subject: More Airport Delays and Closures This Week as More Snow Forecast [print this page] More Airport Delays and Closures This Week as More Snow Forecast
Yet more delays, cancellations and possible airport closures are expected later this week as the UK is set to be hit by further snow storms and extreme weather.
The UK is bracing itself for freezing temperatures and snow from Thursday, with lows as cold as minus 10c so report the MeteoGroup, with the north east of Scotland expected to be worse hit. Cold winds will come in from the North which will also affect eastern England. Currently, forecasters are predicting that only the south west of the Country will escape the adverse weather.
Speaking about the anticipated snow storms, MeteoGroup's Forecaster, Andy Ratcliffe said "On Thursday a cold front will move across the UK, initially this will be rain but it will turn to snow."
If the snow storms do come in, and they are anything like as bad as last time, UK travellers flying out of any UK airport should take note on what to do before leaving for the airport.
Stay in Constant Contact With Your Airline and Airport
Firstly, even if the snow storms are as severe as previously experienced, it is still worth calling the airport the day before departure, as well as on the day of departure, to check the airport is fully operational and is not experiencing any delays. Or if the airport is advising passengers to check in differently than when operating in a business as usual' fashion.
Also be sure to keep in contact with your airline to see how any extreme weather is affecting them.
Check How Public Transport Is Affected
Also check several days before travel and on the day of travel how public transport is affected.
If public transport has ground to a halt travellers may experience difficulty in trying to actually get to the airport. It is worth considering booking either airport parking or a park and stay type package.
Consider Booking Airport Parking
If the snow isn't as severe main roads are likely to be slower than usual but otherwise operating as normal. By booking airport parking the traveller can drive directly to the airport, leaving in good time to take onboard any delays or diversions that might need to be taken into account. Plus, on their return home they do not have to worry about any delays to public transport as they simply drive straight home.
Consider Booking an Airport Hotel As Part of Your Airport Parking
If the travellers have a long way from home to the airport it is worth considering booking airport parking alongside an airport hotel. This way travellers travel down the day before, stay at an airport hotel the night before flying, thus ensuring they are at the airport in good time. This could be especially prudent if anyone is flying on Thursday or Friday this week, the 16th and 17th December 2010, if they are concerned about the forthcoming snow forecasts.
Do Not Travel Without Travel Insurance
If travellers have not booked their travel insurance yet it is essential to do so. Most good policies will cover cancellation and curtailment so refunds and /or compensation can be claimed. However, as there has been such extreme weather do check that travel insurance companies are not placing caveats on polices excluding cancellations for extreme weather conditions.
Another reason that it's essential to not travel without travel insurance is that you might get out of the country without being affected by the snow, but what if the UK experiences extreme weather conditions whilst you're away and therefore effecting your return flight?
Hopefully the snow that is forecast won't be anything like as bad, but as they say, "forewarned is forearmed" and with careful planning and preparation you won't experience any problems flying out of the UK this Christmas!
