TUI is urging Brits who have booked holidays to avoid arriving at airports too early ahead of flights, with aims of managing potential disruption and travel chaos across the board.
The holiday provider has issued a statement on its official website with regards to delays, warning that holidaymakers arriving earlier than necessary can help 'contribute to terminal queuing delays'.
As of recent, a surge in demand after easing of travel restrictions, as well as UK airport staff shortages have contributed to chaos at the terminal - with some passengers being greeted with hour-long check-in and security queues upon arrival.
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The Mirror reports that while experts advise on tricks to cut down time spent queuing, it comes as no surprise at all that many are worried about actually boarding their flight and making it on their well-deserved holidays after years of stringent travel restrictions. In a typical Catch 22 situation, people worry about huge queues so they arrive early, but this in fact causes more congestion which airports simply aren't set up to deal with.
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 gave a sincere apology to those who have faced recent flight delays and even cancellations, saying that the company is 'doing everything we can to limit and 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."
Indeed, it's not the holidaymakers' fault that there has been an abundance of travel disruption as of late, but it's not the first time that airlines have requested Brits stick strictly to certain arrival windows. TUI are not alone in their guidance, with BA, easyJet, Ryanair and many other airlines offering advice on how early you should arrive for a flight.
In usual circumstances, this is typically no earlier than three hours ahead of departure for short-haul - but long-haul journeys can be longer, so be sure to check with your provider before setting off.
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