Armed US immigration officers stationed at British airports

[SimonMac]

Armed US immigration officers stationed at British airports under radical new plan that could drive up air fares and queues

British holidaymakers visiting the US could be hit with higher air fares and extra security before boarding flights, under new plans for armed US immigration officers to be stationed at UK airports.

The change, which would see transatlantic passengers clearing immigration formalities before boarding an aircraft, is being discussed in Washington and Whitehall with officials understood to be negotiating over the practicalities.

Under the plans airlines could be forced to pay for US security staff and their families to live in the UK, meaning they are likely to pass these extra costs onto passengers travelling from Britain to the US.

Passengers are also likely to be asked to leave more time between turning up at airports before flights, as they will have to undergo questioning by US security in addition to usual checks.

Armed US immigration officers stationed at British airports under radical new plan that could drive up air fares and queues

Doesn't this happen in Shannon already?

[milanbenes]

BA001 from London City to New York does a refuelling stop in Shannon. While the plane is being refuelled, passengers get off the plane and go through the US immigration processes and then get back on again

if a flight from London to NewYork needs a refueling stop in Ireland, how the heck does it then get from Ireland to Newyork without needing another refueling stop ?

Milan.

[Mordac]

if a flight from London to NewYork needs a refueling stop in Ireland, how the heck does it then get from Ireland to Newyork without needing another refueling stop ?

Milan.

It need refuelling on the westbound route because, I believe, it cannot take off fully fuelled at LCY (because of the runway length or something). Also the winds are against when going West, so it needs a fuel stop. It's an Airbus A318, business class only, and I seem to remember it was on Google street view for a while, so you could have a look round inside.

[Dark Black]

Totally ridiculous.. Allowing a foreign power to bear arms in a civilian location on British soil...

That is NOT on.

Armed British police are already present at many (all?) airports in this country - that should be good enough.

[milanbenes]

I trust if they find themselves in a situation where they are left with no option than to draw arms, they'll be protected by immunity ?

Milan.

[sasguru]

Totally ridiculous.. Allowing a foreign power to bear arms in a civilian location on British soil...

That is NOT on.

Armed British police are already present at many (all?) airports in this country - that should be good enough.

You and your ilk voted for Brexit which is moving from being one of the 3 top dogs in Europe to becoming the de facto 51st state of the US.
So deal with it.

Unless you thought the UK would become a global player comparable in size to the US and UK?

[Troll]

Totally ridiculous.. Allowing a foreign power to bear arms in a civilian location on British soil...

That is NOT on.

Armed British police are already present at many (all?) airports in this country - that should be good enough.

We already have French Gendarmerie /Customs Folkestone side of Chunnel - officers of which are usually armed - but can't find confirmation of what the agreement was with France about UK side officers

[BlasterBates]

A trade deal is a dog eat dog activity, not diplomatic

Lets face it Britain is going to get eaten alive doing its trade deals.

[eek]

Doesn't this happen in Shannon already?

Yes and Dublin.... It's why I would fly Aer Lingus to America...

[eek]

It need refuelling on the westbound route because, I believe, it cannot take off fully fuelled at LCY (because of the runway length or something). Also the winds are against when going West, so it needs a fuel stop. It's an Airbus A318, business class only, and I seem to remember it was on Google street view for a while, so you could have a look round inside.

The welcome to Europe / none Schengen queue at Paris CDG last Monday wasn't much better. Thankfully I have priority and after a very brief chat skipped the entire queue (even the priority queue was 10 minutes long) to get landside to walk to my departure terminal...