UK, US travel chaos on the cards

Saturday, 21 Jun, 2007 0

LONDON – Travellers heading for the UK can expect delays at airport immigration as new border controls take effect.

The introduction of sophisticated scanning machinery by the newly created Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) has doubled the time it takes to process passengers arriving in the UK.

According to reports, the new technology, which uses lasers to scan passports, has created havoc at some airports.

Airlines fear that the problem will spread as the system is extended to other airports over the next few months.

The technology is designed to improve passport security and tighten immigration controls on all arrivals – including UK and EU citizens, who in the past have been subject to more relaxed measures.

London’s airports alone will have to handle more than a quarter of a million arrivals a day over the summer.

The threat of further chaos comes as the travel industry starts to get to grips with tighter security arrangements put in place for passengers leaving the country.

“There is going to be chaos in the summer,” said John Tincey, the vice-chairman of the Immigration Service Union.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary told the Daily Telegraph, “This country is in danger of being taken over by ‘secureocrats’ who seem intent on bringing airports to a grinding halt.

“These are the same people who came up with the ridiculous idea that stopping people travelling with toothpaste and eye make-up would make us safer last year.”

The new UK regulations come at a time when America also plans to tighten controls, including fingerprinting passengers on departure and arrival.

For those who are seriously delayed at UK airports, the news is not all bad. The first hotel to be located inside a UK airport building is to open at Gatwick’s South Terminal.

The YOTEL features 46 Premium and Standard ‘cabins’ – both with enough room for two, en suite bath rooms, in cabin entertainment and room service.

An overnight stay costs £55 (US$109) in Standard accommodation, or from £25 for four hours, while a Premium cabin costs from £40 for four hours, and from £80 (US$159) overnight. Bookings can be made from July 1 online at www.yotel.com.

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Ian Jarrett

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