US pre-clearance customs at Edinburgh Airport could happen - here is how - Kenny MacAskill

Yet there’s an opportunity to address it for flights to the USA and whoever’s in charge of the Home Office after the election has to act on it. My wife and daughter are flying out to New York later this week for a graduation celebration. I hope Newark Airport’s quieter this time than when I last went but somehow, I doubt it. Numerous flights from around the globe had all disgorged at once and it was quite a while to get through the US Custom and Border checks. Not only is it slow but it can impact severely if seeking a connecting flight. There’s no point in trying to push ahead or seek some fast tracking, as whilst superficially polite the officials are severe, if not intimidating.

But there is a solution. Those who have flown through Dublin or entered the USA from Canada will be aware that pre-clearance checks that are done there and on arrival mean it’s simply straight through to baggage collection and you’re on your way. It really makes a difference, and indeed, gives Dublin Airport an edge which they market assiduously.

For many years the American position was that there would be no extension of the system beyond Ireland and Canada. I know, as I enquired back in the noughties, but the door was closed, said the US reps. But that has now changed. The option’s there, with the US willing to look at similar arrangements. It’s something Edinburgh Airport are keen to acquire and why not, as it would let Edinburgh really take off with flights to the USA.

Why the change of heart? No doubt there’s numerous reasons but improved technology’s one thing, pressure upon the US Custom and Border Patrol no doubt another. It’ll ease numbers at their end if the work is done here. Moreover, although it’s their officers the cost is borne by the host airport. But it’s a price many are willing to pay and a premium many flyers will willingly accept.

So, what’s the delay? Well, the Home Office is being obtuse, insisting that before they sign any concordat with the USA they’re seeking commercial agreements between airports and agencies. But the people Edinburgh needs to engage with are not their counterparts at Newark or wherever, but the Transportation Security Administration and US Customs and Border Protection, who oversee security and enforce it across the United States, and so call the shots.

Now those bodies are federal agencies and almost quasi-military in parts. It’s absurd to think that they negotiate separately from their government. They do as they’re directed. What’s needed is for the Home Office to sign a concordat or agreement with the State Department or whichever US political department. As soon as that’s done Edinburgh and other UK airports, with Gatwick also keen, will be able to negotiate with CBP and TSA.

New technology allows passengers to be cleared for the USA whilst waiting in international departures. It would ease travelling to the States, so it’s time to let Edinburgh take off.