There is traffic jam not only on the roads, but also at the airports. The summer holidays are just around the corner. But staff shortages, strikes and lost luggage have, just like last year, left many airports in chaos. In this article, you will get our tips to get to your destination safely.
Airport delays, canceled flights and lost luggage put a damper on the holiday atmosphere across Europe. Many European airports are struggling with staff shortages, strikes and, not least, the great rush during the peak season for air travel.
In this article, you will get our tips for a good start to your summer holiday.
In the week before departure
Planning is extremely important at the moment and you should always check your departure in the days before travelling.
Travelers should check with the travel agent three days in advance to see if there have been any delays or cancellations. The same applies to online bookings. If you have booked your flight via the internet, you should always check the booking on the website.
The day before the flight, it’s time to check in. If possible, travelers should check into the airport from home. Alternatively, you can print your boarding pass in advance. It is still important to check the entry requirements regarding Corona.
At the airport
When it comes to departure, it is important to arrive at the airport in good time – three to four hours is optimal. However, you should always check your airline’s meeting time requirements.
You can advantageously hand in your luggage the evening before and have everything ready at the security check. This means you’ve taken your laptop out of your luggage, separated liquids, and removed your watch and jewelry.
Always pack electronics and liquids at the top of your luggage, so that they are easy to get out on the tray at the security checkpoint. Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be allowed through security – pack them in your suitcase instead. In addition, liquids in hand luggage must be packed in a transparent, resealable bag of a maximum of 1 liter. You may only bring one bag per person.
It is important that your electronic devices are charged, as you otherwise aren’t allowed to bring them on the plane if they do not turn on.
What if the flight is cancelled?
Delays and cancellations less than 14 days before departure are covered by the EU regulation on flight delays (Regulation (EC) no. 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council). If, on the other hand, your flight has been canceled more than 14 days before planned departure, the situation is somewhat different.
You can read more about how cancelled & delayed flight compensation works here.
Haven’t booked yet?
Think carefully about which flight connection you choose if you still plan to book your flight online. The airlines have connections with a stopover of one hour. It is too short a time. An hour layover only causes stress. A connecting flight should have at least two hours between flights.
Also read about what happens if you miss your connecting flight due to delay.
If possible, avoid connecting flights altogether and fly direct. Trips consisting of several routes should be purchased directly from the airline, or from a real tour operator covered by the law on package tours. Alternatively, book your tickets from a ticket agent and preferably directly with the airline.
When booking your flight, avoid flights at peak times. Often Tuesdays and Wednesdays are less busy, while it is typically both more expensive and busier to travel close to or at the weekend. Friday evening and Saturday morning are some of the busiest times in many airports. If you want to travel at the weekend, it is recommended that you travel before 4am. Fewer people bother (or at least prefer) to travel so early.
Also read about the 3 most common reasons for flight delays.