Has anyone from the US used the eGates system in Heathrow for clearing customs yet? It SOUNDS like it would be much quicker so I was wondering if that is true in reality.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11948 posts
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
Yes, we used the eGates 3 days ago. Quick and easy. Just do not mistake the sign that says “families go through together” as applying to couples ( without children). My husband and I were scolded for trying to go through together.; apparently they mean “ families with children” only.
Posted by
Colorado
82 posts
Used them last week. No trouble and the lines moved quickly. As an old school traveler it was a bummer not to get the passport stamp (which you still have the option of getting through another line) but the convenience of the e-gates is hard to beat.
It was a little weird sitting on the plane and not being handed a landing card. Welcome to the new age!
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
444 posts
Same here, we went through last week, so fast! Landed at 7:20, we were out of the airport by 8:30. We are a family of 4 but we all went through separately. My daughter was sad about not getting a stamp but it’s hard to argue with the convenience.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
35 posts
Do you have to go through the regular line if you want a stamp? Or is there a way to get a stamp after you go through the eGate? I know my kids will want the stamp, but I don’t want to wait in a super long line just for that.
Posted by
Freedonia
16413 posts
If your kids are traveling with you and at least one is under 12, you have to go through the regular line.