Eurostar Check-In

[Mike395]

Yes - something, which, thinking about it, I'd love to see in principle.

However I doubt it'll ever happen due to practicalities.

Agreed - I think that security checks will always be needed for passengers on trains going under the Channel anyway, regardless of whether passport control/immigration is needed.

 

[shinkansen1966]

Agreed - I think that security checks will always be needed for passengers on trains going under the Channel anyway, regardless of whether passport control/immigration is needed.

Are passengers in cars using the car carrying Eurotunnel shuttle subject to a security check ? I've done the shuttle a couple of times and I don't remember my bags in the car being subject to a security screening.

 

[radamfi]

Are passengers in cars using the car carrying Eurotunnel shuttle subject to a security check ? I've done the shuttle a couple of times and I don't remember my bags in the car being subject to a security screening.

They do random checks.

 

[shinkansen1966]

They do random checks.

Ah ... thought they might do something like that. Guess that's easier than a full check that eurostar passenger go through. Perhaps the 'security risk' is different for motorists than for eurostar passengers.

Mind you, you have a security check when boarding Spanish long distance trains. Though the policy is somewhat erratic. At Madrid Charmartin, there's no security check for the night train to Paris. But one for the domestic Alvia train on the adjacent platform to Vallodolid, even though the two share the same route.

 

[jon0844]

Everyone drives over a checkpoint that looks for things on the underside, and we've been stopped randomly before going through - but they seemed more keen to check if we'd had an LPG conversion. They didn't do any searching, but I guess they use profiling and have already made up their minds by simply talking to the driver/passengers for a bit.

 

[ChrisCooper]

I imagine one reason for the minimum check-in time is that it encourages people to turn up early so that everyone, even those who turn up a little late, should be able to get through ontime. To be honest it's a classic trick that is so often used. I've done some coach driving and you always tell people to be back at the coach some time before you actually want to leave, especially if you want to leave ontime (for example getting away before traffic gets busy). I've also found it's good for use of women too. The film starts at/table is booked for 7, you need half an hour to get there, so you tell them you'll pick them up at 6 because you know when you arrive she'll still be getting ready and you'll be just arriving ontime after a manic drive trying to do a 30min journey in about 20mins.

 

[EWS 58038]

No you wouldn't have had 40 minutes? 30 minutes is when the train leaves, not when you can walk into the check in. Even if there was no 30 minute rule, you'd need 10-15 minutes from check in to getting onboard and finding seats.

For idiots not able to read the signs.... for normal people It can take up to 5 minutes to pass security and find their seat.


Arrived at Brussels 10 minutes before dep. myself once... and was still allowed on the train... I made it with 5 minutes to spare.
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Ah ... thought they might do something like that. Guess that's easier than a full check that eurostar passenger go through. Perhaps the 'security risk' is different for motorists than for eurostar passengers.

The Eurotunnel Network Statement clearly state that Eurostar, or any other future TOC only has to check 10% of the passengers going through their tunnel. Eurostar decided to check everyone to make sure the security department can't be accused of discrimination and the like.

 

[island]

I don't mind as long as they don't start banning liquids or putting people through the X-ray Nude-O-Scopes like at Heathrow airport.