Air travel

Airline passengers took to Reddit to complain about some of the most disgusting things they’d seen passengers get up to on a plane, and many agreed their habits were best left in the privacy of their homes

Being trapped in a metal tube at 30,000 feet seems to bring out the worst in people, and despite sharing a small space with dozens of others, some people treat the plane cabin like their personal living space.

A thread on Reddit’s AskUK titled “Worst thing you seen on a plane? What do you think is just not acceptable?” brought in over 200 responses, with holidaymakers keen to call out bad behaviour they’d seen onboard. And there were definitely some common themes among the complaints.

The original poster started the ball rolling, writing: “For me, it was that the lady sitting next to me was picking her toenails!” and many agreed lack of shoes was a huge etiquette breach. “I was sat next someone yesterday who took off their shoes and socks as soon as the opportunity allowed. They even went to the toilet barefoot.”, claimed one poster.

They added: “It wasn’t just the fact they were barefoot it was the general hygiene, e.g.: coughing and sneezing without covering, etc. They had me on edge the whole time thinking “right… I’m catching whatever disease they’ve absorbed through the soles of their gross feet.””

In a similar thread, posters complained about passengers doing tasks more suited to their private bathroom: “I don’t like it when people clip their toenails. I’ve seen it 3 times. Twice a row across from me and other time in my same row.”, said one. While another posted: “My wife and I were sitting in 1C and 1D. The guy in 1B pulled out dental floss after the meal and started going at his mouth like he was giving himself a root canal. Full on two handed flossing right in his seat.”

Another said: “I try to be kind and understanding of the difficulties and lack of facilities on this, but, a woman changed her baby’s ‘filled’ nappy in the middle of the cabin… twice. The stench roamed right through that B777.”

Instagram account @passengershaming has amassed over 1.3 million followers thanks to its hilarious posts that highlight some of the worst behaviour on planes. In one classic reel, a woman was seen using the overhead air vent to dry the crotch of her knickers. The viral video was captioned: “PRO TRAVEL TIP: Airplane air vents aren’t for drying underwear Kthx!”

Other examples posted to the account over the years include a woman using a foot file to remove hard skin, and a man opening a can of tuna on a plane for a snack, seemingly unperturbed about the smell in a confined space.

While the examples above are mostly harmless, if disgusting, behaviour, recently there have been calls to create a national database for abusive passengers, which would allow airlines to share information on disruptive passengers and restrict their access to flights.

According to the BBC, Department for Transport officials will be meeting later this month to discuss the proposals, and the database would likely be a collaboration between the government and the airline industry.

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The airport has won a prestigious architecture award after a huge multi-billion Euro project, and it was the only European location on the list of the world’s most beautiful airports for 2026

The world’s most beautiful airports for 2026 have been announced, and only one European hub has made the list.

Prix Versailles published its World’s Most Beautiful; Airports List 2026, which included airports from around the world, “each one exhibiting extraordinary, distinctive architecture”, according to its press release. Among the winners on the list were Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, and Pittsburgh International Airport in the US.

The sole European destination to make the cut was Frankfurt Airport, which unveiled its brand-new Terminal 3 in April, mostly for passengers taking long-haul flights. The £3.46 billion expansion took over 11 years, and became one of the continent’s largest infrastructure projects.

Sitting on 1.3 square kilometres of land, it’s around the same size as Frankfurt’s core city centre, and it includes a 2,900-square-metre culinary space, 112 check-in counters, premium lounges, and upmarket boutiques.

The terminal is connected to the rest of the airport via a 3-mile-long Sky Line people mover, which can carry up to 4,000 passengers, with the journey taking just eight minutes. Terminal 1 has two train stations connecting the airport to passengers’ final destinations: a Regiobahnhof that takes passengers into the city centre and Fernbahnhof where you can take Germany’s high-speed ICE trains across the country.

Terminal 3 was designed by architect Christoph Mäckler, and the awards announcement said it “was contrived to be a lively urban environment”. It added: “To give travellers a smooth, familiar experience, its piers, boarding gates and lounges emulate the streets and squares of a city. Its aesthetics rely on noble materials in warm tones, like Jura limestone and travertine. Vast spaces, bathed in natural light thanks to large plate glass windows, create a soothing atmosphere while minimising the use of artificial light sources.”

Frankfurt is not generally a city break destination chosen by Brits, but it has a colourful old town with medieval houses and historic charm. Römerberg in particular is popular with tourists, and the cosy half-timbered houses make the perfect backdrop for Frankfurt’s famous Christmas market.

The Städel Museum is another must-visit for tourists, and this vast art gallery has works from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as impressive visiting exhibitions such as a Monet show that’s on until July 5. If you don’t have much time to see the city, head for the Main Tower, which stands at 240 metres, for impressive 360-degree views.

Frankfurt is also known for being the financial capital of continental Europe, and its financial district is sometimes known as ‘Mainhattan’ after the River Main and its skyline’s resemblance to New York. Wander around and you’ll see lots of unique, contemporary architecture such as the glass-panelled Commerzbank Tower and art-deco style Messeturm.

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easyJet is making passengers aware of new rules

Holidaymakers bound for a popular destination have been cautioned about extended airport queues and advised to factor in additional time when travelling.

easyJet issued a fresh alert to British passengers on Tuesday, June 16, warning them about substantial changes at the border that could throw travel plans into disarray. The airline updated its official guidance following the gradual introduction of stringent new security measures and evolving border rules.

Brits are also being reminded about the length of time they’re permitted to remain in the Schengen Area, following rule changes that have been introduced post-Brexit. easyJet’s ‘important updates’ message is aimed specifically at those flying to and from Gibraltar.

The alert explains: “EES border checks may be carried out for both arrivals and departures at Gibraltar Airport, which could result in longer waiting times when entering or leaving the country. Please allow extra time when planning both legs of your journey.”

The travel operator goes on to clarify that UK nationals can still visit Gibraltar visa-free for brief stays. The update continues: “For non-EU nationals, including UK nationals travelling visa-free, time spent in Gibraltar now counts towards the 90-day Schengen allowance.”

Additional guidance on Gov.uk clarifies that British passport holders are permitted to stay for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period across the following countries – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

easyJet’s alert adds: “Non-EU / Third-Country nationals may require a Schengen visa to enter Gibraltar and should check visa/entry requirements before travelling.”

The airline shared an update for passengers in a post on social media

Ryanair has shared a ‘fuel update’ for passengers. The airline shared the news on social media, explaining that it is making changes to flights. Posting on YouTube, Ryanair shared an overview of its plans to improve flights over the coming years.

The video was titled: “Pathway to net zero carbon emissions goal.” As part of the changes, the airline said flights will produce less noise and require less fuel, among other benefits. Ryanair describes itself as Europe’s largest airline group.

In the post, Ryanair told customers: “We’ve developed a pathway to achieve our net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050, which aligns with the Paris Agreement and the aviation industry’s Destination 2050 initiative. Ryanair’s pathway aims to show incremental progress in decarbonising in line with EU climate targets are possible.”

In the video, the airline highlighted key areas of change. Ryanair started by discussing the benefits of new technology, such as 210 ‘game-changer’ aircraft, which deliver 16% less fuel usage and 40% less noise.

Ryanair also shared how sustainable aviation fuel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 80%. As well as how measures, such as single-engine taxiing and dynamic flight planning, can improve efficiency.

On its website, Ryanair shared further details for passengers interested in its plans. The airline said 32% of its carbon-emission reduction targets would come from technological and operational improvements, 34% from increased use of sustainable aviation fuel, 10% from the Single European Sky initiative, and 24% from offsetting and similar measures.

Ryanair’s website says: “We have teamed up with Trinity College Dublin to put in place a number of innovative actions to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). By appointing best-in class researchers, we’ll achieve our goal of powering 12.5% of our flights with SAF by 2030.”

Destination 2050 describes itself as an industry alliance committed to climate-neutral European aviation. The website says: “We believe that together, policy-makers and the industry we can make net zero CO2 emissions happen by 2050. European aviation is committed to play its part and ensure that air transport can continue to grow sustainably in the future.

“By 2030, net CO2 emissions from intra-European flights would be reduced by 55% compared to 1990 levels through a combination of fleet renewal, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), operational improvements and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) –in line with the new EU climate goal for 2030.”

Why is CO2 bad for the environment?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that holds heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Although it is essential for maintaining the planet’s warmth, human actions have led to a significant increase in its levels, intensifying the greenhouse effect and causing global warming, severe weather events, and ocean acidification.

A travel agent warned holidaymakers the item must always be kept in hand luggage after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched an awareness campaign following a rise in flight disruptions

Anyone who has ever travelled by plane will be familiar with the restrictions on hand luggage items at airport security – from liquids exceeding 100ml to batteries, tools and frozen goods. Security staff will refuse to allow anything they deem hazardous to pass through, meaning any attempt to do so could hold up your travels or result in the item being confiscated.

There are certain items, such as vapes, however, which must be packed in hand luggage rather than in larger suitcases stowed in the hold. Jake Cullum-Hollins took to TikTok to warn his 50,000 followers that another such item – power banks – are frequently “ruining” people’s holidays.

These are portable chargers that enable their owners to top up mobile phones, tablets and laptops while on the move – without requiring access to a mains socket.

“People still aren’t following the rules when it comes to packing these correctly,” Jake began in a video. “Due to the rising number of cases where flights are having to be delayed, diverted or even to make an emergency landing because of power banks, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is launching a massive awareness campaign.”

Jake clarified the guidance is straightforward – any item containing a lithium battery must be carried in hand luggage. This includes laptops, tablets, vapes and, indeed, power banks.

“It is really important to check your airline’s rules when it comes to things like power banks,” the travel agent reiterated. “Because some of them are now saying you cannot charge your items while you are on the flight.”

Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) published an addendum to its Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous goods by Air, which read: “The operator must adhere to for lithium cells or batteries (including power banks) carried aboard the aircraft for use or sale on the aircraft by the operator (such as electronic flight bags (EFBs), personal entertainment devices, card readers etc).”

The guidance continued: “Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be individually protected to prevent short circuits when not in use. For example:

• Keep them in original retail packaging
• Cover terminals with tape
• Place each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch

Power banks:

• Must be carried in carry‑on baggage
• Must be individually protected when not in use
• Must not be recharged on board the aircraft
• Should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
• Maximum of two power banks per person

The ICAO also advised: “The conditions for the carriage and use of these electronic devices and spare batteries (including power banks) must be provided in the operations manual and/or other appropriate manuals by the operators to enable flight crew, cabin crew and other employees to carry out the functions for which they are responsible.”

Responding to Jake in the comments, one TikTok user noted: “Airlines then need to have more adequate charging facilities on planes. Even when there is a port on the plain to plug into, it’s either outdated or doesn’t have a strong enough current to actually charge the phone.”

Jake later pointed out: “You can charge your devices at airports before boarding the planes – usually plenty of charging points around. When your device is in airplane mode it uses hardly and battery. Most long haul flights also have plugs to charge things like phones and laptops.”

Online reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays, but experts warn that not every review tells the full story

Millions of Britons are gearing up for their summer getaways, but experts are urging travellers not to place too much trust in a sea of glowing five-star reviews.

Online reviews have emerged as one of the most powerful influences when selecting hotels, resorts and holiday rentals, with many holidaymakers depending on them to determine where to invest thousands of pounds. However, according to review verification specialist TruthEngine, not all reviews paint the complete picture. Daniel Mohacek, CEO of TruthEngine, said holidaymakers should view reviews as one element of their research rather than concrete evidence that a property will live up to expectations.

He said: “Reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays. A string of five-star ratings can persuade someone to spend thousands of pounds on a hotel, resort or rental they have never seen in person.

“The problem is that not every review tells the full story. Some may be exaggerated, outdated, incentivised or, in some cases, not actually genuine.”

TruthEngine cautions that fake, manipulated and misleading reviews can leave holidaymakers arriving at destinations that bear little resemblance to what was advertised online. In some instances, guests uncover dated rooms, substandard facilities, hygiene problems, deceptive photographs or loud locations that were never flagged in the reviews.

One of the most common errors travellers commit, according to Mr Mohacek, is believing that a near-flawless review score automatically indicates a property is outstanding.

He said: “Holidaymakers should not assume that a high rating automatically means a property is perfect.”

TruthEngine recommends reading two, three and four-star reviews first, suggesting that these typically offer the most balanced and valuable insight.

He added: “Our advice is simple, to slow down before booking. Read the two, three and four-star reviews as these are the least faked, check recent feedback, compare different platforms and look at real guest photos.”

He also urged travellers to watch out for repetitive phrases, reviews that resembled marketing material rather than authentic experiences, and sudden spikes of glowing feedback appearing within a brief timeframe.

He said: “If the same complaints keep appearing, or if the reviews all sound too polished and too similar, that should ring alarm bells.”

Another frequent error is depending entirely on a single booking platform. TruthEngine advises cross-referencing reviews across multiple sites including Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia, while also examining social media and photographs uploaded by travellers.

Mr Mohacek added: “A holiday is one of the biggest purchases many families make each year. Taking 10 extra minutes to check whether reviews feel authentic could be the difference between a dream break and an expensive disappointment.”

For holidaymakers seeking a swift reality check, TruthEngine suggests a straightforward 30-second review assessment: examine the middle-range reviews, filter by the latest comments, cross-check several platforms, remain cautious of excessive references to particular staff members and take note of recurring grievances. According to Mr Mohacek, those additional few checks can uncover considerably more than a five-star rating ever could.

Your holiday could be ruined if you don’t do the vital check first.

Thousands of Brits are counting down to their summer holidays, but there is a very important check that needs to be done first. Many people have already been caught out, leaving their getaways in tatters.

Travel expert Simon Calder recently explained that “thousands upon thousands” of people haven’t realised before it is too late and missed their booked holidays. To help avoid it happening to more holidaymakers, I asked a range of travel experts the one important check everyone must do before heading to the airport.

They all agreed that Brits heading to Europe need to not only check the passport’s validity but also ensure it was issued less than 10 years ago. Before 2018, passports could remain valid for as long as 10 years and nine months.

But now if you are heading to the EU or Schengen areas, you cannot have passports older than 10 years when you arrive at their holiday destination. It must also be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to return home.

The check every Brit needs to do

Francis Hellyer, CEO of tickadoo, said: “People check the expiry date, see it is months away, and relax. But for getting into the EU the border does not care about your expiry date, it cares about your issue date.

“If your passport is more than 10 years old on the day you land, you can be turned away at the gate even with eight months left on the page. Check the date of issue, not just the date of expiry.”

Natasha Inglis, Implementation and Client Success Director at Good Business Travel, added: “Your passport might still be in date, but that doesn’t always mean it’s valid for travel.

“Most travellers only look at their passport’s expiry date, but the issue date is just as important. For travel to EU countries, passports must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive.

“This means that certain valid passports could still be rejected at the airport, so it’s really crucial to check both dates before you travel.”

Patrick Hill, Head of Paramount Cruises, said he is seeing “more and more” people getting caught out, especially when making last minute bookings.

He urged travellers to make the passport check before booking rather than before flying, and remember the new rules regarding the 10 year issue date.

Patrick explained: “If you renewed before October 1, 2018, the Passport Office sometimes carried over unused months from your old passport. The EU doesn’t count those. So check your date of issue, not just your expiry, they’re not the same thing.”

As well as passports not being allowed to be older than 10 years, there must be three months left after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. However, Patrick noted that cruise lines often require six months from the end of the cruise.

He added: “Check both your issue date and expiry date the moment you start booking, not the week you travel. We’ve seen too many holidays evaporate at the check-in desk over a few missing months.”

How to check your passport

Find the date of issue on your passport photo page and add 10 years. Make sure your outbound flight falls before that date.

Next, find the date of expiry and minus three months. Make sure your return flight falls before that date. Ensure you check every passport included in your booking, especially children’s passports as they only last five years.

Francis Hellyer warned: “Do not assume that being allowed to check in means you are safe. Airlines turn away borderline passports to avoid EU fines, and immigration can still refuse you even after you board. If anything looks tight, renew now.”

He added: “When someone is refused boarding, the flight is only the start of the loss. We see how much a family spends on the holiday itself, the tours, the show tickets, the day trips, and a lot of that is non-refundable. A passport check takes two minutes and it is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy for the whole trip.”

New rules have come into force from June in the first update for three years

TUI Airways has officially updated its Flight Conditions of Carriage, with the new rules taking effect for bookings starting June 5, 2026. ^{If you booked your getaway before this date, the previous rules (from March 2023) still apply to your trip.}

The update streamlines legal language, tightens health policy provisions, and explicitly outlines fees for amendments. The TUI Conditions of Carriage is the official legal contract between you and TUI Airways when you buy a flight. ^{The rules apply to every single passenger flying on a TUI Airways aircraft. This includes people who bought a “Flight Only” ticket and people who booked a TUI package holiday (where the flight is included).}

It is a dense legal document split into distinct “Articles” (usually around 15–20 pages if printed). Because nobody reads the full text while packing, it is designed to protect both the airline’s operations and outline your consumer rights. In short, they state: “We promise to fly you and your bags to your destination, provided you show up on time, behave yourself, bring valid legal documents, and don’t pack anything dangerous.”

It covers rules around baggage size and weights, ticket validlty and banning passengers. The key updates and points of focus in the 2026 conditions include:

1. Health Requirements & Mask Policies (Article 1)

While daily travel has largely returned to normal, TUI has modernised its terms to give them a clear mandate for future public health scenarios:

• Conditional Mask Requirements: The rules specify that if a local government or health authority mandates them, you must wear an appropriate mask at the airport and on board. ^{Failing to comply can result in a refusal of carriage, and taking it off mid-flight will be treated under TUI’s disruptive passenger policy.}
• Health Statements : TUI retains the right to require you to fill out a health statement prior to flying out of or returning to a UK airport. ^{Passengers showing symptoms of a major health outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic will be denied boarding.}

2. Name Corrections vs. Substitutions

• Spelling Mistakes: You can still correct genuine typos or spelling mistakes on your ticket for free, as long as TUI can reasonably verify it is an honest mistake.
• Name Substitutions : If the change amounts to transferring the ticket to an entirely different person, it will not be treated as a free correction and will incur standard amendment/transfer fees.

3. Ticket Validity and Amendment Fees

• Validity Period: Tickets remain valid for exactly one year from the date of issue.
• Compassionate Exceptions: In the tragic event of a passenger passing away en route, or a death in a passenger’s immediate family after travel has started, TUI explicitly permits the tickets of the passenger and their accompanying immediate family to be changed so they can fly at a different time.
• Voluntary Amendments: If you decide to change your flight details (date, time, or destination) 29 days or more before departure, you will face a baseline amendment charge of £50 / €50 per passenger per booking, plus any difference in the fare price, taxes, or associated fees.

Though technically part of their package holiday booking terms rather than the Flight Conditions of Carriage, TUI also launched a highly publicized Price-Match Promise. ^{If you book a package holiday and find the exact same TUI-flight-inclusive deal cheaper elsewhere, you can claim a refund for the difference—but you must submit the claim within 72 hours of your original booking.}

One code can mean it takes longer to get through security. Here’s the code many travellers dread seeing on their boarding pass and what it means for their flight if they get it

Navigating the airport can be an exhausting ordeal. In an ideal world, we’d sail through the security queue to give ourselves time to browse the perfumed duty free outlets or enjoy a relaxed coffee, but there are many bottlenecks where you can find yourself delayed.

One indication that your journey through the airport might not run as smoothly as you’d hope can be identified once your boarding pass has been printed. Check-in personnel will often add codes to your ticket alerting airport staff to watch for particular things, and there’s one code travellers really won’t want to encounter if they’re jetting off to the World Cup.

Those flying to or from the United States may notice SSSS on their boarding pass, which stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection or Secondary Security Screening Selectee. Essentially, this code indicates you’ve been chosen for extra inspection, and this can be for a wide range of reasons.

Certain airlines won’t print SSSS, but may have their own method of flagging that a passenger requires additional screening. For instance, Southwest Airlines reportedly uses a chequerboard pattern which appears on boarding passes.

Citizens of particular countries, such as those with sanctions or political tensions with the USA, may be more likely to encounter SSSS on their boarding pass. But the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) remains tight-lipped about the precise criteria that could see your name flagged in this manner, reports the Express.

The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has previously claimed that “TSA maintains a “Selectee List” (sometimes called the “Automatic Selectee List”) of people who are automatically and intentionally selected for enhanced screening every time they fly.”

However, there are other factors that could see passengers flagged for additional screening, including making one-way bookings and purchasing tickets with cash. Travellers who have previously passed through high-risk countries, regularly visit ‘unusual’ destinations, or display other flight patterns deemed suspicious may also find themselves subjected to extra screening.

Having a name similar to someone on a Department of Homeland Security watch list could be yet another reason you end up with additional security checks, and could even result in you being denied boarding. Passengers who are repeatedly flagged for extra screening can apply for the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP), and if approved they’ll receive a Redress Control Number to use when booking flights, which should make their travels considerably smoother.

If you do spot SSSS or a similar code on your boarding pass, there’s no need to panic. More often than not, it simply means you’ll require some additional time to clear security.

Typically this involves an enhanced pat-down, a manual inspection of carry-on bags, and possibly the use of a handheld metal detector as you pass through the security lane. Travellers should make sure they adhere to their airline’s advice on when to arrive at the airport, as this will guarantee they have sufficient time to clear any additional security checks.

In the USA, the TSA advises arriving a minimum of two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead of international departures.

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Passengers wanting to fly with easyJet could get some pretty cheap deals

Booking flights can be expensive, with many people clicking on random days of the week to find the best deal. But did you know two days of the week are likely to be better than the rest?

Travel experts at easyJet say that while the ‘cheapest day to fly’ often depends on factors like destination and flight availability, there are two days of the week you really want to look out for. The airline says: “The cheapest day of the week to fly can vary depending on the destination, flights available, and time of year.

“However, we’d recommend being flexible with your dates and considering flying outside of peak weekend flight times. By booking to fly on Wednesday or Thursday rather than Friday, you can find bargain flights (and get more time at your destination!).”

What is the cheapest month to fly in?

The low-cost airline also noted that the start and end of the year are key periods to look for if you want a trip that won’t break the bank. It adds: “The cheapest month to fly often depends on the destination and the type of trip you’re planning.

“For traditional warm-weather destinations in Spain or Italy, you can often find the cheapest plane tickets in the winter months of January and February. If you’re booking a trip to the mountains or traditional winter destinations like Finland, you’ll often find cheaper flights in November or March.”

As one of the world’s largest airlines, it operates a fleet of 355 aircraft, connecting 164 airports in 38 countries through 1,207 routes. While booking flights during these specific days and months is not a guarantee of the best deal, it urges people to use its Low Fare Finder when searching for the cheapest flight dates to secure the best deals.

Mum blocked from easyJet flight and left £700 out of pocket

In other easyJet news, a mother was prevented from boarding an easyJet flight with her family and lost £700 after being caught out by a crucial passport rule.

Bolaji Omisade was looking forward to a family trip to Greece and arrived at London Gatwick Airport with her husband and three sons. However, after checking in at the airport, easyJet staff informed her that she was not permitted to board the flight.

Confused by the situation, she was informed at check-in that, although her passport had not yet expired, it was no longer valid for travel due to passport regulations. You can read the full story here to make sure that you don’t fall foul of the same rule.

There has been queues for hours, with some holidaymakers even missing flights

Many Brits are heading to Europe in the coming months for their summer holidays. However, there are major changes to entering European countries this year.

The new EU Entry/Exit System (ESS) was fully implemented on Friday 10, April, with significant travel disruptions happening as a result. Holidaymakers have found themselves in long queues lasting hours as they try to pass through the digital border system.

It has even left some missing their flights and having their holidays in tatters. The EES has replaced manual passport stamping and requires all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph.

As delays continue at European airports, there have been mounting worries about how it will affect travel during the summer holidays, which is famously one of the busiest periods to fly.

Travel expert Simon Calder says there has been “a litany” of people stuck in queues at Dover for hours or even missing their flights home due to delays.

He described the system as a “Euro shambles” before being pressed on where in Europe is the worst impacted by the new process. Simon named Milan Malpensa, Lisbon, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt and Copenhagen as the airports with the “worst” delays.

Simon said on The Travel Expert podcast: “From what I have experienced, and certainly one of them is Milan Malpensa. The fingerprint stuff took an hour, and I was the first one off the EasyJet plane from Gatwick.

“Then, I went through the other terminal to check out and it took 45 minutes that time but they wanted those fingerprints again, which is absolutely not in the rules.”

He added: “I have heard terrible stories from Lisbon, other places frequently mentioned, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt. Both of them are huge hubs where you have got a lot of people flying from various regional airports across the UK into Paris and Frankfurt to connect.

“That’s okay if you are going intercontinental but if you are trying to connect to somewhere in Europe it is awful.”

Simon explained he had a friend travel to Frankfurt last weekend, who experienced 90 minute queues.

A friend was there last weekend and it took 90 mins, connection could be toast. Simon went on to name Copenhagen as also experiencing bad delays.

Co-host Greg Dickinson said: “This was a rare instance where the Foreign Office said you may encounter long queues in or out of the airport.”

Despite the issues, Simon was optimistic about the future of travel this summer. When asked if he thinks there will be more delays this summer, he said: “I would hope we might see a bit less.”

‘Worst’ European airports for ESS delays

• Milan Malpensa
• Lisbon Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport
• Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Frankfurt Airport
• Copenhagen Airport

Airports in major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol are affected

Jet2 has announced the launch of a brand-new range of travel options for Brits seeking some winter warmth. The 2027/28 Winter Sun programme will be the largest ever offered by the leisure airline and tour operator.

It will see nearly 4.5million seats go on sale for the winter, flying to 17 destinations from airports including Belfast International, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool John Lennon, London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester and Newcastle International.

The programme encompasses 181 routes, covering the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Mainland Spain (Alicante, Malaga), Balearics (Majorca), Portugal (Faro and Madeira), Turkey (Antalya), Malta, Morocco (Marrakech and Agadir), Cyprus (Paphos), and Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada).

Jet2 says it is the first airline and tour operator to go on sale for the winter of 2027/28. In the coming weeks, the airline and tour operator will also unveil details of its Ski, City Breaks and Iceland programmes for Winter 27/28.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Our winter sun programme for 2027/28 is on sale nice and early, and we are very pleased to be giving customers and independent travel agents fantastic choice and flexibility.

“The launch of our biggest ever winter sun programme gives customers from across all 14 of our UK airport bases huge choice. We have designed the programme in direct response to demand, so as well as offering 4.5 million seats, this will be our first year of full winter season operations to Egypt. We are not done yet, with even more exciting announcements about our Winter 27/28 programme coming soon.”

Key Winter Sun highlights by base for Winter 27/28 include:

Belfast International Airport

• Over 155,000 seats for winter 27/28

• 22 flights per week during peak period

• Eight winter sun destinations on sale:

• Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Tenerife

Birmingham Airport

• 540,000 seats for winter 27/28
• 66 flights per week during peak period
• 16 winter sun destinations on sale:

• Alicante, Antalya, Agadir, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Lanzarote, Madeira, Majorca, Malaga, Malta, Marrakech, Paphos, Sharm el-Sheik, Tenerife

Bournemouth Airport

• 11 flights per week during peak period
• Eight winter sun destinations on sale:

• Alicante, Antalya, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife

• Agadir and Madeira– exclusive routes to Jet2

Bristol Airport

• 210,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 34 flights per week during peak period
• 12 winter sun destinations on sale:

• Alicante, Antalya, Agadir, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Lanzarote, Madeira, Majorca, Malta, Paphos, Tenerife

Edinburgh Airport

• Over 300,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 40 flights per week during peak period
• 13 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madeira, Majorca, Malaga, Malta, Paphos, Sharm el-Sheikh, Tenerife

East Midlands Airport

• Over 340,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 49 flights per week during peak period
• 15 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Malta, Paphos, Sharm el-Sheikh, Tenerife

• Agadir and Madeira– exclusive routes to Jet2

Glasgow International Airport

• Over 350,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 47 flights per week during peak period
• 15 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Agadir, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malta, Malaga, Marrakech, Paphos, Tenerife Madeira – exclusive route to Jet2

Leeds Bradford Airport

• Over 400,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 59 flights per week during peak period
• 16 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Agadir, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Tenerife Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Madeira, Malta, Marrakech, Paphos, Sharm El-Sheikh – exclusive routes to Jet2

London Gatwick Airport

• Almost 320,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 38 flights per week during peak period
• 14 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Agadir, Antalya, Faro, Madeira, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Lanzarote, Malaga, Malta, Paphos, Sharm el-Sheikh, Tenerife

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

• Over 165,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 28 flights per week during peak period
• 10 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Tenerife Madeira– exclusive route to Jet2

London Luton Airport

• Over 130,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 17 flights per week during peak period
• Eight winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madeira, Tenerife

Manchester Airport

• Over 700,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 84 flights per week during peak period
• 17 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Agadir, Antalya, Faro, Madeira, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, La Palma, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Malta, Marrakech, Paphos, Sharm el-Sheikh, Tenerife

Newcastle International Airport

• Over 320,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 50 flights per week during peak period
• 12 winter sun destinations on sale:

• Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Malta, Paphos, Tenerife

• Madeira– exclusive route to Jet2

London Stansted Airport

• Over 430,000 seats on sale for winter 27/28
• 60 flights per week during peak period
• 17 winter sun destinations on sale: Alicante, Agadir, Antalya, Faro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madeira, Majorca, Malaga, Malta, Marrakech, Paphos, Sharm el-Sheikh, Tenerife La Palma and Hurghada – exclusive routes to Jet2

The airline offered a reminder to passengers who should check the advice before travel

Jet2 has guidance for all passengers travelling with soft-sided luggage. The airline has an important travel reminder on its website, which shares ‘top tips before travel‘ for all customers. The guidance highlights the importance of checking that baggage is strong and suitable for use before travel.

While many passengers use soft-sided suitcase, Jet2 wants customers to be aware they can be vulnerable. Highlighting the message on the advice page, the airline said: “Please ensure your baggage is strong and fit for purpose, to protect the contents and to withstand the normal baggage handling process.

“Soft sided cases and handles, wheels and locks can be particularly vulnerable.” Nonetheless, many customes might still choose to travel with soft-sided suitcases.

Regardless of their choice, passengers are asked to make sure they label all of their luggage carefully. Jet2 says: “Label each piece of baggage with your name, flight number, and phone number.”

When packing, customers are urged to ensure any important documents and items are packed inside their hand luggage. This includes any essential medications and cash. “Never pack cash, valuable items, perishable goods, important documents or essential medications in your checked baggage,” the advice stated.

Passengers are also urged to add a name tag to their bags and ensure all zips are closed before travel. Jet2’s guidance says: “Secure your baggage and ensure all pockets and zips are fully closed. Please note that the security authorities in some countries may open your bags without you present to make any necessary checks.

“At check-in, each item of checked baggage will be given a destination tag showing your flight number. Do not get rid of your checked baggage receipts (if given) until you pick up all checked baggage at your destination airport. Never carry unidentified items on behalf of other people.

“Take care when claiming your baggage at your destination, as many suitcases look the same. It is best to always check the name on the baggage tag.”

For passengers in need of new luggage, it could be worth browsing high street retailers, such as Dunelm, Primark, Home Bargains, B&M, or TK Maxx. Luggage options typically include both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases and bags.

While some passengers might prefer to use soft-sided bags because they offer more flexibility than other suitcases, hard-sided suitcases could be preferable when you’re transporting fragile items.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation

Budget airline Ryanair is facing an investigation.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced it is looking at fees that parents are required to pay to sit alongside their children on flights. The CMA revealed that the airline insists at least one parent sits with their children aged between two and 11.

This is enforced through what Ryanair refers to as a mandatory family seat, while seat reservations remain optional for all other passengers. The charge typically comes in at around £8 each way, according to the CMA.

The regulator confirmed it was looking into “whether Ryanair’s approach to seat reservations may mean parents are being charged for the airline to meet its child safety and disability‐related obligations as set out under aviation rules”.

It further stated that it would “determine whether or not this practice is in line with consumer law”. Ryanair is “the only major airline flying out of the UK to impose this charge”, according to the watchdog.

Other carriers offer to seat children flying with a parent without the need for a paid reservation, or automatically allocate seats together during booking, the CMA said. The investigation will also examine whether Ryanair’s mandatory family seat fee is dripped during the booking process, which is when a business does not initially present customers with all unavoidable charges.

The CMA added that it was at the beginning of its investigation and has “reached no conclusions about whether Ryanair has broken the law”.

Hayley Fletcher, senior director of consumer protection at the CMA, said: “Lots of families save up to afford a summer holiday and we know that extra charges can quickly bump up the price. Our investigation will consider Ryanair’s approach to family seat reservations and how the cost is presented to consumers, to determine whether they comply with consumer law. For the past year, we’ve told businesses to ensure their customers are shown the total price upfront – those who don’t face the very real possibility of action from the CMA.”

Ryanair statement on CMA investigation

The airline responded with a statement: “Ryanair’s family seating policy fully complies with all relevant laws and regulations, and saves families money when travelling on the UK’s lowest fare airline. Ryanair does not charge any fee for children to sit beside their parent or accompanying adult.

“Like all adults who select a reserved seat, adults travelling with children pay one reserved seat fee, but can select reserved seats beside them for up to four children on the same booking free of charge.

“This means that parents travelling with children pay for only one (adult) reserved seat but pay nothing for the four other reserved seats for their children travelling with them.

“This bogus CMA investigation is a failed effort by the Starmer Government to pretend it cares about consumers when it has failed to abolish APD (air passenger duty) which would immediately deliver lower fares for all consumers and growth for the UK aviation, tourism and wider economy. Ryanair looks forward to disproving these false CMA claims during this bogus investigation.”

The CMA is an independent non-ministerial Government department, funded by the Treasury.

People with hidden disabilities tend to use this as a way of making others aware

Travel can be made easier for some people living with an invisible disability or health condition by wearing a ‘Sunflower Lanyard’. Hundreds of airports around the world recognise it and what it may mean for some passengers – but not every airport is the same.

The Sunflower Lanyard isn’t recognised everywhere. Although many airlines and airports around the world support it, some international airports and locations ask you to use their own specific hidden disability programs or badges to get access to special fast-track lanes, priority boarding, or customised assistance.

Employees at participating venues are trained to recognise the lanyard and offer specific help, such as using simpler language, giving you extra time to process information, or guiding you to a quieter space. But, not every part of the world will instantly recognise or understand the lanyard.

On the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website, it says: “It’s a misconception that people living with a disability don’t want to, or can’t travel. They do and they can. Globally, one billion people live with some sort of disability, and while some experience a disability that is visible, for many it is not visible.”

The system is designed for any condition that isn’t immediately obvious to others, including conditions like neurodivergence, mental health, sensory impairments, and chronic conditions, to name a few. The lanyard does not reveal your specific medical condition or disability.

What parts of the world accept and follow the Sunflower system?

According to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website, hundreds of airports and airlines do recognise the lanyards. As of April 2026, the number was around 325 – but checking the specific airport’s accessibility page can give more details such as finding out if staff can provide free Sunflower lanyards and where to collect them.

Because the lanyard operates on an “opt-in” basis for businesses, an airport will not recognise it unless its staff have been explicitly trained to do so. Holiday hotspot Spain made headlines because its airport authority (Aena) rolled out its own alternative system.

Most other non-participating airports simply do not recognise the lanyard at all, instead of replacing it with a local version. Outside of a few specific exceptions (such as Singapore Changi, Tokyo Haneda, and select major airports in India), the scheme is not widely adopted or understood by security staff across Asia and Africa.

What isthesystem

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard system is an initiative that allows people to discreetly let others know that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional support, time, or help. Wearing the bright green lanyard that features yellow sunflowers indicates to trained staff that you have a hidden condition.

Anyone who feels they have a non-visible disability can use the lanyard. You do not need to show medical records or a doctor’s letter to get or wear one.

The system is designed for any condition that isn’t immediately obvious to others, including conditions like neurodivergence, mental health, sensory impairments, and chronic conditions, to name a few. For more information, click here.

MoneySavingExpert has shared important safety advice for holidaymakers

MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued a travel warning to millions of people. Founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, MSE regularly posts consumer advice for Brits. In the latest Money Tips Email, the experts offered advice for anyone booking holidays.

In the email, the team told readers: “Summer is coming, and if you’re booked to go away and haven’t got your insurance yet, you need to do it NOW, today, straight away!” As the experts pointed out, booking travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday offers the maximum protection, including cover if something happens that prevents you from travelling.

Before setting off, it’s also advised to get a Global Health Insurance Card if you’re travelling to Europe. In the alert, MSE revealed that over two million cards are expected to expire this year. As a result, millions could miss out on the benefits if they don’t renew ahead of upcoming holidays.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card enables holidaymakers to access healthcare without paying more than a local resident would while travelling in the European Economic Area.

The NHS explains: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

“The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.”

While people are advised they should also take out travel insurance, it could help you avoid paying the excess if you need medical treatment during your trip. MSE said: “Going to the EU? Ensure you’ve a valid (free) GHIC/EHIC – over 2m expire this year.

“The ‘Global Health Insurance Card’ (GHIC) and its predecessor, the EHIC, give access to state-run hospitals or GPs, mainly in European countries, for the same price as a local. So if they don’t pay, you don’t either. Over two million expire this year, check yours.”

A UK GHIC is free, and you can apply through the NHS website. The NHS advises avoiding unofficial websites, which may charge an application fee. People can apply for a new card up to nine months before their current card expires.

The NHS says: “You can apply for a UK GHIC if you’re a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.”

A Ryanair passenger claims she was recently told it was “unlikely’ she’d be able to board a plane for an unexpected purpose. Aisling Finlay was left taken aback and has since issued an alert

A Ryanair passenger was left concerned after she was reportedly told she’d be “unlikely to board a plane”, and it’s not the first time someone has claimed they were denied a seat with the airline. Aisling Finlay recently opened up about her alleged travel issue, as she wanted to alert others to the fact that it could happen.

Aisling recently shared her story on TikTok, where she claimed she didn’t know something like this was possible when travelling with Ryanair. The clip has since gone viral as people couldn’t believe how events unfolded in the unlikely air travel tale that left many taken by surprise.

It’s not the first story of its kind to be shared either. Previously, a four-year-old boy was said to have been told he couldn’t board a plane either.

In the clip, she said: “There’s a high chance we’re not getting on this flight. So, a reminder to everyone to check-in way in advance, as they’re overbooking the planes.

“So, we’re flying to Spain at 11am. So, I checked in last night at about like 10pm, and weren’t able to like reserve a seat or allocate a seat, so I was like ‘strange’.

“And then our boarding card came up saying ‘seat allocated at the gate’, and then we arrived there, and they’re basically like ‘we’ve overbooked the flight by nine seats’.

“We’re number five and six to get on the plane. So she was like ‘it is unlikely you’ll get on the flight’. Brilliant.”

The video has been viewed over 27,000 times since it was shared, and people were quick to comment too. Hundreds have since offered their thoughts on the matter.

One said: “In all my years travelling bumping has never happened to me, and I’ve never seen it happen. It must be a very new thing with Ryanair.”

Another added: “I had that once. Due to fly from Dublin to Bristol. They couldn’t get me on so they flew me to Birmingham and then paid for a taxi to Bristol, and a few weeks later I got £250 compensation. More than I paid for my whole trip.”

A third replied: “This is becoming so common. Happened two weeks ago. One member of our party didn’t get on, and was lucky to get a seat the next day. Check in as early as possible and book seats to make it safer.”

Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Most airlines do this!” One more also noted: “Every airline does this.”

What you need to know

When Ryanair was approached for comment, it stated as a policy the airline does not overbook flights. The airline also claimed the passenger travelled on the flight from Dublin to Palma de Mallorca on June 3.

However, some more information is available on its website. It states: “Ryanair, as a policy, does not overbook its flights. However, in the unlikely event that a seat is not available for a passenger with a confirmed reservation, we will seek volunteers to surrender their seats in exchange for benefits that we and the volunteer may agree upon before involuntarily denying boarding to other passengers.

“If there are insufficient volunteers, and we deny you boarding involuntarily, you are entitled to the rights set out below.” These rights are outlined on the website.