Millions Head Home for Christmas on Busiest Day of Festive Getaway
Britain’s roads, railways, and airports are set to be packed with holiday travelers as experts predict today to be the busiest day for Christmas trips.
A Record-Breaking Day for Travel
– The AA warns of severe gridlock, forecasting 24.4 million cars on the roads this Friday.
– Airports are also bracing for peak travel, with around 460,000 journeys expected.
– Network Rail urges travelers to check their journeys and reserve seats wherever possible.
Drivers Advised to Plan Ahead
– This Christmas could mark a record-breaking season for UK roads, with the AA recommending drivers prepare for delays.
– Notably, the majority of travelers will cover distances of less than 100 miles, which will likely lead to congestion near motorways and shopping centers.
Key Congestion Hotspots
– Near London:
– M3/M25 interchange in Surrey
– M25 around Heathrow
– M25 around Bluewater in Kent
– Outside London:
– M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow
– M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham
– M1 J10–15a in the East and South Midlands
– M4 around Cardiff and Newport
– Important Notice: The M27 will be closed between Junctions 9 (Whiteley/Park Gate) and 11 (Fareham East/Gosport) from Christmas Eve until January 4. Drivers in Hampshire should seek alternative routes.
Patience is crucial during this busy period. AA patrol expert Shaun Jones offers straightforward advice: “Today marks one of the busiest days of the Christmas getaway, with millions of drivers expected on the roads. Plan ahead, check live traffic updates before setting off, and allow extra time for your journey.”
Anticipated Delays on the Roads
RAC mobile serving and repairs lead Nick Mullender warns of potential delays:
– Expect queues exceeding 30 minutes from 4:30 PM on the M25, particularly clockwise from J15 for the M4 to J19 Watford and anticlockwise from Kingston to East Grinstead.
– In Manchester, the M60 clockwise will be busy from J7 Altrincham to J18 for the M62 heading to Leeds.
Airports Enjoying a Merry Christmas Rush
Friday is also set to be the peak day for airports.
– Heathrow Airport anticipates its busiest December and Christmas Day yet, with around 250,000 daily passengers.
– Manchester Airport forecasts Friday to be its busiest day with about 100,000 passengers.
Chris Woodroofe, the managing director of Manchester Airport, advises passengers to streamline their travels by checking in ahead of time and keeping gifts unwrapped for security checks. “You want your presents to be opened by your loved ones, not our security staff,” he quips.
Additional Passenger Estimates:
– Edinburgh Airport expects nearly 250,000 travelers from Friday through Christmas Eve, heading to popular destinations like Tenerife and Paris.
– Gatwick Airport is managing 741 scheduled flights on Friday, just shy of a peak expected on December 28.
Rights for Delayed or Canceled Flights
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) indicates that flying on Christmas Day is gaining popularity. Travelers should be aware of their rights if a flight is canceled or delayed, which include:
– Providing food and drink during long delays
– Covering accommodation for overnight delays
– Offering a refund or alternative travel for canceled flights
If your flight is canceled and falls under UK law, your airline must allow you to choose between a refund or being booked on an alternative flight. Access further details on flight coverage under UK law here.
Rail Travel Considerations
Rail travelers are also advised to prepare for disruptions. With multiple improvement works occurring over the Christmas period, several routes will be closed or restricted. For specific details on affected routes, consult the Network Rail website.
– Important Note: National Rail services will not operate on Christmas Day, with only a limited number available on Boxing Day.
Daniel Mann, director of industry operations at the Rail Delivery Group, recommends:
– Reserve seats when possible
– Carry only manageable luggage
– Allocate extra time for journeys
Conclusion
As millions embark on their journeys home, being informed and prepared will ensure a smoother travel experience during this bustling festive getaway. Remember to stay patient and make plans in advance. Safe travels!