In the North, we may not be blessed with half a dozen airports within an hour’s drive like those in London, but we do have a generous selection of regional airports. Most of us have probably only flown from international airports like Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Liverpool. While they’re ideal for jetting off on family holidays or international business trips, regional airports often get overlooked for short trips across the UK.
Think about the summer holidays, for example. Travelling from Leeds to the Lake District could take three or four hours with the endless delays and traffic caused by so many holidaymakers, especially during a hot weekend. Flying private from Leeds Bradford to Carlisle would take you less than an hour, and bumper-to-bumper traffic doesn’t exist at 30,000 ft. Flying is a realistic option for short, regional trips, so let’s look at a few tips to save even more time when flying from nearby airports.
1. Book Your Charter Early for the Best Time Slot
With more travellers opting for private jets as their preferred method of regional travel, it’s never been more necessary to book your slot early to avoid disappointment. The first weekend of a summer holiday, the week before Christmas, and Easter weekend are popular slots, so if you’d like to fly at the time that suits you. You know exactly where you’ll be during the holiday period, so call your preferred Air Charter Company to secure a stress-free start to your dream UK getaway.
2. Choose the Right Regional Airport
North England boasts a variety of regional airports, including Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Newcastle, Liverpool John Lennon, and smaller ones like Doncaster Sheffield and Durham Tees Valley. You must check which airports are closest to you and what flight times they offer. This is especially important if you’re flying commercially within the UK. Perhaps, for example, Leeds Bradford is your closest airport, but they only have one flight to London in the late afternoon. On the other hand, Manchester might be further away, but they could have five or six flights to London before then, making it more sensible to drive the extra miles to arrive at your destination earlier.
Each regional airport specialises in a particular area. Manchester is great for international flights, whereas Newcastle specialises in cross-border flights to Scotland. Then you have Liverpool, with its extensive network of budget European flights and regular low-cost flights to Dublin.
Check flight schedules early to find the airport closest to your home or destination, and avoid unnecessary road or rail transfers. Choosing an airport that suits your location and itinerary can save hours of transit time.
3. Book Parking in Advance
This might seem tedious, but it’s critical when saving time is a priority. Driving to the airport can be the most practical option, especially when travelling from rural areas. However, airport parking costs can quickly accumulate, and last-minute airport parking is often miles away from the terminal. Avoid the dreaded walk from the car park and pre-book your parking. Doing this will give you a priority spot at a lower cost — it’s a no-brainer when you’re planning a hassle-free journey.
Most regional airports offer a range of parking options, from short-stay lots close to terminals to off-site parking with shuttle services. Opt for meet-and-greet services, where you can drop off your car directly at the terminal and have it ready upon your return. This tip could be an article of its own, with lots of shortcuts and workarounds to save time and money.
4. Check In Online and Use Mobile Boarding Passes
This one’s specifically for those travelling commercially. If you are a regular flyer, you must take advantage of online check-ins and mobile boarding passes. This is probably the most obvious tip on the list, but travellers without their mobile boarding passes and unchecked luggage tend to make a long queue longer. Download your mobile boarding pass to cut down on paper, and reduce one more thing to remember.
Most airlines allow online check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure, enabling you to download your boarding passes in advance. Many airports, including Manchester and Newcastle, support e-gates, where you can scan your pass and proceed straight to security. To avoid delays, all you have to remember is to keep your smartphone charged and your airline’s app installed.
5. Use Airport Lounges
An airport lounge can transform your wait into a more productive and relaxing experience. Instead of getting to the airport three hours early and nodding off to dreary podcasts on hard benches, you could add the finishing touches to a work presentation, catch up on a series on a comfortable sofa, or tuck into a delicious cooked meal instead of fast food.
Many regional airports in North England offer pay-as-you-go lounges that cater to travellers seeking a quieter environment. At Manchester, you can access two private lounges, which provide a serene atmosphere, complimentary food and drink, and ultra-fast Wi-Fi. The 1432 Runway Club is particularly popular among business travellers at Leeds Bradford Airport, offering dedicated workspaces and refreshments. Similarly, Newcastle Airport’s Aspire Lounge provides a comfortable, relaxing space before your journey begins.
Ready for Take-Off?
With some planning, flying can be as stress-free as booking a taxi or catching a train. Choose the correct airport, book parking and lounges, and don’t forget to check in online. Before you know it, you’ll board the plane without a care. Whether flying for work or a holiday, these tips help you avoid unnecessary delays and focus on the adventure ahead. A little preparation goes a long way, turning a potentially hectic day into a hassle-free start to your trip.
