London Airports

Many travellers may not be aware of the risks they are taking while connecting to free airport Wi-Fi networks, experts have warned.

With the summer getaway season at its peak, countless holidaymakers are descending on airports and relying on the complimentary Wi-Fi offered in public areas. Yet many are unwittingly exposing themselves to severe danger before they’ve even stepped foot on their aircraft.

Whilst complimentary airport Wi-Fi may appear to be a handy method of killing time, specialists are cautioning it could leave users vulnerable to some of the most perilous cyber risks.

Many users link up to public networks without hesitation to browse emails, access banking apps, or secure eleventh-hour accommodation.

But according to the experts, that swift connection could pave the way for highly sensitive data to be pilfered, reports the Express.

Geoff Pestell, CEO at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, revealed: “One of the greatest risks of joining public Wi-Fi networks is the potential for identity theft.”

He emphasised that linking to unsecured airport networks can enable cybercriminals to harvest a vast array of personal details, from your whereabouts and journey records to financial data, including banking and credit card particulars, and even fundamental yet sensitive information like your name, contact details, and marital status.

And this isn’t the sole worry, as public Wi-Fi hotspots, frequently unencrypted, leave your internet activity entirely vulnerable.

“Many users are unaware that public Wi-Fi networks often do not encrypt the data you transmit,” Geoff observed.

This means that strangers on the same network can spy on your internet use, potentially capturing everything from your login details to private emails.

There’s also the risk of malware and phishing. Cybercriminals can push harmful software onto devices through fake download links or trick travellers into filling out fraudulent forms disguised as legitimate portals.

“If you use public Wi-Fi networks, hackers may also be able to infect your computer, mobile phone, or other connected devices with malicious software,” warned Geoff.

Experts warn that, with airlines routinely overbooking flights on purpose, a simple check-in mistake could see the start to your holiday getting delayed

UK airports are gearing up for a record summer travel boom, with millions of us planning to fly to exotic destinations. But with budgets getting ever tighter, airlines are even more likely to deliberately overbook flights to eliminate any risk of wastage due to passengers failing to show up for their booked flights.

But with that deliberate overbooking comes the risk of being turned away at check-in.

How can travellers work out if they’re at risk of missing out on their flight? Experts from leading luxury airport transfer provider SCS Chauffeurs explain that there’s a unique code on every boarding pass.

According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, more than six million passengers were denied boarding globally in the last year, with many unaware that early check-in could have guaranteed their flight.

Hadleigh Diamond, luxury airport chauffeur provider at SCS Chauffeurs, explains: “SEQ stands for Sequence Number, and it tells airlines the order in which you checked in for your flight.

“A SEQ of 001 means you were the first to check in; 152 means you were the 152nd. While it doesn’t affect your seat assignment or boarding group, it’s crucial during overbooked flights, especially on budget airlines.

“When flights are oversold, which is increasingly common during peak periods – airlines have to choose who gets involuntarily denied boarding.”

One of the main factors used is the check in order. If you were one of the last to check in, you’re more likely to be at the bottom of the priority list.

“When we arrange transfers, we often remind passengers to ensure they’ve checked in early, whenever possible, to avoid a potential flight issue.” Hadleigh adds: “Airlines tend to overbook flights as not all passengers turn up on the day.”

When a flight is so overbooked that passengers are denied boarding or offloaded, the airline will usually ask for volunteers. But if no-one comes forward, each airline will deny boarding to passengers in line with its own policies: “For many airlines, this involves using the SEQ number as a fair tie-breaker.

“You might be more likely to be denied boarding if you’re travelling alone or without luggage, have paid the lowest fare or were the last to check-in.”

Don’t assume a booked seat means that you have a guaranteed flight. Overbooking affects all classes, including economy with assigned seating. Look for SEQ on your boarding pass – It’s usually printed under or near the barcode. A low number is better.

There are two key tips for avoiding disappointment.

First of all, the experts say, try to check in as early as possible. Most airlines allow online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. Set a reminder and check in online it the moment it opens.

Secondly, if you’re flying with friends or family, make sure everyone checks in together to avoid getting split up by the SEQ system. In worst-case scenarios, some members may board while others are denied.

New technology could speed things up at the security line

If you’ve travelled on a plane since 2006, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the rules around hand luggage. Not only are there strict limits on liquids, but travellers passing through security need to remove any liquids and electricals from their bag to be scanned separately.

This can be inconvenient for holidaymakers and can hold up the queues at security. However, new technology being put in place means that many airports are now changing the rules around hand luggage, meaning passengers will no longer need to reshuffle their bags before they head through security.

As of Monday, passengers jetting off from Gatwick Airport will no longer need to place their liquids in a separate bag when they go through security. Electrical items such as laptops and phones can also stay in their hand luggage as it passes through the scanner.

Improved X-ray technology at the airport means a 3D scan can be taken of the bags, with staff able to rotate and tilt the image. This means they can take a closer look at its contents without having to unpack them.

In a statement, Cyrus Dana, Head of Security at London Gatwick, said the move could make passing through security faster. They said: “More than 95% of passengers already pass through security at London Gatwick in under five minutes. This is a positive change, with the scanners allowing our passengers to travel through the airport with more ease.”

However, it’s worth remembering that there are still restrictions on the size of liquid containers you can take in hand luggage. These must be under 100ml in volume. Also, not many overseas destinations have the new technology in place, so you’ll likely need to still use a clear plastic bag when returning to Gatwick.

Gatwick Airport is the latest in a line of UK airports to use the technology. Bristol Airport put in similar scanners last year, meaning travellers no longer have to remove liquids, with Edinburgh Airport soon following suit.

Although there was a temporary U-turn, it appears many airports have now successfully implemented the change. You should check your departure airport’s official website before you travel to find out the latest guidelines.

Passengers are also being reminded there are still a number of items that can’t be carried in their hand luggage. This includes liquids over 100ml in volume, sharp items such as scissors, tools including penknives, and hiking poles.

Those jetting overseas should also check their passport validity. The amount of time you’ll need left on your passport varies by destination.

For example, those heading to Europe and Schengen countries will need a passport that’s valid for at least three months after their planned return date. Your passport also needs to have been issued within the last ten years.

Full list of airports with new liquid rules

• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Edinburgh
• Gatwick
• Leeds Bradford
• Liverpool
• Luton
• Newcastle
• Southend
• Teesside