Christmas: Experts urge early bookings, online check-in to combat airport chaos
As the peak Christmas travel season approaches, aviation industry experts have advised travellers to book flights early to help to mitigate ticket racketeering, airport congestion and flight disruptions.
The experts gave the advice in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
The advisory becomes necessary as airlines across Nigeria often grapple with influx of passengers during and after festive seasons.
Mr Basil Agboarumi, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Aviation Hub, said that passengers should take direct control of their itineraries to avoid flight overbooking by middlemen.
He also advised travellers to book flights early and arrive at the airport early to avoid stress.
“Travellers are advised to secure tickets months in advance.
“Early booking not only guarantees a seat during high-demand periods but also secures significantly lower fares, ” he said.
According to him, to eliminate racketeering and fake tickets, passengers should purchase exclusively through official airline websites, certified offices, or accredited travel agencies.
He said that the use of online check-in had become available 24 hours to 72 hours before flight departure, adding that e-boarding passes were considered essential to minimise time spent in physical queues.
Agboarumi urged travellers to keep all booking receipts and other documents intact and be familiar with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s Passenger Bill of Rights in the event of a disruption.
Mr Fortune Idu, the Chairman, NIGAV Conventional Center, decried the attitude of some travellers waiting until the last minute before booking a flight.
According to Idu, increase in airfares during festive seasons can be managed but since the market is deregulated, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) cannot set ticket prices.
He said: “I hear the NCAA is doing something about it.
He advised travellers to take advantage of early bird offers.
“Prices of tickets are actually demand-driven but planning helps,” Idu said.
Meanwhile, in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) advisory, Mr Henry Agbebire, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, advised passengers to arrive early and report any misconduct.
He also advised travellers to stay calm and ask questions from strategic teams deployed at various airports.
“As we approach the peak of the Christmas travel season, passengers are strongly advised to plan ahead, secure tickets early, and arrive at the airport well ahead of departure time.
“Passenger volume and security checks are significantly higher during this period. For international flights, arrive at least three hours before departure time, and for domestic flights, two hours.
“Factor in possible traffic delays due to ongoing construction works at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, especially during peak hours, to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience,” Agbebire said.
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