So, been through T5 3 times in the last 1.5 weeks and every time IRIS has been closed. Not just one lane closed (which counts as fully open) but completely closed.
Any ideas if this is the much rumored end or is my 3 for 3 strike rate just pure coincidence?
Any ideas if this is the much rumored end or is my 3 for 3 strike rate just pure coincidence?
#2
sunrisegirl , Feb 21, 2011 12:49 pm
Suspended
I believe IRIS is being stopped as the new passports offer the same facility (or so I've been told). Yet they're still taking new applications for IRIS at LGW.
Almost always open there and rarely anybody waiting.
Almost always open there and rarely anybody waiting.
#3
Someone recently reported trying to sign up for Iris and was refused and told that the system is being discontinued. So even if it's running now its days are numbered.
I think it's getting replaced with e-passport booths for those with chipped passports. It failed when I tried them last
I think it's getting replaced with e-passport booths for those with chipped passports. It failed when I tried them last
#6
LTN Phobia , Feb 21, 2011 1:12 pm
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Both booths were working last Thursday at T5, but they are on their way out.
#7
So ... the IRIS booths are still working? Occasionally?
But the e-passport ones haven't been installed yet? When? Anyone heard anything?
By mid-May would be nice
But the e-passport ones haven't been installed yet? When? Anyone heard anything?
By mid-May would be nice
#9
I used Iris at MAN T2 on Saturday.
The one at T3 (BA) was out of order last time I tried.
I hope it stays for a few years, my passport expires in June 2016 and it's an impressive aide-mémoire of my recent travels. If Iris was discontinued I'd get a new one to avoid queues at MAN.
The one at T3 (BA) was out of order last time I tried.
I hope it stays for a few years, my passport expires in June 2016 and it's an impressive aide-mémoire of my recent travels. If Iris was discontinued I'd get a new one to avoid queues at MAN.
#13
My "concern" about this is that queues form at the bio gates.
IRIS is great because it's for regular-ish pax only IIRC (4 times a year minimum?) and everyone gets through quickly (except when you have a divvy in front of you who hasn't registered), bit the bio gates are not to speed the process, but just to reduce staff levels on manned gates.
I don't see why they don't keep IRIS - the investment's been done.
IRIS is great because it's for regular-ish pax only IIRC (4 times a year minimum?) and everyone gets through quickly (except when you have a divvy in front of you who hasn't registered), bit the bio gates are not to speed the process, but just to reduce staff levels on manned gates.
I don't see why they don't keep IRIS - the investment's been done.
#14
BobbySteel , Feb 21, 2011 2:46 pm
Still working fine. Had a buddy sign up at T5 two weeks ago.
I really like IRIS and often use it as it can save me minutes but if it does go the way of the dodo the biggest headache for me will be flying with my business partner who has a US passport (with leave to remain in the UK). IRIS saves him hell of a lot of time and if we go to the E-passport readers then he is stuffed and so will I having to wait for him.