Just an FYI in case you are flying this week to the UK on November 30th?
Nov 27th, 2011, 08:51 PM
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Just an FYI in case you are flying this week to the UK on November 30th?
I didn't see anyone else post this but wanted to let you know that there is going to be a MAJOR custom agent strike at the airports in the UK on Weds. November 30th.If you are flying into airports like Heathrow you can easily expect upwards to an extra 12 hours sitting on your airplane .Many of the airlines are allowing you to change your flight without penalty so check into it.
The BBC and others have reported that the custom agents will be going on strike and now the teachers and possibly bus and train lines will be on strike due to pensions,etc.
.In order not to have massive lines in customs, they have requested that the airlines "hold" the people on the flights until they get gate space and the ability to go to customs. It will be a nightmare!!!!
The BBC and others have reported that the custom agents will be going on strike and now the teachers and possibly bus and train lines will be on strike due to pensions,etc.
.In order not to have massive lines in customs, they have requested that the airlines "hold" the people on the flights until they get gate space and the ability to go to customs. It will be a nightmare!!!!
Nov 27th, 2011, 09:06 PM
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Nov 28th, 2011, 12:25 AM
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See www.heathrowairport.com for up to date information on this ...
Nov 28th, 2011, 03:30 AM
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People always seem to get this mixeed up here on Fodors. The "customs agents" may well be going on strike, but what's really going to screw things up this week is not the Customs & Excise people (who very rarely might spot-check your luggage for prohibited items), but the UK Borders Agency (aka Immigation) staff who check everyone's passport.
Nov 28th, 2011, 03:55 AM
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Why does qwovadis have such bad luck - most people would claim on travel insurance once in a lifetime.
And why do they always mention a certain travel insurance company at every possible opportunity?
And why do they always mention a certain travel insurance company at every possible opportunity?
Nov 28th, 2011, 07:28 AM
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To be honest janis that thought has never exactly kept me awake at night. Ever since <i>I</i> was quoted several years back I stopped labouring under the misapprehension that standards applied.
Dr D.
Dr D.
Nov 28th, 2011, 04:27 PM
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Gordon-I apologize for not using the true technical wording of the usage of customs and/OR immigration agent but this thread was directed mainly to US citizens and others who will be on long transatlantic flights who will be stuck for hours on their flights after they land.
As longtime international flight attendant, I have learned a that it is sometimes easier when talking to the traveling public(especially newbies) to make things understandable and that is why I grouped customs and immigration together for them to understand that it is a check point which isn't going to be moving.Sorry-been talking to my airline friends too much today online about this?
Qwovadis-what does insure my trip do for you when you are SITTING on the flight waiting for a gate for hours?If you want to "save your bacon" then don't book flights that connect in LHR without extra hours.Just saying.....
I found both here in Chicago and on the US news that there has been very little mention of this strike and was only trying to help some of my Fodor friends who did not know anything about it. Both of my kids live and work in England so it has been quite the topic on our phone calls lately!
As longtime international flight attendant, I have learned a that it is sometimes easier when talking to the traveling public(especially newbies) to make things understandable and that is why I grouped customs and immigration together for them to understand that it is a check point which isn't going to be moving.Sorry-been talking to my airline friends too much today online about this?
Qwovadis-what does insure my trip do for you when you are SITTING on the flight waiting for a gate for hours?If you want to "save your bacon" then don't book flights that connect in LHR without extra hours.Just saying.....
I found both here in Chicago and on the US news that there has been very little mention of this strike and was only trying to help some of my Fodor friends who did not know anything about it. Both of my kids live and work in England so it has been quite the topic on our phone calls lately!
Nov 29th, 2011, 01:41 AM
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<People always seem to get this mixeed up here on Fodors>
People in glass houses etc.
HM Customs and Excise ceased to exist in 2005. The people who check your luggage at airports also work for the UK Border Agency.
People in glass houses etc.
HM Customs and Excise ceased to exist in 2005. The people who check your luggage at airports also work for the UK Border Agency.
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