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Cancellations and delays top frustrations but a fifth blame other travellers for a bad airport experience
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Technological improvements prove popular with nearly a quarter requesting more online check-in facilities
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Confusion over bad signage and boards
The airport experience is leaving Brits increasingly stressed and frustrated following widespread reports of collapses, delays, lost luggage and confusion. Stress levels are high, with over half (54 per cent) rating themselves at a mid stress level or above during their airport adventure, according to research released today (Wednesday).
Flight delays and cancellations (68 per cent), lengthy queues (58 per cent) and strict security procedures (36 per cent) are unsurprising top gripes, but over a quarter (26 per cent) blame not being able to get a seat in the departure lounge and one in five blame other travellers for marring their airport experience, the research from travelsupermarket.com reveals. Confusing signage and boards and airport parking also both rank highly (19 per cent each).
With airline issues and collapses impacting heavily on holidaymakers, the nationwide research among over 2000 Brits also polled the top frustrations with airlines. Delays and late arrivals top the list for over a third (38 per cent), followed by additional costs tagged onto the price (33 per cent), uncomfortable seating (32 per cent), a lack of communication with delays (30 per cent) and noisy children on flights (23 per cent). Nearly one in six (15 per cent) also had a complaint about noisy adults on flights.
But it's not just the airport experience causing problems at a time when holidaymakers are meant to be heading away from the stresses of everyday life. While the majority worry about getting themselves organised - one in four (28 per cent) fret about getting all documentation together and over one in five (23 per cent) worry about arriving where they need to be on time - getting everyone else organised plays on the mind of nearly a fifth (17 per cent) of women.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said: "There is no denying that it has been a turbulent few months for both those within the travel industry and those looking to travel. Confusion and frustration is high amongst travellers, with the ongoing economic turbulence causing even more worry."
The research also revealed the aspects that would make the airport experience less stressful for travellers. Shortening queues would please the majority (53 per cent), closely followed by reducing delays (48 per cent). Shortening the time taken to go through security, better airline organisation and more seating areas at the airport would also appease customers. The move to online check-in has also proved popular - nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would like to see more self service check in and bag drops.
Bob Atkinson added: "Many consumers are tightening their belts and carefully considering purchases, making it imperative that airlines and airport staff take heed of consumer demands to ensure that they don't lose out to their competitors. More recently some airlines have introduced a reduction in fuel surcharge costs which is a step in the right direction, and we hope to see more follow suit.
"While holiday frustrations can't always be avoided, there are some simple steps that holidaymakers can make to reduce stress levels and try to make the airport experience smoother - so they can relax and enjoy the start of their holiday. Getting everything together a few days in advance and ensuring they leave ample time to get where they need to be are just a few things that they can do to help themselves."
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Here are some top tips to make sure you have a smooth getaway:
- Write a check list of everything you have to do well before you leave and stick to it
- Check the expiry date on your passport as well as what visas are required for your destination well in advance of your holiday
- Pre-book extra leg room on your flight if possible and look at the options for priority boarding
- When travelling with the elderly or those with additional needs such as a wheelchair, pre-book assistance with your airline or tour operator
- Organise your airport parking in advance
- Save yourself time and the stress of queuing by checking in online
- If you are able to travel light take hand luggage only
- Stay at a nearby hotel if you have an early morning flight - good deals are available on airport parking and hotel packages
- Arrive at the airport on time to avoid the stress of trying to beat the queues and pay attention to the information screens
- If travelling with children ensure you have items to entertain the children at the airport
Sample: 2,179 British adults surveyed by Opinium Research, 17-21 October 2008
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