End of Iris?

stueys · Feb 21, 11, 12:46 pm

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?

sunrisegirl · Feb 21, 11, 12:49 pm

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.

layz · Feb 21, 11, 12:50 pm

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

T8191 · Feb 21, 11, 1:06 pm

Oh, good. Waiting for developments on this, having last week received our new chipped e-passports ... with more security features than Fort Knox.

G-BOAC · Feb 21, 11, 1:11 pm

Was working at T1 last Thursday at least but as reported on some threads or other here before, it's on its way out (sadly).

**LTN Phobia** · Feb 21, 11, 1:12 pm

Both booths were working last Thursday at T5, but they are on their way out.

T8191 · Feb 21, 11, 1:15 pm

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

Maxiscot · Feb 21, 11, 1:19 pm

Used the e chip gates at LGW - very quick - I like them - got my e chip passport back in 2008 so hope there will be more gates in future

andygeog · Feb 21, 11, 1:22 pm

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.

Palmer · Feb 21, 11, 1:23 pm

IRIS closed at T3 this afternoon.

Palmer

Dr Dave · Feb 21, 11, 1:44 pm

I used Iris in T5 this morning. Two booths were operational.

globalste · Feb 21, 11, 2:19 pm

IRIS T3 open last 5 times I have been through and when Mrs GLobalste used it Monday morning

LHR-HUB · Feb 21, 11, 2:46 pm

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.

BobbySteel · Feb 21, 11, 2:46 pm

Still working fine. Had a buddy sign up at T5 two weeks ago.

CT-UK · Feb 21, 11, 2:57 pm

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.