Airline chaos and lost bags - it must be Heathrow

Having recently returned from a flying visit to the UK, I've seen the turmoil at Heathrow first hand. I was unfortunate enough to be returning to Dubai the day after the attempted car bombing at Glasgow airport in Scotland, so expected there to be some problems.

But, with fears running high, security has been tightened. So before setting off on a trip, it's worth checking the British Airports Authority website and clicking on the link for whichever airport you are using, as well as that of the airline you are flying with, to see what restrictions might be in place. And if you have a choice, look to avoid Heathrow, which is always busy, bustling and testing on the nerves. If you are going to Scotland, Glasgow airport says most restrictions have now been lifted, although some are still in place for private motor vehicles.

London Heathrow in particular has increased security measures at the moment. On your return to the Middle East, if you are being dropped off in a car at Heathrow, it's worth noting that there are some restrictions, and traffic has been heavy in the approach to the airport. Airport authorities are advising where possible to use public transport.

So, however long your car journey should be, build in some extra time to mop up any delays. If you can check in online, do so. It will usually allow you to arrive at the airport just an hour before the flight, instead of two. Right now though, it's worth aiming to be at the airport two hours ahead of the flight, because at least that way you've built in some breathing space should there be any travel delays.

On my return journey, just moments after dropping off my luggage at the online check-in, a security alert meant the whole of Terminal 3 was cleared. I finally got back into the Terminal and through to my flight gate some 15 minutes after the plane was due to leave. Obviously it was held up because of the alert, but it took four days for one of my bags to arrive - complete with contents that were by then a little battered and damaged. And on my arrival in Dubai, I was far from alone in reporting missing luggage.

I flew with Virgin, which is a comfortable airline, but found check-in staff were extremely strict and officious over luggage weight and the size of bags to be carried onto the plane. So watch both, because you may find yourself either being told to check in a bag that you wanted to take on the plane, or having to pay extra. I was told I would have to pay £19.99 per kilogram of overweight luggage (and I was only just over the limit). In the past I have found Emirates airline to be far less fussy about bags that just tip the scales.

I still find flying to the UK far easier than flying to the US - where I always find customs officials treat you with suspicion - and hope that won't change. But understandably, tensions are running high and rather than letting the anger rise, it's easier just to let the delays, queues and security checks wash over you - because kicking up a fuss will delay you further, not speed things up.