asked

Those of us who have a fear of flying, also known as aviophobia, probably have all the same questions.

Flying fills me with dread, meaning every holiday is a rollercoaster of anticipation and anxiety. Aviophobia, or fear of flying, is remarkably widespread and, for those of us who suffer from it, likely stems from the same fundamental issue — our brains struggling to cope with an environment where we feel utterly powerless. Chances are we’re all asking the same questions:.

• Can turbulence bring down a plane?
• Can someone open the cabin door mid-flight?
• What if the plane gets hit by lightning?
• What happens if an engine fails?
• What happens if we hit a bird?
• Are budget airlines less safe?

Sound familiar? Sadly, while anyone can turn to Reddit or Facebook for tips from fellow nervous passengers, very few of us ever get the chance to quiz the real experts — the pilots themselves. Fortunately, I managed to put my questions to Simon Tranter, a pilot with 18,000 flight hours spanning a 17-year career in the Royal Air Force and 25 years as a commercial pilot at British Airways who is now head of training at EmPower Flight, reports the Express.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Dan Bubb, a former commercial pilot who currently teaches aviation courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Are budget airlines actually less safe?

“In the aviation world, the price for your ticket dictates your legroom and whether you get a free sandwich – it has zero bearing on safety,” said Simon. “Every single airline operating in our skies must adhere to the exact same stringent regulatory laws and safety standards. Budget airlines actually tend to fly younger fleets of aircraft, which means they are equipped with the newest safety technology. They save money on business models, not on maintenance or pilot training.”

Dan continued: “Budget airlines are just as safe as safe as more expensive airlines. Even though the pay scale is different, all airline pilots are trained and held to the same rigorous standard whether they fly a 15-passenger Beech 99 or a 400-passenger Boeing 747.”

Can turbulence bring down a plane?

“Aircraft are engineered to withstand forces far greater than anything nature can throw at them,” Simon explained.

“Higher levels of turbulence can be uncomfortable for the pilots, crew and passengers, but generally the most turbulence will affect a flight is intermittent and rather like driving slowly over cobblestones. Most importantly, if you don’t have your seatbelt fastened, a sudden turbulent bump can cause you to spill your drink – that’s one of the main reasons we ask you to buckle up.”

Could a passenger to open the aircraft door?

“It is physically impossible for a passenger to open the plane door because aircraft doors are designed as ‘plug doors’,” Simon stated. “Due to the air pressure inside the cabin being much higher than the thin air outside at 35,000 feet, the cabin pressure effectively seals the door shut with thousands of pounds of force. You could get the strongest person on Earth, give them a crowbar, and they still couldn’t open that door while we are in flight.”

Dan added: “In the past, we have seen passengers try to open the door, but they were unsuccessful.”

Are cabin crew trained to hide concern during an emergency that passengers are not aware of?

Dan explained: “Cabin crew are trained to handle emergencies with calm and discretion to avoid alarming passengers. Even though the situation might be stressful, pilots and flight attendants are trained to remain calm and keep passengers calm.”

Simon added: “Cabin crew are primarily safety professionals and they undergo rigorous, regular emergency training. If you look at a crew member and they look calm, it’s because they are in control of the situation.”

What happens if the landing gear fails to deploy at landing?

“This is something we practice to perfection in flight simulators,” Simon said. “Aircraft have multiple backup systems to get the wheels down. If the main hydraulic system fails, we can use an alternate system, or even let gravity ‘free-fall’ the gear into place where it locks automatically. In the extremely rare event that the gear completely jams, planes are designed to land safely on their bellies. Fire crews might decide to foam the runway, and the aircraft slides to a halt. It makes for a dramatic news headline, but it is entirely survivable.”

What happens if an engine fails?

“Modern airliners are built with massive amounts of redundancy,” said Simon. “If one engine fails, the aircraft is completely capable of climbing, cruising and landing safely on the remaining engine. Even if both engines were to fail (which is virtually unheard of), a plane does not suddenly drop but instead becomes a very large glider. From a normal cruising altitude, an airliner can glide for about 80 to 100 miles, giving us plenty of time to head for a safe runway and to re-start the engines in the glide.”

Dan revealed he has actually witnessed an engine failure mid-flight – it occurred during take-off while transporting passengers to the Grand Canyon: “We shut down the failed engine, declared an emergency and landed on the single, good engine without any problem.”

How likely is a plane crash?

“Statistically, you are far safer in a commercial airliner than you are walking down the pavement or driving to the supermarket,” said Simon. “The International Air Transport Association (IATA) say there is ‘one fatal accident for every 5.6 million flights (2021-2025)’. You’d have to fly every single day for thousands of years to statistically encounter an accident.”

Dan explained: “Given the rigorous training through which pilots have to do, the chance of a commercial passenger plane crashing is slim. As a colleague of mine likes to say, you have much higher chances of getting into a car accident on your way to the airport than in a commercial passenger plane.”

Why do passengers have to switch off mobiles during take-off and landing? Will they disrupt the plane’s system?

“The technical reason is that older phones used to occasionally cause a harmless but annoying ‘click-click-buzz’ sound in the pilots’ headsets, similar to putting a mobile phone right next to an old audio speaker,” Simon revealed.

“The real-world reason is that take-off and landing are the most dynamic parts of the flight. We need you alert and not looking at a screen, in case we need to give you important instructions.”

Dan supported this, stating: “Take-off and landing are the most critical phases of flight, which is why flight attendants are adamant about enforcing this regulation.”

Could a passenger shatter a window and what would happen if they did?

“No,” Simon stated. “The windows you see are made of incredibly tough, multi-layered aerospace acrylic, not household glass. They can easily withstand immense pressure and impact. If an outer pane were to crack, the inner layers are more than strong enough to hold the cabin pressure perfectly.”

Meanwhile, Dan also noted it would be “difficult for a passenger to break a window”, but referenced a harrowing 2018 incident in which a window shattered, apparently as a result of an exploding engine, tragically claiming the life of a woman who was partially sucked out.

Is it safe to fly during a storm? What happens if the plane gets hit by lightning?

“We don’t fly through severe storms,” said Simon. “Our onboard weather radar allows us to see them miles in advance and simply steer around them. If a plane does happen to get struck by lightning, it’s surprisingly uneventful. The skin of the aircraft acts like a protective shield (a Faraday cage). The electricity strikes the plane, flows harmlessly along the outside skin and through specific lightning conductors, and leaves through the tail. Passengers might hear a loud crack or bang, but the aircraft systems are built to handle it effortlessly.”

In 2019, a plane landing in Cardiff Airport from Ibiza was hit by lightning and passengers reported a “huge bang”. The flight landed safely with no reported injuries.

Are bird strikes dangerous?

“Most bird strikes happen at low altitudes, when the aircraft is at slower speeds near airports, and the vast majority of them are entirely harmless events”, said Simon. “Aircraft engines and structures are specifically designed and tested to ingest birds without catastrophic failure. As a precaution, if we suspect a bird strike, we will always make an assessment of any possible damage and let our engineers give the plane a thorough inspection.”

Nevertheless, Dan warned that bird strikes “can be very dangerous”, pointing to the famous incident where Captain Chelsey Sullenberger landed his US Airways Airbus on the Hudson River in New York City after a flock of Canadian geese struck and disabled both of the aircraft’s engines.

What happens if the pilot arrives at work extremely fatigued?

“We have a very strict, no-blame safety culture in aviation called fatigue reporting,” Simon explained. “If a pilot hasn’t slept well or feels unfit to fly for any reason, they simply log into the system and declare themselves unfit due to fatigue. The airline immediately calls in a standby pilot, no questions asked. There is absolutely no pressure to fly if you aren’t at 100%.”

How much does a computer control a plane compared to how much the pilot controls it?

“The computer — or autopilot in an aircraft — is like a highly sophisticated cruise control on a modern car,” Simon noted. “It’s an incredible tool that does the heavy lifting of flying the aircraft while the pilots are managing the busy flight.

“However, the computer only does what we tell it to do. We manually fly the aircraft during take-off and generally during the landing. The humans are always the ones making the strategic decisions. Occasionally, the autopilot will land the aircraft but this is only in situations of extreme fog when the aircraft is programmed by the pilots for an automatic landing and the airport is specifically authorised to apply the very special protections and safeguards needed for an ‘autoland’.”

What stops pilots from becoming distracted or nodding off on lengthy flights?

“We have highly structured protocols whilst airborne to keep us engaged,” Simon explained. “We are constantly monitoring aircraft performance, the autopilot function, fuel logs, cross-checking weather reports and communicating with air traffic control. On ultra-long-haul flights, we carry an ‘augmented crew’ (three or four pilots total). This allows us to take turns sleeping in dedicated pilot bunk beds built into the aircraft, ensuring that the two pilots at the controls are always fresh and focused.”

Is flying at night more dangerous?

“Not at all,” Simon responded. “In fact, at night the high-intensity lights of other aircraft and runways stand out perfectly against the dark background.”

Have you ever seen another aircraft too close to yours?

“Not in civil flying, but yes as an RAF fighter pilot!” said Simon. “Furthermore, all commercial planes are fitted with a system called TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System). It talks to other aircraft automatically and if another plane ever wandered even slightly too close, our cockpits would warn us and tell us exactly what manoeuvre to fly to stay completely safe.”

What does it take to become a commercial airline pilot?

“It’s a rigorous journey,” Simon explained. “It starts with strict medical clearance, followed by months of ground school training where you learn everything from meteorology to aerodynamics. From there, you start in small, single-engine aircraft to master the basics, progress to twin-engine planes, and eventually step into full-flight simulators to learn the specifics of the jet you will be flying for the airline.

“After a pilot passes all their simulator checks, they step into the real cockpit with real passengers. However, they are not amateurs. They are already fully qualified commercial pilots. During this phase, they fly with a highly experienced training captain (someone like me) sitting next to them, guiding them through the real-world nuances of airline operations until they are completely polished.”

FInally, what’s the most frightening thing you’ve ever had to deal with while flying?

“Honestly, after many years flying fighter jets in the Royal Air Force and later as an airline captain, the thing that would raise my heart rate in commercial aviation is a very, very occasional turbulent and gusty crosswind landing towards the maximum crosswind component allowed,” said Simon.

“But in fairness, after 44 years as a professional pilot it’s not overly difficult, it’s simply a matter of following procedure. As our training is so intensive, when something unexpected does happen – like a sudden change in weather or a technical glitch – fear doesn’t enter the equation. Your brain instantly switches into ‘training mode’ and you calmly execute the checklist. It feels like just another busy day at the office.”

Meanwhile, Dan revealed his most terrifying moment in the cockpit came when an engine failed during take-off while carrying passengers to the Grand Canyon. Despite the harrowing ordeal, he recalled: “We shut down the failed engine, declared an emergency and landed on the single, good engine without any problem. Even though we appeared calm and collected, our adrenaline was pumping.”

Your holiday could be ruined if you don’t do the vital check first.

Thousands of Brits are counting down to their summer holidays, but there is a very important check that needs to be done first. Many people have already been caught out, leaving their getaways in tatters.

Travel expert Simon Calder recently explained that “thousands upon thousands” of people haven’t realised before it is too late and missed their booked holidays. To help avoid it happening to more holidaymakers, I asked a range of travel experts the one important check everyone must do before heading to the airport.

They all agreed that Brits heading to Europe need to not only check the passport’s validity but also ensure it was issued less than 10 years ago. Before 2018, passports could remain valid for as long as 10 years and nine months.

But now if you are heading to the EU or Schengen areas, you cannot have passports older than 10 years when you arrive at their holiday destination. It must also be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to return home.

The check every Brit needs to do

Francis Hellyer, CEO of tickadoo, said: “People check the expiry date, see it is months away, and relax. But for getting into the EU the border does not care about your expiry date, it cares about your issue date.

“If your passport is more than 10 years old on the day you land, you can be turned away at the gate even with eight months left on the page. Check the date of issue, not just the date of expiry.”

Natasha Inglis, Implementation and Client Success Director at Good Business Travel, added: “Your passport might still be in date, but that doesn’t always mean it’s valid for travel.

“Most travellers only look at their passport’s expiry date, but the issue date is just as important. For travel to EU countries, passports must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive.

“This means that certain valid passports could still be rejected at the airport, so it’s really crucial to check both dates before you travel.”

Patrick Hill, Head of Paramount Cruises, said he is seeing “more and more” people getting caught out, especially when making last minute bookings.

He urged travellers to make the passport check before booking rather than before flying, and remember the new rules regarding the 10 year issue date.

Patrick explained: “If you renewed before October 1, 2018, the Passport Office sometimes carried over unused months from your old passport. The EU doesn’t count those. So check your date of issue, not just your expiry, they’re not the same thing.”

As well as passports not being allowed to be older than 10 years, there must be three months left after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. However, Patrick noted that cruise lines often require six months from the end of the cruise.

He added: “Check both your issue date and expiry date the moment you start booking, not the week you travel. We’ve seen too many holidays evaporate at the check-in desk over a few missing months.”

How to check your passport

Find the date of issue on your passport photo page and add 10 years. Make sure your outbound flight falls before that date.

Next, find the date of expiry and minus three months. Make sure your return flight falls before that date. Ensure you check every passport included in your booking, especially children’s passports as they only last five years.

Francis Hellyer warned: “Do not assume that being allowed to check in means you are safe. Airlines turn away borderline passports to avoid EU fines, and immigration can still refuse you even after you board. If anything looks tight, renew now.”

He added: “When someone is refused boarding, the flight is only the start of the loss. We see how much a family spends on the holiday itself, the tours, the show tickets, the day trips, and a lot of that is non-refundable. A passport check takes two minutes and it is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy for the whole trip.”

WASHINGTON — Former Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi is scheduled to meet with the House Oversight Committee on Friday to discuss the Justice Department’s investigations into deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and its release of files related to that investigation.

But the circumstances surrounding her meeting with the committee raise questions about how much the committee will actually learn about either.

For one, the former attorney general will not be under oath in a sworn deposition but will provide a transcribed interview, which is voluntary. Bondi’s interview with the committee will happen behind closed doors with members of the committee and staff and will not be filmed. The committee says it plans to release a transcript soon after the hearing.

And Bondi will be represented at her interview by Assistant Atty. Gen. Harmeet Dhillon, which legal experts say raises the prospects that the Department of Justice could direct Bondi to not answer some questions posed by the committee.

Former Atty. Gen. William Barr, former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton all gave sworn depositions.

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the chair of the committee, rejected the Clintons’ offer to provide a transcribed interview, rather than sit for a deposition, out of concern that someone giving a transcribed interview could “refuse to answer whatever questions he wanted for whatever reasons he wanted.”

Comer’s spokesperson said Bondi was allowed to sit for a transcribed interview, rather than a deposition, because the former attorney general was “cooperative.”

“Unlike the Clintons who defied subpoenas for seven months, former Attorney General Pam Bondi voluntarily and quickly cooperated with the Committee to identify a mutually agreeable date,” spokesperson Austin Hacker said in a statement.

Bondi had, in fact, refused to comply with the committee’s subpoena while she was still in office, and the ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), filed a resolution on April 29 to hold Bondi in contempt for not complying with the committee’s subpoena a month earlier. Bondi’s agreement to provide a transcribed interview was announced the same day.

The committee subpoenaed Bondi in March to learn more about the department’s long-running investigations into Epstein — the financier accused of abusing more than 1,000 women and girls and directing some of them to have sex with his high-powered friends — and the department’s release of files in response to the 2025 Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated disclosure of the investigative records.

Asked whether Dhillon’s participation indicated that the department planned to invoke privilege and bar Bondi from sharing some information, the department said in a statement that Dhillon and other agency officials would attend Bondi’s interview “solely to ensure accurate representation of Department processes, facilitate any necessary clarifications, and support a complete factual record for the Committee.”

The department added that it “routinely provides staff” to assist with “congressional engagement involving past Department staff actions.”

But a former DOJ ethics official, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said that Dhillon’s participation in the proceedings was anything but routine.

Typically, this type of work would be handled by a less senior attorney at the department who had more direct involvement with the subject matter at hand, the former official said. Dhillon oversees the department’s civil rights division, while the investigations into Epstein were criminal matters.

“I don’t see where Harmeet Dhillon has the experience or the normal level of authority that this would be delegated to,” the official said. “Everything about this seems unusual.”

Bondi would also need to have submitted a formal request for representation from the department.

“It doesn’t just happen willy-nilly,” the former ethics official said.

The department didn’t say how Bondi came to be represented by the agency’s attorneys. Bondi, who said this week she is being treated for thyroid cancer, didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The presence of Dhillon — a San Francisco attorney and Republican party insider who has been talked about as a potential pick for attorney general — could also present a conflict of interest, experts said.

“It’s unclear if she is representing the interests of Bondi, the department, or herself,” said Dave Rapallo, a former staff director of the House Oversight Committee.

He said that Dhillon would not have been able to represent Bondi if her testimony was provided in a deposition because the committee’s rules prevent agency lawyers from attending depositions.

Bondi was fired by President Trump on April 2. She was dogged by questions about her handling of the Epstein investigation throughout her time in office.

Trump campaigned on the promise of releasing information about the government’s investigation into Epstein in 2024 and in February 2025, Bondi told Fox News that she had on her desk a list of clients of Epstein — who died in federal custody in 2019.

But months later, as questions swirled about Trump’s relationship with Epstein, the Justice Department announced that it was closing its investigation into Epstein and said that, in fact, no such client list existed.

Soon after, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring the Justice Department to release all of the records from its investigation into Epstein. Trump initially opposed the legislation but ultimately signed it into law.

The department has released millions of pages of records in response to the law. While Acting Atty. Gen. Todd Blanche said in January that there are millions of additional pages of records that are not yet public, the department has indicated that it doesn’t plan to release these additional files.

Rylan Clark is the latest celebrity to be grilled on ITV’s The Assembly, where autistic and neurodivergent interviewers pose no-holds-barred questions

Rylan Clark was left stunned when probed about his ex-husband on ITV’s The Assembly. The Radio 2 star, 37, is the latest celebrity to be grilled on the experimental programme, where autistic and neurodivergent interviewers pose no-holds-barred questions to a host of famous faces.

Rylan knew he would be asked some difficult questions on the show, but when one interviewer brought up the topic of him cheating on his ex, Dan Neal, who he split with in 2021 after six years of marriage – he was floored.

Caught completely off-guard, Rylan was asked: “When you told your husband you cheated on him, he divorced you. Is honesty always the best policy?”

“Oh, wow”, Rylan replied, taking a deep breath. “Yeah, I think it is. I’m okay admitting I’m in the wrong, because actually I don’t deal well with guilt and I don’t deal well with secrets.”

After his split with Dan, the TV star took a lengthy sabbatical from all his television work and admitted he’d grappled with suicidal thoughts. Telling the interviewer he had been “really ill”, he shared: “It made me so ill, like so ill. It sounds a terrible thing to say, but I’m glad it happened.”

In another curveball, the former X Factor icon then admitted he didn’t “regret anything” as he shed more light on their break-up. Lifting the lid on life post-divorce, he said: “Do you know, I never think of him.

“So, this is like, my whole body just went [tense]. I miss feeling like I’ve got it all. I thought I had life done – I’ve got the job, I’ve got the family, I’ve got the marriage, I’ve got the car, I’ve got the house.

“I thought I had it sussed. I didn’t have anything sussed. I didn’t know what was a real relationship, and I can look back now and know that I don’t regret anything.

“I don’t regret anything, so I’ll leave that up to your imagination.”

Speaking to a make-up artist during a break from filming for the programme, Rylan, who went public with new partner Kennedy Bates in January, said he was pleased he took part in The Assembly, even though it was uncomfortable.

He said: “I’m so glad I did this. But yeah, [the] Dan questions, I was like [surprised] – I don’t even say his name. When my marriage ended, you know that term when someone says, ‘To pull the rug from under you?’

“That’s the only way I can describe it. It’s like someone went like that and I fell over, and I couldn’t get back up. [It was] like I broke both my arms and legs.”

Admitting he didn’t think he was going to “get out of it”, he concluded: “I went back to live with my mum because I didn’t want to be in my house, because there were too many memories of things in there.”

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From charming market towns to picturesque coastal villages, travel experts share some of the best UK staycation towns

With holiday prices soaring and a fuel crisis affecting air travel, many families may opt to stay in the UK this summer instead of jetting abroad for their annual break. But there’s absolutely no reason to feel let down if this applies to you, as the country boasts countless beautiful destinations from top to bottom.

With this in mind, express.co.uk has consulted several travel experts who have revealed their top recommendations, all of which are excellent options for those seeking the ideal staycation location. From northern forests to sun-drenched southern coastlines, whatever kind of break you’re after, the UK offers an abundance of possibilities.

Andy Brooker, travel expert at kate & tom’s, said: “Many of us forget how much the UK has to offer. There’s something for everyone here, and many fantastic towns to explore depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.”

Andy suggests Formby near Liverpool and Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District.

Championing Formby as an excellent choice for families, he explained: “Variety is important when you have busy children to please, and Formby offers the opportunity to explore dramatic sand dunes, sweeping pinewoods, and the native red squirrel population at The Formby Red Squirrel Reserve.”

Endorsing Bowness-on-Windermere, Andy added: “Bowness-on-Windermere is an iconic town in Cumbria and one of the Lake District’s most popular destinations for a reason.” It blends breathtaking lakeside vistas with delightful cafés, independent shops and gateways to some of Cumbria’s most picturesque trails.

“From cruising across Lake Windermere and exploring The World of Beatrix Potter to relaxing in traditional pubs and taking in panoramic views. Bowness offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities and classic Lake District charm.”

Andy isn’t alone in championing a Lake Windermere escape, with Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages highlighting the neighbouring village of Clappersgate.

He said: “Whilst it may be a small village, it boasts a rich history with many historic structures, including the notable Clappersgate Bridge.

“The Grade II listed bridge dates back to the 17th century and is a popular spot for visitors interested in its unique design and views over the river and surrounding greenery.”

Nestled near the River Brathay and Lake Windermere, Clappersgate is ideally positioned for watersports enthusiasts, while the Loughrigg Circular provides an excellent walking route for ramblers.

When the weather turns, there’s also the nearby Lake District Aquarium and the striking neo-gothic Wray Castle to explore.

For those seeking something further south, Jacob Wedderburn-Day, travel expert and CEO of Stasher, points to Rye in West Sussex, Totnes in Devon, and Frome in Somerset.

Speaking about the first, he said: “Rye is one of the most distinctive small towns in the UK, with cobbled streets, historic inns, shops and easy access to Camber Sands.

“It is a good choice for travellers who want a break without staying in a larger seaside resort. It works especially well for a weekend because the town is compact and easy to explore at a relaxed pace.”

Totnes, meanwhile, is highlighted as one of the “best towns for travellers looking for shops, good food and easy access to the South Devon countryside and coast.”

He went on to say: “The community there has a relaxed pace, which makes it ideal for a slower weekend away. It is also well placed for travellers who want to combine a town break with day trips nearby.”

Jacob describes Frome as one of the “most interesting town breaks” in the UK, boasting a thriving shopping scene, a vibrant creative community and lively weekend markets.

Conveniently situated close to both Bath and Bristol, Frome works brilliantly as a day trip from either city, or as a base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Although she stops short of naming a specific town, Rachel Pennycook, Europe Travel Specialist at The Luxury Holiday Company, urges visitors not to overlook the Scottish Highlands.

“The Highlands are popular for a reason. They’re one of the few places in the UK where you can properly disconnect and feel a world away.

“In summer, the long daylight hours mean you can take your time, whether that’s a morning by the loch, an afternoon exploring castles, or an evening enjoying local food with a view.

“For me, what sets the Highlands apart is the sense of space and freedom. You don’t need to plan every minute; sometimes, the best days are simply about soaking up the scenery, finding a quiet spot, or sharing a meal with friends and family.

“It’s a destination that works just as well for families looking for adventure as it does for couples.”