Faster airport check-in and shorter waiting times are top concerns for airline passengers

Holiday Extras issued a warning recently to UK airports with the increase in cabin baggage allowances. Holiday Extras is concerned that the increase could impact on check-in waiting times and longer security queues. In a recent independent survey involving 1,000 recent airline passngers, 55% of UK airport travellers say that airport processes are the worst aspect of overseas travel. This figure rises consistently with age, reaching a disgruntled 70% for passengers aged 65 years or more.

When asked what would make the biggest improvement to their airport experience, the top choices were: faster check-in facilities (63%) shorter waiting times for security checks (54%) and 36% said that they wished that they could escape the crowds in an airline lounge. A larger baggage allowance was only popular with 33% of travellers (37% of women).

“We all love holidays, but getting there is a stressful experience, and queuing is a big part of that,” said Matthew Pack Web and Marketing Director for Holiday Extras. “The best thing airports can do to improve customer satisfaction is cut waiting times. They must not lose sight of that whilst relaxing restrictions on hand luggage.”

22% of air travellers say that flight delays are their top anxiety with 20% stressing over potential lost luggage. Whilst these elements, and airport processes, are out of airline passenger’s control, there are three key things that all travellers can do to improve their airport and their holiday experience:

• Book airport parking in advance and check car park location;
• Consider booking an airport lounge;
• An overnight stay in a nearby airport hotel or a day room helps with early or late flight times.