Heathrow Tests System to Eliminate Airport Security Queues
3 October 2023
There is nothing quite as reliable as a long airport security queue to seriously dampen the holiday spirit. To navigate airport security as smoothly as possible, consider avoiding peak travel times, packing efficiently, pre-bagging your liquids, and ensuring your electronic devices are easily accessible. However, the power to control wait times often eludes individual travelers. While some airports provide security fast-track options to bypass longer queues, these are not always budget-friendly solutions.
Fortunately, Heathrow is piloting an innovative approach to eliminate the dread of endless security queues—at no extra cost. This initiative stands out in an industry often riddled with hidden fees and complex procedures, offering a refreshing alternative for travelers. The six-month trial enables travelers to pre-book a security slot, allowing for a streamlined passage directly to Duty-Free without the hassle of queues.
The process is designed to be user-friendly. Firstly, travelers should check if their flight qualifies for this service. The current trial operates only from Heathrow’s Terminal 3 for passengers flying with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic. Therefore, travelers using other airlines may need to wait until these services are expanded.
If eligible, travelers can reserve their time slot up to three days in advance of their flight. If slots are available, they will remain open for booking until 90 minutes before long-haul flights and 60 minutes before short-haul departures. Importantly, there are no cumbersome registration steps or extensive requirements; only an email address and flight number are necessary.
Upon booking, travelers will receive an email confirmation, along with a QR code that must be scanned for access to the reserved slot. The time slots allow for a margin of 15 minutes before and after the scheduled time, granting flexibility while encouraging punctuality. It is essential to note, however, that this security time slot does not apply to airline check-in or baggage drop queues. Therefore, travelers should plan accordingly to leave ample time for these processes.
The Heathrow trial is set to run for six months, beginning Tuesday, 3 October 2023, with the goal of enhancing traveler experience—especially appreciated following the delays and cancellations witnessed during summer 2023.
Moreover, other UK airports are introducing similar measures aimed at expediting the security process. For instance, London City Airport has led the way by implementing CT scanners this year, enabling passengers to keep liquids and electronics packed away during security checks. Additionally, various airports are planning to abolish the restriction on liquids exceeding 100ml in hand luggage by 2024, further simplifying security procedures for travelers.
