ABTA warns air passengers not to risk walk from check-in to gate
ABTA is urging passengers who require assistance at airports to inform their tour operators or airlines at least 48 hours before they travel.
It warns that at some London airports, they might have to walk about a kilometre from check-in desks to the departure gates if they don’t ask for assistance soon enough.
Stansted airport has one of the longest distances, with a walk of 1,165 metres between the departures hall and the aircraft. Even at Luton passengers face a walk of 900 metres.
However, ABTA said many passengers don’t request assistance until they arrive at the airport, by which time it might be too late.
Abta’s director of destinations and sustainability, Nikki White, said: “For most, travelling through airports is a fairly straightforward process, but for those who may find walking longer distances harder to manage, larger airports can present a challenge.
“We would encourage anyone who may need assistance to inform their tour operator or airline no later than 48 hours before they travel so that their journey through the airport will be as comfortable as possible, and they will be able to board their flight with plenty of time to spare.”
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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