 mins. To be fair the BAA staff have had enough of trying to get everyone through as quickly as possible but its so frustrating when only 4 security units are open out of 8 at the busiest time of the day. 
Manintheback, FYI, I believe BA have told pax not to arrive too early this xmas as the terminals cannot cope. EVERYONE can now checkin online with BA now 24 hrs before dept. Got to be worth spending 5 mins of your time to cut out the queues at checkin. Just the fast bag drop to queue for then!! Not sure what the other airlines are doing
Manintheback, FYI, I believe BA have told pax not to arrive too early this xmas as the terminals cannot cope. EVERYONE can now checkin online with BA now 24 hrs before dept. Got to be worth spending 5 mins of your time to cut out the queues at checkin. Just the fast bag drop to queue for then!! Not sure what the other airlines are doing
You mean the Slow Bag Drop. After a promising start this has gone way downhill and now often takes longer to negotiate than the traditional check-in used to do.
BA also seem to be dispensing with traditional check-in desks altogether which means that any issue that has to be negotiated at the counter (system can't find you; too many bags; granny with no Internet, etc, etc, etc) ends up getting transacted at the FBD in front of you.
BA also seem to be dispensing with traditional check-in desks altogether which means that any issue that has to be negotiated at the counter (system can't find you; too many bags; granny with no Internet, etc, etc, etc) ends up getting transacted at the FBD in front of you.
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If you can check in on-line that is - its erratic these days (BA). Self service at the airport throws out the reservation too, and when you finally get to the normal check in desk they cant see anything wrong. The whole operation at BAA airports and the airlines that use them seems to be close to melt down.
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WHBM, yes as I said just the queue for the fast bag drop then!!!! I must say that at times its a mess and slow bag drop would sometimes be a better name for it!
As for the online checkin, I have used it on a few occasions without problems but I do know its not a fail safe method. Still think its a better bet to do it if possible, rather than the horrendous queues at this time of year
As for the online checkin, I have used it on a few occasions without problems but I do know its not a fail safe method. Still think its a better bet to do it if possible, rather than the horrendous queues at this time of year
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BAA Security Searches
My other half was returning from a night stop in BVA to PIK,and had one ell of a time with a French security guard ref make up,perfume etc,and clear plastic bags.To cut to the quick,on the return flight she was sat next to a male passenger,and they were both discussing how the rules etc change depending on where you are flying from.My other half said she would,nt mind all this hassle if the rules were set in stone wherever you were,and anyway ,what happens to all the confiscated "stuff".Pax in next seat then say,s"my B in L works in security at GLA,and has the pick of the confiscated "stuff",which he sells at Ayr Sunday Market!!!!!.
Fact or Fiction??,perhaps someone from BAA security can advise.
Merry Xmas To All
Fact or Fiction??,perhaps someone from BAA security can advise.
Merry Xmas To All
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Sooner BAA is split up and gets some competition the better for all concerned
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Carpet!
Following Mike Jenvey's post - just what is it about the UK and its obsession with carpet? Whenever I arrive in a UK airport the first thing that strikes me is the use of fitted carpet everywhere in areas which are subject to all the world's dirt and disease.
Having once taken up a fitted carpet and thereafter resolved to use parquet, cork and tile throughout the house I can only assume there is some sort of cosy deal with UK carpet manufacturers to keep them in business. Carpet in public heavily-trafficked areas is nothing short of disgusting.
Having once taken up a fitted carpet and thereafter resolved to use parquet, cork and tile throughout the house I can only assume there is some sort of cosy deal with UK carpet manufacturers to keep them in business. Carpet in public heavily-trafficked areas is nothing short of disgusting.
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Carpets, indeed!
Dadaelus has hit the spot. It's the first thing I notice whenever I arrive back at a British airport. When I see carpet, I know I'm home. But why they put it in a place where millions people are going to trample over it I really don't know. It must be hell to keep clean.
Paxing All Over The World
Jet II
If LGW and LHR were owned by separate companies - what incentive would the LHR company have for getting it right and providing SERVICE before SHOPS?
Yes, I know that the two can be provided together and it is actually PROFIT that is being put before SERVICE. But, since almost every airline that serves the UK wants to go to LHR - then the demand will always be high and they have no incentive to get it right. It's like JFK and EWR. Whilst some folks prefer LGW / EWR as they are closer to their homes/offices, most pax and the carriers want LHR and JFK.
Once a new company had got their hands on the LHR cash cow - why would they not cut back on service and coast?
"What's that you say, Skippy? The CAA and UK givt will ensure that they are kept up to the mark?"
Sooner BAA is split up and gets some competition the better for all concerned
Yes, I know that the two can be provided together and it is actually PROFIT that is being put before SERVICE. But, since almost every airline that serves the UK wants to go to LHR - then the demand will always be high and they have no incentive to get it right. It's like JFK and EWR. Whilst some folks prefer LGW / EWR as they are closer to their homes/offices, most pax and the carriers want LHR and JFK.
Once a new company had got their hands on the LHR cash cow - why would they not cut back on service and coast?
"What's that you say, Skippy? The CAA and UK givt will ensure that they are kept up to the mark?"
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But if LGW is run by a different company then they have an incentive to improve service and therefore attract the airlines to LGW.
If LHR sees that airlines are being attracted to LGW then they will need to up their service standards to compete.
The situation as it is now means that BAA can give dire service at all its London airports as there is nowhere else to go.
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Went through LGW NT on Weds 20th, 4pm.
Took well over an hour, no fast track open (despite my C ticket costing GBP650), several gates shut.
Totally disgusting experience, but typical of the UK - high prices, poor service.
As least the flight was not badly disrupted, but I can see the UK on a slippery slope back into the parlous state last experienced in the 70s, which provided Thatcher with a platform to do some severe things (some of which I supported and others which I did not)
Took well over an hour, no fast track open (despite my C ticket costing GBP650), several gates shut.
Totally disgusting experience, but typical of the UK - high prices, poor service.
As least the flight was not badly disrupted, but I can see the UK on a slippery slope back into the parlous state last experienced in the 70s, which provided Thatcher with a platform to do some severe things (some of which I supported and others which I did not)