SOUTHAMPTON International Airport is gearing up for a busy festive period with almost 16,000 passengers expected to go through the terminal over Christmas and the New Year.
Airport spokeswoman Anneli Boggust said the most popular getaway destinations were the Channel Islands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paris and Amsterdam with Tenerife a favourite for those heading for the sun.
Meanwhile, airlines are introducing extra services to accommodate travellers over the busy holiday period.
British Airways put on additional flights to Jersey last Saturday and Sunday while Aurigny Air Services is offering an extra 32 flights to and from Alderney throughout the Christmas and New Year period from Southampton Airport.
The airport will be closed on Christmas Day and operating hours will be slightly reduced on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day before full operational hours resume on January 2.
The airport spokeswoman said that to ensure journeys were as smooth as possible, passengers flying over Christmas and the New Year should follow these basic guidelines:
Do not pack any sharp items in hand luggage.
Leave Christmas presents unwrapped for security purposes.
Only bring one item of hand luggage.
Check in on time (check timings with your relevant airline).
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