Gemma Atkinson has been caught up in the chaos at Manchester airport as she returned home from a family holiday.
The former Hollyoaks star had been enjoying a first family getaway with her fiancé Gorka Marquez and their two-year-old daughter Mia. They had gone to Tenerife, which holds a special place in her heart.
But when arriving back in Manchester Airport, the family were met with ongoing chaotic scenes of huge queues, baggage delays, and crowded check-in halls. Footage from other travellers from earlier in the week showed huge numbers of suitcases, wheelchairs and prams lined up in Manchester Airport's baggage claim.
READ MORE: Manchester Airport four hour delay sees family lose £1,500 as they miss Ryanair flight
Taking to Instagram, Gemma shared her own experience at the busy airport. She shared a cute clip of her trying to entertain her young daughter on the floor of the airport. The toddler was chatting away to her mum as they sat and waited for their luggage.
The actress thanked the staff but explained the delays as she captioned the video. She wrote: "How we killed time waiting for luggage last night at Manchester airport…"
She added: "The staff at the airport were brilliant with us, however they are extremely understaffed which made everything so much slower. We arrived 4hrs before our flight and it took around 2hrs to get through security. Our flight was delayed an hour as while we were boarding, some people on our flight were still waiting to get through security."
Gemma said: "Coming home we landed at 6.10 and it was 7.45 before the first baggage arrived. Again, the staff who were there were brilliant and you could see how stressful it was for them also.
"I hope the situation improves for everyone’s sake and my advice to anyone traveling is to give yourself plenty of time, expect the chaos but breathe through it, don’t take it out on the staff who are trying and try not to let it ruin the start of your holiday. Easier said than done I know when you’re knackered, but hopefully things will improve."
Fans jumped on the comments to thank her for her patience and kind comments towards the staff, while giving a real insight into what holidaymakers can expect. One user said: "Thanks for the update we fly on Easter Sunday and I’m dreading the airport bit. Just hope some shops are still open so we can kill some time and spend a fortune waiting."
Kirstie said: "You are so so lovely and so so right. It can be stressful going on holiday with little kids but imagine going to work knowing you are going to get shouted at."
Caroline said: "My husband works at Manchester Airport, he is absolutely done in! 12 hour shifts not getting time to eat properly ,comes home eats showers sleep and off he goes again. So it very nice to hear that not everyone thinks the same . Thank you for being patient and understanding."
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