Would You Pay To Skip Passport Queues?
A controversial new government scheme could see all airports introducing the ability to pay to skip passport control queues.
The cost will range between £5 and £17.50 for each person, with larger airports like Gatwick charging the maximum price to get quickly through passport control on arrival, and through security on departure. It will be offered in every airport, with a minimum charge of £5.
It’s thought that this will be part of an effort to help speed up airport queues without needing to employ more staff. But many worry that this would mean the non-paid queues could become much longer.
The idea isn’t necessarily new – many UK airports offer the ability to go through fast-track security clearance for around £5 per person. But by diverting staff to these fast track queues, those who don’t pay could wait a much longer time for a service that ought to be free.
The worry is that airports may begin deliberately causing the non-paid queues to build up, in order to drive customers to pay – taking clear advantage of already paying customers.
So the question is – would you pay?