http://www.directferries.co.uk/news Ferry news from Direct Ferries en-gb http://www.directferries.co.uk/news Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT <b>Source: </b>Lloyds List<br><br> A recent survey of passengers using the Port of Dover indicates that ferry travel is getting a positive reaction in comparison to airports where passengers are experiencing queues, delays and surcharges, writes Sandra Speares.<br><br>The recent survey, conducted among travellers taking cars abroad found that luggage handling, security checks and check-in procedures were just some of the areas where ferries won out over the airlines.<br><br>Nine out of 10 respondents said luggage handling and security checks were easier, with nearly eight out of 10 saying ferry ports were more flexible than airports and seven out of 10 saying costs were better for ferries.<br><br>As shipping companies struggle with rising fuel costs and surcharges, ferries are rated less likely to incur surcharges and experience delays and cancellations.<br><br>Stress levels for ferry travel were rated as lower than air travel, particularly as far as passengers in the over-65 age bracket were concerned.<br><br>According to the Port of Dover, the only areas where airports scored higher than ferry ports were for shopping and catering.<br><br>According to Dover chief executive Bob Goldfield, anecdotal evidence suggests people are becoming less satisfied with air travel and it is “encouraging to know travellers value the ferry port experience so highly”.<br><br>The survey will add to the positive message that ferry operators are conveying to passengers, although concern has been expressed about the possible impact of the UK’s e-Borders project, which will require carriers, including ferries and cruiseships, to provide more information about passengers and crew members. <br><br>Information technology company Raytheon was awarded the contract to develop the e-Borders project by the Home Office and information gathering from carriers is set to begin in October.<br><br>After July 2009, the e-Borders operations centre will start up, enabling the UK Border Agency to build up travel histories for passengers. <br><br>The next deadline will be in December 2009, by which time 60% of all international passengers and crew will be checked against lists of those of interest to the authorities.<br><br>Details of 95% of passengers and crews will be collated by December 2010, if the project runs to schedule, after which time modernised entry methods will be activated at ports of entry. <br><br>The system is supposed to be fully operational — covering all international travellers using UK ports, including matching arrivals to departures — by March 2014.