ACU Sep-2018_Final Artwork LR

AIRPORTS
New Zealand phases out departure cards at airports
AUCKLAND: Starting November,
New Zealand airports will no longer
require travelers to fill in departure
cards which at any given year could
run up to 6.5 million pieces.
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-
Galloway said the new policy will
save the government time and
expenses while travelers are also
spared of extra time filling in the
departure cards.
Adrian Littlewood, Auckland
Airport CEO, says the end of the
departure cards will help create a
more seamless journey for travelers
leaving the country.
“Auckland Airport strives to make
life easier for travelers so we're
delighted to support this initiative.
International passenger numbers are
up 4.2% on the previous year so
making the journey through from
check-in to the gate as seamless as
possible is important to us,” said
Littlewood in a statement.
“We are investing $2bn into
aeronautical infrastructure over the
next five years to upgrade the travel
experience for passengers and all
users of the airport and we are
working closely with our partners to
ensure the experience is as positive
and enjoyable as we can make it.”
Auckland Airport saw around
880,000 international passengers
travel through the airport in July
2018.
Buy your way out of long security queue at
Heathrow Airport for £12.50
LONDON: Heathrow Airport has
opened up access to its Fast Track
Security Lane normally reserved for
business class and first class passengers
and top-tier frequent flyers
to travelers willing to fork an extra
£12.50 to jump the queue.
Heathrow Airport has opened up
the program to all travelers provided
they pre-book their spot no later
than two days before they travel.
After paying, the traveler will
received a confirmation via email
which will be presented at the Fast
Track desk along with his/her
boarding pass.
“A s a p re m i u m e x p e r i e n c e ,
customers who have purchased
access to Fast Track Security will be
given a priority service to ensure that
waiting is kept to a minimum.
However, we cannot guarantee a
maximum or minimum queue length
or time. Access to Heathrow's Fast
Track Security is granted through a
pre-booked time slot,” Heathrow
Airport said in a disclaimer.
“Whilst Heathrow will endeavour
to ensure that all passengers are able
to access Fast Track, access may be
denied for latecomers. Please
remember that it is the passenger's
responsibility to ensure they arrive at
the departure gate at the published
boarding time as stated by the
airline,” it added.
Babies and infants will also be
charged if they pass through the Fast
Track security lane.