Gatwick or Heathrow from the US-shorter customs line?
May 4th, 2012, 08:41 AM
#21
I don't believe there's any way to know how long you'll wait at any airport until you get there. Amid all the shouting about lines at Heathrow I arrived in the morning on an overnight flight from N. America 6 days ago and my wait was literally about 15 seconds. No line, lots of staff, 2 parties in front of me. Make your decision based on more predictable criteria such as ease of transport to your destination.
May 4th, 2012, 08:48 AM
#22
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I'm not sure that pre clearance information is transmitted to British and Schengen countries. I do know the eu was considering requesting such information from Americans in retaliation for the necessity of Europeans being pre cleared to enter the United States and the other nonsensical things the American government has instituted to make visitors feel so welcome in our country (mug shots, fingerprints and the like). Although I don't remember all the details, in a classic example of American arrogance, the Americans objected to it because it would only apply to Americans whereas their draconian madness applies to all visitors. I don't know where that stands right now.
As far as the checks and re-checks, again a lot of that is reprisal, I think, at the paranoia of the American authorities. Airports have had to set up special lounges and areas for flights to the United States at the insistance of the US government. A couple of years ago, I was at Terminal 3 at London Heathrow and there were two Virgin Atlantic flights at side by side gates. One was going to Tornto the other to JFK. Passengers leisurely walked into the lounge, the Toronto flight was called, passengers leisurely went to the door and boarded the plane.
For the JFK flight, you had to answer security questions, some heavy looked at your passport, boarding card and made a decision on the spot whether you needed secondary screening and be wanded down and had your hand bags checked. I know, I know we'll hear the usual well I feel ssafer that way.
As far as the checks and re-checks, again a lot of that is reprisal, I think, at the paranoia of the American authorities. Airports have had to set up special lounges and areas for flights to the United States at the insistance of the US government. A couple of years ago, I was at Terminal 3 at London Heathrow and there were two Virgin Atlantic flights at side by side gates. One was going to Tornto the other to JFK. Passengers leisurely walked into the lounge, the Toronto flight was called, passengers leisurely went to the door and boarded the plane.
For the JFK flight, you had to answer security questions, some heavy looked at your passport, boarding card and made a decision on the spot whether you needed secondary screening and be wanded down and had your hand bags checked. I know, I know we'll hear the usual well I feel ssafer that way.
May 6th, 2012, 02:43 AM
#23
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I would go for Gatwick as it has relatively few non-EEA flights so it is unlikely you will be stuck behind several other plane loads of passengers
You can also use the train tickets from Gatwick to London and back for the offers on daysoutguide.com
You can also use the train tickets from Gatwick to London and back for the offers on daysoutguide.com
