Tui travel warning to Brits heading on holiday over long queues and airport delays
TUI has issued a travel warning to Brits going on holiday over delays at airports and long queues.
The holiday giant warned that people arriving earlier than necessary can “contribute to terminal queuing delays,” in an update on its website.
There have been chaotic airport scenes up and down the country in recent months and passengers have been forced to stand in line for hours trying to check in and going through airport security.
Problems appear to have risen due to a combination of the easing of travel rules in the wake of the Covid pandemic, a rise in holidaymakers and a shortage of airport staff.
Those issues have caused many people to worry about actually boarding their flight and jetting out for a much-needed break after years of restrictions.
Concerns have caused passengers to arrive earlier than they usually would for their flight.
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But that can cause extra congestion, which airports say they can’t deal with - often causing the queues to build up and grow longer.
Tui said on its website: "We’d like to remind customers not to arrive at the airport too far in advance of their flight, as this can contribute to terminal queueing delays.
“Standard check-in opens at least two and a half hours before departure time for short and mid-haul flights, and at least three and a half hours before departure for long-haul flights.
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"At some airports, we are able to offer day before bag drop and self-service bag drop.
"You can find more information about these services, as well as our advice for making your airport experience as smooth as possible ."
The company also issued an apology for travellers who had faced recent flight delays, adding it was "doing everything we can to limit any flight delays, which can happen from time to time for various operational reasons".
It added: "On the rare occasion flight delays do take place, we will do everything we can to support our customers, through direct communications and providing overnight accommodation and transfers where needed, as well as meals and refreshments."
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TUI, as well as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and other airlines already give guidance on how early you should arrive for a flight.
For short-haul flights this is usually no more than up to three hours ahead of the departure time.
For long-haul journeys this can be longer, although holidaymakers are urged to check with their airline directly.
