alert

Holidaymakers heading abroad are being urged to check an important easyJet rule before boarding the plane

For many travellers, there are a few items that automatically make it into a suitcase before a holiday begins. But one increasingly common gadget comes with restrictions that could catch passengers out if they arrive at the airport with too many.

The warning is particularly relevant to anyone who likes to carry several charging accessories when travelling. EasyJet has issued a reminder to customers that there is a maximum number they can take with them, alongside rules about where the items must be packed and how they can be used during a flight.

Power banks are the accessory in question, with easyJet allowing a maximum of two per passenger. The airline says they must be carried in cabin baggage only and should ideally be kept somewhere they can be easily monitored.

There is another important restriction once passengers are on board, as easyJet says power banks cannot be charged or used to charge other devices during the flight. Its guidance also says power banks must be individually protected, such as by keeping them in their original packaging or a plastic bag.

The rules are part of wider aviation safety measures around lithium batteries, which can pose a fire risk if they are damaged or develop a fault. The UK Civil Aviation Authority says power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage, individually protected when not in use and must not be recharged during a flight.

It also says power banks should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices while on board. Guidance confirms that a maximum of two power banks can be carried per person, although batteries with higher capacities can be subject to additional airline approval requirements.

For easyJet passengers, that means checking the number of chargers in your cabin bag before heading to the airport. Anyone carrying three power banks would be over the airline’s stated limit, even if each individual device would otherwise meet the relevant requirements.

Passengers should also avoid putting them into checked luggage, as easyJet specifically prohibits power banks from being carried in the hold. The airline recommends keeping them somewhere they can be monitored, which means they should remain accessible during the journey rather than being buried inside a suitcase.

The CAA’s advice is similarly clear that spare lithium batteries and power banks belong in the cabin rather than checked baggage.

The reason for keeping them close to passengers is that a battery problem can be identified and dealt with more quickly in the cabin.

Sept. 4 (UPI) — The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a health alert Friday over a significant increase in diarrheal illnesses across Cuba, linking the rise to the continued deterioration of the island’s water and energy infrastructure.

The embassy said unreliable electricity and water supplies are affecting general hygiene as well as food refrigeration, storage and temperature control, accelerating spoilage.

Recent cases have shown a significant increase in pathogens including E. coli, norovirus and Shigella, as well as other gastrointestinal pathogens that can cause vomiting, fever and severe dehydration.

The embassy advised travelers and U.S. citizens in Cuba to take extra hygiene precautions and exercise caution with dairy products, meat, seafood, eggs and other perishable foods if they are uncertain about how the products were stored.

It also recommended avoiding tap water and considering bringing a personal supply of basic medications, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antibiotics and oral rehydration solutions, “given local medication shortages.”

The latest alert follows earlier reports of gastrointestinal illnesses on the island. In July, Periódico Cubano reported an increase in people experiencing vomiting and diarrhea in several parts of Havana as residents complained of water supply problems, garbage accumulation and prolonged power outages.

The health warning came days after the embassy issued a security alert Wednesday over a notable increase in thefts and vehicle-related crimes in Havana.

Incidents included items taken from vehicles, including parts such as side mirrors and windshield wipers, and attempts to steal entire vehicles amid worsening economic conditions and rising crime, Martí Noticias reported.

Jet2 regularly keeps its passengers informed

Jet2 has reissued a “12 hours” update to all passengers who have flights and holidays booked with the carrier.

The travel operator regularly keeps passengers informed, including flagging any events likely to cause disruption or delays, and the latest travel information section of its website continues to update travellers. The alert reads: “Please check this section of the website at least 12 hours before your flight for the latest flight information. Customers are advised to arrive at their departure airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time.

“In the event of any flight delays further information can be found by using the above search panel by entering your flight number or route. As a reminder check in desks will close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Rest assured, in the event of flight disruption our dedicated Operations teams are always working hard behind the scenes at our UK-based HQ to get you on your way as soon as possible.”

Jet2 check-in desks typically open a minimum of two hours and 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, as the check-in process must be completed at least 40 minutes before take-off.

At certain UK airports, Jet2 provides a Twilight Check-in service, allowing you to drop off your luggage the evening before your flight if it’s scheduled to depart before midday. You can also check in online anytime from 28 days up to six hours before departure via the website or app.

Should you opt to check in online, you’ll need to either print your boarding passes or download them to your device. Jet2 reminds passengers that online check-in is not available for flights departing from Turkey.

“You can still complete the process and get your pre-allocated seats, but you’ll need to visit our airport check-in desks to collect your boarding pass before you go to security.”

The trend is seeing people certain Brits take extended breaks from work to travel

Certain Brits planning to take a year off work have been warned they could face a £10,000 pension trap if they use their retirement savings to fund a so-called ‘golden gap year’.

The trend is seeing people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond take extended breaks from work to travel, volunteer or simply enjoy more freedom after decades of employment and family commitments. But experts are warning that a dream year in the sun could come with a hefty financial sting if pension rules are overlooked.

The warning comes as many people prepare to make the most of the final bank holiday of the summer – and potentially start thinking about how they want to spend their later years. PensionBee says taking time out later in life is becoming increasingly attractive, particularly after redundancy, burnout or when children have left home.

But unlike a traditional gap year taken at 18, taking a year out at 58 can have consequences for retirement income. One of the biggest issues is the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).

Someone aged 55 or over may be able to access a defined contribution pension, but taking taxable income flexibly can trigger the MPAA. This can reduce the amount they can subsequently pay into a pension with tax advantages to £10,000 a year.

That could be particularly important for anyone planning to return to work after their year away and rebuild their retirement savings. The normal annual pension allowance is currently £60,000, although some higher earners and people who have already accessed pensions can face different limits.

Maike Currie, VP personal finance at PensionBee, said: “For years, the words ‘gap year’ conjured up images of backpacks, hostels and young people heading off to see the world before starting their careers. But increasingly, it’s older generations who are taking time out.”

She added: “After decades spent working, raising families, paying mortgages and saving for retirement, it’s understandable that more people want to enjoy some of that freedom while they’re fit and healthy enough to make the most of it.”

But there are several other financial checks people should make before booking flights.

State Pension

Taking unpaid leave can potentially result in gaps in a person’s National Insurance record. People normally need at least 10 qualifying years to receive any new State Pension, while those whose National Insurance record started after April 2016 generally need 35 qualifying years for the full new State Pension.

It is therefore worth checking your State Pension forecast before taking a year away from work. Some missing years can potentially be filled through National Insurance credits or voluntary contributions.

Workplace pension

A sabbatical or period of unpaid leave could also mean that both employee and employer pension contributions stop, depending on the terms of the workplace scheme. That means the true cost of a year away could be considerably greater than the salary sacrificed.

People should check with their employer before leaving work to establish exactly what will happen to their pension.

Keep saving if possible

Even people with little or no relevant UK earnings can generally receive tax relief on pension contributions of up to £3,600 gross a year, subject to eligibility. Under relief-at-source arrangements, this can mean paying £2,880 personally, with £720 added in basic-rate tax relief.

For someone taking a year away, maintaining even modest pension contributions could help limit the damage to their longer-term retirement plans.

Think twice before raiding your pension

Using pension savings to pay for the trip may appear an easy solution, but it can have consequences extending long after the holiday is over.

Taking taxable pension income flexibly can trigger the MPAA and leave someone with much less scope to build up their pension when they return to work.

Don’t blow the lot

Financial experts also warn against spending every penny on the adventure. Anyone taking a long break should retain an emergency fund and continue to budget for unavoidable costs such as rent or mortgage payments, insurance and household bills.

Money should also be set aside for the period after returning home, particularly if there is no job waiting.

Ms Currie said: “A golden gap year is really about buying yourself something incredibly valuable: time. But you don’t want the trip of a lifetime to leave a lasting hole in your retirement. Think of it as planning for two journeys at once. There’s the adventure you want to have now, and the much longer retirement still ahead of you.”

She urged people to check their State Pension, understand what will happen to workplace pension contributions and think carefully before accessing retirement savings.

The idea of taking a ‘golden gap year’ comes as Government research has found that 55% of people aged 40 to 75 who had not yet retired said they would definitely or probably consider a Midlife MOT.

People told by officials that cars are also permitted go through crossings under specific rule – even when green crossing light is on

The Foreign Office has issued a warning for anyone visiting one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations this summer. Italy is one of the most popular holiday hotspots – with 4.8 million visits in 2025 according to the Office of National Statistics.

However, a new alert has been put out by officials at the Foreign Office for anyone crossing the street. It said that people in the UK are used to being able to get across safely when lights are on red.

But it explained that in Italy this could be dangerous – as drivers are allowed to turn right when the green pedestrial crossing sign is on. And the Foreign Office said people can also be fined for crossing the road.

In today’s update it said: “Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should cross roads at a crossing. You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it. Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution.

“Exercise caution in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, including in road underpasses. Emergency exits in vehicle tunnels are for emergency use only if you need to leave your vehicle and should not be used as pedestrian routes.”

In terms of crime, the Foreign Office advice is that compared to the UK petty street crime is higher. It said :”Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions. “

Advice includes:

• keep sight of your belongings at all times
• beware of thieves using distraction techniques
• avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
• leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe

Cars can also be targeted: “Thefts from parked cars is common across the country. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle, even out of sight in the boot, for any length of time.

“Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car. “

For more information on safety from the Foreign Office about Italy click here.