Hello from the LHR Clubhouse

[mitchja]

Off to New York today on the VS45. Stayed at the T4 Crowne Plaza. Drive-thru check-in open but still no dedicated security lanes yet.

You are directed to the standard Fast Track security which wasn’t too bad. New 3D scanners in use so everything stays in your bags now which speeds things up.

Just sat having breakfast. Clubhouse doesn’t appear too busy at the minute.

Whilst others may not agree with me, I’m glad to see the pool table has gone from the loft sitting area. The Pelotons have gone as well.

Enjoy!

But i disagree, I miss the pool table, the place is starting to lose a lot of the perks to make way for more seating.

[buns]

Good Morning James

Thanks for the update on the Upper Class Wing

Enjoy all the Clubhouse has to offer and hope you have a great crew

Buns

Have a good trip James - looking forward to the TR already.

Have a super trip James and, to echo buns, hope you have a great crew who will serve you a fabulous meal from the new menu.

[mitchja]

Thanks all.

One thing I forgot to mention is the OLCi is now slightly different in that VS can now fully verify your passport using the app before you reach the airport.

If you complete FlyReady via the website using a mobile device or check in online using the app, you are now asked to scan your passport. You get a ‘INT DOCS-OK’ message on the mobile app boarding pass once that’s been done.

Thanks for this info.

Can I just clarify what is OLCi? I'm also getting a bit confused with the pre-requirements and apps these days! So I get it right in my mind, if you are doing online check in on the VA app you don't need to do Fly Ready, or should you do both?

Also can you tell me how the new US passport control app works (or does it) for UK visitors with an ESTA?

Thanks

[mitchja]

Thanks for this info.

Can I just clarify what is OLCi? I'm also getting a bit confused with the pre-requirements and apps these days! So I get it right in my mind, if you are doing online check in on the VA app you don't need to do Fly Ready, or should you do both?

Also can you tell me how the new US passport control app works (or does it) for UK visitors with an ESTA?

Thanks

OLCI - online check in

FlyReady is only available using the website. This now includes scanning your passport to verify it so you need to use a mobile device with a camera. FlyReady still also includes contact tracing which is still mandatory for travel to the USA.

FlyReady passport scanning can be completed at any time between making the booking and departing. USA contact tracing can only be completed from 72 hrs before departure. Only when you have done both with you get a green FlyReady completed message. You don't need to complete FlyReady as those details will also be collected at the airport but it will expedite checking in at the airport if you do complete it before hand.

If you complete FlyReady, your passport details will already be saved & confirmed when you come to complete OLCI either via the website or the app.

I may be wrong here but as far as I'm aware, the passport app is only for US and Canada passport holders isn't it? It may have changed now though as I'm not sure with having Global Entry here so I use different machines / app when arriving in the USA.

The CBP MPC app now includes Visa Waiver passports too.

I have it downloaded, but not yet used it yet though. Planning to try it out on my next trip

Thanks both - will just do everything and hope for the best. That and putting my DHS redress number on (which everyone tells me will do nothing) in attempt to not get SSSS yet again!