Holidays: GET OFF TO A FLYING START

THE next four weeks are the busiest of the year for airports, so expect crowds and frayed tempers. Follow our six-point guide for a hassle-free journey...

IF you have a very early check-in, it might be worth staying at an airport hotel overnight. Some also offers deals on parking while you are away. Details:from www.holidayextras.co.uk

SAVE time at check-in by removing any sharp instruments from hand luggage - or they will be automatically confiscated. Also make sure you comply with the bag weight limit of 5kg.

CHECK out the play areas for children in the airport. It's a good place for them to let off steam before a flight.

IF there are delays, the food halls, cafeterias and bars are the first places to fill up. Avoid the hassle of queuing for drinks and sandwiches by bringing your own.

IF it seems there will be a long delay, it is usually worth staying in the main departure hall - it has more space than the gate lounges (with the exception of Stansted)..

IF you are a couple planning to collect a hire car, when you land one person should immediately go off to do the paperwork, while the other collects the luggage.

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