At the Airport Travel Advice

With the recent terrorist threats security measures have increased the time needed at the airport and the variety of security measures you may encounter. You will need to allow enough time to clear security screening and arrive at your departure gate on time.

Allowing extra time
Cheap Airline Ticket suggest that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight especially at peak travelling times, such as school and national holidays.

The following tips may help smooth your flying experience:

For flights departing the UK:

• Check-in usually opens 2.5 hours before departure and closes 30 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure for most European and UK domestic flights
  
• Check-in usually opens 3 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before your flight's scheduled departure for most international flights
  
• You will need to allow extra time if you have young children, infants, or persons with disabilities
  
• You can sometimes save time at some airports by using Self-Service Check-in kiosks or Online Check-in

Pack carefully:

• Try to avoid packing your carry-on bags tightly so that it is easier for the security personnel to check them
  
• Travellers may usually bring one carry-on and one personal item (such as a handbag or briefcase) on most flights
  
• Always check your standard checked baggage allowance and make sure that you have included your name and contact details on tags outside and also inside your baggage
  
• If you are travelling to and from North America, the Transportation Safety Administration recommends you do not lock your checked baggage, security may need to open your luggage to complete their security checks
  
• Pay attention to what you are bringing with you. Note that you cannot carry sharp items in your carry-on bags
  
• Certain items should not be carried at all on an aircraft because of the dangers that they represent. Many of these items are commonly used at work or home, but they may become a hazard in flight due to changes in temperature and cabin pressure. Always check what are considered restricted baggage items
  

Make sure that your personal information is accurate and complete:

• Always make sure that you have a valid passport and any required Visas. You may be asked to show your passport and boarding card at subsequent points, such as at the gate or security checkpoints
  
• When travelling in the UK, it is recommended that you carry either photographic identity or your passport
  
• Be sure to provide the airline with your Advance Passenger Information
  
• When making your booking, try to ensure that your overseas contact details are listed in the airlines reservation systems. Even if you have provided your travel agent with this information, airlines may also need to reach you directly outside travel agency hours to ensure you are taken care of in the event of a service disruption
  

Prepare for security checkpoints:

• Usually only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the security checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental needs
  
• Electronic items, such as laptops and mobile phones, will sometimes be subjected to additional screening. Be sure to remove your laptop from its travel case so that it can be X-rayed separately
  
• Always keep your ticket, boarding pass, and ID within easy reach
  
• Try to wear shoes that can be taken off and put back on relatively easily
  
• Also try to limit the amount of jewellery or other metal objects that you wear, and remove all metal objects before passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process
  

Make the most of your time at the airport:

• When travelling in premium cabins, spend some time in one of the lounges, which offer you a restorative environment to de-stress, snacks and drinks to keep your energy up, plus phones, faxes and email to stay in contact with business colleagues and family
  
• Allow plenty of time to get to your departure gate, as all flights sometimes close 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time