IRIS eyes are smiling (ahem!)

I know people have had mixed views about IRIS, but I just wanted to comment on a positive experience.

On way to Cairo last week (we are infrequent non business travellers having 2-3 overseas holidays a year) and we decided to enroll on the IRIS system. No queues and straight in taking 5 minutes to register and a printout confirming all details.

On way back this Tuesday, arrivals was teaming with people being mid afternoon (usually in VA flights they arrive early morning with minimal queues, so this was unusual for us), so we thought this would be a good test for IRIS.

It wasn't obvious where the scanners where, but a lady pointed them out and we were the only ones around. I was in and out (after polite instructions to move back/down a bit) while my wife seemed to be a contestant on the Golden Shot, was out in about 30 seconds - so all in all, not a bad 1st experience that would have saved us a lot of time had we not waited for 45 minutes for luggage (courtesy no doubt of the melee from Sharm to Cairo to LHR - Cairo Airport, what an experience!).

I too have to say that I have only had good experience with IRIS, it takes no time at all, apart from "move up/move back" esp after a few champers! [y]

my only issue with using the IRIS system is that you tend to arrive in the baqgage hall well before the bags so it doesn't actually save any time at all. all you are doing is not queueing for immigration.

Stuart

Unless you are up the front or have hand luggage then it can save you a whole heap of time......but know what you mean about BAA baggage handling!;)

Even though the queues for normal passport control at LHR are never too bad I find IRIS great at speeding through the hall (and I always forget how bad the non UK queue is!).

I did have an annoying situation with it when arriving back from, ahem, Benidorm at BHX. The queue for passport control was quite long and the IRIS terminal had a barrier infront of it so I presumed it wasn't working. Whilst having my passport checked I found out its open, they just put that across as the charter plebs (of which I guess I was one ) will try and get through it even though they don't know what it is.

Must remember that, but didn't matter as the bags took forever to come off anyway...

Does anyone know if the Iris Enrollment offices at LHR are open on Saturdays? The gov website says their open during the day, then again in the evening, but helpfully doesn't say whether that's 7 days a week etc. I've emailed them but of course never got a reply...[:(!]

[preiffer]

The ONE IRIS booth (yes, ONE - FFS) in LGW is currently down. [n]

Good system, while it lasted [ii]

I love IRIS. Although I hate having to look at the one part of me prone to tiredness after a 13 hour over night flight

Originally posted by DMetters-Bone
I too have to say that I have only had good experience with IRIS, it takes no time at all, apart from "move up/move back" esp after a few champers! [y]

A tip - as you walk in and look into the sensors, put a hand with your palm vertical just above your head. That way it will think you're tall and light up the top sensor. I'm average height and find the top sensor works very quickly that way.

My main problem with IRIS is that as a U.S. citizen, when I use it, I no longer get a stamp in my passport, and I do love collecting my stamps!!!

As well as my VS longhaul flights I do a *lot* of out-and-back-in-a-day European trips travelling with hand baggage only, and the bliss of getting straight through and out of the airport is the highlight of my return journey. Because I tend to be on flights with a lot of people on the same thing, the queue for UK and EU Passports can be quite long, not getting into the line to be manually examined (!) makes a big difference.

Also, the IRIS terminals represent huge entertainment value generated by all the idiots who go in thinking they can use it even if they haven't registered. "Well, no, the system doesn't somehow intuitively know what your biometrics should be, actually."

Originally posted by Jon Morgan
Also, the IRIS terminals represent huge entertainment value generated by all the idiots who go in thinking they can use it even if they haven't registered. "Well, no, the system doesn't somehow intuitively know what your biometrics should be, actually."

But I have a biometric passport, surely they are the same? [:o)]

Anyone know how IRIS is doing? Do they plan a wider roll out now, has it been successful, is it still a trial, etc?

I like it, but still prefer the Dutch version where you carry your biometric data with you, as their laws wouldn't allow them to be stored on their computer. Interestingly, Privium is linked to their national police database. If you have a parking fine outstanding you aren't allowed through, and get directed to an agent, however Schiphol do not see the reason why you were refused.

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by Jon Morgan
Because I tend to be on flights with a lot of people on the same thing, the queue for UK and EU Passports can be quite long, not getting into the line to be manually examined (!) makes a big difference.

The term you are looking for is 'as busy as a Northern job centre'.

Also, the IRIS terminals represent huge entertainment value generated by all the idiots who go in thinking they can use it even if they haven't registered. "Well, no, the system doesn't somehow intuitively know what your biometrics should be, actually."

In some ways, if you are in a hurry it's annoying, but then it is a quick reaffirmation that there are people that stupid.

Originally posted by RichardMannion
The term you are looking for is 'as busy as a Northern job centre'.

So, not that busy then?;)

Originally posted by razbox

Originally posted by DMetters-Bone
I too have to say that I have only had good experience with IRIS, it takes no time at all, apart from "move up/move back" esp after a few champers! [y]

A tip - as you walk in and look into the sensors, put a hand with your palm vertical just above your head. That way it will think you're tall and light up the top sensor. I'm average height and find the top sensor works very quickly that way.

Brilliant tip, thank you - never shall I bend down before the evil eyes of IRIS again [^]

Originally posted by locutus
Anyone know how IRIS is doing? Do they plan a wider roll out now, has it been successful, is it still a trial, etc?

Tried it for the first for the first time this morning; T3 at 07:30 with queues to all immigration desks a mile long. Iris worked like a dream and through the immigration hall in < 30 secs - shame that baggage took 30 minutes....