Avoid airport hassleBefore you arrive

How can buying a flight ticket affect my airport experience?

Make sure liquids and creams in hand luggage are in 100ml containers in a clear bag

Airline websites are an increasingly popular way of purchasing flight tickets – but you'll need to check details carefully.

While you're scrolling through ticket purchasing pages and clicking boxes detailing the flight, it takes just one distracted second to click on the wrong box. 

Before completing your purchase, always check the ticket details, otherwise you could get turned away at the check-in desk because your ticket has a flight time or even a date that you were unaware of having made. 

Some airlines will try and help out by putting you on an alternative flight at no extra cost. But many won't, and a one-way ticket purchased at an airline ticket office may cost you much more than your paid-for return flight. 

If you’re flying to Spain or the USA, remember to also complete the ‘Advanced Passenger Details’ (your passport and destination information) when booking online.

What should I be aware of when packing?

Luggage restrictions

Always find out the amount of luggage you're allowed to check in to the hold and carry on as hand luggage, and ensure you know the weight and size allowances too. 

Airlines all have baggage restrictions (listed on your ticket and their website) and they differ between companies. 

Should you wish to take extra luggage or more than the weight and/or dimension quota, the airlines have an Excess Baggage allowance, which carries a corresponding excess charge. Similarly, now that many UK airports have lifted the one bag per person hand luggage restriction, airlines can differ in their hand luggage allowance. 

Sharp objects and liquids

Packing sharp objects and liquids in your hand luggage is still considered a security risk, so make sure they're carefully stowed in your hold luggage, otherwise they'll end up on show in a perspex case just outside the boarding lounge. 

Remember any liquids or creams taken on to the plane with hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100mls and placed in a small, clear plastic bag.

Is there any way of avoiding high airport parking charges?

Book ahead

You can save almost half the airport daily parking charge if you book in advance. 

Without booking, a 10-day stay at one of London Gatwick Airport’s terminal car parks, for example, will cost £89. We found booking a parking space at Gatwick for the same time and period – using the price comparison website Holiday Extras – came to £47. 

Stay in an airport hotel

For anyone taking an early morning flight, it’s worth considering a night at an airport hotel. Apart from cutting out the ordeal of driving to the airport when you should be tucked up in bed, the hotel parking rates are usually good value for money and you could get a free transfer to the terminal.