New LCY - JFK service with A318 - starts 2009
Feb 1, 2008, 5:30 am
#46
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SNN would make real sense.
Yes - pax can be on board while the planes refuel in the UK. You normally get the announcement, please do not fasten your seat belt as the plane is refueling. However, cannot do immigration on board as it is not private/confidential enough if pax stay in their seat next to another pax.
Feb 1, 2008, 5:31 am
#47
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I think it could still make sense, and I agree that there may not be a huge need for hold luggage, but it is a logistics issue that would need to be thought through. I guess I'm not worried about the amount of luggage, as much as I am about what is the fixed time to load and unload any amount of luggage.
My guess is it wouldn't satisfy the customs inspection requirements. It is unclear if they could do just an immigration check in SNN and then customs in New York, but I would think that everyone would prefer to do it all in one shot, whether in SNN or NYC.
My guess is it wouldn't satisfy the customs inspection requirements. It is unclear if they could do just an immigration check in SNN and then customs in New York, but I would think that everyone would prefer to do it all in one shot, whether in SNN or NYC.
Feb 1, 2008, 5:38 am
#48
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Are you sure SNN does not have enough runway
"The airport has the longest runway in Ireland, and was used as a training airfield for Concorde. The airport continues to be used regularly for training purposes by several airlines, and is listed as an emergency landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle"
Feb 1, 2008, 6:00 am
#50
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 453
Because Ireland has a special agreement with US. Regarding T5, BAA wouldn't dream of letting you clear US Customs and Immigration in the UK as you would have less time to shop then.
Feb 1, 2008, 6:39 am
#51
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Not much point checking in at LCY and then going all the way to LHR T5 for customs/immigration and back again is there? Might just as well go to LHR in the first place...............
Feb 1, 2008, 6:45 am
#53
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Location: London
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If they can figure someway of pre-clearing all the passengers at SNN whilst they are on the aircraft, this sounds like a stroke of genius.
The banks in Docklands are going to love this.
The banks in Docklands are going to love this.
Feb 1, 2008, 7:09 am
#54
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BA will be able to use these planes for charters on weekends and during vacation periods, so they will probably be able to add aircraft based on charter demand to soak up capacity unused by scheduled operations.
Feb 1, 2008, 7:19 am
#55
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And it isn't a net win for BA, as they spend longer on the ground than is needed for refueling.
And it likely isn't a net win for the US Customs and Immigration because it is isn't clear that the facilities will be set up for passengers who will not be clearing customs. For example, when you enter the US, you enter one single secured area.
Feb 1, 2008, 7:28 am
#56
Join Date: Mar 2005
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AFAIK, LCY is closed for 24 hours between noon on Saturday and noon on Sunday which means no arrivals at all on Sunday (unless they leave after midnight on Saturday night...loads would be low on that one!). You might be able to get one departure Sat morning, plane overnighting in NYC and returning to LCY for Monday morning?
Feb 1, 2008, 7:28 am
#57
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It isn't a new situation for CBP though as they have been using this method ex Ireland for at least the past 20 years.
Feb 1, 2008, 7:54 am
#59
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,314
Not sure about the idea of immigration at SNN (or any other airport en-route) - what happens when the CBP agent doesn't like the look of someone and wants to question them further? You could either off-load their bags (whether they were in the cabin or the hold) and abandon them to a later flight, or hold everyone else up while the clearance took place. Neither option looks practical.
Feb 1, 2008, 8:12 am
#60
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Not sure whether this is truly attractive in terms of time saving. Don't forget that an A318 doesn't fly very fast. Compared to a 747, it pracically flies backwards. So add slower crossing time to the stopover time.
For US nationals and greencard holders flying in F or J, the immigration wait at JFK is usually minimal (it's been a long time since I've had more than a 2 minute wait, and I fly this route extremely often). Thus, pre-clearance at SNN or wherever doesn't buy anything for US nationals and greencard holders. Biggest "saving" seems to less UK airport hassle.
For US nationals and greencard holders flying in F or J, the immigration wait at JFK is usually minimal (it's been a long time since I've had more than a 2 minute wait, and I fly this route extremely often). Thus, pre-clearance at SNN or wherever doesn't buy anything for US nationals and greencard holders. Biggest "saving" seems to less UK airport hassle.
Last edited by NYLON Boy; Feb 1, 2008 at 9:01 am