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AIR PASSENGERS travelling to the UK have been warned to expect a summer of delays and disruption as police work to improve security in airports.
The more informed you are, the smoother and less stressful your journey will be, so here is the latest information available. A new wave of security measures are already in place and the three biggest challenges are:
Park and ride
Although check-in times have largely remained unaltered, passengers will need to allow extra time to get from the airport perimeter to the terminal. This is because vehicles are banned from dropping off or picking up passengers outside terminals. Passengers are now directed to outlying car parks and bused in.
The tighter rules are likely to be in force for the foreseeable future, with airports adopting a park-and-ride policy or directing cars to short-stay car parks. BAA, which runs seven major airports including Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick, has urged passengers to leave their cars at home and take public transport where possible. Passengers travelling to regional airports were given similar advice.
Departure checks
With the airports and airlines being extra vigilant, it makes sense to allow more time than usual for security checks. The biggest queues are likely to be on the way into the departure lounge. In recent months, one passenger in three has been subject to a more thorough search.
Coming home
London’s airports alone handle more than a quarter of a million arrivals a day over the summer. This year, a new type of passport scanner is being introduced. The technology is designed to improve passport security and tighten immigration controls on all arrivals, including UK and EU citizens, who in the past have been subject to more relaxed measures. Officials at Stansted Airport have already warned that they are expecting queuing times of more than an hour at passport control as the Home Office installs the machines at immigration desks. Airlines fear that the problem will spread as the system is extended to other airports over the next few months.
The good news is that, while you can’t do much about delays, there are certain things you can do to make sure the time you spend in the airport is less stressful, particularly if you are travelling with children. Here is a guide to what you can do to get through the airport with kids, baggage – and a sense of humour.
Pack for the new security rules – Ignore the latest security requirements at your peril. Not only could you lose precious time as you scramble to make your plane, but you could also be forced to pitch your favourite perfume or that expensive bottle of wine.
Stay at an airport hotel – No need to wake the family up at 3am to catch that 10am flight – enjoy breakfast and amble through to your terminal.
Cut the wait at the airport – Pre-book your seats or pay to be an ‘early boarder’.
Lounge around in style – Several airports, including Luton, Stansted and Manchester have pay-as-you-enter lounges after passport control. No pre-booking is required.
Buy duty free online – Several airports have launched websites where you can buy goods and currency online before you leave home. At www.baa.co.uk (for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) and www.manchesterairport.co.uk you can buy from the airport weeks before you fly and pick up the goods when you arrive for your flight. If you are travelling within the European Union from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted, then you can collect them when you get back.
Entertain the kids – Any parent knows that if the kids are happy, you’re happy. Fortunately, many airports now have free-to-enter children’s play areas with books, toys and games.
Keep the buggy – If you’re taking a pushchair away with you, don’t check it in with your luggage as it could come in handy at the airport. Most airlines will let you keep the push-chair right up to boarding.
Expect the worst – Travelling at the busiest time of year is bound to mean long delays for some, but at least if you’re prepared for the worst the wait might not seem so bad. Before you leave home, find out from your local airport what facilities it has available where they are located, and what times they operate.
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