Airports issue advice for Christmas travel

[December 17th 2008]

Airports including Luton and Stansted are giving advice for people travelling over the busy Christmas period.

As usual, the main message is to allow plenty of time to travel to the airport. Luton airport says: “Particular attention should be given to public transport services as there are some restrictions to regular timetables over the holiday period; 25th December there are no train or bus services operating to or from the airport”.

Luton airport is advising passengers who plan to travel with Christmas crackers to consult their airline before arriving at the airport. The airport is also reminding passengers not to travel with wrapped presents in hand luggage as it may be necessary for presents to be opened at airport security.

At Stansted airport, terminal manager Neale Jouques says: “We want everyone using the terminal this Christmas to have a stress free and enjoyable journey through the airport so it’s important that our passengers follow some simple tips before leaving home to help them on their way”.

The tips include checking with airlines what restrictions apply to both hand and checked-in luggage. The airport is reminding passengers that any liquids in hand luggage must be in individual containers no greater than 100ml capacity and placed in a transparent re-sealable bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8”x 8”) in size.

“Security procedures at all airports are there for everyone’s safety, and arriving prepared will help avoid unnecessary delays. Our operational staff are gearing up for the getaway rush and will be working extremely hard to provide the best possible service to all our passengers to ensure their holidays get off to a flying start,” says Jouques.

Luton airport is expecting nearly 500,000 passengers over the Christmas period. Most popular destinations for Christmas from Luton are said to be Budapest, Dublin, Geneva, Glasgow, Paris, Tenerife and Warsaw. Recently launched flights to Kiev in the Ukraine, Trapani in Sicily, Biarritz in France and Rotterdam in the Netherlands are also expected to be busy.

Stansted airport is expecting “well over” half a million passengers over the Christmas holiday period, making it one of the busiest times of year at the airport.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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