My article about passport renewals last month in the Mirror clearly touched a nerve with readers as I’ve had a huge amount of feedback about the feature.
It’s clear that lots of people have holidays booked for the summer season – and many of you have not been away since pre-pandemic.
Sadly, while travel troubles are not as bad as last year where cancellations and delays reigned and millions of people had their travel plans disrupted, the fact remains that a number of factors can still scupper aspects or all of your holiday, from Brexit passport checks at Dover to air traffic controller strikes in France adding on time to your flights.
If your flight gets cancelled, or you are worried about what might happen, then check out my previous guide in the Mirror.
Let’s be frank. Most of us just want to get away without any problems.
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So here’s my guide on what to watch out for - and how to avoid a holiday horror.
Travel insurance
It’s vital to have a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy before you go on holiday.
In a (minor) victory for common sense, the size of travel insurance terms and conditions have reduced significantly.
However, as you’ll see on the new season of Rip Off Britain (coming soon) many T&Cs are still far, far to lengthy.
The policies are often lurking on insurer websites or in links send via email, which means it’s harder to know what to watch out for when it comes to exclusions.
Always look for the "key facts" booklet or download, which should tell you the most important things that you need to know (including policy limits and things that aren’t covered).
If you already have a policy, here’s what to check for (and if you haven’t, buy one right now!)
- Excess fees. These are the sums you have to pay towards a claim for various situations. The higher the fee, the worse value the policy.
- Policy limits – These are the maximum sums your policy will pay out for claims, on everything from lost luggage to hospital treatment. Get the best limits you can.
- Adventure sports cover. If you’re doing anything fun, from horse riding to paragliding, you can ‘add-on’ this extra level of cover cheaply. If you take a spontaneous but ill-advised paragliding trip, you’ll be grateful you did!
- Strike cover. Consumer Association Which? found 40% of policies don’t cover strike action last year (though cancellations and delays due to airline strikes get you compensation).
- Personal property. Don’t take ten lots of tech like tablet computers and laptops o holiday if you can, as most insurance policies will have strict limits on pay-outs for lost, stolen and damaged items.
- MoneySavingExpert has a great article on travel insurance and how to find the right cover for you.
Planning for the airport
Airports are still going to be busy this Summer if strikes at home or away take place, so plan for the worst and hope for the best.
If you’ve got kids, take along plenty of things to keep them occupied.
You might want to bring things like colouring books and magazines that are disposable so you don’t get weighed down, or download apps to keep them occupied.
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The number one most important thing to take to the airport in 2023 is a phone or gadget charger.
There are loads available online so buy a few, charge them fully and keep them in your bag.
Last-minute announcements about your flight tend to arrive by email or through your app – and your tickets are likely to be on your phone too. So don’t get caught out by a flat battery.
Most airports have charging stations these days but there may be a high demand for them.
Remember that once most flights are delayed longer than three hours (timescales vary under the law) then you might be entitled to vouchers for food and drinks.
Don’t get too excited, these are quite low value, but they are something.
Airport charges
You are a captive audience at the airport and they know it. So watch out for ever-increasing charges.
The worst, in my opinion, is the ‘drop off’ fee (what the French delightfully call the ‘kiss and wave’).
You could be billed a fiver or more just for dropping someone off outside the airport! Short stay prices are rising too.
Car park costs are something to look at pragmatically. They are pricy, but don’t be tempted to use one of the non-airport affiliated parking services.
I’ve heard horror stories about cars left parked in dodgy areas, being taken for joy rides and getting damaged. Don’t be fooled by flashy websites.
Last year some airports were charging for plastic bags for your toiletries!
You don’t need to use theirs, just check the security rules before you travel. Oh, and if you want ‘express security’ then you’ll have to pay for it in advance.
Shops and restaurants
As soon as you go airside, you’ll find that all kinds of things have got pricier, from water to a family meal.
Avoid getting ripped off by having a hearty meal before you leave the house. When you get airside, look for sandwich shops just in case the airline isn’t able to provide a trolly service.
Last year, many airlines have had to drop the food and drink service due to staffing issues in the air and on the ground.
Don’t get carried away in duty free too. I’ve had a number of reports about some perfumes and aftershaves being the same price or even more expensive that discounted scents on UK shelves.
Plan your purchases in advance if you can.
Currency
You don’t need to be solely reliant on buying currency any more as most countries accept card payments.
I take a combination of cash and use some cards. But do your research beforehand.
Some digital banks don’t charge commission or interest on payments made using their cards (high street banks do, generally) and you can get some credit cards that do the same and give you the best daily rates. Here's my guide in the Mirror.
Above all else, don’t buy your currency at the airport. This is traditionally where the worst rates are.
Airport or station scammers
At your destination, beware of those people asking you to sign petitions or enter free competitions.
These are often scams and a way to get things like email addresses that can be sold to fraudsters – or to distract you while they pinch valuables.
In recent years, flight delay and cancellation claims management companies have been popping up at airports, looking to grab some business from delayed and exhausted travellers as their arrive.
If you’re legally entitled to compensation for a delayed flight (over three hours, T&Cs apply!) then claim for free.
Hotels
Watch out for things like weighted minibars that bill you as soon as you take something out. I’ve heard horror stories about people chilling their own purchase but being billed as if they’d consumed the product.
Oh, and room service is never ever a good idea! Hotel restaurants are traditionally more expensive too.
You may find that staffing issues have resulted in some services being cut back.
If you are planning on the hotel kids club to keep your children occupied check if it’s open in advance, just in case.
You may be able to claim some compensation (or an upgrade) if you specifically booked the hotel for that reason.
- Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist.
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