Leeds Bradford Airport issued an urgent message to holidaymakers about long queues after recent scenes at Manchester Airport with passengers stuck in queues missing their flights.
Staff shortages are causing huge issues, meaning it takes passengers longer to move through the airport - and while LBA chief executive Vincent Hodder has said disruption at Leeds is 'not as severe' as at other airports, he has warned the situation is not 'up to our high standards'.
Due to industry-wide challenges including Covid-related sickness and shortage of staff, some flights have been cancelled and some passengers have even missed their flights due to the long waiting times. So if you've got a flight from LBA coming up, this is when you should arrive at the airport - and how you can Fast Track the long security queues.
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Here is the official advice from Leeds Bradford Airport on how long you need to be at the airport before your fight, how to get priority through airport security and what the Fast Track system is.
How long before my flight do I need to be at the airport?
Leeds Bradford Airport are asking passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flights. Staff are making efforts to call passengers to the front of the queue to ensure families do not get stuck in line and miss their flights.
Be prepared to go through security by removing liquids and electronic devices. Empty pockets ahead of time and take boots or high heel shoes off before arriving at the security gates. Leeds Bradford airport (LBA) told Travel Weekly: "This disruption is not as severe as that which other UK airports are currently experiencing but can unfortunately be unpredictable.
“Due to recent changes in Home Office accreditation for airport staff, uncertainty around when pandemic travel restrictions were due to ease and ongoing staffing disruption due to covid-19 absences, a longer lead time for recruiting staff is being experienced across the aviation industry.”
What is Fast Track through security?
Fast Track is a service at airports that gives axcxewss to a dedicated security lane, allowing passengers to get through security faster and avoid big queues.
Leeds Bradford Airport says that its fast track security service is available every day but must be booked online at least one hour before your arrival. Fast track bookings are limited to six passengers aged 12 or over, with children younger than 12 able to join you free of charge.
Fast Track is a separate lane in the right hand walkway when accessing passenger security on the ground floor of the terminal. Running to the boarding card checking terminal, here you should show your Fast Track confirmation and boarding card.
It costs £5 per person if you pre-book online and one child goes free for every paying adult. Pre-book your Fast Track access by picking a time slot online and after payment, you'll receive a confirmation email. Certain airlines have designated ticket types that can permit you access to the Fast Track lane too.
