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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Kirstie McCrum & Jacob Rawley

Passengers told 'carry only hand luggage' to help avoid airport queue chaos

Passengers are being urged to take just hand luggage on holiday to avoid chaotic queues across UK airports.

A union boss has asked passengers to check in online and to take just their hand luggage.

While this may not be possible for some passengers, others going away on smaller trips may find it worthwhile as it can help limit the current disruption.

With cancellations and huge waiting times, airports are more stressful now than ever so having one less thing to worry about could be helpful for some holidaymakers.

It comes as queues were reportedly out the door in Glasgow Airport earlier this week, with Edinburgh Airport also confirming that they have been busier than usual.

Andy Prendergast, the national secretary of the union which represents aviation workers, said that planning ahead could save passengers time and stress, report Grimsby Live.

He told the Daily Telegraph: “If individuals can check in online and don’t take luggage, that limits the disruption. It’s not a magic bullet, however it does scale back the prospect of there being issues.”

Crowded airports and disappointed travellers have been a major feature of the news this week as thousands jet away on half-term breaks.

The aviation industry is suffering from staff shortages after letting thousands of people go during the coronavirus pandemic.

Airlines and airports repeatedly called for sector-specific financial support during the Covid-19 crisis as Government travel restrictions suppressed demand. They are now struggling to recruit new workers and have their security checks processed.

Earlier this week, Mr Prendergast said it was “disingenuous” for the Transport Secretary to speak out about chaotic scenes at Britain’s airports as issues with staffing “have been on the radar for a long time”.

Grant Shapps said on Wednesday (June 1) the aviation industry must “do their bit” to resolve problems which have led to the disruption.

Mr Prendergast told BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme on Thursday: “This unfortunately was a foreseeable problem, it was one we warned about at the point at which the mass redundancies were made. We asked the Government to look at the aviation industry as a special case and they refused.

"And now, quite frankly, for Grant Shapps to come out as he has in the last 24 hours is a little bit disingenuous considering these problems have been on the radar for a long time.”

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