Article from BTNews 19 SEPTEMBER 2016
BATA concern at fast-track idea
The body representing UK airlines has criticised Border Force plans that emerged last week for "fast -track" passport checks at airport immigration halls that would allow passengers to pay extra to clear controls more quickly.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the British Air Transport Association (BATA), said the government and Border Force must ensure such a premium service did not become their over-riding priority.
“While at certain airports there may be some level of demand for this product at immigration halls, such an arrangement should not detract from the need for Border Force to provide the standard, required service which ensures that service levels and targets are met” he added.
“This should not become the new ‘normal’ for passengers – and they should not have to pay extra to fund a service that they should expect to receive anyway.”
Alderslade said the proposed changes could have “major implications” for passengers – especially at smaller airports with constrained infrastructure and limited space to accommodate premium offerings.
Moreover, he added, Brexit meant future border and immigration arrangements were unclear and therefore substantial changes should be avoided “until the full implications of the referendum result as they impact on border operations are better understood”.
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John Baxter-Smith, England
Surprised they are not outsourcign it to a private company. I think in this case unlike the railways and NHS - outsorucung could not be any worse than the rubbish situation we have with them now.