Seems the airport sector will need time to prepare for the onslaught of tourism as people (Heathrow has already said to Bloomberg they are looking at travel chaos until 2023). That's a serious whack. But Heathrow isn't alone in coping with return to travel; many other airports are struggling to get back on track.
Before anyone says they've had two years to plan for the return, many staff lost their jobs as travel fizzled out. Someone pointed out to me that some of these jobs require a year of training and the staff that did them have gone off and found other jobs. Then we have strikes at other airports causing more disruption.
This means delays and a hellacious baggage situation where thousands of bags take far longer than usual to retrieve. Or get stacked up waiting for their rightful owner.
For the first time I'm using a luggage tag (Apple, approx. US$29. Pack of five, approx. US$101) linked by Bluetooth to the iPhone. In theory, I'm hoping if there is a luggage calamity, I can locate my suitcase with minimal hassle.
It's quite a neat device and the size of a pebble. Once the tab is pulled, the battery is meant to last a year. The connection to the iPhone is simple; make sure Bluetooth is on, hold close to the Air Tag and seconds later, pairing is complete.
I also paid US$1.50 for a AirTag strap in case the 'pebble' slips out or get lost. The pebble slots inside and the rings clip into place, thread the string through. Or threat the string through something attached inside the case then through the AirTag holder.
I'm looking forward to seeing if this works or not. There are so many luggage trackers out there and I've never felt the need until now. Let's see if the pebble sinks or floats!