Air travel

If you’re planning a late summer getaway, make sure you take steps to protect your luggage.

Summer is drawing to a close, and lots of people are on the hunt for some last of the season sunshine. However, if you’re one of them, there is one holiday location that experts are warning tourists to be careful of over the next month.

If you have a holiday planned to Madrid in Spain, or are travelling through the airport to get to another location, you should be prepared for a hold up with your checked bags.

Maintenance workers who are responsible for Madrid-Barajas Airport’s baggage handling system are undertaking strike action throughout the rest of August and into September.

The dispute involves workers maintaining the SATE system, which helps transport and sort checked baggage through the airport.

On August 23rd, 28th and 30th, a minimum service level of 50% has been ordered, so luggage won’t stop being processed entirely, however, if you have planned travel on those days, it would be wise to expect delays.

The strikes are expected to continue every Thursday, Friday and Sunday until at least the end of September.

Andrea Platania, travel expert at Transfeero, says passengers should not assume that clearing check-in and boarding successfully confirms their suitcase has reached the aircraft.

He said: “This is a baggage-system maintenance strike, so the disruption may be less visible than a walkout involving check-in or security staff.

“A passenger could receive a boarding pass, clear security and watch their flight leave on time while their suitcase remains behind. The first sign of a problem may come after landing, when the baggage carousel stops and their bag has not appeared.”

As a good rule of thumb, anything you cannot afford to lose should go in your cabin bag, and board the plane with you. This includes medications, travel documents, house keys and basic necessities.

Andrea said: “Pack your hand luggage as though your checked bag could arrive one day later than you.

“This does not mean trying to carry your entire suitcase into the cabin. It means protecting the small number of items that would create an immediate problem if they disappeared. Medication, keys and documents are far harder to replace than ordinary clothing.”

It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that if your cabin bag is too large, it can be placed in with the checked luggage at the gate.

If this happens, take a few minutes to remove all your essentials from the bag and carry them on to the plane with you to ensure they are not lost if your bag is delayed or missing when you land.

EasyJet announced this week that it will axe all its flights from Leeds Bradford Airport early next year – routes cut include Paris, Barcelona and Malaga

Ryanair is offering bargain rescue flights after a rival axed flights at a busy UK airport.

EasyJet announced this week that it will axe all its flights from Leeds Bradford Airport early next year. The last easyJet flight from the hub will be on from January 5, 2027. Routes cut include Paris, Barcelona and Malaga.

Ryanair has launched “rescue fares” for £29.99 following easyJet’s flight cancellations at the airport.

From Friday, August 21, Ryanair flights between Leeds Bradford and Malaga in Spain, will be £29.99.

Ryanair currently operates 10 weekly flights between Leeds and the Spanish tourist spot.

Travellers can book the rescue fares until the end of February 2027.

“While easyJet abandons Leeds Bradford, cutting its full schedule from 5 Jan 2027, Ryanair is saving the day with rescue fares from just £29.99 for affected passengers – particularly those booked to fly easyJet from Leeds Bradford to Malaga, who can now switch to one of Ryanair’s 10 Malaga services per week,” Ryanair’s Director of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said.

When easyJet made the announcement, a spokesperson said: “Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January.

“Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.

“We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand.”

The travel advice was shared to help prevent disruptions for people with upcoming trips

HM Passport Office (HMPO) has shared essential travel advice for anyone travelling abroad. The alert comes amid the busy summer holiday period, when countless families are planning trips.

In a post shared on social media, HMPO urged people not to travel with a passport that they had previously reported lost or stolen. The X alert said: “Found a passport you previously reported lost or stolen? Don’t travel with it. Once reported, it’s cancelled and using it could disrupt your trip.”

Instead, they will need to apply for a replacement. HM Passport Office says it considers passports damaged if any of your details cannot be read, any of the pages are ripped or cut, there are holes in the cover, the cover is coming away, or there are stains on the pages. For instance, ink or water damage is not allowed.

HM Passport Office says it is important to cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as you can. “This will reduce the risk of anyone else using your passport or your identity.

“You can report a lost or stolen passport for someone else if they cannot do it themselves.” If you have a photo of the lost passport, you can use this to answer the necessary questions.

The advice continues: “You might be able to apply for an emergency travel document. You’ll need to pay a fee. If you apply for an emergency travel document, you do not need to cancel your passport now. You’ll cancel it as part of your application for the emergency travel document.”

When renewing your passport online, you will need a credit or debit card and a digital photo. It costs £102. If you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, you also need someone to confirm your identity online. More details are available on GOV.UK.

You can also follow @HM_Passport on X for general updates and tips. For instance, another recent post shares tips for taking your passport photos. The advice said: “A suitable passport photo can help avoid delays. Make sure your photo is in focus, against a plain background and meets all requirements.”

GOV.UK says: “In your photo you must: be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera, have a plain expression and your mouth closed, have your eyes open and visible, not have hair in front of your eyes, not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons).

“Do not have anything covering your face, not have any shadows on your face or behind you.”

Passengers are being urged to check with their airline before travelling to the airport

An international airport in the UK has confirmed that it will be temporarily closed. Norwich Airport announced on social media that it would be closed between 8am and 1pm tomorrow (Friday, August 21).

This is apparently due to ‘ongoing industrial action’ involving certain members of air traffic control. The airport apologised for any disruption caused.

Passengers are being urged to check with their airline before travelling to the airport to catch their flight. In a post entitled ‘Industrial Action – Important passenger update – Friday 21 August, a statement on the airport’s social media account said: “Due to the ongoing industrial action, short of a strike, involving Prospect union members in Air Traffic Control, Norwich Airport will be closed to air traffic between 08:00 and 13:00 tomorrow, Friday 21 August.

“Airlines have been informed of the closure. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest information about their flight before travelling to the airport. We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience this may cause.

“Discussions with Prospect are continuing and we remain committed to resolving the dispute through constructive dialogue.”

A further statement on the website added: “The Prospect union has informed us that its Air Traffic Control members at Norwich Airport have voted in favour of industrial action, short of a strike, from 17th August in relation to pay and conditions.

“Discussions are continuing and we are firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue that avoids disruption to airport operations.”

‘Extremely disappointing’

Prospect members are reportedly demanding a 10 per cent pay rise, having only been offered 3 per cent so far.

David Avery, the union’s national secretary for aviation, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we have still not received an acceptable offer from Norwich Airport, which has left us with little choice but to push ahead with this industrial action

“Our members in air traffic control are not making unreasonable demands. They are simply asking for pay levels and terms and conditions that are normal for their colleagues across the country.”

A spokesperson for Norwich Airport said: “It is disappointing that Prospect has chosen to announce further industrial action while negotiations to resolve the dispute are ongoing.

“We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement.”

There are certain spots that people will want to reserve – and some they should try to avoid

People might only just be jetting off for a bit of sunshine before the schools go back in September, but others may already be planning their next getaway. Knowing a few tips when picking your seat can improve your experience on carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and TUI if you book accordingly.

It’s no secret that not all seats are made the same – with some specifically having perks like extra legroom. But most do not realise that the position of the seats can make a bigger difference than a few extra inches of wiggle room.

Depending on how you plan to spend the flight, selecting a ‘cheaper’ seat in certain spots could make your flight more enjoyable – and bring perks that money can not often buy. For example, some seats are prime spots for getting on and off the plane more quickly, while others offer great views and first call on snacks.

However, with these seat perks come some seats that customers may wish to avoid if given the option. Some may say that these can make even a short flight feel uncomfortable.

Below, we’ve had a look at some popular seat perks you can expect on Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and TUI planes. For the most part, these money-can’t-buy upgrades are often much more sought after.

Best seats for pictures

If you’re keen to document your trip from start to finish, or simply enjoy an unrivalled view above the clouds, then certain seats will be the best for you. Opting for certain sections in the front or back can give those Instagram-worthy snaps that aren’t just a shot of the metal plane wing.

When booking, pick any of the window seats in rows one to five across all of the named airlines above. These sit well forward of the engines, meaning clear glass and no heat haze will distort the look of your photos.

Best seats for getting on and off the plane

Some of these same rows will benefit from another perk of getting off the plane and starting their holiday not long after the seatbelt sign goes off. Most people caught in the middle of the cabin end up trapped until they can find an opening to leave, whereas these seat holders can usually slip straight out if they have their hand luggage ready and waiting.

There are options for the front and rear of the plane – just check before choosing that your plane has exits that it uses from the rear as some airlines may only open one. These are the rough seat areas to pick if you want to be first in line:

• easyJet: Rows 1–3 (front exit) or Rows 29–31 (Airbus A320) / Rows 38–40 (Airbus A321neo) for the back doors.
• Ryanair: Rows 1–3 (front exit) or Rows 31–33 (Boeing 737-800) / Rows 33–35 (Boeing 737 MAX 8-200) for the rear stairs.
• Jet2: Rows 1–2 (front) or Rows 31–33 (Boeing 737-800).
• TUI (Short-haul 737): Rows 1–2 (front) or Rows 31–33 (rear).

Being near the front also puts passengers as some of the first in line for meals, snacks and drinks when cabin crew make their rounds. On very short flights, sitting to close to the middle means passengers may risk missing out on refreshments entirely.

Seats you may want to avoid

Picking some of these front seats appears to offer a few perks, along with the extra legroom that often comes at a premium in the front row. But, they aren’t all perfect – and it may pay more to sit a few rows back.

Toilets are often located near the front and back of the plane, so anyone sitting in the first and last rows may face a steady queue and unavoidable smells. Some seats might also end up being windowless.

Due to the configuration of some budget planes, seats are pushed closer together than in the original layout to boost passenger capacity per flight. There are a handful of left-hand seats that are often so misaligned that people end up with a solid wall instead of a view outside.

If you have a slightly longer journey, or just want to recline and unwind as your holiday starts, be aware that some seats don’t offer this option. Aside from every Ryanair seat being locked in place, certain back-row or emergency-exit seats cannot recline either.

• easyJet A320: Avoid reclining in Rows 11 and 12 (ahead of exit Rows 12 and 13).
• Jet2 / TUI / Ryanair 737s: Avoid Rows 15 and 16 (ahead of emergency exit Rows 16 and 17).

Holidaymakers warned viral airport photo trend can turn dangerous in seconds

British holidaymakers are being warned against copying viral plane-spotting videos at a popular Greek island airport. It comes after two tourists were seriously injured by jet blast within days of each other.

Skiathos International Airport, officially called Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport, has become one of Europe’s most famous plane-spotting locations because its runway sits extremely close to the coastline and surrounding public areas. Aircraft pass remarkably low over spectators as they approach, attracting holidaymakers who gather nearby to photograph and film arrivals and departures. It features a short, narrow runway measuring 5,341 feet.

But two recent incidents have highlighted the risk when aircraft are taking off. On August 10, a 52-year-old Italian tourist suffered serious head injuries after the force from a departing aircraft reportedly knocked her to the ground.

She was initially treated at the Skiathos Emergency Clinic before being airlifted to Volos General Hospital. Just three days later, another Italian woman in her early 50s reportedly suffered a severe arm fracture after being knocked over by the jet blast from another departing aircraft.

Local authorities and the airport have consistently placed large warning signs around the perimeter fence to emphasise the serious risks of being near departing aircraft. The prominent signs displayed around Skiathos International Airport, Alexandros Papadiamantis, alert onlookers that the force of engine thrust can push people and objects away. Police and city officials keep reminding visitors to avoid congregating directly behind the runway.

Emily Matthews, travel advisor at Private Portugal Tours, says tourists should understand that standing near a runway to watch a plane land and positioning themselves directly behind an aircraft preparing to depart can expose them to very different risks. “The videos that make Skiathos famous can make the whole experience look like an unusual holiday attraction, but tourists need to pay attention to exactly where they are standing and what the aircraft is doing,” Emily said.

“Standing directly behind a departing aircraft to get a dramatic video is something holidaymakers should avoid. If there are warning signs telling you about jet blast, take them literally and move away.”

Take off is where tourists need to be particularly careful

Skiathos has sometimes been described as Europe’s answer to St Maarten in the Caribbean, where aircraft famously pass low over a beach before reaching the runway. That close approach is what many tourists travel to photograph.

However, watching aircraft take off can be more hazardous for spectators too close to the runway perimeter, as large aircraft generate substantial thrust as they depart. Warning signs at Skiathos specifically alert visitors to the danger of jet blast.

“People may arrive because they have watched a video of an aircraft flying low overhead, then assume that anywhere around the runway is part of the same experience,” Emily said. “The important distinction is what happens when a plane turns around and prepares to take off. If you are positioned behind it, you can suddenly be in the path of extremely powerful airflow.

“Do not choose your position because a video looked impressive from there. Look at the warning signs around you and keep well away from areas where spectators are being warned about jet blast.”

Do not assume the crowd means the spot is safe

Plane spotting at Skiathos is well established, and large numbers of spectators can gather close to the airport. Emily says that creates another risk for tourists: assuming that a location must be safe because dozens of other people are already standing there.

“A crowd is not a safety assessment,” she said. “It is very easy on holiday to think, ‘Everyone else is doing it, so this must be where you are supposed to stand.’

“That logic can be especially persuasive when people have their phones out and appear to be waiting for exactly the same photograph. But warning signs do not stop applying because a crowd has formed beside them.”

The August 10 incident is currently being investigated by local authorities, according to reports. The tourist was believed to have been standing at a plane-spotting area close to the airport when she was knocked down. Skiathos has also seen jet-blast injuries in previous years, reinforcing that the hazard is not theoretical.

The ‘perfect’ video is not worth standing behind a departing aircraft for

Emily also warns tourists against trying to recreate footage they have seen online frame-for-frame. Viral travel videos often show only the few dramatic seconds when an aircraft passes or begins its take-off roll. They do not necessarily show the warnings around the location, how far the person filming is from the aircraft or what happened immediately afterwards.

“Social media can flatten the difference between watching something and participating in the risk,” Emily said. “You might see people’s clothes and hair being blown around and think that is part of the fun. Once enough videos like that circulate, being hit by the blast can almost become part of the attraction.

“Two serious injuries within days should be enough to remind people that being knocked off your feet is not a harmless holiday experience.” She advises tourists who want to watch aircraft to choose a position away from the direct line behind departing planes, respect barriers and signs, and move if local staff or authorities instruct spectators to do so.

Keep children away from the jet-blast area

Families should be particularly cautious about bringing young children into crowded plane-spotting locations where departing aircraft are nearby. “Children are naturally going to be excited when a huge aircraft passes close overhead, but this is one place where parents should decide where the family stands rather than simply following the crowd.

“If you cannot clearly understand the warnings or you are unsure whether your position is exposed to departing aircraft, move farther away. You can still enjoy watching the planes without trying to stand in the most dramatic possible spot.

“Skiathos is famous for an extraordinary view that aviation enthusiasts cannot experience at many other European destinations. That does not make every position around the runway equally safe. The simplest rule is to remember the difference between the spectacular low approach people travel to see and putting yourself behind an aircraft as it powers up to leave. A holiday video is never worth ignoring a warning sign for.”

Anyone who is flying back home has been warned about the serious consequences

Travellers flying home after a holiday are being warned not to bring back certain items, even if they were purchased at a duty free shop. According to government rules, people who disobey risk facing a £5,000 fine or possible prosecution.

In an alert posted on social media by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Brits returning home should not bring sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain. The agency also states that this applies regardless of whether it is packed or packaged, or whether it has been bought at duty free.

It explains: “Help protect UK farmers from the devastating threat of African swine fever (ASF) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) by not bringing back meat or dairy products from the EU into Great Britain in your personal luggage. This includes items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain – regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.”

The government agency says it is illegal to bring in most meat and dairy products from abroad for personal use. This is to protect the UK from devastating livestock diseases circulating in Europe and beyond.

Most personal meat and dairy products are now banned from entry into Great Britain. You must not bring in sandwiches, meat (raw or cured, such as ham and salami), dairy (milk, yoghurt, cheese) and animal-derived products. That includes items bought from duty free.

If you declare banned food products to Border Force officers at customs, they’ll take them away and destroy them. If you do not declare banned food products, you could be fined up to £5,000 (in England) or you could be prosecuted. Border Force can take away (‘seize’) your products if they think:

• you’ve brought something into the country illegally
• you’ve brought in too much of a restricted product
• it’s been cross-contaminated, for example with blood from meat – if any clothing or a bag the item’s in is contaminated, it’ll be destroyed

These rules are in place to protect the UK from highly infectious viral diseases of livestock, such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever. These viruses can persist in meat and dairy products for several months, posing a risk to susceptible animals.

Neither disease affects humans. Livestock diseases like foot and mouth and African swine fever have a devastating impact on animal welfare, farming, trade and affect food security

The Animal and Plant Health Agency reminds travellers: “If you break the rules, you are breaking the law. If you break the rules, you are risking our food and economic security. If you break the rules, you could be responsible for the death of millions of animals. If you are found with undeclared illegal meat and dairy products, you will have these confiscated and risk a hefty fine.”

What are you allowed to bring into Great Britain?

You can bring the following into Great Britain from any country without any restrictions:

• bread, but not sandwiches filled with meat or dairy products
• cakes without fresh cream
• biscuits
• chocolate and confectionery, but not those made with a lot of unprocessed dairy ingredients
• pasta and noodles, but not if mixed or filled with meat or meat products
• packaged soup, stocks and flavourings
• processed and packaged plant products, such as packaged salads and frozen plant material
• food supplements containing small amounts of an animal product, such as fish oil capsules

A pilot’s wife has shared her top travel clothing tips, including what people should avoid dressing in. She said there’s a common item travellers need to stop wearing on flights

It’s that time of the year where many of us will be heading abroad. When travelling in summer, parents are constantly warned to check their children’s passports ahead of any trips.

Taking advice is best from an expert and who knows travel more than a pilot? Now travel guru Laurie is renowned for her helpful travel tips on her YouTube channel Travel Tips by Laurie. Recently she revealed some essential advice about what to avoid wearing on a flight. While it’s tempting to disembark the aircraft looking incredibly fashionable, Laurie maintains that comfort and practicality should come before style when selecting your in-flight attire, and she urges travellers to pay attention to her guidance, which she disclosed in a recent video.

This isn’t the only travel tip doing the rounds of late. Previously, people were also warned about wearing other outfits while flying.

Travel Expert Warns Flight Passengers Against Wearing White Clothes and Jumpsuits

In her online video, Laurie kicks off by explaining the kinds of clothing to steer clear of while flying. She suggests: “In the airplane, I recommend not to wear white.

“I did twice in my 23 years as a pilot’s wife at the beginning, and I got smudges on my jeans from bringing my luggage down from the overhead bins and pizza stains inside the airport that some other passenger had eaten and dripped some on the boarding gate seats.

“Do not wear complicated jumpsuits. Why? Because they’re complicated. They’re going to add stress to you, especially inside a tight, cramped lavatory inside the airplane.

“My travel tip is to pack that outfit and avoid wearing it in the airplane. Do not wear stiff leather or stiff denim, because it restricts your blood flow.

“While I sometimes wear trendy pieces, this video is going to focus on cosy, stretchy and versatile garments you should be wearing and a few to avoid. All that is so we maximise your comfort from boarding to baggage claim.”

While it may appear to be obvious advice to steer clear of jumpsuits, avoiding stiff fabrics is genuinely important. Although denim is generally considered acceptable for flying, experts actually warn against it due to potential discomfort problems.

The cabin pressure on flights causes abdominal bloating, and unforgiving materials can restrict movement while increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For both comfort and health reasons, loose-fitting clothing or athleisure wear are your safest options.

Health and Safety Risks of Wearing Tight Denim Jeans on Long Flights

There are several reasons why denim is a poor choice for air travel. First and foremost, tight waistbands can become uncomfortably restrictive as your body swells owing to reduced cabin pressure.

Beyond simple discomfort, constricting clothing can restrict blood circulation, raising the risk of DVT. What’s more, heavy denim and belts regularly cause hold-ups at airport security checkpoints.

In short, this material poses numerous drawbacks for air passengers. If you absolutely must wear denim, make sure you opt for high-stretch varieties only.

While pulling on a pair of jeans might appear to be a savvy way to save on luggage space, the downsides frequently outweigh the advantages. The general consensus points towards choosing more comfortable options such as joggers or leggings instead.

As we head further into 2026, this handy piece of advice sits at the top of Laurie’s travel tips. It’s definitely worth keeping in mind before you set off on your next trip abroad.

Turning up at the hotel check-in desk straight away might be harming your chances of getting a more premium holiday experience

Checking into your holiday at the earliest possible opportunity might seem like the savvy move at first, but it could be ruining your chances of getting a luxury hotel room free-of-charge. According to industry analysis from travel experts, checking-in during a specific 90-minute window could be the ultimate strategy.

Graziano Gagliardi at Private Italy Tour claims that turning up at the front desk between 4.30pm and 6pm gives reception staff a much clearer picture of the premium suites that remain available. Arriving too early, say 2pm for instance, means housekeeping is likely still preparing and cleaning rooms, which leaves workers unable to confirm what higher-tier options are unoccupied for the night.

Gagliardi said: “If standard check-in begins at 2pm or 3pm, arriving immediately may not give you the best chance of an upgrade. Housekeeping may still be preparing rooms, while reception staff may not yet know which guests are arriving, cancelling or requesting changes.

“By around 4.30pm, the hotel usually has a much clearer picture of its room availability. If a larger room, a better view or a higher category is likely to remain empty, staff may have more flexibility to offer it.”

Turning up extremely late can also backfire, he claims, particularly at smaller boutique properties that operate limited front desk hours. He said: “Turning up at 10pm without warning is not a clever upgrade trick. If you expect to arrive late, always notify the hotel in advance.”

Holidaymakers booking shorter stays of one or two nights stand a significantly higher chance of being bumped up to a better class of room. Terms outlined by major hotel chains like Hilton confirm that complimentary upgrades strictly depend on space being continuously available for the entire duration of a guest’s stay.

A similar policy is enforced by Marriott, which explicitly states that room improvements are determined upon physical arrival at the front desk. Experts warn that travellers should remain realistic, as an upgrade often means securing a quieter location, higher floor, or better balcony view rather than the top luxury suite.

To maximise your chances, Private Italy Tour recommends using a specific phrase to politely ask front desk staff without sounding overly demanding or entitled. The travel guru suggests asking: “I understand it depends entirely on availability, but if there are any complimentary upgrades available this evening, I would be very grateful to be considered.”

Joining a hotel’s free membership scheme prior to travel can also boost your odds, as many major operators prioritize enrolled guests for empty premium spaces. However, guidelines published by Hilton Honors clarify that simply signing up does not guarantee a better room without holding eligible membership status or rates.

Guests celebrating genuine milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons are advised to notify the hotel a few days before their arrival date. Mentioning a real special occasion often encourages reception teams to offer a complimentary perk or a room improvement.

Finally, the experts strongly warn holidaymakers against manufacturing fake complaints or inventing faults with their original room just to pressure staff into moving them. Dishonesty is far more likely to harm your chances than help them, meaning a polite, well-timed request during that crucial 90-minute window remains your absolute best bet.

If you’re travelling as a family or group, a little-known hack can be useful for those who pack a lot, and most airlines allow it as long as you follow certain restrictions that they set

Every group of travellers inevitably has one person who is filled with dread when they put their suitcase on the baggage scales. It might be the person who is super organised and taking the essentials everyone needs, or just a holidaymaker who loves to have multiple outfit options per day.

If you’re travelling as a couple, family, or group, then ‘bag pooling’ can be a handy hack to know, and many passengers haven’t heard of it. When you book checked luggage with airlines such as Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet, you can choose a weight allowance, usually 15, 20, or 23Kkg, and if you book more than one suitcase, the allowance can be shared between them and doesn’t have to be equally divided.

For example, if as a couple you book two 23kg bags, that gives you a 46kg allowance, which can be distributed as you please. One of you could take 15kg and the other 30kg. But airlines do have an upper limit, due to restrictions on the maximum weight that baggage handlers can deal with. Here’s what some of the UK’s most popular airlines say about bag pooling and their specific rules around it.

EasyJet

Bag pooling is allowed on easyJet flights, and the airline clarifies: “If you’re travelling with family or friends on the same flight and booking, you can pool your total weight allowance.

“This means the total weight allowance can be split among the total number of bags booked, as long as no single item weighs more than 32kg. Maximum total size (length + width + height) = under 275cm. Please note that you cannot pool weight between hold bags and sports equipment.”

Ryanair

One of Ryanair’s FAQs asks: “Is bag pooling allowed?” to which the airline replied: “Yes. Bag pooling is allowed between passengers with check-in bags on the same flight reservation. This means that checked baggage allowances can be shared across passengers on the booking. For example, if you have 2 20kg Check-in Bags (40kg total) on your booking, one of those bags could weigh 15kg while the other weighs 25kg. However, no bag can weigh more than 32kg.”

TUI

TUI has clarified its rules around bag pooling on its website, however, passengers who’ve booked a TUI package holiday should double check which airline they’ll be flying with, as they sometimes use airlines such as Ryanair or easyJet. You’ll need to follow airline specific guidance.

On its official FAQs page, asking “Can I pool our luggage allowance?”, TUI states: “If you’re travelling with TUI Airways, you’re allowed to pool your luggage allowance with anyone else travelling on your booking. However, each bag can only weigh up to 25kg.

“If you’re unsure of your luggage allowance, then you can find this on your booking confirmation or by logging into Manage my booking. If you’re flying with any other airline, you’ll need to contact them directly.”

Jet2

Jet2 representatives took to social media after a passenger asked about bag pooling: “If one person is over does all the weight pool together or does everyone individual need to be 22kg?”, they queried, going on to explain that they had a group booking for 10 passengers, each with 22kg of checked luggage included in their booking.

A Jet2 spokesperson advised: “Yes you are able to pool your luggage providing you do not go over your overall weight limit and no one bag weighs more than 32kg.” The customer then followed up to ask: “So one person won’t be charged if their case is overweight slightly and the rest are under?”, to which Jet2 replied: “That’s correct. If one bag is slightly over, but others are under, you will still have room within your overall allowance and will not be charged.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

They fear replacement flights today may also be grounded

A couple have been trapped in Italy for a week after a volcanic eruption saw their flights cancelled. Barbara Krmelj, 35, and partner Roy Barone, 46, went to Sicily to spend a week’s holiday with his parents. They were due to fly back to their home in Hackney, east London, on August 11 – but when Mount Etna became active that day, their flights were cancelled as a red warning level was issued.

The couple have had to take an extra week’s leave from their jobs and find alternative sitters for their two cats back at home as they remain “trapped” in the seaside town of Marina di Modica. They have alternative flights provided by the airline for August 17 but anticipate having to pay around £700 to rebook with a different airline if those are cancelled too, which they feel is likely.

They remain in a small holiday home owned by Roy’s family but say they “feel like a weight on his parents” to overstay. They checked but said the only hotel available would have cost over £2,000 for five nights because of high demand as it coincides with Ferragosto, a holiday period across Italy which sees people flock to the region.

Sales associate Barbara said: “On the way to the airport to fly back to London we got a message that our flight was cancelled. Eventually we managed to get a flight for the 17th, but the budget we allocated for our holiday is gone now. We have come back to Roy’s parents but the place is small and we feel like a weight on them now. We’ve had to organise for our friends to pop over to our home in London because the cat sitters we booked are done now.

“We’ve been paying for things like food and drinks with credit cards – and if we aren’t able to fly on the 17th we’ll have to book new flights. If we have to book new flights it will have cost us around £1,000 in total. It’s a beautiful city, but the holiday has turned into a frustration now as we want to go back home to our pets now. We can’t enjoy all the beauty around us as we feel trapped on the island.”

Barbara and Roy have been paying elevated prices for taxis to travel around due to high demand due to the Ferragosto festival. They said they have seen a steady flow of ash over the region as well as eruptions in the distance coming from Mount Etna.

The couple did not purchase travel insurance ahead of the trip. Barbara said: “We have had a chat with a few other tourists, people are definitely frustrated. People have been sleeping at the airport – when we went, people were sleeping or sitting in every hallway. There was no space even to sit and organise ourselves when we were trying to rebook flights.

“We were given a hotel for one night when our flights were cancelled, and thank God we have Roy’s parents here. I don’t know what people are doing when they don’t know other people living here.

“When we tried to go and stay at a hotel, there was nothing we could book, the prices had skyrocketed, it was around £2,000 for five days and there were only one or two options.”

The couple are going to the beach each day and trying to make the best of their situation but say they are no longer enjoying the once-relaxing trip. Barbara added: “We’ll have spent over our budget by about £1,000 if we end up having to rebook flights.

“We’ve been using credit cards because you do what you have to do in this situation, but we have to be careful, we don’t have a lot of money left because we didn’t expect this. Ordinarily, the holiday was lovely, and I’d recommend the area to everyone. But now the holiday has turned into a frustration.”

People picking this side of the plane could get a lot less – and for some that could actually be a good thing

When aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus build planes, they design the windows to line up perfectly with standard, comfortable legroom (usually a 31-to-32-inch seat pitch). But most budget airlines make a change to their seating set-up that some passengers might actually prefer.

Because aircraft seats are mounted on floor tracks, airlines can move them freely. Budget airlines like Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and Easyjet will often deliberately push the seat rows much closer together (down to a tight 28-to-29-inch pitch) to fit extra rows onto the plane.

Although the seats move, the window cut-outs in the metal body of the plane stay. It’s this shrinking legroom that instantly forces the seats and windows out of sync.

Most window seats that passengers pick will have a view out of the plane, but some are known to have restricted views. In some cases, there are seats that have no window at all.

While this might sound like a complaint waiting to happen, some people may actually see this as a perk. Unlike the ‘extra legroom’ trick, this flat surface offers the best spot for those wanting to take a nap during their flight – or those nervous fliers who would rather not know what being 30,000ft in the air looks like.

Certain people claim that the window-free wall space offers a great place to rest a pillow. These misaligned seats often run down the left-hand side of the plane.

For people wanting to benefit from less of a view, check your plane’s seating chart before confirming your choice. You can often see how the window situation will work.

• Ryanair (Boeing 737-800): The misalignment runs heavily down the left side of the aircraft. It is so pronounced that Seat 11A and 11F often has no window at all.
• EasyJet (Airbus A319/A320): Highly noticeable misalignment on the left-hand side. The final rows (Row 31 on A320s and Row 26 on A319s) are completely windowless as well as certain overwing exit rows which may also have slightly altered alignment.
• Jet2 (Boeing 737-800 or Airbus A321neo): On their Boeing 737s, you will find the Jet2 windows out of alignment past the front bulkhead. If you book an “A” seat on the left, you will frequently find yourself staring directly at the plastic pillar between two windows rather than out of the glass.
• TUI (Boeing 737 MAX or 787 Dreamliner): On TUI’s short-haul Boeing 737s, the misalignment works exactly like Ryanair and Jet2 models. However, if you are flying on TUI’s long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the rule does not apply as long-haul aircrafts usually maintain standard legroom pitches, meaning the seats and windows stay properly aligned.

If your goal is to sleep on your next flight, sitting on the left side (Seats A) of a short-haul flight on these airlines gives you a higher statistical chance of getting a solid wall or a heavily forward-shifted window to rest your head against.

If you actually want to enjoy the view, you are better off sitting on the right side (Seats F). Booking these seats may also offer a little ‘extra’ legroom at a fraction of the cost.

Ryanair has given a cheeky response to the most common excuses that people might miss their flight, which can lead to hefty fees if you want to be rebooked for a new flight

Missing your booked flight can prove to be an enormously frustrating ordeal, particularly when the hold-up is completely beyond your control. Delays can occur due to security complications, last-minute boarding gate changes requiring you to trek across the entire airport, or even a late taxi journey to the airport.

However, sometimes, missing a flight can be completely blamed on the traveller in question, who might have been distracted by the various things you can do at an airport and simply didn’t keep an eye on the time. And known for their sometimes cheeky responses to travellers, Irish budget Ryanair shared a piece of advice to anyone who might have missed a flight in the past.

Taking to their Facebook page, the airline went on to share some of the most common excuses of missing a flight, which included ‘I didn’t hear boarding being announced!’ and ‘I didn’t see the gate had changed!’

They then cheekily added a top tip for people to stop them missing a future flight, as they wrote: “Turn ON push notifications for real-time notifications in the Ryanair app!”

In the Ryanair app, travellers can both check in to their flights, preventing the extra fee added when checking in at the airport, while also keeping an eye on any changes or updates for their flights, including getting notifications when the gate is announced and when boarding starts.

The app also give you easy access to your mandatory digital boarding pass, as they went paperless in 2025 in order to save on costs. If you don’t like this, you also have the option to print your boarding pass from home.

However, travellers quickly hit back at the airline, with many arguing they hadn’t received the correct gate number from their airline’s app. But this didn’t stop some, as another said. “I watch those boards like a hawk purely for that reason.”

What to do if you miss a Ryanair flight

If you miss your Ryanair flight, tickets are non-refundable, but you can move to the next available flight within one hour of departure at the airport ticket desk for a £100 missed departure fee. If you arrive later than one hour, you must purchase a brand new ticket.

If you know you’ll arrive late at the airport, the airline allows you to change your flight online up to 2.5 hours before the scheduled departure time by paying a flight change fee plus any fare difference.

But if you completely miss the flight and do not visit the ticket desk within the 1-hour window, the ticket is lost, and no refund or credit is given. But there are some exceptions to this rule.

While refunds or travel credits are not provided for routine illnesses, travel credit can be requested for specific recent family bereavements if submitted before travel.

However, it’s also recommended to take out travel insurance before your travels, as this usually gives you more security if you can’t make your flight.

Irish airline Ryanair has reiterated its controversial stance on what passengers should not wear on their planes – after one passenger attempted to bend the ‘rule’

There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable on a flight, knowing there’s nothing you can do about it. Wearing jeans is often regarded as an air travel faux pas as the tightness of the material can cause problems when the body swells slightly during low cabin pressure.

Ryanair has frequently warned against wearing denim on board, saying that tight waistbands and stiff leg material squeezes your body, which can cut off good blood flow if you are sitting still for hours. Recent passenger Pam Booth recently sought advice over her choice of outfit, which prompted a damning response from the Irish airline.

“What you got to say about this Ryanair?” Pam asked on Twitter alongside a snap of her attire. “Technically they aren’t jeans.”

Ryanair simply declared in reply: “They’re worse.” Pam’s photo revealed she had opted for denim shorts for her journey, cut just above the knee.

If you’re wearing shorts then your bare thighs and calves could be pressed against the seat fabric for hours. And aircraft seats are turned around fast – while they are cleaned, they’re not deep-sanitised between every passenger, so you’re increasing exposure to sweat, skin cells, crumbs and microbes left behind.

Last month, Ryanair shared an “important” message to those wearing jeans, having previously threatened to introduce a “denim fee” for travellers not adhering to this guidance.

“Important Travel Announcement,” the company posted, accompanied by three images of a Ryanair aircraft in the sky, zoomed in to reveal various details. The first two showed a Ryanair plane soaring through the air, with a brilliant blue sky visible in the background. However, the third image displayed a banner trailing from the rear of the aircraft.

The message was short and sweet. It simply read: “Stop travelling in jeans.”

Ryanair also took to TikTok in July to share a similar message. The airline shared a video of a plane with the Ryanair logo descending over turquoise waters before landing at what appears to be Corfu airport.

Celebratory music is heard playing over the clip, followed by a voice saying the classic phrase many passengers will have heard before: “Thank you for flying Ryanair. It’s 2026, let’s stop travelling in jeans please.”

The recommendation is shared by AAA Club Alliance, who state online: “A stiff denim waistband isn’t ideal when you’ll be sitting in a small, cramped seat for hours.

“Jeans can quickly get uncomfortable, which can put a damper on your entire travel experience. Plus, wearing tight jeans can actually increase your risk of deep vein thrombus (DVT) which are blood clots in the leg, so stiff, tight pants should be avoided.”

The advice continues: “Instead of jeans, opt for a stretchy pant. While sweatpants and leggings can be a great option, if you want to up your game, try trousers with drawstring or an elastic waist.

“Styles in light fabrics, like cotton, or that curl up in a jogger style, are great for a long-haul flight. Or, if you love your jeans, try a relaxed boyfriend cut or other style with decent stretch.”

It is the only Spanish airport on the official new list – issues could regularly last for two hours or more

Brits jetting off to a Spanish holiday hotspot in August should pay attention to a new official airport update. Spanish media reports say that Palma Airport will be operating beyond its capacity for 18 days throughout August, according to an official analysis – for more than two hours on 10 occasions.

It has been reported that the airport in Mallorca is the only Spanish airport featured on a list of airports where Eurocontrol – the central organisation for coordination and planning of air traffic control for all of Europe – has identified mismatches between predicted demand and available capacity during August and September.

The list also features several Greek airports – Athens, Corfu, Heraklion, Kos, and Chania – alongside Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen and London’s Gatwick. As a result, Palma Airport faces an extremely busy August, Spanish media reports claim. According to Eurocontrol forecasts, it will surpass its operational capacity on 18 days, more than half the month.

On 10 of those occasions, the excess demand will stretch beyond two consecutive hours, while on the remaining eight, it will be concentrated within two-hour windows, Eurocontrol says. The capacity for Palma is set to stand at roughly 74 movements per hour, comprising approximately 33 arrivals and 40 departures, the agency says. During particular time slots, the anticipated flight demand will outstrip the number of operations the system can accommodate, says Eurocontrol.

Eurocontrol says the forecasts do not mean airports will be overwhelmed. Yet they say their analysis aims to identify periods when high concentration of flights may require measures to regulate traffic flow.

El Diario reports that the European agency projects that demand will also surpass the airport’s capacity at least eight times between September 1 and 27, with three instances stretching beyond two consecutive hours and five lasting two hours. Yet airport operator Aena has told media in the country that under no circumstances has Palma Airport been operated “beyond its declared capacity”. They say that if demand ever exceeds the established airspace capacity due to an unforeseen event, such as storms or regulatory measures, not all operations are permitted to take place simultaneously.

In such cases, they say air traffic control regulates the flow of flights through various traffic management and sequencing measures. Sources at the airport have also told Spanish media that a major overhaul there has resulted in a larger security checkpoint featuring hand luggage screening machines that do away with the need to remove liquids and electronic devices, as well as “more efficient routes throughout all areas, including the one dedicated to inter-island passengers”.

Eurocontrol said in its assessment of Europe-wide air traffic: “July 2026 set new records for air traffic. The EUROCONTROL area recorded its highest ever monthly traffic, with over 1.13 million flights and a peak of 37,659 flights on Friday 24 July. Worldwide, commercial aviation also reached an all-time high of 153,359 flights on 23 July.

“On average, capacity among the busiest 10 carriers remained stable compared to the previous week.” The update comes as tourists heading to Spain and other EU nations face the prospect of lengthy queues this summer at airports. The EU rolled out its Entry/Exit System (EES) in April, which requires passengers from the UK and other non-EU countries to register their fingerprints, photograph and personal details upon their first arrival. This has resulted in lengthy hold-ups for countless passengers.

EES delays lead to big increase in waiting times at EU airports

The Financial Times reported this month that peak waiting times at two major European airports – Munich and Frankfurt – have doubled this summer compared with the same period last year, following the EU’s chaotic rollout of its new electronic border system. Mallorca is amongst the many airports where significant delays have been reported on multiple occasions throughout the year..

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said the system should be moved online. “Only the Europeans would invent s*** like this,” he told investors last month, adding that the airline had witnessed substantial queues at around 15 airports.

The scorching temperatures are also heaping further pressure on the airport, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. The publication reported that Palma Airport workers are once again demanding the immediate reopening of the airport canteen.

Staff say the facility is essential as somewhere they can eat and take refuge from the sweltering summer heat. The Balearic Government has urged airport operator Aena to reopen the venue as swiftly as possible.

Reports suggest that officials believe Aena is currently working to adapt the premises with the aim of getting the canteen back up and running in the near future.

The advice is to check with your travel provider for the latest information

Families heading abroad on their summer holidays are urged to keep a close eye on travel updates. The Foreign Office has published fresh travel guidance for a popular sunny EU destination. The latest advice urges travellers to “check with your travel provider” for the latest information in light of a “national emergency”.

This comes as many flights were disrupted recently to the south of Italy, after eruptions from Mount Etna caused clouds of ash to be thrown into the air. The Foreign Office has since updated its guidance for Italy on Tuesday, August 11, with new information regarding ‘Volcanoes’ in the ‘Safety and security’ section. The latest guidance informs visitors: “There are several active volcanoes in southern Italy. National emergency planning is in place for the Phlegraean fields, an area that remains active experiencing regular tremors.”

People heading to the Mediterranean country are warned that “airspace can be affected during eruptions”. The Phlegraean fields (Campi Flegrei) is an area just west of Naples and so is close to Naples Airport.

‘Heightened activity’

The guidance includes a word of warning for another airport in the region. You may need to take action ahead of your trip: “If you are travelling to or from Catania, during a period of heightened activity, check with your travel provider or with Catania airport.”

The Government body also advises: “Read what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption and follow the instructions of the local authorities.” The guidance includes a link to more information on the Civil Protection Department website of the Italian Government.

This information reminds visitors that Italy has “the greatest concentration of active volcanoes in Europe” along with Iceland. The guidance sets out that there is a “varying degree of hazard” for these volcanoes.

‘Wrong information’

People trying to find the latest guidance in the media are warned that “wrong information” can be sent out in times of crisis. The guidance urges: “For this reason it is important to follow the civil protection authorities’ instructions transmitted by radio, TV, in the daily press, on Internet and by the various toll-free numbers that will be set up.

“During eruptions, it is also important not heed the forbidden to enter signs at the areas involved by the eruption. It is dangerous to approach the crater area even if there is no eruptive activity as sudden explosive phenomena or gas emissions are always possible.”

You can read the full travel guidance for Italy on the Foreign Office website.

This may help reduce a lot of travel stress – especially for families

Some airports across the UK offer perks to passengers to make the start of their trip less stressful – but they often come at an extra cost.

With holidays already expensive, many people skip the add-ons. However, not everyone realises that travellers at London Luton Airport (LLA) can pre-book a security time slot and potentially avoid the worst of the queues for free.

The Airport explains that this option is called “Prebook Security”. It boasts that this is a “FREE service that allows you to skip the security queues by reserving a 30-minute slot ahead of your arrival.”

The service is currently only available to passengers arriving at security between 3am and 3pm. Travellers can book a 30-minute security slot in advance, then on the day follow the “Prebook Security” signs to the dedicated entry point, where a staff member will be on hand to help.

Airport officials further explain: “You can pre-book this service from 4 days before your arrival, right up until 60 minutes before you arrive at security (subject to availability). Booking this service is completely free, does not require any login or registration and is available to all guests.”

Prebook Security is first-come, first-served. You’ll go through the usual checks and will be processed in the order you arrive, along with other pre-booked passengers. If you use Prebook Security, LLA says they cannot guarantee how long it will take to complete security checks through the Airport Security area.

How does Prebook Security work?

1. Book your appointment slot up to 4 days before your travel date.
2. On arrival at the airport, make your way to the security area and scan your boarding card at one of the signposted “Prebook Security” gates.
3. Upon entry to the security area, head to the left where you’ll find signs for “Prebook Security”. A member of our security team will be waiting to welcome you and scan your QR code.
4. You will then be directed to the front of the line.

Children aged four and under don’t need to be included in your group size. Children aged five and over must be included when booking.

To change or cancel your Prebook Security booking, use the “change” or “cancel” option on your booking confirmation page. You can also do this via the links in your confirmation email.

What information is required to pre-book security?

There’s no need to create an account or log in. Passengers should enter their departure date and flight details (destination, airline and flight number), plus group size. People should also provide a name and email address to receive a confirmation email containing a QR code.

If you need to check-in bags, ensure you allow plenty of time for this. The Airport stresses: “Slots are limited and may book up fast, so we recommend booking up to 4 days before your flight.”

If you are late for your appointment, don’t panic too much. The Airport reassures passengers: “Please make sure to arrive 15 minutes before or after your booking time, the QR code will still be valid.”

You can read all about the Prebook Security Terms and Conditions here. You can also read the FAQ via the Airport website here.

Before you jet off on any more holidays this year, it’s worth knowing this simple hack that could make you feel a lot more comfortable whilst on a flight.

Flying isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it definitely helps to know there’s an exciting holiday waiting on the other side – or the comforting return home.

Planes can be a stressful environment, and this is especially true if you feel like you don’t have enough room. Unless you pay for it, or you’re sitting in the emergency exit seats, a roomy seat on a flight is quite rare.

However, if you’re going on holiday abroad soon and are dreading the thought of hours stuck in the cabin with nowhere to put your legs, one simple trick could help to make things a lot more comfortable for you – and it’s so easy.

The consumer experts at Which? recently shared a helpful Instagram post detailing exactly what flyers need to do to secure that bit of extra legroom – which can truly make all the difference.

They said: “Want more legroom on a flight? Just sit on the right.”

How to get more legroom on a plane

“Take Ryanair for example. Almost all of their planes are Boeing 737s. So choosing seats D, E and F in rows 3-15 will give you the most legroom,” they said.

“With easyJet, meanwhile, you should choose seats D, E or F in rows 3-13, if you’re flying on their Airbus A321neo. It will give you an extra inch of legroom compared to sitting in rows 6-17 on the left-hand side of the plane”

It’s worth noting that while it won’t turn economy into a business-class level seat, every centimetre counts – especially if you’re tall, or you’re travelling on a long-haul flight.

The experts added: “All planes are different, so it’s always worth checking before you book.”

How to check your plane before a flight

If you want to see which seat is going to be best in terms of legroom before you

Just go to Google Flights, type in your destination and dates, and the aircraft model should appear. You can then use the website AeroLopa to find a map of your plane with all of its dimensions, and get those seats booked up fast.

How to stay comfortable on a flight

As well as booking a seat on the right-hand side, there are several other things you can do to remain comfortable while you fly. Frequent flyers have taken to the Travel page on Reddit to share their best tips with others who may be anxious.

One person wrote: “Take the window seat if you plan to sleep. Take the aisle seat if you want to stretch and walk. The exit seats are always nice, but they cost extra. Watch movies, hydrate and try to avoid alcohol.”

Another said: “Don’t be afraid to get up from your seat and walk or stand. I find that noise-cancelling headphones are essential, as is a hoodie, neck hollow or a foot rest.”

And a third noted: “Compression socks and aisle seat. You can stay hydrated and not have to worry about disturbing the others in your row. Also, go for walks. Don’t be annoying to other passengers, but you can got stand for a bit by the bathrooms. 12 hours seems a lot, but you’ll be fine as long as you don’t focus on that.”

More than 780 flights were scheduled to depart from Sydney Airport on Tuesday, with almost 140 of these flights expected to face delays of about 45 minutes

Passengers at three major Australian airports have been warned of flight disruptions amid strong winds.

Several flights leaving from Sydney were cancelled on Tuesday, August 11, with more delays expected throughout the day.

A spokesperson for the airport told a local news site: “Strong winds are affecting operations at Sydney Airport and flight delays are expected throughout the day.”

Passengers were advised to check the latest status of their flight before heading to the airport.

A spokesman for carrier Qantas also told the news site that that two flights from Melbourne and one from Brisbane were cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Passengers on the flights have been rebooked onto other services.

More than 780 flights were scheduled to depart from Sydney Airport on Tuesday, according to Airservices Australia’s daily plan.

Almost 140 of these flights are expected to face delays of about 45 minutes, a local news outlet reported.

The ground delay program will be in place until 2pm due to the strong winds.

A Melbourne Airport spokesman said it had also been hit with delays and cancellations, though operations remained “relatively normal”

Close to 620 flights were scheduled to depart Melbourne Airport on Tuesday. Almost 200 flights will face delays, according to the Airservices Australia plan.

The travel disruptions come after two passenger jets narrowly avoided a ground collision at Sydney Airport and major flight delays throughout the weekend.

The close call followed days of chaos for thousands of travellers through the hub, as control tower staffing issues delayed more than 100 international and domestic flights.

The family holiday has been left in doubt after she discovered her daughter’s passport did not meet strict travel rules

A singer has issued a plea for help after discovering at the last minute that her daughter’s passport could fail strict travel rules. Rules mean there must be a set amount of time available on a passport or the holder will not be allowed to travel.

Under rules following Brexit people travelling to EU countries, except Ireland, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City must have at least three months left on their passports after the day they plan to leave, warns ABTA. The passport must also have been issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival at the country.

Musician and singer Philippa Hanna turned to Facebook to seek advice after her family holiday to Portugal appeared to be in jeopardy. The Christian music star who has toured with mainstream artists including Lionel Richie, Leona Lewis, Anastacia and Wet Wet Wet, told how she had just discovered that her daughter, Ozma’s, passport would not meet these rules.

She said: “GUYS!! We need help. Do I know ANYONE who works for or is connected to the passport office or something even close? We need emergency advice ahead of our family holiday tomorrow?”

She later went on to explain: “I just found out Ozma has 5 weeks less than needed on her passport for flying to Portugal.” She then added: “We’re only going for 5 days so the week fast track wont work. I’m just wondering if there’s any way of getting an extension or a special permission or something.”

One follower suggested she contact her MP who might be able to speed up getting a new passport. Gayle Hunter, who said she was a former duty manager at an airline, said: “They’re normally strict at least 3 months after the last day you’re leaving on passport. An MP can get you a new one in three hours under parliamentary privilege.”

However this was disputed by another poster who said he worked in the airline industry and travelled extensively. John Dinsdale said he had been stung by the rule himself, and insisted an MP would be unlikely to help. He said: “There is a parliamentary/MP escalation route, but it only applies for compassionate reasons (family death, serious illness) not for holiday travel, so it won’t help here.

“You could try contacting the airline to ask if they’ll allow “OK to board,” but I doubt that’s your best option. Even if they agreed, Schengen countries require a minimum of 90 days’ passport validity, so Portugal border control could still refuse entry on arrival.

“For an airline to allow to board they would need authorisation from the Portuguese immigration department first. If you’re refused entry, the airline will face a fine (amounts vary by country), and you’d likely be liable for the cost of the return flight, airlines won’t board anyone without valid travel documents in the first place.

“I’ve actually been on the receiving end of this myself, I can’t get an ESTA for the US because of my travel history, apparently America don’t like Iraqi stamps in passports, so I know firsthand how strict airlines are about not boarding anyone without the right documents. It’s not something they’ll bend on.

“Realistically, a new passport won’t be issued in time even by fast track. I’d contact your travel insurer now to ask about cancellation/rebooking cover, I know this is not what you want to hear, but it’s the most likely outcome.”

What the government says

So what are the rules? According to the government there are steps you can take – but it usually still takes some time.

It advises: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.” It explains there are 2 ways to apply for an urgent passport.

1 day premium

According to the government website the earliest you can get an appointment is 2 days after you apply. It says: “You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office 4 hours after your appointment.

“You can only use this service to renew an adult passport. It costs £239.50 (or £253.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).”

1 week fast track

With this one the earliest you can get an appointment is the next day after you apply. It advises: “Your new passport will be delivered to you by courier 1 week after your appointment.”

You can use this service to:

• renew a passport
• change personal details on your passport (for example your name, place of birth or gender)
• replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
• get a child passport

It costs £192 for an adult passport (or £206 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). A child passport is £156.50 (or £170.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).

Is there anything any faster?

It advises: “If you need to travel urgently for medical treatment, on government business, or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the Passport Adviceline instead.”

Flights to Italy’s fifth busiest airport have been suspended and advice has been issued for any Brits who are due to fly to the Mediterranean island in the next few days

An eruption at Europe’s largest and tallest active volcano has led to the closure of one of Italy’s busiest airports, throwing travel plans into chaos for many Brits.

Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and over the weekend it was spotted bellowing smoke and ashes into the atmosphere, forcing the suspension of arrivals into nearby Catania-Fontanarossa Airport.

In a statement posted today on its official website, airport officials said: “Due to Etna’s eruptive activity and the associated release of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, the airspace corresponding to the ash cloud southwest of the volcano (Sector C1) has been closed. Arrivals are suspended until 5:00 PM.

“As the situation is significantly affecting operations, passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport. The situation is being constantly monitored, and further updates will be provided depending on the evolution of volcanic activity and weather conditions.”

Initially, the airport allowed a small number of landings until the early hours of this morning, before the decision was made to suspend flights completely. Other airports on the island are currently unaffected.

Airlines with routes from the UK to Catania include British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, and passengers who have a flight booked to the airport should immediately check their flight status on its official website. Passengers may see flight delays, diversions, or cancellations to their itineraries, and airlines should be getting in touch with any holidaymakers affected by the change.

Volcanic activity on Mount Etna has often affected flights to Catania, due to its location just 29 miles from the volcano, and passengers are sometimes re-routed to other Sicilian airports such as Palermo. Similar cancellations and diversions were seen at Catania just last month, with a two-day closure on July 5 and 6.

It’s worth noting that at the moment, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t have any warnings in place about visiting the island, it simply advises “Check with your travel provider or Catania airport before travelling.” Other than any exclusion zones close to the volcano, Brits are still free to visit the island, but should look out for local emergency updates.

While flight delays of over three hours often allow passengers to claim for compensation, a volcanic eruption usually comes under ‘extraordinary circumstances’, which means a claim is unlikely to be successful.

However, passengers from the UK to Sicily are still covered by the Denied Boarding Regulation, also known as EU Regulation 261/2004, meaning airlines need to assist them during delays. For a flight to Sicily, this would come into force for any delay over three hours.

Airlines need to provide two free phone calls or emails to each passenger, meals and refreshments that are appropriate to the time of day and delay length – usually given as vouchers – and hotel transfers and accommodation if the delay is overnight.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

If you want to keep holiday costs low, ditching the hold luggage is a good place to start – and I believe I’ve found the perfect bag for still allowing you to overpack to your heart’s content.

If you’re someone who likes to go on multiple holidays a year, you’ll know that it’s not possible to travel in luxury every time. And by luxury, I mean being able to take a 23kg hold suitcase on board with you.

It’s the same situation every time – you find cheap flights and an affordable place to stay, then by the time you’ve priced the luggage, you’re looking at an extra hundred pounds or even more. And when you factor in how much you’re going to spend on food, travel and other expenses when you’re actually on holiday, it’s just not worth it.

Most airlines allow you to take one small bag on board for free, but as an overpacker who likes to have options, I didn’t think this would ever be enough – until I tried out one specific cabin bag that’s genuinely like magic when it comes to fitting things in.

I purchased the Narwey Ryanair Cabin Bag from Amazon three years ago now and it’s safe to say it’s become my absolute travel staple. It’s been on every holiday and every night away with me, and no matter who I go with, they’re always in disbelief at how much you can cram in there.

On a recent trip to Stockholm with Norwegian Air – whose hand luggage restrictions are the same as Ryanair 30 x 40 x 20cm – I knew it was a small-bag-only situation. I’d heard horror stories about how expensive the capital city of Sweden was, so I was not keen to spend any more than absolutely necessary on travel.

We were going away for four full days, and although I’ve taken this bag on many a trip before, I always feel slightly concerned that this is the one that’s going to push it over the edge and break the zip. But it’s remained sturdy once again, even when packed to the brim.

The more you fit in the bag, the more it seems to expand, even though it looks tiny to begin with. Even when you’re coming home from your holiday, when it always feels like your belongings have expanded tenfold, packing everything up again is a breeze.

For this trip, here’s a list of everything I managed to fit in the bag, and I even had a little bit of space left over.

• Five skirts
• Five tops
• Denim jacket
• Pair of shoes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Handbag
• Toiletries
• Makeup
• Hairdryer
• Camera

Some may say this is excessive for three nights, but when you can fit this much in, why wouldn’t you? My only issue is that the handles are a bit tough on your hands if you’re carrying it for a while, and I feel like it would really benefit from having a longer padded strap so that you could put it over your shoulder.

I’d also say it’s probably unsuitable for longer winter trips, since these clothes tend to be a lot bigger and bulkier, so you’re not going to be able to fit as much as you would in summer.

Having said that, it’s easy to transport and place in the overhead lockers, unlike wheelie suitcases which can be a bit of a faff. It’s got a sturdy double zipper, as well as a handy zipped pocket on the side, which is ideal for storing your passport and other important things you need that you don’t want stuffed in the bag itself.

My top tip for packing this bag is to stretch out the bottom as much as possible by placing my toiletry and makeup bags on either side, as this creates a good solid base and really opens it up. This would also work with shoes or your most sturdiest items of clothing.

The longest I’ve ever been away with this bag was about six days, which I’d say is probably the limit for how much it can hold in terms of clothes. But for a long weekend, it’s just perfect.

It’s currently on sale for £11.99 on Amazon. Alternatively, if you prefer a rucksack, this Cabin Max underseat bag from ASOS is also on sale for £16.95.

Or if you’re in the market for something a bit more high-end, the Rains Small Hilo Weekend Bag also fits the Ryanair and easyJet bag restrictions, and costs £69.