Families warned to leave extra time for Gatwick and Heathrow trips this May half-term

United Minibuses and Coaches says passengers should avoid relying on normal journey times, particularly if travelling with children, luggage or early-morning flight times.

Zubair Rasool, senior director at United Minibuses and Coaches, said: “For most people, the stressful part of the holiday is not the flight; it is getting everyone and the luggage to the airport on time.

“May half-term is already one of the busiest times of the year for airport travel, and this year there are a few extra things passengers need to think about.

“The biggest mistake families can make is assuming the journey will take the same amount of time as it normally would.

“With bank holiday traffic and public transport changes, it is much safer to build in extra time from the very start of the journey.”

Practical advice for families

“The safest thing families can do this May half term is plan their transport properly, leave early and keep checking updates.

“Whether you are travelling by train, coach or car, do not leave it to chance.”

United Minibuses and Coaches says families should take a few simple steps before setting off:

• Book airport transport early – Minibuses, coaches and taxis are likely to be in higher demand during half term, particularly for early morning and late evening flights
• Leave earlier than usual – Do not aim to arrive at the airport at the last possible recommended time. Build in a buffer for traffic, roadworks, toilet stops, luggage delays and terminal drop-off queues
• Check your route twice – Look the night before travel and again before leaving. Public transport, roadworks and live traffic can change quickly over a bank holiday weekend
• Avoid the Piccadilly line for Heathrow if possible – Anyone relying on the Tube should check TfL updates before travelling and have a backup route
• Check Gatwick rail routes carefully – Passengers using Thameslink, Southern or Gatwick Express should confirm the exact service they plan to use, especially if travelling through London or from East Grinstead, Oxted or Uckfield
• Tell your transport provider your flight details – If using a coach, minibus or taxi, give the driver or operator the flight number, terminal, passenger numbers, luggage details and any child seat requirements
• Confirm your pick-up point – Families using third-party transport should make sure everyone knows the exact collection location, especially at larger homes, hotels, schools, group meeting points or airport terminals

Potential disruption affecting Gatwick journeys

• Gatwick Express will run an amended service on Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25
• Southern will operate amended timetables over the spring bank holiday due to essential engineering work. Trains running through certain areas will have amended schedules and extended journey times, while some lines will be replaced by buses
• From Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, no Thameslink trains will run through central London between London St Pancras International and London Bridge. Thameslink services between London Bridge and Brighton or Horsham via Gatwick will also be amended

Roadworks to note

• Drivers heading towards Gatwick from south London should be aware of the ongoing A23 Streatham Hill works
• TfL says there are lane restrictions in both directions on the A23 between Brixton Hill and Streatham Hill, and that journeys on the A23 Streatham Hill and surrounding roads will take longer during the works
• TfL advises longer, non-stopping journeys to use the A24 or A3 instead, where possible