One in five flights are delayed as a result of late passengers, according to Thomas Cook Airlines, which has announced plans to close aircraft doors ten minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The charter airline is urging its passengers to prepare in advance for increased security measures which may lengthen check in times and to follow an ‘early bird code’ by getting to the airport two hours before departure, or three for long haul flights. It is also urging travellers to go straight to security to beat the queues and ensure that its aircraft don’t lose their departure slots.
Managing director Glen Chipp said: With more complex security measures, passengers really do need to play their part in getting the aircraft away on time and should be aiming to be at their departure gate 45 minutes before their flight is due to leave. Our key message is aim to be early, not just on time.”