Flying from Edinburgh airport - how to avoid the queues and save time
Edinburgh airport is Scotland s fastest growing airport with passenger numbers currently at 8.7 million per year. This significant increase in passenger numbers, coupled with the latest security measures, is resulting in longer queues than ever. Holidays should be about relaxing, not queuing which can be very stressful - the last thing you need when going on holiday. So what can you do to minimise your delays at Edinburgh airport?
By following the advice below you should minimise your transit time through Edinburgh airport and arrive at your destination relaxed enough to start enjoying your holiday immediately.
1.Advance check-in Check-in in advance, some airlines offer on-line check-in(http://www.edinburghairportinformation.co.uk/edinburgh-airport-INF-information-online-checkin.php) up to a day in advance which can certainly help to reduce your queuing time at the airport.
2.Be aware of hand luggage restrictions Minimise your hand luggage and be aware of the latest hand luggage restrictions (http://www.edinburghairportinformation.co.uk/edinburgh-airport-INF-information-security.php) Passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand baggage each, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 17.7 x 10 inches) including wheels, handles and outside pockets this is the maximum size some airlines specify smaller sizes, so check with your airline first. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried but must fit within the single item of cabin baggage. A laptop, if carried, must fit within the one item of hand baggage or, if carried separately, will be regarded as the one piece of cabin baggage.
3.Try to pack all liquids in your hold luggage Make sure you are aware of thehand luggage liquid restrictions (http://www.edinburghairportinformation.co.uk/edinburgh-airport-INF-information-security.php) in excess of five tons of liquids and gels are confiscated at the UK airports every day due to ignorance of the restrictions imposed last year. If your hand luggage does not conform to the security arrangements, you will have items confiscated and be forced to repack your luggage at the airport. This will undoubtedly add to your delays and you ll have a queue of irate passengers behind you!
Liquids, gels and aerosols can only be carried in individual 100ml containers (larger containers, even if only partially full, will be confiscated) and should fit into a transparent, re-sealable bag measuring a maximum of 20cm by 20cm, with a capacity of no more than a litre. Where possible, it is advisable to put all liquids, such as water, drinks, creams, sprays, pastes and gels, in your check-in luggage. Don t forget liquids include all drinks, perfumes, mascara, liquid foundation, deodorants, toothpaste, hair and shower gel and sun cream.
Any questions connected with cabin baggage should be directed to your airport or airline before you travel.
Essential medicines for the period of the trip may be permitted in larger quantities than 100ml but will require authentication passengers must have obtained agreement with the airline and airport prior to departure and must bring supporting documentation with them from a relevant qualified medical professional.
4.Buy currency online By buying your foreign currency (http://www.edinburghairportinformation.co.uk/edinburgh-airport-BYL-currency-exchange.php) in advance you will avoid queuing at the airport foreign currency can be bought on line and delivered for roughly the same cost as at a bank or high street travel agent.
5.Allow extra time to arrive at the airport All the UK s airports have restricted vehicular access to terminal buildings, making drop off and pick up by private taxis, friends and family more difficult. Special designated drop-off and pick-up zones have been set up in an area of the car park away from the front of the terminal which will lengthen the time it takes to reach the terminal building.
6.Stay at a local hotel prior to departure Book an airport hotel (http://www.edinburghairportinformation.co.uk/edinburgh-airport-LOC-local-hotels.php) , either on-airport or just outside and stay the night before. Many airlines allow passengers to check in baggage up to 24 hours before flying so you can drop your luggage at the airport the day before. On the day of departure all you need to do is turn up and pass through security.
7.Book Meet and Greet parking Treat yourself to meet and greet parking which has been unaffected by the recent security measures and makes perfect sense when trying to avoid the queues this summer.
With meet and greet valet parking, you drive to the valet parking drop-off zone at the airport, unload your luggage, hand your keys to the waiting driver who will park your car in their secure car park. You are then free to walk straight into the terminal no lengthy delays trying to find a space, or waiting for access to the drop-off zone in your private hire taxi. On your return, you need to call the driver from the baggage reclaim walk out of the terminal and your car will be waiting for you, warmed up and ready to drive away.
8.Travelling with children If you re travelling with children (http://www.edinburghairportinformation.co.uk/edinburgh-airport-BYL-travelling-young-children.php), make sure they have enough to keep them entertained if you do need to queue a book, comic or magazine, paper and colouring pencils generally work well, as does an electronic game or portable DVD player.
Make sure you pack your children s bags to ensure no banned items are hidden at the bottom. And, if you re travelling with teenage girls, check their hand luggage too - that innocent mascara and lip gloss they love to carry count as liquids and must be packed accordingly!
By following the above advice you should ensure a smooth passage through Edinburgh airport. Then all that s left is for you to enjoy your holiday!
Paula Garrett is an experienced traveller and contributor to Edinburgh airport guide. She recommends checking the Edinburgh airport information website for up-to-date security advice at Edinburgh airport before flying.
