Heathrow Airport Introduces Convenient Pre-Booked Security Slots
Making your way through security at one of the world's largest and busiest airports has just become a breeze.
Heathrow Airport in London developed a system called “Heathrow Timeslot” that will allow travellers to pre-book a timeslot at the security screening checkpoint in order to avoid excessive lines at airport security.
The program is currently in a six-month trial period and is free to utilise and is specifically for passengers departing from Terminal 3. Travellers can book their time slot now on Heathrow’s website.
The process seems fairly easy to use. Currently, the trial only operates in Terminal 3 and will be limited to passengers flying with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic so if you are flying with a different airline you won’t be able to book a slot.
However, it is believed that additional airlines may also be added during the trial period.
Eligible passengers can then book their time slot up to three days before their flight, and the slots should remain open until 90 minutes before long-haul flights and 60 minutes before short-haul flights.
The booking site stipulates that travellers won’t have to go through any registration processes or add any further details; however, an email address and flight number are needed.
An email will be sent with the booking confirmation and a QR code passengers need to have scanned to access their slot.
This security timeslot does not apply to airline check-in or bag drop queues, so remember to leave ample time in case of queueing in those areas.
Should the trial succeed, it might be rolled out across further terminals.
Other UK airports have introduced similar time-saving measures recently. London City became the first to use CT scanners this year, allowing passengers to avoid unpacking liquids and electronic devices for security.
Have you tried to use the new system? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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