Archive for the ‘airport news’ CategoryThe strict restrictions on liquids in hand luggage has caught out lots of air travellers and led to the confiscation of tons of liquids every week, including a £750 bottle of vintage champagne. I wonder how many passengers have had the time to do what one traveller in the States did rather than have an expensive bottle of port confiscated: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/gate/a/2008/01/11/notes011108.DTL
In light of today’s relaxation of the one-bag rule at some of the UK’s airports, BAA is urging passengers to double-check airline baggage policies before travelling to the airports. Although the one-bag rule will be lifted at some UK airports, many airlines including easyJet will still be enforcing the one-bag rule irrespective of the individual airport’s policy. From today the one-bag restriction has been lifted at six of BAA’s seven airports, however, the rule will remain in place at Gatwick which is expected to lift restrictions in early 2008. A spokesman for BAA said: “We will be helping to advertise the changes in Government baggage restrictions at our airports, but it is important that passengers check with their airline before travelling as carriers have different policies governing the number of items of hand baggage which may be taken in to the aircraft cabin. To help passengers further, we will also be asking airlines to ensure that passengers clearly understand airline baggage policies at the check-in points, before they pass through security.” At Gatwick Airport, significant engineering works are underway, which will allow the restriction to be lifted in the near future. As part of a phased approach, from 7 January, passengers connecting flights through Gatwick’s South Terminal will be able to travel with more than one piece of hand bag if their airline allows. This will also apply for passengers on connecting flights only via the North Terminal from 11 February. The Department for Transport has approved new security arrangements at Heathrow, Stansted, Glasgow airport, Edinburgh airport, Aberdeen airport and Southampton airport.
In a brief statement just issued a spokesman for BAA said: “We welcome the announcement by trade unions today that an agreement has been reached and all proposed industrial action has been cancelled. This is good news for our passengers and airline customers.” BAA operates Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton airport, Aberdeen airport, Glasgow airport and Edinburgh airport.
Airport operator BAA has announced it is to cut jobs. BAA, which owns and operates Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton airport, Edinburgh airport, Glasgow and Aberdeen airport, denies that numbers will be as high as some reports suggest at 2,000. The job cuts come as the operator conducts a review of its efficiency and are expected to come from support staff and not security or customer service positions. BAA has come under severe criticism recently over its efficiency at its London airports: Heathrow, Stansted airport and Gatwick airport. Travel Counsellors, the independent travel company, has launched a website that allows passengers to post information and feedback about airport delays. The innovative site, www.ukairportdelays.co.uk allows customers to post specific information about waiting times at UK airports, including the latest news on check-in times, immigration, and security, plus any additional feedback and comments for other passengers to view. Travel industry leader and innovater David Speakman, chairman and founder of Travel Counsellors, has been leading the call for immediate improvements to the way UK airports are operated and has even offered his services to airports free of charge to help them assess how they implement security procedures. The company’s team of over 680 home-based agents across the UK have also been campaigning in their regions, raising awareness in their local press and appealing to their local MPs to support the campaign. David comments “I fully appreciate the efforts of the government and airlines to impose increased security procedures and recognise that these are in place for all of our safety. However, I do not believe by adopting these we have to accept the lengthy queues that are becoming commonplace.” Speakman continues; “This website is the first of its kind to allow passengers to pinpoint exactly when, where and for how long they have been delayed while waiting for flights in UK airports. These results will enable us to form a body of evidence, showing that UK authorities need to take serious action.” Speakman comments; “In my opinion it’s the airports that are being irresponsible. They have the opportunity to show how efficiently they can overcome the problems of security through implementing better procedures and increasing resources, but at the same time having a system and a process that does not deter travellers”. Pictured a snapshot taken from the UK airport delays website:
The school holidays are in full swing now, and as huge numbers of people head to the airport to avoid our ‘excuse’ for summer weather, air passengers are encountering longer queues than ever. To help you minimise delays make sure you are aware of the hand luggage and hand luggage liquid restrictions. Hand luggage restrictions Passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand baggage each, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 17.7 x 10 inches) including wheels, handles and outside pockets - these dimensions are the maximum size you are allowed to carry - some airlines specify smaller hand luggage sizes and it is always advisable to check with your airline. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried but must fit within the single item of cabin baggage. A laptop, if carried, must fit within the one item of hand baggage, or if carried separately will be regarded as the one piece of cabin baggage. Remember any gifts carried as hand luggage must be unwrapped and must fit within your one bag entitlement. Restrictions on liquids In excess of five tons of liquids and gels are confiscated at the UK airports every day due to ignorance of the restrictions imposed last year. Liquids, gels and aerosols can only be carried in individual 100ml containers (larger containers, even if only partially full, will be confiscated) and should fit comfortably in a transparent, re-sealable bag measuring a maximum of 20cm by 20cm, with a capacity of no more than a litre. Where possible, it is advisable to put all liquids, such as water, drinks, creams, sprays, pastes and gels, in your check-in luggage. Don’t forget liquids include all drinks, perfumes, mascara, liquid foundation, spray deodorants, toothpaste, hair and shower gel and sun cream. Any questions connected with cabin baggage should be directed to your airport or airline before you travel. Medicines required during the flight Any essential medicines for the period of the trip may be permitted in larger quantities than 100ml but will require authentication – passengers must have obtained agreement with the airline and airport prior to departure and must bring supporting documentation with them from a relevant qualified medical professional. Stay up-to-date with the latest airport security restrictions by checking out your local UK airport.
Passengers flying from UK airports are being asked to allow extra time to get to the airport. The request comes as airport security is stepped up in the wake of the attack on Glasgow airport. Many airports are asking travellers to leave their cars at home and use public transport where possible. New security arrangements banning cars from the drop-off and pick-up zones outside the terminals are causing some delays. BAA, which runs Glasgow airport, Edinburgh airport, Southampton airport, Heathrow and Aberdeen airport, are allowing passengers to use short term car parks free of charge for up to 20 minutes for picking up and dropping off passengers. Travellers are being asked to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police. BAA is planning to sell its World Duty Free franchise. The chain, which operates 65 shops with annual sales of £300m, is expected to fetch a minimum of £400m. BAA recently sold Budapest Airport for £1.2bn and is in the process of selling Lynton, its airport property venture. Ferrovial, the Spanish construction company, bought BAA last year for £10bn. BAA owns and operates Heathrow, Gatwick, Southampton airport, Stansted airport, Glasgow airport, Edinburgh airport and Aberdeen airport.
Warnings of significant delays at UK airports this summer come as the UK’s airports are put on terror alert. After last Saturday’s attack on Glasgow airport, the UK airports have responded by implementing increased security measures including armed police, no vehicular access to the drop off and pick up zones and concrete barriers outside terminals. As the peak holiday season approaches these measures are expected to cause high levels of disruption and delays for passengers. A spokesman for BAA, which runs Glasgow airport, Aberdeen airport, Heathrow, Gatwick, Southampton airport and Stansted airport, said: “Following Saturday’s terrorist incident at Glasgow Airport, additional security measures are in place at all BAA airports. “Dropping off and picking-up in front of the airport is severely restricted and passengers are warned that there may be significant delays in reaching the terminal itself by car. “BAA strongly recommends that passengers use public transport to get to the airport. Passengers using private cars will find it more convenient to use car parks to gain access to airport terminals.”
Passenger figures just released by BAA show BAA’s airports handled a total of 12.8 million passengers in May, an increase of 0.3% on May 2006. The Scottish airports saw a significant rise in passenger numbers – Glasgow airport an increase of 3.7%, Edinburgh airport by 5.8% and Aberdeen airport saw a rise of 9.9%. BAA’s English airports reported a decline in numbers at Heathrow airport and Stansted airport – Heathrow handled 1.9% less passengers than the same period last year and Stansted saw a drop of 1.2%. Gatwick airport saw an increase of 2.2% and Southampton airport a slight increase of 0.7%. |
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