The popular airline has shared a booking update for holidaymakers planning their next trip
The airline has shared an update for passengers (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
easyJet has shared a major update for holidaymakers planning their 2027 getaway. While the 2026 summer holidays aren’t over yet, many families are looking ahead to next year. For anyone interested in booking with easyJet, there’s good news.
The airline says its ‘big seat release’ has arrived, and customers can now book seats up until September 2027. Sharing a booking update on social media, easyJet took to Facebook to share the news with passengers. The post said: “Summer 2027 has landed.”
easyJet explained: “Our Big Seat Release is here, meaning you can secure your seat up until 26th September 2027 and start counting down to your next trip.” More information on the easyJet website states: “Summer 2027 flights are now on sale, making it easier than ever to plan your next adventure for the summer holidays and beyond.
“Whether you’re keen to explore somewhere new or revisit a favourite destination, you can book with confidence. Secure your seats for travel between 14 June 2027 and 26 September and start counting down to your well‑earned getaway. Book now and get ready to fly.”
According to the airline’s FAQ page, autumn 2027 flights will also be released soon. Passengers planning ahead can sign up for the airline’s newsletter to find out about upcoming releases. easyJet said its ‘big seat release’ events offer the ‘chance to grab the best fares early for popular destinations.’
If 2026 is anything to go by, travellers in 2027 will be booking destinations inspired by their favourite TV shows, books, and sports. In a blog post dedicated to 2026 travel trends, easyJet said 28% of Brits have been picking destinations based on TV or film.
This could be thanks to inspiration from hit shows like The White Lotus. Sharing a tip for customers, easyJet said: “Instead of the expensive Saint-Tropez, travellers are looking at nearby Toulon or Villefranche-sur-Mer for Riviera glamour at a lower price.”
Book enthusiasts are getting in on the action, too. easyJet said: “Travellers are visiting historic towns rediscovered through classic literature or their modern retellings. Top Spots: Verona (Shakespeare) and Pamplona (Hemingway). Why: People are seeking depth and narrative meaning rather than just ‘chasing novelty’.”
Meanwhile, sports lovers are choosing destinations that offer pickleball and padel when booking active holidays. The airline shared: “Golf holidays are no longer the only game in town.
“One in 10 Brits is now playing pickleball or padel while away. The Hotspot: Spain is the global centre of Padel, with over 20,000 courts and higher participation than tennis.
“Convenience: Padel racquets are small enough to fit in hand luggage, making it an easy addition to a trip.” More information is available on the easyJet website.
BOOKING a holiday in advance doesn’t necessarily pay off anymore and more Brits are leaving up until the last-minute to book a break.
loveholidays found that year-on-year bookings for holidays departing the next day are jumping 26 per cent.
There are lots of last-minute breaks in Spain for good prices like Hotel Playas de TorreviejaCredit: loveholidays Of head to Greece for a five-night getaway to CreteCredit: loveholidays
The most popular destinations for these spots include Majorca, Tenerife, Antalya, Costa Blanca and Ibiza.
Sun Travel did some digging of our own, and found some of the best last-minute loveholidays breaks with some flights leaving as soon as tomorrow.
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Ona Don Juan, Spain
Ona Don Juan has multiple pools and even a nightclubCredit: loveholidays
The four-star hotel in the coastal town of Lloret de Mar is a short-flight away and there’s plenty to do from paddling in one of its three swimming pools to tennis, and trying out the games room.
There’s even an on-site nightclub for those who want to enjoy their break well into the evening and the local beach at Lloret de Mar is a short walk away.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Ona Don Juan starts from £459pp – including return flights to Bournemouth departing on July 29
Cosmelenia Hotel Apartments, Cyprus
The hotel in Ayia Napa is steps away from WaterWorld WaterparkCredit: loveholidays
Found in Ayia Napa, this hotel is a great find for soaking up the Cypriot sunshine it also has cosy rooms, a swimming pool and food is served throughout the day.
For fans of waterparks, WaterWorld which is one of the biggest in Europe with 30 rides and attractions is a short walk away.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £519pp – including return flights to Manchester Airport from July 31 returning
Hotel Troya, Tenerife
This hotel can be booked from £609pp if you leave on August 1Credit: Unknown
This hotel is in Tenerife’s resort of Playa de las Américas a resort known for having beaches, nightlife and restaurants all in one place.
The Hotel Troya has three outdoor pools and a full spa with a sauna and Jacuzzi – it also has two restaurants and bars including one that’s right next to the pool.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Hotel Troya starts from £609pp – including return flights from Bristol Airport on August 1
Sol Costa Daurada, Spain
The Sol Costa Daurada has a large pool and Mediterranean-style poolsCredit: loveholidays
In the heart of Salou, Costa Dorada is Sol Costa Daurada which has Mediterranean-style rooms and plenty of places to eat from its buffet restaurant to poolside bar.
There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a separate one for children with sunloungers dotted about – guests can try their hand at games like table tennis.
A four-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Sol Costa Daurada starts from £429pp – including return flights from Manchester Airport on July 29
Hotel Playa, Spain
Hotel Playa in Torrevieja has large rooms and organised activities throughout the dayCredit: loveholidays
Yet another Spain pick is to Hotel Playa in Torrevieja which is within walking distance of a local beach and rooms to suit families and couples too.
The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools as well as a gym, restaurant and bar – for activities, there’s the opportunity to go cycling and the hotel has live music during the evenings.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £479pp – including return flights departing Manchester Airport on July 29 and returning on August 3 to Leeds Bradford.
Hotel Matheo Villas & Suites, Crete
This hotel in Crete is for full-on relaxation with cosy sunlounger beds by the poolCredit: loveholidays
If you fancy splashing out on a last-minute holiday, head to Crete – the hotel is found in Malia which is a popular resort on the island.
The hotel has three swimming pools with sunlounger beds, a wellness area, and a poolside restaurant serving up Greek specialities.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £689pp – including return flights departing East Midlands Airport on July 30
THIS is the moment Matty Healy performed with a The 1975 tribute band – having booked the act for his stag do.
Brit Award winner Matty, 37, has been lead vocalist of pop rock band The 1975 since 2002.
The 1975 lead singer Matty Healy put a special spin on his stag partyCredit: Instagram/The9075musicbythe1975Having booked a The 1975 tribute act to perform, he joined them on stageCredit: Instagram/The9075musicbythe1975
The singer-songwriter put a unique spin on his stag do – as he joined a The 1975 tribute act on stage.
A clip of the moment begins with tribute group The 9075 singing The Sound, which was released in 2019.
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Matty jumps on stage mid-performance and performs alongside the band.
One person commented: “Matty Healy attending a 1975 tribute is very Matty Healy coded.”
Matty has been lead singer of The 1975 since 2002Credit: GettyThe Brit Award winner is soon set to marry American singer and model GabbrietteCredit: Alamy
Another added: “I thought the real Matty was the fake Matty until he started counting things on his fingers that don’t need to be counted, that’s when I knew.”
A third wrote: “He wanted to experience a 1975 concert for his stag party and I respect it.”
Matty – the son of Denise Welch and Tim Healy – is set to marry American model and singer Gabbriette.
FANCY a last-minute break? You aren’t the only one. Holiday Hypermarket has found that one in five Brits are booking trips just two weeks before jetting off.
And there are plenty of great holiday deals too – and we’ve found some holidays all under £300pp.
You could jet off to the Trabukos Beach Complex in Corfu for £260ppCredit: On the Beach
Seven Hills Camping & Village, Italy
There’s a large freshwater pool at Seven Hills Camping & Village in ItalyCredit: Love Holidays
Set in the Italian countryside is Seven Hills Camping & Village which has bungalow-style accommodation.
It has an outdoor freshwater swimmingpool and a sun terrace for soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.
From the swimming pool to evening entertainment, there’s plenty for guests to do.
All rooms come with a private balcony with outdoor seating so the weather can be enjoyed well into the evening.
A five-night stay including flights departing from London Gatwick to Dalaman on July 20 returning on August 4 will set you back just £289pp.
Trabukos Beach Complex, Greece
Trabukos Beach Complex is an adult-only hotel near the party town of KavosCredit: Unknown
Found on the main strip of Kavos in Corfu is the adults-only Trabukos Beach Complex.
It’s close to the city centre and within walking distance from lots of bars and nightclubs.
The hotel itself has a pretty swimming pool, and some of the spacious rooms have their own balcony.
A five-night stay including flights departing from Manchester Airport to Corfu Airport on July 27 returning on August 1 will set you back just £260pp.
Hotel Cappelli, Italy
The Hotel Cappelli is a beautiful city break spot in Tuscany with deals from £245ppCredit: On the Beach
Hotel Cappelli in Tuscany is labelled the ‘go-to spot for a chilled-out city break‘.
There’s an outdoor pool, terrace, lush garden and when it’s time to eat, Ristorante Giulio serves up classic Italian dishes.
If the Italian heat gets too much, there a cosy TV lounge inside.
A five-night stay including flights departing from Stansted Airport to Pisa on July 30 returning on August 4 will set you back just £245pp – including breakfast.
Finding the best price can be tough, as you can book early to snap up a bargain or leave it until the last minute to secure cheap airline seats that haven’t sold out. When looking for flights, prices can also change by the day.
Airlines can use dynamic pricing to raise or lower ticket prices based on demand. Some people have claimed that booking websites can collect information from your browsing history and increase prices because they know you are interested.
It has been suggested to use private or incognito mode and to clear cookies before searching to get the best price. However, expert Simon has given his own verdict on the travel hack, branding it “nonsense”.
On his Travel Expert with Simon Calder podcast, he was asked if using incognito mode works and if it makes bookings cheaper. Simon replied: “Thank goodness for this [question], we have got the chance to get rid of this nonsense absolutely.
“It is an urban myth, and I will of course be delighted to learn if somebody has absolutely got video footage of somebody with a computer with cookies on and cookies without.
“The thought is that ‘oh, we know that Greg is looking for flights, so therefore next time he goes on, we will put the price up to grab all his money’. It doesn’t work like that.”
Simon explained that prices do sometimes change when looking for them because other people have booked onto the same flight.
He said: “We are lucky enough to be living in a very competitive era where airlines are charging whatever they can get away with. If the price has increased since the last time you looked, it’s only because someone like me has come along and booked seats.”
If you already have a holiday booked this summer, Simon previously shared a stark warning to ensure it doesn’t end up “wrecked”. The expert explained that “thousands upon thousands” of travellers have already been caught out and missed their long-awaited breaks.
Brits travelling to EU or Schengen area destinations cannot hold passports that are older than 10 years upon arrival at their holiday destination. The passport must also remain valid for a minimum of three months beyond the date you intend to return home.
Simon appeared on BBC Radio 2 to encourage everyone with holidays booked to check their passports before it’s too late.
He said: “You must remember, if you are going to the EU apart from Ireland, you cannot have a passport older than 10 years on the day you enter. It is the only part of the world that cares about when your passport is issued.
“Everywhere else only cares about the expiry date. Please, if you are going away in June, July, and August, please check that your passport will comply.
“Has it had its 10th birthday on the day you plan to go away, and has it got at least three months left on the date you plan to leave? That way, we can hopefully avoid too many more wrecked holidays.”
The consumer experts shared a money-saving hack for holidaymakers this summer
11:45, 29 Jun 2026Updated 12:45, 29 Jun 2026
Martin Lewis founded MoneySavingExpert (stock photo)(Image: ITV)
MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued an alert for holidaymakers who still need to book their hotel or rental car. The consumer advice website, founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, regularly shares tips for Brits.
In a recent social media post, the experts shared advice for people making travel bookings. Posting on X, MSE advised consumers to choose bookings that offer free cancellation if possible. The experts explained that travellers can use this tactic to get the best deal on their booking, as they can simply cancel and rebook if prices go down.
MSE wrote: “Top travel tip: Try to book a hotel or car hire with free cancellation. Why? Because if the price drops, you can simply cancel and rebook at this cheaper rate!” The post asked social media user to share their experiences in the comments.
The post asked: “Have you ever done this successfully? How much did you save?” In response, several MSE fans shared their own success stories.
For example, a commenter named Kathryn replied: “I’ve done this with a hotel. Got a much better grade room and saved about £50 on the price the original room would have cost! I usually try to do this now. I book the new room first though before cancelling the existing one… Just in case!”
Another social media user said: “I’ve done this for a hotel booking. Made a great saving on original booking price but found my room was at the furthest point away from the reception / dining areas. A good trade off in that situation.”
Someone else said they managed to find their £160 car hire reduced to just £80 using a similar tactic when they visited Portugal last year. Similarly, a commenter with another car story said they had booked their rental car three times, starting with an initial price of almost £300 and getting it down to £121, despite using the same rental company to book the same car.
They explained: “Pre-Christmas price over £300. 1st booking March £285. 2nd booking £185 early May. 3rd time mid-May £121.” Praising the method, the social media user added: “Refunded each time within four days. Result!”
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Sharing another success story, a holidaymaker claimed to save £400 on a trip to New York. The comment read: “£400 saved on a trip to NYC. Free cancellation costs more but the flexibility makes it worth it.”
The flights are booked, your passport is valid, the bags are packed, and excitement is building, but there’s one crucial check you must do at the time of booking your holiday
A travel expert has issued important advice if you’re booking a holiday(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
An aviation expert has outlined how to best prepare for your next getaway abroad, and there’s one vital task you must do.
Going on holiday is always an exciting time, and even the booking process can spark a buzz. What hotel will you stay at? What activities will you do? And what will the weather be like? But amongst the planning, there’s a checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for any trip abroad.
Checking that your passport is valid before booking flights is vital, along with any documents or visas you might need when entering your chosen country. However, there’s one check that Brits could miss, and failing to obtain it could completely impact your holiday.
In crucial advice to Brits ahead of the summer holidays, travel expert and head of aviation at loveholidays, Gavin Brewer, said that booking travel insurance at the same time as your holiday “is one of the smartest moves you can make”.
While it’s vital to have in case anything happens while you are away, it also means you’re protected from the moment you hit confirm on your desired getaway.
Gavin explained: “That means if you need to cancel your holiday for unforeseen reasons, such as sickness or other medical circumstances, or even redundancy, you should get your money back from your insurer. Understanding your cover is just as important as picking your destination, because when the unexpected happens, the right policy can be the difference between jetting off with confidence and being left out of pocket.”
In further support for holidaymakers jetting abroad this summer, the travel expert advised booking a package holiday as it offers “more protection than booking flights and hotel separately”.
He commented: “Package holidays give built-in protection that you won’t get if you book your flights and hotels separately.
“In the rare event of disruption before you travel, such as a cancelled flight with no suitable alternative, you are fully protected under a set of consumer laws called the Package Travel Regulations. This entitles you to a full refund on your package holiday.”
Gavin added: “At Loveholidays, our holiday packages are also protected by the ‘gold standard’ ATOL scheme, so you can relax knowing your holiday is in safe hands from start to finish.”
And while it might be edging nearer to summer, it’s never too late to book that well-deserved break. If anything, it might just be the best time, as three European hotspots are cheaper than usual during the busy travel period.
Gavin revealed that Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Turkey have all seen substantial price cuts on seven-night packages during the summer. Bulgaria, with its golden beaches along the Black Sea and majestic mountain terrain, has dropped by an average of 60pp.
Montenegro, dubbed a ‘Balkan gem’ with dramatic mountain landscapes that meet the sea, has dropped in price by around £53pp. While Turkey, known for its striking architecture, culture, and colourful markets, has also seen a price cut of around £35pp.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
The chain confirmed information exposed in the breach includes ‘certain guests names, email addresses, telephone numbers, and/or home addresses, along with other reservation details’
Hotel guests have been warned they might be targeted(Image: Getty)
Hotel guests have been warned to watch out for convincing scam messages after a data breach at a major hotel chain. Data including personal details of people booked to stay at one of the chain hotels was exposed over a six month period.
BWH Hotels, the parent company for WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and Sure Hotels notified customers of the breach in an email when it said “certain guests’ names, email addresses, telephone numbers, and/or home addresses, along with other reservation details” had been accessed between October 14, 2025 and April 22. It added: “Importantly, payment and other financial information was not stored in the affected system and therefore was not accessed.”
It confirmed the firm had taken action to stop the unauthorised access and that it was also taking steps to strengthen safeguards to stop any further breaches. And they urged any affected customers to take steps to ensure any scammers did not take advantage of them, warning them to be extra vigilant about unexpected emails, texts, WhatsApp messages or calls referencing hotel stays.
Now privacy experts have warned the concern is not only what was stolen, but how that information could be used next. Hotel booking data can make follow-up scams look far more believable because criminals may be able to reference real stays, dates, locations or reservation numbers.
Peter Nguyen, a privacy expert from Protect My Data, says travellers should not dismiss this kind of breach just because payment details were not exposed. “A hotel reservation contains more useful information than people realise.
“A scammer does not always need your card number to target you. If they know your name, phone number, hotel, stay dates and booking reference, they can make a fake message look extremely convincing.
“That is the risk with travel data. It gives criminals context. Instead of sending a vague scam, they can contact you with details that feel personal and accurate.”
Nguyen says guests should be especially careful with any unexpected message claiming there is a problem with a booking, payment, refund or reservation. He warned a scammer could pretend to be from the hotel, a booking platform, customer support team or payment department.
The message may claim a card needs to be reverified, a stay could be cancelled, a refund is waiting, or extra information is needed before arrival. He said: “The most dangerous message is one that sounds helpful. It might say your booking needs confirming, your payment failed, or your refund is ready. Because it references a real hotel stay, people are more likely to click.
“If the message asks for payment, codes, logins or verification, do not engage through that message. Go directly to the hotel or booking platform yourself.”
Nguyen says WhatsApp and SMS messages are particularly risky because they feel more direct. “A text or WhatsApp message creates urgency. It feels like someone is dealing with your booking right now. That pressure makes people act faster than they would with an email.”
BWH Hotels’ own warning urged customers not to engage with suspicious communications asking for payment, codes, logins or verification, even if they reference a BWH Hotels property or an upcoming reservation.
Why reservation data is so valuable
Many people worry most about card details in a breach, but Nguyen says contact and booking information can still create serious risk. He explained: “Names, phone numbers and email addresses are the starting point for phishing. Add reservation details and the scam becomes much more targeted.”
“A criminal could send a message saying, ‘Your stay at this property on this date needs confirmation.’ That feels completely different from a generic scam email because it contains something real.”
He said postal addresses can also make scams more credible. He explained: “If a scammer has your address, they can make a fake message feel more official. They might use it in a fake invoice, refund notice, complaint response or identity check.”
Special requests may also reveal details guests did not expect to become part of a security issue. “People sometimes include personal information in hotel requests, such as accessibility needs, arrival times, family arrangements or reasons for travel. Even small details can help scammers tailor their approach.”
What guests should do now
Nguyen says anyone who has stayed with, or booked through, a BWH Hotels property during the affected period should be alert, but not panic. He added: “The first step is awareness. If you receive a message about a Best Western, WorldHotels or SureStay booking, slow down and verify it independently.”
He advised guests to avoid clicking links in unexpected messages. “Open the official hotel website yourself, use the original booking confirmation, or contact the property through a trusted number,” he said. “Do not use a number or link sent in a suspicious message.”
Guests should also be careful if they are asked to confirm personal information, he said. “A genuine hotel may need basic details to find your booking, but they should not ask for banking codes, account passwords or card security codes through an unexpected message.”
If someone has clicked a suspicious link or shared card details, Nguyen says they should contact their bank immediately. He warned: “Speed matters. If you entered payment details, call your bank straight away. If you entered a password, change it immediately, especially if you use it anywhere else.”
He also recommends securing email accounts, as email is often the route scammers use to reset other accounts. “Your email account is the front door to much of your digital life,” he said. “Use a strong, unique password and switch on two-factor authentication.”
Why this warning matters for summer travel
The breach comes as many travellers are booking summer stays, weekend breaks and last-minute trips. Nguyen says that makes hotel-related scams especially dangerous.
“Travel season gives scammers a huge advantage. People are expecting hotel messages, payment reminders and booking updates. That makes fake messages easier to hide among real ones.”
He says guests should be particularly wary of messages close to their check-in date. “A message sent shortly before a stay can create panic. If it says your room will be cancelled unless you act now, that is exactly when you need to stop.”
The safest rule, Nguyen says, is to treat unexpected booking messages as suspicious until proven otherwise. He said: “If a message knows your hotel and dates, that does not automatically make it real. It may simply mean the scammer has booking data. Do not let accurate details rush you into clicking. Verify through the official route every time.”
In its email, signed by Bill Ryan Chief Technology Officer of the hotel chain and sent last month, it said: “BWH Hotels, the parent company for WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and Sure Hotels, takes the privacy and security of our guests’ personal information very seriously. We are writing to let you know that on April 22, 2026, we identified unauthorised activity in one of our web applications that houses certain guest reservation data.
“We have learned that certain guests’ names, email addresses, telephone numbers, and/or home addresses, along with other reservation details (e.g., reservation numbers, dates of stay, and any special requests) for reservations in our system were accessed by an unauthorised third‑party between October 14, 2025 and April 22, 2026, including yours. Importantly, payment and other financial information was not stored in the affected system and therefore was not accessed.
“Upon discovering the incident, we immediately took the application offline and revoked the unauthorised access. We have engaged leading external cybersecurity experts to support our incident response efforts and to assist with the further strengthening of existing safeguards.
“We advise guests to be extra vigilant when viewing any unexpected or suspicious communications about hotel stays. If you receive a suspicious communication such as an unexpected email, text, WhatsApp message, or telephone call that asks for payment, codes, logins, or “verification,” even if they reference a BWH Hotels property or an upcoming reservation, do not engage. Navigate to sites directly rather than clicking links.
As part of protecting your personal information and to prevent payments to fraudulent parties, here are some precautions you can take:
Stay alert for suspicious sender addresses, urgent or unexpected unsolicited requests, and strange links, especially any unexpected request for payment or personal information. Treat any suspicious request with caution. If you have a question regarding a suspicious request, please contact our customer service team
Scammers may create webpages that closely resemble legitimate hotel booking pages. Always review the web address before entering payment details. If a page looks unexpected or unfamiliar, stop and verify it with our customer service team before proceeding. If you entered or shared any payment (credit card) information in response to a scam, please immediately report it to your financial institution and follow security steps they recommend. If you have any questions, please contact BWH Hotels’ data protection office at dpo@bwh.com
The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a fine win – but not before a sequence of events that left everyone inside SoFi Stadium scratching their heads as the video assistant referee (VAR) made history.
The co-hosts were comfortably leading Paraguay 3-0 when confusion reigned in the Group D game.
Veteran defender Tim Ream, 38, conceded a free-kick and was shown a yellow card for his ‘challenge’ on Miguel Almiron.
After the free-kick was taken, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the screen by the VAR and overturned his decision – something officials have not previously been allowed to do.
After rescinding Ream’s caution, Makkelie instead booked former Newcastle United forward Almiron, who had clearly dived.
It is the first VAR intervention for mistaken identity at the World Cup, even if it perhaps was not used in the way most expected it to be.
Fifa has introduced of a number of rule changes for the tournament, with Pierluigi Collina, the head of referees, requesting one specifically for mistaken identity.
The rule states that if a player is booked or sent off – but the foul was actually committed by the opposition team – the decision can be changed.
Another new law is second yellow cards leading to a red card can be reviewed, but not first yellow cards. The only reason referee Makkelie was able to rescind the decision was by using the mistaken identity law.
The officials allowed the game to restart before stopping, which also confused fans as normally once the game resumes it cannot be pulled back.
Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams, speaking to BBC Sport, added: “They let them take the free-kick, which was bizarre but clearly the right decision.
“It’s the first time we have seen it but fair play.”
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, who was co-commentating for BBC Sport, added: “Any adaptation of the rules which means diving gets more punishment is good.”
The United States, managed by former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, won the match 4-1 to get their campaign off to a winning start in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Following an own goal by Damian Bobadilla, the US led 3-0 at half-time after Folarin Balogun scored twice.
In doing so he became just the second US player to score more than once in a World Cup match.
Paraguay pulled one back through Brazilian-born Mauricio before the goal of the night from substitute Giovanni Reyna, who curled a 20-yard shot home with the outside of his right foot with the final kick of the game.
The money-saving experts shared a tip for people booking expensive holiday destinations
The tip could help holidaymakers save money (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
A savvy travel tip could help holidaymakers save money on trips to expensive destinations. MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, often shares money-saving tips for the public. According to a previous blog post from the MSE team, some travellers could save money by booking a hotel they don’t need.
The experts explained that package holidays can sometimes offer better deals than scheduled flights for certain destinations. So travellers could save money by booking their flight as part of a package deal, then booking their preferred accommodation, assuming they’re not keen on the hotel included with the package.
MSE said: “Scheduled flights to some destinations, such as Orlando and Sri Lanka, can be silly money, yet packages there can sometimes come in much cheaper. If you only need the flight, check if there’s a cheaper package holiday, then grab it but DON’T stay in the hotel.”
The guidance added that Martin has previously had success with the trick, helping a friend book a holiday to Sri Lanka. MSE said the passenger paid £300 for the holiday to cover their flights, when the cheapest scheduled deal was over £1,000.”
In another blog post dedicated to cheap package holidays, MSE reiterates the advice. The experts explained: “If you’re going away specifically for seven, 10 or 14 days to a traditional holiday destination, package holidays are often best. They can sometimes be much cheaper than booking a scheduled flight… even if you DON’T want to use the hotel.
“For example, we found flights for a seven-day trip to Florida for £689 per person – a package holiday for the same dates was just £662 per person. It won’t always work, but it’s worth a try.”
When checking flight prices, passengers may wish to compare prices on sites such as Skyscanner. Booking on different days could help customers find the best deals.
Skyscanner says: “Flight pricing changes constantly based on demand, season and route. There’s no fixed ‘cheapest day’ to book but with the right tools, you can stay informed.
“Historically, Skyscanner pricing trends have shown that some airlines release deals late on Mondays, which may lead to lower fares early in the week. Prices tend to rise again as the week progresses and demand increases.”
Some holidaymakers wait until the last minute for deals. Skyscanner explains: “On quieter routes or off-peak travel days, prices may drop as the departure date approaches. But on popular routes or peak dates, fares often increase as the flight fills up.”
The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), Italy’s antitrust authority, announced on Tuesday that it opened a formal probe into easyJet Airline Company Limited over alleged unfair commercial practices.
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The case centres on how the carrier structures and presents baggage fees on its website and mobile app, with the regulator alleging that passengers were routinely given a distorted picture of what they were actually paying.
According to the AGCM, easyJet’s platform set bundled checked baggage and sports equipment for round trips as the automatic default, presenting only an overall average price for the service, even when customers had no intention of purchasing it for both legs of their journey.
The regulator contends that anyone wishing to add luggage for one leg only was forced to interrupt the booking process to override this setting, a step most consumers would be unlikely to notice or navigate.
The investigation will assess whether easyJet’s booking system created unclear pricing conditions and limited consumers’ ability to make fully informed choices.
At the time of writing, easyJet has not publicly commented on the case.
Italy’s AGCM previous actions
This is not the first time easyJet has appeared before Italian authorities.
In May 2021, the AGCM imposed a €2.8 million fine on the airline alongside Ryanair and Volotea, after all three failed to offer cash reimbursements for flights cancelled when Italy lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, issuing vouchers instead.
EasyJet appealed, but the Lazio Regional Administrative Court in Rome rejected the challenge in February 2025.
The AGCM has shown no hesitation in pursuing the sector more broadly.
In December 2025, it fined Ryanair €255 million for abusing its dominant position in air travel to and from Italy.
The Italian authority concluded the carrier had deployed an “elaborate strategy” to obstruct travel agencies from purchasing its flights, including through facial-recognition checks, payment blocks and mass account deletions, a ruling Ryanair immediately vowed to appeal.
Hotel rooms in Los Angeles and other FIFA World Cup host cities could sit empty, despite high expectations that the global sporting event would be a boon to the city.
The soccer tournament, which has sold more than 5 million tickets so far, has historically triggered a surge of international and domestic tourism and infused host cities with an economic boost.
This year, however, 80% of hotels surveyed by the American Hotel and Lodging Assn. said bookings are lagging behind initial forecasts. The hotel association partly blames FIFA for the slowdown, saying the organization overbooked blocks of hotel rooms that did not reflect true demand.
Travel also is being hampered by higher airfares and gas prices due to the conflict in Iran. Visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns are suppressing international travel demand, the report said.
“With just two months until kickoff, indicators suggest the anticipated economic lift may fall short of expectations,” the report said. The number of tickets sold for the tournament “has not yet translated into strong hotel bookings.”
In L.A., where World Cup games will be played next month at SoFi stadium, more than 65% of hotel respondents said room bookings were below estimated demand.
Many respondents said bookings were even lagging behind that of a typical summer.
Hotels in Los Angeles cited visa complications and long distances from the venue as obstacles to bookings. According to the report, FIFA booked thousands of rooms in downtown Los Angeles that it canceled.
Ahead of all World Cup tournaments, FIFA places large blocks of rooms on hold across various properties for FIFA staff, mediaand other stakeholders. As the tournament draws closer, FIFA will adjust its plans based on demand.
“All room releases were conducted in line with contractually agreed timelines with hotel partners, a standard practice for an event of this scale,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement. “Throughout the planning process, FIFA’s Accommodations team maintained consistent discussions with hotel stakeholders.”
The spokesperson added that global demand for the 2026 World Cup is unprecedented.
“FIFA room block over-commitment created an artificial early demand signal that has since unraveled,” the hotel association report said. “Many hotels indicate that early booking signals overstated true demand.”
About half of hotel respondents reported cancellations or releases of previously booked blocks of rooms, the report said.
The staggering price of World Cup tickets this year could also be keeping away fans, said journalist and author Simon Kuper, who writes about soccer economics. Face values for tickets have climbed as high as $7,875.
“All the ticket prices in this World Cup are inconceivable for previous World Cups,” Kuper said. “It’s very much a new phenomenon.”
FIFA is projecting revenue between $11 billion and $13 billion for the four-year World Cup cycle, which ends when the tournament does.
Nonetheless, L.A. is expecting a major jump in tourism for the World Cup in June and the 2028 Olympic Games.
That would be welcome for an industry that is coming off some tough times.
Last year, tourist spending in L.A. fell for the first time since the pandemic began as wildfires, raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and trade tensions discouraged people from visiting, including tourists from Canada who traditionally flock to Palm Springs and other cities in Southern California during the winter months.
International air arrivals to L.A. County fell more than 30% from August to November of 2025. In Los Angeles, current international arrivals are fewer than in previous months, though the state saw an overall 3% increase last year.
The L.A. market “faces several challenges that are tempering hotel performance expectations,” said Ralph Posner, chief communications officer for the American Hotel and Lodging Assn.
“L.A.’s purported hotel underperformance is compounded by a unique combination of early FIFA block over-commitment creating artificial demand, concerns about visa barriers and operating costs,” he said. “The market was positioned as a flagship host city but is now absorbing a gap between expectation and reality.”
Surging hotel room costs in host cities are also a deterrent. For example, the Renaissance Hotel in Seattle, within walking distance of Lumen Field, is renting a King guest room for less than $300 the weekend before the World Cup. For the weekend of the U.S. game there, the rate is more than $1,000 for the same room.
To save costs, some fans are choosing to stay farther from the venues or opting for alternative lodgings such as Airbnbs. Airbnb’s chief financial officer said the World Cup is expected to be the largest event in the company’s history.
The hotel association said that even though initial indications are bad, things could still get better.
“We are hopeful that momentum will build over the next few weeks in the lead up to the games,” Posner said.
Times staff writer Kevin Baxter contributed to this report.
A pilot’s wife has urged passengers to stop booking a certain seat to travel on planes. Laurie said it’s vital people avoid it if they want a smooth and comfortable journey
09:13, 22 May 2026Updated 09:16, 22 May 2026
The pilot’s wife urged people to stop booking the seat (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
This is why Laurie, known as travelby_laurie on TikTok, is happy to offer advice whenever she can, and she recently turned her attention to the worst seats to book to travel on planes. According to her, there are particular rows you need to avoid to ensure your journey is executed as comfortably and smoothly as possible.
In the clip, Laurie said: “Do not sit in these seats the next time you’re flying in an airplane. Number one, the obvious seat to avoid is the very last row of any airplane, because they do not recline.
“There are two other reasons to avoid that back row seat. Number one, because you’ll be last off the airplane.
“Number two, if you have a connecting flight, where you are catching another airplane in that airport, to get to your final destination, avoid being in the back of the plane.
“The airlines do not tell you that 50 minutes is not enough time to connect to another flight but they are still going to allow you to book them.”
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She also noted she doesn’t ever want to sit in the row that’s in front of the exit row. This is because the exit row may not recline, and the seat in front of the exit row also often does not recline.
This is an aviation safety measure put in place to ensure the seatbacks don’t block the aisle and impede a rapid evacuation in an emergency. However, even though the rule can be imposed for a reason, Laurie noted journeys can already be “uncomfortable”, so it’s best to do your research before booking a seat to see which areas are more comfortable.
If you have a lengthy flight ahead, these spots are probably best avoided. It’s worth noting that some airlines in America include row 13 in their fleets; however, several other airlines around the world often omit the number entirely to accommodate passenger superstitions about bad luck.
What you need to know
While some people avoid the row directly in front of an emergency exit row, as these seats typically have their recline mechanism disabled, there’s something else most people need to consider. Booking a seat at the back of the plane could be more problematic for passengers.
Usually, people tend to avoid them because seats often do not recline, are located directly next to noisy lavatories and galleys and will leave you feeling the most turbulence. As well as this, sitting there will take you longer to deplane, which means you may have limited meal options as service starts from the front.
Even though the very back row can sometimes be cheaper or less crowded on off-peak flights, the general consensus points to several major drawbacks. If you have a connecting flight, it could also cause issues too, as you may be last to get off the plane.
This is why Laurie generally advises against it. It’s a nugget of travel wisdom you may not have known before.
A woman concerned about a name discrepancy between her easyJet holiday booking and passport was urged by the airline to get in touch directly to resolve the issue
Airlines have different rules(Image: Getty)
Budget airline easyJet has urged a customer to get in touch after she queried whether she needed to make an amendment to her booking. The prospective passenger had secured a holiday with the carrier but had concerns about a potential issue with her trip.
Taking to the easyJet holidays Facebook page, Jessica asked: “Booked holiday with my “first” and “last name” My “given name” on my passport includes my middle name.
“Do I need to amend my booking? I fly in 2 weeks and haven’t yet checked in if that makes a difference.”
She received a response from easyJet stating: “According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there’s no middle name rule as such, but their guidance is the recorded name on a reservation and ticket should match the name in your official travel document.” A follow-up reply from Anga then added: “Hi Jessica, thank you for reaching out.
“Please note that the name on your booking needs to match what is on your passport. To assist you with adding your middle name, kindly DM us with your booking reference, booker’s name and email address used on the booking.”
The UK government website advises travellers to ensure two key things are consistent when booking a trip, reports the Liverpool Echo. It states: “The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.”
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However, it does not clarify whether a middle name featured in your passport must also be included when making a booking. Different airlines have their own policies, so it’s always advisable to check with them directly if you have any worries about anything on your travel documents.
Ryanair, for instance, addresses the question on its website, stating: “For security reasons, the first name and surname on your booking must match the names on your travel document(s). We do not require middle name or second/double-barrelled surnames for flights.”
Jet2 similarly states that middle names aren’t required, except in one particular scenario. On its website, it explains: “We don’t we don’t need your middle name(s) on your booking unless two people on the booking have identical first and last names. Please make sure all names are spelt exactly as they are on your passport.”
Tui has also confirmed it’s not essential. Responding to a query about the website not accepting a full name, it clarified: “Our website only allows for a maximum 15 characters in the name box.
“Just enter what you can and contact us so we can make a note of your full name on the system. Just so you know, we only need your title, first name and surname. You don’t have to include middle names.”
