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Navigating the Skies: What to Expect from Summer Travel
As the summer travel season approaches, a familiar mix of anticipation and apprehension surrounds air travel. While the chaos of recent years may be receding, new challenges and adjustments are on the horizon for holidaymakers.
Cabin Baggage Battles: The Suitcase Squeeze
The debate over cabin baggage continues, with some proposing that passengers should be able to check in their carry-on luggage for free.Though, airline executives like easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis dismiss this idea as impractical, citing a lack of sufficient space within aircraft cabins to accommodate everyone’s bags.
Border Queues: A Post-Brexit Reality Check
Britons may find themselves spending more time in queues at European borders than they’d hoped. While an agreement in principle allows UK passengers to use e-gates in EU countries, the reality is that most will still be processed at staffed booths, with passports being stamped. This is largely due to delays in the EU’s entry-exit system (EES), now anticipated for october.
Once the EES is implemented, UK visitors will need to provide biometric data, such as facial recognition, upon their first entry. Moreover, a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver, costing €7 (£6), will likely be required for UK citizens from mid-2026. This is still a more affordable option than the UK’s own electronic travel authorisation, which currently costs £16 for all visitors. The new blue British passport, while aesthetically pleasing, does not currently grant access to expedited border crossings.
A Summer of Potential Disruption?
While airlines and airports are more optimistic than in previous years, citing improved staffing and the adoption of AI for operational efficiency, air traffic control (ATC) remains a significant concern. With record flight numbers expected and European airspace becoming increasingly congested due to geopolitical factors and the rerouting of long-haul flights, ATC staff shortages and potential strikes could lead to widespread delays and rerouting. Airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways have identified ATC delays as their primary operational challenge.
Enhanced Passenger Support
In response to potential disruptions, airlines are enhancing their passenger support measures. Airlines are obligated to provide refreshments for delays exceeding two to four hours. British Airways, for instance, is streamlining this process at Heathrow by offering QR codes and vouchers via it’s app. EasyJet has introduced “Airport Customer Experience Specialists” (aces) at key hubs like Gatwick to offer additional assistance to passengers.
