Airport’s advice to help check in faster after huge queues at other sites

HUGE queues have been reported at airports across the country as people are eager to get off on their holidays, but staff shortages have led to problems.

Chaotic scenes were witnessed at Birmingham Airport over the weekend and earlier this week, with frustrated travellers fearing they would miss flights as they queued outside the terminal.

One monster queue snaked outside the building as the airport struggles to keep up with demand for flights abroad now that Covid restrictions have been lifted.

In Birmingham, a huge chunk of the airport workforce was made redundant during the pandemic, leaving it short now passenger numbers have soared.

New security staff are currently being trained, with airport chief executive Nick Barton hoping delays will ease by the end of May.

This has been the case at other airports across the country, including Manchester, as people can finally travel again.

Thankfully no major problems have been reported at East Midlands Airport by people trying to check in. However, the Castle Donington airport team has been taking to Twitter to offer some advice to help people get through check-in and security quicker.

It states: “Take time. Allow plenty of time for your airport journey by arriving at the earliest time your airline recommends. This is usually three hours before your flight. Passengers who arrive too early may have to wait before check-in opens.”

When it comes to getting through security, the airport advises: “Take care. Prepare your hand luggage for security screening. Liquids must be 100ml or less and placed in a single clear, resealable bag.

“This includes gels like hand sanitiser, creams, pastes and others.”

Passengers flying with TUI are also being warned to bring their own food and soft drinks in case there are not enough meals on board.

The airline has been affected by staff shortages at the company which makes its in-flight meals.

As reported in the Burton Mail yesterday, TUI, which has flights leaving from East Midlands Airport, said it was “continuously monitoring the situation”. Any flights, apart from the very longest, could have a shortage of food, the holiday company warned.

Anyone wanting drinks on board in larger bottles than 100ml will need to buy them in the airport at airport prices, due to security rules.

TUI flies to numerous popular holiday destinations from the airport, including Malaga, Tenerife, Palma, Kefalonia, Ibiza and Lanzarote.