The United Kingdoms are a sight to behold during Christmas. Snow is falling, carolers are singing, and joyous families are rushing to the airports so they can go on their long-awaited vacation. UK airports are usually stretched thin during Christmas time as Christmas in UK leads millions of vacationers depart for trips or return to enjoy the most wonderous time of the year with their families.
What To Expect From Airports During Christmas in UK?
Vacationers can expect a lot of things during their journey to the airport this holiday season. They can expect airports to be the busiest they’ve been in a long time, as well as the usual hassles and added security measures because of the pandemic.
Christmas falls on 25 December at the end of the week, the strain at UK airports happens immediately on the weekend preceding Christmas Day from 17 (Friday) December to 19 (Sunday) December.
Another surge in traveler numbers should take place over the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so plan your trips accordingly. Don’t forget to use our Meet & Greet services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free airport experience.
More About UK Airports
According to data from previous years, Heathrow airport might experience the highest amount of activity on the 20th of December thanks to travelers and families departing or returning for the Christmas holidays. We expect over 250.000 passengers to go through Heathrow airport on Friday, which is liable to make the journey slower. There is nothing more annoying than being on time and still having to wait around for hours because of large crowds. Fortunately for you, our fast-track service allows you skip the hassle and avoid all the long queues.
The closure and reduced services of the Heathrow Express and Transport start on the 24th and end on the 26th of December. This is bound to create a major hindrance for any travelers looking to acquire transportation from the capital to the airport and vice versa. There is, however, a way for travelers to stick to their schedules without sacrificing their comfort. You can still reach the airport or get to the capital with time to spare using our luxurious chauffeured limousine services.
As for Gatwick and Sussex airport, Sundays are shaping up to be the busiest days, with London’s airports expected to handle more passengers than most other cities in the world this holiday season.
| Top 3 Busiest Airports in the UK | |
| Airport Name | Number of Passengers 2023 |
| London Heathrow | 79,180,434 |
| London Gatwick | 40,897,656 |
| Manchester | 28,096,783 |
- Heathrow passenger numbers forecast at 81.4 million for 2024 as per The National News
- 9% of British travellers want to upgrade to first or business class. An additional 14% intend to buy airport lounge passes in order to make the most of their vacation. As per Skyscanner
Thus Airport Lounges have high demand this Christmas holiday season. - The busiest days to travel from/to UK Airports during Christmas season are 22 & 23 December, as per The Independent.
Tips and Hacks to avoid rush at UK Airports during Christmas Holiday Season
1- Leave Early or Late
Choose flights that depart early in the morning or late at night when there is less traffic at the airport.
Arrival at Airport: Try to get to the airport early in the morning or late at night, as these are the off-peak times.
2- Online Check-In
To save time, check in online. You can avoid long lineups by checking in 24-48 hours prior to your travel with most airlines.
3- Make use of self-serve kiosks
To cut down on wait times, use self-service kiosks if they are available for checking bags.
4- Pack Wisely
Make sure your bags follow airline guidelines to prevent delays at security.
If you want to avoid checking your bags at all, think about packing only carry-on.
5- Recognise the layout of the airport
To ensure efficient navigation, familiarise yourself with the layout of the airport beforehand. Utilise the applications or online maps that the airport has provided.
6- Keep Up to Date
Watch the news from the airport and flight updates. Real-time updates regarding your flight and security wait times can be obtained through apps.
7- Getting Ready for Security
To expedite security, wear shoes that can be taken off easily and stay away from wearing too much metal.
Before you reach the checkpoint, make sure your ID and boarding pass are ready.
8- Go Light
You may go through security and boarding more quickly the less goods you have.
9- Avoid the busiest days.
If possible, avoid travelling at busy times (typically a few days before and after Christmas). Consider midweek flights instead.
10. Consider alternative airports.
Consider flying from smaller airports nearby, which may have less congestion than major ones.
11- Book Airport concierge service
for Fast Track on long queues, assistance at the airport, and luxurious sexperience.
6 Best Places to Visit and Things To Do During Christmas in UK
1- Whitby
Whitby should be at the top of your list of Christmas travel destinations in the UK!
Whitby is magical all year round and has a rich and varied culture that even the Grinch would adore. Everyone may enjoy events like the spectacular lantern parade and the yearly Christmas tree competition at St. Mary’s Church. Visit the market for some gorgeous presents; it’s a cluster of beach huts offering the most exquisite goods, very Whitby. Admire the winding cobbled alleyways, the assortment of ideal Whitby pubs, and the distinctive features that Whitby is renowned for in addition to the Christmas markets.
As a result, Whitby is one of the most enchanted destinations to come during the holiday season of the festive activities, cozy pubs, and beautiful surroundings.
Interested in visiting a location in the UK for your Christmas holiday? Book our concierge services at Heathrow Airport today and make your journey a memorable experience.
2- Ludlow
A Busy town all year round, Ludlow is a medieval market town. Numerous visitors come each year for the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival because of its reputation for creating high-quality food and beverages.
The village also becomes one of the most enchanted locations to visit throughout the holiday season. Enjoy the holiday decorations in the town, warm yourself with some mulled wine in a medieval pub or look around the shops for the ideal present.
Visit the Ludlow Local Produce Market In Castle Square this year if you’re looking for something particularly special. A variety of regional manufacturers of food and drink may be found here, providing baked pies, preserves, charcuterie, and much more.
3- Broadway
As one of England’s most picturesque villages, it is no surprise to see Broadway on our list of enchanted locations to visit over the holiday season.
This Christmas town in the UK is a great place to start your Cotswold’s exploration because it is tucked away at the base of the Worcestershire hills. Enjoy discovering the charming village’s delicious cuisine and extensive cultural history.
Admire the honey-colored stone homes covered in snow at Christmas! Discover the High Street’s row of chestnut trees and its wonderful holiday shop window displays after that!
4- Bakewell
The Peak District town of Bakewell, famous for being the birthplace of the Bakewell pastry, will undoubtedly get a little sweeter during the holiday season.
It is simple to understand why this is one of the greatest locations to visit for Christmas in UK with the abundance of charming cafés, beautiful riverbank walks, and fantastic Christmas displays.
Along with the lovely town center, the breathtaking Peak District National Park is just waiting to be discovered. Of course, the nearby Chatsworth House also has a magnificent Christmas show every year.
5- Ambleside
The charming town of Ambleside is bustling with visitors in the summer who want to take in the splendor of the Lake District National Park.
In the winter, charming fairy lights take the place of the tourist crowds. while locally owned stores and restaurants go all out for Christmas!
You can understand why this is one of the loveliest spots to visit at Christmas when you have a panorama of towering fells and majestic lakes as your backdrop.
6- London
London is a beautiful city year-round, but it shines during Christmas. Downtown London is a winter wonderland straight out of movies and fairytales. Travelers should visit the magnificent Hyde Park and try out its various rides, skate on the ice rink, and possibly catch a show at the circus. West Sussex offers a more old-fashioned take on Christmas. Families can spend a comfortable afternoon drinking tea and listening to the remarkable Christmas carolers while huddled around a fire.
Fun Facts About Christmas in UK
Like most other places in the world, Christmas in UK is a time for families to unite and celebrate together. Most families decorate a Christmas tree together and place it in their house. The UK’s very own Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, popularized the act of decorating a tree.
Most UK cities are decorated with festive Christmas lights. Usually, it is a famous person who switches on these lights. Thousands of people flock to the UK to experience the “switch on” in various cities, villages, and towns.
A lot of churches in the UK have a “Carols by Candlelight” service where the church is lit up strictly by candles, giving visitors a unique festive experience when they listen to the awe-inspiring Christmas carolers.
Wassailing is an old Anglo-Saxon custom that isn’t often heard about today. The Wassail was a drink made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and sugar. It used to be served in big bowls covered with silver and was favored by rich people who drank it on all the 12 days of Christmas. Another custom that you might have heard of is Boxing Day, an ancient holiday that is now a tradition in many countries.
Lunchtime is when people eat the main Christmas meal in the UK. It’s usually a roasted turkey and vegetables served with cranberry and bread sauce. The most popular dessert is Christmas Pudding, a traditional end to a traditional Christmas meal.
British people say that you need to take down your Christmas tree and decoration within 12 days of Christmas, or a curse of bad luck will befall you for the entirety of the coming year. This is certainly a unique superstition and probably a procrastinator’s worst nightmare, making the UK an unfavorable holiday destination for procrastinators around the world.
How airssist could help you in your airport experience during the holiday season Christmas rush in UK Airports?
airssist can easily help you managing congested airports over the Christmas season. Here’s how we can assist.
1. Fast-track Services
Priority Security and Immigration: airssist provides fast-track services that allow you to avoid long queues at security and immigration, saving you significant time.
2. Personalised Meet & Greet.
Dedicated Assistants: A personal assistant will meet you and assist you with check-in, baggage management, and airport navigation.
3. Lounge Access.
Comfort Away from Crowds: airssist can give you access to airport lounges where you can relax and enjoy complimentary food and drinks away from the congested terminals.
4. Baggage Assistance.
Easy Handling: Your greeter assist with your luggage, making the process easier, especially if you are travelling with numerous bags or children.
5. Airport Transfers.
airssist may organise transportation to and from the airport, eliminating stress and assuring on-time arrival.
6. Real-time updates.
Flight Monitoring: Stay updated about any changes to your flight schedule, which is especially important during peak travel times.
7. Custom Services.
Tailored Experiences: You can personalise your service to meet your individual needs, such as help for senior travellers, families, or special requests.
8. Language Support.
Multilingual Assistants: If you’re travelling from abroad, having a multilingual assistant will help you communicate more effectively and navigate the airport more smoothly.