airports

Nov. 6 (UPI) — A reduction in flights will affect 40 airports amid the federal government shutdown, which has put a strain on air traffic control staffing, unnamed sources said Thursday.

The Federal Aviation Administration hasn’t listed the airports, but sources released the tentative list to ABC News, CBS News and The Washington Post.

Most of the airports affected are in major cities, such as New York, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. But other, less-busy airports are also on the list, such as Tampa Bay, Fla.; Anchorage, Alaska; and San Diego.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the 10% flight reduction on Wednesday, and said the cuts will begin on Friday.

“Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible. Reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations. This is not based on light airline travel locations. This is about where the pressure is and how to really deviate the pressure,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford Bedford said Wednesday.

​​”If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy said on Tuesday.

A source told ABC News that the flight reductions will start at 4% Friday and work up to 10%. The flight reductions will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and tentatively affect the following airports:

1. Anchorage International (Alaska)
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (Georgia)
3. Boston Logan International (Massachusetts)
4. Baltimore-Washington International Marshall (Maryland)
5. Charlotte Douglas International (North Carolina)
6. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (Ohio/Kentucky)
7. Dallas Love Field (Texas)
8. Reagan National (District of Columbia/Virginia)
9. Denver International (Colorado)
10. Dallas-Fort Worth International (Texas)
11. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (Michigan)
12. Newark Liberty International (New Jersey)
13. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (Florida)
14. Honolulu International (Hawaii)
15. Houston Hobby (Texas)
16. Washington Dulles International (District of Columbia/Virginia)
17. George Bush Houston Intercontinental (Texas)
18. Indianapolis International (Indiana)
19. John F. Kennedy International (New York)
20. Las Vegas Reid International (Nevada)
21. Los Angeles International (California)
22. LaGuardia Airport (New York)
23. Orlando International (Florida)
24. Chicago Midway (Illinois)
25. Memphis International (Tennessee)
26. Miami International (Florida)
27. Minneapolis/St. Paul International (Minnesota)
28. Oakland International (California)
29. Ontario International (Canada)
30. Chicago O’Hare International (Illinois)
31. Portland International (Oregon)
32. Philadelphia International (Pennsylvania)
33. Phoenix Sky Harbor International (Arizona)
34. San Diego International (California)
35. Louisville International (Kentucky)
36. Seattle-Tacoma International (Washington)
37. San Francisco International (California)
38. Salt Lake City International (Utah)
39. Teterboro (New Jersey)
40. Tampa International (Florida)

The reduction could affect cargo and commercial travelers. It could also cause issues as people prepare to travel for Thanksgiving.

Airports in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago along with hubs across the U.S. are among the 40 that will see flights cut starting Friday due to the government shutdown, according to a list distributed to the airlines and obtained by The Associated Press.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that it would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown.

The airports impacted cover the busiest across the U.S. — including Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities — such as New York, Houston and Chicago — multiple airports will be affected.

The FAA is imposing the flight reductions to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay during the government shutdown and have been increasingly calling off work.

Controllers already have missed one paycheck and are scheduled to again receive nothing next week as as the shutdown drags on and the financial pressure on them mounts.

The FAA has already been delaying flights at times when airports or its other facilities are short on controllers.

Airlines said they would try to minimize the impact on travelers. United Airlines said it would focus the cuts on smaller regional routes that use smaller planes like 737s.

Passengers should start to be notified about cancellations Thursday. The AAA recommended that travelers download their airline’s app and turn on notifications. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines both said they will offer refunds to passengers who opt not to fly — even if they purchased tickets that aren’t normally refundable.

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bedford said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Most work mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for side jobs to help cover bills and other expenses unless they call out.

Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, Bedford said.

“We can’t ignore it,” he said, adding that even if the shutdown ends before Friday, the FAA wouldn’t automatically resume normal operations until staffing improves and stabilizes.

Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday that they would meet with airline executives to figure out how to safely implement the reductions.

Major airlines, aviation unions and the broader travel industry have been urging Congress to end the shutdown, which on Wednesday became the longest on record.

The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system and “forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and damage confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman in a statement.

Duffy warned on Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies if the shutdown drags on long enough for air traffic controllers to miss their second full paycheck next week.

Duffy said some controllers can get by missing one paycheck, but not two or more. And he has said some controllers are even struggling to pay for transportation to work.

Staffing can run short both in regional control centers that manage multiple airports and in individual airport towers, but they don’t always lead to flight disruptions. Throughout October, flight delays caused by staffing problems had been largely isolated and temporary.

But the past weekend brought some of the worst staffing issues since the start of the shutdown.

From Friday to Sunday evening, at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing limits, according to an Associated Press analysis of operations plans shared through the Air Traffic Control System Command Center system. The figure, which is likely an undercount, is well above the average for weekends before the shutdown.

During weekends from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, the average number of airport towers, regional control centers and facilities monitoring traffic at higher altitudes that announced potential staffing issues was 8.3, according to the AP analysis. But during the five weekend periods since the shutdown began, the average more than tripled to 26.2 facilities.

Funk and Yamat write for the Associated Press. AP journalist Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque, N.M., contributed to this report.

Flights to Orlando, New York, Miami and Los Angeles are all set to be affected by the historic US government shutdown

Thousands of British travellers headed to the United States face either severe delays or flight cancellations as the US government’s shutdown shows no sign of ending.

Those with plans to fly to or return from the States are being advised that they could face disruption after the Trump administration announced a ten per cent to air traffic control. The ongoing US federal government shutdown is also affecting other areas of travel, airport staffing, and access to major tourist attractions.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance for UK travellers, cautioning that those flying to or through the US may face longer queues, delayed flights and reduced services at airports. Officials have also advised visitors to check in advance whether famous landmarks, national parks and museums remain open, as many are federally funded and may now have limited access or be closed altogether.

The warning comes after Washington lawmakers failed to agree on new funding for government operations, leading to a shutdown on 1 October that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid and key services running on skeleton staff. The situation has become the latest flashpoint in the deepening political standoff between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

In its updated travel advisory, the FCDO states: “There could be travel disruptions, including flight delays and longer queue times at some airports, due to the current US federal government shutdown. Check for messaging from your travel provider or airline and follow their guidance. There may also be restrictions on access to some federally-managed tourist attractions. Please check the relevant websites in advance.”

While the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control services are still operating, many employees are either working without pay or calling in sick, placing pressure on staffing levels. Travel industry analysts warn that prolonged shortages could lead to further delays, particularly at major international gateways such as New York’s JFK Airport, Los Angeles International, Orlando, and Atlanta.

Tourists planning domestic flights within the US may also see longer wait times at security checkpoints, which could disrupt connecting flights and cause knock-on delays across the country. Airlines operating transatlantic services have begun issuing their own advisories. Some are advising passengers to arrive at airports earlier than usual for check-in and security screening, and to regularly monitor their flight status.

Another area of concern is the possible closure of major tourist attractions. National parks, including Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountains, are overseen by the National Park Service, which is affected by the government shutdown. Historically, visitor centres, museums, restrooms, guided tours, and safety patrols have all been suspended during previous shutdowns, leaving tourists with little access or support.

In major cities, museums such as the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History may also face reduced opening hours or temporary closure if funding is not restored.

Holidaymakers are being encouraged to verify opening times before visiting, and to have backup plans in case venues are closed. Travel providers say travellers should be prepared to be flexible, especially those on multi-stop itineraries.

The Foreign Office guidance is precautionary rather than alarmist. Flights between the UK and US remain operational, most major tourist hubs continue to function, and hotels, restaurants and privately-run attractions are unaffected. But experts say travellers should avoid assuming everything will run as normal.

The shutdown stems from a political deadlock in Congress over government spending.

Republican lawmakers, particularly those aligned with President Donald Trump, have blocked funding bills in a bid to push for cuts to public services and changes to government programmes. Democrats have refused to agree to the proposals, saying they would damage key areas of the economy and the welfare system.

Without a funding agreement, government departments have been forced to limit operations. Essential services, including national security and emergency response, continue to operate. But many civil servants are furloughed without pay, and non-essential federal programmes are pausing operations until funding is restored.

List of airports that will see thousands of flights cancelled starting Friday

Anchorage International

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Boston Logan International

Baltimore/Washington International

Charlotte Douglas International

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International

Dallas Love

Ronald Reagan Washington National

Denver International

Dallas/Fort Worth International

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Newark Liberty International

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International

Honolulu International

Houston Hobby

Washington Dulles International

George Bush Houston Intercontinental

Indianapolis International

New York John F Kennedy International

Las Vegas McCarran International

Los Angeles International

New York LaGuardia

Orlando International

Chicago Midway

Memphis International

Miami International

Minneapolis/St Paul International

Oakland International

Ontario International

Chicago O’Hare International

Portland International

Philadelphia International

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

San Diego International

Louisville International

Seattle/Tacoma International

San Francisco International

Salt Lake City International

Teterboro

Tampa International

Belgium’s Brussels and Liege airports were forced to shut down twice due to mysterious drone sightings on Tuesday.

Belgium’s air traffic was severely disrupted after drone sightings forced two major airports to temporarily suspend operations as a security precaution.

A drone was first spotted near Brussels airport at 8pm (19:00 GMT) on Tuesday evening, followed by another incident at the nearby Liege airport, one of Europe’s largest cargo airports, according to Belgium’s public broadcaster RTBF.

Both airports suspended operations for an hour and reopened at 9pm (20:00 GMT), only to shut down again at 10pm (21:00 GMT) after a second sighting, RTBF said. Both airports resumed normal operations at 11pm (22:00 GMT).

Brussels airport said that the shutdowns may still impact air traffic on Wednesday in a notice on its website.

“Following drone sightings on Tuesday evening, flight operations at Brussels Airport were suspended for safety reasons,” the notice said. “This disruption has led to delays and some flight cancellations and might still impact flight operations on Wednesday morning.”

Flight Aware, a US-based flight tracking website, counted 59 cancelled and 43 delayed flights at Brussels airport on Tuesday. Some flights were also diverted to nearby airports, according to RTBF.

Authorities have not released limited information about the drone sightings, but Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin said that an investigation was under way, according to RTBF.

“We cannot accept that our airports are disrupted by unauthorised drone flights. This requires a coordinated, national response,” he said.

The drone sightings in Brussels and Liege follow a similar incident on Saturday, when three unauthorised drones were spotted near a Belgian military base, according to Minister of Defence Theo Francken.

Francken said on X that he believed the incident was “not a simple flyover, but a clear command targeting [the] Kleine Brogel” airbase in northwest Belgium.

He said the drones were flying at a high altitude and could not be stopped with a drone jammer. They also evaded pursuit by a helicopter and police vehicle, he said.

Since September, Europe has been hit with a wave of mysterious drone sightings near civilian airports and military facilities in Denmark, Germany, and Norway.

Denmark’s intelligence service has linked the drone flights to Russia, and described them as a form of hybrid warfare intended to “put pressure on [Europe] without crossing the line into armed conflict in a traditional sense”, according to Reuters.

Absences surge among US air traffic controllers, who have been working for more than a month without pay.

Airports across the United States are experiencing major delays and cancellations due to an uptick in absences from air traffic controllers, who are under “immense stress and fatigue” from the ongoing, record-breaking US government shutdown, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

More than 16,700 US flights were delayed and another 2,282 were cancelled over the weekend from Friday to Sunday, according to FlightAware, a US website that provides real-time flight tracking.

The delays continued into Monday evening in the US, as FlightAware counted more than 4,000 delays and 600 cancellations across major airports, like Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver and Newark.

The FAA said on X that half of its “Core 30” facilities at major US airports were experiencing staffing shortages due to the shutdown, with absences at New York-area airports hitting 80 percent.

Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay for weeks, ensuring the safety of more than 50,000 daily operations across the national airspace system (NAS).

As we head into this weekend, a surge in callouts is straining staffing levels at multiple…

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) November 1, 2025

Air traffic controllers, who number nearly 13,000 across the US, are classified as “essential workers”, which means they have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1.

But the FAA said that there had been a surge in absences, which had forced it to reduce the flow of air traffic in the US to maintain safety standards.

“The shutdown must end so that these controllers receive the pay they’ve earned and travellers can avoid further disruptions and delays,” the FAA said on X on Friday. “When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety. This may result in delays or cancellations.”

US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy told CBS News’s Face the Nation programme on Sunday that the delays will continue to maintain airline safety.

“We work overtime to make sure the system is safe. And we will slow traffic down, you’ll see delays, we’ll have flights cancelled to make sure the system is safe,” Duffy said, according to a transcript of the programme.

Duffy said that although air traffic controllers were using their absences to work second jobs elsewhere, they would not be fired. “When they’re making decisions to feed their families, I’m not going to fire air traffic controllers,” he said.

The government shutdown is due to enter its 35th day on Tuesday in the US, when it will tie with the 2018-2019 shutdown as the longest in US history.

At least 670,000 civilian federal employees have been furloughed due to the shutdown, while about 730,000 are working without pay, according to the Washington, DC-based Bipartisan Policy Center.

Move to close Vilnius, Kaunas airports and border comes after helium balloons drifted into the country’s territory.

NATO member Lithuania has closed its two biggest airports and shut crossings on its border with Belarus after helium weather balloons drifted into its territory, the third such incident in the Baltic nation this month.

European aviation has repeatedly been thrown into chaos in recent weeks by drone sightings and other air incursions, including at airports in Copenhagen, Munich and the Baltic region.

The Vilnius and Kaunas airports were closed on Friday for safety reasons until 2am (23:00 GMT), while the Belarus border crossings will remain shut until midday on Sunday, authorities said.

Lithuania has said balloons are sent by smugglers transporting contraband cigarettes, but it also blames Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, for not stopping the practice.

“The National Security Commission will meet next week to assess … what can be done short-term that would be painful to the smugglers and to Lukashenko’s regime, which allows them to thrive,” Lithuania’s Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said in a statement.

Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre said “tens of balloons” had been detected by radar on Friday.

Vilnius airport also closed on Tuesday of this week and on October 5, when smuggler balloons entered the capital city’s airspace, authorities said.

The incident comes after two Russian military aircraft briefly entered Lithuania’s airspace in what appeared to be a new provocation from Moscow.

Lithuania’s armed forces said in a statement that the two aircraft may have been conducting refuelling exercises in the neighbouring Russian exclave of Kaliningrad when they flew 700 metres (0.43 miles) into the country at 6pm local time (15:00 GMT) on Thursday.

“This is a blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity of Lithuania,” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on X in response to that incursion, adding that his country would summon Russian embassy representatives to protest against reckless and dangerous behaviour.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence, however, denied the incursion had taken place.

It said the flights were conducted “in strict compliance” with rules and “did not deviate from their route and did not violate the borders of other states”.

Russian aircraft and drones have reportedly also violated airspace in Estonia and Poland in recent weeks.

The events have heightened anxiety that Russia’s Putin might be testing NATO’s defensive reflexes.

PLUGS with USB ports feel like a godsend when travelling abroad, as you don’t have to worry with adapters.

But it turns out that they risk doing more harm than good – and could end up costing you a fortune.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned passengers that using USB ports in airports can potentially make your phone vulnerable to a cyber attack.

In a Facebook post, TSA said: “Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called ‘juice/port jacking’).

“So, when you’re at an airport do not plug your phone directly into a USB port.

“Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there.”

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Juice jacking is essentially a form of cyber attack, where public USB ports are used to steal data from or install malware on a device.

The issue isn’t just limited to airports either, as any sockets with USB ports in a public place could be at risk – on board the plane, at train stations, in hotels and in coffee shops.

Through juice jacking, hackers can gain access to sensitive information such as passwords, emails and financial information.

Malware could also be installed, which allows hackers to track online activities – or even fully take over your device.

Firmware could also be impacted, meaning that the security measures on a device could be rendered useless.

The TSA also warned that travellers should not use public Wi-Fi, especially if planning to make online purchases.

So how do you protect your device?

According to cybersecurity company McAfee, “the most straightforward way to avoid juice jacking is to use your own charging cables, plugs and adapters.

They said: “By plugging into a standard electrical outlet rather than a public USB port, you eliminate the risk of data theft or malware installation through compromised USB ports.”

You could also carry a battery pack with you, but make sure to check your airline’s regulations as some do not allow power banks on board planes.

You can also use a USB data blocker, which is a small adapter that attaches to the end of your wire and blocks any transmission for a USB port.

This then only allows power to go through the cable to your phone.

WHAT IS JUICE JACKING AND WHY IS IT A DANGER?

By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun

So-called “juice jacking” has long been a known risk that applies to any USB port you hook your phone up to.

The humble USB can be used for two things – powering up and transferring data.

And it’s the latter that is a cause for concern.

Cyber fraudsters can pull this off pretty easily, using a modified USB port or cable to infect the port.

Once someone plugs in, they can sneakily pass on a virus to your phone, which is capable of spying and more.

The problem is serious enough that even the FBI has warned people against using public USB ports.

However, there have been no known cases reported of it affecting members of the public.

All examples demonstrated by experts have been in controlled environments.

If you want to err on the side of caution, use a traditional electrical outlet instead.

If you are looking to buy a portable charger, here are eight of the best power banks UK for 2025 that have been tried and tested.

Plus, here’s how to charge your phone if you forget an adaptor on your next holiday.

Several airports in California have refused to play a video featuring U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for delays due to the federal government shutdown.

The video, playing for travelers waiting in Transportation Security Administration security lines at airports across the country, comes as the government entered a third week of a shutdown after Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding legislation.

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” Noem says in the video. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government and because of this many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

Officials at multiple airports in California say they are not playing the video at their locations. They include: John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Hollywood Burbank Airport, San Diego International Airport, San José Mineta International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

Officials from Los Angeles International Airport did respond to questions on whether the video was being played there.

Some airport officials have refused to play the video, calling it inappropriate. On Tuesday, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation called for Noem to be investigated for possibly breaking the Hatch Act by asking airports to play the video.

“Recent reports indicate DHS is using taxpayer dollars and federal assets to produce and air a video message featuring Secretary Noem, in her official capacity, making political attacks against Democratic Members of Congress,” Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) wrote in a letter addressed to the Office of Special Counsel and reviewed by The Times. “This message is not just false; it appears to violate the prohibitions contained in the Hatch Act.”

The act, according to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, is to “ensure that federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion,” as well as protect federal employees from political coercion at work.

Noem’s video was received by airports on Thursday and was followed up by a verbal request from DHS officials to play it at security checkpoints, multiple airport officials told The Times.

The reasons the video is not being shown for California fliers varies.

In Orange County, airport spokesperson AnnaSophia Servin said that Homeland Security requested, to the airport’s director, that the video be played, but a final decision has not yet been made. In Burbank, political messaging is prohibited, officials said. In San José, an airport spokesperson said there have been no shutdown impacts and therefore no reason to play the video.

At San Francisco International Airport, officials determined that the video wasn’t helpful.

“SFO limits messaging at our security checkpoints to information intended to help passengers be prepared to go through the security screening process,” a spokesperson said in an email. “Any content, whether in video or print form, which does not meet this standard, will not be shown.”

When The Times asked Homeland Security officials to respond to airports not playing Noem’s video, spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded with Noem’s video statement blaming Democrats.

But California airports aren’t the only locations choosing not to play Noem’s message.

Airports in Oregon, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle have also opted not to play it.

“We did not consent to playing the video in its current form, as we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” said Molly Prescott, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland, which manages Portland International Airport, said in a statement.

Oregon law also prohibits public employees from politicking on the job.

“We believe consenting to playing this video on Port assets would violate Oregon law,” she said.

Officials in New York also pushed back against airing the video.

“It is inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials,” New York’s Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement. “The [Public Service Announcement] politicizes the impacts of a federal government shutdown on TSA Operations, and the County finds the tone to be unnecessarily alarmist.”

According to the Homeland Security website, more than 61,000 TSA employees continue to work despite a lapse in appropriations, and a lack of a paycheck to employees.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Some airports around the country are refusing to play a video with a message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown and its impacts on TSA operations because of its political content.

Airports in Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle and more say the video goes against their airport policy or regulations that prohibit political messaging in their facilities.

Various government agencies, in emails to workers and on websites, have adopted language that blames Democrats for the shutdown, with some experts arguing it could be in violation of the 1939 Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees.

The shutdown has halted routine operations and left airports scrambling with flight disruptions. Democrats say any deal to reopen the government has to address their healthcare demands, and Republicans say they won’t negotiate until they agree to fund the government. Insurance premiums would double if Congress fails to renew the subsidy payments that expire Dec. 31.

In the video, Noem says that TSA’s “top priority” is to help make travel pleasant and efficient while keeping passengers safe.

“However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay,” she continues.

The Transportation Security Administration falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Roughly 61,000 of the agency’s 64,130 employees are required to continue working during the shutdown. The Department said Friday that the video is being rolled out to airports across the country.

A DHS spokeswoman responded to a request for comment restating some of the message from Noem’s video.

“It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government,” spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said.

The Harry Reid International Airport, in Las Vegas, said it had to “remain mindful of the Hatch Act’s restrictions.”

“Per airport regulations, the terminals and surrounding areas are not designated public forums, and the airport’s intent is to avoid the use of the facility for political or religious advocacy,” the statement said.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the county north of New York City won’t play the video at its local airport. In a statement, he called the video “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials,” and said its tone is “unnecessarily alarmist” as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport.

“At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust,” he said.

Even in red states, airports weren’t showing the video for various reasons. Salt Lake City International Airport wasn’t playing the video because state law prohibits using city-owned property for political purposes, said airport spokesperson Nancy Volmer.

The airport in Billings, Mont., “politely declined” even though it has screens that could show the video with audio, assistant aviation director Paul Khera said Tuesday.

“We don’t want to get in the middle of partisan politics,” Khera said. “We like to stay middle of the road, we didn’t want to play that video.”

Gomez Licon writes for the Associated Press. AP writers Rio Yamat in Las Vegas and Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colo. contributed to this report.

As many as 48,000 airline passengers are set to be affected by a nationwide strike on Tuesday

Tens of thousands of passengers are facing travel chaos as a nationwide strike brings Belgium to a standstill.

Two of the country’s main airports have confirmed mass cancellations for Tuesday, October 14, with flights grounded and severe delays expected.

At Brussels Airport – the country’s biggest – all departing flights have been cancelled, while around half of all arrivals have been scrapped. Brussels Charleroi Airport, which is a key base for budget airlines like Ryanair, has also confirmed that all flights – both arrivals and departures – will be cancelled on Tuesday.

The strike was called by Belgium’s trade unions in protest against government austerity measures. Metro, bus and tram services across the country are also expected to be severely disrupted.

Brussels Airport spokesperson Jeffrey Franssens said on Monday that 115 of 238 scheduled arrivals have been cancelled. Two weeks ago, the airport announced that all 234 departures had been scrapped due to a planned walkout by “a large number” of G4S security staff.

The airport warned of “major disruptions” on the day of the strike, adding that both Monday and Wednesday would be particularly busy as passengers try to rearrange travel plans.

Charleroi Airport said on its website: “Passengers affected scheduled to fly via Charleroi on 14 October will be contacted in the coming days by their airline for a rebooking or refund.”

A total 48,000 passengers will be affected by the strike – 33,000 of whom were scheduled to depart and 15,000 of whom were scheduled to arrive – The Brussels Times reports.

Union representatives said they expect a massive turnout at their demonstration in Brussels. “We want to send a strong signal,” said ACLVB spokesperson Kurt Van Hissenhoven.

FROM October 12, 2025, British travellers could be hit with delays thanks to the introduction of the new EU Entry-Exit System.

The use of EES will begin this weekend for the very first time, and holidaymakers believe they’ll be facing longer wait times as a result.

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When you use EES, the first time you travel you’ll need to register at a special machine called a kiosk where you will scan your passport.

The machine will then take your fingerprints and a photo – children under 12 will not need to give fingerprints.

You will also answer four quick questions on the screen about your trip, such as where you are staying and confirming you have enough money for your holiday.

The EES checks will happen when you arrive at your destination airport in the Schengen area – but not all of them.

Madrid will be registering arrivals from a single, early-morning flight on October 12, 2025.

In Germany, Dusseldorf Airport will have EES, but will only a small proportion of travellers will be required to go through the new system.

Meanwhile, Estonia, Luxembourg and now the Czech Republic say they are ready to check every arriving and departing traveller from their airports.

Depending on where British travellers fly into, will depend on whether or not they have an EES check, or continue with a passport stamp.

While EES is ready in certain places now, it’s a gradual process and is being rolled out over the course of 180 days, from October 12, 2025 to April 9, 2026.

But as it’s the first time the EES has been used for travellers, experts have warned there could eb “delays”.

 Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “I reckon there will be delays” while Tom Jenkins, chief executive of European travel association Etoa said it’s “a complete muddle”.

Tom Jenkins added: “If it all goes haywire, they can revert to inspecting passports.

“I don’t think it will be catastrophic because of that, it will just be tiresome.”

However, managers at the Port of Dover have insisted there will not be delays on Sunday, as traffic levels will be “manageable”, as reported by the BBC.

A government spokesperson said: “We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area.”

For the first few weeks, only lorry drivers and coach passengers will have to register with EES at Dover.

Other traffic, including the thousands of car passengers who use the crossings, will be subject to the new system from November 1, 2025.

The same goes for those travelling through the Eurotunnel.

At the Eurostar entrance in St Pancras, EES registration will take place upon departure, overseen by French border officials.

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And from October 12, only passengers travelling in business and premium class will be subject to EES checks – for other passengers, they will begin in January 2026.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.  

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.” 

For more on EES and ETIAS, one travel expert revealed what to expect.

Meanwhile, Brits face £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules.

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Visitors to Japan are leaving behind their suitcases behind at hotels and airports, causing significant cost, hassle and even security concerns, Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror

Japan has a rather unusual tourist problem.

Holidaymakers in the Asian country are leaving behind their suitcases. It’s not an isolated phenomenon. Hundreds of bags are being dumped, cluttering up airports and hotels.

At the root of the problem are souvenirs. The recent weakness of the yen in comparison to the dollar and pound means tourists can load up on cute gifts in Japanese gift shops in a way they have never done before.

Weighed down with a hotel room full of Pikachu dolls, unusual flavours of KitKats and yukata, tourists are buying large bags to take everything home with them. They then dump the bag they brought rather than paying to take two home.

A survey by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau found that more than 80 percent of the hotels surveyed complain about abandoned suitcases. This can prove tricky for hotels, which end up storing the bags while they attempt to make contact with the departed guest.

The Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi reports about three or four suitcases left in rooms on some days. Disposal cost the hotel more than £1,400 last year.

While the issue is one of inconvenience and financial cost in hotels, it is a security matter in airports. Narita International Airport near Tokyo reported more than 1,000 abandoned suitcases last year alone, some of them prompting police responses to ensure that they aren’t a security threat.

Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror: “A few things in Japan have led to this trend there as opposed to other surging places. Japan is a wonderful place for souvenir shopping. People are purchasing a huge amount and are upgrading to a bigger suitcase, as they didn’t plan ahead.

“You combine that with checking a bag on an airline, and it leaves people a bit squeezed and not wanting multiple bags. The dollar is strong there. You merge that with Japan having a lot of high-quality, affordable options and fun knick-knacks. It lends it to be a strong souvenir destination.

“Also, it is not an easy place to throw something away. It is built for residents. I remember walking around with a coffee cup for miles. You’re supposed to bring things home and dispose of them at home. Abandoning it can be easier than throwing it away.

“There is also often a language barrier. Japan is a pretty easy place to get around, but not a lot of people speak English. Just getting support on something that’s not wildly obvious is not the easiest thing to do there.”

Japan has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in the world for a holiday, and it’s having a bumper year. The weak state of the yen is encouraging visitors to book holidays in record numbers.

From the UK alone, just shy of 70,000 Brits travelled there in April, a 43% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Overall, Japan set a new visitor record with 21.5 million tourists in the first half of 2025, a 21% increase from last year.

One of the country’s major airport hubs has introduced a new twilight-hour service to give early morning budget travellers more time to relax before taking off.

One of the UK’s major airports has introduced a new check-in service that will ease the burden of early morning flights. The new check-in option will ensure budget travellers are “ready to relax and unwind” before their flight.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the latest England airport to introduce twilight bag drop and check-in services. Many airlines have introduced twilight bag drop to ease stress on travellers and check-in desks, especially during heavy travel periods.

Twilight bag drop services allow passengers to arrive at the airport the night before their scheduled departure and check-in their large bags well before the flight’s check-in window.

According to the Liverpool Airport website: “Twilight check-in is now available at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, making it easy for you to turn up the night before your flight and check-in your hold luggage at your airline’s dedicated check-in desk.

“Then, simply turn up the next day, bypass check-in and head straight to security, ready to relax and unwind in departures before your flight.”

Twilight services were previously only available for passengers flying with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, however a recent announcement confirmed expanded availability.

An “amber alert” announcement from the airport reads: “Passengers travelling with easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair and departing on flights before 08:00 can all now check in their hold luggage up to three hours before their departure, giving more time to relax and make use of the facilities in the Departure Lounge.”

This service is particularly convenient for anyone living or staying close to their departure airport. But again, not every airline offers this service – so it’s best to check with your tour operator first.

The first step of Twilight check-in is to complete online check-in via Jet2’s website, app, or through their travel agent, at least 24 hours before the flight.

Check-in luggage can then be dropped off at the Jet2 desks at Liverpool Airport between 4.30PM and 9PM the evening before scheduled departure. The following morning, passengers can go straight through to security – bypassing check-in entirely.

Passengers driving to the airport to make use of twilight check-in services can park in the airport’s Drop-off 2 car park. Travellers get one hour complimentary parking to check their bags in, but anything over that time (or the use of other car parks) will be subject to standard parking fees.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport also urges passengers to arrive a minimum of two hours before departure to allow enough time to check-in and pass through security.

It had operated from Stansted Airport and Liverpool Airport

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidance after Play Airlines (Iceland), an airline serving Stansted and Liverpool airports, abruptly ceased all operations.

The CAA confirmed that all flights operated by Play Airlines have now been cancelled, advising passengers: “Therefore, please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating. Play Airlines customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements if required.”

Andrew McConnell, spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said on Monday evening: “It’s always unfortunate when an airline ceases operations, and we understand that Play Airlines’ decision will be unsettling for its employees and customers. UK customers seeking the latest information are advised to visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.”

In a statement, Play Airlines announced: “Fly PLAY hf. has ceased operations and all flights have been cancelled. We kindly advise you to check flights with other airlines. Some carriers may offer special ‘rescue fares’ considering the circumstances.”

The airline further advised passengers who purchased their ticket with a payment card to contact their card issuer regarding a refund, while those who booked a ticket as part of a package through a travel agency in the EEA should reach out to their travel agent for assistance.

The airline added: “Some rights may also apply under EU Air Passenger regulations. In case of bankruptcy, claims should be directed to the appointed administrator.”

Encouraging passengers to seek advice from www.icetra.is and www.kefairport.com, it said: “We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes and thank you for your understanding.”

DEVELOPING STORYDEVELOPING STORY,

Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin airports among major European hubs confirming disruptions as a result of the attack.

A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems has disrupted air traffic and caused delays at major airports across Europe.

Some operations at a number of airports, including London’s Heathrow, were taken offline on Saturday after a service provider’s software was hit in the attack.

Heathrow airport, the United Kingdom’s largest and one of the busiest internationally, said Collins Aerospace, which provides check-in and boarding systems for several airlines across multiple airports globally, “is experiencing a technical issue that may cause delays for departing passengers”.

“While the provider works to resolve the problem quickly, we advise passengers to check their flight status with their airline before travelling,” it said.

Collins Aerospace is a major aerospace and military company based in the United States, and a subsidiary of weaponsmaker RTX Corporation – formerly Raytheon Technologies. RTX said it was aware of a “cyber-related disruption” to its software in select airports, without naming them.

“The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations,” the company said in a statement, adding that it was working to fix the issue as quickly as possible.

Brussels and Berlin airports separately confirmed they were also affected by the attack, which rendered automated systems inoperable, allowing only manual check-in and boarding procedures.

“This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights,” Brussels airport said, adding that the cyberattack occurred on Friday night.

“Due to a technical issue at a system provider … there are longer waiting times at check-in. We are working on a quick solution,” Berlin airport said in a banner on its website.

Frankfurt airport, Germany’s largest, was not affected, a spokesperson said. An official from the operations control centre at Zurich airport also said it had not been affected.

The Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, also known as Roissy, along with Orly and Le Bourget airports in the Paris area, reported no disruptions.

No group, individual, or state actor has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, and a motive is yet to be confirmed. There has been no confirmed instance of data theft related to the attack.

Rebecca Legon was born with a rare condition called PFFD, which stopped her leg from forming correctly during early fetal development. She has spoken about the issues she has encountered while travelling

A star of Britain’s Missing Next Top Model is ‘treated like a security risk’ at airports because she has a limb difference.

Rebecca Legon was born with a rare condition called PFFD, which stopped her leg from forming correctly during early foetal development. She had it partly amputated at the age of six, so she could wear a prosthesis and lead a more active life.

The East Sussex woman can’t run, but is pretty mobile with a walking stick and leads a full, happy life. “Because I was born like that, I grew up and adapted. In daily life, I kind of do pretty well,” she told the Mirror.

As is the case for many people with disabilities, travelling can be a huge source of anxiety and problems for Rebecca. Issues that may seem small to some people, such as a broken escalator, can become serious obstacles for her.

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“It’s the invisible barriers that make life extra tough. A few weeks back, I was coming home from my family holiday. The flight was delayed. I had my 10 and 7-year-olds with me. I had to make it to the connecting flight, with the kids in tow and hand luggage. I was worried we weren’t going to make it.

“As we exited the aircraft, an escalator was out of order. I made it up, but it was really difficult in an already challenging moment. As I sat on the flight, I thought, ‘It’s crazy this keeps happening.'”

Over the years, Rebecca has encountered many hurdles while travelling, including hotel bathrooms without accessible showers. “You have to crawl in,” the mum-of-two, who starred on the BBC Three show Britain’s Missing Top Model, explained.

Airport security is also a problem. “During the security checks, you get yourself worked up and anxious. It makes you feel like you’re guilty. You’re extra manhandled. The problem is that the laws vary. There is no one rule that fits all,” Rebecca said.

“On two occasions, I have had to take my prosthesis off completely. You have crazy thoughts at that point. You are quite vulnerable. Is anyone going to mess with it? They’re taking part of your body and putting it through a security scanner. Sometimes they make you take your trousers down. It is very invasive and not very comfortable.”

Most of the issues arise in countries where airport technology is less advanced. Rebecca believes if all airports had full-body scanners, then she would encounter far fewer difficulties when travelling.

“The second incident, which really shocked me, was at Dubai airport in 2023. Despite Dubai being known for such fantastic accessibility, I was pulled aside by the head of security who demanded a search in a private room and insisted I remove my prosthesis to be put through the security scanner,” she said.

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“It was a frightening experience, and I felt extremely vulnerable and disrespected. Thankfully, I was travelling with close friends, so I felt safer that I wasn’t alone. There seemed to be no legitimate reason for her request – it has left me a little anxious about returning to visit my best friend who lives there.”

Rebecca proudly represented England’s Lionesses amputee football team at the inaugural Women’s World Cup in Colombia in 2024 and is passionate about supporting the global rise of inclusive sport.

She is also a keen hiker and lover of physical challenges. She believes the mind is often stronger than the body. Through her advocacy, she inspires others to embrace resilience. With determination and a positive mindset, she believes that almost anything is possible.

Sadly, her experience is not unusual; recent research from MMGY, of more than 3,473 adults, revealed that 84% of individuals with accessibility needs have had a negative experience while travelling.

The top five issues included:

• Challenges with accessible transportation
• Difficulty boarding or disembarking
• Inaccessible or unclear travel information
• Costs associated with accessible travel
• Lack of staff training on how to assist passengers with mobility needs

Rebecca is a supporter of Ottobock’s Invisible Class campaign, which aims to raise awareness of issues and demonstrate the potential that arises from sharing knowledge, challenging established structures and making experiences visible. Ottobock has created a A Guide To Accessible Travel for individuals seeking to support the community and join the journey to make every journey possible.

unday marked the first day of strike action at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport in the Spanish capital, where “endless queues” and plenty of disruption are being reported

Brits heading for Spain are being warned of major chaos at its biggest airport, with passengers facing security delays of up to an hour and a half.

Sunday marked the first day of strike action at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, where “endless queues” are being reported. Unions say the strike is “indefinite and full-time”. The disruption has continued this morning, with images circulating online showing crowded corridors and jammed conveyor belts. Antena3 reports that lines have ‘exploded’.

Passengers have expressed dismay after finding themselves caught up in the chaos. “What’s happening at Barajas Airport at this hour? Kilometre-long lines (and this isn’t an exaggeration) to get through security at Terminal 4. Passengers are very nervous about missing their flights,” said Felix Millán on X where he posted pictures of the queues.

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Passenger control staff, managed by the Trablisa company and with about 800 personnel, began their full-time action on Sunday after negotiations to improve their working conditions failed.

The workers say their work is at a saturation level and demand salary improvements and specific compensation for this service. Alejandro Corredera Arriaga, spokesperson and member of the Madrid strike committee, said the volume of work at Barajas “far exceeds” that of other Spanish airports.

Among other demands, the passenger security guards demand at least equal conditions, such as the summer bonus paid for similar work at Palma de Mallorca, also managed by Trablisa. They also want a “danger” bonus, similar to that paid to explosives guards, when carrying out their work in a critical infrastructure such as an airport, in a context in which Spain has maintained level 4 of anti-terrorist alert since 2015.

Delays are occurring in all the terminals of the Madrid airport, both in the standard access to the passenger filter and the preferential one, known as ‘fast track’. At 9am on Sunday, the waiting time in Barajas was around 95 minutes, compared to the usual ten.

Passengers have been reporting “endless queues that reach the entrances and exits of the airport.”

The Spanish airport authority AENA has warned travellers of possible delays. To try to alleviate this situation, from the first hour, it has placed assistants in the metro hall of the old terminals and in other areas to divert passengers to T2 and T3 in the face of the collapse in the rest of the terminals.

“Due to a strike by Trablisa security personnel at Madrid-Barajas Airport, security clearance times may be longer. We apologise for the inconvenience,” said AENA in a statement.

The industrial action in Madrid is far from the only bit of aviation-related strike chaos due to take place this month.

In Italy, a 24-hour strike by airport handling staff at Milan Linate and Milano Malpensa Airport has been called on September 26. Security staff at Cagliari Elmas Airport are also planning 24 hours of industrial action on the same day.

In France, air traffic controllers in France are planning a strike in September after talks over pay between their union, SNCTA, and their employer, the nation’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), broke down.

The strike will last from September 18–19 and is expected to cause disruption to a huge number of flights. Even those who aren’t flying to or from France could be impacted, as so many flights follow routes over France.

Airports across Spain will be impacted by strikes over labour rights by Azul Handling baggage staff, which is part of the Ryanair Group. The firm handles the bags for the majority of the operator’s flights. Its unionised members have planned actions from 5am to 9am, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of 2025.

The affected airports are Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife South and Valencia.

ACCIDENTS can always happen when you are travelling – but did you know there are secret codes for different emergency situations?

Whether travelling across the globe on a flight or setting sail on a cruise to the Med, staff have several codes for different situations that need to be addressed.

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Whilst many are to alert something less serious, there are some codes that signify something more horrifying is happening.

Here’s a run down of the codes you might hear at the airport or on planes, cruise ships and trains – and what they really mean.

Planes

For most passengers, their worst nightmare is hearing there is a problem whilst flying.

And by using codes, cabin crew often are able to communicate with each other without alerting passengers.

For example, ‘Code 300’ or ‘Angel’ means that a passenger has died on board the plane.

If this happens, passengers will hear ‘Angel’ being used by flight staff, where they will then communicate on what to do including potentially moving the body away from other passengers.

Another code, ‘Squawk 7500’ or ‘Hotel’ rather scarily signals a hijacking.

Pilots will send the transponder code ‘Squawk 7500’ to air traffic control to alert them that the plane is in danger without actually explaining the situation or alerting passengers.

However, passengers may hear ‘Hotel 7500’ to indicate the emergency.

If you hear ‘Pan-Pan’, then it means there is a serious, but non-life-threatening incident on board – this could be mechanical or medical.

There are codes for less serious situations too including ‘Code Yellow’ which alerts staff to a minor medical situation, such as a passenger feeling sick.

Similarly, if you hear ‘Mermaid’ there isn’t anything to worry about – flight crew just used the term to refer to a passenger who is spreading themselves out across more than one seat.

Airports

You won’t just hear codes on the plane, but you might also hear them being announced in the airport.

For example, ‘Code Adam’ means a child has gone missing and is announced to begin a search for the child, including securing exits in case of a potential child abduction.

According to The Telegraph, ‘Code Bravo‘ alerts a general security issue.

There are also a number of codes you might not necessarily hear at the airport, but are used behind the scenes to communicate different issues.

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For example, according to The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the code ‘DF’ means that the aircraft has experienced damage, due to incidents such as a bird strike or lightning.

Alternatively, the code ‘DG’ means that an aircraft has damage from ground operations, such as a collision.

Code ‘FS’ signifies there is a flight crew shortage and code ‘FC’ suggests there is a cabin crew shortage.

And code ‘FB’ means that the captain of a flight has requested a security check.

Cruise ships

According to The Telegraph, passengers won’t want to hear ‘Operation Rising Star’on a cruise ship, which means a passenger has passed away.

Alternatively, ‘Operation Bright Star’ or ‘Blue Star’, means there is a medical emergency onboard.

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‘Code Alpha’ can also mean there is a medical emergency onboard.

If someone has fallen overboard, you’ll hear ‘Code Oscar‘ and rather scarily, ‘Code Echo’ means the ship is at risk of colliding with another ship.

Alternatively, if you hear ‘Code Charlie’, there is a security threat on the ship.

There are some less serious codes as well that you could hear including ‘PVI’, which stands for ‘public vomiting incident’.

And ‘Code Zulu’ flags that a fight has broken out onboard.

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Trains

For commuters or people heading to different destinations in the UK on the train, you could also hear some secret codes.

For example, you might hear someone asking for ‘Inspector Sands’ which means there is a fire.

Depending where you are, the code you hear for fire could also be ‘Mr Sands’.

Different numbered codes between one and seven are also used to signify different cleaning tasks that are needed including blood, urine and vomit.

Experts have also shared five ways to escape a plane crash.

Plus, there is also a common parent trick used on flights that experts say should be banned for safety.

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A travel expert has revealed why people should actually avoid using bright or distinctive suitcases – and shared some additional top tips to help keep your luggage safe at the airport

Many holiday makers and frequent flyers rely on simple hacks to take the stress out of travelling – and that includes using bright and distinctive suitcases.

Choosing luggage that’s instantly recognisable makes a big difference when it comes to the chaos of the luggage carousel. But now experts have warned that standout suitcases could actually be setting you up as a target for thieves.

Andrea Platania, a travel expert at Transfeero, said that while people believe using a distinctive case is the smart choice, it’s actually safer to blend in.

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“A bold suitcase might look fashionable, but it catches the eye of the wrong people,” Andrea has explained. “If you really want to travel securely, go for something ordinary, or even a little worn. It doesn’t draw attention and it doesn’t advertise what might be inside.”

Instead, make your luggage recognisable to you by using discreet personal touches. Small ribbons, stickers or markers can help you spot your bag quickly at baggage claim, without turning it into a neon sign for thieves.

“It’s about balance,” Andrea added. “You want to recognise it instantly without making it look like treasure on wheels.”

Travellers could also consider slipping a cheap, plain-coloured cover over their bags to help tone down stand-out designs and also protect against damage.

The most important thing, however, is to make sure your luggage is properly secured – even a simple padlock can make a difference, according to Andrea, who says that opportunistic thieves are less likely to bother with a bag that presents any kind of obstacle.

READ MORE: 1 essential item should ‘never’ be packed in your suitcase, travel expert warns

Another top tip is to keep count of your bags; whether you’re waiting for your flight, stopping for a drink, or heading through security, mentally tracking how many bags you have means you won’t leave one behind.

Travellers can also consider slipping an affordable tracking device that uses GPS or Bluetooth into their luggage for extra peace of mind. Taking photos of your bags before travelling – including shots of the front, back and any unique details or stickers – can also make life much easier if you need to file a police report or insurance claim.

On the subject of insurance, people are also strongly advised to double-check that their policy covers belongings outside the home – and if not, should consider topping up with travel insurance that includes baggage protection.

“Losing a suitcase is stressful, but the sting is far worse if you’re left footing the bill,” the expert said, adding that theft should be reported straight away to the British Transport Police if you’re at a station, or to the airline if you’re at the airport. Quick action not only improves your chances of recovering belongings but also eases the insurance process.