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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be so panicked about airport security strike?

28 replies

Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 00:00

Just that really…. We have tickets end of this week and the security staff as set to strike from Friday and all through Easter.

dont misunderstand me j am all pro strikes but I’m also really bad with uncertainty…

anyone else meant to fly this Easter?

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Sunshineandrainbow · 28/03/2023 00:18

Dd flying to USA next week.
She thought she was OK as she is flying with virgin but maybe not Hmm

Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 00:20

Sunshineandrainbow · 28/03/2023 00:18

Dd flying to USA next week.
She thought she was OK as she is flying with virgin but maybe not Hmm

I think she is then yes. Think it’s only BA

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ClareBlue · 28/03/2023 03:45

If it's a security strike it will be all Airlines, unfortunately.

theGooHasGone · 28/03/2023 04:59

Arrive early and be patient. If there's no big delays then you'll just get to wait in the airport for longer. If there are delays you have more of a chance of making your flight.

benten54 · 28/03/2023 08:12

Security staff work for the airport not the airline so makes no difference what airline you fly. Except where the airport is a airline specific hub like LHR T5

BellaJuno · 28/03/2023 08:16

I’m the same with uncertainty and flew last year with an airline with a pilots strike. I worked myself up into a state but it was fine in the end, the worst that happened was the plane was slightly delayed. Just go with the mindset that it’ll take ages to clear security and then if it’s quicker than you think, it’s a bonus.

MissyB1 · 28/03/2023 08:18

It’s only the BA terminal at Heathrow isn’t it? So Terminal 5. We are flying Emirates from Terminal 3 on Friday, I think we will be ok.

reluctantbrit · 28/03/2023 08:20

We fly BA from Heathrow, terminal 3 on the Thursday before Easter and are concerned as BA announced that flights may/will be cancelled.

But, we hope that a) the strike seems to be concentrating on terminal 5 mainly and b) we booked also our hotel as a package with the flight and that would mean BA has to cancel the whole thing.

Added to this the fact that DD suffers from anxiety, it will be a tiring day unitl we are through security.

Sunshineandrainbow · 28/03/2023 09:05

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65091012.amp

Will be keeping a close eye for Dd.

Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:08

benten54 · 28/03/2023 08:12

Security staff work for the airport not the airline so makes no difference what airline you fly. Except where the airport is a airline specific hub like LHR T5

It is terminal 5 Heathrow and British airways

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Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:09

reluctantbrit · 28/03/2023 08:20

We fly BA from Heathrow, terminal 3 on the Thursday before Easter and are concerned as BA announced that flights may/will be cancelled.

But, we hope that a) the strike seems to be concentrating on terminal 5 mainly and b) we booked also our hotel as a package with the flight and that would mean BA has to cancel the whole thing.

Added to this the fact that DD suffers from anxiety, it will be a tiring day unitl we are through security.

We do fly out from terminal 5 . Argh. And my daughter also struggles with anxiety so this is sooooo stressful.

OP posts:
Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:10

MissyB1 · 28/03/2023 08:18

It’s only the BA terminal at Heathrow isn’t it? So Terminal 5. We are flying Emirates from Terminal 3 on Friday, I think we will be ok.

Yea terminal 5 which we are flying from. Flipping sucks

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Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:11

Thank you

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Abra1t · 28/03/2023 09:15

When the army stepped in last time many flyers said it was actually quicker to get through security.

Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:17

Abra1t · 28/03/2023 09:15

When the army stepped in last time many flyers said it was actually quicker to get through security.

Ok that’s good. I like this.

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MiniCooperLover · 28/03/2023 09:20

Also worried OP as we fly Saturday but Terminal4 with Qatar. I hope it's not too bad for you.

Chersfrozenface · 28/03/2023 09:23

Abra1t · 28/03/2023 09:15

When the army stepped in last time many flyers said it was actually quicker to get through security.

The army stepped in during the Border Force workers' strike. They won't be staffing security.

However, Heathrow will be trying to get temporary staff.

Definitely worth keeping an eye on airline and airport social media.

Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:28

Definitely worth keeping an eye on airline and airport social media.
@Chersfrozenface

i don’t even have Twitter. Is that the best? Sorry to be so naive about all this

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Chersfrozenface · 28/03/2023 09:41

Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:28

Definitely worth keeping an eye on airline and airport social media.
@Chersfrozenface

i don’t even have Twitter. Is that the best? Sorry to be so naive about all this

Heathrow Airport on Facebook are saying "We have robust contingency plans to keep the airport open and operational. We have spoken with airlines about how to ensure as many passengers can fly as possible on strike days. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline directly for the latest information about their flight."* *

I've managed to get an answer from BA to a problem I had through a direct message on Facebook - got no response on Twitter and the email form on BA's website didn't work.

So if anyone in your family is on Facebook it might be worth trying - https://www.facebook.com/britishairways and use the Messenger button.

Though I would expect BA to contact you directly if your flight is affected.

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/britishairways

Minfilia · 28/03/2023 09:50

I fly every couple of weeks. Have flown during security strikes and noticed very little difference to the usual busy periods tbh. The air traffic strikes are the ones that can really cause problems!

If you’re worried get fast track for security. You could get there earlier but if you’re too early you might not even be allowed to join the queue!

If you’re in line, security will call you forward if your flight is departing in the next XX amount of time. You can even grab staff yourself and they will move you forward if you’re likely to miss your flight (I haven’t done this but have seen it happen a few times).

I really wouldn’t worry.

Chersfrozenface · 28/03/2023 10:01

Minfilia · 28/03/2023 09:50

I fly every couple of weeks. Have flown during security strikes and noticed very little difference to the usual busy periods tbh. The air traffic strikes are the ones that can really cause problems!

If you’re worried get fast track for security. You could get there earlier but if you’re too early you might not even be allowed to join the queue!

If you’re in line, security will call you forward if your flight is departing in the next XX amount of time. You can even grab staff yourself and they will move you forward if you’re likely to miss your flight (I haven’t done this but have seen it happen a few times).

I really wouldn’t worry.

Heathrow Airport website says security Fast Track is currently unavailable to book.

However, I'm sure the airport are putting contingency plans in place. And as I say, BA should contact you and you can also try messaging them.

Thisismeyeah · 28/03/2023 10:09

Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 00:00

Just that really…. We have tickets end of this week and the security staff as set to strike from Friday and all through Easter.

dont misunderstand me j am all pro strikes but I’m also really bad with uncertainty…

anyone else meant to fly this Easter?

What are you worried about? There will be security you just may have to queue longer. Be prepared for that, and you'll be fine.

reluctantbrit · 28/03/2023 17:14

Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 09:09

We do fly out from terminal 5 . Argh. And my daughter also struggles with anxiety so this is sooooo stressful.

Show quote history

In Summer we booked the fast lane for security at Gatwick. Wasn't needed but it definitely was worth for DD's peace of mind. For her it's the mix of unknown and overcrowding.

We wanted a relaxing break to get DD away for a couple of days from GCSE revisions. Oh well.

reluctantbrit · 28/03/2023 17:16

Just to add - Heathrow is not accepting bookings for Security Fast Trek, at least not for Terminal 3.

There goes my back up plan to get DD in peace through security.

Original poster
Divorcedalongtime · 28/03/2023 21:26

reluctantbrit · 28/03/2023 17:16

Just to add - Heathrow is not accepting bookings for Security Fast Trek, at least not for Terminal 3.

There goes my back up plan to get DD in peace through security.

Yeah I know. I’m less worried about queuing and more worried about flight getting cancelled…

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