Tips for avoiding airport nightmare

Holidaymakers should take a few steps to avoid airport hell this summer, according to Which? Holiday magazine.

Editor Lorna Cowan says: "The key to surviving the airport experience and starting your holiday on a high is preparation.

"A few small steps can make all the difference between a relaxing trip or complete holiday hell."

The holiday magazine advises travellers to double check their ticket details at the time of booking. Otherwise you risk geting turned away at check-in if any details such as names, times and dates are incorrect.

People flying to Spain or the USA should remember to complete advanced passenger details before flying. In some cases airlines require that this be done before arriving at the airport.

Make sure you check the hand and hold luggage allowances and don't exceed these. Check that you haven't put any sharp objects in your hand luggage.

Book airport parking in advance and you can save almost half the airport daily parking charge.

If you only have hand luggage make sure you check-in online so you can go straight to the security gate and avoid some of the queues.

Allow enough time to go through security. Last summer at Gatwick airport some passengers queued for 40 minutes to reach the security scanners last summer.

The best way of coping with these queues is to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Label your luggage correctly – both inside and out – with your name, address, mobile phone details and information about your destination airport.

Finally, the magazine recommends using airport lounges for a quiet, relaxing wait for your flight. Prices range from £12 - £19, including snacks and drinks.