Escaping The UK Snow Is Easier With These Top Tips
If the abundance of UK snow has made you long for warmer climes, here are some tips to help you escape.
The UK snowfall this winter seems to have taken everyone by surprise, and the resultant snow and ice have caused problems for everyone; local councils are dealing with road grit shortages, commuters can’t get to their jobs, rubbish isn’t being collected in some areas…I could go on and on.
The hostile conditions are perhaps most disappointing for those of us who are trying to escape to sunnier shores, only to find our plans scuppered by the very weather we’re trying to escape. That’s why, out of the goodness of my heart, I’d like to offer some practical advice for avoiding travel delays this winter.Follow these 10 helpful tips and ease your stress at the airport:
1. Do Your Research – When planning your trip, research your airline. If several companies provide service to your destination, find out if any of them have a history of frequent cancellations or delays and avoid them if possible!
2. Travel Insurance – Travel insurance is a must in uncertain weather. Make sure you’re covered for flight cancellations and delays. Also, check if your covered for necessary expenses caused by delays, like hotel stays.
3. Avoid the Crowds – Try to avoid peak travel times.Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to travel. You’re far more likely to have to deal with crowds and chaos Mondays to Fridays, from 07.00 to 10.00 and 16.00 to 20.00.
4. Get the First Flight – Try to book the first flight of the day, because as the day goes on delays become more likely.If possible, try to get the first timetabled flight for that aeroplane for the day. This means you’re not waiting around for it to fly in from somewhere else. Always try and avoid the last flight of the day, so if your flight is cancelled you’ll have a chance to make it onto a later one.
5. Size Matters – Use a smaller, regional airport.Major airports like Gatwick and Heathrow are always more liable to have congestion and delays than an airport like Southampton.
6. Lounge Access – If you travel from the same airport on a regular basis, consider buying a membership card giving you priority access to the airport lounges. You’ll be glad to have it if you get stuck at the airport due to flight delays.
7. Crucial Phone Numbers – Store any important numbers (your hotel, car hire company, etc) in your mobile phone, in case you need to advise them of a delay.Oh, and remember, charge up that phone before setting off!
8. Keep the Kids Happy – If you’re travelling with children, be sure to bring along some things to keep them amused.The last thing you need to hear is how bored they are every five minutes when you’re already stressed by a delay or cancellation.
9. Bring Your Own Food – Pack some snacks. Have you seen the cost of airport food recently?If you’re delayed for more than a couple of hours, the airline might be obligated to provide you with a food voucher. Check with the flight desk or call your insurance company for advice.
10. Consult Your Airline -Lastly, be sure to call your airline before you set off for the airport.You’ll find out in advance about any issues, and therefore be able to plan accordingly.
So, there you have it. Follow my advice and you might not avoid delays 100% of the time, but if you do run into a problem, at least you’ll be better-prepared to deal with it calmly and efficiently.
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Tags: avoid airport delays, avoiding airport delays, Belfast Airport parking, Liverpool Airport parking, Manchester Airport parking, travel tips, UK snow