Over the past few years Simon Calder has been helping a lot of people when it comes to holidays and covid.
With travel rules constantly changing and the likes of British Airways (BA) and easyJet cancelling hundreds of flights, many are worried about their holidays.
The travel expert is well-known for translating all the confusing information into something that’s a little easier to digest and helping ease holidaymakers’ anxiety.
READ MORE – Glasgow Airport issue update on how long passengers should arrive amid delays
So with the rise in staff covid cases causing delays with easyJet and BA, he has appeared on TV to share his handy travel tips.
Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he shared his dos and don’ts of getting through airport security.
Host Adil Ray asked the travel man if it was best to “minimise cabin baggage to move through security queues and just have carry on baggage? Is that going to make the world of difference to people do you think?”
Simon replied: “Yes, absolutely. It’s a really really good idea to do everything you can to help the queues go smoothly. Over the years we have been incentivised to pack all our stuff into cabin baggage. And during the pandemic any people who haven’t flown for a couple of years have kind of forgotten the liquids rule.
“So let me remind you – clear plastic bag, nothing over 100ml. I used to work in security at Gatwick airport and I know that once you’ve got a hand search that’s required that really gums things up. The best thing to do if you possibly can is to simply help yourself, help others and remember the liquid rule and if you check everything in that’s all the better.”
GMB co-host Kate Garraway added her own tip as she said: “Make sure you’re also wearing shoes you can take off easily and no heels” warning those with contact lenses to ensure they are in a clear plastic bag to keep in line with the airport’s 100ml liquid policy.
Simon also issued a plea to the public to respect the workers at the airports.
He concluded: “There’s lots of people working on the front line. They have got up at 3am, they’re not having a brilliant day – please give them the respect that they deserve. No abuse to these people who are trying to get you away on holiday.”
Travel tips you need to know before heading to the airport
Paul Stewart, Managing Director at MyBaggage comments: “As Easter travel chaos continues due to the increasing amount of flight cancellations and staff shortages across UK airports, many travellers are finding themselves without their luggage.
“Hundreds of passengers across the country are ending up separated from their baggage for hours and some even days, as the baggage claim areas pile up. Many have been asked to submit missing bag claims, which could result in weeks before the airline sends their belongings via courier.
“This is due to a number of factors, namely conveyer belt delays as a knock-on effect resulting from staffing issues. Security wait times are also becoming increasingly long as passengers have been standing waiting hours for their luggage to be checked.
“Keep your valuables with you such as jewellery and electronics to avoid these being lost. However, if you are taking checked luggage, make sure it’s instantly recognisable to you that way you can avoid other passengers taking your luggage.”
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1. Less is more
Try to use handheld luggage only by packing as lightly as you can to avoid wait times. Alternatively, you can use luggage shipping services if you require a lot of baggage for your trip.
2. Compare airlines
Check and compare airline delay and cancellation policies, to ensure you are finding the best deal in the event an issue should arise. Look at procedures for canceled flights, accommodation provisions, and refunds when scouring for the best deal.
3. Ensure you’re insured
If you are unable to use a courier service or just have carry-on baggage, ensure you choose a travel insurance policy that covers your luggage if anything were to happen as a result of delays, wait times, and cancellations.
4. Don’t rain on my parade
Monitor the weather where you are flying from and to, so you can be prepared for any adverse conditions that may affect your travel, such as delays, increased wait times, and cancellations.
5. The early bird catches the worm
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time. With current conditions it’s recommended you arrive even earlier than usual to account for any delays, long queues, or issues that may occur.
You can check what time you should arrive at Glasgow Airport here amid all the delays.
6. Essentials
In the event of being separated from your luggage, try to pack any essentials you can in your carry-on baggage so that you have everything you need on your person.
7. Compensation
Many airlines will offer free accommodation or other compensations if your flight is cancelled or delayed by a significant amount of time. There is no harm in asking to see if you are entitled to any reimbursements.
