Missed flight experts offer airline passengers top travel tips to avoid the 12 D(el)AYS of Christmas.
- More than four million UK passengers travel overseas across Xmas
- Flight prices increase by up to four times nearer the day of departure
- Extra hold luggage – always cheaper when pre-booked
- Pack wisely and insure accordingly – £112.50 average cost of Xmas gifts for children!
- Beware 35% chance of a white Xmas and travel hell
- Many train networks only running Sunday service
- AA forecasts more than 18 million cars on the road during holiday periods and journey times doubled with road works on M1, M4 and M6
- Fill up on fuel, not all petrol stations are open over Xmas
- Book flights well in advance. Surprisingly, according to our missed flight experts, No Exclusions, some Christmas travellers still haven’t booked their plane tickets. Jane White, missed flight expert explains that ‘No Exclusions’ recent airline research shows that passengers who miss their flights can pay up to four times their original price by the day of departure so it’s worth looking at flight options well in advance.
- Leave extra time. No Exclusions’ research also found that 74% of passengers don’t allow more than an extra hour when travelling to the airport – whilst the AA reported car journey times double across the Christmas period, so anyone travelling to the airport should factor this into their journey times.
- Avoid road works. If you’re driving to the airport, be aware that more than 18 million cars took to the road last holiday period and currently there are planned Xmas road works on the M1, M4 and the M6. Check the Highways Agency for full information on all planned activity.
- Fill up with fuel. A staggering number of travellers forget that some petrol stations are shut across the Christmas break so it’s important to fill up with fuel early. Those who urgently require petrol can be reassured that motorway services are open for fuel, parking, toilets and hot drinks 24 hours a day 365 days a year, but don’t bank on any food facilities!
- Check for train disruptions. Many trains will run a Sunday service between 22 December and 2 January (with no trains on Christmas or Boxing Day), with services also subject to engineering works and severe overcrowding.
- Divide presents amongst suitcases. With the average cost of Christmas presents per child coming in at £112.50 according to a Telegraph straw poll, it’s well worth spreading the risk and paying in advance for an extra hold bag. In line with the airline, we would advise passengers to pack any electrical or expensive items in their hand luggage for safety.
- Check weather forecasts. With certain regions displaying the chance of snow, Scotland 35% and the Midlands 25%, it’s worth checking the weather forecast before you leave. 2010 saw thousands of passengers facing disruption to travel plans as cold weather gripped the country and many were advised by airports to wait at home.
- Peace of mind and goodwill. According to the University of Edinburgh’s Michael Ludwig, the season’s hectic schedule and excesses of festive eating can wreak havoc on hormone levels. With up to 70% of airline passengers admitting a stressful state on a ‘normal’ journey to the airport, missed flight experts No Exclusions, recommend trying to stay as calm as possible and keep your cool on the journey to the airport.
- Keep Calm and Carry On! Schedule regular breaks if you have a long journey to the airport and, if it helps you to, stay in harmony with loved ones, sit apart on the plane!
- Appy Hour. Load your phone with airline phone numbers and hotel details. iPhone owners can download the free Airport Maps app so if you are stranded in transit, you can at least find the showers.
- Create a Santa’s Survival Kit. When you finally make it to the airport make sure there is enough to keep everyone occupied should there be any delays. A seasonal classic such as Scrooge or Michael Buble’s Christmas Album will get everyone in the mood.
- Make sure you invest in Missed Flight Cover.
Jane White concludes: “All easyJet travellers should be considering Missed Flight Cover across the Christmas period. With the guarantee of a re-ticket on the next available flight or full flight refund, it offers total peace of mind for any reason you might arrive late at the airport … whether you’re in danger of sleeping through your alarm post partying or caught out doing that last minute Christmas shopping in duty free. It will even cover pre-booked baggage costs for those carrying extra presents. easyJet is currently the exclusive supplier of Missed Flight Cover and it’s well worth the investment.”
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
