UK airport chaos continues as Brits face flight cancellations from easyJet, TUI, British Airways, Wizz Air and more – one travel expert shares their advice for those due to travel
There are ways to minimise stress when facing travel chaos (
Image: Getty Images)
Brits heading on holidays have been dealing with chaotic scenes at UK airports including Manchester and Birmingham, with huge queues and long delays.
Meanwhile airlines including easyJet, TUI and BA have been cancelling hundreds of flights, as the industry struggles to cope with staff shortages and a surge of demand.
While there’s no way of completely avoiding the chaos, there are ways to minimise the stress if you’re due to travel. For example, there are plenty of easy checks to make before you head to the airport, not to mention security experts have shared their hack for spotting the quicker queues at airport security.
One travel insider has explained why he thinks that holidaymakers aren’t out of the woods any time soon.
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Naveen Dittakavi, founder and CEO of Next Vacay, said: “Holidaymakers are being hit by chaotic scenes at airports across the UK, despite covid rules being limited. With staff shortages and an increase in travellers creating a strain on the travel industry, the issues are expected to continue into the summer – with the cancellations and delays seen through the bank holiday weekend continuing into the summer holidays. However, the chaos is expected to slow down by the autumn period, with staff levels ramping up at various airports.”
Naveen also revealed some of his top tips for Brits who are due to travel – including why it’s important to download your airline’s app, and be prepared before you leave your house.
Check out his top tips below…
Be prepared
Passengers in huge queues at Manchester Airport
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Image:
Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP)
“To beat any disappointments for your summer vacations, you’ll want to make sure that you arrive at the airport at the advised earlier time of your airline – giving you enough time to tackle the queues,” he warns.
“If you do miss your flight by no fault of your own, you need to tell the airline ASAP so they can re-book you on another flight. Remember to bring evidence of the time you turned up at the airport – such as a parking ticket – as this could be crucial to receive a refund if there are no alternative flights.”
However, take note that passengers are being urged not to arrive too early for flights, as this creates more congestion.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together a guide on the best time to arrive for your flight according to easyJet, TUI, Jet2 and other major airlines.
Download your airline’s app
Naveen suggests downloading the app so you can keep an eye on your flight status before you set off for the airport.
He suggests: ” Should your airline cancel your upcoming flight a few days or weeks before your trip, try to re-book a flight as early in the morning as you can as further delays and cancellations often rise and affect later flights.”
He adds: “Before arriving at the airport, download your airline’s app to get immediate alerts. This will give you more of a chance to re-book on an alternative flight before other people become aware of the disruption or delays.”
Stay calm – but know your rights
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Naveen explains: “If you’re already at the airport once the flight is canceled, the best thing you can do is stay calm – you are protected against many things that might go wrong. There are plenty of options that can make a big difference in approaching a canceled flight – from preparing alternative options when waiting to speak to staff, to calling up your carrier.
“The airline is supposed to help get you to your destination on the same day, but try calling the airline helpline rather than waiting to speak directly with the airport staff. The helpline is often more flexible and may provide you with an e-credit or voucher, or flexibility to change your travel dates quickly.
When speaking to staff, come prepared with your own research about new arrangements as this will help move things quicker along – be prepared to explain what you want as you can insist on a flight on the same day at their expense, however, this may not always be possible with the sudden increase in cancelations. If you are left with having to buy a flight with a rival airline yourself, you can claim the cost of the replacement or request a full refund – depending on which is more expensive.”
Have you been affected by the ongoing delays and cancellations? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
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