"More than two million Britons will head overseas this weekend as the summer holiday getaway gathers pace.
Spain is the number one destination for those hitting continental hotspots, according to travel organisation Abta.
Bookings to Greece and Turkey have also been going well, while for those travelling further afield Dubai, Mexico and Florida are among the most popular destinations.
The recent hot weather has also boosted the numbers taking last-minute trips in the UK, while short-haul favourites include Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome and Paris.
In south-east England, around 450,000 passengers will be departing from Heathrow this weekend, 295,000 from Gatwick, 140,000 from Stansted and 79,000 from Luton.
More than 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports with 50,000 from Glasgow alone, while 162,000 are due to depart from Manchester, 70,000 from Birmingham, 45,000 from Bristol and 37,000 from East Midlands airport.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "This weekend sees the start of the main holiday exodus.
"While a favourable exchange rate in many destinations will increase the appeal of overseas holidays, we also expect the warm summer weather we've recently experienced to make the UK popular for late bookers."
Transport information company Inrix said the first major jams of the school holiday period will be on Friday, with the five Saturdays that follow that the most congested days.
Inrix said hour-long journeys on Friday could take up to 90 minutes."
Fonte: Daily Mirror
