Passengers transferring on to domestic flights at Heathrow Terminal 1 are now required by the Border and Immigration Agency to provide biometrics data (fingerprints and a digital photograph) in the domestic lounge. When boarding, fingerprints will be checked, and, if necessary, the photo will also be referenced.
This procedure is needed as the British Airports Authority has introduced a common departure lounge to allow International and UK Domestic transferring customers to use the same retail, leisure and dining facilities in Terminal 1.
These requirements will not apply to passengers transferring on to international flights, or for passengers whose journey starts at Terminal 1.
Detail
The British Airports Authority has introduced a common departure lounge to allow International and UK Domestic transferring customers to use the same superior retail, leisure and dining facilities airside in Terminal 1. To meet with Border and Immigration Agency and airport security regulations, biometric information is required when transferring from international flights onto UK Domestic flights.
When arriving at Terminal 1 you will need to proceed from Flight Connections towards International Departures. At a new security point in the domestic lounge you will be asked to provide your biometric information consisting of electronic fingerprinting and a facial digital photograph. Your fingerprints will be checked again at the boarding gate to make sure that the prints match. If there is any discrepancy with the fingerprints we will use the photograph to confirm your identity.
Customers who start their journey from a UK domestic flight into London Heathrow Terminal 1 and then onwards onto an international flight should continue to follow the signs for Fight Connections as normal.
What is biometric capture?
Summary
Biometrics is the capturing of a passenger's unique finger print, supported by a facial photograph. These details are then matched to the information held on your boarding card.
When the time comes to board your flight, your fingerprints are re-read and photo verified to ensure the same person is boarding the plane as presented when the data was captured.
This allows domestic and international customers to mix in one departure lounge without the risk of boarding passes being swapped and individuals entering the UK without the appropriate Immigration checks.
[url]Source: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/fl ... blic/en_gb[/url]What are the benefits to the customer?
By supplying your biometric information, you will have access to all the facilities of the main departure lounge. These include far superior retail, leisure and dining facilities to those traditionally seen in the domestic area.
How do I know my data is safe?
All data captured is encoded and is not accessible by any party. All data is destroyed within 24 hours of your flight.
What if I do not want to supply my biometric data?
If you do not wish to supply your data, please inform the staff member when you reach the biometric capture desk.
How long is this facility going to be available?
This new process is going to be in place from Februay 01, 2008 until March 26, 2008 when British Airways moves into Terminal 5 where a biometric process will be in place for all domestic passengers.
