UK Airports need to sort the mess and turmoil before the peak travelling season begins.

​Something we have been keeping a very close eye on this week is whether UK airports are prepared for the influx in passenger numbers and clearly some airports are not. I’ve read in the news recently of the huge queues at airports such as Manchester Airport, Heathrow. Clearly many of these airports seem to be understaffed, under resourced. 

During the pandemic a lot of the airports let go of key workers and as a consequence this has had an impact, especially now as they are struggling to employ people to fill in the vital roles such as border control, baggage handlers, check in agents. It really is having an impact, take Manchester Airport for example, people are queueing just to get through security, many people are missing their flights. People are abandoning their luggage because it’s taking forever for luggage to be offloaded.  

So what, as a US Travel passenger can you do to avoid the queues? I’m recommending that you arrive at the airport at the earliest possible time. If you are to check-in two hours before your flights consider arriving 3 to 4 hours prior, because a lot of the airlines simply cannot wait, they will depart without you. And this can be very frustrating and obviously costly, plus it’s going to impact into your travel time.  So please make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time. I experienced firsthand this week the delays at Manchester Airport; I was travelling to Barcelona and I arrived at the airport 3 hours before departure, I did manage to get through security and get to the gate within 15 minutes of my flight closing but remember I allowed myself 3 hours,  so make sure you get to the airport early. Also ensure do you have the correct and completed documentation in which for US Travel.  You want to avoid any possible delay because it will have a serious impact on your travel. 

Also consider purchasing fast track, I think it is essential in order to speed up the checking in process and to also get you through security a lot faster. It doesn’t cost much but it can be a life saver.

Personally I don’t think it’s the fault of the airline staff, they seem to be exhausted and clearly under resourced, but the situation is very much spiralling out of control. Every day the BBC News or Manchester Evening News are picking up on the story, or social media is covering the turmoil. It’s a sad, sad, state and clearly shows that our UK airports are not ready and prepared for return to travel. 

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