Festive travel disruption guide: UK flights from now to New Year
Flying from the UK over Christmas or New Year? The biggest known pressure point is strike action affecting easyJet operations at London Luton across two peak travel windows. Elsewhere, disruption is more likely to be weather-related or localised. Here's what we know, and how to protect your plans.
First things first – travelling at Christmas is stressful at the best of times. When industrial action or winter weather is added into the mix, uncertainty can creep in fast. This guide covers the main known risks between now and New Year, plus the smartest ways to stay flexible.
What to do now
- Check your flight status directly with your airline before travelling and enable app notifications.
- Arrive at the airport at the usual recommended time unless your airline tells you otherwise – arriving much earlier can make queues worse.
- Pack to reduce stress: if possible, travel with hand luggage only. Always keep medication, chargers, and essentials with you.
- Build slack into onward plans such as parking exit times, rail tickets, or hotel check-ins.
Known UK air travel disruption: now to New Year
London Luton (LTN): easyJet strike action
Strike action affecting check-in and baggage handling for easyJet flights at London Luton is scheduled across two key festive periods: Friday 19 December to Monday 22 December, and again from Friday 26 December to Monday 29 December. Around 420 flights are expected to be impacted, with delays and cancellations most likely during peak departure waves.
- Expect longer queues at check-in and bag-drop.
- Late or delayed baggage is possible even if flights operate.
- Carry-on-only travel will significantly reduce risk.
Other UK airports
No other large-scale strike action affecting UK departures has been confirmed for the rest of December. Smaller, localised disputes may occur but are expected to have minimal impact. However, disruption at one airport can still affect aircraft and crew rotations elsewhere.
Weather-related disruption
Fog, strong winds, snow, and ice regularly cause delays in late December. These tend to affect early morning departures first and can trigger knock-on disruption throughout the day. Always check weather warnings for both your departure airport and destination.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to care, rerouting, or a refund under UK261/EU261 passenger rights.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled
- Contact your airline first – they are responsible for rerouting, refunds, and care.
- Keep receipts for food, transport, or accommodation if advised by your airline.
- Separate tickets: if you booked legs independently, missed connections are not protected.
Changing plans with Holiday Extras
If your travel plans change, you can amend or cancel your Holiday Extras booking online. Customers with Flextras can usually cancel for a voucher and rebook once new travel details are confirmed.
- Use our online amends system to change or cancel bookings.
- For travel insurance queries, email [email protected].
Customers already abroad
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