With millions of Brits jetting off on their summer holidays over the coming months, here are five tips to beat airport queues and delays
1 – Check-in online
One of the biggest issues to cause delays when you first arrive at the airport is the check-in desk as airport staff have hundreds of people to check in quickly. In order to reduce the time you’re waiting at the check-in desk, it’s wise to check in online before you arrive at the airport as the only thing you need to do then is drop off your luggage.
2 – Allow plenty of time
Although it may sound obvious, it really is important to allow yourself plenty of time to travel to the airport and then make your way through the airport once you arrive. Most airline check-in desks open three hours before departure so aim to arrive at the airport for that time and then you should travel through check-in and security quickly and still have time to browse the shops and relax before your flight.
3 – Pay for a fast-track pass
Making your way through security can be a long process and with security staff at Heathrow staging various strikes, it’s important to plan ahead for these busy periods. If it’s an option at the airport you’re flying from, then consider paying for a fast-track pass which will allow you to skip the lengthy queues of holidaymakers trying to get through to the next stage of their journey.
4 – Get your documents in order
Although many airlines send you your tickets and documents digitally, it’s best to have paper copies as well. Whether you’re at the check-in desk or waiting to board your flight, you may struggle to use your phone due to signal or Wi-Fi issues which is only going to delay you and other passengers, which is why it’s worthwhile having printed copies of all of your documents as well just to be on the safe side.
5 – Invest in travel insurance
It’s essential to purchase travel insurance before you go on your holiday and although most people mainly think this is for health reasons, some insurance policies can cover you for travel disruption. When choosing your policy, read through everything it covers as you may be able to claim compensation if you experience delays or your holiday is impacted by strikes.
Alison Johnson, owner of Moving to Spain, has shared advice on beating airport queues and what to do if you’re flying during an airport strike: “Going on holiday is something that we should all feel excited about after working hard to afford a break in the sun, however, there are some circumstances that can add stress to the holiday, such as delays at the airport or strikes, just like those that have been announced by security staff at Heathrow Airport.”
“It’s important to not let these factors cause you unnecessary stress or ruin your holiday as there are ways to avoid any potential barriers. Before you leave for the airport, make sure you have all of your documents in order and to hand, check-in online and leave in plenty of time as by doing so, you can significantly reduce the time you are spent waiting in airport queues.”
“It’s inevitable that millions of people flying in and out of Heathrow Airport over the coming months will be worried after hearing the latest news regarding the strikes, but like the steps previously mentioned, you can take action before you leave for the airport to reduce delays. If you are flying on a day of a strike and it is causing you to feel anxious, then check the airport’s website to see if they have released any guidance or contact their customer helpline and ask for some advice.”
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