End of Iris? [effective 17 September 2013]
Feb 21, 2011, 12:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,314
End of Iris? [effective 17 September 2013]
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?
) but completely closed. Any ideas if this is the much rumored end or is my 3 for 3 strike rate just pure coincidence?
Last edited by Prospero; Sep 8, 2013 at 3:16 am
Feb 21, 2011, 12:49 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Earth
Programs: Proud owner of 3 Mucci's (yes, 3!) the latest being Chevaliere des Bains Chauds, BA Silver (6 yrs)
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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.
Feb 21, 2011, 12:50 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Mostly UK
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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
Feb 21, 2011, 1:06 pm
#4
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Oh, good. Waiting for developments on this, having last week received our new chipped e-passports ... with more security features than Fort Knox.
Feb 21, 2011, 1:11 pm
#5
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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).
Feb 21, 2011, 1:15 pm
#7
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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
Feb 21, 2011, 1:22 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: MAN
Programs: BAEC: SILVER. BMIDC SILVER
Posts: 668
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.
Feb 21, 2011, 2:46 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mostly London
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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.
Feb 21, 2011, 2:57 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: Sir CT-UK - Streaker pour les autres.
Posts: 5,900
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.