With temperatures in the UK set to reach a record-breaking 43°C this weekend, surpassing Spain’s estimated 31°C, Wizz Air advise on how to travel safely and comfortably in the heat.
Much of the UK is currently experiencing a rare amber heatwave. Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 33°C in the next week, with London and the Southeast even expected to reach a record-breaking 43°C this weekend, surpassing the average for Spain for this time of year which is 25°C.
As an estimated 61% of Brits plan to travel abroad this summer, Wizz Air advises how to travel safely and comfortably in the heat, to ensure you stay fit and well for your holiday.
Pack correctly
If you are checking a larger bag in, the last thing you want is for necessary toiletries to be already packed away. Even if you aren’t bringing a carry-on piece of luggage, you can bring on a smaller bag that can fit under the seat in front of you, which can hold a clear liquid bag, fill with numerous toiletries that are up to 100ml. Packing a small sun cream bottle and freshening up wipes are necessary to have at hand, as the sun cream will help protect your skin from UV rays, and the wipes will help keep you comfortable.
Dress appropriately
Dressing for going to the airport and boarding a plane is usually difficult, but it can be made even harder when travelling during a heatwave. Consider, firstly, what the weather will be like at your destination, as while it may be tempting to dress in your summer clothes appropriate for the weather in the UK, you may find yourself being too cold once you arrive. In addition, remember once you board the flight and it has taken off, the plane will be air-conditioned and might make you feel too cold.
If you do intend on wearing your summer clothes on the plane, then you should consider bringing extra layers along with you, even just for the plane ride itself, that can be easily put on and then taken off once you arrive – especially if you are visiting another warm country.
As a failsafe option, the best types of clothing to wear when travelling during hot weather are made of breathable and light fabrics, such as cotton and linen. You should also try and avoid darker colours that absorb heat from the sun and will make you feel even hotter.
Make time for delays
While trains and buses are extremely convenient and often are a cheaper alternative to driving, there can be delays and cancellations, especially when there is a heatwave. Due to this, it is advisable to allow enough time to warrant any potential delays in getting to the airport.
If you prefer to drive to the airport, then you should also leave enough time in case there are long queues, but you should be careful when driving in a heatwave. Ideally, you should check your car before travelling to ensure the air con is working efficiently to aid a comfortable journey. If you don’t have an air-con, then a good trick is to place a cool, damp towel over the air vent to help cool air circulate the car.
You should also leave enough time for arriving at the airport, to warrant any longer queues than usual. An airport is usually a busy place, but it is especially so during the summer months and school holidays, so it is advisable to get to the airport around three hours before your flight. Getting to the airport early during a heatwave is also a good idea as it will be a cooler and air-conditioned place to stay.
Opt for early morning or evening flights
Sometimes flight times can’t be specifically chosen, especially if the days you book are fixed, however, if you do have some flexibility then opt for flights that are either earlier or later in the day. These times will be cooler and more comfortable for you when travelling and, especially on flights during the early morning, the earlier the flight takes off the less likely there will be any delays further down the line.
Keep hydrated
This may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but you must ensure you not only keep hydrated but you do so properly. Water is, undoubtedly, the best option for keeping you hydrated and ideally, you should carry a bottle with you. However, fruit juice is also a good option as it helps provide nutrients for your body if it doesn’t have any added sugar.
You should, however, avoid hot drinks like tea and coffee and especially avoid alcohol when travelling in a heatwave. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to remove fluids from your blood much faster than other liquids, resulting in becoming dehydrated quickly. While a pre-flight drink may signify the start of a holiday for you, unfortunately, this is something you should avoid during a heatwave.
Notice sun-related illnesses
If you do experience any symptoms caused by extreme heat, such as dehydration, a high temperature or excessive sweating, then you must seek medical help. If you are on board your flight, then let a flight attendant know how you are feeling, and they will be able to assist you.
