Airports should take a leaf out of Eurostar’s book if they want to improve security checks, according to Monarch Airlines managing director Tim Jean.
Speaking at last week’s STEPs exhibition in London, Jeans said customers’ experience of airports still suffers because of lengthy queues many travellers encounter when going through security.
To make security procedures more efficient they should copy those currently employed by Eurostar at its different rail terminals, he said.
Jeans said: “The whole thing is particularly frustrating for an airline like Monarch selling leisure travel. In fairness to the airports, aspects like the car parking work fine but the whole thing grinds to a shuddering halt when it comes to security.”
He added this was largely down to the fact there are not enough staff conducting security checks while passengers remain confused by the checks which differ depending on the departure airport.
According to Jeans, Eurostar procedures allow passengers to pass through security far more quickly and easily, providing a model for airports to copy.
He believes the problems associated with security checks has already fuelled a drop in domestic flights as customers return to the railways, and fears this situation could get worse.
He added: “There’s no doubt that the airport experience, out of all the other factors, is one of the key things to potentially dampen the demand for travel.”
Despite this, Jeans said the airline has seen significant growth this year with January up 19% in sales year on year while February saw a 16% improvement.