Covid is wreaking havoc across the travel industry once again. Even though the legal requirement to self-isolate has now ended, cases are now so high that lots of people are off sick.
Some people are struggling with the sickness's symptoms, while others are off as some employers are asking their staff to stay at home if they test positive or have any symptoms, even if mild. As such, many airlines have been forced to cancel services, while queues at airports are moving more slowly.
One person travelling from Bristol Airport, for example, said their trip was "ruined" after bag drop and security took more than an hour and a half, causing them to miss their flight. The picture is similar across the rest of the country, too.
Read more: What to do if your Easyjet flight gets cancelled
It's worth bearing in mind, then, that most airlines now offer a speedy boarding service, which could help you beat the queues. Take a look at our roundup below of all the different services, how they compare, and how much they'll cost you.
Speedy boarding services
British Airways
British Airways' boarding process is decided by what class you book and what tier of its loyalty scheme you're in. For short haul flights, business class customers are boarded first, along with executive club gold members.
Next it's executive club silver members, then bronze members, and then all remaining economy class passengers. There is no other way to book speedy boarding with British Airways.
EasyJet
EasyJet's speedy boarding service is included if you book allocated seating in the first row (from £12.99) or up front or overwing (from £7.99). Doing so also allows you to carry on one small cabin bag and one big cabin bag.
There is no way to book speedy boarding otherwise.
Ryanair
Ryanair has two speedy boarding options. The first is imaginatively titled priority and two cabin bags.
As you might imagine, that gets you priority boarding and allows you to bring two cabin bags on board. It costs "from €8".
A separate option is fast track, which "lets you skip the busy airport security queues". The price of this option depends on the trip you're taking.
Jet2
Jet2 does not offer a priority boarding service.
Lufthansa
On short-haul flights, Lufthansa boards passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility first, as well as families travelling with children under five years old. Then comes the priority boarding passengers, which includes business class, along with economy class passengers who have a flexi ticket.
Next it's anyone who has a window seat, along with their companions, followed by passengers with middle seats and their companions. Finally it's economy class passengers with aisle seats.
Tui
Tui offers priority boarding via its premium service. However, premium is only available on long-haul flights.
