75% say airport checks ineffective

STRICT airport security rules have been dismissed as “unnecessary and ineffective” by British holidaymakers – who added that it was the “worst thing about going on holiday”.

One in five said that they got stressed waiting in airport security queues and more than one in four said they got downright annoyed at the time they had to wait.

Almost a quarter of Brits questioned in the survey believed taking off shoes, belts and jewellery was an unnecessary hassle and, with new checks demanding that passengers have to prove their electronic devices are fully charged, nearly half (42%) said the security process could be “better organised”.

While 75% dismissed airport security as ineffective just one in five had confidence in the process.

Anthony Clarke-Cowell, of Holiday Extras who commissioned the research, said “Security queues are a necessary evil of airline travel, but there are things that we can all do to make the process less tiresome.

“We recommend travellers familiarise themselves with the regulations completely, prepare their electrical items and liquid bags in advance and consider a Security Fast Track pass to speed them through with a dedicated lane.”

Meanwhile, a survey has found out what security officers are likely to find in UK travellers’ luggage – with teabags leading the way.

More than one in five (22%) always makes space for their favourite brew and Yorkshire Tea is the most popular brand mentioned in the Post Office survey at 30%, with Tetley on 18%.

Coffee was next on the list at just 6% but more than half of travellers said they made space for favourite food or drinks – with the list including chocolate, biscuits, Marmite and crisps.

However, others carried a full breakfast, with bacon, sausage, black pudding, beans and brown sauce on the list and one Edinburgh man admitted carrying tinned haggis every time he leaves the country.