UNITED KINGDOM: EasyJet Passengers To Be Sent Away From Gatwick Airport's Security Barricades

EasyJet passengers running late for a flight will be turned away from airport security barricades if they try to pass through less than 30 minutes before take-off.

Britain’s biggest budget airline today confirmed a new rule at Gatwick Airport which prevents so-called ‘have-a-go’ travellers from making a frantic dash to the gate to catch a flight.

Security barricades where passengers scan their boarding passes will deny travellers who miss the cut-off time, meaning they could be forced to pay an £80 ‘rescue fee’ to get on another flight.

Luton-based easyJet said the new rule is intended to improve punctuality and avoid situations where passengers arrive at the gate only to be told they’re too late.

Despite the cut-off, passengers should arrive at the barricades with plenty more time to spare, as easyJet tells its customers that boarding gates close at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

A spokesman for Easyjet said ‘Punctuality is important to our passengers and that is why we ask passengers to be at the gate no later than 30 [minutes] before the flight departs.

‘This means that if passengers are still yet to clear security [less than 30 minutes before take-off] they will be unable to achieve this – particularly at larger airports like Gatwick when walks to some gates can take up to 20 minutes.

‘“We are implementing this based on a proven model at London Heathrow Terminal 5 to eliminate unnecessary journeys for passengers who then need to be escorted landside.

‘The vast majority of our passengers arrive as we suggest at the gate before 30 minutes to board the aircraft.’

British Airways has a similar rule in place for its flights from Heathrow terminals three and five.

Passengers must enter security at least 35 minutes before their flight departs.

EasyJet passengers are being warned of the changes in small print on their boarding pass.

Those who are unable to make it through security must return to easyJet’s check-in desk to get on the next flight.

However, easyJet charges a ‘rescue fee’ to passengers who miss a flight. The fee is charged to those who turn up at the airport within two hours of the flight’s scheduled departure time but, for whatever reason, did not board on time.

The fee can be avoided if passengers purchase missed flight cover for £7.50 when they book their flight.