The consumer experts shared a money-saving hack for holidaymakers this summer
11:45, 29 Jun 2026Updated 12:45, 29 Jun 2026
Martin Lewis founded MoneySavingExpert (stock photo)(Image: ITV)
MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued an alert for holidaymakers who still need to book their hotel or rental car. The consumer advice website, founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, regularly shares tips for Brits.
In a recent social media post, the experts shared advice for people making travel bookings. Posting on X, MSE advised consumers to choose bookings that offer free cancellation if possible. The experts explained that travellers can use this tactic to get the best deal on their booking, as they can simply cancel and rebook if prices go down.
MSE wrote: “Top travel tip: Try to book a hotel or car hire with free cancellation. Why? Because if the price drops, you can simply cancel and rebook at this cheaper rate!” The post asked social media user to share their experiences in the comments.
The post asked: “Have you ever done this successfully? How much did you save?” In response, several MSE fans shared their own success stories.
For example, a commenter named Kathryn replied: “I’ve done this with a hotel. Got a much better grade room and saved about £50 on the price the original room would have cost! I usually try to do this now. I book the new room first though before cancelling the existing one… Just in case!”
Another social media user said: “I’ve done this for a hotel booking. Made a great saving on original booking price but found my room was at the furthest point away from the reception / dining areas. A good trade off in that situation.”
Someone else said they managed to find their £160 car hire reduced to just £80 using a similar tactic when they visited Portugal last year. Similarly, a commenter with another car story said they had booked their rental car three times, starting with an initial price of almost £300 and getting it down to £121, despite using the same rental company to book the same car.
They explained: “Pre-Christmas price over £300. 1st booking March £285. 2nd booking £185 early May. 3rd time mid-May £121.” Praising the method, the social media user added: “Refunded each time within four days. Result!”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Sharing another success story, a holidaymaker claimed to save £400 on a trip to New York. The comment read: “£400 saved on a trip to NYC. Free cancellation costs more but the flexibility makes it worth it.”
However on Sunday, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Spain’s Ministerio del Interior has issued a warning to visitors. The Ministry of the Interior of Spain (Ministerio del Interior) is the executive government department responsible for public safety, law enforcement, national security, civil protection, and the country’s prison system and overseas domestic policy.
It is keen to raise awareness that crime is an issue when on holiday just as it is back in the UK. In its post it said: “You’re away for a few days, but your safety doesn’t go on vacation. Before leaving the car parked:
Remove valuables
Don’t leave documents visible
Choose well-lit and busy areas
Save the vehicle’s location
It added: “Prevention is the best protection.” The warning came as Spain, along with much of the rest of Europe, basks in a heatwave.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The Ministry, in a separate post, had other advice for people to help them stay safe. It said: “In the forest, every gesture counts.
“Don’t throw away cigarette butts or matches. Don’t make fire outside of authorised areas. Don’t abandon flammable waste.” It added: “With heat and wind, the risk increases. A small oversight can turn into a big fire.”
The Foreign Office in the UK (FO) also has advice for holidaymakers and other visitors to the country. It warned of a number of different types of crime in the country including street and vehicle crime to drink spiking and sexual assaults.
Street crime
The Foreign Office warned: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe.
“Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.
“The Spanish Police and Civil Guard have a mobile app which offers a number of services, including simple and discreet communication with police forces if you experience or witness a crime – more information can be found on the ALERT COPS webpage.”
Vehicle crime
‘Highway pirates’ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans, warns the FO. “They may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.
“When driving, be wary of approaches from people posing as plainclothes police in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will usually be in uniform. Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window saying ‘Policía’ or ‘Guardia Civil’. Genuine police will only ask you to show vehicle documents – not to hand over your bag or wallet.”
Attacks and sexual assault
Attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur, avised the FO. “In an emergency call 112. Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easy to find.”
Drink spiking and alcohol
The FO said: “Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked.
“Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Spain are often stronger than those in the UK.”
Scams
“Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification.” it warned. “Genuine police officers will ask to see ID but will not ask for wallets or purses. All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID.”
Timeshares and holiday clubs
The FO said: “Be cautious if you are planning to buy or sell a timeshare. There are companies who offer false incentives.”
A mum of twins was left baffled when her two infants were refused to sit next to each other on a flight, and she’s now urging others to be aware of little-known rule
10:43, 27 Jun 2026Updated 10:43, 27 Jun 2026
Parents with multiple kids are urged to beware of one rule on flights that many have ‘no idea’ even exists (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
As summer is officially here, many people will be taking the opportunity to travel for the summer holidays, either to soak up the sunshine in a tropical country, or even to visit people in a different part of the world. And if you’re bringing a young infant under the age of two, you’ll be happy to learn that most airlines will offer a cheaper fare if they don’t require their own seat.
But one twin mum named Savannah Gavigan was left baffled as she and her husband boarded their flight recently, as they had been forced to split up their twins on the flight due to a little-known rule they had ‘no idea’ even existed.
“Friendly reminder to all twin parents: two in-lap infants can’t sit in the same row,” Savannah wrote in the overlay text of her TikTok video, which showed her two twins playing with each other despite sitting on separate rows on the plane.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“But they still find a way to spend time together,” Savannah jokingly added in the caption of her post.
Why can’t babies and young kids be seated next to each other on flights?
The main reason why only one lap infant (an infant sat in an adult’s lap) can be seated on each row of two or three seats of a plane is because of airline safety rules, as there are generally only enough oxygen masks in a row for the main passengers with one extra. So if there are multiple kids under the age of two in one row sitting in an adult’s lap, there would not be enough oxygen masks for them all to use.
Passengers will most likely encounter this on flights across most airlines as they often all follow the same rules and precautions.
But there are ways to get around this, such as if you’re flying with twins or just two infants under the age of 2. Many airlines will offer the opportunity to buy an extra, separate seat for one of the infants. If one infant is in their own seat (often in an approved car seat or with a harness), you can all sit together in the same row. Some airlines will also offer seats with bassinets that babies can lay in throughout the flight.
If both infants that you’re travelling with are lap babies, the closest you can sit together is across the aisle or directly in the row in front/behind each other, as it’s every three rows that will have four oxygen masks.
Keep in mind that some airlines require an additional accompanying adult if one adult is traveling with two infants, and at least one of the babies may need to be secured in a safety-approved car seat.
People soon took to the comment section of Savannah’s video to share their bafflement as many parents shared they’d never heard of the rule before.
“This should be in the disclaimer when you book a flight. How random I would’ve never known!” one person commented. Someone else said: “Will be traveling with the family in October and the grandbabies will be six months so this is a good thing to know now!”
Some flight attendants also appeared in the comments to verify the statement, as one said: “Hey flight attendant here! Thanks for bringing this up!!! It has to do with oxygen masks! Should they deploy we want everyone to have one in reach and easily accessible, reaching may take extra time that could be detrimental!”
Someone else went on to say: “You can though BUT – it depends on the aircraft type and where the bassinets are located. 2 bassinets on D & G on B777, A380 etc on many airlines ( Ex cabin crew )”
The travel specialist has issued a plea for anyone travelling by train over the coming days
11:50, 23 Jun 2026Updated 12:53, 23 Jun 2026
Simon Calder shared his advice on Good Morning Britain(Image: ITV)
Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a new alert for anyone travelling by rail this week, sharing his latest advice for millions of people across the country as a heatwave hits. His warning comes as train passengers face significant disruptions, with operators across Britain reducing services due to the hot weather this week.
According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach 40C in parts of the UK, with the weather agency issuing a red extreme heat warning. Britain is facing what could be its hottest June since 1976.
Appearing on today’s (June 23) episode of Good Morning Britain, the travel journalist and broadcaster offered a word of warning to viewers. He urged people to change their travel plans this week and, if possible, swap to another date due to the severe heat over the next couple of days.
He said: “My advice to anyone booked to travel by rail over the next few days is, please, if you can, move your journey to the end of the week, then do so. It will be much more comfortable and have a higher degree of actually working as it is supposed to. Otherwise, I’m afraid, just be prepared for delays and disruption.”
The rail industry is preparing for problems that can arise from extreme heat, such as sagging overhead power lines, warped tracks, and fires along the tracks. Travellers are encouraged to leave earlier in the day if they can and to bring a water bottle. Online journey planners may not display accurate schedules until the day of travel due to last-minute cancellations.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
What are my rights if my train is delayed or cancelled due to hot weather?
According to Citizens Advice, if your train is cancelled, you can receive a full refund if you can’t catch the next train or choose not to travel. If you’re delayed and reach your destination over 30 minutes late, you can typically get some money back.
Some train companies may even offer compensation if your train is late by more than 15 minutes. Make sure to keep your train tickets to request a refund. It’s best to file your claim within 28 days, although some train companies may allow a longer period.
For those who travelled with Transport for London (TfL), like on the London Underground, you can check its website to see how much you could receive and the process for claiming.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
What have UK railway lines said about the hot weather affecting services?
Avanti West Coast said it plans to run fewer services than usual between Tuesday and Thursday, and “there’s a risk of further disruption”. The company eased ticket restrictions, enabling passengers to use an earlier service than the one they booked at no extra cost. Those with tickets booked for departures between Tuesday and Thursday are eligible for a full refund if they no longer want to travel.
Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services over those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”. This affects London Marylebone services to and from Birmingham, Oxford and Aylesbury via Amersham.
The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible. Trains are running at greatly reduced levels to ensure everyone’s safety, which means you may experience significant delays and very busy conditions.”
Great Western Railway requested that people use its services only for “essential travel” on Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with a severe red warning from the Met Office. The company explained that extended high temperatures can impact the equipment on its older regional train fleet, including engines and cooling systems.
It is operating fewer trains than usual between London Paddington and Reading until Friday. This is due to Network Rail not moving certain points—metal pieces that allow trains to switch tracks—on that route to reduce the risk of failures, which are more probable in high heat.
LNER said passengers travelling on Tuesday can board an earlier service, adding “we strongly advise that you do not travel across the LNER route” on Wednesday or Thursday. There is disruption across the Transport for Wales network, including between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay, and between Coryton and Penarth.
South Western Railway issued an alert stating it will run fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday. Its services in Hampton, south-west London were also affected by flooding on Tuesday morning after heavy rain overnight.
Flooding also caused severe delays on the Elizabeth line between Heathrow airport and London Paddington. Several London Underground lines were suffering from major disruption on Tuesday morning. This included the entire Circle line being suspended because of a signalling failure.
Festivalgoers pass under a water spray to cool down during the heatwave at the Hellfest festival site in Clisson, Loire-Atlantique, France
Health warnings have been issued for peopel across Europe including in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. France has been cancelling trains, concerts and sports events and cracking down on public drinking as an exceptional heat wave unfurled across parts of Europe.
Multiple drownings were reported as people sought relief in whatever water they could find About a third of France is under “red alert″ heat and temperatures reached 40C in some areas, in a country where air-conditioning is not widespread.
The forecast for Monday is even hotter. The Eiffel Tower and other Paris venues set up misting stations to cool crowds, among a raft of measures introduced by authorities to minimise risks. Tourists in Rome dunked in fountains.
Spain’s Basque Country cancelled some sports and cultural events. More than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the last four years, and most of the fatalities were preventable, the World Health Organisation’s Europe office said this month.
More above-average temperatures are expected this summer, which can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Human-caused climate change is tied to increasing extreme weather events and UN climate agency projections say the next five years should shatter more heat records.
A rapid study found that human-caused climate change was responsible for killing about 1,500 people in an unusually early European heat wave in May. In this latest European hot spell, French media reported that four children drowned on Saturday.
Summer drownings are an annual problem that health authorities say worsens during hot spells. France’s annual Music Day on Sunday was of particular concern. The nationwide summer solstice celebration involves thousands of concerts in village squares, rave venues and Paris clubs, bringing communities together and increasingly drawing British and other international visitors.
Some of the concerts outside Paris were cancelled. The French government banned public drinking in “red alert” zones, and ordered organisers of music day events to limit alcohol consumption to “preserve emergency services and allow medics to concentrate on taking care of the most vulnerable”.
Scores of French trains were cancelled, and the national rail authority dispatched thousands of extra staff to deal with potential problems as the heat threatened rails and electrical cables. Authorities are notably worried about people living in the baking streets, and elderly people in nursing homes or isolated in their homes.
About 15,000 older people died in France in a 2003 heat wave that became a national reckoning. The government mobilised emergency services and military forces for reinforced wildfire readiness, imposed tightened surveillance of water supplies to France’s many nuclear reactors, and ordered 845 schools to close on Monday.
Spain kicked off the summer with large parts of the country on alert because of temperatures expected to hover around 40C — even in the interior of Basque Country, a northern region that typically experiences cooler temperatures. Authorities have suspended outdoor sports and cultural activities in the region.
The heatwave is expected to scorch Spain at least until Wednesday. In Italy, authorities expanded heat warnings — referred to locally as “red flags” — to eight cities on Sunday in northern and central parts of the country.
Temperatures there are mostly in the upper 30s. At one farm outside Milan, owners set up fans and sprinklers to keep cows cool, while visitors to Milan Fashion Week huddled under parasols and clutched fans.
In Rome, tourists dunked their arms and occasionally their faces into the city’s famed fountain pools. The German Weather Service is forecasting temperatures of up to 37C for Monday and Tuesday, and up to 39C on Wednesday.
A 23-year-old man drowned on Saturday in a lake near Rheinstetten in the south-western region of Baden-Wurttemberg, the German news agency dpa reported. Three other people are missing after swimming in the Rhine River, a police spokeswoman told dpa.
Thunderstorms also threatened regions in Germany and Poland. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is convening a new government heat crisis meeting on Sunday, and ordered government ministers to plan for better adapting France to heat waves in the future — including “via air conditioning, if necessary”.
People heading to Europe for the summer are being warned to account for additional waits
Heathrow airport issued an alert to people travelling to Europe this summer(Image: GETTY)
As the summer holidays near, many people will be excitedly looking forward to their big summer getaway in Europe. However, anyone heading for Spain, France, Greece and other Schengen areas have been issued a major warning from Heathrow Airport.
Taking to X, the airport’s official account warned travellers to “be aware” of the additional wait times they might face at European airports this summer due to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System, or EES. The system’s implementation has already caused a bit of travel chaos this year with some passengers missing their flights because they were stuck in line.
The EES is meant to replace the old manual system of stamping passports when non-EU citizens enter or leave Schengen countries. The new systems logs this travel digitally using biometric details like your fingerprints.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
In the long run, EES is meant to make passport control at airports smoother but currently, it is causing massive queues and wait times to travellers’ journeys. This is because it needs to register travellers with their biometric details.
The process is free and travellers don’t need to do anything different before getting to the airport. However, travellers may need to account for the delay in getting to their boarding gate or they could risk missing their flight if the queue is too long.
Official guidance on the Gov.uk website explains: “On your first visit to the Schengen area, you may be asked to create a digital record at the port or airport on arrival. You may be asked to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.
“You don’t need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. The checks may take slightly longer than previously, so be prepared to wait during busy times.”
Countries in the Schengen area include:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
You might also be asked to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you exit a Schengen area. Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
Some people are exempt from EES and won’t need to register. Instead they need to present their exempting documents to a border guard when they arrive at the border.
People exempt from EES include:
Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
People holding a valid local border traffic permit
Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys.
People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State
Simple mistakes could not only invalidate travel insurance but also leave the medication ineffective or even ‘unsafe’
It is important to notify travel insurers(Image: GettyImages)
A warning has been issued to thousands of people who will be travelling abroad on weight loss treatments this summer as mistakes could mean they are not only ineffective but could be “unsafe” to use. Millions of people currently use the jabs to help weight loss but there are strict rules around their use.
A survey by ZAVAfound an estimated 337,000 people will holiday on Mounjaro or Wegovy this summer however if it is not carried and stored correctly it can be left “ineffective”. Experts at the firm have now provided three tips for travelling with Mounjaro and Wegovy, alongside the most important things to know before heading off.
You could be invalidating your travel insurance
When taking out travel insurance, you often need to declare any pre-existing conditions during an online application or by calling your insurer directly. Failing to declare the use of weight loss treatment could render your policy invalid, leaving you unable to make a claim should something go wrong, which could result in a bill worth thousands of pounds.
You should also check import restrictions to any country you are travelling to and verify if the medication can be brought into the country and how much you’re allowed to carry for personal use. Make sure to also take evidence of your prescription with you, whether it be in paper or digital form, and that your treatment is in its original packaging.
Insurers like Admiral don’t typically cover GLP-1 injections bought from an unofficial programme, if a medical professional isn’t monitoring them or hasn’t been declared. It is strongly advisable to follow up with a direct call to your insurer to confirm everything is properly documented. When in doubt, contact your insurer and your GP before travelling.
Storing jabs in hold luggage could freeze your medication
Putting injection weight loss treatments in with checked luggage can be a huge risk. The compartments where checked baggage is stored undergo huge changes in temperature and pressure that may alter the effectiveness of, or even damage, your medication. It can get very cold and may freeze and unfreeze the liquid in the pen, making the injections unsafe to take. Make sure to take a carry-on bag with you to store your medication in.
Essential liquid medicines are allowed through security, even if they are over 100ml; security often advises keeping medicines separate in your bag where possible, informing the Security Officer and bringing supporting documentation if possible. After this step, make sure that your medication stays in its original packaging. If you have any specific queries about carry-on luggage and medication, contact your airline provider.
Not having access to a fridge could damage your medication
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy must be stored by following the guidelines outlined in the patient information leaflets. The medication may be kept in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C or stored at room temperature, provided it does not exceed 30°C, for a maximum of 28-30 days.
Any pens exposed to temperatures above 30°C, or left unrefrigerated for more than 28 days for Wegovy and 30 days for Mounjaro, should be discarded immediately, as it could be unsafe to take. Patients travelling with weight loss injections are advised to contact their accommodation in advance to confirm refrigerator access and to verify that the appliance maintains an appropriate temperature, as this can vary between units. As the jabs are administered once weekly, most patients will use each pen within the 30-day unrefrigerated window, unless travel is extended or a dose is missed.
Travellers are being urged not to get caught out and ways to avoid fees
Passengers could face fees of up to £125 at the airport(Image: Getty)
Millions of people across the UK fly with well-known airlines, such as Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and TUI, and with the peak summer travel season mere weeks away, travellers are being issued handy luggage guidance. With Brits continuing to prioritise travel in 2026, particularly short-haul trips, city breaks and budget airline holidays, the way people pack is evolving.
More travellers are opting for hand luggage only to save time and avoid extra fees. Yet many are still being caught out by oversized cabin bags or overweight suitcases, facing charges of up to £60 at the gate or £65 for exceeding hold luggage limits, which can add up to £125.
As a result, travellers are increasingly looking for smarter, more organised ways to maximise space while staying within airline restrictions. In response to this shift, Nick Gaskin, Sales and Marketing Director at IT Luggage has shared practical advice to help travellers pack more efficiently, whether they’re travelling light with cabin bags or checking in a full suitcase.
Nick Gaskin said: “Packing well isn’t about fitting more in; it’s about travelling smarter. With more people choosing flexible, shorter trips and hand-luggage-only options, organisation and preparation can make a huge difference to the overall travel experience. A few simple habits can save time, reduce stress and help travellers feel more in control from departure to arrival.”
As hand-luggage-only travel becomes increasingly common, making every inch of space count is key. Nick recommends creating a micro essentials kit.
He explains: “Treat your cabin bag as a safety net. Include essentials like underwear, key toiletries – remembering liquid limits – medication and a charger. That way, you’re covered for delays or lost luggage without relying on airport shops.”
He added: “Pack one complete spare outfit”. Rather than throwing in random extras, pack a full outfit using crease-resistant fabrics. This ensures you stay comfortable and presentable if plans change or bags are delayed.
The specialist also suggests carrying a boarding pass backup. “Technology fails more often than people expect”, Nick explains. “Keeping a screenshot or printed boarding pass avoids stress if airport Wi-Fi or apps stop working at a critical moment.”
Keep in-flight items within reach, Nick says. Store items like headphones, snacks and lip balm in a small pouch that fits under the seat, so you don’t need to access the overhead locker mid-flight.
For longer trips or checked bags, organisation is key to avoiding overpacking and keeping belongings in good condition, Nick says. “Pack by outfit, not by item. Grouping complete outfits together — including accessories — makes getting ready easier and prevents packing combinations that don’t work,” he added.
Weigh as you go with packing cubes. “Packing cubes aren’t just for organisation — they’re great for managing weight,” says Nick. “Weigh each cube as you pack it. It’s much easier to adjust before everything goes in the suitcase than deal with excess baggage at the airport.”
Nick also recommends positioning shoes strategically. Place shoes heel-to-toe around the edges of your suitcase and fill them with socks or smaller items to maximise space and help them keep their shape, he said.
Separate clean and worn clothes. A lightweight laundry bag keeps worn clothes contained, helping maintain freshness and making unpacking simpler when you return home, Nick adds.
Combine rolling and folding. He said: “Rolling softer items like T-shirts saves space, while structured garments such as jackets should be folded to reduce creasing. A mixed approach delivers the best results.”
Photograph your packed suitcase. “Taking a quick photo before you travel is a simple but effective step,” Nick adds. “It can support insurance claims if luggage is lost and acts as a reminder of what you’ve packed.”
easyJet issued a new alert on Tuesday(Image: e55evu via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers bound for a popular destination have been cautioned about extended airport queues and advised to factor in additional time when travelling.
easyJet issued a fresh alert to British passengers on Tuesday, June 16, warning them about substantial changes at the border that could throw travel plans into disarray. The airline updated its official guidance following the gradual introduction of stringent new security measures and evolving border rules.
Brits are also being reminded about the length of time they’re permitted to remain in the Schengen Area, following rule changes that have been introduced post-Brexit. easyJet’s ‘important updates’ message is aimed specifically at those flying to and from Gibraltar.
The alert explains: “EES border checks may be carried out for both arrivals and departures at Gibraltar Airport, which could result in longer waiting times when entering or leaving the country. Please allow extra time when planning both legs of your journey.”
The travel operator goes on to clarify that UK nationals can still visit Gibraltar visa-free for brief stays. The update continues: “For non-EU nationals, including UK nationals travelling visa-free, time spent in Gibraltar now counts towards the 90-day Schengen allowance.”
Additional guidance on Gov.uk clarifies that British passport holders are permitted to stay for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period across the following countries – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
easyJet’s alert adds: “Non-EU / Third-Country nationals may require a Schengen visa to enter Gibraltar and should check visa/entry requirements before travelling.”
Online reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays, but experts warn that not every review tells the full story
13:00, 16 Jun 2026Updated 13:01, 16 Jun 2026
Online reviews can be a minefield(Image: Tartezy via Getty Images)
Millions of Britons are gearing up for their summer getaways, but experts are urging travellers not to place too much trust in a sea of glowing five-star reviews.
Online reviews have emerged as one of the most powerful influences when selecting hotels, resorts and holiday rentals, with many holidaymakers depending on them to determine where to invest thousands of pounds. However, according to review verification specialist TruthEngine, not all reviews paint the complete picture. Daniel Mohacek, CEO of TruthEngine, said holidaymakers should view reviews as one element of their research rather than concrete evidence that a property will live up to expectations.
He said: “Reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays. A string of five-star ratings can persuade someone to spend thousands of pounds on a hotel, resort or rental they have never seen in person.
“The problem is that not every review tells the full story. Some may be exaggerated, outdated, incentivised or, in some cases, not actually genuine.”
TruthEngine cautions that fake, manipulated and misleading reviews can leave holidaymakers arriving at destinations that bear little resemblance to what was advertised online. In some instances, guests uncover dated rooms, substandard facilities, hygiene problems, deceptive photographs or loud locations that were never flagged in the reviews.
One of the most common errors travellers commit, according to Mr Mohacek, is believing that a near-flawless review score automatically indicates a property is outstanding.
He said: “Holidaymakers should not assume that a high rating automatically means a property is perfect.”
TruthEngine recommends reading two, three and four-star reviews first, suggesting that these typically offer the most balanced and valuable insight.
He added: “Our advice is simple, to slow down before booking. Read the two, three and four-star reviews as these are the least faked, check recent feedback, compare different platforms and look at real guest photos.”
He also urged travellers to watch out for repetitive phrases, reviews that resembled marketing material rather than authentic experiences, and sudden spikes of glowing feedback appearing within a brief timeframe.
He said: “If the same complaints keep appearing, or if the reviews all sound too polished and too similar, that should ring alarm bells.”
Another frequent error is depending entirely on a single booking platform. TruthEngine advises cross-referencing reviews across multiple sites including Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia, while also examining social media and photographs uploaded by travellers.
Mr Mohacek added: “A holiday is one of the biggest purchases many families make each year. Taking 10 extra minutes to check whether reviews feel authentic could be the difference between a dream break and an expensive disappointment.”
For holidaymakers seeking a swift reality check, TruthEngine suggests a straightforward 30-second review assessment: examine the middle-range reviews, filter by the latest comments, cross-check several platforms, remain cautious of excessive references to particular staff members and take note of recurring grievances. According to Mr Mohacek, those additional few checks can uncover considerably more than a five-star rating ever could.
A Ryanair passenger claims she was recently told it was “unlikely’ she’d be able to board a plane for an unexpected purpose. Aisling Finlay was left taken aback and has since issued an alert
11:00, 10 Jun 2026Updated 13:05, 10 Jun 2026
The Ryanair passenger has issued an alert (stock image)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A Ryanair passenger was left concerned after she was reportedly told she’d be “unlikely to board a plane”, and it’s not the first time someone has claimed they were denied a seat with the airline. Aisling Finlay recently opened up about her alleged travel issue, as she wanted to alert others to the fact that it could happen.
Aisling recently shared her story on TikTok, where she claimed she didn’t know something like this was possible when travelling with Ryanair. The clip has since gone viral as people couldn’t believe how events unfolded in the unlikely air travel tale that left many taken by surprise.
In the clip, she said: “There’s a high chance we’re not getting on this flight. So, a reminder to everyone to check-in way in advance, as they’re overbooking the planes.
“So, we’re flying to Spain at 11am. So, I checked in last night at about like 10pm, and weren’t able to like reserve a seat or allocate a seat, so I was like ‘strange’.
“And then our boarding card came up saying ‘seat allocated at the gate’, and then we arrived there, and they’re basically like ‘we’ve overbooked the flight by nine seats’.
“We’re number five and six to get on the plane. So she was like ‘it is unlikely you’ll get on the flight’. Brilliant.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The video has been viewed over 27,000 times since it was shared, and people were quick to comment too. Hundreds have since offered their thoughts on the matter.
One said: “In all my years travelling bumping has never happened to me, and I’ve never seen it happen. It must be a very new thing with Ryanair.”
Another added: “I had that once. Due to fly from Dublin to Bristol. They couldn’t get me on so they flew me to Birmingham and then paid for a taxi to Bristol, and a few weeks later I got £250 compensation. More than I paid for my whole trip.”
A third replied: “This is becoming so common. Happened two weeks ago. One member of our party didn’t get on, and was lucky to get a seat the next day. Check in as early as possible and book seats to make it safer.”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Most airlines do this!” One more also noted: “Every airline does this.”
What you need to know
When Ryanair was approached for comment, it stated as a policy the airline does not overbook flights. The airline also claimed the passenger travelled on the flight from Dublin to Palma de Mallorca on June 3.
However, some more information is available on its website. It states: “Ryanair, as a policy, does not overbook its flights. However, in the unlikely event that a seat is not available for a passenger with a confirmed reservation, we will seek volunteers to surrender their seats in exchange for benefits that we and the volunteer may agree upon before involuntarily denying boarding to other passengers.
“If there are insufficient volunteers, and we deny you boarding involuntarily, you are entitled to the rights set out below.” These rights are outlined on the website.
Ryanair has highlighted some ‘commonly affected routes’
Ryanair has sent emails to customers who may be affected(Image: Getty)
Ryanair has issued an ‘important’ alert to passengers with upcoming bookings ahead of a major change that came into force earlier this year.
Emails to Ryanair customers read: “From 10 April 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is in place at all Schengen Area external borders. As a result, passport control may take longer for some passengers.” The messages add that passengers are affected if they hold a non-EU/non‑EEA /non‑Swiss passport and are flying into or out of the Schengen Area.
The correspondence continues: “Commonly affected routes include flights between the Schengen Area and countries such as: UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Türkiye, Egypt, Israel and others.” Holidaymakers and other travellers may need to scan their passport, provide fingerprints, and have a facial image taken at passport control.
Because of the more extensive checks, longer queues may form, particularly at busy airports. Queues may also form before security.
If you are affected, Ryanair suggests you arrive at the airport early to allow for queues, have all travel documents ready, and follow signs marked ‘EES / Passport Control’. EU, EEA and Swiss passport holders are not affected, and neither is anyone flying within the Schengen Area, for example from Spain to Italy, or from Germany to France.
Ryanair added: “If you are denied entry, this will be due to EU policy, not Ryanair’s rules. Find out more about how EES may affect your travel plans.”
NASA ordered astronauts on the International Space Station to enter their spacecraft and prepare for possible evacuation due to a worsening air leak in the Russian section of the station. This notice was given to the four astronauts of the Crew-12 mission at 9:04 a.m. ET. They include two U. S. astronauts, a French astronaut, and a Russian cosmonaut, who were instructed to wear their spacesuits.
NASA and Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, have been discussing the air leaks in the Zvezda service module, which is an important part of the station. While the leaks had been minor recently, the situation escalated on Monday, with the air loss increasing from one pound per day to two pounds, according to a senior NASA official.
The ferry operator has urged passengers with trips booked to ‘plan ahead’ when travelling
The travel update was shared for bank holiday travellers (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
P&O Ferries says passengers need to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling over the bank holiday weekend. The popular ferry operator issued the alert for customers, as families across the country head off on their half-term holidays.
The travel company operates routes between Dover and Calais, Hull and Rotterdam, and Larne and Cairnryan. P&O Ferries shared the message for passengers in a post on X. Taking to @POferriesupdate, the travel update included essential advice for anyone travelling today (May 24).
P&O Ferries said: “Ahoy half-term heroes and Bank Holiday adventurers! The port will be busier than usual, so pack your bags with a travel pillow and those extra snacks you’ve got in the cupboard.”
The post explained: “We expect the ports to be busy today so please plan ahead and use our top tips.” In the travel advice, P&O Ferries said passengers should:
Check traffic and their route before setting off
Bring refreshments and snacks
Exercise pets before entering the port
Bring entertainment for children
Keep documents to hand and remove passports from cases
Families driving to the port should be aware that the bank holiday is set to be the busiest on the roads in two years, according to the RAC. Research suggests almost 19 million Brits are travelling over the long weekend, with 3.4 million journeys expected on Sunday and 3.1 million trips planned for Monday.
The RAC said: “Drivers looking to spend less time in the car should consider making their getaway outside of peak hours. According to transport analytics experts INRIX, the worst jams this weekend will be on the M1, M25, M5, M6.
“On Friday, the M25 anticlockwise will likely see the heaviest traffic from junction 10 to junction 6 around 4.45pm, as people clock off for the day. The same stretch of road could see a second spike on Saturday around lunchtime, with journey times more than twice as long than on a typical day.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“On the same day, queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on the M5 southbound between the RAC tower near Bristol and junction 23 for Bridgwater.” As a result, there will be an extra one million Brits on the road compared to the same weekend last year.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “With the weather looking like it may improve, millions are planning to make a getaway trip over the bank holiday weekend.
“And the fact our research shows it’s set to be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 shows that even though fuel prices remain uncomfortably high, it takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a long weekend.”
One of the former stars of Death in Paradise has issued an update about another of his crime shows
20:22, 18 May 2026Updated 20:22, 18 May 2026
Ben Miller appeared on The One Show(Image: BBC screengrab)
Ben Miller has shared a major update about one of his crime dramas.
The actor, previously known for his detective role in the BBC’s Death in Paradise, now leads the ITV crime show Professor T, playing a brilliant criminology professor living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who assists police in cracking cases.
Since launching in 2021, the programme has aired four series, with additional episodes already confirmed to be on the way. During an appearance on The One Show, Ben let slip a “spoiler alert”, revealing that a sixth series was in production too, reports the Express.
Presenter Roman Kemp asked about the show’s future, noting that numerous viewers had been asking when Professor T would return.
“It is coming back,” Ben replied. “I think the autumn is the season. Yeah, so we’ve got season five that will hopefully be coming out in the autumn. I mean, spoiler alert. We’re actually working on season six.”
Roman and co-host Alex Jones appeared delighted, with Roman exclaiming: “Wow! Double spoiler alert.”
Professor T sees Ben play Jasper, who assists police in solving complex cases and puzzles. The series also stars Frances de la Tour as Jasper’s domineering mother.
Last year it was confirmed that it would be back on ITV for a fifth instalment, with Ben saying at the time: “I’m beyond thrilled that we will soon be breaking ground on a fifth series of Professor T.
“Working with such a talented cast and crew is a joy that even a heavy woollen suit can’t stifle, and I can’t wait for audiences to see the treats we’ve got in store for them in series four later this year, when the Professor tackles his most baffling case yet: romance.”
The actor, well known for portraying cantankerous detective Richard Poole in Death in Paradise, added: “The fact that audiences worldwide have embraced the show so warmly is hugely rewarding, and we’re already brimming with ideas to make Series 5 even more quirky, heartfelt, and surprising.
“Here’s to another season of baffling crime, dreaming spires, and ironing that tweed…”
Sharing an update on Instagram after filming wrapped last summer, he said: “Last week we wrapped Season 5 of Professor T!
“Another few months spent filming with the most hard working crew and cast who give their all to this show. It’s always a pleasure.”
The One Show broadcasts on BBC One at 7pm on weekdays.
Finnish authorities scramble fighter jets; defence chief says false alarm but warns of potential repeats while Russian war persists.
Finland has stood down its defence forces after sounding an alarm over suspected drone activities in its airspace.
The authorities said on Friday that suspected drone activity above the Helsinki region no longer posed a threat and that the situation was returning to normal hours after launching an emergency response, including the launch of fighter jets and closure of the capital’s airport.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
The alarm illustrates the tension stalking the region as Finland and the Baltic states eye Russian aggression and daily missile and drone attacks amid Moscow’s continued war on Ukraine.
The Helsinki City Rescue Department had warned the nearly 2 million inhabitants of Finland’s Uusimaa region to stay indoors starting about 4am local time (1:00 GMT), as fighter jets were scrambled. Helsinki’s airport was also closed for about three hours.
Later, President Alexander Stubb wrote on X that authorities had “demonstrated their readiness and capacity to react”, adding that the country was now facing “no direct military threat”.
Kimmo Kohvakka, director general for rescue services at the Ministry of the Interior, called the response a “precautionary measure” and said “daily life can continue.”
The incident arose amid growing concerns about regional spillover from the Ukraine war.
The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have reported a series of suspected Ukrainian drones headed for Russia entering their airspace, prompting domestic criticism over their ability to respond to military threats.
The situation has led to a full-blown government crisis in Latvia. Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned on Thursday after a coalition partner pulled support. The move followed the ousting of the defence minister after a drone crashed at a fuel storage facility.
In March, two drones crossed into Finnish territory and crashed after flying low over the sea and southeastern Finland.
Finnish authorities did not indicate the source of Friday’s drone activity.
However, defence forces operations chief Kari Nisula suggested that Finland had received information from Ukraine about drones potentially straying into the country, according to the Reuters news agency.
The military head added that there was no evidence that drones had entered Finland, but that such situations could happen again as long as Russia continues its war on Ukraine.
Prisoner swap
The incident in Finnish airspace unfolded as Ukraine maintained its drone attacks on Russian oil and energy infrastructure, and Kyiv continued counting the costs of a huge strike that killed two dozen people.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Friday that its air defence systems shot down 355 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow overnight, as well as the border regions of Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk.
Among the targets was an oil refinery in the central city of Ryazan, about 200km (125 miles) southeast of Moscow, according to the commander of Ukraine’s drone forces.
Fire and a plume of smoke rise in the vicinity of the Ryazan oil refinery, May 15, 2026 [Reuters]
The attack killed three people and wounded 12, regional Governor Pavel Malkov wrote on Telegram. Two high-rise apartment buildings were struck, he said, while debris fell on the grounds of an industrial enterprise.
Meanwhile in Kyiv, the death toll from a Russian barrage on an apartment building on Thursday rose to at least 24 people, including three children, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Forty-eight people were wounded.
Amid the ongoing violence, Russia and Ukraine have moved ahead with a prisoner swap that saw 205 POWs repatriated on each side on Friday. It was the first step of a swap that is planned to ultimately see 1,000 people on each side return home.
The two sides also conducted an exchange of those killed in the fighting, with Russia handing 526 bodies to Ukraine and receiving 41 in return. Both Kyiv and Moscow thanked the United Arab Emirates for mediating the swap.
Zelenskyy wrote on social media that most of the prisoners returned to Ukraine had been in Russian captivity since 2022.
“We will continue to fight for every single person who remains in captivity,” he said.
BORDEAUX — Passengers unaffected by an illness outbreak on a British cruise ship have been allowed off the ship in Bordeaux, while authorities confirmed the cause of the outbreak is norovirus, a nasty stomach bug that spreads easily.
French authorities had initially ordered over 1,700 passengers and crew on The Ambition cruise ship to remain on board, but then decided late Wednesday to let those unaffected disembark. One passenger was spotted raising his arms in triumph while leaving the vessel.
It was not immediately clear how many left the ship.
French authorities said there is no link to a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch vessel that has put European health authorities on alert in recent weeks.
The Ambition was midway through a 14-night cruise from Belfast and Liverpool, with scheduled stops in northern Spain and along France’s Atlantic coast when it was struck by the outbreak. It reached Bordeaux on Tuesday evening, according to the operator, Ambassador Cruise Line. It was not immediately clear if or when it would resume its journey.
Samples analyzed at Bordeaux University Hospital confirmed an outbreak of norovirus. Local authorities said at this stage no serious cases have been reported and that sick passengers were cared for onboard by the ship’s medical team.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks outbreaks on voyages that call on U.S. and foreign ports, recorded 23 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships last year. Most were caused by norovirus, including a new strain.
Ambassador Cruise Line, a British operator catering to passengers over 50, was founded in 2021.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is set to ‘level with’ the public as jet fuel shortages continue to affect airlines
Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, money and lifestyle, content hub
08:18, 02 May 2026Updated 09:56, 02 May 2026
(Image: Craig Hastings via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers are set to be warned by ministers to prepare for potential flight cancellations. The anticipated warning follows concerns from airline bosses about possible jet fuel supply shortages affecting the UK from as early as next month.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is reportedly preparing to “level with” the public this weekend about the likelihood of disruption and cancellations this summer. She is also expected to outline contingency measures designed to minimise the fallout – as six tourist hotspots have reportedly been identified as being at risk of cancellations.
Government officials are drawing up plans to advise against long-haul travel to specific destinations should tensions in Iran escalate dramatically. Countries including Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar and Ethiopia could be affected, sources told the Times.
Ministers are also set to highlight the “positives” of staycations as anxiety mounts over overseas bookings. A number of major European carriers have recently sounded the alarm about looming jet fuel shortages in the coming weeks, citing disruption to their primary supply route through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to UKOilWatch, Britain currently holds just 34 days’ worth of jet fuel reserves. Roughly three-quarters of Europe’s jet fuel originates from the Middle East and passes through the Strait of Hormuz off Iran. Heathrow Airport confirmed on Wednesday that it anticipates passenger figures for the remainder of the year will be impacted by Middle Eastern tensions.
Lufthansa Group plans to axe 20,000 flights over the next six months in a bid to conserve fuel. Meanwhile, other carriers including Virgin Atlantic have introduced a fuel surcharge, and British Airways has cautioned passengers about potential “pricing adjustments” to their tickets.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, also suggested this week that Brits might need to reconsider “where they go on holiday”. Government ministers insist the UK isn’t currently facing jet fuel shortages, as alternative supply sources remain available.
Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, revealed to The Times that competitors are “desperately” hunting for flights to axe, with cancellations expected to begin within weeks. According to the newspaper, leading fuel suppliers are informing airlines that the UK has the “most limited visibility” across Europe regarding jet fuel availability, largely due to its heavy dependence on Middle Eastern imports.
These suppliers reportedly anticipate May will be manageable. Yet they warn that “mid to late June as the potential start of disruptions” if the Strait of Hormuz near Iran remains closed.
Ryanair and Jet2 reassure passengers
O’Leary explained: “There is a modest improvement in the supply situation through to the end of May, early June, but then nobody would give us any undertakings what happens in mid-June or thereafter.”
He confirmed Ryanair wouldn’t be slashing flights. However, he predicted that other prominent European carriers more “exposed” to soaring costs would likely begin scrapping routes, saying: “They are all desperately trying to take out marginal flights or any growth because they don’t have the fuel for it.
“We were worried there would be disruption to around 10 per cent of our flights but some of those worries have eased because other European airlines have taken out lots of capacity.” It comes as Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly making last-minute bookings following the outbreak of the Iran war, with growing concerns about the conflict’s impact and potential disruptions to jet fuel supplies.
The company reported that summer passenger bookings are currently up 6.2%, driven by growth in both its airline and package holiday operations. However, highlighting rising unease amongst travellers, it noted that the “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” as a result of the Middle East conflict.
Jet2 confirmed it has strong protection against fuel cost increases triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period. It said it is “maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply”.
British refineries have meanwhile been instructed to maximise jet fuel production as part of government contingency measures amid concerns that the Iran war could lead to aircraft being grounded. Energy minister Michael Shanks said the government is closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and liaising with airlines, airports, fuel suppliers and international partners.
“UK airlines typically buy fuel months in advance, and aviation fuel suppliers hold bunkered stocks. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the strait, including the United States,” Shanks stated in a ministerial announcement. “Airlines UK have stated that ‘UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.’ The government continues to work with partners to monitor and mitigate potential disruptions,” Shanks added.
A high number of cases were reported in the last 12 months – with a 5-fold increase in some areas – and 143 deaths
Man applies insect repellent on his hand. Foreign Office is telling people to take precautions when visiting some countries due to yellow fever outbreaks(Image: Getty)
Travellers have been warned about the resurgence of a disease spread by mosquitos with ‘high risk’ in 42 countries. The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro website this week issued an alert over the virus spreading in parts of Africa, Central and South America, and in Trinidad in the Caribbean.
Yellow Fever can cause a serious haemorrhagic illness that can be fatal for humans. Yellow fever vaccination and mosquito bite avoidance are important preventive measures against the disease, officials said. Yellow fevefr virus can cause an illness that results in jaundice , yellowing of the skin and eyes, and bleeding with severe damage to the major organs such as liver, kidneys and heart. The mortality rate is high in those who develop severe disease.
Travel Health Pro said yellow fever is a risk in areas of 13 countries and territories in South and Central America. A high number of cases were reported from this region in 2025, with 346 confirmed human cases (including 143 deaths) from seven countries.
This represents a 5.6-fold increase in cases compared to 2024. Since the beginning of 2026, a total of 41 confirmed cases (including 18 deaths) have been reported from four countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.
In 2024, most yellow fever cases were reported from the Amazon region. Officials said: “While YF cases continue to be reported in this area, cases have since been reported in a wider geographic area, outside the Amazon region. This includes in Sao Paulo State in Brazil and Tolima Department in Colombia. In addition, reports suggest recent human YF cases in Venezuela have occurred in an area that had not previously been considered a risk for YF disease.
“Risk of YF outbreaks in South America remains high. An outbreak in Colombia has been ongoing since mid-2024, with 153 confirmed cases (including 62 deaths) reported. The confirmed reporting of YF cases in a wider geographic area, including cases related to jungle transmission near to urban centres, increases the risk of urban outbreaks [1]. While YF vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions to prevent YF disease, the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors, has led to a reduction of YF vaccine cover in the local population.”
It added that yell;ow fever risk countries in Africa continue to report probable and confirmed cases. During 2024, confirmed cases of YF were reported in countries with no recent history of transmission and suboptimal vaccination coverage.
WHO also advise that in some African countries, there may be under-reporting of YF due to surveillance and data collection issues. The risk of YF transmission remains high in endemic areas of Africa. The mosquitoes (Aedes spp.) that transmit YF are common in many urban areas in Africa. This significantly increases the risk of YF spreading, especially in heavily populated areas, which could lead to the rapid onset of YF outbreaks.
Countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission as defined by the World Health Organization
Africa
Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad*
Congo
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia*
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya*
Liberia
Mali*
Mauritania*
Niger*
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan*
Togo
Uganda
Central and South America
Argentina*
Bolivia*
Brazil*
Colombia*
Ecuador*
French Guiana
Guyana
Panama*
Paraguay*
Peru*
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago*
Venezuela*
*Only some parts of this country have a risk of yellow fever disease. Remaining areas either have low potential for yellow fever transmission or no risk.
Signs and symptoms
YF varies in severity. The infection has an incubation period (time from infected mosquito feeding to symptoms developing) of three to six days. Initial symptoms include myalgia (muscle pain), pyrexia (high temperature), headache, anorexia (lack of appetite), nausea, and vomiting. In many patients there will be improvement in symptoms and gradual recovery three to four days after the onset of symptoms.
Within 24 hours of an apparent recovery, 15 to 25 percent of patients progress to a more serious illness. This takes the form of an acute haemorrhagic fever, in which there may be bleeding from the mouth, eyes, ears, and stomach, pronounced jaundice (yellowing of the skin, from which the disease gets its name), and renal (kidney) damage. The patient develops shock and there is deterioration of major organ function; 20 to 50 percent of patients who develop this form of the disease do not survive [22]. Infection results in lifelong immunity in those who recover.
The comment from the owner of BA comes after Jet2 said it would not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases
08:33, 25 Apr 2026Updated 08:37, 25 Apr 2026
British Airways’ fully-funded programme has been running for the last three years(Image: GETTY)
The parent company of British Airways has cautioned that airfares are set to climb as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by the Iran conflict, has caused oil prices to surge dramatically.
International Airlines Group (IAG) announced on Friday that the ongoing Middle East crisis will push up the cost of flights to account for soaring jet fuel prices.
Airlines routinely purchase a portion of their fuel in advance at fixed rates to shield themselves from price fluctuations, a strategy commonly referred to as “hedging”.
Despite this, IAG warned that it remained “not immune” to the wider consequences of the Middle East conflict. The group insisted it had yet to experience any disruption to its jet fuel supply, amid growing concerns over potential future shortages as a result of the ongoing hostilities.
The government is “closely monitoring” fuel stocks as airlines brace themselves for possible shortages, with oil tankers still unable to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. It has also emerged that airports are set to make it simpler for airlines to cancel flights without jeopardising their allocated take-off and landing slots, should fuel shortages prevent them from operating. The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that airlines will no longer be obliged to adhere to the “use it or lose it” rule at UK airports, whereby carriers must utilise at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season in order to retain them for the following year. “Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying,” the DfT statement confirmed.
“Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.”
Meanwhile, Jet2 has revealed it will not be imposing surcharges on any previously booked flights or holidays to offset rising costs, reassuring customers that the price they book is the price they will pay.
The policy covers all flights and holidays booked through any channel, whether online, via the mobile app, contact centre or through an independent travel agent. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2. As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them. Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and award-winning customer service, nothing beats a Jet2holiday.”
Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Brits
Millions of Brits head to Spain each year(Image: Terroa via Getty Images)
Now that warmer weather is finally arriving, many of us are casting our eyes towards the summer months and planning holidays. Spain remains the most sought-after destination for British travellers, with millions descending on the European nation each year, eager to soak up the sunshine, lounge on its beaches and sample the local food.
When heading abroad, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with any local laws or regulations you’ll need to abide by during your stay. And if Spain is on your radar this year, there’s one balcony rule you might not be aware of.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) routinely issues travel guidance for Brits venturing to more than 220 countries and territories across the globe. Within its extensive advice for Spain, the FCDO makes specific mention of balconies.
While balconies are great for offering a view and giving guests a spot to unwind in the open air, holidaymakers are expected to conduct themselves appropriately. FCDO guidance for Spain reads: “Hotels and other establishments will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine.”
Those heading to Spain are also reminded that they must produce ID if requested by a police officer. The FCDO adds: “This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces.
“The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.”
Tourists travelling to some of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain have been handed an update on prices
Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, money and lifestyle, content hub and Maria Ortega
04:00, 24 Apr 2026
Travellers look at flight information screens at Palma de Mallorca Airport in Palma, Spain – file image from 2025(Image: Getty)
Travel officials in Spain have warned that airline ticket prices are set to rocket this summer. The warning comes as the Iran conflict places severe strain on the supply of jet fuel to airlines across the globe.
The mounting pressures have already prompted some airlines to scale back their planned flight schedules, with knock-on effects already being felt on ticket prices. And bosses say there are further headaches ahead for holidaymakers at some of the most popular Brit tourist spots as the peak travel season approaches – with around 18 million Brits heading to Spain every year.
The latest alert was issued by travel agents in Spain. The Balearic Islands Travel Agencies Association (AVIBA) has warned those heading to popular destinations such as the 3 key tourist spots of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza to brace themselves for steeper ticket prices – even as it confirmed flights to the region are not expected to be reduced.
According to reports in the Spanish media, AVIBA president Pedro Fiol cautioned that ticket prices will inevitably rise sharply due to the financial pressures stemming from the conflict. He warned that the war is likely to produce a summer “with a context of greater tension and rising costs that will be gradually passed on to ticket prices”, Spanish website Ultima Hora reports.
Despite this, he maintained that the profitability of routes to the Balearic Islands makes it unlikely that flights to the area will be axed. He did, however, flag that this could become a possibility outside of peak season.
AVIBA note that airlines are currently maintaining “a certain restraint” in airfares. But the president warned that the scarcity and increased cost of fuel driven by the Iran conflict will undoubtedly result in higher airfare prices. The Airline Association (ALA) has issued a similar forecast.
Lufthansa yesterday confirmed the axing of some 20,000 flights through October as part of its operational shake-up. The carrier explained that these reductions relate to unprofitable bases, though none of these are located in Spain. The strategy is to refocus resources on the most lucrative routes.
Mr Fiol said: “We don’t foresee a summer with planes grounded due to a lack of fuel, but we do anticipate a more complex and price-driven environment.” Meanwhile, Spanish website INB3N reports that Mr Fiol also cautioned there was a danger that additional flights could be compelled to make stops so aircraft can refuel mid-journey.
This week, TUI revealed the Iran war set it back around 40 million euros (£34.8 million) last month after it was obliged to bring home thousands of holidaymakers and staff. Europe’s biggest travel operator slashed its profit forecast and suspended revenue guidance as a consequence, causing its shares to fall.
The firm is amongst travel companies to have been substantially disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East, which erupted at the end of February. It is also amongst airline operators to face strain from a spike in jet fuel prices after the conflict drove up the cost of oil.
And holidaymakers should have “no worries” about flights being cancelled this summer, despite airlines confronting a “triple whammy” as a consequence of the conflict in the Gulf, a former industry boss has maintained.
Tim Jeans, a former commercial director at Ryanair who was later managing director of Monarch Air, said that while there “may be some trimming of schedules” by airlines, he did not expect carriers to scrap routes entirely.
His remarks follow stark warnings from the trade body representing European airports, which cautioned that a “systemic” jet fuel shortage could emerge ahead of the peak summer season if the Strait of Hormuz fails to reopen in the coming weeks.
Airports Council International, which represents more than 600 airports, recently wrote to European commissioners for energy, transport and tourism, warning that if the vital strait does not reopen in a “significant and stable way within the next three weeks” then “systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU”.
Director-general Olivier Jankovec said: “The fact that we are entering the peak summer season… is only adding to those concerns.” However, Mr Jeans insisted: “I don’t see a situation where flights will get cancelled because of the non-availability of fuel.”
He acknowledged that there was a “triple whammy for airlines at the moment”, pointing to “the issues in the Middle East which has caused a massive spike in the cost of fuel”.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme, Mr Jeans added: “That in turn is pushing up ticket prices, and the uncertainty around whether it is going to be possible to travel, plus the increase in prices is reducing demand.
“And so you have a situation where airlines are looking at their bookings for the next three months ahead and saying ‘should we fly that flight, is it going to be profitable?'”
![Fire and a plume of smoke rise in the vicinity of the Ryazan oil refinery, May 15, 2026. [Supplied via Reuters]](https://i0.wp.com/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-15T083203Z_1005115005_RC2K9LASNB6E_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-1778833986.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
