Airport stress 'puts parents off travelling'

Ferry travel could provide a welcome alternative to parents who, according to a new survey, are being put off travelling abroad by the stress associated with airports.

Car hire firm Holiday Autos revealed that the hassle of getting to a foreign destination is enough to discourage just over two million adults from taking an overseas holiday with their children.

Nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) of the people surveyed by the company said lengthy queues are their biggest irritation when travelling.

A third (33 per cent) said they are put off by the idea of waiting at an airport baggage carousel to pick up their belongings, an inconvenience that can be avoided by travelling by ferry.

Other complaints related to air travel include being hit by additional charges for luggage - cited by 26 per cent of respondents - and the lack of space to change nappies onboard a plane (18 per cent).

People planning to visit Europe this year can choose from a number of sea travel options, including LD Lines' ferries from Portsmouth to Le Havre and the Dover to Calais ferry route, which is served by P&O Ferries and Seafrance.

Stena Line will be improving its Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry route later this year with the introduction of a new 'superferry'.

Posted by Andrew Smith