Why your luggage gets delayed after a flight during the hotter weather
AIRPORT bosses have explained why your luggage gets delayed more often during hotter weather.
Officials revealed that “safety protocols” can mean it takes longer to unload your bags when the mercury tops 30C.
While the last week has seen some rain and mild temperatures in the UK, Canada is in the midst of its summer heatwave.
Highs of around 38C are predicted in the coming days, prompting operators at Toronto Pearson Airport to explain how the heat affects their services.
And with temperatures climbing back to 24C this weekend, we could soon see summer sunshine returning to the UK.
Holidaymakers should bear in mind that longer waiting times might be factored in to protect airline staff.
The airport explained that luggage may be delayed and it could take longer for flights to reach their assigned gates.
Posting on X, a spokesperson wrote: “We’re expecting it to be a sizzling day as Environment Canada’s heat warning says daytime highs are expected to reach 35C to 38C.
“In this heat, our safety focus is to provide adequate breaks to allow outdoor workers to stay cool.
“This means your plane could take longer than expected to reach the gate, or your luggage processing could be delayed.”
However, not everyone was satisfied with the disruption.
One Canadian social media user wrote: “I recall growing up it would regularly hit around 30C in the summer and -30C in the winter with little to no disruption to our services.
“Now every time there’s some “extreme weather” something gets delayed or doesn’t run right.”
Major disruption
It comes as thousands of passengers were hit by cancellations at two of the UK’s top airports.
British Airways and EasyJet grounded a number of flights at both Gatwick and Heathrow amid Air Traffic Control issues and poor weather.
Routes affected included international trips to Spain, Italy and Hungary in addition to domestic journeys.
A BA spokesperson told Sun Travel: “Due to air traffic control restrictions and adverse weather, like other airlines we’ve had to make a small number of alterations to our schedule.
“We know this will be frustrating for our customers and our teams are working hard to get them onto alternative flights as soon as possible, with the vast majority already booked onto services that will fly later today.”
An EasyJet statement added: “EasyJet operated around 1800 flights yesterday and is operating a similar number today however some flights yesterday evening and three flights from London Gatwick this morning have unfortunately been disrupted due to the knock-on impact of adverse weather yesterday and air traffic control delays.
“While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused and are providing impacted customers with hotel accommodation and meals as well as a refund or a transfer to an alternative flight.”