Travelling overseas isn’t quite as straightforward as it used to be. The days of rocking up at the airport 45 minutes before your flight are long gone, with many airports in chaos as they struggle to cope with chronic staff shortages. After two years of a very reduced service due to the Covid-19 crisis, international travel is now back in big demand.
But airlines and airports, who drastically reduced their workforce during the pandemic are unable to keep up.
The combination of accepting too many bookings and a lack of properly trained staff has culminated in a hellish situation. Hundreds of flights across the UK and Europe have been axed at the last minute in the past week alone, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and forced to pay more money for an alternative option. There are also lengthy queues and delays at check-in, security and the baggage reclaim. The situation is not likely to resolve itself before the summer holidays due to the lengthy security checks to re-recruit staff.
How to avoid the travel disruption this summer?
So here’s some top tips on how to make your journey as stress-free as possible. Just think of the excitement when you finally get there!
1. Make sure you are extra-organised
Check in advance what paperwork and vaccination status is needed to enter your destination. Make sure you book any necessary pre-departure Covid-19 tests too. It’s not quite left us yet!
2. Travel to less popular destinations
Those wishing to avoid the crowds this summer might want to reconsider holiday hotspots such as Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Greece, which are all hugely popular with British holidaymakers.
Morocco, Bulgaria, Germany and Switzerland are alternative options with great beaches. Or why not go somewhere a bit further afield such as the USA, Bali, Thailand or Peru for a wild adventure. Long haul flights don’t seem to be affected as it currently stands.
Here are our recommendations for the lesser-known Budget Holiday Destinations for this Summer
3. Choose less busy airports
The big London and city airports such as Manchester and Birmingham have been worst hit due to huge passenger numbers so it would be a wise idea to look for an alternative route through a smaller airport.
4. Avoid peak travel times
It is no surprise the highest surge of passengers is during the school holidays and at the weekends. If you can it is wise to schedule your trip in the month after the peak period when the airports and airlines are adapting back to the quieter schedule, ideally travelling mid-week.
If you must travel in the summer school holidays, the good news is the high passenger numbers will be spread across six weeks, not the one week of May half term or the two weeks of Easter. But try and avoid travelling on the first weekend after the kids break up or the August bank holiday week as they are notoriously busy.
An early morning flight is also considered the best option to avoid the sheer volume of people at the airport – and often best traffic wise in getting there too.
5. Make sure you have a good insurance policy
With so many flights currently affected across Europe it is well worth investing in a good policy such as KAYAK’s recommended insurance company Voyager Insurance. Read the small print carefully on your policy to make sure you have exactly what you need.
Also consider flight tickets with flexi-cancellation policies. You will probably find cheaper options online through smaller operators but you won’t have the peace of mind that you can get your money back.
Learn how to find travel options you can change or cancel
6. Consider other travel options
Is your destination accessible by ferry or car? It is worth bearing this in mind when you book your holiday just in case you want to choose that mode of transport instead or need to reconsider your journey at the last minute if your flight is cancelled. The Eurostar, Eurotunnel and ferries are also very busy with passengers but they are still in a better situation than the airports.
But don’t cancel your flight if you’ve already booked as you may not get your money back.
Planning a trip by ferry? Read about Three Slow Travel Holidays by Ferry
7. Pay on credit card
Opting for a credit card gives you an extra layer of protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If you face cancellations or your tour operator goes bust you can claim between £100 and £30,000.
8. Check your emails – including your junk file!
Some airlines have been cancelling some flights with just a few hours’ notice so keep an eye on your emails to save yourself the unnecessary stress of going to the airport if your flight is affected.
9. Keep up-to-date with delays
Head to our flight tracker at https://www.kayak.co.uk/tracker to keep track of your incoming flight so you can get an idea of if there is a delay – and if so, how long it is likely to be.
10. Try not to stress
If your flight is cancelled before you travel try not to worry about it on your holiday when you eventually get there as you would be very unlucky to be affected twice. Also, try not to stress about sorting refunds. Get yourself informed on how much time you have to claim your refund and additional compensation. Check with your flight provider for more information.
11. Get to the airport early
As mentioned above, it is unrealistic to arrive at the airport less than an hour before your flight. Give yourself at least two hours for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights, to avoid any extra stress.
Try not to get there too early though as this has been said to add to the commotion and the snaking queues. And as always, remember to check recommendations directly with your flight provider.
12. Check in online
Avoid an unnecessary queue by checking in online. If possible also print out your ticket or save it to your smart phone. Make sure your phone is fully-charged.
13. Take hand luggage only
If you are able to, pack light. Opting for hand luggage only means you can head straight to security control if you have already checked in online. It will also ensure you avoid a lengthy wait for your bags at the reclaim belts.
Plus it’s much smoother to travel without a heavy suitcase in tow. Most travellers tend to overpack so it might be refreshing having to stick to essential items only. You’ll also save money by not paying for extra baggage.
14. Be security ready
It will help if you are as ready as possible to go through security. In advance fill a transparent bag with your toiletries (under 100ml) and have any electronics within easy access in your bag. Also wear slip-on shoes for easy removal and don’t bother with a watch and jewellery unless you must. Any loose change in your pockets must also be put in a separate container.
Parents should remember that liquids larger than 100ml such as baby milk and children’s water must also be handed in for inspection. Children must also be removed from buggy’s and pushchairs must be folded.
15. Pay for fast-track security
Some airports offer you the opportunity to pay to jump the queues at security for a small charge. It’s £5 at Luton Airport, £7 at Stanstead and £4 in Manchester and definitely worth the extra money if you are travelling with young children.
16. Pack a care kit
It’s a wise idea to have essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and flannel and spare clothes in your hand luggage should you face a lengthy delay at the airport.
Also keep a charger handy should you need to charge electronics. (crucial if you have children with iPads!)
17. Make children your priority
If you’re delayed at the airport, be sure to keep your children entertained and comfortable as happy children will definitely help matters. Activity books, iPads and plenty of snacks are a good idea. Children will pick up on any stress so try not to lose your cool in front of them.
Or if you really can’t face it… Don’t worry, there is always another time.
The UK has plenty of options for a staycation to remember. Some of the beaches are on a par with lots of those abroad and there are lots of fun activities to try.
