by The time for holidays is finally here. But these days there is a certain level of anxiety that accompanies our trips abroad. Apart from the extreme heat and wildfires in Europe, airport workers’ walkouts and European air traffic control strikes added an extra layer of stress to last year’s events. Time will tell if 2024 sees the same.
The prospect of airport queues – although so far not comparable to the chaos of 2023 – could be causing anxiety for passengers ahead of holidays. And while it’s impossible to mitigate strikes, delays or cancellations, there are a few tips that can help increase your chances of a smoother airport experience.
Here we run through lots of hacks to help start your holiday off on the right note.
Choose flight times carefully
This ship may have sailed but for future reference, early morning flights can be a better bet as delays tend to have consequences as the day goes on – especially for airlines budget airlines whose planes make many trips every day. Since delays and cancellations lead to queues and increased chaos throughout the terminal, that early start may be worth it.
However, there is also an argument for booking flights late at night, as travel times tend to be less popular. Therefore, the airport is likely to be quieter and the security lines more manageable. The difference can be particularly significant at European-oriented airports such as Stansted or Luton.
Check-in online and pay for carry-on baggage
Without stating the obvious, online check-in can save valuable time at the airport – and often money. And it’s always wise to print your boarding pass as well as have a digital version in case of any technical failures on the day.
In terms of baggage, there is an increasing number of airlines charging for cabin bags larger than a small backpack. So your options are traveling super light or paying for carry-on or hold luggage. And while it can be frustrating looking for a small wheeled case, the joy of sailing straight to safety can be a worthwhile investment. Plus you won’t have to deal with that humiliating wait at baggage claim on the other side.
Drop off your luggage at the airport the night before
In the age of online check-in, the two airport pinch points are now bag drop and security. However, some airlines now mitigate against one of these lines by giving passengers the option to leave their bags the night before they travel.
British Airways offers a “dark bag drop” at Heathrow Terminal 5 from 4-10pm for flights departing before 10am. At Gatwick passengers with flights before 1pm can leave luggage between 6-9pm the night before. Other airlines providing the service (with varying time restrictions) include easyJet and Tui.
Of course, this tip will probably only be relevant to those staying at a hotel on site, or those who happen to live near the airport. Others may not be so happy to make multiple trips to Heathrow to avoid queuing.
Don’t come too early
This may seem counter-intuitive, but arriving more than three hours before your flight could result in queues increasing, and multiple passenger flight loads creating security bottlenecks and beyond.
Dedicated early birds should also be warned that some airports will not let you go through security, or drop off your bags, four hours before departure. Still, for those determined to arrive at the crack of dawn, Heathrow check-in and security desks usually open at 4am, and North Terminal security at Gatwick opens at 2:00am.
Use the nearest check-in or bag drop line for first travel/business travel
Although it’s by no means a hard and fast rule, the next time you fly it might be worth choosing the check-in line closest to the one reserved for first class and business passengers. Some fliers have noted that if the economy queue gets unwieldy, the nearest passengers may go for a quick check-in.
While there, you could always try your luck trying to get an upgrade or at least see how much it would cost to go up to business class (some airlines are offering special deals on the day) as your the staff on the premium desks could be more plugged in. what is available.
Select the security checkpoint on your leftt
We’ve all been there – when you’re standing in a long queue at security, suddenly you’re faced with the choice of lane to take. One is always faster and inevitably you choose badly. With time running out, you haven’t even secured a plastic tray and that loud couple behind you has already passed the other way, munching on their Pret croissants.
However, there may be a way to ensure a faster process. Studies have shown that people naturally tend to turn right when given a choice (because most of us are right-handed), often leaving queues on the left slightly shorter. So next time remember left is best.
Pay for fast security
It may be frustrating for you to fork out for a faster security line, but the investment may feel worth it when you look at the snaking queue for everyone else. However, there is no absolute guarantee that priority security will prove much faster.
Note that airports have different policies regarding express security. There is a stansted fee of £8 for access to a dedicated priority lane and the service must be booked in advance. The airport also offers express passport control for your return journey (£6).
Meanwhile, Gatwick charges £6 if booked in advance, and £8 at the airport, while Luton costs £4 when booked online or £8 from airport kiosks. The service is not currently available to book at Heathrow, although it may be offered through your airline.
This story was first published in July 2023 and has been revised and updated.
