25/03/2024
Easter Travellers Urged To 'Plan Ahead For Smoother Travel
Ahead of the Easter weekend, the Consumer Council has urged those travelling over the break to "plan ahead for smoother travel".
Richard Williams, Head of Transport Policy emphasised the importance of making a travel checklist to save you time and money.
"Many people will be heading home for the holidays, planning activities with their families, or travelling to a different country for a break" he said.
"We would urge everyone who is travelling over the holiday, to plan ahead, prepare for their journey and know their travel rights."
Richard said that planning ahead can both help you make savings and take the stress out of travelling.
"When booking, consider flexible airfares and accommodation with a cancellation option," he said. This may be a little more expensive but could save you money if you are forced to cancel your trip for personal reasons.
"Do as much as you can before you get to the airport, such as pre-booking hold baggage, or checking your flight in online, as both of these services can incur a fee if you do it at the airport. It is also worth checking out the rules around hand luggage allowances and restrictions before you head off."
Trips can also be made easier by shopping around for your travel money to ensure you get the payment method that suits you and the best exchange rate. Before setting off also make sure that your travel insurance meets your needs and ensure you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). If travelling to EU countries, this will give access to health care at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
Top tips for Easter travel:
• Check public transport timetables – If you are planning to use public transport for any part of your journey, especially around public holidays. Translink will be carrying out essential engineering work on the railway line between Belfast and Lisburn, and between Belfast and Portadown, with a line closure planned from Saturday 30 March until Sunday 7 April 2024 inclusive. Check the Translink website www.translink.co.uk in advance of your journey.
• If travelling abroad make sure you have a valid passport. The length of time you need on your passport’s validity depends on the country you are visiting. Always check the requirements before booking your tickets. Remember that valid photo identification is necessary for travel on domestic flights. Check with your airline for acceptable forms e.g. passport or driving licence. If you have a passport, it is best to take it.
• Check airport parking charges before you travel and pre-book car parking – It can save you money.
• Be aware of the latest travel updates and be prepared for changes – Check with your airline/airport or ferry operator for the most up to date travel advice and information and leave plenty of time to allow for unforeseen delays such as traffic jams or queues going through airport security.
• Know your rights – Brush up on your consumer rights when it comes to delayed or cancelled flights or sailings. You may be entitled to a refund and compensation. Full details are available on the Consumer Council website below. Printed copies of Plane Facts or Plain Sailing guides are available to order, free of charge.
• Pre-book special assistance 48 hours in advance - If you have a disability or reduced mobility, ensure you get the assistance you need.
• If travelling to EU countries, check with your mobile phone provider if you will experience roaming charges. You can limit any roaming charges by turning off your mobile data roaming and using Wi-Fi where possible.
You can find out more information on your air and sea passenger rights by visiting www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help-consumers/travel-and-transport
Richard Williams, Head of Transport Policy emphasised the importance of making a travel checklist to save you time and money.
"Many people will be heading home for the holidays, planning activities with their families, or travelling to a different country for a break" he said.
"We would urge everyone who is travelling over the holiday, to plan ahead, prepare for their journey and know their travel rights."
Richard said that planning ahead can both help you make savings and take the stress out of travelling.
"When booking, consider flexible airfares and accommodation with a cancellation option," he said. This may be a little more expensive but could save you money if you are forced to cancel your trip for personal reasons.
"Do as much as you can before you get to the airport, such as pre-booking hold baggage, or checking your flight in online, as both of these services can incur a fee if you do it at the airport. It is also worth checking out the rules around hand luggage allowances and restrictions before you head off."
Trips can also be made easier by shopping around for your travel money to ensure you get the payment method that suits you and the best exchange rate. Before setting off also make sure that your travel insurance meets your needs and ensure you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). If travelling to EU countries, this will give access to health care at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
Top tips for Easter travel:
• Check public transport timetables – If you are planning to use public transport for any part of your journey, especially around public holidays. Translink will be carrying out essential engineering work on the railway line between Belfast and Lisburn, and between Belfast and Portadown, with a line closure planned from Saturday 30 March until Sunday 7 April 2024 inclusive. Check the Translink website www.translink.co.uk in advance of your journey.
• If travelling abroad make sure you have a valid passport. The length of time you need on your passport’s validity depends on the country you are visiting. Always check the requirements before booking your tickets. Remember that valid photo identification is necessary for travel on domestic flights. Check with your airline for acceptable forms e.g. passport or driving licence. If you have a passport, it is best to take it.
• Check airport parking charges before you travel and pre-book car parking – It can save you money.
• Be aware of the latest travel updates and be prepared for changes – Check with your airline/airport or ferry operator for the most up to date travel advice and information and leave plenty of time to allow for unforeseen delays such as traffic jams or queues going through airport security.
• Know your rights – Brush up on your consumer rights when it comes to delayed or cancelled flights or sailings. You may be entitled to a refund and compensation. Full details are available on the Consumer Council website below. Printed copies of Plane Facts or Plain Sailing guides are available to order, free of charge.
• Pre-book special assistance 48 hours in advance - If you have a disability or reduced mobility, ensure you get the assistance you need.
• If travelling to EU countries, check with your mobile phone provider if you will experience roaming charges. You can limit any roaming charges by turning off your mobile data roaming and using Wi-Fi where possible.
You can find out more information on your air and sea passenger rights by visiting www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help-consumers/travel-and-transport
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 October 2024
Executive Must Progress Childcare Strategy Development
The development of the Childcare Strategy must be progressed by the Department for Education and for it to build on the Executive’s interventions, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Childcare and Early Years Cathy Mason MLA has said.
Executive Must Progress Childcare Strategy Development
The development of the Childcare Strategy must be progressed by the Department for Education and for it to build on the Executive’s interventions, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Childcare and Early Years Cathy Mason MLA has said.
27 August 2024
New North West Transport Plan 2035 Proposed
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a public consultation on the draft proposals for the new North West Transport Plan 2035. The proposed Plan has been developed in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and others across the North West region.
New North West Transport Plan 2035 Proposed
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a public consultation on the draft proposals for the new North West Transport Plan 2035. The proposed Plan has been developed in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and others across the North West region.
20 August 2024
Executive Has No Plan To Solve Housing Crisis – SDLP
The Executive has been accused of having no plan to solve the current housing crisis. SDLP Opposition Housing Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan made the accusation after reports the social housing waiting list has soared to over 47,000 people. Mr McCrossan said the problem would only get worse in the years ahead.
Executive Has No Plan To Solve Housing Crisis – SDLP
The Executive has been accused of having no plan to solve the current housing crisis. SDLP Opposition Housing Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan made the accusation after reports the social housing waiting list has soared to over 47,000 people. Mr McCrossan said the problem would only get worse in the years ahead.
15 August 2024
Lord Mayor Of Belfast Welcomes £15m Of PEACEPLUS Funding
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has welcomed nearly £15 million in funding through the PEACEPLUS Programme, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body. The funding will focus on improving community relations in the city and support Belfast City Council’s Action Plan to foster a compassionate and inclusive Belfast.
Lord Mayor Of Belfast Welcomes £15m Of PEACEPLUS Funding
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has welcomed nearly £15 million in funding through the PEACEPLUS Programme, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body. The funding will focus on improving community relations in the city and support Belfast City Council’s Action Plan to foster a compassionate and inclusive Belfast.
09 July 2024
Lough Neagh Action Plan 'Not Sustainable' – SDLP
The NI Executive's continued failure to agree a Lough Neagh Action Plan "is not sustainable", SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has warned. He was speaking after the AERA Minister attended a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Monday.
Lough Neagh Action Plan 'Not Sustainable' – SDLP
The NI Executive's continued failure to agree a Lough Neagh Action Plan "is not sustainable", SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has warned. He was speaking after the AERA Minister attended a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Monday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be a dry day and rather cloudy with clouds thinning at times to give some bright or sunny interludes. Staying mild with light winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Another dry and mainly cloudy night. It will be a mild night in most places but a little colder where skies become clearer. Minimum temperature 6 °C.