Is it just me or are the Iris machines at Heathrow always closed. Returning from the Middle East yesterday it was closed again and only opened after being in the EU queue for about ten minutes. I then skipped under the barrier and the man who opened it said '"you can try it but it probably wont work". It seems those who are employed have little faith in it.

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Still haven't tried it, but feedback hasn't been positive. Not very encouraged by the Home Office website either - different enrolment times for every terminal, no afternoon opening at Gatwick - & apparently, even if you do get there at the right time, "There is no guarantee that enrolment rooms will be open at published times as the opening times may occasionally change at short notice due to staffing issues."

I've tried using that excuse with my boss, but it just doesn't work.......

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I am flying in next weekend so will register then. Oh - maybe not as I arrive at Gatwick late afternoon.... It seems a bit frustrating that such a good resource is limited. If there are no running costs (because it is a machine rather than paying a human) why can't it be open all the time? I presume it is because they know it goes wrong and they need to have people there to correct it... Machines helping humans helping machines.

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I joined at LHR 7 months ago. 50% of the time it simply doesnt work, with 3 cameras each always vary, & its sad to watch so many frequent travellers use it but get stuck & have to be let out of the first gate & get back into the 15 minute Passport queue check.

By comparison, i have been in Amsterdam Schipol's Privium for 2 yrs. (99Euros each yr with perks & a special lounge to use public side) It does what it states it does (like most efficient things in NL & Schipol,) & you are through in 20-30 seconds. You also get priority lane security, same as the crews.

Its brilliant, add this to all the other delays n negative lazy attitudes at LHR, with the charges /taxes for services that work badly, I choose to go Via Schipol, avoiding LHR as much as possible. Travelling business class from the EU also means i dont have to pay £80 to the government either just the £20 eu tax!

Rather than the Spanish, perhaps the Dutch could manage our transport & airports...they would surely enhance the efficiency, customer service, & courtesy, as well as Maintainance & cleanliness of the airport, compared to LHR!

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The IRIS enrolment room at Heathrow Terminal 4 was closed when I tried to use it - despite it being within the stated opening times on the website. That was a waste of time as it is well out of the way. When I mentioned this on going to the British Airways lounge, the person there said it always shuts well ahead of the stated closing time.

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I registered yesterday at Heathrow T4 and there was only one person in front of me. I gave over my passport and they scanned my eye about two minutes later. It was easy, and quick. So the Border and immigration people have done their job. The only thing I'm concerned about is the fact that even if this means we get through passport control faster, we will still end up waiting for half an hour for our bags...and who can we blame for that?

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Unless you have bags to collect, saving time at security using IRIS simply means you stand at the carousel for longer. I managed to register quickly and for the first time in five trips the IRIS scanner was not working yesterday, at LHR T3. It's a great idea but the luggage needs to come quicker!

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Iris is just a scam, never works!

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Have never had a problem to date, but sometimes its quicker as less of a queue to use the regular immigration officer. Its sometimes like the queue at J is bigger than Y for check in, when I will use Y rather than wait longer just to be in the J queue.

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Still vouch for Schipol being greatest. One eye n you are literally through with a Chip card you slot in the gate, scan the eye, literally 30 secs. You also get to go through the Crew & a seperate Security priority lane, within Shengen areas n out also. Saves a good 20 minutes in Amsterdam with varying queues. Just walk through.

The gates on "IRIS", seem more like a very dated donkey powered system, with a pulley & weight. That makes each customer wait a minute between people let alone which of the 3 cameras decide to point at you!

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Maybe things have improved of late. I have been using the IRIS scan at LHR (T4 and T1) without any problems over the last few months.

No experience of AMS - although I don't understand at AMS if you go through one area at departures you get security screened, but if you go through the other no security screening until the gate area. Don't understand that!!!

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I'm a frequent flyer between A'dam and London (LGW & LHR) and I use both Iris and Privium. In the last year, only Privium "failed" once and never had any problem in the UK (knock on wood). About the security checks, Schiphol has to areas with different entrances: Schengen (where there's no passport control and all the hand luggage is screened before entering the area - Privium passangers have priority) and the "international" area where every flight is screened at the respective gates. Hope this helps.

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.... furthermore, in LHR T1, the Iris machine is at the opposite end of the hall to the UK/EU immigration channel, so it is a long way back once you find that it is not working.

Anyway, why hurry through immigration when BD will keep you waiting a hour at the carousels for your bag (singular)?

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It's an interesting one. Had a lively discussion with a fellow frequent flyer about IRIS. He said it was slow, taking 15 seconds to process a single person (and so with a queue of 10 in front of him, it was quicker going through the regular EU queue (yeah, right), and I said it took five seconds. Then came back into T3 and sure enough it took 15 seconds. Then T5 the other week, fast as anything (about six seconds would be my guess). Might not seem like much, but once you are committed to the queue you're in it for the duration, and no one will use IRIS if they think it's slower than standing in line and flashing a passport. Maybe as the database gets larger it has more irises, (irisi?) to scan and it slows down. But then why is it quick at T5? There are no certainties in this world of travel...

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It all depends on the speed of the connection to "back home". If it is a standard dial up line that will take at least 10 secs; if it is a leased line or a ADSL connection then a lot lot quicker!

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Used the Iris "Scam"? on my last 3-4 arrivals at T 3 and worked OK...agree it needs a bit of attention ,input and updating but things like this take time over "ere.....its all down to the..old . if it aint broke mentality..init

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Once again a brilliant idea ruing by the incompetance of the UK government and civil service.

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I was in Gatwick North Shopping Mall, sorry Terminal last Thursday morning after a transatlantic flight and I walked up to the IRIS barrier for the very first time (being all cocky and smug, walking past everyone else queuing) and what greets me? A rusty metal crash barrier placed across the front of the IRIS entrance with an A4 piece of paper sellotaped up apologising for IRIS being out of action. It just looked so... typically British. Along with the duct tape holding the carpet together and the missing ceiling tiles new arrivals to the UK must be so impressed. I then had to sheepishly backtrack and then join the end of a now very long regular queue, which of course was the slowest moving one, as usual. Can you imagine this level of amateurish shabbyness in any other first world country?

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The main thing about Iris is incompetent users. The idea is to keep adjusting your distance back and forth as you lean in - not wait for the voice to say 'please move back a little' again and again.

I think you should get no more than a minute to get through otherwise be ejected and have to use your passport.

Honestly, its not difficult!

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My experience is that the system only works 50% of the time. Returning to T5 for the first time on Monday , and it wasnt working there. Fortunately the queues were quite short and they did put some more staff on as the pax arrived, which was both good and unexpected! I think if IRIS isnt working then there should be an express queue for registered IRIS users. (Assuming the computer equipment displays this information).

PS luggage arrived VERY quickly at T5, I was impressed.

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Arriving back from Thailand again a few weeks ago I went through "Iris" and it worked fine. Unfortunately on departure a few weeks earlier I intended to get my wife signed up but althgough T3 Departures was very busy 18-30pm the registration office (RHS after Immigration) was shut.

Great idea but. not if you cant.........

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I used Iris on August 24th, and was in and out in less that 20 seconds at Gatwick Airport. With a US passport i was cleared faster than the UK passport holders. Maybe we all need to follow directions more and be less negative.

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Iris machines are poor kit (I am told) and go down far too often. My complaints to the very understanding immigration officers (the immigration service is responsible for the system) have always met with the response: We tell'em. But nothing is done. All you can do - the best solution - is to write to your MP.

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I have just been through Iris at Gatwick. Noticed a slight improvement in that arrows now point more clearly to which window the traveller should look at. So if you are short in height, it reminds you to look at lower window. What is missing, I feel, is a reminder that you should try to match your eye-balls with the image on the screen. I feel that the system has the potential to do away with all these bits of paper in the form of passports and national identity cards which the S Times showed could be forged quite quickly

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Just to say back from DXB last week into T3 at LHR and Iris was open, no queue and worked first time, fortunately have never had a problem.

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Can anyone tell me if any airline flys DIRECT from Geneva to Toulouse in France? The websites of Toulouse and Geneva airports both claim that a direct journey is possible. However when trying to book a non-stop flight from Geneva to Toulouse, it is a different story. No direct flights are available at all and the airports in questions would have me believe that it is more convenient to fly from Geneva to Gatwick, loiter for a few hours and then fly to Toulouse.

Being a world weary traveller for some twenty five years and realising that Toulouse is not some parochial backwater, (AirBus staff must have to fly in there from somewhere), I find it difficult to understand the lack of direct flights to this location especially from airlines such as Air France.

Thus, thanks to the lack of direct flights from Geneva to Toulouse, in order to reach the latter, I will be forced to spend some hours in some of the following:

a) Gatwick b) Orly c) Nice d) Brussels

It is no wonder that the trains are doing better these days.

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You need to start a new "thread" by pushing the "new topic" button if you want to ask a question about flying between toulouse and geneva.

I have the answer for you, but you will have to start a new thread, and I will post it there.

back on topic, IRIS was out of action at T1 Arrivals on Monday morning, but no queue at the manually operated gate.

You must remember that the UK Passport Agency unionised employee base have no incentive to popularise or keep active the IRIS gates; they have the potential to take all their jobs away!

having said that Monday was the first time in 12 inbounds in the past three months I have not been able to use it.

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Does anyone know what's happening with Iris at LHR? I have been through T1, T2, and T3 during the past four weeks, and all the machines in each terminal have been shut with not explanation. I have also written to the government. I know that the machines are not always reliable, but it seems like there is a much more serious problem...

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My husband and I used Iris at T5 on 22nd Sep. There was no queue and he gor through instantly, I had to have a couple of tries before it worked but our total time was about 2 mins which was definitely quicker than waiting for our passports to be checked.

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Bit of Info.from Borders Control & Immigration.

IRIS is a means of border control that allows registered passengers to enter the United Kingdom quickly through automated barriers at certain airports. It makes use of the fact that the pattern of the iris in each person's eye (the coloured part of the eye) is unique. This makes it possible for a person to be identified simply by looking into a special camera.

Iris recognition is a form of biometrics that is a fast, secure and fraud-resistant way to check a person's identity. Biometrics is the science of using digital technology to recognise a person from a physical characteristic (for example a fingerprint or iris pattern) or another unique personal characteristic (for example a voice pattern or handwriting).

The IRIS system uses a photograph of the iris pattern, converts it into a digital code and then compares it with others stored in a secure database. When it matches the captured iris pattern with the corresponding one on the database and the registration is still valid, that person can enter the United Kingdom by passing through the IRIS barrier located in the immigration arrival hall.

It usually takes between five and 10 minutes to register for IRIS. A registered traveller entering the United Kingdom can cross an IRIS barrier in about 20 seconds.

IRIS is operating at the following United Kingdom airports:

all five Heathrow terminals; Manchester terminals 1 and 2; Birmingham terminal 1; and Gatwick North and South terminals.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/managingborders/technology/iris/

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I used the IRIS at Gatwick North terminal today... even though there was a sign on it saying I couldn't use it after 1st October. Anyone know anything about this?

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Business Traveller replies:

We checked this out with the Home Office and it only applies to those under the age of 18. From the start of October they must proceed through normal passport control. The Home Office says that this makes up three per cent of IRIS users. IRIS service continues as normal for all other users.

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Ah that'd be it - thanks

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I use the IRIS at Birmingham T1 on a weekly basis and have never had any problems. The only issue was trying to register for the scheme in the first place. The opening hours are ridiculously short, particularly as I tend to be flying out on early morning planes when it is not open. When I did go to register there was no-one there and I had to call a telephone number and wait for half an hour before someone appeared to deal with the registration.

The only time I have flown through Purgatory (sorry Heathrow!) since I registered, the machine was out of action. So BHX is my only experience of IRIS.

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At Gatwick yesterday (15 Oct) the IRIS gate was being repaired. I was directed to join the queue. When I commented to the official that it would be nice to have two gates so only one need be taken out of action for servicing, he said that the gate was being removed entirely soon. Has anyone else been told this?

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Unfortunately, iris recognition at border controls gives drug smuggers something of a carte blanche. As experienced at Schiphol (Amsterdam, the Netherlands), couriers now no longer have to buy a plane ticket that they don't intend to use, just so that they can enter the controlled area. Once inside, they can meet somebody who is transiting through the airport and pick up a package. They still have to pass customs, though ---------------------------------------------- Anna jennifer [url=:http://www.drivenwide.com:"]Promoter[/url]

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Just used IRIS for the first time today - worked like a dream! I arrived into Heathrow T1 at around 6am and it was open, there was no-one in front of me, and i found the whole thing very easy to use.

If i had one crticism it's that after it scanned my eyes, it took around 10-15 seconds before the doors opened, and i began to think it had not worked - a note saying "Please wait while we verify your details" or similar would have been helpful.

Of couse all the time i saved was wiped out by the 25-minute wait for my baggage to arrive - maybe in the future we could scan our eyes at the carousels to let officials know we are waiting?...

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I used Iris at T5 yesterday for the first time. It was very quick, took only one attempt, and my luggage was waiting for me on the other side. Excellent.

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I understand the Iris is closed indefinitely due to lack of security-cleared staff to man access to the gates. A sad situation as Iris is often quicker than the manual check at T2.

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Here Here

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Have used IRIS when returning through T5 and Gatwick - both times with no problem or queues, each time being the first at the luggage carousel - at Gatwick last week it was already there waiting for us!

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Since registering I have arrived at both LGW and LHR on 6 occasions only ever being able to use the system once and even that was a farce as I had to bend down as it was only working on the bottom one. The system is a disaster and I dont see the point to even trying any more.

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The T5 Iris (a pair of them) have been open and working each time I've been through recently - and oddly, no queue and very few others using it, far less than I remember at T1.

And now I know to take my glasses off, it seems reliable.

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Iris was not working at 10am Sunday Novermber 23, 2008 in the north terminal at Gatwick. The immigation officer told me that the technicians are aware and are working on it. This has been the only time so far that it was not working on my arrival, and luckly I was one of the first passengers off the aircraft and was able to cut over quickly to see an officer.

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Schipol Privium Vs UK Iris...

I have now my Privium for Amsterdam for the 3rd yr, Euros 99. I havent ever been unable to use it. It does mean you are through from 30 seconds, never a queue, fast track crew/Privium between Schengen & Non areas if transferring, & a Privium lounge prior tyo airside if you want it also.

LHR is a 50-50 chance at T4, you have to walk far end at T3, & it appears to be powered by a very unmotivated donkey somewhere dark & unseen. Its like Russian Roulette knowing which one of 3 cameras will appear, God forbid yr head or eyes not being straight that day! I have seen many people get "Stuck" & have to be bailed out all red faced & then queue manually. As Schipol compared to LHR, as Dutch Vs British Management, they reflect the efficiency & technology of the nature of both countries, & both airports in their Iris systems, perfectly!!!

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Hey guys,

I flew into London Heathrow T3 this afternoon (16.00) on an international flight with Virgin. I was out of the airport with my bags within 15 minutes of leaving the plane! I've flown twice since registering and have been able to use IRIS both times (though I am quite short so don't have an issue even if it is the bottom viewer).

IRIS is amazing and I am incredibly impressed with the speed of the bags getting to the carousel! Can't believe I'm saying this but thank you BAA!

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Having recently experienced difficulties using IRIS at T2, I queried whether my profile was still active. I was told the T2 IRIS machine is particulalry tempermanetal and that the greeter should always offer rejected IRIS passengers a fast track to an immigration officer. This did not happen on 28th December, the closest officer retorted with a "getin the queue like everyone else". A great welcome back or great welcome to investing in the country. I await a repsonse from IND on why this happened having spoken to the senior immigration officer, who was most apologetic. Unfortuantely this being a public sector enterprise that is all they can offer and an apology after queuing for 20 minutes is not all it's cracked up to be.

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I have used IRIS twice in the past 2 months - once on Dec 21st and once on Jan 4th.

Dec 21st - used the T3 IRIS and no problem what so ever as reported earlier.

Jan 4th - used the T5 IRIS and found out what causes so many of the IRIS problems.

It is stupid people who think that they can evade the long immigration queues and get into a country by simply having their eyes scanned! There were 4 people who tried to use it (only 2 of them got the chance) and buggered the system up. They were then asked if they'd registered to which they gave dumbfounded "oh, do I have to register" looks. They were promptly told to join the long queue and stop wasting other peoples time.

The immigration folk then rebooted the system and in the meantime got one officer to open up a fast track line for those waiting.In the meantime, the system rebooted and I was the 3rd person through. There was a couple in front of me who decided to join the normal queue and I got through IRIS just in front of them.

I admit that it took a bit longer than it normally would, but I managed to get through all the same.

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It is 3 out of 3 for IRIS. And 3 different terminals too!

Flew into T1 yesterday and used IRIS. No problems at all with the system - only thing was that there was a shorter queue in the EU passports section than there was for IRIS! So colleagues I was travelling with got through quicker than I did - but I still think IRIS is well worth it for the times that you land at T3, 4 and 5 when 25 other international 747s and a couple of A380s have landed.

You'll hear no complains from me on IRIS.

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Landed into LGW North on night of 19th Jan and IRIS still working fine for me - to the bemusement of a charter load of pax!

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Last week I travel AMS - LGW. My Privium didn't work both ways (I got a message that I coudn't be recognised) whilst Iris is still working fine every time I land in the UK.

PS: wasted time going to the Iris office after a phone call where they advised my card could be damaged, only to discover that my card is fine, worked ok when tested and the explanation was that I had "bad luck" getting into two machines that didn't work properly!!

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it took a few tries to get myself sorted out with the iris scanner as the booth was closed but i have used it regularly since with no problems but you have to make sure your bags are in the booth and that you stand very still and concentrate of the window but my biggest laugh ever was when i was standing in a long queue prior to getting my iris sorted out when i commented to my husband look there is no one using the iris scanner (very frustrating as he had his done but wouldn't go through without me) and a man behing me said to his wife i didn't know they had a seperate line for the 'irish' here at heathrow ............

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Very good. I always think everyone looks at you thinking you are something to do with the airlines or security - noone seems to click that they could also be waiting on the other side (for their bags) instead of on that side without their bags.

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My wife and I came through Gatwick last night at around 7pm and the queues for immigration were huge (all the way back to the walkway). My wife had to wait in the queue and I went to IRIS to see how much quicker it was. There were around 6 people in front of me and about 60 people in front of my wife. This is when IRIS is slow - I was surprised to realise how slow it is - by the time I got through my wife only had two people in front of her (so I save around 1 minute). If there was one more person in front of me in the IRIS queue I would have taken longer than my wife. Worth noting.

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Recently registered for IRIS, and went through gatwick immigration for the first time this weekend. The service was open, and there was no-one waiting, so even thouigh there was hardly anyone in the manned queues i thought i'd give it a go.

Follwed the instructions to the letter, and i'm convinced my eyes were positioned in the right place - but despite several orders to "move back", it declined me, and as no-one seemed interested in helping me, i faced the humiliation of leaving that lane and going to the back of what was now a queue for the manned desks.

Shan't be using it again.

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IRIS is good. Every time I have used it has been wonderful and quick alleviating the need to see a real person or wait around. I had no problems enrolling on IRIS either.

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Had the joy of popping through T5 last month - working fine there, but there were so many manned immigration desks that my travelling companion wasn't far behind me to the baggage belt downstairs!

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Business Traveller update:

The UK Border Agency has announced the extension of its facial recognition immigration scheme:

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/facial-recognition-to-spell-the-end-for-iris

Has anyone used this system yet? What are your thoughts?

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IRIS is an excellent system I have been using it for 11 months now and have never had a problem.

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i came through gatwick yesterday my husband and i were the only two using the iris scanner and we only had hand lugage so it was easy shame about the LONG walk from getting off the plane, it's not like that on carribean routes hey ho you can't have it all your own way !!!

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Arrived Heathrow T3 on Singapores A380 this morning at 6-00am and both wife and I were most pleased to use IRIS again. Out of 500 odd passengers it appears only 6 of us were aware of the system but it may have been something to do with so many exhausted travellers completing the 'route march' from the planes arrival point.....

BAA seems to like to keep their punters fit...By the right ...quick march....

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IRIS again out of order at 08.45 at Gatwick North. Immigration officer when asked by me pretended not to know (though there was a board in the corridor saying out of order). His attitude was pretty could not care less. I presume the system will if it is ever allowed to function as intended will do this guy out of a job. Does that lie behind the staff attitude?

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Well two benefits working or not.

If it works = you get through quicker (luggage is another thread/whinge)

If it doesn't = you'll notice you queue jump into the queue (nearest the scanner) into the 'normal' passport control gate. Thereby annoying those who have queued. This quirk was noticed by a business traveller mate of mine. So one should be pleased either way... of course this is at Heathrow, at other airports, if its not working they might send you to the back of the normal queue, but normally officials take pity, the equipment ain't working, and move you to the nearest next queue, in FRONT of people, rarely if ever, make you go to the back. So my fellow travellers/friends give iris scanning a thumbs up, working or not ;-)

Just experience of watching and friends....respect others' experience may be different.

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I actually can't remember a non-functioning Iris machine in the past six months - but maybe I've been lucky.

Noted that there are now signs clearly stating that the system can no longer be used by under 18s (though I thought 'twas ever thus)

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Could they really only stretch to 1 x Iris machine in the fancy new LHR T1 arrivals? What a joke...

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There are two issues at play here:

1 - Unions not keen on having their jobs replaced by machines which do the job just as well, if not better

2 - The possibility that the technology will be replaced by another system in the not too distant medium term

The first excuse is unacceptable, the second I give some credence to.

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Saturday arriving in T3 first time IRIS has let me down in front of massive queue. Mortifed. It's been about two years since I registered. I seem to remember something about two years when I agreed for the authorities to have my details. Do I have to re-register? Or was I just having a bad eye day?

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It may be a daft question, but does anyone know whether one can use IRIS if one wears contact lenses? Thanks.

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Yes of course you can!

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The two years was, ISTR, the non-use limit.

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I do all the time!

Mirrored sun glasses do give the system a problem however! :-)

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Since posting below on 26 November 2008, I have arrived at both LHR and LGW on 9 occasions and not once have I been able to use the machines, I have been close a couple of times, they even got me on my knees at one point as it decided I should use the lowest screen, but still had to give up.

I have given up now, there is no point in even trying anymore yet I have no issues in other countries when I use their e-gates !

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Have you tried querying with the IRIS registration centre at the airport? They can run a test to see if its correctly registering you. I had problems in the beginning, but in the last year I dont recall it being out of action at either LHR (T3/5) or LGW.

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It is a hit and miss affair; it seems to work at LHR 3 out of 5 times for me for T4 and T5. My wife and daughter are also registered.......and now some numbskull has decided that you have to be 18 to use it so my daughter cannot use it as she is only 16. However, I expect that as the whole organisation is so badly run, she would be able to pitch up and get through as I doubt anyone has had the technical ability to get the IRIS scanner to check the birthdate of the passeneger and deny passage if under 18! BHX has the best scanner. It is rarely switched on and both the entry and exit gates are open.......you can walk straight into the UK unchallenged!! Much better than hanging onto a lorry axle for 3 days!

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Not working again last night in LHR T1 IRIS = 'It rarely is serviceable' !

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My husband and I used it at T5 a couple of days ago - no problems - much better than the long queue! My husband had a new passport so had to update the IRIS before we left UK - very swift but they did need his old passport.. We think it is an excellent system.

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I used the one at T4 this morning, and after 3 attempts it failed to recognise me and told me to go to the main queue. I came out, apologised to the people behind, and went back in again, and that time it worked (but there was a queue of 4 by then!).

It's always worked first time when it's been working before!

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it is a good system when it works just the other week i came through gatwick and again after 3 tries i was refused i was lucky the normal queue was not busy as i was off the flight quickly being at the "front of the bus" and i wish the voice was not so loud as you feel like an idiot trying to break into the country !!!

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At T3 Heathrow this morning at 05.15 one of two IRIS kiosks was working. The other has the green light showing but the doors would not open. The staff member nearest showed not the slightest interest. When I questioned her, she replied she was not part of the team manning the machine. I suspect the staff see these kiosks as a threat to their sinecures.

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Iris at LGW has always worked for me, and I have never seen it closed. The enrolment office, however, is not always open when you would want it.

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Business Traveller has obtained the following statement from the Home Office regarding the future of IRIS.

"We are keeping the remaining IRIS machines where they are already in place at nine airport terminals in the UK. We are not extending the IRIS scheme at the moment."

Business Traveller will keep readers updated with any new developments regarding the IRIS scheme and the introduction of any new technology.

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What a shame they're not expanding it further. Went through T3 on Friday 5th Feb with husband - both had same problem that the top set of mirrors weren't in right position so it wasn't seeing us. He worked it out and we just bent down a bit to use the lower set of mirrors - all fine!

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I have never yet found the office at manchester airport open so that I can register for the scheme so I still have not been able to avoid the queues.

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Why on earth cant the UK get its act together on this - with the new Biometric passports you just walk through in Australia - I notice they have the machines for them in the UK at some airports but they never seem to be in operation - the Iris system is time consuming and if you dont fly for 6 months you have to reregister which seems a waste of everybody's time

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Probably because our MPs never have to use the system and get VIP treatment and assume that that is what it is like for the rest of us

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I think Manchester has the new electonic immigration doesn't it? If you have the biometric passport (anyone in the last two years) you can use a different machine.

JulieSavill - if you are flying less then every six months then i don't think IRIS is aimed at you. I see IRIS as for frequent travellers to get through quickly - they are the ones with hand luggage only. Anyone with hold luggage who uses IRIS only has to wait on the other side anyway.

I would miss IRIS and its quirkiness if it went - but if they introduce something faster and more efficient then so be it.

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I do fly regularly but not when I have a broken leg and couldnt fly for more than 6 months thankyou! It was a real pain to regiester again as unless anywhere but T5 seems to have very limited hours for registration

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That's really odd Julie as I've often flown a lot less than every 6 months since it's intro and I've never had to re-register. I seem to recall that it was something like you had to travel every 12 or maybe even 24 months when I registered, but am sure there will be someone else who will prove me wrong!! I'm only going by my own personal experience of having longer than 12 month gap between visits & it still working hunky-dory!

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Yes Manchester does have IRIS the problem is that it has been impossible for me to use it as the office to register has always been shut when I use the airport at what i would call normal times like a saturday morning or weekday afternoons or early evening

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Manchester T2 IRIS works fine for me. Used many times coming back from US, when try and keep to hand luggage only. Queues can be horrific otherwise. Agree that main problem with IRIS is people who don't seem to understand they need to get their eyes in those red circles, it's not difficult. I registered at Heathrow T1.

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Home Office may be losing faith in IRIS as a body-parts identity system but the ease with which the killers in Dubai borrowed UK identities and got genuine UK passports does not inspire much confidence in the Home Office's paper-based identity system. So where does Home Office intend to go?

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I've had a generally positive time with IRIS-- perhaps because I registered ages ago when it was all new and nobody knew about it so there was no registration wait. As a natural experiment, though, whenever flying with Mrs. Rat (red passport for the EU queue, but she never registered for Iris) it'll tend to be me done and through first most of the time, even if one of the machines is broken. We almost always travel through LHR 1 or 3 or 5, though

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In T4 it seems to be a source of entertainment watching those trying to get through these awkward machines. Unfortunately i am one!

I am in the Privium Scheme in Amsterdam so fast border & priority security there, & for a bit more a very futuristic lounge. You do pay Euros 109 a year though. But your card gets you through in 20 seconds, using one eye on one set camera. As usual, the UK has a version that is not reliable, badly managed & maintained, & a ridiculous need for 3 different level cameras on a screen. Users appear to be having epileptic seizures trying to move up down forwards backwards, & the doors look like they are powered by a couple of donkeys tempted by a carrot waived infront of them in another room! It Certainly makes the Dutch laugh at T4. It has become a standing joke my Dutch colleagues tell me when getting off the KLM flights, with Schipol as smooth as it is by comparison.

Perhaps The Dutch should run it for us?

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Why stop at the Dutch runing IRIS let them take over the whole of Heathrow

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what a great idea - it might actually function as an airport then (although my preferance would be if the singaporeans could take over)

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Do you think that the UK is ready for an airport that is designed around the needs of passengers - it would be a bit of a revolution

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Registered at Gatwick North, tried it on return flight - it didn't work! Don't know if this is faulty machine or my set up as partner went through OK. Used the passport scanner in the end.

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I have had excellent experiences using Iris; only problem is that as more people become aware of it the lines are getting longer than those to see a person.

I still think electronic entry is the way forward; the UK should have Iris scans on exit too. I make a point of using the machines as I get the feeling the Immigration people are not too keen on them as they feel they will usurp their roles.

Nothing can replace properly trained Immigration people, but the day to day checking of regular flyers' passports is outdated.

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Having said several times that I have had no problem with Iris at terminal 5, this morning it would not recognise me. The pleasant lady in immigration said it was because it was 7 months since I last used it and I would have to re-register (I have been in hospital so a rather long gap). However, my husband, who had the identical time gap to myself, went straight through so I cannot see how it can be the time between uses.

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I am amazed how some people wear really thick lenses and the Iris machine still works.............technology eh...........great, pity they wont be using it for the world cup on S. Africa (goal line)!

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Coming back through T3 from New York the other week and iris machines not working AGAIN. Luckily when we asked why they directed us to the fast track que - not their remit apparently, guess the company that operates them doesnt work past 5pm. It really is a joke.

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Now everyone can create an ISO standard passport photo online at the comfort of your home.

www.yearbookandpassportphoto.com

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Came thru LHR T4 Monday eve and the only IRIS scanner was working fine.....but there were also 3 other fancy looking machines which I guess must do the same right beside it all cordoned off from being used. Anyone know what they are?

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These are not IRIS but the new e-passport scanner whcih will replace IRIS in due course.

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if IRIS is being replaced (as oppose to updated), has it been considered a success or failure. I wonder what the cost has been? The e-passport scanner, is this going to enable all Euro passport holders to "Fast Track" or just UK passport holders. Its just that in every other location that I have seen passport readers, it applies only to that countries nationals, why do I get the feeling that in PC Britain, that this is going to be open house "Fast Track" to all and sundry!???

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I hope they do not intend to replace IRIS as i find it works well for me. Occasionally in Terminal 5 there is only one working but on the whole I think it is worth wile. I do have one question,as a frequent business traveller and if I have two passports due to the countries I visit can both Passports be registered or just one. I assume immigration keep an eye out on who's coming and going? I currently only have one passport registered for IRIS and would use normal showing of passport to immigration for the other passport but just curious

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I spoke to the guys who run the system at T5 on last visit and they mentioned that the time lap period of "non use" recognition was 2 Years.

Also recently had a cateract operation (implant) and was assured that it would be OK.even gave me a check on their office scanner.....and on return it was......

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My wife and I were only users in Gatwick South single IRIS machine lunchtime Tuesday (inbound with Easyjet from Poland). There are machines to read trhe new passports. Most intra-EU travellers dont need passports as all but 4 of the 27 are now in Schengen area. We, the suspicious Brits, are not. Instinctively I feel that IRIS which matches with a part of my body should be less easy to cheat than a match with a piece of paper I am carrying.

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Manchester airport is currently trialling a new iris recognition system (for in-terminal use rather than at immigration) called Biometrics In Motion. The technology is capable of recognising passengers’ irises while they walk around the terminal.

The full article can be read here:

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/manchester-airport-trials-a-biometrics-in-motio

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I am all in favour of this sort of screening. I can just see a 7 page document being prepared for all passengers to sign when entering airport terminals to advise then of the data protection issues in relation to all the images being taken. There was an interesting post on CNN this week where a passenger recorded his objection to going through an imaging system (obviously he didnt reach the gate). I hope we take a more pragmatic view to the security searches and dont end up like America, where everything seems to be surrounded in litigation.

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Just a comment - we used Iris on Sunday at T3 and all went through swiftly with no problems - a first?

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At T5 this morning, Iris worked properly. It is interesting to note however they introduced in parallel an automated biometric passport control service (that I didn't use obviously).

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how does one go about registering to be able to use the IRIS recognition service?

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robsmith: at T5, there is a little office on the main floor (i.e. the one where security is). Just ask these guys after the screening, they will let you know.

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You register airside. At T5 the room is just after S Security opposite Harrods.

At T3 it is after "passport control" and before Travelex.

Can't help with T2 or T4.

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IRIS didn't work so well at T1 yesterday (April 14th) as the American lady 'stuck' inbetween the gates will vouch.

She'd been scanned, told ok, but the gates didn't open for her to exit, but they did show it was ok for me to enter, so I walked towards it, opening the gates and she was able to leave.

We both went to the biometric gates - if only that screen had a way of making you look less tired and less like you over indulged ;)

best

andrew

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I used Iris at T5 on Wednesday morning. Straight through, no queue. Great. Bags weren't so swift, though...

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"You register airside. At T5 the room is just after S Security opposite Harrods.
At T3 it is after "passport control" and before Travelex"

OK my Friday gripe. Over a period of 18 months, endless various travel at T3 & T5 - I have never ONCE managed to "enrol" :-(

Last time in T3, staff were just outright rude, to honest. "Opening times" - ABC.
Knock knock - went in - "sorry we're closed".... "but sign says open, so do the hours". We're closed Madam...but people are in here...Yes, but we're closed" - why ? because we just are...when are you open again.... "don't know..."

All other times, locked during "opening hours". Why are the enrollement offices only air-side ??

Bad luck you say, on every trip out... so I try T5 ... and what would know... "closed" during "opening hours"... why ?! (slightly politer answer & staff than T3) "ah no one to staff it today".

BAA - get your staff and act together, and send those staff on a "charm & politeness course" while you're at it.

Only bonus my friends & colleagues who have been lucky to enrol is that when it doesn't work, you queue jump to the line nearest those machines... which annoys alot of other passengers, but that's the way things go... when it works (miracle of all miracles) indeed its 2 minutes I hear and out... good when you have only hand luggage on biz trips.

Otherwise, FANTASTIC IDEA... but Minority Report type tech, me thinks will be next century ....

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Iris scan machine in T4 was down again on 5 May 2011 - none of the Border Agency personnel knew anything about when it would be back up .. and they had no idea whom I should call to find out; the control booth officer said .."I have'nt been trained in that yet"! All I asked him was whom I could contact, not to actually go and fix it. Anyone been through T4 in last few days? Is machine working?

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When I asked recently about IRIS not working in T5, Passport control staff told me that IRIS was being phased our later this year in favour of more Biometric passport readers. Hope this is not the case, Im a big fan of it, usually very quick unless you get stuck in front of some dumbo who tries to use it without having actually registered!!!!!! Doh!!

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I have been using IRIS since 2007. I enrolled at Gatwick when American flew to DFW from there.

There was a bad spell in 2009 when T3 always seemed to be playing up but the last couple of years T3 has worked a charm for me and, as it is T3, the bags are always ready waiting.

Nice quick exit which is perfect after long flight and usually 30 minutes going round in circles before landing and 20 minute wait for a gate as someone else blocks the alley at T3 or waiting for a bus at T5.

Not linked to Global Entry like Dutch Privium is but give UK Govt another 10 years and they will probably get round to it.

Very upset to read above they are pulling them for ePassport readers.

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Came into Gatwick South yesterday, to find a building site around the immigration area. No IRIS. Asked Border Agency guy, who said it had been taken out in preparation for machine readable passport. No, that had not yet been installed. So long queues for manual inspection.

Still feel that matching me with a part of my body is a more secure check than matching me with a piece of paper (however sophisticated). Pity too that IRIS not kept working until the replacement was ready

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I have a horrible feeling that they are going to cut IRIS scheme to save money.
It is obvious from the canceling of the needed extra London runways that this government is anti business when it comes to air travel. Maybe they still want to us to go to USA or China by train.

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RHMAngel - It is UKBA staff (or lack of) that are the problem for the enrolment rooms.

Everyone - Biometric passport gates will certainly take over as previous Home Secretary's have favoured this solution and the Border Agency too.

As a Business Traveller I would prefer a registered traveller system, and I would imagine that the airport operators themselves would look at this kind of system.

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One option is cheaper the other is more secure and offers better service. Guess which one will win...

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Rich it depends who is paying ;)

UKBA have publicly told both Technology providers and Airport operators that they expect the Airports to pay for the new gates. BAA have already done this, 20 for Heathrow.

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Thanks Mr Ben for the correction.

BAA are clearly annoyed at UKBA - they were almost equal in the suck attitude stakes :-x

Ministerial policy & pipedreams are one thing, boots on the ground for UK Boarder Control or what ever they're called, like I say, have a long way to go at Heathrow. Turning up or having enough staff seems rather like the rocket science issue at the moment though...

When you go other airports around the world, and see SMOOTH less queues passage to get passengers out after long journeys, it makes one weep...

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But it is a consistent policy together with insufficient runways, UKAPD etc...

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SMOOTH, or smooth and less queues that I've not seen at O'Hare, Dulles or any of the New York Airports, although Philadelphia seems to have enough desks open, and I scamper off a plane quickly :)

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As I have no other choice than flying through FRA several times in the coming months, I considered registering to their IRIS system but was wondering whether they will accept new people in the scheme. Well, I am in! So if the Germans continue to use it, may-be we'll be able to enjoy IRIS at LHR for some more time...

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Swissdiver - 09/02/2012 09:55 GMT , glad you got into Grman system. You are unfortunately overlooking the fact that Frau Merkel and the Germans are pro international business and pro aviation (hence the German Govt gift er I mean copoerative funding on the LH Bio Fuels program. The UK coallition of course has been anti international business and aviation since election and to be fair the elcetion campaign.
Never mind you now have German version of IRIS so when COallition transport strategy is to take the HS1 Train to Frankfrut or Amsterdam via DB or Paris by Eurostar and then fly from there, you will be well placed. Shame about the unemployment levels in Hounslow...

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