Originally Posted by
SmilingBoy
Can anyone give me a sensible reasoning why there should be a cut-off at security at all rather than a cut-off at the gate when the doors are closed?
As you rightly conclude, no.
Passengers might delay flight - don't let passenger board at gate, no reason to stop him at security
Believe me, if I thought this were the case I'd be all in favour of the new rule. I'm normally at the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure. But, as you say, it is nonsense. I can assure you I'm not part of the DYKWIA crowd, and I can't see that anyone is (no one is suggesting the plane should be delayed for them) and I have never once been one of the last on the plane, stowing my luggage as everyone else is all ready to go.
APIS not done, no visa, seat not ready - don't let passenger board at gate, no reason to stop him at security
Furthemore, many destinations don't need visas. Domestic ones don't even need passports. Only a few need api and this is done in advance via mmb (you can't even check-in online if it isn't done), as is seat assignment.
All a bunch of red herrings. At best, a rule for the convenience of the airline, not the passenger, although it is hard to see how this is really the case. Whatever all these mysterious things are that really need to be done by the airline between security (note, not check-in) and the gate, other airlines seem to be able to do them in five minutes. BA is behaving like the NHS of airlines: sit around all morning waiting for your appointment so we can see you when we feel like it.
Checked luggage can't make it anymore - should not have been accepted and bag drop in the first place.
You will still take quite a lot of time from security to gate
Both are part of the "lowest common denominator" argument. Some people might need 35 minutes, so let's make everyone need 35 minutes.
You wouldn't be able to make your duty free shopping anymore
Seems to be the only thing that makes any sense.