BA3 LCY-JFK to lose US preclearance in Shannon [from 28 October 2012]
Jul 2, 2012, 3:45 am
#1
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BA3 LCY-JFK to lose US preclearance in Shannon [from 28 October 2012]
According to this, the US CBP staff rosters are being cut back in Shannon with the result that the late-afternoon BA flight will no longer have preclearance.
(Side note: the minister is quoted as citing an average of 18 passengers per flight. Is that accurate? Is the morning flight busier?)
If this is confirmed, what is the likely outcome? BA can't fly non-stop, at least not until the CSeries arrives
They are unlikely to be able to make a quick splash-and-dash stop in DUB - it would take longer and reduce the attractiveness of the service. Is that what they should do? Should they retime the BA3 an hour earlier (less attractive commercially) and maintain preclearance at SNN? Suspend the flight altogether?
(Side note: the minister is quoted as citing an average of 18 passengers per flight. Is that accurate? Is the morning flight busier?)
If this is confirmed, what is the likely outcome? BA can't fly non-stop, at least not until the CSeries arrives
They are unlikely to be able to make a quick splash-and-dash stop in DUB - it would take longer and reduce the attractiveness of the service. Is that what they should do? Should they retime the BA3 an hour earlier (less attractive commercially) and maintain preclearance at SNN? Suspend the flight altogether?
Jul 2, 2012, 4:35 am
#3
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BA3 makes no sense versus a 747 from LHR if you have to land somewhere to refuel before the transatlantic leg but can't do US immigration at the same stage.
In terms of loads I was on BA1 last Monday and it had 20 pax which is on the low side in my experience. BA2 on Thursday night had 32 pax though (ie. full) - this was the first time I have seen this.
In terms of loads I was on BA1 last Monday and it had 20 pax which is on the low side in my experience. BA2 on Thursday night had 32 pax though (ie. full) - this was the first time I have seen this.
Jul 2, 2012, 4:46 am
#4
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Without pre-clearance it certainly would detract from the offering.
Strange thing is, that 9am CO flight must be in EWR about an hour before the rest of that 'wave' of flights - can't they go an hour later (or even more, given pax land as domestics, so able to get connections)....
Just a thought - how far can the A318 get from City? Can it reach the Eastern tip of Canada?
Or is this just a conspiracy by the US trying to get pre-clearance into the UK?????
Jul 2, 2012, 4:53 am
#5
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There are several advantages to the LCY service to JFK as far as I am concerned. The advantage of clearing customs of course, plus the benefit of being able to send and receive emails for most of the journey. It has to be the best BA Club service.
From experience the crews are exceptional being in a league of their own including many of the flight deck who are genuinely passionate about the service.
I have used the service in both directions on a great many occasions and when the loads have been low was told it only needed 11 people outbound to break even! I must admit I am not totally sure how true that is?
It would be a great shame if the service was to discontinue although I usually catch the first flight because of connecting in New York.
From experience the crews are exceptional being in a league of their own including many of the flight deck who are genuinely passionate about the service.
I have used the service in both directions on a great many occasions and when the loads have been low was told it only needed 11 people outbound to break even! I must admit I am not totally sure how true that is?
It would be a great shame if the service was to discontinue although I usually catch the first flight because of connecting in New York.
Jul 2, 2012, 5:20 am
#7
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Obviously oil and insurance costs have gone up massively since then, but the figure of 11 probably makes sense (but that'll be 11 full fare pax, not the avios brigade!)
Jul 2, 2012, 5:44 am
#9
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Only 4 daily scheduled flights. Last time I was there, there were 2 C130s full of squaddies waiting to pre-clear too. I believe there's a market for private jets too.
Jul 2, 2012, 5:46 am
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Jul 2, 2012, 5:50 am
#11
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that was a Friday. FYI the holding area before preclearance was completely full. There were even squaddies laying on the floor napping. For those waiting for their bags to be identified, it was standing room only.
Jul 2, 2012, 6:18 am
#12
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Jul 2, 2012, 6:24 am
#13
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Jul 2, 2012, 6:48 am
#15
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. When I flew through once, there was an 'Omni Air International' 767 on the ground and the departure lounge was full of green fabric.Very sobering really - they were either off to war or on their way back. Either way, rather them than me.
As for CWLCY being sold, I doubt it. The plan was always that if the route didn't succeed, the aircraft would end up on domestic routes (hence why they have no sophisticated in-built IFE setup, and blanked emergency exits). I am sure there is a good reason for the moving of the AOC and it probably involves an airport a bit around the M25.