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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Would you book a last minute holiday for nest week with the current airport chaos?

33 replies

TwigTheWonderKid · 21/06/2022 14:34

I'm having cancer tratment in the summer holidays so have got permission to take the children out of school for a very last minute week's holiday. Almost booked a week in Canaries last night leaving Saturday but when I got to the seat booking page the plane was almost full and we would have all been sitting rows apart so had to let that one go. I'm finding all the research exhausting and now I'm just really worried that it will be a big stress if we have problems at the airport which kind of negates the whole idea of a relaxing, fun holiday.

WWYD?

OP posts:
mumofone1980 · 21/06/2022 14:36

TwigTheWonderKid · 21/06/2022 14:34

I'm having cancer tratment in the summer holidays so have got permission to take the children out of school for a very last minute week's holiday. Almost booked a week in Canaries last night leaving Saturday but when I got to the seat booking page the plane was almost full and we would have all been sitting rows apart so had to let that one go. I'm finding all the research exhausting and now I'm just really worried that it will be a big stress if we have problems at the airport which kind of negates the whole idea of a relaxing, fun holiday.

WWYD?

Good luck with your cancer treatment x

I would stay well clear of airports at the moment if Im honest it looks like chaos!

It could be more stress than its worth x

TheRoadToRuin · 21/06/2022 14:37

I'd make it easier on yourself and go for a shorter flight.
Look for morning departure and smaller airport to minimise disruption. Also fly mid week. How old are the DC?

balalake · 21/06/2022 14:39

Could you look to a Uk holiday? Other than Saturday the weather seems reasonable. Trains will be running fully on Sunday onwards if car is not available.

custardbear · 21/06/2022 14:41

East Midlands is ok, good luck and enjoy whatever holiday you chose.
I'd be inclined to get a hidden disability lanyard too as you may need support

BigSandyBalls2015 · 21/06/2022 14:42

I think the media have done their usual over hyping. The vast majority of flights are fine … go for it sounds like you need it

TaffyandTeenyTaffy · 21/06/2022 14:53

I would, but I am a glass half full type of person. I'd probably be able to take any delays in my stride (a 29 hour delay at Gatwick in my 20s is still memorable!) and eg make the most of having a coffee/meal at the airport - I would lower my expectations and prepare for any delays with books/playing cards etc - and pack for some luggage going missing/being delayed, by putting a few items each into each case and a swimsuit in my hand luggage. I'd be prepared that it may not go to plan - or even happen. I would make sure I had decent insurance (which may be tricky for you) and have a decent credit card that I could make some emergency purchases if needed.

If you are the type of person that would be stressed out by this then I'd probably give it a miss. Also, it would depend on your health at present and the age of your children, as to whether this would be doable.

Hope you enjoy whatever you do - and very best wishes for your treatment. 💐

Original poster
TwigTheWonderKid · 21/06/2022 16:27

My physical health is fine but mentally I am not in a space for any more nasty surprises and just really need something to be easy and go right. Kids are 13 and 16 so not little by any means but still young enough to be upset by delays/ cancellations.

OP posts:
TaffyandTeenyTaffy · 21/06/2022 17:49

Depending on your location in the UK what about a cruise? Lots of good deals about. Nice bit of relaxation and pampering, and.most have lots of activities for teens.

LongPath · 21/06/2022 18:08

I think you have to go with an open mind and not put all your hopes on the holiday going smoothly.

I've booked to go away with DS, but if we don't go we won't be any worse off than if we don't book iyswim. We'll take a book and have a meal at the airport, so the worst that can happen is a wasted day, albeit one in nice company with lunch out.

TBH all holidays can be a bit like this, there's always the possibility of delays and cancellations. If disruption is going to leave you feeling worse, don't go.

If you have young children to keep occupied, I'd probably avoid it, but TBH I did that anyway.

jellybeanteaparty · 21/06/2022 18:26

Is this one of those accessions that using a travel agent is worth it ? Any travel at anytime can have have delays or as we call them additional adventures. At 13 and 16 this can be fun however I get the impression you want things fairly safe not to be a hassle. Something stunning in the UK e.g. sea view rental with hot tub

RestingPandaFace · 21/06/2022 18:30

I would, but I’d avoid any EasyJet or TUI flights as they seem to be the worst affected.

Allow extra time and chill out at the airport.

EweCee · 21/06/2022 18:32

I would try to, but take hand luggage only for all of you. Seems the luggage is a lot of the problem so I wouldn’t attempt hold luggage. It’s easily doable - we once did a 3 week trip with a 5yo travelling via public transport across multiple countries and temperatures.

failing40s · 21/06/2022 18:37

I would - I suspect the media reporting is blowing it out of proportion. Think of it this way, overall the odds are your massively in your favour that your flight won't get cancelled.

rookiemere · 21/06/2022 18:38

Book a package with Jet2, they don't seem to have cancelled any flights and I've never heard anything bad about them.

Is it the worst thing in the world if you don't get to sit together with DCs 13 and 16? Canaries would be nice at this time of year.

MikeWozniaksMohawk · 21/06/2022 18:43

I don’t know where you are in the country, but if you’re in the north west I have heard much better things about Liverpool than Manchester. I would try to use a smaller airport. Perhaps less choice on destinations but less chance of disruption I think.

TheRoadToRuin · 21/06/2022 21:58

At 16 and 13 I really don't think seats together is important.
Just minimise the liklihood of delays.
I second Jet2. They haven't cancelled any flights because they employ their own baggage handlers. We flew with them at Easter. Leeds Bradford, early morning, mid week and it was a breeze. Their package includes luggage as well.
Choose Gatwick on a Saturday afternoon and you are far more likely to have delays.

WhiteCircles · 21/06/2022 22:00

rookiemere · 21/06/2022 18:38

Book a package with Jet2, they don't seem to have cancelled any flights and I've never heard anything bad about them.

Is it the worst thing in the world if you don't get to sit together with DCs 13 and 16? Canaries would be nice at this time of year.

A friend of mine had to drive from London to Manchester on Sunday after his Jet2 flight was cancelled

Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas · 21/06/2022 22:00

Over the Jubilee weekend, 4% of flights were cancelled up from the usual 1%. It’s not as bad as seems in the media. It also depends on which airport you will be flying from.

Delphigirl · 21/06/2022 22:13

I would honestly get a train to Paris instead

maturestudent74 · 21/06/2022 23:13

Mmm. It's a tough one! I have just seen that easyJet crew are talking about going on strike next. It all just seems a hassle at the moment. I was meant to fly this week but our passports haven't come back after 12 weeks and then all the airport hassle. It never ends.
Whatever you decide good luck and I wish you well with the treatment!

emmathedilemma · 22/06/2022 15:24

RestingPandaFace · 21/06/2022 18:30

I would, but I’d avoid any EasyJet or TUI flights as they seem to be the worst affected.

Allow extra time and chill out at the airport.

I agree, I've been through my local airport twice in the last two weeks and both times they've had bag drop queues through the terminal building!

purpleboy · 22/06/2022 15:29

Cruise from Southampton
Eurotunnel to France
Or look at smaller airports

Best of luck with your cancer treatment. Flowers
Hope you manage to find a great holiday.

DailySheetWasher · 22/06/2022 15:37

I've caught the Eurostar from St Pancras and a flight from Gatwick in the last couple of weeks and both were pretty shit but we got there in the end. Both had extraordinarily long queues at each stage, which were exacerbated by the fact that half the people travelling were completely unprepared for the check in and security requirements.

The train did get away on time though, whereas the flight left 2 hours late. You would definitely want to organise some priority assistance if you don't want to stand in a queue for hours.

AverageJoan · 22/06/2022 15:47

100% I'd book something and go. I hope all goes well with your treatment, OP Flowers

AnyFucker · 22/06/2022 15:50

I would. I just came back from The Balearics yesterday flying with Ryanair and apart from some short delays it was fine.