‘Platinum’ service at Dublin Airport

How the other half queues

Sir, – I am due to fly to Hamburg from Dublin next week. In anticipation of the current morass at Dublin Airport continuing for some time, I explored purchasing a fast pass through security, but it is sold out for the date chosen.

I then decided to explore using the “platinum” services option. When I entered my departure date, I was advised that all dates in June were sold out, and almost all of July was unavailable.

It then invited me to proceed with the booking anyway, at a price of €255, with the caveat that a pre-authorisation debit might be applied to my credit card.

So to recap, Dublin Airport Authority would accept a booking for a service that is currently unavailable, at a cost of €255, debited in advance.

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No doubt the March Hare and the Mad Hatter secured their bookings ahead of me! – Yours, etc,

FRANK WALSH,

Coolballow,

Wexford.

Sir, – Dalton Philips claims it was important as DAA CEO to “see all our different products”, when responding to questions as to his use of the platinum service last Saturday.

Has he tried the new “five-hour queue and miss your flight” option yet? – Yours, etc,

ÉILÍS LAWLOR

Mount Merrion,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – Is it not perverse in the extreme that we have an airport authority that offers a “service” whereby travellers who can afford the cost can be “fasttracked” through a compulsory security screening operated on behalf of the public?

What next? A specialised Garda service for those who pay more for 999 calls? – Yours, etc,

BILLY HANNIGAN,

Limekiln,

Dublin 12.

A chara, – Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan might consider closing permanently the special VIP arrivals and departures facility available to our current leaders, retired politicians and other celebrities.

Four hours in a queue with the electorate might just aid some creative thinking, give them a taste of democracy or, at least, reduce their travel frequency. – Yours, etc,

LIAM PLUCK,

Enniskerry,

Co Wicklow.