Waking up at dawn only to find your flight has been delayed is a frustratingly common experience for British travellers, and the situation is getting worse.
The Rising Problem of Flight Disruptions
This travel woe is not just for occasional holidaymakers. Even seasoned professionals are frequently caught out. Travel editor Peter Greenberg revealed a startling personal statistic on his website: six of his last eight flights were delayed.
To add to the frustration, he reported that while the other two flights in his recent travel history landed on schedule, he then faced a 40-minute wait for a gate to become available. This trend is confirmed by the consumer group Which?, which has recently reported that flight delays across the industry are indeed worsening.
Essential Tips for the Weary Traveller
To help fellow passengers navigate these increasingly common delays, Greenberg has shared his professional advice for making an extended airport stay as comfortable as possible.
His first and most crucial tip is to ensure you have a fully charged mobile phone and an extra charged battery pack. While most airlines permit power banks in hand luggage, it is vital to check your specific carrier's policy. Some airlines, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines, enforce further restrictions.
Beyond staying connected, Greenberg recommends packing extra fruit like an apple, pear, or banana. This simple step helps you stay hydrated and avoid resorting to expensive and unhealthy airport snacks during a long delay.
Be Prepared for Extended Waits
Perhaps his most practical suggestion is to always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. This allows you to freshen up significantly if the delay stretches for many hours.
For those checking luggage, he offers a smart strategy: split your clothing between your checked bag and your carry-on. This way, if your main suitcase is lost, you are not left completely stranded without a fresh outfit.
With delays becoming more frequent, these simple preparations can transform a stressful airport ordeal into a much more manageable waiting game.
