Project Iris
Project Iris
Jan 3, 2008 | 7:46 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Marriott Ambassador (lifetime Platinum), Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 370
Iris certainly exists in the UK and is very easy to sign-up for. Its only at certain airports though (London ones are LHR and LGW, but I know there's other UK ones too). I don't know the specific rules for eligibility, but signing up is free even for a USA citizen (UK work permit holder) like myself and my wife. Sadly, its only saved us time once, but that one time was probably a good hour or two of time, so I'd say it was worth it. If you search IRIS and UK on Google, I'm sure you'll turn up all the rules and stuff.
Jan 3, 2008 | 8:21 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NYC & EGC
Programs: Recovering AA flyer, LT PLT 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,563
In the UK, the requirements are:
There is no paperwork to fill out... just show them your documentation. They'll scan you, check that it properly identifies you, and then you can start using it the very next time you enter the country. It works very well for me.
- Otherwise able to enter the UK.
- 2 entries in the last 6 months or 4 in the last year, to show you actually need IRIS.
There is no paperwork to fill out... just show them your documentation. They'll scan you, check that it properly identifies you, and then you can start using it the very next time you enter the country. It works very well for me.
Jan 3, 2008 | 9:55 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: AVL
Programs: AA EXP, UA LT Plat, Mar LTT
Posts: 18,147
After you clear customs and security on the way out, just ask or look for a sign directiing you to the office. Very near the security entrance at T3, IIRC.
I did it at T3, but IIRC, it is in all Terminals. You may want to check out whether it is airside or landside before you go, however.
Your passport will function very very nicely for this purpose. @:-)
Be aware - there is NO 'you came very close'. Either you fit (4x/2 years, etc.) or you don't.
Best, Dave
I did it at T3, but IIRC, it is in all Terminals. You may want to check out whether it is airside or landside before you go, however.
Be aware - there is NO 'you came very close'. Either you fit (4x/2 years, etc.) or you don't.
Best, Dave
Jan 3, 2008 | 10:39 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 315
I do the 4 VERY easily... Im in and out of there around 1-2x a month...I just dont keep the boarding passes..and my passport does not get stamped when I enter the UK... in fact, I dont even use one to get in.. Euro ID card 
but it means I still have to stand in these ques which can cause quite some delays....
BUT! Thanks for the tips though, I will keep a look out for it.... ^
but it means I still have to stand in these ques which can cause quite some delays....BUT! Thanks for the tips though, I will keep a look out for it.... ^
Jan 3, 2008 | 12:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NYC & EGC
Programs: Recovering AA flyer, LT PLT 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,563
After you clear customs and security on the way out, just ask or look for a sign directiing you to the office. Very near the security entrance at T3, IIRC.
I did it at T3, but IIRC, it is in all Terminals. You may want to check out whether it is airside or landside before you go, however.
I did it at T3, but IIRC, it is in all Terminals. You may want to check out whether it is airside or landside before you go, however.
Jan 3, 2008 | 1:31 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 16,063
I swear by IRIS. I used it at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester a total of 77 times in 2007 without a single hitch.
The only issue is that non-EU citizens are required to retain the paper receipt provided at entry. While this is somewhat preferable to passport stamps that waste more space, once you have 77 of these it gets a little bulky to carry around.
The only issue is that non-EU citizens are required to retain the paper receipt provided at entry. While this is somewhat preferable to passport stamps that waste more space, once you have 77 of these it gets a little bulky to carry around.
Jan 4, 2008 | 2:10 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Marriott Ambassador (lifetime Platinum), Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 370
I swear by IRIS. I used it at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester a total of 77 times in 2007 without a single hitch.
The only issue is that non-EU citizens are required to retain the paper receipt provided at entry. While this is somewhat preferable to passport stamps that waste more space, once you have 77 of these it gets a little bulky to carry around.
The only issue is that non-EU citizens are required to retain the paper receipt provided at entry. While this is somewhat preferable to passport stamps that waste more space, once you have 77 of these it gets a little bulky to carry around.
Jan 4, 2008 | 3:50 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 16,063
I have used every machine at LHR (T1/T2/T3/T4) and have never had a problem with the receipts. However, if you do experience a problem just go to the CIO after being released by the machine and request them for a passport stamp. The receipt/stamp are your only proof of legal entry into the UK. If you need to demonstrate your travel for tax reasons or similar, these are essential.