Being forced to use the ePassport gates at T5?
Jun 26, 2017, 6:35 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, *A, Marriott
Posts: 181
Do you have a beard? Hubby has a beard and the facial recognition software doesn't like it. It also prefers a neutral expression (nothing that might appear to be a smile) so try a scowl next time?
Jun 26, 2017, 7:16 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,981
Back on topic, I think e-gates are great, and most people seem to be able to use them, although there are variations. I can understand why someone who routinely fails would want to simply stand in line to see an Immigration Officer. I've only had it refuse me once- so my success rate is well above 90%.
Jun 26, 2017, 7:48 am
#18
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London
Programs: SK Gold, ITA Executive, Sixt Diamond, Hertz PC, Avis PC, IHG Platinum
Posts: 5,163
My understanding is that there is no facial recognition software in the UK machines - it is done manually by the BF people sitting at the podium/desks past the e-gates.
Jun 26, 2017, 8:08 am
#19
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol
Programs: BA GGL, UA Plat, DL Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,380
I can offer a couple of tips because my passport is also a 2016 issue. There's something up with the passport page that means it rides back on itself as you try to put it flat in the machine.
As you put it - grab both sides of it near the middle of the passport, but hold tight to the page with the photo. As you slide it in - take one hand off and push with that hand - keep holding with the other until you can't hold it any further, then finally push forward. It'll help stop the page rolling back.
You can tell I've developed a fine technique with this.
The issue seems to be that the machine readable bit at the bottom can move out of range of the scanner, or get twisted somehow so it doesn't read it. I have less of a problem with the egates than I do with the US border machines (both GE and ESTA) - but it does happen.
My kids' passport (issued a few months after) doesn't have this problem, so I think it's a certain batch/design had it.
As you put it - grab both sides of it near the middle of the passport, but hold tight to the page with the photo. As you slide it in - take one hand off and push with that hand - keep holding with the other until you can't hold it any further, then finally push forward. It'll help stop the page rolling back.
You can tell I've developed a fine technique with this.
The issue seems to be that the machine readable bit at the bottom can move out of range of the scanner, or get twisted somehow so it doesn't read it. I have less of a problem with the egates than I do with the US border machines (both GE and ESTA) - but it does happen.
My kids' passport (issued a few months after) doesn't have this problem, so I think it's a certain batch/design had it.
Now all I have to do is get better at spotting the useless users so that I can avoid getting stuck behind one
Jun 26, 2017, 8:12 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
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Posts: 32,140
We are 2 happy users of the e-passport gates at LHR and LGW [and in the USA .... 2011 versions, with the nice stiff data page.
Jun 26, 2017, 8:58 am
#21
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: UK/France
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, Honours Silver, Marriott, Hyatt, IHG
Posts: 274
So...recently on a few trips through T5 I have ducked under the tensa barriers and gone straight to the front of the queue. Last week the agent asked why and I told her. I got a "what a load of ..ocks type of look" so who knows.
It all seems too much of a coincidence!
Jun 26, 2017, 9:07 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Does anyone know why they switched to soft pages? I've almost torn mine twice stuffing it into some reader or other.
If 95% of your purchases require "Approval" and approval happens after the manual line is dealt with ...
If 95% of your purchases require "Approval" and approval happens after the manual line is dealt with ...
Jun 26, 2017, 9:22 am
#23
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 118
I can offer a couple of tips because my passport is also a 2016 issue. There's something up with the passport page that means it rides back on itself as you try to put it flat in the machine.
The issue seems to be that the machine readable bit at the bottom can move out of range of the scanner, or get twisted somehow so it doesn't read it. I have less of a problem with the egates than I do with the US border machines (both GE and ESTA) - but it does happen.
The issue seems to be that the machine readable bit at the bottom can move out of range of the scanner, or get twisted somehow so it doesn't read it. I have less of a problem with the egates than I do with the US border machines (both GE and ESTA) - but it does happen.
Like you I struggle most with the US machines - first time I used the new passport was at a GE kiosk where I had a 'fail' and had to join the queue for the regular e-Passport machines. Thinking it was the new passport, and having some time to spare between connections I visited the GE enrolment office. They informed me that if the machine only gets a partial read, then it locks you out - you only get one shot.
Since then I've been v careful to ensure the page is lined up and not folded back as it readily wants to....
Jun 26, 2017, 10:14 am
#24
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I'm obviously pleased I have a stiff one that will be valid until 2021 ... perhaps they will revert by then? It seems silly designing a floppy one when stiffness works so well.
Jun 26, 2017, 11:30 am
#25
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Next design is currently scheduled for 2022. They change the format every 5 years. Unless other stuff happens. I don't actually know why they went all limp on this, but my suspicion is that it saves money and improved processing speed. And indeed passports in the normal, no fast track, route can be turned around in a few days now.
Jun 26, 2017, 11:34 am
#26
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: London
Programs: AAdvantage, and BAEC in name only
Posts: 800
Jun 26, 2017, 11:50 am
#27
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,579
If you have a UK passport and a somewhat common surname (Smith, Jones, Brown etc) these too appear not to work in the UK Border E-Gates. I am "lucky" enough to have a common surname and have been told by a very apologetic border supervisor when I questioned why I always have to seek assistance that this is the reason why I have difficulties. Surprisingly in other countries it isn't a problem to process. Including Australia, UAE and the USA.
Bring back IRIS and all is forgiven. That always worked for me without issue.
Bring back IRIS and all is forgiven. That always worked for me without issue.
Jun 26, 2017, 11:54 am
#29
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