Airport security can be one of the most tedious parts of going on holiday - and as Brits have felt in this Easter 's travel chaos, it can be hugely frustrating and cause delays.
There are five key factors causing the chaos this week, but even when everything is running smoothly we've all faced one of the key questions on arrival; how do you spot the quickest airport security queue.
There's always the risk when you're stuck in what feels like a slow queue, and you spot another that seems to be quicker - do you stick, or do you move over? (The latter often feels tempting, but can quickly be frustrating if your former queue then picks up!).
However, according to security experts there are actually some easy ways to spot which of the airport security queues is set to move along the fastest.
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A series of security experts from GetLicenced have shared their top tips for getting through airport security, and there are two key ways you can tell if the process will be that little bit quicker.
First of all, keep an eye out for business travellers. According to the insiders, often "business travellers will get through security quickly as they have less baggage, which can mean speedier security checks".
Secondly, it's worth looking at the staff around the X-ray machines. One expert explained: "If there is more than security officer at an x-ray machine, there's a chance that one of the employees is a trainee; so you could be risking a line that goes a little slower."
You can find out more on get-licensed.co.uk.
While holidays are back on the cards for Brits, there is some pre-holiday admin that's worth staying on top of if you're booking a getaway.
For a start, the Home Office is urging Brits to check their passports now ahead of the summer holidays, as the impact of Covid means that it can take up to 10 weeks for an application to be processed, including passport renewals.
Countries have their own rules on the length of passport validity you'll need if you want to visit, so to give you a helping hand we've put together a guide to passport rules which also includes rules for airlines such as easyJet, TUI, Jet2, British Airways and Ryanair.
As well as your documents, you'll need to check the latest Covid travel rules for your destination, including Covid test and vaccine requirements - these can change quickly, so always look at the UK Foreign Office's latest advice for a destination before booking or going on a trip.
The good news is that there are plenty of destinations where you'll need to do minimal Covid-related admin. In fact, 14 countries have axed Covid rules entirely including Mexico, Iceland and Costa Rica. Paired with the fact that the UK's own travel rules having ended, that means no passenger locator forms or other entry requirements on your return home!
Have you got any good tips for fellow holidaymakers? Let us know in the comments below.
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