BasilBush

The apparent zeal of some security staff (or indeed the general lethargy) might not be unconnected to HAH's recent announcement of a review of their pension scheme. Although such a review is probably inevitable, staff have some justification for being aggrieved, as a commitment was made back in 2008 not to seek further changes to the pension scheme for a period of 12 years subject to the scheme deficit not exceeding Ł250m. The latest deficit is Ł179m but nevertheless HAH has announced a review, describing the current arrangements as unsustainable. Staff are understandably concerned.

Expect further disruption!

LondonElite

Does this make them more or less zealous? I would have thought the latter.

layz

No love for T1!

Actually they could advertise T1 as fast track for all

One thing I don't understand is why when there's so many check in desks vacant that El Al are so far away from the now only entrance to security.

BasilBush

Both I imagine. Excessive zeal when checking something that has popped into secondary search. And general lethargy in all other areas. Both have the same effect of slowing everything down and making an (expensive) point to their employer, who is fined by the CAA whenever the security queuing targets are missed. I don't see security staff being particularly receptive to working more efficiently at a time when there is major uncertainty over their pension scheme.

Genius1

This is DfT (government) regulation.

I would imagine due to EL AL's security requirements.

Calchas

Channeling my inner Ian Hislop, I have fixed that for you.

Fly Baby

Arrived at T5 last Tuesday for flight to BOS. Checked in at the F area then walked to south security fast track.

14.36 - scanned my boarding pass
14.40 - put my coat back on and picked up my bags.
14.40 and a bit - pressed the green smiley button on the mood-o-matic

No queues, dealt with by a couple of friendly security people (there were 16 of them on duty) and overall an unexpectedly positive experience.

Only downside was more time than needed at the airport as a result. Gave me time to look closely around the CCR - now looking very tired: clearly visible greasy stains on the fabric covered chairs, the ladies washrooms really shabby (scratched surfaces, chipped wood on the dark wooden table, flooring worn and stained etc.), scuff marks from shoes/luggage not removed. All relatively easy stuff to keep on top of I would have thought...

Reception person was less than welcoming (on the 'phone the whole time - only stopping to raise her voice to question a man who walked in behind me) and the waiter brought me the wrong meal. Correct meal when it arrived - mushrooms on brioche - was pretty ordinary.

First world problems I know, but comparing it to the AF F offering in CDG, the CCR badly needs some care and money spent on it as soon as possible.

Arriving back at T5 this morning (4:55) was HORRIBLE. The F experience ends the minute you get off the aircraft (didn't even get let off first) - parked at a C gate and the train was packed due to simultaneous arrival of BA12 and a couple of other large aircraft - hundreds of people all trying to get on the same train - it was uncomfortably packed...people were then queuing just to get on the escalators up to Transfers and UK Border which didn't look safe so I took the lift.

So for me - departure good, arrivals rubbish.

ThatT1Feeling

Happily located in the breakfast area of T5 GF (well, as happy as possible at this time of the morning).. Arrived at 5.50am, didn't like the look of the tensabarriers outside south security, but pressed on through Fast Track and found.... no queue.... The new area was working well and I must have been through in 5 minutes or even less. Was quite concerned having read this thread

matthandy

I don't know if this has been posted before but the new fast track security at South is now open. It was rather good actually. Very quick but I think that was something to do with the number of people travelling rather than the layout (which is different).

There's only one arch way but two x-ray machines. The difference is that there is much more room to load up the trays before scanning. However, since they still have to go through one by one the saving isn't huge.

It was certainly a better experience than my previous early morning flight two weeks ago.

matthandy

Must have just missed you.

Silk Cut

Whilst T1 is empty, I had the bureaucratic brigade on security today- they said my sealed bag was not UK compliant (I got it in Luxbourg security) so I was given a different bag to transfer. I ended up losing a few items. Even though I''m through Heathrow every week with the same bag, trying to talk to them is a waste of time.
"If they were on fire, I wouldn't even ......."
Bah humbug aplenty

KD5MDK

Terribly slow processing it seemed connecting through on Friday and looks pretty similar so far today. Standing stationary in line for a very long time while it seemed to take over a minute for a person to go through each screening station.
Then secondary screening for my liquids (ok, fine) but 4 people ahead of me for that and only the one person doing it, none of the other lines helping out.

Woodley_Beacon

At the risk of appearing facetious, I would like to share something a little light-hearted from across the Pond! For "TSA" read "DFT":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnSlivfhZPU

Calchas

lorcancoyle

^^^