Weekend for Christmas Getaways

[Lonely Planet]

With just a week to go before the ‘big day’ the UK’s airports have geared up for what is the busiest few days in the Christmas getaway rush!

Millions of UK Passengers Passing Through UK Airports This Week
The next two weeks are one of the busiest fortnights in an airport’s year, this week especially Saturday 18th through until Christmas Day,
with Heathrow expecting half a million passengers, whilst Gatwick
Airport set to see a phenomenal 700,000 passengers pass through its
terminals from this weekend.

20% More Winter Sun Getaways Booked
The popularity in Winter sun holidays over the last few weeks has seen a huge increase, as much as 20% reported by some tour operators, as UK residents escape the extreme weather conditions.

Be Prepared For Long Airport Queues
So if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of Britons heading to an airport over the next week or so then be prepared for long queues.

Long Haul and Short Haul Check-In Times
That means be sure to get to the airport on time – for short haul flights it is recommended that you check-in two hours before your flight time, and if long haul then three hours before you fly.

Stock Up On Refreshments For the Airport
Also be aware that with so many people in the airport the likely hood is that the queues, not only for check-in, but for refreshments will be
long too. It’s worth while taking with you a few snacks, especially if
you are travelling with small children. If you are concerned about
passing through security with food products for children then don’t be.
You’ll simply be asked to taste a small piece of the food. It’s
definitely worth taking your child’s food, and not risk the queues!
Another little tip is the newsagents in the airports, like WH Smiths for
example, will also sell a selection of refreshments so it’s worth
getting a drink and a packet of crisps from these types of shops instead
of one from the Food Hall.

Airport Snow Cancellations & Delays
However, the weather that many of us are trying to escape may actually keep us in the country. Yet again the UK is being hit by major snow
storms and Heathrow and Gatwick have already closed runways and
cancelled flights this weekend.

Rail Closure Risks - Book Your Airport Parking
When the snow falls, even the smallest amounts, rail routes can grind to a halt. Therefore, if you are travelling to the airport via train, or
other such public transport that could risk being delayed or diverted,
it’s worth considering, if the roads aren’t too treacherous, driving
yourself to the airport and booking airport parking. This way you can
get yourself to the airport, leaving home in good time, and also you can
get yourself back home again too.

Call The Airport Before Travel
With snow closures a real threat, and delays a given, do call before you travel – phone the airport on the day of travel to be advised of the very
latest information on delays and cancellations, along with any revised
check-in times.

According to the latest weather reports we haven’t seen the last of the snow – the whole country is expected to be hit by further snow storms over the next few days, so fingers crossed for those
of us who are trying to get away do get away!

Merry Christmas!