The time for vacation has finally arrived. But these days, a certain amount of anxiety accompanies our travels abroad. In addition to the extreme heat and forest fires in Europe, the loss of airport staff and European air traffic control strikes last year added an extra layer of stress. Time will tell if 2024 will see the same.
The prospect of airport queues – while not yet comparable to the chaos of 2023 – could also give passengers pre-holiday nerves. And while it’s impossible to prevent strikes, delays or cancellations, there are some tips that can help you increase your chances of a smoother airport experience.
Here we go through a host of hacks to get your vacation off to a great start.
Choose flight times carefully
This ship may have sailed, but for future reference, early morning flights may be a better choice as delays often have a knock-on effect throughout the day, especially for budget airlines whose planes make numerous trips every day. Considering that delays and cancellations often lead to more lines and chaos throughout the terminal, that early start can be worth it.
However, there is also an argument for booking flights late at night, as this is generally a less popular time to travel. As such, the airport will likely be quieter and security lines will be more manageable. The difference can be especially stark at European-oriented airports such as Stansted or Luton.
Check in online and pay for hand luggage
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 and have a digital version in case any technical glitches arise on the day.
When it comes to luggage, more and more airlines are charging for carry-on luggage that is larger than a small backpack. So your options are to travel extremely light or pay for hand luggage or checked luggage. And while it can be frustrating to search for a small suitcase on wheels, the pleasure of sailing straight to security can prove to be a worthwhile investment. Plus, you won’t have to deal with that daunting wait to collect your luggage at the other end.
Drop your luggage off at the airport the night before
In the era of online check-in, the two bottlenecks at the airport are now baggage drop and security. However, some airlines are now softening one of these lines by allowing passengers to drop off their bags the night before departure.
British Airways offers a “twilight bag drop” at Heathrow Terminal 5 from 4pm to 10pm for flights departing before 10am. At Gatwick, passengers with a flight before 1 p.m. can drop off their luggage between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. the night before. Other airlines offering the service (with varying time restrictions) include easyJet and Tui.
Of course, this tip is probably only relevant to those staying in an on-site hotel, or those who happen to live near the airport. Others may be less inclined to make multiple trips to Heathrow just to avoid a queue.
Don’t come too early
This may seem counterintuitive, but arriving more than three hours early for your flight can actually increase the queues, with multiple flight loads of passengers causing bottlenecks at security and beyond.
Dedicated early birds should also note that some airports will only let you pass through security or drop off your bags four hours before departure. But for those determined to arrive at the crack of dawn, Heathrow check-in counters and security usually open at 4am, while security at Gatwick’s North Terminal opens at 2am.
Please use the check-in or baggage drop line closest to your first/business trip
While it’s certainly not a hard and fast rule, the next time you fly it may be worth choosing the check-in line closest to the line reserved for first and business class passengers. Some frequent flyers have noted that if the economy queue becomes impractical, the nearest passengers can be motioned for express check-in.
While you are there you can always try your luck by asking for an upgrade or at least how much it costs to go to business class (some airlines offer special deals on the day) as the staff at the premium desks may be more connected to business class. what is available.
Choose the security checkpoint on your leftT
We’ve all been there: standing in a long security line, you are suddenly confronted with the choice of which lane to choose. One is always faster and you will inevitably choose poorly. As time passes, you haven’t even secured a plastic container, while that noisy couple behind you who went the other way has already passed through and nibbled 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 the majority of us are right-handed), so the queues on the left tend to be slightly shorter. So next time, remember that left is best.
Pay for fast security
It can be frustrating trying to find a faster security line, but the investment can be worth it when you spy the winding line ahead of everyone else. Still, there is no complete guarantee that priority security will turn out significantly faster.
Please note that airports have different policies when it comes to high-speed security. Stansted charges £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).
Gatwick, meanwhile, charges £6 if you book in advance and £8 at the airport, while Luton’s costs £4 if you book online or £8 at airport kiosks. The service cannot currently be booked at Heathrow, although it may be offered through your airline.
This story was first published in July 2023 and has been revised and updated.