`Special new scheme that enables passengers to beat the immigration queues for £50 will be introduced next year at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. The scheme allows passengers to pay extra to be fast-tracked onboard planes, but many people feel it is just the latest charge amongst many to be leveled against travelers. A similar scheme is already in operation at both Luton airport parking and Liverpool airports, with passengers opting to pay the extra charge as they leave the country.
However, those passengers who own the new biometric passports – which contain a chip detailing the distance between a traveler’s eyes, mouth, ears and nose – will be able to use the service free of charge. 19.7 million UK residents currently own the new biometric passports, which were introduced in March 2006. Other European nationals who have biometric passports will also be able to use the scheme for free.
There may be some good news for the 28 million UK residents who still hold older passports, as Britons largest airline, BAA, is currently negotiating with the UK Border Agency to allow them to use the fast-track gates as well. The scheme is called Automated Clearance System Plus, and if successful, passengers can enroll at Heathrow airport, inputting data relating to their facial features which are stored onto a computer and then matched to their passport number.
It is calculated that users of the new scheme at Heathrow will save up to 45 minutes as they pass straight through the gates, as opposed to having the queue up and have their passport manually checked by an attendant. A new system that helps beat the queues? We certainly welcome that!