Most UK airports are forecasting an increase in passenger numbers this Christmas as more people fly off on winter sun and skiing holidays.

London Luton airport expects an 8.5% increase in passengers flying from the airport compared to last Christmas. It says that more than 460,000 people will use the airport over the festive period.

The most popular destinations this Christmas for travellers from Luton airport are Geneva, Glasgow, Dublin, Warsaw and Budapest. The airport reports that passengers are "seeking the delights of the snowy Alps to ski or snowboard, or taking time out to visit friends and relatives".

Travellers flying from Luton are reminded that there are no train or bus services to or from the airport on 25 December. Passengers travelling by car can tune in to Traffic Radio on 87.7FM on the M1 between junctions 11 and 13 from 21 December until 18 January to check on the latest traffic reports.

"Passengers wishing to travel with Christmas crackers should consult their airline before arriving at the airport and are reminded not to travel with wrapped presents in hand luggage," advises the airport.

Exeter airport is also predicting an increase in people flying away this Christmas. It expects passenger numbers to be up by more than 5% compared to last Christmas. Most popular destinations from Exeter are reported to be Cyprus, Madeira and Tenerife as people look to escape the freezing UK for a winter sun holiday.

Exeter airport says that festive flights to Lapland to see Santa have also proved popular this year, as have flights to Prague for the Christmas markets.

Tip: Use Frixo to check your route. Frixo provides users with live traffic information updated every 3 minutes using various road sensors.