BBC Breakfast viewers were left with the same complaint as travel expert Simon Calder appeared during Sunday’s August 2nd show. Appearing at a seemingly empty Gatwick airport at the entrance to the South Terminal, Calder issued a warning about the exit and entry procedures that have been put in place for non-EU fliers.
It comes as UK airports hit their busiest period, with families going abroad to make the most of their summer holidays. Telegraph expert Calder warned that holidaymakers are still facing huge queues at airports due to the new identification process at many airports.
Responding to Calder, host Roger Johnson also pointed out that while they can arrive at the airport earlier to ensure they make it through security, most airlines allow bags to be dropped off only two hours before departure.
Calder agreed with Johnson, adding that airlines were encouraging passengers to not arrive drastically early as it could slow down the process later down the line.
He said: “If you know you’ve got to drop off bags, please don’t arrive four hours early,” as he said two to three hours was adequate, adding: “I used to arrive for a flight an hour and ten minutes before my flight. But you just can’t tell now.”
Watching the report, viewers rushed to social media to ask why Calder needed to do the interview outside an airport.
One said: “Does the ubiquitous Simon Calder have a home or does he live in airports like the Tom Hanks character in The Terminal?”
Another asked: “Why don’t calder stay at home instead of loitering around airports all the time?! His wife must’ve forgotten what he looks like?”
A third moaned: “Just filling time with this cr*p.”
But one fan said: “Oooh, behind the scenes at the airport, great for an aviation nerd like me.”
A fifth worried: “This sounds horrendous. I’m seriously considering not paying the remainder of my trip to Valencia and just staying here.”
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC1.