VS LHR Private Security Channel - quick question please..

Hi All,

I'm doing an DUB-SFO in upper - no luggage. When I arrive at Terminal 5, I'm assuming I exit security, get the shuttle to terminal 3 and at this point can I just use the VS private security channel or do I have to go to the VS checkin to get a stamp - I'm presuming I will have my boarding card for SFO leg issued at Dublin checkin by BA.

Thanks all and hope you are all getting on a lovely virgin flight over the Christmas hols.

It's not a stamp, but you will need an 'access allowed' tag installed onto the barcode on your BP if transiting land side to allow you access to the private security channel. You scan the BP on the wall to open the door to the wing if not using DTCI.

Hope that helps, enjoy your flight

as above, you don't need a stamp, but the scanner on the door has to accept your boarding pass - though you may be able to tailgate someone going through

i just get one from the VS desk, only takes a couple of minutes, and it saves getting stuck sat the door and having to go back downstairs

btw unless things changed even a VS print at home boarding pass is no use with the scanner

No need to go landside unless you're desperate to use the VS private security channel.

On arriving from DUB follow the purple "Flight Connections" signs which will take you on to an airside bus to T3. Clear security at the Flight Connections centre and stop by the VS transfer desk which you'll pass en route to the Clubhouse.

Thank you all for your fast and very helpful replies, much appreciated. I'm definitely going with Gumshoe's advice on this one, sounds like it will save time and get me to the clubhouse faster! Gumshoe, sorry if I'm missing the obvious but why would i need to stop at the VS transfer desk?

So they know you're "ready to fly" and can confirm your ESTA/visa and API are all ok.

Ok brill, thank you Gumshoe. Always appreciate your excellent advice. Happy Christmas to you.

Purely out of interest, if you were to "tailgate" someone through the door into the VS private security channel - would the LHR employee who checks boarding passes just before the security screening throw you out?

After all, you could easily be travelling Economy but have a FC Gold card... and since the migration to one FC number for life, there is no way to easily tell what level of FC membership a passenger has - is there?

My guess would be the LHR employee would not be bothered. They scan the BP and if the light goes green (so the computer is saying "valid for a flight today") they'd let you through.