Fast lane? No thanks!

geoffeales replied on 17/06/2023 11:16

geoffeales

Posted on 17/06/2023 11:16

I read with dread the article in the new magazine that "fast check-ins" are being introduced to some sites. This means that once booked and the site fees paid, we can go through a special barrier and by-pass the office. Is everyone happy with this plan? I for one see it as a retrograde step, with more hi-tech and less human contact. At the end of a long drive I enjoy the chat with the warden about the weather, the journey, the pros and cons of the pitches available to me. I consider it all part of the holiday, do we really need everything to be hi-speed? Some people may enjoy jumping the queue (if any) to grab the "best" pitches, but I'd rather take my time chatting with a friendly warden and benefiting from their expert advice.

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52 replies

Takethedogalong replied on 17/06/2023 12:42

Member

Takethedogalong

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:35 by Cornersteady

Just putting this out there with any judgement either way but...

maybe the club should offer a discount for choosing the fast lane?

or do follow the airlines and airports and pay extra for the fast lane?

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:42

You are a scamp at times Corners🤣

Cornersteady replied on 17/06/2023 12:49

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Cornersteady

Caravanner

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:42 by Takethedogalong

You are a scamp at times Corners🤣

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:49

I did say without judgement either way

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it

(Attributed to Aristotle but I leant this week that might not be be the case)

SteveL replied on 17/06/2023 12:49

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SteveL

Motorhomer

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:38 by JillwithaJay

On our recent visit to Lady Margaret's Park, we didn't opt for the fast check in as, due to a medical emergency, we weren't even sure that we'd be able to set off from home and didn't want to pay in full before arrival only to go through the hassle of getting a refund.

On arrival we queued and then went into reception to book in where we got the usual site plan with indications of one way system, how to pitch to the peg etc. It struck us that those who don't 'check in on arrival' wouldn't get the paper site plan or the instructions that go with it, hence quite a few folks then wandering around looking for the service points.

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:49

On two CAMC sites we stopped on recently they were operating a fast check in even for those who had not paid, like us, as we booked on the old system. We were given a map by a site manager stood outside the office, handed over our membership card, a quick talk on how to pitch and sent on our way, come back and pay later. All very efficient, on site and pitched in 10 minutes. Wouldn’t work so well if they do away with physical membership cards though.🤔

GEandGJE replied on 17/06/2023 13:37

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GEandGJE

Motorhomer

Posted on 17/06/2023 13:37

You can always show your digital card on your smart phone.

Bakers2 replied on 17/06/2023 13:52

Bakers2

Motorhomer

Posted on 17/06/2023 13:37 by GEandGJE

You can always show your digital card on your smart phone.

Posted on 17/06/2023 13:52

Would you be happy that they retained your phone? I believe that's what SteveL was implying.

That sounds like a grand idea SteveL

If there's to be a fast lane, that'll be more tarmac, bigger gap in boundary and suitable barriers. Considerable expense? Add it to the site prices??

replied on 17/06/2023 15:43

Posted on 17/06/2023 15:43

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Goldie146 replied on 17/06/2023 15:54

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Goldie146

Caravanner

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:38 by JillwithaJay

On our recent visit to Lady Margaret's Park, we didn't opt for the fast check in as, due to a medical emergency, we weren't even sure that we'd be able to set off from home and didn't want to pay in full before arrival only to go through the hassle of getting a refund.

On arrival we queued and then went into reception to book in where we got the usual site plan with indications of one way system, how to pitch to the peg etc. It struck us that those who don't 'check in on arrival' wouldn't get the paper site plan or the instructions that go with it, hence quite a few folks then wandering around looking for the service points.

I've edited my post to add the irritation of people who do go into reception wanting to have a full scale conversation about what's available in the location and what time the local supermarket closes etc. Better that you do that later in the day when it's quieter.

Posted on 17/06/2023 15:54

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/faqs/uk-holidays/#fast-check-in

"How will I know where to pitch?
Once you arrive at the barrier, our cameras will verify your registration, a welcome screen will remind you of the pitch type you have booked and you can proceed onto site. We will send you a link to the site plan by TEXT before arrival and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the site plan before you arrive."

peedee replied on 17/06/2023 16:07

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peedee

Motorhomer

Posted on 17/06/2023 16:07

I have yet to experience it on a Club site but on commercial sites I use and have used it is an excellent sytem. I hope all sites will eventually be so equipped, who knows where it can lead to. Perhaps earlier arrival times if you have already paid or even pay on departure rather than arrival?

peedee

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davetommo replied on 17/06/2023 17:22

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davetommo

Motorhomer

Posted on 17/06/2023 12:35 by Cornersteady

Just putting this out there with any judgement either way but...

maybe the club should offer a discount for choosing the fast lane?

or do follow the airlines and airports and pay extra for the fast lane?

Posted on 17/06/2023 17:22

or do follow the airlines and airports and pay extra for the fast lane?

If that was the case I would settle for the chat with the warden.

2 people like this