TUI is urging Brits to avoid arriving at airports too early ahead of their flights, in a bid to manage potential disruption and travel chaos.
The holidays giant has issued a statement on its website regarding flight delays, and warned Brits that arriving earlier than necessary can "contribute to terminal queuing delays".
In recent months, a surge of holidaymakers, the easing of travel rules and UK airport staff shortages have all contributed to chaotic airport scenes, with some passengers arriving to face hours-long queues at check-in and airport security.
While experts say there are tricks to cut down queue times, it's not surprising that most people are worried about actually boarding their flight and making it on a much-needed holiday after years of travel restrictions.
Have you had a holiday ruined by delays at the airport? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
It's a Catch 22 situation; people worry about huge queues, so they arrive for flights much earlier than usual. This causes extra congestion which airports aren't set up to deal with, and therefore leads to huge queues.
In a statement on its website, TUI addressed the situation: "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.
"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 here."
The airline also issued an apology for holidaymakers who had faced recent flight delays, and said the company is "doing everything we can to limit any flight delays, which can happen from time to time for various operational reasons".
They 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."
Of course it's not holidaymakers' fault that there's been so much travel disruption, but it's not the first time that airlines have requested that Brits stick to certain windows of arrival times.
In fact TUI, along with BA, easyJet, Ryanair and more airlines already offer guidance on how early you should arrive for a flight. Usually, this is no more than up to three hours ahead of departure for short-haul (for long-haul it can be longer, so check with your airline direct).
