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Virgin Atlantic promisses it will operate the world’s
fastest airport check-in, with the introduction of its
new Upper Class Wing.
The airline claims business class passengers will
be able to access its lounge from the complimentary
limousine in less than ten minutes, while also able
to use a dedicated security channel.
And in an unusual move, those Upper Class passengers
or Flying Club Gold members not taking advantage of
Virgin’s limo service, will be able to check-in
at T3’s Zone A, before taking a priority lift straight
to the security channel.
In line with many carriers, Virgin adds that it expects
80% of its passengers at Heathrow to use online or kiosk
check-in by the end of 2008. Other improvements at T3
being undertaken by BAA include the multi-million pound
forecourt redevelopment that will open by the end of
the year.
Passengers using T3 at the moment face a daunting obstacle
course as improvements gradually take shape, but Virgin
is promising to eliminate a fair proportion of the hassle
associated with moving through the building.
Upper Class passengers, who have already supplied check-in
details to their limo driver, will be driven up a curved
ramp onto a 22m wide arrival area. After being welcomed
by a Virgin Atlantic host, check-in formalities will
be completed before passengers walk through a new hotel-style
lobby area and into the dedicated security channel,
that is itself near to the airline’s renowned Clubhouse
lounge.
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