Travel Advice For People Planning Easter Trips

The Consumer Council has issued advice to those planning a trip over the Easter break.

Richard Williams, Head of Transport Policy at The Consumer Council provides advice to consumers, highlighting the importance of understanding recent travel developments when planning your journey.

Williams said: "Many people will be heading home for the holidays or travelling to a different country for a break at Easter.

"You can find the Consumer Council's top tips for Easter travel on our website. Following these tips will help reduce the stress of your journey. We would encourage everyone travelling to know their travel rights, plan ahead, and, if going abroad, remember to bring a valid passport!"

Recent developments local travellers should be aware of are:

• A planned strike by Belfast passport office workers between 7 April and 5 May. This could cause a delay in processing passport applications.

• Closure of the Great Victoria Street Belfast to Portadown Railway line on 8 and 9 and 22 and 23 April for planned maintenance work by Translink. A bus substitution service will be in operation.

• Belfast City Airport are beginning to charge £3 for cars using the quick drop off zone. However, ten minutes free parking is still available in its Long Stay car park.

Our top tips for Easter travel:

• Check your passport – If you need to apply for a new passport to travel, check with the passport issuer how long in advance of your travel date you should apply. Always apply well in advance as a delay in issuing passports could mean you will be unable to travel. 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.

• Check airport parking charges before you travel and pre-book car parking – It can save you money.

• Be flexible when you book – Consider flexible airfares and accommodation with a cancellation option. They may be a little more expensive but could save you money if you are forced to cancel your trip for personal reasons.

• Check 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 and copies of our Plane Facts or Plain Sailing guides are available for download or order.

• Know hand luggage allowances and restrictions – These vary between airlines and are often strictly enforced.

• Plan ahead to avoid last minute charges – 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.

• Get a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) –- If travelling to EU countries, a GHIC card will give access to health care at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

• Pre-book special assistance 48 hours in advance - If you have a disability or reduced mobility, ensure you get the assistance you need.

• Shop around for your travel money – To ensure you get the payment method that suits you and the best exchange rate.

• Ensure your travel insurance meets your needs - Pay attention that it fully covers you if flying or sailing from the Republic of Ireland.

• Check public transport timetables – If you are planning to use public transport for any part of your journey, especially around public holidays.