Easyjet passengers will be denied boarding if they arrive less than 30 minutes early

Britain’s biggest budget airline, Easyjet, has introduced a 30 minute cut-off point to stop customers rushing through security at the last minute to board their flight. The low-cost carrier is imposing a new rule which means anyone trying to pass through security barriers with less than half an hour to spare before take-off will be rejected. Gatwick airport will update its security barriers to catch travellers who have missed the deadline at the point when they have their boarding passes scanned.

An estimated 15 million Easyjet passengers flying from Gatwick each year will now face the choice of abandoning their journey – or paying £80 for the privilege of switching to an alternative flight. The move is expected to cause particular outrage among short haul passengers who opt to fly as a faster alternative to taking the train, as they could have half an hour added to their minimum travel time. Previously passengers carrying hand luggage only were free to go through the security check and run to the departure gate in the hope of getting on the flight.

Easyjet is warning customers of the change through a note on their boarding passes which says: “Gatwick security control gates are automatically being timed to close 30 minutes before departure.” But this is likely to confuse passengers as the boarding passes also state they should enter the security area with at least half an hour to spare. Easyjet admitted a passenger who is just in time to get through the barrier is likely to be turned away from the gate.

A spokesman said: “Occasionally, gates may not shut precisely at – 30 [minutes before departure] for a number of operational and passenger reasons.” Rejected customers will be told to go to the desk “to rearrange their travel arrangements”. The airline also sells “missed flight cover” for £7.50 which needs to be bought before travel and gives the option of a full refund or travel on the next available flight. But anyone who does not take that option will be asked to pay a £80 “rescue fee” if they want to switch flights. British Airways already has a similar policy to stop late commuters at Heathrow Terminals Three and Five.

Source: Telegraph