Heathrow Airport cracks down on late passengers

Travellers heading off on holiday from terminal five at Heathrow Airport are being warned to make sure they arrive on time for their flight or risk the plane leaving without them.

The Independent reports that British Airways, which will operate all the flights leaving and departing the terminal when it opens in March 2008, is planning to crack down on passengers who do not make their way through the airport promptly in an attempt to ensure that flights leave on time.

If a passenger is not waiting to go through security at least 35 minutes before their departure time, they will be classed by British Airways as having failed to turn up.

People who are allocated stand-by seats will have an extra five minutes to reach security due to the extra time they must wait to be checked in.

The move could provide further incentive for travellers to ensure they arrive early at the airport and wait for their flight in airport lounges.

Heathrow Airport has recently unveiled a new Personal Rapid Transit System designed to carry passengers from airport parking facilities to terminal five quickly and efficiently.