travel flights: information and tips

UK Flight Services

Although the government does regulate airline travel, flight services in the UK are managed by a number of airport operators, tour companies, and airlines.

The main UK airports are owned and operated by the British Airport Authority (BAA). These include:

London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London Stansted
Aberdeen
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Southampton

Customs and Immigration

Persons and goods entering the UK from a foreign country must go through customs. Goods that are imported to or exported from the UK are the responsibility of HM Revenue and Customs. Passport control and asylum issues are handled by HM Immigration.

Regulating Airlines and Flights

While you travel safely up in the clouds there are scores of people working hard behind the scenes to make sure that your flight experience is without incidence.

Here are the organisations that you have to thank for safe arrival at your holiday destination:

National Air Traffic Services (NATS): This organisation is responsible for air traffic control in British Airspace.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): As the UK’s aviation regulator, this organisation controls all flight paths and aircraft routes at UK airports. The CAA’s responsibilities also include regulating airlines, airports, and the NATS.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA): This organisation is the governing body responsible for regulating international air transport.

New Airport Security Regulation

If you are planning to depart from a UK airport on your next holiday, you will need to know about
new hand luggage restrictions. These restrictions, which have been issued by the Department for Transport, limit the items that can be brought through security and onto the plane. View these restrictions.

Your Passenger Rights

Do you know your rights? Next time you head for a wonderful holiday destination, keep these notes in mind:

The right to a refund. Ticket costs are protected if a tour operator goes out of business and your holiday is protected by Air Travel Organiser’s Licensing. This means that if your tour operator goes out of business before your trip, the ATOL will refund the value of your ticket or arrange for an alternative flight.
The right to compensation for overbooking. Although legislation is not yet firm, airline passengers are likely to experience fewer delays due to overbooked flights. Read More.
The right to complain. Have you had difficulty with an airline? The Air Transport Users Council (AUC) may be able to help. This organisation works with passengers and airlines to ensure that all flights have happy endings.