The Department for Transport has just published a five point checklist to help holidaymakers avoid disaster in a summer which is set to be hit by mayhem at the country’s airports.
Travellers have already been hit by flight cancellations, delays and huge piles of unclaimed luggage due to a staffing crisis.
So the DfT has now made a number of suggestions for people jetting away - because the last thing anyone wants to do is add a mistake themselves to the chaos and get refused at the gate to go on the flight. The Government wants people to prepare properly in advance, so here’s its plan:
Before you set off
Check your passport
It sounds obvious but it’s amazing people don’t check it soon enough to get a new one if there is a problem. One of the key issues is how long there is left on it. If you are traveling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements. Your passport must not be older than 10 years on the date you travel. It must be valid for at least 3 months from the date you intend to return home. Officially it can take 10 weeks to get a new one.
Read more: The Netherlands still has a Covid vaccination requirement for British tourists
Check your documents
Different countries have different entry requirements - some still demand people have specific coronavirus-related certificates - for example, visa, ESTA, or coronavirus (COVID-19) related documents such as vaccine certificates or negative pre-departure tests. Check foreign travel advice for entry requirements. Check entry requirements here.
Arrange any special assistance you may require
Special assistance is available to passengers who may need help to travel, including:
- the elderly
- people with a physical disability, such as wheelchair users
- people who have difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as people with autism or dementia
Travellers should ask for assistance either when you book or at least 48 hours before travel. Read more about travelling with a disability or reduced mobility on the CAA website.
Check when to arrive at the airport
Check with your airline. Allow for longer check-in times as airlines may need to check COVID-19 related documents. Don’t arrive earlier than the earliest time advised by your airline, as this can cause congestion and delays.
At the airport
At check in
Have the following ready to show to staff when you reach the check-in desk:
- your ticket
- your passport
- any COVID-19 related travel documents required for the country you are travelling to
Check in online
If your airline allows online check in, this can save lots of time. If you check in online, have your boarding pass and do not have a bag to drop off, you can go straight to airport security.
Get ready for airport security
Carefully pack your bags at home and carry only essential items in hand luggage. Have your boarding pass ready for inspection – your passport is not required at security. If you take liquids in your hand luggage, containers must hold no more than 100ml. Put containers of liquids into a clear resealable plastic bag which holds no more than 1 litre and measures about 20cm x 20cm. Take the plastic bag out of your hand luggage while queueing, ready to put them in the security tray. Remember that liquids may include items such as make-up, toiletries, hand sanitisers, etc.
Read separate guidance about hand luggage and liquids at airports.
Empty your pockets, take off your coat, watch and belt and remove other metal items when you near the front of the queue so you’re ready to put them in the trays. You may be asked to remove your shoes, other items of clothing or jewellery before going through the security archway or scanner. Electrical items such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and hair straighteners should be removed from hand luggage to go through X-ray machines separately.
On your return to the UK
Using eGates
Passengers aged 12 and over with a biometric ePassport from the UK, EU and some other countries can use an eGate. Remove your passport from its cover and have it open at the photo page. Put mobile phones or tablets away before you reach the eGate. Take off hats, headphones, sunglasses and face coverings. Stand on the markings, hold the passport down firmly and keep looking at the camera until it finishes processing.
Travelling with children
Stay together when travelling as a family, particularly with children. If you are not the child’s parent or may appear not to be the parent, it may help to carry evidence of your relationship with the child or the reason why you are travelling with the child. This could include:
- a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child
- divorce or marriage certificates if you are the parent but have a different surname to the child
- a letter from the child’s parent/s giving authority for the child to travel with you and providing contact details if you are not the parent
Read next:
- How the EU is charging British tourists a fee and how it will work
- Spanish resort bans football shirts from bars in crackdown on 'drunken tourism'
Rail strikes: How to claim compensation if your journey is affected
Spain updates booster vaccine rules for British holidaymakers visiting this summer
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