Travelling through the airport during busy seasons like Christmas can feel stressful – think huge crowds, long security lines, and delays that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
It’s predicted that five million Brits will be heading abroad this festive period*, but don’t worry, the travel experts at SkyParkSecure have shared their tips and tricks, you can make the madness of holiday travel way smoother and maybe even a little fun.
Factor in travel time to the airport and arrive early
A general rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight. But, during Christmas, it’s better to be on the side of caution and get there even earlier. The Christmas season is one of the busiest times to travel, and airports are packed. So, it’s advised to add an extra hour to your usual airport arrival time. And, if you’re flying from a major hub like London Heathrow, London Gatwick, or Manchester Airport, you might want to give yourself an additional 2 hours.
One thing people often overlook? Traffic! Depending on the time of day, you might run into more traffic than you expect on your way to the airport. During Christmas, the roads are extra busy with people visiting friends and family. And let’s not forget about parking, which can be a nightmare over Christmas.
Airport parking will be rammed during busier periods, meaning it might take longer to find a spot, both in the-drop off and pick-up bays and long-term lots. Make sure to book your parking in advance, rather than leaving it a few days before – you could end up having to make alternative travel arrangements due to parking spaces filling up quickly or have to pay ‘premium’ rates for both long-term and short-term parking.
Utilise online check-in
Most airlines let you check in online at least 24 hours before your flight, and during Christmas, this is a total game-changer. Christmas brings increased crowds at airports and lines for check-in counters can be long – online check-in essentially allows you to bypass these lines and will reduce the amount of time you’re stood around waiting. Additionally, if you have checked luggage, you can head straight to the baggage drop counter.
Top tip: If you’re using your phone for your ticket, don’t forget to bring a portable charger. Airport charging ports can be a rare find and are often all taken during the busy Christmas season! Also, ensure you have the app ready to go, if you can’t log in or have any issues it could add unwanted stress to the journey, prep everything days before in case of any problems.
Navigating long security lines
Security lines can feel stressful at the best of times, but at Christmas, they can feel extra-long. Aside from arriving early, the best thing you can do is prepare for security before you even get to the airport.
Get your stuff organised before you even leave the house. Put all your electricals together and place liquids in a clear bag.
And why not travel in comfy loungewear as it’ll save the hassle of having to take off belts. In fact, avoid anything with metallic embellishment and wear easy to slip on shoes in case you’re asked to take them off.
If you’re travelling with gifts in your carry-on bag, leave them unwrapped until you get to your destination. Wrapped gifts might be opened by security staff if they’re triggered during screening.
Planning to pop the question this Christmas? With December being the most popular time to propose, carrying an engagement ring through security without your partner spotting it can be a tricky task. Keep your ring in your carry-on bag in a section where it won’t stand out – like a zipped pouch. Avoid keeping it in your pocket, there’s always the risk it’ll fall out and you’ll have to take it out when going through security. If you’re travelling with family, pass it off discreetly and ask them to carry the ring for you. They will less likely be noticed by your partner and will keep the surprise intact.
Tips for dealing with delays
Delays and cancellations are unpredictable and can happen at any time and as hard as it is, try not to panic. While it’s easy to get frustrated, try and remain polite with airline staff – they’ll be trying to figure out what’s going on just as much as you are.
It’s also a good idea to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Bring along entertainment like a good book, your tablet, and a portable charger so you can stay entertained and powered up during those long waits.
