Around four million people in the UK are expected to spend Christmas and New Year abroad this year, according to travel trade organisation ABTA.
The organisation predicts Sunday will be the busiest day for departures between Friday and January 2, with Christmas Day the quietest.
We’ve consulted with experts on how to navigate the travel chaos this week to ensure a stress-free start to Christmas.
Arrive at the airport early
“Journeys are going to take longer, so leave early, pack early and always factor in extra time,” advises Jason Dunderdale, global head of agency at chauffeur service Blacklane.
And if you want to take the stress out of driving to the airport, book a car in advance.
“A door-to-door service to the airport will save you waiting in line or enduring unexpected cancellations, you can bring as much luggage as you need and get some privacy, peace and quiet before the festivities begin,” says Dunderdale.
Write a checklist
“Write that all important checklist in advance to ensure your key travel documents, confirmations, medication and gifts are ready to go,” advises Clare Armstrong, head of guest experience at London Luton Airport.
Don’t pack wrapped presents
“If you are bringing presents, please don’t wrap them in advance because airport security staff might have to unwrap them for you to check what’s inside,” says Armstrong.
Check your passport
Check your passport before your trip so you don’t get a nasty surprise at the departures gate.
“A common misconception is that if all the information on your passport is present, visible and legible, it is acceptable for travel,” says Gavin Lapidus, company director at travel agent eShores. “Passports with water damage, rips or tears in them are often deemed invalid for travel, especially if information is obscured or the laminate has started to lift.”
Prebook security
Some airports let you prebook a slot at security to avoid the queues.
“So you can breeze through airport security and commence your festivities, book a slot with London Luton Airport’s Prebook Security, which is currently available between peak times, 3am to 3pm, and can be pre-booked up to an hour before you arrive at security,” says Armstrong.
Check your hand luggage for liquids
“Several popular Christmas items are not allowed in hand luggage such as jams and chutneys and snow globes – classed as liquids – which are among the items that should be packed in your hold luggage,” reminds Armstrong.
Check to see if festive food violates import rules
“Tis the season to eat and drink to your heart’s content, with many travellers packing festive foods to share with their loved ones,” says Lapidus. “But be warned, these might violate import rules, in places where meat and dairy products are heavily restricted.
“Christmas pudding containing suet (a type of animal fat) is not allowed to be taken into the EU from the UK due to regulations on meat products. Similarly, cheese-based treats or anything containing unprocessed dairy, like certain rich Christmas chocolates, might also be confiscated at customs.”
Check the airport’s crackers policy
“Some airlines may let you bring a sealed box of Christmas crackers on board, but since they contain a tiny sprinkle of gunpowder, some airlines will ask you to pop them into your checked luggage instead,” says Lapidus. “But make sure to do your research before you fly as some airlines don’t allow them in hand luggage or hold luggage.”
Learn your flight cancellations/ delay rights
“When you book flights with an airline, you’re essentially entering a contract that means they are required to get you to a certain destination, at an agreed time,” says Grant Winter, compliance officer at specialist travel insurance provider Good to go. “If they’re unable to follow through with their end, they have a legal duty under UK law, to offer you a full refund or provide an alternative flight.
“Where possible, the airline will offer you an alternative flight to your destination. While they will ideally put you on another one of their flights, you could be entitled to a flight with another airline if that’s better suited for you. Alternatively, you can ask for a flight back to your original destination if your connection flight is cancelled.”
You may also be eligible for compensation.
“The amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on when the flight was cancelled, the distance of the cancelled flight and the departure/arrival times of the new flight,” explains Winter.
