Airways

A NUMBER of airlines have cancelled flights from the UK to Cyprus after the evacuation of Paphos Airport.

More than 60 flights to and from Cyprus airports have been cancelled this week after the runway at major British RAF base in Cyprus was struck by an Iranian drone.

This includes 42 flights to Larnaca, and 18 flights to Paphos, according to Hermes Airport who operates them both.

Local media previously reported that all easyJet flights were cancelled between the UK and Cyprus until Thursday, however the airline confirmed just three have been cancelled so far today.

An easyJet spokesperson said: “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating.

“Flights from March 3 are currently operating as planned but we would advise customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information.

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“We are doing all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and are providing options for rebooking including on other airlines or a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority and we continue to closely monitor the security situation in the region.”

British Airways has also cancelled a Larnaca flight today.

They said in a statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East.

“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting our customers to advise them of their travel options.”

While no casualties were reported in the attack , the base is moving families and temporarily relocating non-essential staff.

Three British schools on the island have also been closed with immediate effect.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The safety of our personnel and their families is our absolute priority.

“Our base and personnel continue to operate as normal protecting the safety of Britain and our interests.”

EasyJet flies to both Paphos and Larnaca in Cyprus from several UK airports including London Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol.

Hundreds of other flights have been cancelled today as air travel continues to experience disruption caused the conflict in the Middle East.

Dubai Airport – one of the world’s busiest with up to 2,500 flights a day – remains closed for the third day running.

British Airways has cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East, which includes from London Heathrow to Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Amman.

A number of Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled to the UAE, with others rerouted.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways passengers are also all facing cancelled flights.

As many as 94,000 Brits are thought to be still stranded abroad, with the Foreign Office working a rescue mission.

British Airways has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman with passengers offered free changes or refunds – as travellers are warned they may need to ‘get creative’ amid mass disruption

Travellers will need to “get creative” if they want to fly in the coming days, an expert has cautioned, with hundreds of thousands of people stranded or rerouted to alternative airports following widespread airspace closures throughout the Middle East.

Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain have all closed their airspaces. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 recorded no flight activity over the United Arab Emirates, with the UAE government announcing a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace.

British Airways has confirmed flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will remain suspended until next week, whilst flights to Amman, Jordan, were scrapped on Saturday.

READ MORE: Donald Trump tells Iran ‘better not’ strike after Ayatollah Khamenei killedREAD MORE: Dubai airport chaos: Emirates confirms when flights will resume as Brits scramble to flee

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This resulted in the shutdown of crucial hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and the scrapping of over 1,000 flights by leading Middle Eastern carriers, reports the Express.

The three principal airlines operating from those airports – Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad – typically handle approximately 90,000 passengers daily through those hubs, with even greater numbers of travellers bound for Middle Eastern destinations, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Dubai international airport ranks as the world’s busiest airport for international flights.

Aviation industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group Henry Harteveldt said, via AP: “For travellers, there’s no way to sugarcoat this… you should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end.

“Travellers should anticipate that there will be a lot of disruptions,” he said, before adding: “To be honest, if you haven’t left home, chances are you won’t be leaving home if you’re supposed to travel to or through these destinations for at least several days, if not longer. And if you are returning home, you will have to be very creative about how you get home.”

BRITISH AIRWAYS: FULL STATEMENT ON FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THE MIDDLE EAST.

BA released an official statement on its website late on Saturday (February 28) for passengers who may be affected by the rapidly developing situation in the Middle East.

Here is the statement in full:. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East. Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.

“If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv you can change your flight free of charge up to and including 6 March. Customers travelling up to and including 4 March may also request a full refund.

“Should you wish to do so, please ring our contact centres on 0800 727 800 within the UK or 020 3250 0145 where a member of our team will be happy to assist. You can also find useful information, including details of your consumer rights, at ba.com/helpme..

“Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.”

BA’s statement comes as airlines serving the Middle East cancelled or diverted flights en masse on Saturday in the wake of US and Israeli airstrikes against on Iran.

Iran hit back by launching a wave of attacks, targeting Israel and four Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air were amongst the carriers to reduce their schedules to Middle Eastern destinations, citing safety concerns. The UK Foreign Office urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to immediately shelter in place following explosions.

UK Foreign Office issues advice for Britons trapped in Dubai.

For any Britons currently in the UAE, the Foreign Office released new guidance overnight.

All citizens already present in the UAE are strongly encouraged to notify the UK government by registering their presence to receive further updates as the situation continues to develop across the Middle East. “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

The FDCO also advised British nationals in the UAE to take sensible precautions, taking into account their own personal circumstances.

• – Read the UK Government’s fact sheet If you’re affected by a crisis abroad. This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis.
• – Follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the FDCO fact sheet: National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s guidance across numerous emergencies.
• – Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice to get email notifications on updates as they happen.

Follow our live blog for the latest travel updates by clicking here.

BRITISH Airways have launched another sale and it could see you land some mega cheap business class flights.

British Airways and British Airways Holidays’ are launching a business class sale today.

Running until March 17, travellers can get savings on a number of business class flights and holiday packages.

For example, travellers can save up to £500 on Club World return flights.

Club World is British Airways’ long-haul business class and Club Europe is the airline’s short-haul business class.

If you fancy a European getaway, then in Club Europe you could get return flights to Berlin, Germany from £270 and Dublin, Ireland from £199.

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Other cheap business class flight offers include to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, from £124 each way.

And there are lots of offers on Spain flights including to Barcelona from £132 each way, Ibiza from £119 each way, Madrid from £133 each way, Palma from £156 each way and Valencia from £138 per way.

When it comes to further afield, you could head to Barbados from £1,899 and Sao Paulo from £2,899 with Club World.

Don’t want to spend that much? Then you could opt for return flights in Club World to Agadir in Morocco for £457 return.

Or you could venture off to Cairo in Egypt for £723 return.

Perhaps you want to book an entire holiday package?

Well, you could head off to Berlin in Germany for three nights, staying at INNSiDE Berlin Mitte hotel from £399 per person.

If you would rather head to Spain, you can holiday to Valencia for three nights staying at the Senator Parque Central Hotel from £399 per person.

If you want your holiday to last longer, then you could spend seven nights in Tuscany, Italy at the four-star Ilaria & Residenza Dell’Alba, costing from £589 per person, including breakfast.

For a holiday further afield, you could go to Marrakech in Morocco, staying at the Kasbah Africa Hotel for seven nights, with breakfast, costing from £808 per person.

To get any of these offers, you must book by March 17.

In other holiday deal news, thousands of new £9.50 holidays go on sale this weekend – join Sun Club for early access.

Plus, here are the most popular UK holiday park from £9.50 Hols – with beachfront pods, hot tub lodges and a surfing simulator.

WANTING to go on holiday but don’t want to spend much money? Well, British Airways has just launched a sale.

British Airways is offering up to 25 per cent off flights to Europe and beyond, including popular destinations such as Malta, Marrakech, Madeira and Faro.

The sale on return flights operated by Gatwick-based subsidiary airline, BA Euroflyer, is running from February 19 to 24 and is available on travel between March 1 and July 31.

Passengers will also get a complimentary drink and snack onboard, as well as hand luggage allowance.

For example, you could head off to Faro in Portugal from London Gatwick from £104 return.

The city is the capital of southern Portugal‘s Algarve region and is known for its historical buildings including the 13th century Faro Cathedral.

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Visitors can also head to the Municipal Museum, which is inside a 16th-century convent and boasts a collection of prehistoric displays and medieval artefacts.

Or perhaps you want to go further afield? Well, you could travel to Marrakech in Morocco from £118 return.

Dubbed the ‘Red City’, Marrakech features a large medina – which is the old walled city that was built centuries ago.

In the medina, visitors can explore a network of narrow, winding alleyways with hidden treasure shops selling everything from brass lamps to freshly made flatbreads.

Elsewhere in the city, you can head to Ville Nouvelle, where you will find the modern part of the city with art galleries, boutiques and cafés.

Want to spend less than that? Travel to Majorca, Spain, for £84 return.

This Spanish island is loved for its blue waters, sandy beaches and secret coves.

You can spend time exploring charming villages, but there are also a number of world-famous beaches to venture to.

Make sure to try some of the local food, which consists of Mediterranean dishes with pork, lamb, fresh vegetables and olive oil.

And it isn’t just flights you can save on…

British Airways Holidays is also offering up to £200 off European holidays.

Currently, you can get £200 off a £5,000 holiday, which includes flights and a hotel.

Or £100 off a £2,500 holiday, which includes flights, hotel and car reservations.

There is also a £50 discount on £1,250 holidays and £25 off of £625 holidays.

For example, you could head to Majorca for seven nights and stay at the five-star Hotel De Mar Gran Melia costing from £1,229 per person between May 1 and 31.

If you don’t fancy spending quite that much, then head to Morocco for seven nights, staying in the four-and-a-half-star Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech from £879 per person between May 1 and 31.

In other holiday news, here are cheap holidays for under £250 – city breaks and family deals not to miss.

Plus, 10 cheap holiday spots about to go BIG in 2026 that you’ve probably never heard of – with a week away from £189.

TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways rules on flying with pets including the airlines that do allow you to bring animals into the cabin

Every pet owner has found themselves missing their cuddly companion when away from home. If you’re particularly close to your dog or cat, you might even be wondering whether it’s possible to take them with you. Policies vary from airline to airline, as does the cost. It’s also worth checking the requirements for bringing pets to your destination, as well as returning to the UK with your pet, as you’ll need to follow a number of steps to get them through customs.

Here’s what some popular airlines say about travelling with animals.

TUI

Pets aren’t allowed in the cabin of TUI’s aircraft, although registered assistance dogs can travel with their owners for free. Any other animals need to travel in the hold, and TUI say pets will usually go on the same flight as their owners. Its website reassures owners that: “The hold is pressurised and at the same temperature as the passenger cabin.”

Pets need to be kept in a travel box with a water bowl, and cannot be medically sedated, although herbal calming products cam be used. Owners will need to call or email TUI beforehand to check whether their pet can be accommodated, as some routes have restrictions, and to arrange for their pet’s travel in advance.

EasyJet

EasyJet’s policy is clear: “Animals are not allowed on our flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs.” Animals can not be carried in the cabin or hold.

Passengers travelling with assistance dogs will need to contact the special assistance team in advance, at least 48 hours before the flight, and will need to provide documents that the pet is a trained assistance dog. The dog will also need an animal health certificate, or pet passport if accepted, and the necessary vaccination certificates depending on the destination.

Ryanair

Ryanair also say: “We do not carry animals on board any Ryanair flights, except guide/assistance dogs on certain routes.” Assistance dogs need to be registered with an organisation such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK, or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

Ryanair added: “Emotional support or therapy dogs that are not recognized as assistance dogs by the above organizations are not permitted to travel with Ryanair.” It also has a list of requirements for assistance dogs on its website.

Jet2

Jet2 does not allow pets in the cabin or hold, and assistance dogs are the only animals allowed onboard. Assistance dogs travel with their owner for free, and Jet2 advise that passengers should contact their Assisted Travel Team before travelling so arrangements can be made.

It advises: “Please note an additional seat may be required to ensure there is enough floor space for the assistance dog to lie down, and if this is the case, an additional charge may be applicable depending on the size of the assistance dog.” Jet2 also warned: “If the assistance needs (including carriage of assistance dogs) of customers on the same flight create conflicting health issues, we reserve the right to decide how the conflict shall be resolved at our absolute discretion.”

British Airways (BA)

BA advise that all pets must be carried in the hold on flights to and from the UK. It has partnered with cargo services that specialise in the transport of pets, details of which can be found on its travelling with pets page.

BA warn: “British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet.” However, it also makes an exception for assistance dogs, which can travel free of charge in the cabin. Assistance dogs will need to be registered and trained with a suitable organisation, and the dog will need to be registered ahead of the flight’s departure.

Air France

Air France is one of the few European airlines to allow pets in the cabin, but there are restrictions. It only allows cats or dogs up to 8kg in weight, and up to 75kg in total with its carrier. Pets over this size must go into the hold.

Owners will need to contact Air France before they travel and check the strict list of requirements. Certain breeds with snub-noses will need to be cleared by a vet to fly. This includes pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats. Pets can’t travel in the cabin on intercontinental flights and aren’t allowed in business class.

Vueling

Spanish airline Vueling also allow some pets onboard including dogs, cats, birds, and turtles, although they must be kept inside a carrier at all times when in the cabin. It does not allow pets in the hold.

The maximum weight for pets travelling on Vueling is 10kg including the carrier, and it’ll need to go under the seat in front of you. Pet owners will need to check the requirements for their destination country and should contact the airline to book their pet’s space.

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

In an incredible offer, British Airways is offering flights for just £2 to two popular sun-soaked destinations, but only some holidaymakers will be able to take advatnage of the flights

To help beat the winter blues, British Airways is offering flights to two beautiful holiday hotspots for as little as £2.

Holidaymakers could jet off to the sun-soaked city of Madrid, Spain, with its famed landmarks and beautiful parks, or to the coastal city of Toulon in France, home to one of the most spectacular harbours in Europe, for just £2. However, not everyone will be able to take advantage of the British Airways offer, as the £2 flights are Avios-only and available only to members of The British Airways Club.

Yet, for members, it’s a deal worth noting with flights departing from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon. Plus, with the promise of blue skies, blistering sunshine and picturesque vistas at either of these popular destinations is more than appealing amid the gloomy British weather, especially when it could cost less than a cup of coffee.

Seats are now available to book, with prices starting from just £2 plus 21,500 Avios for Toulon, and £2 plus 28,000 Avios for Madrid. What’s more, 23kg of checked baggage is included, making it even more affordable.

Toulon is a new destination for the British Airways fleet arriving this summer, making it the ideal opportunity to explore the picturesque French city and discover its fascinating harbour. Meanwhile, Madrid has long been a route for the UK airline, yet it remains just as popular with its art hub, thriving food scene and gorgeous architecture.

British Airways launched Avios-Only flights in 2023 and has since operated 48 Avios-Only flights to 16 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, including Cape Town, Barbados, Sharm El Sheikh, Málaga and Marrakesh. The return flight from Madrid to London will mark its 50th dedicated Avios-Only flight.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re excited to release these latest Avios-Only flights to two top leisure destinations for summer. These flights are always incredibly popular, and we’re delighted to give our loyal customers even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of The British Airways Club.”

Adam Daniels, IAG Loyalty’s CEO, said: “While it’s not been too long since our last Avios-Only flight, we are excited to be starting the year by announcing another two flights on London City Airport’s hottest new routes to Toulon and Madrid. With all seats onboard only available to book with Avios, the initiative shows the continued power of loyalty and opens up greater redemption opportunities for customers during the peak summer months.”

British Airways confirmed that the flights for the Madrid Avios-Only flight are as follows:

• 22 May 2026, BA3272, Depart London City 09:50, Arrive Madrid 13:10
• 25 May 2026, BA3273, Depart Madrid 13:55, Arrive London City 15:15

Meanwhile, the Avios-Only flight to Toulon, which also offers the chance to explore St-Tropez, will take place on:

• 13 June 2026, BA8747, Depart London City 07:00, Arrive Toulon 10:00
• 20 June 2026, BA8748, Depart Toulon 10:45, Arrive London City 11:50

For more information or to book your seat, you can visit the British Airways website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

FANCY a cheap holiday? Well, British Airways has flights for a couple of quid, but there is a catch.

British Airways has released its latest batch of Avios-Only flights to two picturesque European destinations.

Avios-Only flights are where all of the seats on the plane are Reward Seats.

And the latest version of this offer includes flights from London City Airport to Madrid in Spain and Toulon Saint-Tropez in France.

But you will need to be a member of the British Airways Club to get the offer.

Seats included in the offer will be available to book from February 12, with return prices starting just £2 plus 21,500 Avios for Toulon and £2 plus 28,000 Avios for Madrid.

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The flights include 23kg checked baggage as well.

For Club Europe (business class) the Avios-Only flights to and from Madrid cost from £30 and 49,000 Avios.

The flight departs on May 22 at 11am and arrives in Madrid at 2:20pm.

The return flight is then on May 25, leaving Madrid at 3:10pm and landing down at London City Airport at 4:30pm.

For the Toulon St-Tropez Avios-Only flight, Club Europe costs from £30 and 36,000 Avios for a return flight.

The flight will leave London City Airport on June 13, arriving into Toulon at 10am.

The return flight will be on June 20, leaving Toulon at 10:45am and landing down back in London at 11:50am.

Travellers that also have a British Airways American Express Credit Card can use their Companion Vouchers on these flights.

These allow members to get a second seat for no extra points – all you have to pay are the taxes and fees.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “These flights are always incredibly popular, and we’re delighted to give our loyal customers even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the British Airways Club.”

Adam Daniels, IAG Loyalty’s CEO, said: “With all seats onboard only available to book with Avios, the initiative shows the continued power of loyalty, and opens up greater redemption opportunities for customers during the peak summer months.”

The British Airways Club is free to join and when you fly with British Airways or its partner airlines, you collect Avios.

You can also collect them by shopping at over 2,000 retailers.

The points can then be used towards flights.

In other flight news, hundreds of flights cancelled at short notice in Europe with thousands of Brits hit.

Plus, a budget airline is scrapping six routes from Europe – including a mega-cheap UK flight.

WHY leave the Valentine’s Day fun to couples?  

Without a significant other, you can splash your hard-earned cash on yourself – and what better way to spend it than a blow-out trip? 

Sophie Swietochowski shares the best long and short-haul destinations for singletons, plus tips for solo travel from destination experts at British Airways. 

NEW YORK 

EVEN when solo, it’s impossible to get bored in the Big Apple. It was British Airways’ most searched-for route last week and has long been a hit among independent travellers. 

Some of the typical tourist attractions are worth it, while others can probably be skipped if you’re strapped for time and cash. 

The must-dos, according to BA’s Destination Manager Nicole Lawson, are The Metropolitan Museum of Art and a Broadway show. 

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Last-minute tickets can be picked up for a fraction of the usual cost from todaytix.com, and those who are part of the BA loyalty scheme can collect Avios on tickets. too. 

Free activities bring just as much joy, though, Nicole explains, with a wander through the vast Central Park and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge both top of her must-do list.  

Solo dining is rarely an issue in the city, thanks to bar-style seating at many restaurants. Take advantage of happy hours, where you can get discounted drinks or oysters for $1 at certain hours of the day. 

GO: Flights from Heathrow from £437 return. 

AMSTERDAM 

ITS walkability, café culture and proximity to the UK makes this city a great spot for travellers going on solo adventures. 

According to Katie Williams, Destination Executive at British Airways Holidays, singletons should make a beeline for Museumplein – a square in the city centre renowned for its museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums. 

Then, take a stroll around the neighbourhoods of Jordaan and De Pijp, to soak up markets, galleries and boutique cafes.  

Instead of heading to a restaurant, Katie recommends the Foodhallen – an indoor market in Oud West with stalls serving everything from sushi and burgers to local delicacy, bitterballen. 

GO: Flights from Heathrow start from £71 each way.  

BARCELONA 

SOLO demand for this Spanish city has rocketed, with British Airways reporting a 93 per cent increase in searches compared to last month. 

Home to a sandy beach just a short stroll from the city centre with world-class restaurants and cracking shopping, it’s a great spot for anyone who’s not coupled up.  

Sara Di Lenardo, BA’s Destination Manager, recommends grabbing a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket on day one to help familiarise yourself with the area. 

Then tick off Antoni Gaudi’s famous church, the Sagrada Familia, which is finally due to be completed this year after more than 140 years under construction. 

Solo travellers may also find the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets, crammed with wonky boutiques and diddy tapas bars, less overwhelming than the main touristy strips like Las Ramblas. 

GO: Flights from Heathrow are from £48 each way. 

GENEVA 

BACHELORS and bachelorettes seeking escapism will appreciate the tranquility of the Swiss city.  

For those not used to travelling solo, the city is simple to navigate on foot and has an easy-to-use tram system, with day trips to the Alps more than doable. 

A lakeside stroll should definitely be on the bucket list, says BA Destination Manager Nina McMaster, with the water reflecting a picture of the nearby looming mountains.

You’ll be able to treat yourself to much better sweet Valentine’s treats than you’d get back home, too, with skilled chocolate makers found throughout the city. 

Nina suggests buying a Choco Pass (around £38), which gets you a tasting plate from five different chocolatiers — you can pick which ones you want to visit. 

Wine tasting is big here, too. And if you’ve got a bit of spare cash, there are some top notch wine tours on offer with viator.com. A three-hour tuk-tuk tasting tour costs from £176. 

GO: Flights from Heathrow start from £60 each way. 

LOS ANGELES 

FOR those seeking some self-care, few places in the world do wellness better than LA – home to glorious hiking trails, sun-drenched beaches, epic spas and workout classes that keep the A-listers shipshape.

The temperature is in the mid-20s right now, so it’s no surprise this was British Airways’ tenth most searched-for route last week. 

What should you get stuck into first? BA’s Destination Manager Robyn Harvey-Jones suggests a cycle from Santa Monica to Venice Beach –– it’s a very easy route, passing trendy coffee shops and quirky restaurants on the way. 

Even if you don’t have a full wallet, walking along Rodeo Drive and the tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills should be on your list, just for the people-watching.  

And for the best views of the world-famous Hollywood sign, hike up Runyon Canyon. It takes around two hours and is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels. 

GO: Flights from Heathrow are from £424 return. 

Restrictions on electronic items may vary between airlines – here’s what you should know

When preparing for a holiday abroad, it’s easy to get carried away and overpack. But did you know that several airlines, including Ryanair, British Airways and Lufthansa, limit certain items in the cabin?

This rule specifically applies to electronic items, with only 15 at a maximum of 100Wh each allowed in your carry-on. While numerous firms maintain this restriction, it’s still best to check your airline’s website for the most up-to-date information before flying.

Official advice from Ryanair reads: “You may carry up to 15 personal electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld game consoles, headphones, power banks). You may also carry up to 20 spare lithium batteries or power banks, provided they do not exceed 100Wh each.” It then also adds: “Devices or batteries over 100Wh are not permitted in the cabin or the hold.”

British Airways (BA) similarly states: “For your own personal use you can take up to 15 battery-operated Personal Electronic Devices (PED) that containing lithium batteries such as laptops, tablets, smart phones, cameras, music players, smart baggage tags (e.g. Apple AirTag).”

It adds: “If the watt hour (Wh) rating is not shown on the battery or cannot be determined, then the battery cannot be accepted onboard.”

Both airlines are among those that also have strict rules around ‘smart bags’. This generally describes rucksacks, backpacks, and other luggage that may include a built-in power bank for phones and laptops.

For Ryanair, passengers cannot bring a smart bag in the cabin if it has ‘non-removable batteries above 2.7Wh’. If the battery is removable, it must be ‘removed and placed in small cabin baggage underneath the seat in front’. Smart bags containing non-removable batteries are not allowed in the hold.

Meanwhile, BA does not allow any smart baggage on the flight if the ‘lithium battery/power bank for recharging devices cannot be detached from the bag by the customer’. If it is detachable, it will be permitted, provided it meets certain criteria.

For more information, visit BA’s website here and Ryanair’s website here.

Government advice for electronics in luggage

While some airlines might have specific restrictions, the Government lists nine main items allowed in your hand and checked luggage. These include:

• Hairdryers
• Straighteners
• Travel iron
• Electric shaver
• Most cameras
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Tablet devices
• MP3 players

Despite this, its site adds: “Check the restrictions on certain types of batteries or contact your airline if you’re not sure what you can carry[…] You can take hair curlers containing a gas cartridge in hand or hold luggage as long as the safety cover is fitted at all times. You must not take separate gas cartridges on board.”

Passengers using e-cigarettes should keep them in their hand luggage rather than in hold luggage. During security checks, placing electronic devices in a designated tray allows staff to quickly see and verify that no prohibited items are hidden.

Additional details are available at GOV.UK here.

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