After two years of Covid travel restrictions, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) confirms that 70% of British families are planning to get away this summer. But this surge in demand has already led to problems.
For airports and airlines that laid off tens of thousands of staff during the pandemic, the rehiring process is slow. Uncompetitive salaries also mean that many have left the industry for good.
As a pre-emptive strike against further chaos, we have already seen flights cancelled, caps on flyer numbers put in place, and huge hiring drives underway.
Long delays at Dover and protests on motorways have also led to trouble on the roads.
So, what do you need to know if you’re looking to head abroad this summer? Keep reading to find out.
1. Consider booking flights earlier than usual if you can
With most of the lower-cost carriers, you’ll find that prices rise as the flight date approaches. This means that waiting until the last minute can get pricey.
With so much uncertainty around flights and passenger numbers though, you might find that a late booking gives you the most certainty that your flight will definitely take off.
You might also find that stress on the industry eases as the year progresses. If this happens, availability could increase, leading to lower prices.
2. Follow the airport’s advice on arrival times
With scenes of huge queues and long delays on the news, you might be tempted to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
While this might feel like buying yourself some extra time, you are best to follow the individual advice from your airport. Arriving two to three hours before a flight is the norm, so stick to this unless told otherwise. Be sure to check emails and airport websites before you travel to check for the latest advice.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave yourself plenty of time, though. Check the roads regularly before you set off and give yourself more time than you need to account for delays.
3. Know your rights and be sure to take out travel insurance
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you should be able to get a refund. You can also get your money back on any onward flights with the same airline that you might miss following a delay.
If you don’t want a refund, the airline should provide you with a replacement flight or a return flight if you are partway through a journey.
While your flights might be refunded if you choose not to take a replacement flight, the airline isn’t obligated to refund the cost of your accommodation.
You might, though, be able to claim on your travel insurance. Be sure you understand what you’re covered for when you take the insurance out. In the current climate of uncertainty, take extra care when deciding on the level of cover you might need.
4. Factor in rising costs of fuel and budget for a potential surcharge
The rising cost of living, and global economies struggling to recover from the pandemic, mean that your holiday might be more expensive this year. More recently, the war in Ukraine has added to shortages and increased demand for fuel.
The cost of car hire could increase. So, too, could the cost of fuelling your flight.
You might be informed of a surcharge if you have booked flights and accommodation through a travel agent. Surcharges are used to cover the additional costs incurred when currency values fluctuate, and can also cover the rising cost of fuel.
You must be informed of the charge 20 days before your holiday and it won’t ever exceed 8%. Surcharges might apply elsewhere too, so factor rising costs into your holiday budget.
5. Apply for your passport in good time
Government delays mean that renewing an expired passport is currently taking up to 10 weeks.
Be sure to renew your passport in good time and check passport regulations in the country you are travelling to. It won’t always be enough that your passport is in date.
Some countries will expect as much as six months of validity from your arrival date, while others might need just three months. You can travel to America with a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay.
Turkey requires you to have a full blank page free to accommodate its entry and exit stamps.
Be sure you check your destination’s requirements well in advance of travel to avoid disappointment or falling foul of HMRC delays.
The same is true for a country’s Covid vaccination requirements so do your research before you travel.
