Manchester airport is launching a trial programme that
allows passengers to pre-book a 15-minute security slot to reduce queuing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to owner Manchester Airports Group, the pre-booked
option will give passengers access to a dedicated lane leading to the security checkpoint,
allowing them to avoid standing in a queue. Slots are limited and will be
operated on a first-come-first-served basis through an online booking portal.
Passengers are encouraged to book slots around two hours before their flight
departure time, and those who arrive late for their allocated timeslot will be
redirected to the general queue.
If the trial is successful, the system will be put in place
at MAG’s other airports – Stansted and East Midlands, according to the company.
The new system comes in addition to other health and safety
measures being introduced across MAG’s airports, including the mandatory use of
facemasks, social distancing practices and piloting temperature screening
technologies.
Brad Miller, MAG’s chief operating officer, said: “Safety
and security will always be the first priority and, at the same time, Covid-19
will undoubtedly reshape the airport experience. We are exploring every
innovation and technology that can help us to adapt to the new world, protect
public health and restore confidence in air travel. This new measure will allow
us to manage our security process more efficiently in these challenging times,
providing a better and more comfortable experience for passengers.”