apps

As Europe’s leading low-cost airline Ryanair plans to do away with printed boarding passes in the next few months, we’ve rounded up the boarding pass rules for other budget airlines

Ryanair plans to scrap paper boarding passes by November 2025, but what does this mean for other budget airlines?

While digital boarding passes are a popular option for passengers already, Ryanair – Europe’s largest budget airline – has become the first to completely do away with paper boarding passes as part of a move towards sustainability and a simpler boarding process.

However, with the upcoming change raising questions for many passengers around what kind of boarding passes they can travel with, The Mirror has put together a list of rules for some of the UK’s most popular low-cost carriers.

READ MORE: Mind-boggling new ‘shipwreck skyscraper’ to be built in major European capitalREAD MORE: ‘I’m a flight attendant – you should avoid one thing if you want a first class upgrade’

Ryanair

At present, Ryanair accepts both printed boarding passes and those on a mobile phone. Passengers can download digital passes on its website or app, or print off paper passes at home on a single page of A4.

You can also get your boarding card printed at the desk for a fee of £55. However, this will change on November 3, after the airline announced that printed passes will no longer be accepted. Instead, passengers will have to download a digital boarding pass on the Ryanair app.

Ryanair has stated that the change is expected to save 300 tonnes of paper each year, while the airline’s CMO Dara Brady said the move would allow for a streamlined boarding experience.

In case of a customer’s phone battery dying or if a customer loses their phone, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said that staff will still be able to allow them onto a flight. However, in this event they should make sure to check in online no later than two hours before getting to the airport.

It is also important to note that there are some exceptions to the digital-only rule. Passengers flying out of airports in Morocco or Turkey (with the exception of Dalaman) will continue to require a printed pass.

Meanwhile, Tirana airport in Albania will also require paper boarding cards after November 3 – but this is set to change in March 2026.

easyJet

EasyJet accepts both digital and physical boarding passes and has not announced any plans to ban printed passengers. Passengers can arrive at the airport with their boarding cards already printed or have these printed at the check-in desk at no extra cost.

If opting for a digital boarding pass, note that these should be downloaded from the mobile app. You cannot use a PDF scan of your boarding pass on your mobile device as these won’t scan properly.

While the majority of easyJet airports accept mobile boarding passes, there are a number of exceptions which require printed boarding passes.

Jet2

Jet2 is another budget carrier that allows both mobile and printed boarding passes. Passengers are able to check in on the Jet2 app to download their boarding pass up to six hours before departure time.

If you miss this window, you will have to check in at the desk, a service Jet2 offers free of charge. It’s important to note that Jet2 also flies out of locations in Turkey and Morocco which require physical boarding passes.

Wizz Air

The low cost airline will generally accept printed and mobile boarding passes. However, it also flies from some airports that require printed documents. If you’re unsure, their website has a tool to help check which airports will require a physical boarding card.

If you are unable to print your boarding pass yourself, Wizz Air can do it for you at the check-in desk for a fee of €40 (around £35). Otherwise, you can pre-book the printing service online for €13 (around £11).

However, the two exceptions are if you are travelling Agadir in Morocco or Zaragoza in Spain. Online check-in is not available for these airports, so they offer full desk check-in which includes printing boarding passes for free.

The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for Indonesia after violent riots erupted across the country, leaving seven people dead and hundreds injured in the worst unrest the nation has seen for years

Brits planning a holiday to Bali have been issued an urgent safety warning as violent riots break out across Indonesia, resulting in seven fatalities and hundreds of injuries in the worst unrest the country has experienced in years.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice due to the increasing risk of civil disorder and terror attacks, following intense street fights between police and protesters throughout the vast archipelago.

The lethal chaos was sparked by public outrage over extravagant new parliamentary perks, leading to widespread demonstrations that have rapidly spread from the capital Jakarta to cities nationwide. This news comes as a report exposed the inside of the hellhole jail where British Angel Delight drug smugglers face terrifying ‘threats’.

Rampaging crowds have set regional parliament buildings ablaze, embarked on extensive looting sprees and engaged in fierce clashes with security forces as the political crisis intensifies.

The death toll continues to rise, with three individuals losing their lives in Makassar after irate protesters torched a parliament building, resulting in scenes of complete devastation, reports the Express.

The violence took a dramatic turn when 21 year old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan was tragically killed by a police vehicle in Jakarta, sparking national outrage and igniting further waves of anti-government anger.

A student tragically lost his life during violent clashes in Yogyakarta, while a pensioner pedicab driver passed away after inhaling tear gas during confrontations in Solo, adding to the growing human toll of the political chaos.

Jakarta’s health office has confirmed a shocking 469 people have been injured since the violence erupted, with nearly 100 needing hospital treatment for their injuries.

President orders crackdown as terror threat looms

President Prabowo Subianto expressed his shock and disappointment over the killing of Kurniawan but has commanded police and military forces to take the “firmest possible action” against rioters as the situation spirals out of control.

“There are signs of unlawful acts, even leading to treason and terrorism,” he cautioned in a chilling statement that highlights the severity of the crisis engulfing the nation.

Rehayu Saraswati, a member of the ruling party, admitted the scale of the protests had taken the government by surprise.

She confessed to the BBC: “I don’t think any of us saw this coming. It happened very, very quickly within a matter of days.”

But she dismissed accusations that the government had been deaf to public concerns, adding: “We understand that the situation is difficult, and that the economy has been quite, I would say, challenging for some people.

“The recently announced cuts to the parliamentary budget and allowances are a way to show that we are listening.”

Molotov cocktails and snipers as military deployed

The violence has escalated to worrying levels, with protestors lobbing Molotov cocktails and firecrackers at police lines in Bandung, while thousands more have taken to the streets across Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Sulawesi.

Troops have been dispatched across Jakarta in scenes eerily similar to military rule, with snipers stationed in key strategic areas, checkpoints set up throughout the city, and schools forced to shut due to safety concerns.

The United Nations has called on Indonesia to probe allegations of “disproportionate force” used by police against demonstrators, underlining global concern over the spiralling crisis.

Protestors dismiss government concessions

Despite government efforts to defuse the situation, protest leaders have rejected the concessions – including scrapping the controversial allowance and banning overseas trips for MPs – as pitifully insufficient.

Muzammil Ihsan, leader of the country’s largest student group, delivered a resolute message: “The government must resolve deep-rooted problems.

“The anger on the streets is not without cause.”

Political pundits have cautioned that the unrest presents the first significant challenge for Subianto’s presidency and could seriously rattle investor confidence, with Indonesia’s stock index already plunging more than three percent on Monday as markets responded to the turmoil.

Foreign Office issues urgent travel warning

The UK Foreign Office is now urging British holidaymakers to avoid protests and large gatherings, emphasising that peaceful demonstrations can quickly turn violent.

In its updated travel advice, the FCDO warned: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

“Potential targets can include beach resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants, markets and shopping malls, tourist attractions, places of worship, foreign embassies, polling stations, ferry terminals and airports.”

Travellers are being advised to remain extra alert during national holidays, religious festivals and elections, when the terror threat becomes particularly acute.

Bali’s hidden perils revealed

Apart from the ongoing political turmoil, Bali presents considerable dangers that many British tourists don’t realise until it’s far too late.

Authorities have spotlighted worrying accounts of sexual attacks, drink tampering cases, methanol poisoning from fake alcohol, and violent bag-snatching in bustling tourist areas.

Holiday-makers are being urged to monitor drinks being made at all times, steer clear of potentially fatal homemade alcohol, and only buy drinks from properly authorised establishments to prevent poisoning.

The FCDO has also raised concerns about the ongoing risk of opportunistic theft and elaborate cons designed to exploit unwary tourists. British holidaymakers should pack only vital belongings, safeguard passports and bank cards constantly, and stick to licensed taxi firms like Bluebird, Silverbird or Express – whilst thoroughly verifying drivers correspond with app reservations.

Authorities issued a blunt warning that no overseas journey is entirely without danger, stating: “Read all advice carefully and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.”

Wales Online writer Ruth Mosalski and her family spent four nights at Haven’s biggest UK campsite, Hafan y Mor in north-west Wales, and found it to be a hit with the kids

Haven’s largest campsite, nestled in the stunning Llyn peninsula of north-west Wales, spans a whopping 500 acres. Ruth and her family family spent four nights there and said her children were “absolutely smitten.”

Located just outside Pwllhelli, the Hafan y Mor site was once a Butlin’s holiday park. Remnants of its past still linger, such as the platform from the land train and some of the old apartment blocks, although the cable car is long gone. Today, it’s a sprawling, modern site boasting hundreds of caravans and an impressive array of dining options and activities.

Ruth shared her visit and said: “We embarked on our four-night getaway last summer, arriving just as check-in opened. The queue of eager holidaymakers had already extended beyond the campsite and onto the main road.

READ MORE: You need laser-sharp vision to find 5 hidden microphones in baffling brainteaserREAD MORE: You are ‘highly attentive’ if you can spot sewing machine in colourful scene

However, the efficient staff quickly resolved the situation, making the check-in process one of the smoothest I’ve ever experienced at similar venues. There were no lengthy checks or key handovers because all necessary information is provided via the app prior to arrival, reports Wales Online.

Once your car registration is verified, you’re given directions and off you go! Your keys await you on the counter inside your caravan, with a security seal (and your name) on the exterior door to ensure you’re at the correct location. This streamlined system significantly speeds up the entire process.

We were cosied up in The Stables area, in a gold-level caravan. Tucked away on the far side of the site, it was blissfully quiet yet only about five minutes’ stroll from the Dragon Lakes adventure village and roughly 10-12 minutes from the main facilities including eateries, pubs and pool.

The caravan itself, the highest grade offered by the site, was spanking new and genuinely plush. The living space was considerably larger than others I’ve experienced at similar sites, boasting two sofas (not the modular ones that are impossible to get comfy on), televisions, ample storage and extra perks like USB plug sockets and a hairdryer. The master bedroom even had an en-suite.

Prior to our arrival, the app proved useful for booking activities, viewing the entertainment schedule and even providing a handy packing list – even at the gold level you need to bring plenty with you. However, the sparse Wi-Fi coverage on the site meant we occasionally struggled to access what we needed unless we were in one of the site’s main areas. While there, this app can be used to book activities but also order grub to your table in the pubs, or even to your caravan.

Food and drink on the site

There’s a plethora of dining options on site. While they may not be winning any gourmet awards, for a mum who’s usually cooking three meals a day, it was a welcome break.

On-site eateries include popular chains like Papa Johns, Slim Chickens, Burger King and Millie’s Cookies. Haven’s own offerings include their pizza joint, The Pizza Deck, their pub, HMS Glendower, and the Coast House bar and restaurant. For sunny days, there’s the Box Bar, and The Cakery serves Costa coffee and cake right next to the playground.

We enjoyed two evening meals at the Coast House – one was “excellent pub food”, but the other left us wishing we’d ventured elsewhere. However, with kids eating for just £1 when adults order a full-priced meal, and the option to combine this with the two for £18 meals deal, four of us managed to dine for just £20.

A breakfast of four full breakfasts (two kid-sized, and two adult) with Costa coffees came in at under £30. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the on-site shops were reasonably priced. Stocking Co-op items, even typically marked-up products like nappies were sensibly priced.

On-site activities

There’s a plethora of activities on offer here, all reasonably priced. From trampolining and climbing walls to pedalos, Nerf battle zones, sports pitches, and a thrilling leap of faith jump. Our top picks were the 4×4 off-roader experience and the pic ‘n’ paint pottery. You can hire karts for a cycle around or Segways for a bit of fun.

There’s also a soft play area and two large arcade areas for those who fancy a go at the 2p machines or grabber toys. The swimming pool was an absolute blessing. With five different pools catering to all ages, including a smaller one for our nearly two year old and slides that our adventurous four year old could enjoy.

There was even a lane pool, although we never managed to tear ourselves away from the slides long enough to use it. It’s evident that there’s been significant investment in these facilities. Haven was acquired by Bourne Leisure Ltd ten years ago, the same company that owns Warner Leisure Hotels, and they’ve spent that time investing heavily.

This is clearly visible here, with the only giveaway of the site’s age being some of the paintwork in the pool area, but that’s just nitpicking. As you’d expect from Wales in August, the weather during our stay was a mixed bag. We had glorious sunshine on our arrival, departure and middle day, but torrential rain on the other days.

On the sunny days, we ventured off-site to explore the stunning beauty of Criccieth, Aberdaron, Llanbedrog, Abersoch, Llanystumdwy and fulfilled a travel bucket list item at the Ty Coch Inn at Porthdinllaen.

Despite the rainy days, we made the most of the on-site options. Our kids would tell you it was the best holiday ever. Our four year old spent an hour hunting fossils in an interactive show (£16) before we saw Haven’s mascot perform her own show. We also got to paint a pot (£12 per person), have a swim (free with the play pass or £10 otherwise), and then danced at the Tots Disco (free).

We even took seats in the huge showbar for the on-site team’s panto (free), with fish and chips delivered to our tables for tea (£5.99 for a kids meal, including fruit shoot).

Many of the activities are outdoors and carry on regardless of the weather. The staff were helpful in rebooking things on the day we were due to do something outdoors, but they were almost all fully booked by the time we were there at 9.25am, probably because everyone had the same idea.

We’ve previously visited Eurocamp and French equivalents, as well as Bluestone in Pembrokeshire, but the entertainment here was much more suited to our kids. In France, things only really get going much later at night, which isn’t ideal for our younger kids.

The tots disco here started at 5pm and lasted half an hour – perfect for little ones. When it comes to entertainment, Haven was the clear winner. For us grown-ups, it served as a brilliantly situated base in a region we’re often priced out of exploring.

We didn’t just explore Llyn itself, but my husband and I also managed to cover a few more miles of the Wales Coast Path, which runs alongside the park.

We never made it to the nearby beaches, but they were completely deserted and should definitely be signposted more to showcase the area’s natural beauty. However, for our children, it was the jam-packed schedule that left them shouting, screaming and smiling from dawn till dusk.

We departed exhausted, but wonderfully happy with memories we’ll cherish for years to come. In conclusion, the site’s facilities cater to nearly every age and ability, and our caravan was superbly equipped, comfortable and offered lovely sunset views.

If we hadn’t been so knackered each day from cramming in as much as possible, it would have certainly been the sort of place where we’d have happily sat on the decking with a bottle of red and a pack of cards, but those water slides really do take it out of you.

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move from London to Dubai after visiting the UAE city for a holiday and falling in love with the lifestyle

A Brit who was fed up with the “miserable” and “sedentary” life in the UK decided to move to Dubai, despite having to work six days a week to afford the “luxurious” lifestyle where a glass of wine costs a minimum of £20. Elbi Henshaw, 23, relocated to Dubai in January after holidaying there and realising how “miserable” life is in the UK.

Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, she decided to give the famously opulent city in the UAE a go, seeking a change in lifestyle. The personal trainer, originally from Barnet, North London, moved to Dubai with financial assistance from her parents and secured full-time employment at a gym.

Eight months later, she’s settled and thriving in the city, which is a magnet for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife. However, she admits to missing UK pubs and pub culture.

Elbi revealed that it’s not all fun and games as everything is so pricey – with yoghurt costing £12 and coffee starting from £7 – that it becomes a “dog-eat-dog” lifestyle with people working six-day weeks and taking on extra work to make ends meet. Elbi is now fond of her location, but confesses she “didn’t like it at first” because it can feel “lonely” trying to establish a circle of friends in such a high-pressure environment.

Elbi stated: “In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary – I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.

“I work full time, but it’s hard not to just spend all your money – you’d need about £5,000 a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly – at the moment I work six days, but I’ll probably end up working seven.

“Paying no tax is a perk, but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle – although I miss the pubs.”

Elbi relocated to Dubai in January – initially residing in a studio flat before moving into shared accommodation with two other young women. After joining a local running club, she struck up a conversation with someone who put her in touch with a gym manager and landed her first Dubai role as a personal trainer.

She was instantly struck by the sheer amount of activities and attractions the city had to offer – from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall. Since she was relocating solo, Elbi admitted the initial months proved challenging whilst getting established and sorting out the necessary paperwork and banking arrangements. She quickly recognised the “fast-paced and non-stop lifestyle”, with residents frequently clocking up lengthy working weeks to fund life in the glamorous destination beloved by A-listers.

Elbi explained: “The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too – and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup.

“I’d say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3,000 a month, but you want more like £5,000 to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals and buy new clothes. I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai – there are lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work.”

However, she revealed it doesn’t amount to significantly more than life in Britain – where you’re liable for taxes – apart from Dubai’s breathtaking scenery and climate. Eight months on, she’s absolutely adoring her existence there, grafting as a personal trainer at an upmarket gymnasium frequented by “high-end clients”. She’s built friendships and has no immediate intentions of returning home.

She explained: “You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there – I messaged other women out of the blue, inviting them for coffee.”

Elbi expressed her admiration for Dubai’s pristine conditions – as “everywhere is spotless” and “it makes you realise how dirty the UK is”. During her downtime, Elbi enjoys strolling through the air-conditioned shopping centres and visiting Dubai’s incredibly lavish cinemas.

She fills her leisure hours at the swimming pool – exclusive beach clubs like Summersalt, adored by celebrities including Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, plus Twiggy club, favoured by Paris Hilton.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged Dubai can be challenging as there’s reduced “sense of community” for young people, making romance difficult without relying on dating applications.

She said: “It’s so hard to meet guys, because there are no authentic meet-ups. People don’t stand in the streets around pubs – you have to schedule it in.

“And it’s hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.

“I love it, but I can’t really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones who are single are never looking for anything serious. I could see myself building a life here, but if I get to 27 and I’m not in a relationship, I’ll move back to the UK as I want to start a family.”

Costs in Dubai

Cappuccino 34dh – £6.86

Mince meat 25dh – £5

Strawberries 30/40dh – £6-£8

Fage yoghurt 1L 60dh – £12

Cheapest thing in Zara 130/150dh – £26/30

Glass of wine when out minimum 99dh – £20

A COMMON phone mistake that you think is saving battery life is actually doing the opposite.

Millions of us do it every single day – but even Apple has warned users not to bother.

3

Loads of iPhone owners spend time every day quitting their apps.

They’ll swipe them closed, quitting them in order to save a bit of battery life.

But Apple says it doesn’t actually save battery life at all.

“You should only close an app if it’s unresponsive,” Apple said.

The iPhone maker continued: “Typically, there’s no reason to quit an app.

“Quitting it doesn’t save battery power, for example.”

In fact, it could even be making things worse.

After you move to a different app, the old one will be “suspended”.

“After you’ve switched to a different app, some apps will run for a short period of time before they’re set to a suspended state,” Apple explained.

“Apps that are in a suspended state aren’t actively in use, open or taking up system resources.”

They’re kept in a suspended state so that it’s quicker and more power-efficient to relaunch them.

But if you fully force-quit an app, it will need to reboot from scratch, which is slower and takes up more power.

So it’s better to just leave them in a suspended state unless there’s an actual issue with the app – like it keeps freezing or crashing.

HOW TO CHECK WHAT’S REALLY DRAINING YOUR BATTERY

So what are you supposed to do if your iPhone’s battery life isn’t as good as you’d like?

3

Well you can very easily check to see which apps and features are draining the most battery.

Just go into Settings > Battery and you can look at a long list of apps order by how much charge they’re using.

If there are any high-drain apps you don’t really care about, consider deleting them.

Or try turning off Background App Refresh for that app if you don’t want it to periodically check for new info (like email notifications). Just note that this might make the app work less well.

BATTERY SWAP

Another option is to check up on the health of your iPhone’s battery.

Over time – as you charge and discharge them – phone batteries get worse. This is just the nature of lithium ion batteries.

That means the more you use your iPhone, the less charge it will hold over time.

So your iPhone will run out of battery more quickly.

IPHONE BATTERY SWAP – HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Here’s how much you’ll pay for iPhone battery replacements in the UK and the US..

iPhone 5 Series

iPhone SE Series

• iPhone SE (1st gen) – £N/A / $69
• iPhone SE (2nd gen) – £65 / $69
• iPhone SE (3rd gen) – £65 / $69

iPhone 6 Series

• iPhone 6 – £N/A / $69
• iPhone 6s – £N/A / $69
• iPhone 6s Plus – £N/A / $69

iPhone 7 Series

• iPhone 7 – £65 / $69
• iPhone 7 Plus – £65 / $69

iPhone 8 Series

• iPhone 8 – £65 / $69
• iPhone 8 Plus – £65 / $69

iPhone X Series

iPhone XR/XS Series

• iPhone XR – £85 / $89
• iPhone XS – £85 / $89
• iPhone XS Max – £85 / $89

iPhone 11 Series

• iPhone 11 – £85 / $89
• iPhone 11 Pro – £85 / $89
• iPhone 11 Pro Max – £85 / $89

iPhone 12 Series

• iPhone 12 mini – £85 / $89
• iPhone 12 – £85 / $89
• iPhone 12 Pro – £85 / $89
• iPhone 12 Pro Max – £85 / $89

iPhone 13 Series

• iPhone 13 mini – £85 / $89
• iPhone 13 – £85 / $89
• iPhone 13 Pro – £85 / $89
• iPhone 13 Pro Max – £85 / $89

iPhone 14 Series

• iPhone 14 – £95 / $99
• iPhone 14 Plus – £95 / $99
• iPhone 14 Pro – £95 / $99
• iPhone 14 Pro Max – £95 / $99

iPhone 15 Series

• iPhone 15 – £95 / $99
• iPhone 15 Plus – £95 / $99
• iPhone 15 Pro – £95 / $99
• iPhone 15 Pro Max – £95 / $99

iPhone 16 Series

• iPhone 16 – £95 / $99
• iPhone 16 Plus – £95 / $99
• iPhone 16 Pro – £109 / $119
• iPhone 16 Pro Max – £109 / $119

Picture Credit: Apple

You can get to see how degraded your iPhone’s battery has become by going into Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

Normally you’d expect to be at around 80% capacity versus new after two years – or roughly 500 “charge cycles”, which are full charges and discharges.

That means your phone only holds 80% of the charge it held when it was new.

There’s no way to fix that beyond getting a new battery.

3

Apple will replace your iPhone’s battery at the Apple Store. It usually costs somewhere between £60 and £100 / $60 and $100 depending on the model, but it could be more or less than that.

This will give you like-new battery life, and costs far less than buying a new iPhone.

You might even find that your iPhone’s performance improves, as sometimes processor speed can be limited as a protection feature if your battery is severely degraded.

Notting Hill carnival takes over the West London streets again this weekend, but with major tube closures and road blocks in place – here’s everything you need to know before commuting

Notting Hill Carnival returns this weekend, bringing a burst of Caribbean culture to the streets of West London – and as always, millions are expected to turn up to enjoying the soca music and food.

But with road closures, station shutdowns and crowds packing out the area, it’s important to plan ahead. Whether you’re jumping on the tube, bus or walking in from nearby, here’s everything you need to know about the Notting Hill Carnival route and which transport options are still running.

There’s also a Notting Hill Carnival map available to help you visualise the road closures and walking routes – you can find this on the official carnival or TfL website.

READ MORE: Best curry house in England named – and it’s in a tiny market townREAD MORE: E.L.F. Cosmetics ‘overpriced beauty’ ad controversy explained as fans boycott viral brand

Tube

Ladbroke Grove – Closed all day.

Latimer Road – Closes at 11.30pm, but may shut temporarily to manage crowds.

Notting Hill Gate – No entry from 11am to 6pm. District and Circle lines won’t stop, and no interchange with Central line all day. Expect temporary closures throughout.

Westbourne Park – No entry from 11am. Expect serious crowding during peak times.

Holland Park – No entry from 11am to 3pm. Fully shuts at 3pm.

Royal Oak – No entry from 11am to 6pm. Fully shuts at 6pm.

Shepherd’s Bush – Expect it to be extremely busy from the afternoon onwards.

Kensal Green – A queueing system will be in place when heading home.

For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.

Bus

Due to road closures, daytime and night buses will be diverted. Services will start from the Prince of Wales pub on Harrow Road (north) and Notting Hill Gate (south).

The following routes will be affected:

2, 7, 16, 18, 23, 27, 28, 31, 36, 46, 52, 70, 94, 98, 148, 205, 220, 228, 295, 316, 328, 332, 414, 452, N7, N16, N18, N27, N28, N31, N98, N205, N207.

Limited-stop services just for the weekend:

• 148X to Victoria – Runs between Shepherd’s Bush and Victoria (10am–5.30pm), then Notting Hill Gate to Victoria (until 10pm).

Stops: Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch, Victoria.

• 7X to Paddington – Runs between East Acton and Paddington (12pm–9.30pm).

Stops: East Acton to Wood Lane, then Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill Gate, Lancaster Gate, Paddington.

Beyond the travel time table, TfL has partnered with Metroline and local community group Phoenix Rising to unveil a specially-wrapped Carnival bus. The bus will feature in the parade, with Metroline staff, TfL employees and live steel pan performances onboard.

“For many years Notting Hill Carnival has represented London’s diverse culture and strong Caribbean links – a community which is an integral part of TfL’s history,” said Emma Strain, TfL’s Customer Director.

“That’s why we’re excited to partner with Phoenix Rising to showcase Caribbean-inspired steel pan music on one of our iconic buses,” she added, “Stations around the Carnival are likely to get extremely busy, so please plan journeys in advance using the free TfL Go app or our dedicated travel advice page.”

Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!

THERE are loads of ways for Brits to use apps to slash bills this summer.

You can easily find the cheapest prices for food, petrol, flights and parking. If you use them regularly, you could easily save hundreds a year.

8

CHEAPER PETROL

One great option for drivers is the PetrolPrices.

The name is the giveaway here. This app is designed to help you find the cheapest petrol prices in the area.

You can see the locations on a map, or find them as a list sorted by lowest price, distance, and even brands.

Site owners can upload their own prices, and users can report the fuel costs too.

It means you don’t have to drive around looking for the cheap prices – or face a price shock at the pump.

Another handy tip is using the Google Maps fuel efficiency feature.

Turn it on by going into Google Maps > Profile > Settings > Navigation > Route Options > Prefer Fuel-Efficient Routes.

“Google Maps can estimate fuel or energy efficiency for different vehicle types, including electric and combustion engine cars, as well as petrol motorcycles,” Google explained.

“The more fuel or energy efficient the route, the lower your vehicle’s fuel or energy usage.”

You should also tell Google your engine type in Google Maps > Profile > Settings > Your Vehicle.

That can give you even better fuel-efficiency.

“The most fuel or energy-efficient route can be different based on the engine type,” Google said.

“For example, diesel vehicles’ relative fuel economy advantage is generally greatest in motorway driving.

“Hybrid and electric vehicles tend to provide greater efficiency in stop-start town and hill driving where they can benefit from regenerative braking.”

8

FOOD PRICES

For food savings, you’ll want to first take a look at Trolley.

It lets you compare prices for groceries across supermarkets, with a long list of stores including:

• Asda
• Sainsburys
• Aldi
• Home Bargains
• Morrisons
• Tesco
• Boots
• Wilko
• Coop
• Waitrose
• Superdrug
• B&M
• Ocado
• Iceland
• Savers
• Poundland

8

The app says it’ll save you up to 30% on a weekly shop, but your own success will vary depending on what you buy and how much you spend.

Another option – recently tested by The Sun’s tech desk – is to use the Google Gemini chatbot.

You can use it to plan your food shop by asking the bot to find the cheapest prices.

It’s also worth noting that you can bag cheap or free food by picking up leftovers or stuff that would be otherwise thrown away.

Two apps – Olio and Too Good To Go – are packed with food bargains.

And if you want free food, Sky customers can bag a weekly treat from the Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range through the MySky app.

Just go to the Sky VIP panel (which is free to join) to claim your freebie.

We’ve seen ice lollies and pizzas so far, but there’s a new option every week.

8

FLIGHT COMPARISONS

There’s no denying that Skyscanner is a brilliant option for finding cheap flights.

But you should also take a look at Google Flights, which has some clever tricks.

For a start, when you’re searching for flights, it can show you the cheapest window to book.

“For example, these insights could tell you that the cheapest time to book similar trips is usually two months before departure, and you’re currently in that sweet spot,” Google said.

8

“Or you might learn that prices have usually dropped closer to takeoff, so you decide to wait before booking. Either way, you can make that decision with a greater sense of confidence.”

You can also turn on price tracking for specific dates (like if you’re off to a wedding) or for any dates (if you just want a holiday at some point soon).

This feature will only appear if you’re signed in to your Google account.

And right now, Google Flights is getting an upgrade with the Flights Deal feature.

8

It’s currently only in the US, Canada, and India – but it looks likely to land in the UK eventually too.

The feature works using AI with Google saying it’s “for flexible travellers whose number one goal is saving money“.

“Instead of playing with different dates, destinations and filters to uncover the best deals, you can just describe when, where and how you’d like to travel — as though you’re talking to a friend — and Flight Deals will take care of the rest,” Google said.

For example, you could search for a “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only”, Google revealed.

8

Then it’ll use Google Fights data to show you the latest options from loads of airlines.

CHEAP PARKING

Lastly, make sure you’re not overpaying on parking.

There’s a great app called JustPark, which you might be familiar with as a way to pay at some car parks.

But it also lets people rent out their driveways, which means you can bag some great bargains.

8

We tried it out earlier this year and found £6 for all-day parking in London on a weekday.

You can book them far in advance, and even add on insurance that covers the excess if your car ends up getting damaged.

You can easily check and amend (or cancel) your driveway parking through the app from anywhere. So you could add extra time if you’re running late.

And it’s potentially a great way to bag a bargain for sports fixtures by getting near-stadium parking.

You could also turn it into a side-hustle by renting out your own parking space.

So you wouldn’t just be saving money, but making some quick cash too.

THE world’s first smartphone test for type 2 diabetes has launched in the UK.

The app-based check is designed to make it easier for people to spot their risk and could help cut complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease, which are often linked to diabetes.

3

3

Patients place a drop of blood from a finger-prick onto a chip, which is then scanned by the PocDoc app to give results almost instantly.

NHS trusts in Cumbria and the North East are the first to roll it out, with a nationwide launch planned later this year.

The Government has hailed the app as a “potential game-changer” in the fight against diabetes as results come in within minutes, instead of the days or weeks it can currently take.

Around 5.2 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes, with cases still rising – and a further 1.3 million thought to be undiagnosed.

“Enabling screening for type 2 diabetes risk including blood biomarkers via a smartphone app is something that has never been done before,” said PocDoc chief executive Steve Roest.

Professor Julia Newton, medical director at HI NENC, said the test could reach people who struggle with conventional health checks.

“Most people over the age of 40 are invited for an NHS health check every five years, but depending on where you live a large chunk don’t attend,” she said.

“One of the reasons we’ve found is accessing a health check in a conventional setting.

“So if those tests are made more easily available, which this test does, then we have the opportunity to reach far more people.”

She added: “If you consider the number of people with diabetes who go onto have heart attacks and strokes, if we can manage their risk before it becomes a problem that will reduce admissions to hospital, reduce mortality, and reduce complications from diabetes, such as kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke disease.”

The HbA1c finger-prick test is considered the gold standard blood test. This is because it shows average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, giving a clearer picture than daily checks.

Steve said the app fits directly with Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s 10-year NHS plan, spotting illnesses earlier, tailoring care, and shifting more testing and diagnosis into homes and communities.

“There’s a huge gap in screening for preventable diseases,” he said.

“Right now, the system, not just in the UK but worldwide, cannot find, assess, and diagnose enough people to make a dent in tackling heart attacks, strokes, and type 2 diabetes.”

Health minister Stephen Kinnock told The i Paper that the app rollout was important because type 2 diabetes is on the rise across England.

“This is a potential game-changer and exactly the type of technology we want to see in the NHS as part of the 10 Year Health Plan – bringing our health service firmly into the 21st century and care directly into people’s homes.

3

“We will make using the NHS as simple and convenient as online banking or shopping, while helping companies bring new technology into the health service more quickly.”

The seed of the device was planted 30 years ago when Steve was a teenager and witnessed his father having a catastrophic stroke in his early forties, due to undiagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD).

“Using smartphones to deliver diagnostics is exactly what could have saved my dad from having so many [health] problems. He’s cost the NHS a fortune,” Steve said.

Around £9bn is spent on treating complications arising from diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.

Studies suggest that the annual cost of the disease could increase to £16.9 bn in the next 25 years.

The app’s launch comes 24 hours after the Government announced the biggest shake-up of diabetes care in a decade.

Around 750,000 patients with CVD or early-onset diabetes would benefit from fat jabs sooner, rather than keeping them for the later stages of treatment, new guidance states.

SHOPPERS who use Apple Pay or Google Pay may be at higher risk of fraud, consumer group Which? has warned.

It said the use of one-time passcodes by banks could be making people with digital wallets an easy target for scammers.

1

A survey by the consumer champions found that the majority of banks are still using these security features, putting consumers at risk.

Unlike contactless cards, there is no £100 spending cap on cards added to Apple and Google Pay, so fraudsters can quickly drain victims’ accounts once they gain access to it.

Scammers normally trick people into divulging their card details by setting up a fake transaction, Which? said.

People will think they’re paying for a bargain product advertised online, or they might fall victim to a phishing message.

A common example is parcel delivery scams, where you’re asked to pay a nominal amount for re-delivery.

Scammers monitor the transaction in real time, inputting the victim’s card details into a digital wallet on their own phone.

Many banks will then ask for a one time passcode (OTP) to verify the cardholder, which the scammer then asks the victim for to complete the “transaction”.

The fraudsters are then able to drain the victim’s bank account.

Which? surveyed 15 banks and card providers about their digital wallet setup process between April and May this year, and found the majority still use OTPs sent through text message as one of the options for adding cards to a digital wallet.

Of the 14 providers that allow cards to be added to wallets (Capital One is the exception), just two banks confirmed they do not use OTPs, while a third appeared not to when Which? researchers tested the process.

Barclays, Co-op, HSBC (with its sister banks First Direct and M&S Bank), Santander and Virgin Money said they currently use SMS OTPs, though they are not the only verification option.

Starling said it still uses OTPs for setting up Apple Pay alongside other options, but it removed them from Google Pay in 2022.

TSB said it is working to set up in-app verification, but is using OTPs in the meantime.

American Express, Lloyds Banking Group and NewDay (which operates the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card) – did not outline which verification methods they use.

When Which? tested the set up processes for cards, Amex did use SMS and email OTPs, while Halifax did not and instead offered several “more robust methods” including in-app approval.

Chase and Monzo said they have never used OTPs for setting up digital wallets.

It comes after Cifas, UK Finance and the Cyber Defence Alliance previously warned about the link between OTP use and digital wallet fraud.

Providers can also limit how many wallets a card can be added to overall, or within a certain time period, but most banks do not implement these restrictions.

Virgin Money allows an individual card to be added to a maximum of five devices.

Starling with a total limit of 15 devices, while Monzo customers can only add their Monzo cards to a digital wallet twice in a 24-hour period and three times every 30 days.

However, Which? said that even with these limits in place, consumers can still fall victim to scammers as they only need to add one card to a digital wallet to start spending.

Which? Money deputy editor Sam Richardson said: “For millions of us, digital wallets are a quick, easy and secure way to make payments, but weaknesses in card providers’ security means they can also be a gift to scammers.

“Banks have known for years that using one time passcodes (OTPs) to verify account holders is leaving consumers vulnerable.

“It’s clear further investment is needed to make the digital wallet set-up process fit for the threats consumers face in 2025.

“In the meantime, we’d caution shoppers to always think twice before sharing their payment details – or OTPs – online.

“If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, contact Action Fraud and your bank immediately.”

Apple told Which? it is not responsible for approving or rejecting the addition of a card to Apple Pay, or for approving or rejecting transactions.

It said that it takes users’ security seriously and Apple Pay has been designed in a way to protect users’ personal information. 

A Google spokesperson said: “Security is core to the Google Wallet experience and we work closely with card issuers to prevent fraud.

“For example, banks notify customers when their card has been added to a new digital wallet, and we provide signals to help issuers detect fraudulent behaviour so they can decide whether to approve added cards.” 

An American Express spokesperson said: “Privacy and security are a priority for American Express.

“We have controls designed to protect customer accounts and guard against unauthorised fraudulent activity, and if we identify activity that may be fraud, we will take protective actions.” 

Barclays said that the verification method used for adding a card to a digital wallet will depend on the user journey. It said it does not currently have plans to phase out use of OTPs.

Co-Op Bank said it monitors for fraudulent registrations through its fraud detection systems and has multiple strategies in place to detect digital wallet fraud. It does not currently have plans to phase out use of OTPs.

HSBC said it has no immediate plans to phase out OTP delivery for adding cards to digital wallets, however, it keeps its digital wallet provisioning process under review.

Lloyds said it has invested millions of pounds in multi-layered fraud defences, and continues to regularly review its authentication methods.

Nationwide said that it has multiple layers of protection in place to keep its customers safe from fraud including warning messaging, AI models and sophisticated internal analytics. It is currently exploring alternatives to OTPs.

Natwest said it regularly reviews its customer experience and authentication to ensure security, and said it is reviewing how it uses OTPs.

NewDay declined to comment.

Santander said it is looking at other forms of authentication, and other security measures, which may be less visible to a user than the mechanism used for two-factor authentication.

Starling said it currently only uses OTPs for Apple Pay, and removed this option from Android phones in 2022.

TSB told Which? that it is working closely with card and wallet providers to implement approval via the TSB Mobile App. In the interim, OTP verification is accompanied by the necessary risk verification, alongside fraud controls to keep customer details safe.

Virgin Money said its fraud team has heightened monitoring and controls around digital wallet fraud. It also said that it is looking at in-app verification as an option but has no current plans to phase out use of OTPs.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

MILLIONS of us subscribe to Amazon Prime – but is it worth it?
We take a look at what you get and how many deliveries you need to justify the fee – and how to get a discount.

You can sign up to Amazon Prime for free for 30-days or an annual membership costs £95 a year or £8.99 a month.

1

Its most famous perk is free and fast deliveries and access to Prime Video – but there are lots of extra such as discounts on cinema trips.

You can pay for Prime Video-only for £5.99 a month – but this doesn’t include any of the other extras. 

Exact amount of orders you need to make Prime worth it

To justify the £95 annual fee for Prime, you need to save at least that amount on delivery costs and other benefits.

How easy that will be depends on what services you use.

For instance, Prime Video only costs £71.88 a year, so you only need to save £23.12 in delivery fees all year, to make the upgrade to Prime worth it.

But if you’re just signing up for the free delivery, then it’s harder.

For non-members, Amazon charges different rates depending on your basket value and delivery speed. 

Here’s what it really costs without Prime, and how often you’d need to order to break even.

Standard Delivery (3–5 days):

• Free if you spend £35 or more (or £10+ on books). If you spend less, charges are £4.99 for most items, but just £3.99 for book-only orders under £10.

To break even:

• 19 smaller orders per year at £4.99
• 24 book-only orders at £3.99

One-Day or Premium Delivery

• Costs £4.99 per order for non-members

To break even: 

Same-Day or Overnight Delivery

• Costs £5.99 per order for non-members. Prime members get it free on orders over £20, or pay £1.99 for smaller baskets.

To break even:

• 16 orders per year at £5.99

Pickup Location (Locker or Amazon Hub)

• Costs £2.99 per order for non-members, but free for Prime members.

To break even:

• 32 pickup deliveries per year

How to get a discount

Almost anyone can start with a 30-day free trial, which gives access to every Prime benefit.

If your last trial was over a year ago, you can usually sign up again. 

To get the freebie, click “Try Prime” and follow the steps outlined. You’ll need to add a payment method, but you won’t be charged unless you stay on past the trial period.

Each adult in your household can do this separately, meaning couples can effectively get two months free between them as long as they use separate email accounts.

If you’re a student or aged 18 to 22, you can get a six-month free trial, followed by half-price Prime for up to four years or until you turn 23.

To claim, visit amazon.co.uk/joinstudent or amazon.co.uk/18-22 and upload proof of eligibility, such as a university email or government-issued ID.

However, students that cancel during the trial and come back later, don’t get another freebie, only the discounted rate.

What benefits are included on Prime?

Amazon Prime now includes over a dozen benefits. Here’s what you get, how to access each one, and what it’s worth.

1. Free one-day and same-day delivery

Prime gives unlimited One-Day Delivery on millions of items, and Same-Day or Overnight Delivery in eligible postcodes.

Orders under £20 for same-day cost £1.99, but are free if you meet the threshold.

To use it, just make sure you’re signed in as a Prime member when placing your order.

Qualifying items will be marked with the Prime logo.

• Value: around £4.99 to £5.99 per order saved, based on the equivalent delivery charges for non-members

2. Prime Video

Watch thousands of shows and films, including Amazon Originals like Clarkson’s Farm, The Boys, and new dramas like The Girlfriend.

Ads were introduced in 2024, so if you want to watch ad-free, you’ll need to pay an extra £2.99 per month. You can also get Prime Video alone for £5.99 a month.

3. Amazon Music

This allows you to access 100 million songs and top podcasts, but it’s worth noting that most albums only play on shuffle unless they’re part of Amazon’s All-Access Playlists.

For full on-demand access, upgrade to Music Unlimited for £10.99/month, or £9.99 if you’re a Prime member.

To use it, download the Amazon Music app and sign in.

• Value: If you got rid of a separate music service and replaced it with Amazon Prime, you could save hundreds each year.

4. Prime Reading

Download and borrow thousands of rotating e-books, comics and magazines.

You can read them on Kindle devices or on the free Kindle app for iOS and Android.

To access, go to amazon.co.uk/primereading and browse the titles.

• Value: up to £100/year saved based on two to four books or magazines per month at typical Kindle or newsstand prices

5. Amazon First Reads

Choose one free pre-release Kindle book each month from a selection of new titles. Go to amazon.co.uk/firstreads to claim.

• Value: £3–£5/month saved, based on average Kindle ebook pricing

6. Prime Gaming

Get a selection of free PC games each month, plus one free Twitch channel subscription (normally £4.99), but only if you link your Amazon and Twitch accounts.

To activate, go to gaming.amazon.com and click “Link Account”.

• Value: £60+ per year based on 12 months of free Twitch subscriptions or typical game costs

7. Deliveroo Plus Silver

Get a full year of Deliveroo Plus Silver, usually £3.49/month. It gives you free delivery on restaurant orders over £15 and groceries over £25.

To activate, visit amazon.co.uk/deliveroo and log in to both accounts.

• Value: £41.88/year saved if you would otherwise subscribe directly to Deliveroo Plus Silver

8. Odeon tickets for £10

Each month, get two cinema tickets for £10 Monday to Thursday (or £15 at Odeon Luxe). Go to amazon.co.uk/odeon to redeem.

• Value: up to £10/month saved compared with standard Odeon ticket prices of around £10 each

9. Amazon Photos

Store unlimited photos securely in the cloud, plus 5GB for videos and other files.

You can share albums with up to five family members via Family Vault, and display images on Echo devices or Fire TV.

To use, download the Amazon Photos app and sign in.

• Value: £7–£10/month saved compared with similar plans from other providers

10. Amazon Fresh and grocery delivery

Order groceries from Amazon Fresh, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op. Same-day delivery is free over £60, £2 for £40–£59.99, and £4 for smaller baskets.

Availability depends on postcode. To shop, go to amazon.co.uk/fresh and enter your postcode.

11. Amazon Day Delivery

You can choose a weekly delivery day to group your orders into fewer packages, which is a great way to reduce packaging and plan ahead.

Enable at checkout by selecting “Amazon Day” or set it as your default under “Your Account > Amazon Day”.

12. Prime-exclusive deals and early access

Get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals, and exclusive savings during Prime Day, Black Friday and other events.

No setup needed, just make sure you’re signed in to your Prime account.

13. Amazon Family sharing

Share Prime with one other adult and up to four children. You’ll each have your own account, but share perks like Prime Video, Reading, and Photos.

To set it up, go to “Accounts & Lists > Your Amazon Family” and add adult or child members.

• Value: £95/year saved if splitting the cost of one full membership between two adults

14. Parental controls

Set up profiles for each child, limit screen time, and manage what they can access through the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard. Works across Fire tablets and Kindle devices.

To access, go to parents.amazon.co.uk.

15. Buy Now with Prime

Use Prime benefits with the “Buy Now” button by setting your default delivery address, payment method, and delivery speed in your purchase preferences.

Useful for quick checkouts, though not available to PO Boxes or some business addresses.

Saying this one phrase to airlines when your flight is cancelled can dramatically increase your chances of getting the help you need

Having a flight cancelled is an incredibly stressful experience. If you’re at the airport, bags packed and ready, everything booked and suddenly stranded, emotions can run high. However, it’s important to stay calm.

Anna Bielikova, Chief Operations Officer at Simply Contact, has shared her top tips for working your way through the chaos and getting the best customer service without losing your patience. She said there is one phrase you can say which will almost always ensure your case is addressed promptly, reports the Express.

Anna said: “Say ‘I need rebooking options, not a refund’ right away.

“This tells the system you’re looking for a quick resolution, not a lengthy refund process. Also try ‘I have onward connections’, even if you don’t. This gets you flagged as a complex case needing senior agent attention.”

She also recommends ditching the phone call for social media.

These platforms often have shorter queues than phone lines because fewer people think to use them.

Anna said: “We see response times on airline apps that are 60% faster than phone support during peak periods. Social media teams also have more flexibility to solve problems quickly, and they hate public complaints.”

Try Twitter DMs or Facebook Messenger first. These teams want to resolve issues fast before they become reputation disasters. If the airport is packed and the service desk for the airline you’re using has a huge queue, you can also try one of the other partner airlines.

A lot of airlines share booking systems and can help with rebookings.

“If you’re flying British Airways and their desk is packed, try checking with American Airlines or Qantas,” suggests Anna. “They’re all in the same alliance and can often help faster than waiting in your original queue.”

If you are going to call the airline, try to avoid peak times.

Anna said: “The biggest mistake people make is calling during peak hours, which are between 8am and 6pm when everyone else is calling.

“Try early morning or late evening instead, if it’s not urgent. And never rely solely on airport staff during major disruptions. They’re dealing with hundreds of people face-to-face while phone and digital teams might be less overwhelmed.”

It’s also crucial to stay calm and be polite, no matter how frustrated you may be. “Whatever you do, don’t shout or get aggressive,” said Anna.

“I’ve seen our systems flag difficult customers, and once you’re marked as problematic, every future interaction becomes harder.

“Stay calm, be specific about what you need, and always have your booking reference ready. The agents want to help you, so make their job easier and they’ll make yours easier too.”

A MAJOR UK TV provider is scrapping a popular sports app in just weeks, in a major blow to football fans.

Customers will lose access to the service before the end of the Premier League, with Brits urged to upgrade to avoid missing out.

1

From September 22, a number older of EE TV boxes will stop supporting the Discovery+ app, the streaming home for TNT sports content.

You will still be able to watch shows in real-time, but all on-demand content will be removed from your TV box.

That means customers will no longer be able to access Premier League highlights, catch up on missed Champions League matches, or watch any of their favourite Discovery+ reality or entertainment shows on demand.

The EE TV devices that will lose support for the Discovery+ app are:

• 4K Recordable TV Box
• TV Box
• Recordable TV Box

The newer devices, TV Box Pro, TV Box Mini, and the custom Apple TV 4K EE Box will continue working as normal.

Following the changes, your subscription won’t be cancelled, and you can still watch Discovery+ and TNT Sports on other devices.

If your TV box is affected, then you will need to upgrade, or find an alternative means of watching.

To upgrade to a newer model, all you need to do is call EE.

The device will typically be sent to you for free, however, you will usually need to begin a new 24-month contract to get the upgrade.

However, it is important to note that any recordings on your older device will not be switched over to the new device, so you should make sure to watch them all before making the switch.

If you don’t want to upgrade, you can still watch Discovery+ on your Smart TVs, tablets and laptops and smartphones.

If you’ve got a Smart TV, you can watch TNT sports and Discovery+ using that, and use your EE TV box for everything else.

Alternatively, you could switch to another TV subscription service instead.

EE TV (formerly BT TV) is a service available to BT and EE broadband customers.

It offers various packages ranging from a £20 a month entertainment package to an £80 a month Full Works plan.

It might be a two hour flight away, and a five and a half hour drive, but a growing number of Brits believe Efteling is well worth the journey.

Most Brits have a love-hate relationship with theme parks, often finding themselves grumbling about the long queues, exorbitant prices, and less-than-stellar food. We’ve all been there, shelling out a small fortune for a day of standing in line, only to enjoy a few fleeting moments of rollercoaster excitement, while simultaneously trying to keep pesky wasps away from our overpriced fast food.

But fear not, there’s an alternative. If you’re up for a bit of a journey, you can find yourself at Efteling, located near Tilburg in the Netherlands, in just three and a half hours from Calais.

You might be thinking, is it really worth the extra effort and cost?

Well, an increasing number of Brits certainly think so – including Nottinghamshire Live executive editor Sam Dimmer.

Sam recently embarked on a trip to the park to see if it lived up to its growing reputation, reports the Express.

He shared: “My family and I spent three nights at Efteling, travelling from the East Midlands. Our hotel room included park passes for four days. It cost £1,200 in total, but considering park tickets cost around £180 a day for a family of four, I think that represents good value.”

Sam had previously visited the park but only stayed one night, which he felt wasn’t enough. Plus, the park had recently unveiled a new ride he was eager to try.

He added: “We felt that three nights was just about enough this time around, but still very nearly missed an entire section of the park because it wasn’t where all of the main rides were.”

Initially, Sam planned to keep track of how many rides we went on, but that idea was quickly abandoned.

He said: “The theme park is open from 10am until 10pm and the queues rarely go above 30 minutes, so you’re going to be quite busy, particularly late in the evening.

“Also the virtual queuing on two rides, and the app advising you how long queues are, mean you can plan your day to spend as little time as possible queueing.

“When you’ve got younger kids, or kids with additional needs, that’s a lifesaver.”

Efteling is a family-friendly theme park and last year Sam’s eight year old was able to go on all the rides, including the Baron, a vertical drop coaster similar to Oblivion at Alton Towers but with superior theming.

This means that around 7pm, many visitors start heading for the exit and the queues for the bigger thrill rides and the darker new ride, Danse Macabre, only take 10 to 15 minutes.

Those rides? They’re absolutely brilliant.

Sam said: “Yes, it’s a family park, with brilliant playgrounds, a fantasy forest, incredible theming and based around fantastic stories. But my oh my, the rides are good. The aforementioned Baron, wooden race coasters Joris and the Dragon and water coaster the Flying Dutchman are tremendous fun, but the best ride is the newest – Danse Macabre.”

Danse Macabre was Sam’s favourite – in fact, he and his family rode it seven times. He said: “Yes, it broke down on the last day and the queues were long, but this is a special ride. Guests sit in rows of church pews, before the whole room goes dark. Then you’re spun around the room, like you’re dancing, watching an orchestra of ghosts and ghouls perform.We went on it seven times and each time we saw something new. Every time people applauded when the ride ended. It’s that good. It’s beautifully put together, exceptionally clever, and so fun.”

The food is delicious

Typically during Sam’s theme park adventures he packs his own lunch to dodge the pricey and often disappointing food – but at Efteling there were no complaints about the cuisine.

He said: “The park is famous for many things, and the food is definitely one of them. The chimney cakes, pastry cones filled with an assortment of fruit, cream, chocolate, candy floss etc etc are a delight, although I wouldn’t recommend eating one before hitting a big ride, and you can also sample Dutch treats like poffertjes (little pancakes) and kibbeling (deep fried spiced fish with a delicious dip).

“If anything the food is better than last year. Pinnokio’s pizza and pasta restaurant was a hit with my family, as was the meal at Het Eethuys, a hotel on site.

“My favourite though was Polles Keuken, a pancake restaurant that served huge sweet or savoury pancakes against a brilliant backdrop.”

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to reserve these restaurants beforehand as they can become extremely packed.

Allow yourself plenty of time to wander Efteling isn’t a massive park but you’ll definitely miss something if you’re not paying attention.

Sam said: “We only spotted the huge playground because I saw a post on the incredibly helpful Efteling Fans UK Group and decided to go on the monorail at 9.30pm.

“We also spotted the Efteling museum and a great self-serve restaurant in the area that we returned to the next day. This was on day three of four in the park, and we weren’t planning on doing as much on our final day, but decided to stick around because we kept spotting new things to do.”

For visitors who fancy a gentler experience or youngsters not quite prepared for breakneck thrills, the Fairytale Forest provides a charming escape.

This magical zone boasts a collection of breathtaking exhibits, some motionless and others moving, presenting guests with an array of peculiar personalities, including Long Neck, a chap with an remarkably stretched neck.

Efteling is enchanting

Sam was thoroughly taken with the attraction, explaining: “The thing about Efteling is it doesn’t feel like a place designed to suck money out of you. It feels like they genuinely care about you having a great time. The staff, for example, are unbelievable. I clumsily asked one in Dutch if he spoke English and he looked at me and told me he spoke five languages and was learning a sixth.

“It’s clean, the music is wonderful and it smells so good they actually sell Efteling scents in the gift shop. My wife’s salon now smells very much like Efteling. I love Alton Towers, but I don’t think I’d particularly want to bottle the smell of a day out in Staffordshire.”

Anton Pieck, an artist and illustrator, was one of the founders of Efteling and his work continues to inspire the park today. His influence is still felt, making visitors feel as though they are truly walking through a fairytale.

It’s worth considering an overnight stay.

Not many theme parks necessitate an overnight stay, as usually a day is sufficient. Alton Towers in the UK might be an exception, but at Efteling, three nights didn’t seem excessive.

Sam’s hotel was a picturesque ten-minute stroll from the park entrance, passing lakes, playgrounds and a fairytale castle. He said the rooms were “ideal”, offering ample space for a family of four, with comfortable beds, a large bath and a powerful shower.

There’s even a swimming pool, perfect for younger kids.

Be prepared for a good deal of walking

This won’t come as a surprise to seasoned theme-park visitors, but you will certainly clock up the steps.

Sam said: “There’s a beautiful little steam train that takes you around the park, but we didn’t use it as the park itself isn’t huge.

“It’s a decision I regretted at the end of day four as we prepared to drive to Calais, although a decent pair of trainers helped me just about get through. We were averaging between 25,000-30,000 steps a day, which is a good old shift, but we were going from 10am to 10pm.

“We’re a family who enjoys being active, but for those who find walking challenging, this might not be as enjoyable. However, there are measures you can take to make it easier, and we do enjoy a good walk.”

WASHINGTON — Alana Voechting, a 27-year-old nursing student, had never heard of Klarna when she noticed its bright pink logo while checking out at Sephora.com with $165 in skin care products.

Mounting medical debts from chronic health conditions left Voechting with money problems, so she was thrilled to learn the app would allow her to break the purchase price into four installments over six weeks — with no interest, fees or credit inquiries to ding her already subpar credit score.

“It’s like your brain thinks, ‘Oh, I’m getting this product for cheap,’ because you really only look at that first payment, and after that you kind of forget about it,” she said. “So psychologically, it feels like you’re spending so much less when you’re not.”

Soon Voechting began regularly using not just Klarna but also similar services, including Quadpay and Affirm, to buy makeup, clothing, airline tickets and expensive lounge wear she acknowledged she “would not have purchased otherwise.”

Voechting is one of millions of young Americans with scant or subprime credit histories who are using so-called buy-now-pay-later apps every month.

The smartphone-based services are an updated version of the old layaway plan, except users can do it all on their phones and — most appealingly — get their purchase immediately rather than having to wait until they’ve paid for it.

The companies act as intermediaries between retailers and consumers, making most of their profit by charging merchants 2% to 8% of the purchase price, similar to the retailer fees levied by credit card companies.

The apps are taking off among millennials and Generation Z consumers attracted by the ability to bypass traditional credit cards and still delay payments with no interest.

Retailers such as Macy’s and H&M have jumped to partner with the services, which soared in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Roughly 42% of Americans report using the apps at least once, according to a Credit Karma survey from February.

U.S. regulators are taking a wait-and-see approach, saying they don’t want to stifle a new financial product that could help consumers who might otherwise fall into predatory lending schemes.

But regulators in Europe and Australia, where many of the companies first launched, are increasingly concerned the apps are extending credit irresponsibly.

Using celebrities such as A$AP Rocky and Keke Palmer to portray the services as a hip alternative to the “gotcha” fine print of credit cards, the apps could promote overborrowing in a generation already struggling with high debt and poor credit, consumer advocates warn.

And despite claims that users’ credit ratings won’t be affected and that there are no hidden fees, experts say consumers can still face late charges, overdraft fees and debt collection. Some apps, such as Quadpay, charge a $1 transaction fee on every payment made, regardless of the amount.

“It sounds too good to be true, and it is, in many ways, because there are perils for people who use this,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog.

The apps offer different repayment options, but the most common links to a user’s debit card and makes automatic withdrawals every two weeks. Problems quickly arise when there is not enough money in the account, potentially resulting in charges by both the user’s bank and the app.

Voechting said that for the most part she has been able to control her spending and keep track of when her payments will be withdrawn, a challenge when dealing with multiple purchases and multiple apps.

But this year, she missed a payment with Quadpay on a $120 order from Beautycounter because she failed to change her payment information in the app after receiving a new debit card.

Sixty days later, she was informed the installment would go to collections unless she paid off the full remaining balance of $54, plus a $10 late fee. Voechting promptly gathered the money, fearing more damage to her credit.

Services boast that users’ activity and debt are not regularly reported to major credit bureaus. That’s appealing to consumers under pressure or already cut off from traditional lenders.

But not reporting on-time payments also means that users don’t see their credit scores increase as they demonstrate a track record of responsible borrowing, a crucial hurdle for younger consumers.

And the apps may report missed or late payments for some payment plans, which can hurt users’ credit scores, according to a clause buried deep in terms and conditions agreements for Quadpay, Affirm and Klarna.

The Credit Karma survey found about 38% of buy-now-pay-later customers had missed at least one payment, and 72% of those users reported seeing their credit score drop afterward, though many factors can cause fluctuations.

Buy-now-pay-later users also don’t benefit from many protections applied to credit cards.

For instance, if a credit card company refuses to offer credit to a potential customer, it must disclose why the application was declined. No such rules apply to the apps, which authorize every purchase on a case-by-case basis. That means users have no assurance a transaction will be approved.

“They don’t know what the issue is,” said Angela Hunt, 31, of Hampton, Va., part of a Facebook group devoted to Klarna, in which members frequently complain they are denied approval for purchases in a seemingly random manner.

App users also don’t enjoy the same billing-dispute protections they would with other payment methods, so returning merchandise, resolving fraudulent charges and requesting refunds can be difficult.

In January, Brittany Conn, 30, was moving into a new apartment in Melbourne, Fla., and used Klarna on Wayfair to buy a bed frame, headboard and bookcase for $450.

The bookcase never arrived, so she reached out to Klarna to get a partial refund. Multiple agents promised a supervisor would contact her, but the call never came. When she tried to publicly request help on Klarna’s Facebook page, she said, her comments were deleted.

If Conn had made her purchase with a credit card, the lender would have been forced to respond immediately, launch an investigation and explain its final determination within two billing cycles. During the process, she would be entitled to withhold payment on the disputed amount.

It took Conn, who works in customer service, nearly two months and many emails and online chats to get her money back. She filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

“It was just an uphill battle, just email after email and chat after chat, and it got to a point where my chats weren’t being answered anymore,” she said.

According to the Better Business Bureau, Klarna — the largest buy-now-pay-later app in the U.S. with 15 million customers in 2020 — received 676 complaints in the last 12 months.

Quadpay received 979. Affirm had 227, and Afterpay and Sezzle saw more than 100 complaints each.

By comparison, Discover, a well-established credit card brand with more than 55 million customers, saw 532 complaints with the Better Business Bureau in the same period.

The rise in users — and complaints — has brought more scrutiny to the apps.

Credit card giant Capital One barred its customers worldwide last year from linking its cards to fund buy-now-pay-later purchases, citing the lack of consumer protections.

Class-action lawsuits in California, Connecticut and New York allege plaintiffs suffered from large bank overdraft fees due to automatic withdrawals, undisclosed late fees and deceptive marketing.

Consumer complaints prompted regulators in other countries to crack down. Sweden enacted a law last year that bans online checkout portals from making the apps the default payment option.

Australian financial experts wrote a report in November that found 20% of app users surveyed “cut back on or went without essentials” to make their payments on time. The United Kingdom released a nearly 70-page report in February concluding that “urgent and timely” regulatory changes were needed.

U.S. regulators say they are aware of the services but are exercising caution.

“We’re really interested in use cases of buy-now-pay-later where perhaps a consumer that would otherwise go to a payday lender and pay a very high cost for a loan might be able to use it,” said John McNamara, principal assistant director of markets at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In July, the CFPB released a blog post titled “Should you buy now and pay later?” warning consumers that the apps can charge late fees, report to credit bureaus and do not offer the same protections as other credit products.

Laura Udis, who manages installment loan programs at the CFPB, said the apps are subject to the Dodd-Frank act, passed in 2010 after the subprime mortgage crisis to prevent unfair, deceptive and abusive practices by lenders. She said the law “should be flexible enough to apply to any particular credit situation, including new innovations like buy-now-pay-later.”

But the services have found loopholes in regulation.

For instance, the Truth in Lending Act, which requires lenders disclose the terms and costs of services, states that payment plans of fewer than five installments are not subject to ad disclosure requirements as long as they avoid certain terms.

Consumer advocates say that explains why many apps are structured as four installments. And the companies help merchants avoid terminology that would trigger greater disclosures.

Affirm offers its merchant partners a guide. Quadpay has a variety of promotions for merchants to download that won’t trigger disclosures.

An advertisement for Afterpay and United Kingdom-based retailer Boohoo at a company-sponsored party.

(Caroline McCredie / Getty Images )

An Affirm spokesperson said the company provides information to users at checkout, including disclosures that would be required by the Truth in Lending Act, to ensure customers are informed. A Quadpay spokesperson said the company makes “every effort to help consumers by providing fair, flexible and transparent payment terms.”

Ira Rheingold, executive director of the National Assn. of Consumer Advocates, said it may take time for regulators to sort out how lending laws apply to the services, and whether new ones are needed.

“I think there are different ways that regulators can deal with them,” he said. “And I think that there’s some places where they’ll be far behind and some places where they won’t be.”

Lawmakers show no signs of getting involved. Spokespeople for multiple congressional committees said they were not considering regulating the apps.

California’s regulators are among the few U.S. watchdogs that have taken substantive actions against the services. In 2019, the state’s Department of Business Oversight, now the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, sued Sezzle, Afterpay, Quadpay and Klarna for making illegal loans.

Each of the companies ultimately settled and had to get licensed, refund fees collected from Californians and pay fines.

“Today, the buy-now-pay-later companies we license in California are required to take into consideration a borrower’s ability to repay the loan and are subject to strict rate and fee caps,” department spokesperson Maria Luisa Cesar said.

As regulators and lawmakers determine how best to keep up with the growth of the apps, their popularity endures. Voechting, Hunt and Conn all said they will continue to use them.

“It’s kind of nice to be able to say, ‘Oh, you know, I can’t afford to buy this right upfront, but I can split it up into four payments and afford it that way,’” Conn said.

Before the apps, Conn would spend weeks saving money for special purchases. The apps allow her to get products immediately.

Said Conn: “Why not just buy it?”

British Airways flight BA1410 from London Heathrow to Belfast declared a mid-air emergency and was forced to divert to Manchester Airport

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.

A third of Brits have holiday romances, and many are now using dating apps to find love abroad

After exhausting all their local dating app options, singletons are now seeking love abroad this summer. A survey of 2,000 solo travellers revealed that two-thirds have reactivated a dormant dating app to find romance overseas. One in five have even chosen their holiday destination based on its dating potential, with a third expressing interest in dating locals.

Among those who have already dated abroad, one in five said they learnt more about the culture when dating a local. However, while one in ten stated that finding a holiday romance is a travel priority – with men more likely than women to continue a holiday romance back home – a third admitted they are great for short-term fun.

When attempting to get to know someone local, four out of ten have experienced embarrassing translation issues, accidentally swearing or unintentionally insulting their date.

As a result, to avoid any miscommunication, a quarter have turned to language learning apps to expand their limited knowledge. However, one in ten have had to ghost an interest on dating apps abroad due to roaming costs.

The study by OnePoll.com found that a third have been hit with a higher-than-expected roaming charge when abroad.

Some travellers have faced a bill of over £150 after using their data, while a quarter have paid for extra roaming data to message someone whilst there.

Lewis Henry from iD Mobile, which commissioned the research and offers inclusive roaming as standard across 50 worldwide destinations, said: “Whether it’s sparks in Seville or soul-searching in Santorini, we want our customers to stay connected – for love, fun and everything in between.”

To assist modern holidaymakers in finding the perfect connection, iD Mobile has partnered with TV personality and relationships guru Anna Richardson to provide Brits with practical advice for navigating romance whilst travelling.

“Travellers are shifting away from the idea that holiday romance has to mean something short-lived or superficial. Whether it’s a deep conversation over dinner in Florence or a hike with a local in Croatia, it’s about connection, not just chemistry,” Anna said.

“Flirting abroad can be exciting and memorable, but it’s easy to put your foot in it if you’re not tuned into the local culture. “

ANNA RICHARDSON’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR DATING ABROAD:

1. Use apps to your advantage: From dating to translation tools, tech can be a bridge – just always double-check before hitting send to avoid awkward misunderstandings!
2. Read the room (and the culture): Swot up before diving blindly into an awkward situation. A kiss on the cheek in one place might mean something more elsewhere.
3. Flirting is about confidence: It’s not all about chemistry. A great connection can start with something simple, like offering local tips or asking for recommendations.
4. Learn a few local phrases: A little effort goes a long way and shows genuine interest.
5. Don’t let roaming kill the mood: Ghosting because of mobile charges? Not a good look! Choose a plan that enables you to stay connected without worry.

Ryanair failed to load a single piece of lugagge on to a Gran Canaria-bound flight, blaming it on a security issue at Bristol Airport but refused to explain what the exact issue was

A plane full of tourists have been left in Spain without their belongings after their Ryanair flight flew across Europe without a single piece of checked luggage on board.

Travellers on the Gran Canaria-bound flight FR4757, which departed from Bristol on Friday, were left stunned when the pilot told them there suitcases had not been loaded due to “time constraints”. The pilot blamed the blunder on a security issue at Bristol Airport.

Among the passengers were 11 pals from Taunton, who were on their way to Maspalomas, where they were going for a birthday and graduation celebration.

Madeline Cooper, 22, said it was a normal journey until they were told about the issue when they landed.

“We had absolutely no issues at all until we landed. Then the captain said they made the difficult decision to not bring any of our luggage,” she explained. “They wouldn’t say what the security issue was – just that every single person’s bag had been left behind.”

The group quickly discovered they weren’t the only ones affected, reports Bristol Live. “We were told today that it was 70 bags that didn’t fly. One pram made it across, that’s it,” Madeline added.

“People didn’t even believe it at first – some thought it was a joke.”

Vital belongings left behind included medicines, contact lenses, cosmetics and sun protection. Sophie Payne, one of the party, suffers severe asthma and found herself stranded without her inhaler.

“It was really stressful,” she said. “I take it twice a day and it gets worse at night.

“We’ve had to search for a pharmacy in an area we don’t know.”

The group, staying at the Cordial Green Golf Bungalows, were informed that their luggage might arrive by Saturday night.

But as of 6pm, they had not received any updates from Ryanair.

“There’s been zero communication,” Madeline commented. “They keep telling us to use the app, but some older passengers don’t even have smartphones.”

The ordeal has already disrupted their plans. “We’ve had to pay €60 just to get to a shopping centre and back for clean underwear and essentials,” Madeline said. “We’re all students – we can’t afford to keep replacing everything.”

With temperatures soaring and no suncream in sight, Sophie summed up the mood: “There’s a lot of burnt bodies around here.”

Other travellers vented their frustration on social media.

One user said: “Great start to the holiday as Ryanair decided to bring 0 of the suitcases from Bristol to Gran Canaria. No heart medication for me tomorrow.”

Another shared: “Currently in Gran Canaria with zero belongings.”

Despite the problems, the group is still hopeful that their luggage will turn up in time for their activities, which include a birthday celebration, a trip to a water park, and a private boat tour.

“This is provided that we are able to get our luggage,” Sophie pointed out. “If we don’t our stuff then it’s completely ruined the holiday.”

Some of the group face an hour-long round trip back to the airport to retrieve their suitcases.

Ryanair and Bristol Airport have been contacted for comment.

here are 6 blunders that an expert encourages visitors to avoid when going to Disneyland.

A travel agent who specialises in Disneyland has shared the ultimate no-nos for Brits jetting off to meet Mickey at the happiest place on Earth.

A Disney getaway represents a significant financial commitment, and for many families, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Therefore the important thing to do is pre-prepare so that all of the wonderful opportunities available are not missed.

Hannah Westphal from byHannah Vacations is a travel agent to specialises in Disneyland and Disney World. She says on her website: “The Most Magical Place on Earth will be the most stressful vacation planning you’ve ever done.”

So to that end, here are 6 blunders that the expert encourages visitors to avoid . . .

1. Dressing inappropriately

Hannah warns against impractical clothing choices, stating: “It’s easy to forget, but comfortable shoes are essential for a fantastic Disneyland trip. High heels, flip-flops, and brand-new shoes might not be the best choice after a day of exploring rides and soaking up the magic.”

2. Lingering too long over meals

Additionally, don’t spend ages dining when you could be enjoying attractions. Whilst Disney offers an incredible array of dining options, Hannah advises striking a balance between eating and entertainment

She explained: “If you’re tight for time exploring the parks, a long, leisurely meal might not be the best way to spend your day.

“It’s a shame to see visitors feeling deflated after a lovely meal, only to find they’ve squeezed themselves out of time for their top ride.”

The specialist recommends that guests should either set aside sufficient time for dining or choose swift bite-sized options to maximise their park experience. For those curious about food budgeting, Disneyland has published comprehensive details of all its dining establishments online, including pricing brackets and full menus.

3. Failing to utilise the Disneyland app

To elevate your enchanting adventure, visitors can download the Disneyland app, which the specialist describes as a “fantastic tool” for your trip. Yet countless guests fail to harness its full potential.

“The app provides everything you need to know, from current ride wait times to character meet-and-greets and show schedules,” Hannah explained.

Visitors can also browse their PhotoPass snaps and attraction photos, store their park tickets conveniently on the app, and pre-order meals to avoid lengthy queues.

The specialist recommends downloading the app and establishing your profile well in advance. This approach allows you to familiarise yourself with its capabilities before arrival, preserving valuable park hours for what truly matters – soaking up the enchantment.

4. Standing in line for treats

Few things prove more frustrating than developing an appetite whilst trapped in an endless queue for refreshments at Disneyland (or whilst awaiting an attraction). Thankfully for visitors, there’s a clever strategy to sidestep those interminable waits – pre-ordering your snacks.

Disneyland has come a long way from the days of our childhood, now offering a host of conveniences to its visitors. One such convenience is the ability to pre-order food and drinks via the Disneyland app, allowing guests to bypass queues and spend more time enjoying the attractions.

Hannah explained: “Simply place your order and pay through the app. Once you get a notification that your food’s ready to collect, you can swing by and grab it.”

5. Watching fireworks inside the park

When it comes to the nightly fireworks display, a favourite among park-goers, Hannah cautioned about the typically large crowds that gather to watch.

“While the fireworks are stunning from within the park, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowds,” she revealed. “For a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider alternative viewing spots outside the park.

6. Not exploring beyond the rides

Hannah also highlighted that there’s more to Disney parks than just the rides; they’re brimming with amazing performances by talented cast members.

She encourages visitors not to overlook these experiences simply because the thrill rides seem like the main attraction.

Hannah advised: “The way I see it, it wouldn’t be a good idea to miss out on a fantastic show just for the sake of a short ride with a lengthy wait.”.

She recommends guests make the most of the parades, spectacular evening shows, and captivating daily events that only Disney parks can provide.

Ofcom has found that Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks breached its rules by promoting a financial technology app in an episode of the soap

Hollyoaks has fallen foul of two Ofcom regulations following its promotion of a financial technology application within the programme, the watchdog has determined. An instalment of the Channel 4 drama came under scrutiny after ClearScore, the show’s sponsor, received both spoken and visual mentions during the broadcast.

The broadcasting authority concluded that the product integration violated two separate guidelines – firstly Rule 9.10 concerning excessive prominence, which stipulates that “references to placed products, services and trade marks must not be unduly prominent”.

The second infringement involved Rule 9.9 regarding promotional content, which declares that “references to placed products, services and trade marks must not be promotional”.

READ MORE: ‘Life changing’ 48p-a-day supplement that gets rid of fatigue and leaves tummy ‘flatter’

The controversial product placement featured in the February 18 episode, where Kieron Richardson’s character Ste Hay discussed the application with his son Lucas Hay, portrayed by Oscar Curtis, whilst considering purchasing a laptop.

Viewers witnessed Ste retrieving his mobile device, displaying the ClearScore application prominently on screen whilst demonstrating its various features and capabilities before telling Lucas: “See this? They’ve shown me some options – based on my financial situation and it looks like I can get you that laptop for your studies.”

He continued: “I really want you to make a go of this, Lucas – (gesturing to the ClearScore app on his phone) and these guys are going to help me make it happen.”

The report revealed that the broadcaster acknowledged the references were made due to a product placement agreement, separate from an arrangement with the company sponsoring the soap.

Channel 4 informed the regulator that the references were editorially justified and clarified that “part of the sponsorship and product placement agreements, potential integrations into existing storylines were proposed to ClearScore by the programme editorial team, in consultation with the programme compliance team.”

ClearScore had no editorial input into the storyline of the programme”. Channel 4 further explained that Ste’s character was central to the plot at the time, as he was attempting to rebuild his family after the death of a partner and spending a year in a coma.

The broadcaster added: “part of this storyline (was) his return to work to support his family, which (included) rebuilding his relationship with son Lucas and providing for him”.

The investigation concluded that the references exceeded its editorial justifications for the storyline and became more of a “demonstration” of how to use the app rather than a passing remark. Ofcom also determined that the references were promotional as they described and demonstrated how to use the app, thereby promoting the brand.

A Channel 4 representative has acknowledged the regulator’s verdict, stating: “We acknowledge Ofcom’s decision and will review its findings carefully. Our compliance responsibilities are of paramount importance to us and we will continue to engage with Ofcom and our partners to ensure our content remains compliant”.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Sol de Janeiro’s Discovery Set sale will get you travel-friendly body mists for £6 each

The new ‘My Journey’ feature has been designed to help passengers easily manage their flights and track all updates on their mobile devices

Wizz Air has launched a new in-flight app feature which it hopes will transform the passenger in-flight experience.

The Hungarian budget airline has just unveiled “My Journey,” an addition to the Wizz Air mobile app that offers passengers flight management at their fingertips.

Alongside the usual channels of communication customers may have with their airline—such as phone calls, SMS, and emails—they can now do it all through the app.

That includes getting instant updates on flight status, including check-in, boarding time, and gate number, and finding out whether you’re eligible for a meal voucher or hotel stay if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

READ MORE: Wizz Air boss hit with £60 fine by own staff for breaking hand luggage rules

If you are, then you’ll be able to claim any entitled benefits in the app during your journey, including meals, accommodation, and even compensation.

Customers in this tricky situation can also review and select alternative travel arrangements like rebooking, refunds, or accepting a new flight proposed by Wizz Air.

This could prove to be a major boon for passengers, given how difficult it can be to work out what to do if a flight is cancelled or delayed.

Wizz Air boasts of being one of the most reliable and punctual airlines operating in the UK. According to Cirium data, it is the country’s second-most punctual airline. It was one of the airlines least impacted by last week’s French air traffic controller strike. This is in contrast to budget airline Ryanair, which said it had been forced to cancel more than 170 flights, with the holiday plans of more than 30,000 passengers disrupted.

However, Wizz Air is likely to be impacted to some extent before the summer is out. This season, air traffic is expected to be 5% higher than last year. Air traffic controller strikes and the impact of wildfires currently breaking out across the hotter parts of Europe could well lead to flight delays and cancellations this month and next.

“It’s not just about flying, it’s about feeling in control during those frustrating moments,” said Boglarka Spak, Wizz Air’s Head of Customer Experience.

“My Journey is the ultimate solution for our passengers—enabling them to own their travel experience, whatever happens. With ‘My Journey,’ we’re empowering our customers with real-time tools to manage their trip on their own terms. This is another step towards our commitments made in our Customer First Compass initiative. We believe launching this feature during the peak summer period, when more flights are impacted by weather and air traffic control-related disruptions, will help our customers navigate more easily and save time and energy during their trips.”

The Wizz Air app has had 35 million downloads across Apple, Google, and Huawei platforms so far. “My Journey” will be rolled out as an update to the app in stages from 9 July.