Possible long delays in UK predicted

[LHR02]

For any of you traveling out of the UK this summer.....best be aware of this!


Passengers warned of six-hour check-ins
By Jonathan Prynn, Evening Standard Consumer Affairs Editor
19 April 2004
Passengers were today warned to prepare for unprecedented six- hour check-ins for transatlantic flights this summer.

New security checks required by the US authorities will lead to chaos at Heathrow and Gatwick, a leading charter airline said.

The checks - known as the Advanced Passenger Information System - will be mandatory from this summer, adding crucial extra minutes to the check-in process, said Travel Trade Gazette magazine.

The head of regulation at holiday firm First Choice, one of Britain's biggest, said: "If it takes an extra half a minute per passenger to collect this information, you are looking at an extra three hours' check-in for a full 767. This would create an enormous number of people congreating at airports."

Passengers are already told to allow three hours for checkin, causing huge queues at Heathrow and Gatwick.

[WillTravel]

Thanks for the article, dustoffmom. I guess we won't get much done on our last day in London this summer - our flight is at 4:15 PM.

This is also very important for people who are planning connections with low-cost carriers. One more reason I suggest an overnight stay in London if you are doing that!

[LHR02]

Always on the lookout for little tid-bits like this. It can be a trip saver to know such stuff before you go!

BTW....agree with you and always have on trying to fly in/out of London the same day. It's just too risky, especially with transatlantic flights. And while the article does refer to transAt flights specifically, makes sense that if those are all backed up, everything else likely will be too which could mess with your connections. Good point!

[nitsansh]

They should get organized... no reason that check-in will take 6 hours... this is crazy!!

[LHR02]

Agree that it's crazy! But just posting an info tidbit that I came across and thought might be worth knowing about if you are heading that way.