Check-in online
According to the expert, one of the biggest issues to cause delays in airports is the check-in desk as during the summer months, airport staff have hundreds of people to check in quickly.
The travel gurus recommended always checking in online before arriving at the airport and if passengers need to drop off luggage, they will only need to queue for that “reducing the time you’re waiting at the check-in desk”.
Pay for a fast-track pass
The experts recommended considering “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”.
They explained: “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.”
A fast track pass at Gatwick Airport costs just £5 per person and gives passengers access to a dedicated and premium security lane. “Whether you’re travelling as a group, with children, or alone, Premium Security provides a stress-free start to your trip,” Gatwick Airport explained.
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Fast track at Heathrow Airport is “currently unavailable to book” but some passengers may have it included such as those travelling in premium cabins and “selective frequent flyer card holders as well as Heathrow to American Express Centurion Card holders”.
“We are currently unable to offer our Fast Track service to customers online. However, please do check with your airline if you are eligible to use the Fast Track departure service provided on behalf of our airline partners,” Heathrow Airport explained.
Get your documents in order
Although many airlines send passengers their tickets and documents digitally, the experts urged travellers to never leave the house without “paper copies as well”.
They explained: “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.”
Allow plenty of time
The travel gurus explained that “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,” they advised.
Invest in travel insurance
Finally, purchasing travel insurance is “essential 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”.
The experts recommended: “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, shared advice on beating airport queues this summer and said: “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.”
Heathrow Airport passengers may be worried after hearing the latest news regarding the strikes but with these tips, “you can take action before you leave for the airport to reduce delays”. If holidaymakers are flying on a day of a strike, they should check the airport’s website to see if they have released any guidance or contact their customer helpline to ask for advice.
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