reports - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T13:01:14Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/reportsWeekend for Christmas Getawayshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/weekend-for-christmas-getaways2010-12-22T09:00:00.000Z2010-12-22T09:00:00.000ZLonely Planethttps://tripatini.com/members/LonelyPlanet<div><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">With just a week to go before the ‘big day’ the UK’s airports have geared up for what is the busiest few days in the Christmas getaway rush!</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Millions of UK Passengers Passing Through UK Airports This Week<br /> The next two weeks are one of the busiest fortnights in an airport’s year, this week especially Saturday 18th through until Christmas Day,<br />with Heathrow expecting half a million passengers, whilst Gatwick<br />Airport set to see a phenomenal 700,000 passengers pass through its<br />terminals from this weekend.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">20% More Winter Sun Getaways Booked<br /> The popularity in Winter <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/india-tourism/goa-tourism.html">sun holidays</a> over the last few weeks has seen a huge increase, as much as 20% reported by some <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/india-travel-agent.htm">tour operators</a>, as UK residents escape the extreme weather conditions.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Be Prepared For Long Airport Queues<br /> So if you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of Britons heading to an airport over the next week or so then be prepared for long queues.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Long Haul and Short Haul Check-In Times<br /> That means be sure to get to the airport on time – for short haul <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/flights.asp">flights</a> it is recommended that you check-in two hours before your flight time, and if long haul then three hours before you fly.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Stock Up On Refreshments For the Airport<br /> Also be aware that with so many people in the airport the likely hood is that the queues, not only for check-in, but for refreshments will be<br />long too. It’s worth while taking with you a few snacks, especially if<br />you are travelling with small children. If you are concerned about<br />passing through security with food products for children then don’t be.<br />You’ll simply be asked to taste a small piece of the food. It’s<br />definitely worth taking your child’s food, and not risk the queues!<br />Another little tip is the newsagents in the airports, like WH Smiths for<br />example, will also sell a selection of refreshments so it’s worth<br />getting a drink and a packet of crisps from these types of shops instead<br />of one from the Food Hall.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Airport Snow Cancellations & Delays<br /> However, the weather that many of us are trying to escape may actually keep us in the country. Yet again the UK is being hit by major snow<br />storms and Heathrow and Gatwick have already closed runways and<br />cancelled flights this weekend.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Rail Closure Risks - Book Your Airport Parking<br /> When the snow falls, even the smallest amounts, rail routes can grind to a halt. Therefore, if you are travelling to the airport via train, or<br />other such public transport that could risk being delayed or diverted,<br />it’s worth considering, if the roads aren’t too treacherous, driving<br />yourself to the airport and booking airport parking. This way you can<br />get yourself to the airport, leaving home in good time, and also you can<br />get yourself back home again too.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Call The Airport Before Travel<br /> With snow closures a real threat, and delays a given, do call before you <a href="http://www.indiatripsonline.com/">travel</a> – phone the airport on the day of travel to be advised of the very<br />latest information on delays and cancellations, along with any revised<br />check-in times.</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">According to the latest weather reports we haven’t seen the last of the snow – the whole country is expected to be hit by further snow storms over the next few days, so fingers crossed for those<br />of us who are trying to get away do get away!</p><p style="text-align:left;" align="justify">Merry Christmas!</p></div>