BRITISH Airways passengers will soon be able to stay connected mid-flight without having to pay a penny.
The airline has confirmed that they will be rolling out Starlink WiFi on all of their planes next year.
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All passengers will soon be able to use free Starlink WiFi on BA flightsCredit: AlamyStarlink is owned by Elon MuskCredit: Alamy
Not only will it be available in all cabins, but it will be completely free for all passengers.
The high speed network means passengers will be able to stream video onboard without any lag.
This also includes over remote regions and oceans, a common area where WiFi can often cut out.
BA boss Sean Doyle, British Airways said “Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate-to-gate.
Another 15 airport lounges are being upgraded, with 17 new short-haul aircrafts being introduced.
British Airways is also rolling out a new First Class Suite, with its biggest bed yet as well as 32inch screens.
A new app is also being rolled out next year.
Mr Doyle said at the time the app would be similar to an Amazon when it comes to easily being able to book flights.
He explained: “The website’s been around for 22 years. We were leaders in it many years ago and we’d improved it down through the years.
“But we’ve been falling behind and we need to catch up and leapfrog the rest.”
Other inflight upgrades include larger overhead lockers – where suitcases lie on their side rather than flat – and upgraded seats made from Scottish leather.
But British Airways isn’t the first airline to roll out Starlink onboard.
Back in March, United Airlines confirmed that they would be adding the free WiFi service to more than 40 aircraft.
And Qatar Airways confirmed that all passengers will be able to use free Starlink onboard – even FaceTiming a flight attendant to show how fast it will be
BA is currently undergoing as £7billion expansionCredit: Getty
Meghan Law, who is an NHS nurse, has expressed her anger after her teenage son Alix Dawson was not allowed to board the Qatar Airways plane for Phuket, Thailand
Meghan Law is pictured with her sons; Alix Dawson (left) and 10-year-old Cole(Image: Kennedy News and Media)
A mum has blasted Qatar Airways after her 13-year-old son was denied boarding their flight for Thailand.
Meghan Law said there was “no justification” for her experience at Edinburgh Airport, which threatened to derail her £3,000 family holiday. Check-in staff, though, told Meghan there was a “luggage sticker mark” on Alix Dawson’s passport, which they said constituted “damage”.
The mum was ordered to go to Glasgow Airport — around 50 miles away — for a new emergency document. Scrambling to salvage her family’s holiday, Meghan contacted TUI, who she had booked the trip with, for their advice. The tour operator found no issues with the passport and put them on the next available flight to Thailand.
But Meghan, 33, has now vowed to never use Qatar Airways again. The NHS nurse, who has two kids, said: “If I hadn’t booked through TUI and booked it myself, we just wouldn’t have been able to go on holiday. One way from Glasgow on the same day of travel would’ve been £2,800. There’s no way I would’ve been able to pay that.
“I’d never had an experience like that at any other airport. There was no justification for it. I’ll never fly with Qatar again. It ruined the start of the trip – it was so stressful.”
Meghan, who lives in Aberdeen, has now returned from her two-week holiday, but wants to raise awareness of her experience. HM Passport Office classes a passport as damaged for several reasons, including if details are indecipherable, if there are missing or detached pages and if there is a chemical or ink spillage on any page.
But Meghan said Alix’s document had neither of these issues, and had previously been accepted dozens of times at airports. She continued: “I said I’ve used this umpteen times. No one’s ever mentioned any damage on it before. There were no rips or stains, I don’t know what she was trying to imply. I was really shocked.
“She told me that I need to get an emergency passport from Glasgow Airport. Then she said actually it’s not your passport that’s the problem, it’s your child’s, Alix.
“What they were trying to say was that the luggage check-in stickers that had been stuck on one of the pages [and] had damaged the page. But it wasn’t even on the photo page.
“There were no rips, it was just where the sticker marks had been. They said we couldn’t travel with it. I knew there were no issues with their passports. We’d probably travelled over a dozen times with those passports. We were just left in the airport with no help and no advice.”
The Mirror has contacted Qatar Airways for comment.
TUI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have all cancelled or delayed flights and holidays across Jamaica following the devastating hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall yesterday on the island with speeds up to 160mph.
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TUI, BA and Virgin have all cancelled flights and holidays to JamaicaCredit: ReutersHurricane Melissa landed in Jamaica yesterdayCredit: APAirports in Jamaica remain closed due to damageCredit: Instgaram/romeichentertainment
New images coming from Jamaica show widespread destruction, with most of the island left without power.
As many as 8,000 Brits are thought to be on holiday in the country, with many taking shelter in hotels.
And tour operators and airlines have since been cancelling holidays in response.
TUI has cancelled all flights to Jamaica until October 31, although this may be extended.
And all package holidays to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least the end of the week (November 2).
They said in a statement: “We’re working hard to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the extent of damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports.
“We want to reassure our customers that their safety and wellbeing remains our absolute top priority.
“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. ”
Virgin Atlantic has only cancelled flights up until tomorrow although this is very likely to be extended.
Flights VS165 and VS165 have been cancelled tomorrow (October 30).
And British Airways has also cancelled a number of upcoming flights, with passengers told to contact the airline.
Both Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport remain closed.
Just remember that you must not cancel your holiday ahead of the your tour operator or you will be left out of pocket.
This is because the Foreign Office has not warned again travel to Jamaica – it is only when it is advised against, that you can cancel a holiday for a full refund.
Instead it is better to contact the tour operator and see if you can push back your flight if you are wary of travelling.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7.
“We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office, including with support from the (Ministry of Defence), and we are also positioning specialist rapid deployment teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region.
“Any British nationals who are there should follow our travel advice and the advice of the Jamaican authorities.”
Virgin’s flights to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least tomorrowCredit: Alamy
Most powerful Atlantic huhrricans recorded
THESE are the ten most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever, ranked by pressure.
Lower pressure means a stronger storm.
A minimum of 901 mbar has been recorded in Hurricane Melissa.
If the ticket you bought is refundable, you will receive the money back.
The cancellation charges, if you incur any, will be deducted from your refund.
A Qatar Airways plane, stationary at an airport.Credit: Alamy
Cancellation charges are applied to cover the transaction costs and to compensate the airline if they fail to resell your place.
If the fare you bought is non-refundable (such as Economy Lite), then you will not receive any money back, though you may be eligible for a refund on unutilised government taxes.
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking (and your flight is at least 7 days away), you are typically eligible for a full refund with no cancellation fee under the airline’s “24-Hour Risk-Free” policy.
How much does it cost to change a Qatar Airways flight?
The cost to change a Qatar Airways flight depends heavily on the type of fare class you bought and your Privilege Club status.
A fixed change fee will be applied to process the transaction, though this may be waived depending on your ticket.
Recent policy updates have introduced a low USD $25 change fee for changes made online for some fares.
However, for basic Economy Lite tickets, the fixed change fee can still be higher, ranging from USD $100 to USD $125.
Platinum and Gold members are often exempt from change fees when modifying their flight more than 24 hours before departure.
If the new flight you choose costs more than the one you had, you must pay the difference to even the amount up.
Famous for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant neighbourhoods, the UK airline believes St. Louis has something for every visitor. Its flights to the city are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026 and will operate four times a week throughout the summer.
In light of the announcement, Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “St. Louis is a fantastic addition to our US network – it’s a destination in itself as a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as a gateway to exciting destinations beyond this.
“As the only direct route from the UK, this service will open up exciting new opportunities for our customers and further strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest.”
British Airways claims to serve more American cities than any other UK airline, with St. Louis set to become its 27th. The launch will also make British Airways the only UK airline operating direct flights to St. Louis.
The St. Louis launch coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the famous highway that begins in Chicago, passes through St. Louis, and continues to Los Angeles.
A British Airways release about the launch adds: “The city’s stretch of the ‘Mother Road’ is packed with Americana charm, from vintage diners and neon signs to historic motels and roadside attractions, offering the perfect starting point for travellers seeking a classic US road trip experience.
“Beyond its Route 66 heritage, St. Louis is home to Forest Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US –, a range of free museums and a thriving craft beer scene, making it an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer adventures.
“The city also boasts a proud sporting legacy, with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals (Major League Baseball), Blues (National Hockey League) and City Soccer Club (Major League Soccer), earning the title of ‘Ultimate Sports City’ by ESPN The Magazine.”
Customers travelling to St. Louis can choose from three cabin options: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class). Return fares begin at £529 from October 1.
Passengers travelling in Club World may also enjoy the airline’s newest business class seat, the Club Suite, on selected flights. This offers a private space with direct aisle access, a fully flat bed, and a ’17-inch high-resolution entertainment screen’. Such travellers can indulge in a brasserie-style dining experience, with a selection of freshly prepared starters, mains, desserts, and cheeses.
Beginning next summer, the airline will resume its twice-daily flights to Miami and offer daily services to Dallas-Fort Worth, too. Meanwhile, flights to Las Vegas will increase from 10 to 13 per week, and the airline will operate to both San Diego and Austin 14 times a week as well.
New York (JFK) will now operate exclusively from London Heathrow, offering nine daily flights, including a new service with the airline’s 777-200 fleet.
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It’s a nauseating, mind-boggling condition people literally lose sleep over, but help is at hand from a veteran of the skies who shares his best tips
Jetlag is a nightmare, but there are simple tweaks people can make to reduce its effects(Image: Marco Bottigelli/Moment RF/Getty Images)
Post-holiday blues are a nightmare, even more so if you suffer from jetlag after a long trip. Feeling like your body operates on a different time zone once you come back home is disorienting.
Al Smith is a seasoned pilot, currently working as senior first officer for British Airways. He is no stranger to jetlag, having flown across time zones and seen sunrises from the comfort of his own cockpit.
He follows a strict sleep routine to ensure he is fresh as a daisy whenever he is manning a plane. In a recent edition of British Airways’ High Life magazine, he said: “After years on short haul, I had a rhythm – early starts or late finishes, never both.
“But long haul is a different game. These days, I spend at least one night a week wide awake under the stars – but that doesn’t mean I have to lose a night’s sleep.
“I plan ahead: sleep before departure, nap after landing and squeeze in a siesta when I can. The key?
“Prioritising rest and making time for it, no matter what time zone I’m in.”
Top 10 tips to beat jetlag
If the hotel curtains don’t close properly, grab a coat hanger with trouser clips and clip the curtains together. It’s a lifesaver for daytime sleeping.
Limit alcohol.
Don’t sleep for more than three hours on landing day. If it’s after 3pm, try to stay up and just go to bed early.
If you’re a tea lover like me and nothing else will do, invest in quality decaf tea. It’s perfect for enjoying at any time of day or night.
Strategic napping is essential – just don’t do it on a subway in Tokyo.
Turn your phone to dark mode and switch on ‘Sleep’ or ‘Do Not Disturb’ at bedtimes.
Don’t go shopping just to kill time on landing day – you will only buy things you don’t need. Early in my career, I woke up to find I’d cleared out the entire miniature toiletries section of Walgreens after landing in Seattle.
Don’t oversleep while recovering from jet lag – in my experience, it prolongs my adjustment time.
Get outside and do some light exercise. Sunlight is a natural reset for me and is essential when it comes to acclimatising.
If you’re trying to stay up, never sit on the bed! Trust me – before you know it, you’ll be on your back and spark out. You’ve been warned!
Among the most important things for people to get right is their sleep hygiene. According to Al, it helps the body adjust to a new time zone easier and more effectively.
He said of his own experience: “Every time we’ve moved house, my first priority has been: ‘How do I make my new bedroom feel like the best hotel room ever?’ I prefer total darkness when I sleep – I highly recommend plantation shutters with a blackout screen.
“Zero light is incredible and allows me to sleep both day and night. Temperature is also vital.
“I think I have a two-degree tolerance before I’m either too hot or too cold. Yes, it’s the UK – but it reached 40°C in the last few years.
“Air-conditioning is the way forward! And quality bedding is another must.”
One of the main symptoms of jetlag is insomnia and it’s something Al also had first-hand experience of. He told the magazine: “There have been occasions where oversleeping on what we call ‘landing day’ – a sacred day that should be free of tasks – has led to bouts of insomnia.
“It’s taken me years of flying to figure out that if I check the clock twice and it’s still within the same hour, it’s time to get up, have a warm drink (obviously not caffeinated) and watch a bit of TV. Otherwise, I spend the entire night tossing and turning.”
The analysis looked at departure data for six of the biggest airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui and Wizz Air – between May 2024 and April 2025. They show that all of the airlines were less punctual now than before the pandemic in 2019
Standards have slipped over the past six years(Image: Getty Images)
The worst offending airlines for delays have been revealed amid an industry-wide slipping of standards.
Take-offs within 15 minutes of planned departure times are down significantly pre-Covid compared to now for almost all major airlines flying through UK airspace, according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.
There are several factors in play, including a rise in the number of flights taking off, airspace restrictions as a result of military conflicts and issues with air traffic control (ATC) staffing.
Which? studied checked departure data for six of the biggest airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui and Wizz Air – between May 2024 and April 2025. They show that all of the airlines were less punctual now than before the pandemic in 2019.
The experience of being stuck at the airport is becoming a more regular one(Image: Press Association)
Out of the six big UK airlines, Tui was the worst for punctuality according to the analysis, with the lowest average percentage of on-time departures. Back in 2019, an average of 67.2 per cent of Tui’s departures were on time, but by 2024–25, that had slipped to 59.2 per cent.
Second-worst for punctuality for the time period Which? looked at was Wizz Air. Its average on-time rate was already as low as 66.8 per cent back in 2019, and by 2023 it had plummeted to 55.6 per cent. In 2024–25 it now has fewer delays with 66 per cent, almost back to its pre-pandemic level.
It’s a similar story for Ryanair, whose average on-time departures were at 77.8 per cent in 2019 but fell to 63 per cent by 2022, only recovering to 66.5 per cent by 2024–25.
easyJet’s punctuality was 70.6 per cent in 2019 but dropped to 67.8 per cent in 2024–25, while the CAA data also showed a decline in Jet2’s punctuality. In 2019 departures punctuality was 81.8 per cent, and in 2024–25 was 68 per cent.
British Airways’ punctuality was at 71.5 per cent in 2019, and as high as 75.8 per cent the year before. By 2024–25 it had fallen to 68.7 per cent.
Some airlines are blaming air traffic control (ATC) for these delays. In May, Ryanair launched a website called ‘Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight’, along with a ‘League of Delays’ claiming to expose the worst ATCs across Europe for delays ‘due to mismanagement and staff shortages from January to May 2025’.
Eurocontrol, which speaks for the European network of air traffic controllers, admitted that in some parts of the network, the number of ATC officers is 10–20 per cent lower than would be needed to manage the demand.
The UK’s own ATC body, NATS (formerly known as National Air Traffic Services), said that it is “fully staffed and operating normally”.
Any other air traffic control delays are only exacerbated by other factors at play. Some parts of the airspace, through which major airlines fly, are closed off for military or geopolitical reasons.
Eurocontrol has said that the crisis in the Middle East has led to traffic becoming unevenly spread – after already losing 20 per cent of airspace following the war in Ukraine. Those complexities add to an already expanding ATC workload. Airport capacity is another issue.
And while delays are worsening, airlines are putting on record numbers of flights. Although Ryanair hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels of punctuality, it scheduled 162,411 flights in 2024, according to CAA data – 24,192 more than in 2019. Wizz Air put on 29,325 flights in 2024, up 3,534 from the 25,791 it flew in 2019.
A spokesperson for easyJet said: “easyJet always does all possible to get our customers to their destinations on time and minimise any delays despite flying in some of the most congested airspace in the world.”
A spokesperson for Tui said: “Punctuality is super important to us and has highest priority but there is one topic even more important: to operate each and every flight and to not cancel any flight. That’s what we do at TUI because we have holidaymakers onboard which we want to fly to their destination and also back.
TUI’s punctulatity record has slipped(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“So, sometimes we have flights delayed by a couple of hours because we need to get a replacement aircraft ready. But for guests the good news is: their flight isn’t cancelled and they can still fly. Other airlines have or use the possibility to cancel flights which then would also not be part of the delay statistics anymore.
“And, one important point: within our overall fleet of 130 airplanes we have about 11 spare airplanes – the highest number we ever had and which helps us to keep a network alive without cancellations.
“So yes we want to be more punctual but we also keep our credo to never cancel, which is the even more important topic for our holiday guests.”
A spokesperson for Wizz Air said: “At Wizz Air, every minute matters, and that’s why we are committed to ensuring our customers reach their destinations as smoothly and as promptly as possible. Some delays are outside of our control, and we do whatever we can to avoid cancellations. Our completion rate (meaning completing the flights we schedule) was one of the best in the entire industry in 2024 at 99.4% – and that has increased to 99.9% for flights from the UK between January and April this year. While we know delays are frustrating and we always try our best to avoid them, we would rather delay than cancel a flight, as we know how important it is for our passengers to reach their destinations.
“Our on-time performance (flights arriving when they are scheduled to) continues to improve. From 2022 to 2024, our on-time performance for flights from the UK improved by more than 20%. We were also named the UK’s second-most punctual airline in Cirium’s 2024 On-Time Performance Review, achieving a 70.54% on-time arrival record. The percentage of delayed flights is also decreasing year-on-year. In particular, longer delays are a rare occurrence, with just 1% of flights from the UK in 2025* delayed for three hours or more.
“The facts speak for themselves, and this progress reflects the effort and investment we have made in improving our service, which is a daily focus for us. But we know there is more work to be done. Punctuality is a key priority of our Customer First Compass – a £12 billion framework to ensure we can deliver the best possible service for our customers. As part of this, we are enhancing the resilience of our operations to minimise cancellations, reduce delays and provide fast solutions in the event of a disruption.”
Travellers could face issues and delays on their trips after further strike action was announced which will take place on set days and times
10:09, 10 Aug 2025Updated 10:55, 10 Aug 2025
There could be delays(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers going to Spain are facing a fresh blow as new strikes have been announced affecting major airports and airlines across parts of the country. The UGT union previously stated there will be a series of strikes affecting Ryanair’s baggage handling department.
These are set to start on August 15. However there is now increased potential for delays and flight cancellations after 1,500 workers with a second firm, Menzies, said it would hold its own industrial action, which will also start in August.
Menzies services a number of major airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Norwegian. The UGT union said the strike by ground staff of the Menzies group will affect five Spanish airports, including Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante, Palma, Malaga and Tenerife South, on August 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31.
It is peak tourist season(Image: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
In a statement the union explained it is objecting to what it says are “serious and repeated breaches of labour agreements and the conditions established by agreement” by Menzies. Amongst these “violations”, UGT highlights “salary breaches, violation of subrogation rights, disorganisation in working hours and schedules.”
The union also claims there have been “constant errors in the management of personnel and payroll”, reports the Express. It also argues that there is a shortage of staff to handle the workload and an “arbitrary imposition of holidays.”
It claims Menzies is in breach of the sectoral handling agreement, the company’s own agreement, and the sectoral agreement ratified by the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA) in December 2024, which led to the cancellation of a previous strike. The union has already called for multiple strikes in Ryanair’s handling department.
These are set for the peak holiday season when Spain is brimming with tourists. This strike, which involves more than 3,000 workers who load and unload luggage, will be held this week – on Friday, August 15, Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17 and then every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Ryanair strikes could continue until next January unless an agreement can be reached. However legally, the workers must provide a “minimum service” which is yet to be determined, but the action will still significantly affect travellers.
The strikes could affect travellers significantly
The union says those protests are “against the sanctions imposed on workers and the abuse of hours.” Ryanair’s bases are situated in Valencia, Alicite, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago.
The strike at Azul Handling (Ryanair’s handling subsidiary) is set for August 15, 16 and 17 and will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until at least December 31, as confirmed by the UGT in a statement. The actions could potentially extend into January.
The strike will take place between 5am and 9am, noon and 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. The FeSMC-UGT airline sector is requesting mediation before the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA).
The union has said the reasons for the strike call. It says these are:
Lack of stable job creation and consolidation of working hours for permanent part-time staff
Imposition and coercion in the performance of complementary hours, both ordinary and voluntary, apply in some cases, with disproportionate sanctions
Repeated failure to comply with the opinions of the Joint Committee of the Sectoral Agreement on guarantees and bonuses
Illegal restrictions on reinstatement after medical discharge and on the adaptation of working hours to exercise the right to family conciliation
It says: “UGT regrets having to go to these extremes and all the damages that may occur, for which the direct responsibility will be solely and exclusively the company and its reckless action with the workforce.”
Jose Manuel Perez Grande, Federal Secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Air Union, has accused Azul Handling of maintaining “a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands.”
The FeSMC-UGT Air Sector is calling for the company to withdraw the sanctions, stick to the recommendations of the Joint Commission, and start a real negotiation process aimed at enhancing the working conditions for over 3,000 employees across the country.
British Airways flight BA1410 from London Heathrow to Belfast declared a mid-air emergency and was forced to divert to Manchester Airport
12:11, 27 Jul 2025Updated 12:12, 27 Jul 2025
A British Airways Airbus A319 was forced to divert after pilots declared emergency(Image: Getty Images)
A British Airways service bound for Belfast had to make an unexpected detour when the pilots issued an emergency alert.
The BA1410 flight took off from London Heathrow at 08:05 BST on July 26, but around half an hour into the journey, the crew triggered a 7700 emergency code, as reported by AirLive.
The aircraft then entered a holding pattern before being directed to Manchester Airport due to what was believed to be a potential depressurisation problem.
Emergency services were on standby as the Airbus A319, with a capacity of up to 130 passengers, touched down.
Sources indicate that the diversion resulted from a technical glitch in a sensor device, with passengers forced to disembark for thorough inspections by British Airways technicians.
An alternative plane was subsequently arranged, allowing travellers to resume their trips after approximately a three-hour delay.
Matthew Hall, the managing director of airport transfers app hoppa, has previously noted that compensation entitlements typically hinge on whether the disruption stems from airline faults, such as mechanical defects or staff shortages.
Hall remarked, “Since leaving the EU, UK flights are still covered by a similar law that protects passenger’s rights when faced with travel delays.”, reports Belfast Live.
This protection extends to departures from UK airports, arrivals at UK airports on EU or UK carriers, departures from EAA airports, or arrivals in the EU on UK airlines.
“If your flight is a non-UK flight that is part of a connection to a UK flight, then you can still claim if you are delayed for more than three hours, you booked the flights as a single booking, and the delay is the airlines fault,” Hall elaborates.
By law, cancellations with less than 14 days notice entitle you to compensation, depending on the length of the flight route. “With short-haul flights (<1,500km, i.e. Manchester to Dublin) you could be entitled to £220 if arriving at your final destination more than two hours after originally planned, reduced to £110 if arriving within two hours of schedule and announced with more than seven days’ notice,” Hall explains.
This increases to £350 for medium-haul flights (1,500-3,500km i.e. Leeds Bradford to Tenerife South) if you arrive at your final destination more than three hours after originally planned, according to Hall.
“Although, this can be reduced to £175 if arriving within three hours of schedule and announced with more than seven days’ notice,” Hall adds.
Sam slammed the airline in a now viral TikTok video that has racked up more than three million views after spending her savings on a dream holiday to Miami with her best friend
A furious holidaymaker has blasted British Airways after a dream trip to Miami left her out of pocket and without her belongings for almost her entire holiday.
Sam, who shared her ordeal in a viral TikTok, claimed she was forced to pay £60 per suitcase on her journey to Miami – only to discover later her missing bag had been sitting in her hotel’s storage room all along. Her nightmare began at the airport check-in desk, where she was told her British Airways booking didn’t include checked-in luggage – despite her insisting she had paid for it.
“We tried to use the bag drop at the airport and it wouldn’t let us check in,” she explained. “We go to the check in desk and this woman literally looks like she hates us. We are the bane of her existence. She’s saying we hadn’t pre-booked our luggage, which we definitely had.”
Sam and her best friend Immie had attempted to enjoy their flight(Image: britshbroski/TikTok)
Staff allegedly made her pay £60 per suitcase to get them on the flight. But it got worse after she claims the check-in assistant accidentally charged her twice and told her she’d have to reclaim the money online after her holiday.
Sam said: “We ended up crying at the desk. She was not bothered.”
After finally boarding her flight to Miami, she said she noticed her suitcase being pulled aside for a security check. She was later informed it hadn’t been properly labelled for her connecting flight – but staff assured her the issue had been sorted.
However, when she landed in Miami, her suitcase was nowhere to be found. “I explained all the issues we had a check-in to someone at the airport,” she said. “It’s never happened to me. I’m panicking. I’m crying.”
British Airways reportedly told her the bag was “stuck in limbo” and promised to send it on to her hotel as soon as possible. Days later, she received a text saying her luggage was on the way – but it never arrived.
Sam was shocked to discover her luggage had been sitting in the hotel the whole time(Image: britshbroski/TikTok)
“I go to the hotel receptionist and she tells me there’s no suitcase,” Sam said. “There was one day on the holiday that I made 45 calls to British Airways. I had none of my makeup, shoes, toiletries and medication that I have to take daily.”
But at the end of her holiday, Sam made a shocking discovery – her suitcase had been at the hotel all along, stashed away in the storage room for several days while she went without her belongings.
After returning home, she contacted British Airways to complain and says she was eventually given a refund for all expenses endured.
The Mirror has contacted British Airways for comment.
Members of a British Airways cabin crew team found themselves in a mortifying situation after being accidentally being checked into a sex hotel, complete with an anatomically detailed tub
A recent blunder led to blushes among one British Airways team
Crew members aboard a British Airways flight endured a seriously awkward night, after a booking blunder saw them being checked into a sex dungeon.
While in the stylish Italian city of Milan, it had been decided that the colleagues would spend the night at the Motel Mo.om, a popular modern hotel with good transport links.
Unfortunately, in what has been described as a “comical mistake”, the team reportedly found themselves bedding down for the night at the similarly named Mo. om Hotel. Although at a glance, the names of these hotels appear almost indistinguishable, this is where any comparisons end.
It soon became clear to the crew that this was no ordinary establishment, as they took in the bondage-themed beds and vagina-shaped spa tub. And if these features didn’t drive the point home, the incessant “moaning and groaning” from fellow patrons certainly did.
Noises from excitable fellow guests interrupted their much-needed shuteye
A source told The Sun: “Crew were booked into a pay-by-the-hour sex hotel last Thursday. They were confronted with bondage sets, mirrored ceilings, human dog cages and leather harnesses. It was obvious that this wasn’t the place the crew was supposed to stay.”
Although there are humorous elements to the mishap, this sleeping situation was decidedly less than ideal for airline staff, for whom adequate rest is imperative.
As the source explained: “It was a comical mistake by the hotel booking team, but had serious implications. Some of the team who stayed in the sex dungeon didn’t get any sleep, so they couldn’t operate on BA services the following day. They were kept awake by thrill seekers moaning and groaning all day and night.”
Crew members were allegedly left horrified by ‘suspicious fluids in their rooms which made their skin crawl’
As well as struggling through “constant noise” as a “24 hour orgy” raged on, employees allegedly also had to deal with witnessing “suspicious fluids in their rooms which made their skin crawl”.
A British Airways spokesperson told the Mirror: “A small number of crew were moved to unapproved hotel rooms following availability issues with our usual accommodation provider. This happened without our knowledge, and we’re urgently investigating to prevent it from taking place again.”
12 crew members were affected, with British Airways said to be now ‘urgently investigating’
It’s understood that 12 crew members spent one evening in the unapproved accommodation, due to availability issues with the airline’s usual provider.
There was also thankfully no delay to the flight that the staff members had been scheduled to operate, meaning they were able to get back to normal after their unexpected stay.
It was announced yesterday that only British Airways Premium Plus American Express cardholders — not those using the free British Airways American Express card — can now earn up to 2,500 tier points per year when using their card for everyday spending
The update will impact those seeking BA tier status(Image: Getty Images)
A major update on British Airways’ tier points scheme has been announced.
Following the airline’s recent overhaul of its loyalty scheme, British Airways and American Express customers have been eager to find out how many tier points they can now earn with the British Airways Premium Plus Amex card.
It was announced yesterday that only British Airways Premium Plus American Express cardholders — not those using the free British Airways American Express card — can now earn up to 2,500 tier points per year when using their card for everyday spending.
The number of tier points you earn annually determines your membership level: blue, bronze, silver, or gold. Everyone starts at bronze, and can progress through the tiers based on how much they spend.
Higher-tier statuses unlock perks such as complimentary seat selection, priority check-in, additional baggage allowance, and access to British Airways’ airport lounges.
Here’s how many Tier Points are required for each level:
Bronze – 3,500 Tier Points
Silver – 7,500 Tier Points
Gold – 20,000 Tier Points
To reach silver, you could spend £5,000 on British Airways flights and holiday packages — each pound spent earns one tier point. The rest of the required points could be earned through spending on the British Airways Premium Plus Amex card, if you have one.
Here’s how the new tier point earning system works for cardholders:
750 tier P=points are awarded when you spend £15,000 after enrolling in the offer.
An additional 750 tier points are awarded after spending a further £5,000 (total: £20,000).
A final 1,000 tier points are awarded after spending another £5,000 (total: £25,000).
This brings the maximum total to 2,500 tier points earned via everyday spending. If this sounds confusing, there’s more: the tier points system is separate from Avios points.
Tier points determine your membership level and associated airport perks. Avios points, on the other hand, are used to claim rewards such as free flights.
Travellers flying with British Airways or its Oneworld partners earn Avios to use toward future flights. Amex cardholders have long earned Avios on their spending. However, prior to the changes in April, cardholders could not earn tier points through everyday spending.
Here’s how Avios earning works:
The free British Airways American Express card earns 1 Avios per £1 spent.
The Premium Plus card earns 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, but has a £300 annual fee.
It’s important to note that the 2,500 tier point offer is not available to holders of the fee-free British Airways Amex Card.
If you do have the British Airways Premium Plus American Express card, make sure to enroll in the Tier Point scheme through the American Express app or website to begin collecting points.
BA has cited security concerns over potential AI-powered location identification as the main reason for the ban, which follows another set of photo rules for staff that was introduced in 2023
12:02, 05 Jun 2025Updated 13:47, 05 Jun 2025
BA has introduced a new staff photo policy(Image: Handout)
British Airways staff have been banned from posting photos during layovers in popular destinations, it has been reported.
The UK’s flag carrier has implemented strict new social media restrictions aimed at stopping cabin crew from sharing layover snaps from their accommodation in locations such as the Maldives, Cape Town and Singapore.
The airline has not implemented the ban in a bid to ruin all of the fun, but instead to mitigate any potential security risks. BA has cited security concerns over potential AI-powered location identification as the main reason for the ban.
It claims that sophisticated computer software could analyze seemingly innocent background details to identify specific hotel locations and crew accommodation patterns, potentially putting the flight staff in jeopardy.
Now, crew members must delete such photos and videos from their personal accounts, even private ones. Aviation A2Z reports that all British Airways members, including pilots and cabin crew, are affected.
Are you a BA staff member with an opinion on the ban? Email us at [email protected]
The airline has cited security as the reason for the ban(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Get Ready With Me videos – in which people film themselves putting on their outfit for the day – filmed in hotel rooms and bathrooms are now banned. Outfit of the Day content showing off BA uniform is also on the scrapheap.
Fun photos taken in hotel pools, at private beaches and in the lobby areas are also now forbidden.
Back in February 2023, BA introduced a raft of new rules that stopped staff from posting videos and pictures while they were “professionally engaged” in their duties. That included workers on security checks, passenger service, and operational activities.
Those rules were designed to clamp down on cabin crew members documenting their lives for TikTok and Instagram followers. A ban on sharing photos of crew sat inside aircraft engines was also brought in.
Staff were unhappy at the time, with the following backlash leading BA to clarify that crew could still share photos in their uniform, so long as they weren’t actively working.
A BA spokesperson said: “The safety of our people is really important to us and as a responsible employer, we’re continuously looking at how we can improve their security.”
Boeing has secured a historic deal with Qatar Airways, as part of US President Donald Trump’s regional trade drive. Shares in the largest US aerospace manufacturer rose 2% to a 52-week high on Wednesday following the announcement.
During Trump’s visit to Qatar, the White House revealed that the US president had reached agreements totalling $243.5 billion (€209 bn) with the Gulf state. “The landmark deals celebrated today will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age,” stated the White House.
The deals include a $96bn (€85.8 bn) Boeing aircraft order from Qatar Airways, a record order for the US’s largest exporter.
Following a $600bn (€535bn) investment plan made with Saudi Arabia earlier this week, the US-Qatar agreements further strengthen Washington’s ties with the wealthy Gulf nations. President Trump is set to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later today, with speculation that further Boeing deals may be signed with Emirates, Qatar Airways’ larger regional competitor.
Largest ever Boeing order
Boeing announced that Qatar Airways would purchase 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777X aircraft, calling the order “a record as the largest widebody order for Boeing, the largest order for 787 Dreamliners, and Qatar Airways’ largest-ever order.” The company claims the deal will support nearly 400,000 jobs in the US. President Trump attended the signing ceremony.
“After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance, and with this historic Boeing aircraft order, we’re not simply chasing scale — we’re building strength that will allow us to continue delivering unmatched products and customer experiences,” said Qatar Airways CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
“We thank our Boeing partners for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together. Our team is excited to build 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade, as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort.”
The deal is a major win for Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who accompanied Trump on the Middle East trip. On Tuesday, Boeing also secured a $4.8bn (€4.3 bn) agreement for 737-8 MAX jets with AviLease, a Saudi Arabia-based aircraft lessor.
Boeing’s 737 MAX passenger airliner had been grounded between 2019 and 2020, and again in 2024, due to ongoing safety and production concerns. The company has remained unprofitable since 2018, with its shares falling to a multi-year low in early April following Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs.
Trump’s efforts to reduce reliance on China’s businesses
China halted orders from Boeing in late April in response to Trump’s tariffs. During an interview with CNBC last month, Ortberg indicated that aircraft initially built for Chinese buyers may be redirected to other customers later this year.
On Tuesday, Trump also finalised an $80bn (€71 bn) artificial intelligence investment plan with Saudi Arabia, which helped fuel rallies in Nvidia and other major tech stocks. Previously, US semiconductor shares had come under pressure amid the escalating US-China trade tensions.
The Trump administration rescinded the AI diffusion rule introduced by former President Joe Biden, which would have taken effect today. However, the Department of Justice said it would rewrite the export curbs on AI chip exports to China. On Wednesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced a 90-day suspension on export restrictions targeting 28 US companies, including rare earths and other critical materials, as part of a bilateral agreement reached after trade talks over the weekend.
State-owned airline Qatar Airways has signed an agreement to buy 210 aircraft from United States manufacturer Boeing, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s visit to Qatar as part of his tour of the Gulf region.
Trump and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha on Wednesday. The White House said that the deal for the Boeing 777X and 787 planes with GE Aerospace engines was worth $96bn.
Trump said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who signed the deal with Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer next to Trump and the emir, told him: “It’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing. That’s good.”
Trump had initially said that the deal was worth more than $200bn and was for 160 planes, before the White House issued updated numbers after his comments.
The White House also said that agreements signed by the US and Qatar would “generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion”.
“This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement.
“After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order – we’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences.”
The sale is also a boost for Boeing and its biggest engine supplier at a time when large versions of rival Airbus’ A350, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, have struggled with maintenance problems from operating in the world’s hottest climates, including the Gulf region.
Boeing shares rose 0.9 percent in New York, while GE Aerospace stock edged up 0.1 percent.
For the 787s, Qatar opted for GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines rather than Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000, according to the administration. GE Aerospace’s GE9X is the only engine option for the 777X.
It is the largest widebody engine deal for GE Aerospace, the company’s CEO Larry Culp said in a statement.
Faisal al-Mudahka, editor-in-chief of the Gulf Times, said the Qatar Airways purchase of Boeing aircraft is a “win-win”.
As one of the world’s top airlines with a growing market, Qatar Airways has more demand than supply at the moment and will need the fleet, he said.
“I think Donald Trump and Qatar know how to package things to make political gains and economic gains.”
Trump’s Qatar visit is the second destination of his Gulf tour, after an initial stop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he made a surprise announcement about lifting sanctions on Syria and then met the country’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Trump is to land on a third and final stop in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday for a one-day visit.
No mention of Gaza
The Qatari emir said the two leaders had a “great” few hours of discussion covering a range of issues. “I think after signing these documents, we are going to another level of relations,” he said.
Trump thanked the emir and said it had been a “very interesting couple of hours” discussing topics including the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran and trade relations.
Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, said the fact that Gaza wasn’t mentioned led him to believe the discussion is “ongoing”.
“When it comes to Gaza, you have the Israelis there as well. On the issue of a ceasefire, Trump can put pressure on the Israelis, … but you still have the Israelis there making decisions. This is going to be a little bit more difficult to work out,” he told Al Jazeera.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who was also in Doha, said “we’re making progress” in response to a question by Al Jazeera Diplomatic Editor James Bays on whether discussions on Gaza were ongoing.
“His tone was pretty telling. He was very positive,” Bays said. “When I asked him whether that was regarding aid deliveries or a ceasefire, he said, ‘We’re making progress on all fronts.’”
“He said he hopes there would be a positive announcement ‘soon’, but we have no indication of what that might mean,” Bays added.
Jonathan Arthur, 34, and wife Xun Sun, 35, were flying from Shanghai Pudong Airport to London Heathrow for a family wedding when they were told they couldn’t board their British Airways flight
Amy Reast and Milo Boyd Digital Travel Editor and Commercial Content Lead
11:46, 13 May 2025
The family ended up missing the £3,000 flight(Image: Jonathan Arthur / SWNS)
A family was barred from their flight due to suspicions over insect bites on their toddler’s leg.
Jonathan Arthur, 34, and his wife Xun Sun, 35, were travelling from Shanghai Pudong Airport to London Heathrow for a family wedding when they noticed some insect bites on their one-year-old son Joseph.
Upon clocking the bites, they asked British Airways staff at the desk where they could purchase some allergy medication as a precaution.
The couple alleges that the check-in desk assistant called a medical advice hotline who advised them not to board the flight, fearing that the rash around the bites might be a reaction to Joseph’s mild peanut allergy which could worsen during the flight.
The airline staff insisted that the child needed a ‘fit to fly’ letter from a doctor and escorted the family away from the boarding gate, making them feel like criminals.
Joe had bites on his leg(Image: Jonathan Arthur / SWNS)
A member of staff questioned if he had a peanut allergy(Image: Jonathan Arthur / SWNS)
After being turned away, they spent the entire day at the airport before re-booking flights with another airline, which didn’t require a letter, for that evening.
The bites, no larger than 1cm in diameter, vanished within 10-15 minutes of applying a bite cream and caused no further discomfort to the child, the parents claimed.
Jonathan, a marketing and sales professional from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, currently working in Hangzhou, said: “It was nothing more than swollen bites.”
He added: “At the desk they asked loads of questions after they saw the bites and so we told them about his mild peanut allergy.
“The medical staff at the airport said to apply some ointment and wait 10 minutes – which we were happy to do. But the BA staff said we needed to call their medical advice line.
“They thought his peanut allergy was the cause – so they didn’t want to take the risk. His bites were actually going down by this point, and my son was completely fine. But as we were speaking, staff were already unloading our suitcases. We were treated like we had done something wrong.”
The dual-nationality family had booked return flights at a cost of £3,000 two weeks prior, with the intention to fly back on May 1 for a family wedding on May 3.
Upon discovering four itchy welts surrounded by a pinkish rash and slight swelling on their son’s legs, back and arms during their holiday, parents sought online medical advice.
An e-doctor confirmed that the marks were indeed bites and suggested purchasing antihistamines to reduce the inflammation.
Before heading to the departure gate, the couple queried if they could purchase these medications at an airport pharmacy.
However, the sight of the marks and the mention of medicine linked to allergies prompted the boarding gate staff to summon the airport’s medical personnel and to consult BA’s medical hotline.
Jonathan explained: “The bites just came out red because of the heat, and because he had a nappy on rubbing against them.”
The family hypothesised that their son’s reaction might have been caused by bedbugs or mosquito bites at their accommodation and simply planned to acquire some allergy relief as a precaution.
Jonathan revealed that the airport’s on-site medical team, who were not BA employees, asked if they had any bite cream in their luggage – which they did – and instructed them to use it.
He stated that they informed him that if the bites began to subside within ten minutes, they would be cleared for flight – however, he alleges that a BA medical adviser over the phone vetoed this.
Despite arguing that the bites and rashes were unrelated to his mild peanut allergy, Jonathan and Xun were informed they could not board without a fit-to-fly certificate.
Jonathan said: “BA simply told us we couldn’t fly, gave us a case number and someone to contact about a fit-to-fly letter. We knew the rash had nothing to do with the peanut allergy – the bite was already subsiding after we applied the bite cream.”
They are now liaising with BA and their third-party booking agency to seek a refund. Jonathan expressed: “We felt like criminals – as if we had done something wrong.
“I find it odd that someone else in a different country can speak to an airport staff member who isn’t a medical professional, diagnose and refuse boarding, without seeing the rash.
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“When you pay for a service you expect to be treated like a customer, not like a nuisance.It felt like they thought ‘they’re not flying, just get rid of them’.”
A spokesperson for BA commented: “We take the safety and well-being of our customers very seriously and do everything we can to support them when issues like this arise.
“This includes accessing specialist medical advice to assess an individual’s suitability to travel, which is what happened in this case. Whilst we appreciate our customer was disappointed with this decision, we never compromise passenger safety.”
