While it may seem strange that people are jetting off around the world while you’re working the days away until Christmas winter is a busy time of year for airports. With people flying off to visit family, flying abroad for Christmas or just wanting to experience some warm weather for a week or two airports are still bustling. Although there may be slightly fewer passengers than in the summer months, the arctic weather conditions make airport life more hectic than usual. Here are out top tips to keep you safe and punctual while travelling this winter.
Airport transfers
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. There isn’t a worse way to begin your Christmas break than by panic driving to the airport and checking in with seconds to spare. Make sure you, or your designated driver, know at least one alternate route to the airport. Even if planes are still flying out there could be ice, snow or simply a car accident on the motorway. Knowing a backstreet or alternate route could save you a lot of time and stress.
Delays
As well as giving yourself plenty of time for airport transfers, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to actually reach your destination. If you’re relying on a Christmas Eve flight to visit your family or friends abroad you might be disappointed when the weather takes a turn for the worse. There would be nothing more disappointing than spending Christmas Day alone in an airport. Make sure you give yourself a couple of days to get there in case of major delays. Even if the weather isn’t too bad here, it may be snowing at your destination. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Security checks
It may sound silly but the cold weather can affect the length of time it takes to check your bags in and pass through security checks. When people go on summer holidays they tend wear sandals and light clothing, but when people fly in winter it is often a different story. As most people checking in for winter flights will be wearing boots and coats it may take longer to get everyone through. Passengers are usually asked to remove any loose clothing they can and any large boots, for security reasons, which will naturally take more time. Be mindful of each of these delays and your winter flight should run smoothly, as long as the bad weather holds out at least!
