Abta shares travel tips as school holidays begin

Abta has shared advice to help families take a “stress-free” holiday this summer.

According to research conducted by the association, 75% of families plan to travel overseas the summer, with 47% opting for a beach break, 33% taking an all-inclusive holiday, and 19% planning a city break.

As most schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays today (July 22), Abta has shared six tips for smooth travel:

1. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for your destination before you travel
2. Plan your journey to the airport, train station or ferry port in advance and allow extra time for traffic, planned road closures or engineering works
3. Arrive at the earliest time advised by our airline or transport provider. Arriving earlier than this may add to queues at the terminal
4. Be ready to present your passport and any Covid-related documents at check-in
5. Prepare your hand luggage for security by placing large electrical items such as laptops and tablets in the trays provided, alongside any liquids which must be in a 20cm x 20cm plastic bag
6. Remove any coats, jackets and belts when passing through security and put any items in your pockets into the trays provided

Graeme Buck, Abta director of communications, said: “The school summer holidays are usually the busiest time of the year for travel so planning ahead is the best way to make the start of your holiday as stress-free as possible.

“Holidaymakers can help keep queues to a minimum by arriving at the airport at the time advised by their airline, having their travel documents ready for check-in and carefully preparing their hand luggage for security.”