British Airways

Millions of England supporters up and down the country are gearing up for the big match tonight, but what happens if you are due to be flying while the match is being aired?

British Airways has issued an improtant update for passengers hoping to watch the World Cup match tonight.

England will take on Argentina in the semi-finals with a place in the World Cup up for grabs. England supporters up and down the country are gearing up for the big match tonight, with a number of celebrities looking forward to backing their country – incluidng Joe Wickes.

Joe Wickes, widely known as “The Body Coach,” is a British fitness expert, author, and television presenter famous for his high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and recipe books. He gained international prominence as the “PE teacher to the nation” by hosting free daily online exercise classes for children and families during the global pandemic lockdown.

But, now Joe is asking the all important question. Will British Airways passengers be able to watch the match? He took to X yesterday to ask the airline. He asked: “Hey @British_Airways will I be able to watch the @England match on my flight tomorrow?”

British Airways responded: “Hi Joe, for legal reasons we’re unable to stream live sporting events, unfortunately. However, I’m sure the crew will keep you informed of the score throughout your flight.” They added: “We’re sure the crew will be just as eager to keep an eye on events. Have a safe flight.”

Around 30,000 Three Lions supporters will pack in to the 67,382-capacity Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta, US, hoping to see Thomas Tuchel’s boys win one of the nation’s biggest games in recent memory. Back home, an audience of up to 25 million will tune in on TV, and thousands more will flock to hospitality venues or join crowds across the country for the potential grudge match.

The match has been classed as the “highest risk in the tournament” by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They issued their warning fearing trouble between the set two sets of fans in one of the biggest rivalries in world football.

Hundreds of extra police were drafted in to Atlanta on Monday and there will be a much bigger presence inside the stadium and at the sold-out fanzone. Police have designated some bars as “England only” or “Argentina only” to try to prevent any confrontations.

Michael Owen has explained why he believes both England and Argentina will find it tough to beat Spain should they reach the World Cup final. In a post on X he wrote: “Brilliant performance from Spain. France had the individual stars but this Spanish team never looked like getting beat.England or Argentina will have to up their game massively to beat this lot.”

Follow our live blog for all the latest World Cup updates by clicking here.

Overlooking one item in particular could ignite some travel disruption which is not ideal for holidaymakers

Packing for a holiday often means working your way through a seemingly never-ending checklist. From remembering your passport and boarding pass to making sure you’ve packed enough clothes, there’s also the important task of checking your bags for items that could cause problems before you even board your flight.

The warning applies to anyone flying with major airlines, including Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, easyJet and British Airways, among others. While each carrier has its own baggage policies, dangerous goods rules are governed by international aviation regulations and enforced during airport security checks.

Non-safety matches, for example, can cost as little as 60p in supermarkets, but packing them could end up costing you precious holiday time. Although they may seem harmless, they are classed as dangerous goods and are prohibited in both hand luggage and checked baggage under aviation safety rules.

This could spell bad news for anyone heading off on a camping holiday, planning to light birthday candles abroad or travelling with matches tucked away in a backpack without giving them a second thought. Even if they were packed by mistake, finding them during screening could trigger additional inspections and slow your journey through the terminal.

According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, non-safety matches are not permitted on commercial flights because they present a fire risk. If they’re discovered during baggage screening, they may be confiscated and your luggage could be held back while officers carry out further checks.

Depending on when they’re found, this could mean anything from a manual bag search at the checkpoint to checked luggage being removed from the aircraft before departure. While procedures vary between airports, prohibited items are routinely removed to ensure flights comply with aviation safety rules.

The restrictions are not specific to one airline or airport. Instead, they are based on international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, which are designed to reduce the risk of fire onboard aircraft.

There is, however, one important exception. The Civil Aviation Authority says passengers are generally allowed to carry one small packet of safety matches on their person for personal use, but they must not be packed inside either hand luggage or checked baggage. “Strike anywhere” matches and all non-safety matches remain prohibited.

Before travelling, it’s worth taking a few moments to check coat pockets, backpacks and suitcases for forgotten items.

A 60p box of matches might seem insignificant, but packing the wrong type could leave you facing unnecessary delays before your holiday has even begun.

Several major airlines including Ryanair, TUI, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 ban this item

Preparing for a summer getaway can seem like an endless to-do list, particularly if you’re jetting off for a birthday, wedding or other special event. However, one budget-friendly item many holidaymakers pop into their suitcase could wind up being seized before they even step onto the aircraft.

Multiple major airlines, including Ryanair, TUI, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2, ban passengers from bringing party poppers. Leaving them behind could spare you needless hassle and hold-ups at the airport.

The item in question is party poppers, and despite appearing innocent, they are forbidden on most commercial flights. They may only set you back a few pence at around £2 for a pack of 20, but they must never be packed in either hand luggage or checked baggage, and doing so could lead to your bags being inspected, with the items likely seized.

This ban exists because party poppers contain a small explosive charge used to create the popping effect. Although the quantity is minuscule, aviation safety regulations classify them as explosive articles and forbid them from being transported on aircraft.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) includes party poppers among the dangerous goods that passengers must not carry in either cabin baggage or hold luggage. The regulations also extend to other novelty explosives, including sparklers, fireworks and flares.

If security personnel find banned items during checks, they may confiscate them from your baggage before departure. Depending on the situation, travellers could also experience hold-ups while bags are inspected or further security procedures are undertaken.

Airport security regulations can differ marginally between nations and carriers, but dangerous goods rules are extensively implemented throughout the aviation sector. Passengers are therefore urged to verify both their airline’s luggage policy and official government advice prior to flying.

Party poppers are frequently packed by mistake following birthdays, weddings or other celebrations, especially when families are travelling with youngsters. While they might appear like a harmless addition to your suitcase, they are handled in the same manner as other banned explosive items under aviation safety regulations.

The government also reminds travellers that security personnel have the ultimate say on whether an item is allowed through screening. Even where an object seems innocent, it can still be confiscated if it is deemed a safety hazard or violates airport security rules.

Inspecting your baggage before heading to the airport could help prevent needless delays, extra security checks and the frustration of having belongings seized before your relaxing holiday away even gets underway.

EXCLUSIVE: After Sarah-Jane Doherty found out she had a brain tumour the size of a golf ball in her brain, she got in touch with loveholidays to cancel a £1,100 upcoming trip – but claims they initially ‘didn’t want to know’

A young woman who is awaiting brain surgery for a tumour the size of a golf ball watched her mum sob while fighting for her holiday to be refunded after being told she was unfit to fly. Sarah-Jane Doherty, 24, from Doncaster in Yorkshire, was told she had a brain tumour in June 2026 after one year of being misdiagnosed.

She first noticed she was ill in July 2025 when she found herself being overly exhausted, to the point where she could not stand up for long periods of time. Other symptoms included depressive episodes, psychosis, hallucinations, manic episodes, and issues with her mood being up and down, which led professionals to believe she was displaying symptoms of bipolar disorder.

This meant she was put onto anti-psychotic medications which masked what would have been one of her major symptoms, seizures, as an electric shock-type of feeling down her left side. She also suffered issues with her vision before being rushed to A&E after having a severe headache that caused her so much pain that she sobbed on her bed.

After having a CT scan at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Sarah-Jane was told doctors thought she had a bleed on her brain, and that she would need to be admitted and have an MRI scan. The next morning, Sarah-Jane’s life changed forever after being told she had a brain tumour around the size of a golf ball.

Medication masked a golf ball-sized brain tumour

She said: “They told me in a bay of four people by myself that I had a brain tumour, and that they think is a glioma. I was just distraught, I was absolutely hysterical.

“I rang my mum straight away, and she came into the hospital. She rang my dad and he came home from work to see me. I feel a bit like I’m in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, like it just doesn’t feel like it’s actually me.

“I was upset, I was stressed thinking, ‘what if it’s not removable?’ I didn’t know what grade it was. What if it’s spread somewhere else in my body? And I just had so many what-ifs in my mind that I just kept crying.”

Before being diagnosed with a suspected grade 2 glioma, Sarah-Jane had booked a £1,100 holiday to Ayia Napa with one of her friends through loveholidays, with flight bookings through British Airways.

Loveholidays booking dispute after Sarah-Jane’s cancer diagnosis

Sarah-Jane said: “I went to Ayia Napa last year and it was really good so we were set on [going] there. But it was last minute because it’s just finding time for us to be together and book holiday.

“I hadn’t been on holiday this year yet, we just wanted to get away so I’d not really had any annual leave or anything like that.

“Just wanted a break and plus because I would be starting a new training programme in September. I wanted to find a decompress before that.”

The day Sarah-Jane was diagnosed with cancer, she contacted loveholidays to make them aware and asked for a refund of her package. At the same time she realised her yearly travel insurance cover had not renewed as she thought it had.

She said: “The first time that we called they didn’t want to know at all. They didn’t even express empathy or anything like that. And then I got an email just saying I can get £62 back.”

Sarah-Jane then sent two letters from medical professionals, one from a consultant at the hospital, and a second from her GP, which were both rejected by loveholidays due to her first letter being a “statement for fitness for Work (SSP)” and the second being a letter that “outlined that it had been issued to support a travel insurance claim”.

Sarah-Jane’s TikTok video prompts action from loveholidays CEO office

After receiving pushback from loveholidays the 24-year-old made a video about her experience on TikTok, with a member of the CEO office at the company reaching out shortly after.

Sarah-Jane continued: “So it was just calls back and forth. They said you need to get in touch with British Airways. British Airways said it has to all be done through loveholidays.

“I asked them to speak to my mum, I just couldn’t deal with speaking to them. I couldn’t keep hearing no and saying, ‘there’s nothing we can do’.

“Then the person from the CEO office said ‘we wish Sarah the best and stuff’ which just shows that there’s no compassion.”

The company then offered Sarah-Jane a £300 refund, which her mum refused, before offering £600, which they also rejected. The following day, however, the loveholiday’s team confirmed they would offer Sarah-Jane a full refund.

She said: “She spent over eight hours on the phone, backwards and forwards, to loveholidays and British Airways because they just kept sending each other to each other. She started crying on the phone because the way people were speaking to her was just… It’s not what she needed to hear.

“She was unnecessarily sent between two different companies that both didn’t want to know. I think that just shows that more protection is needed in the event of major health diagnoses, because if it wasn’t for the TikTok then nothing would have been done.”

Loveholidays and British Airways issue official statements

A loveholidays spokesperson said: “We are deeply sorry to hear about Sarah’s diagnosis and the difficult circumstances she is facing. We wish her all the very best with her treatment and recovery.

“To support Sarah during this difficult time, we have refunded her in full for her holiday, and we have also explained how she can request a refund for the seat purchase she made directly with her airline.

“While we always do everything we can to support customers in difficult circumstances, as a travel agent we are bound by the cancellation policies of our airline and hotel partners, many of which do not provide refunds when customers are unable to travel due to illness.

“For this reason, we always strongly recommend that customers take out travel insurance to help protect them if unforeseen circumstances prevent them from travelling.”

A spokesperson from British Airways said: “We’re very sorry to hear of our customer’s experience and our teams have been in touch.”

The spokesperson also said that the airline had “resolved this matter”, however Sarah-Jane told us that she has yet to receive the refund or, indeed, any further communication from British Airways customer service.

BRITISH Airways is launching new flights to Lapland in time for Christmas.

The UK’s flag carrier has confirmed flights between London Gatwick and Rovaniemi, in Finland, which is known as the home of Santa.

The first flight takes off on December 4 and fly twice a week through to January 4.

You could travel on December 4 and return December 11, from £317.60 per person.

Karen Hilton, Managing Director of BA Euroflyer and Gatwick Ground Services, said: “Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus, is the perfect destination for a festive getaway and a fantastic addition to our Gatwick network, building on the success of our Ivalo route

“Whether customers are hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, meet Santa Claus or experience the magic of Lapland, we’re delighted to offer even more choice across our network.”

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

Travel writer Helen Wright visited with her kids last year and said: “The weather in Lapland was -13C during our visit, but we were the perfect temperature and despite concerns, both my kids were warm enough with all of the layers.

“We were whisked off to Santa’s village on a sleigh and it was thrilling.

“The location is stunning, set in a forest, next to a frozen lake that is like a winter wonderland.

“Once at the village, everything is included and activities include learning to drive a snowmobile, toboggans, a snow igloo with stunning ice sculptures and tables made of ice, husky sledging, and reindeer sleigh rides.

“When you have little children, meeting Father Christmas is of the utmost importance.

“Meeting the big guy was about as stress-free as you can imagine. When we arrived, we were given a time slot to go up to Santa’s cottage and everyone will get the chance to meet him.

“My kids were fully immersed in the magic and it was so heart-warming.”

A travel blogger has shared her top tips for what she described as the “most underrated country in the world”, where you can get flights and five nights in a hotel for less than £500

A holidaymaker is encouraging travel fans to explore what she describes as the “most underrated country in the world” – offering plenty to do for less than £500 per person. Hannah, a young globe-trotter who frequently posts travel advice on her TikTok account @hannahshols, has high praise for a number of destinations – but reserves particular affection for Malta.

Situated beneath Italy and north of Tunisia, this jewel of a spot takes just three hours to fly to from the UK. During a visit to the small island nation with friends, Hannah discovered that they each paid slightly more than £400 for flights, a five-night hotel stay with rooftop pool access and breakfast included, plus baggage and transfers.

Her TikTok video documenting the trip racked up more than one million likes. She gushed: “Malta is by far the most underrated country I think I’ve ever visited.”

She added: “Even though Malta is the 10th smallest country in the world, it is definitely giving big country energy.” The clip showcases the destination’s stunning sea vistas, plentiful shops and eateries, historic sites, and beautiful gardens, reports the Mirror.

Looking back on her trip in 2024, Hannah revealed why the experience stood out. “One thing I loved about Malta was that it was like nowhere I’d ever been before,” she said. “It’s got such strong Arabic and Roman influences.”

She concluded with sincere praise: “It was just absolutely beautiful and everyone we met just seemed so proud to be Maltese.”

The travel influencer suggests a visit to the capital city of Valletta for anyone heading to Malta. Hannah and her group mainly explored the city by foot or took advantage of the bus network, which she described as “super convenient and cheap”.

She recommended: “Just spend a day in Valletta, roaming around, street dining, going to the boutique shops, wandering in and out of the gardens, seeing the cannons being fired at the saluting battery, and checking out the harbour front.”

Hannah also gave her seal of approval to the Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise. This full-day boat trip sets off from Sliema and provides the opportunity to experience both islands in one day, alongside numerous landmarks.

According to Hannah, the price for her and her companions was “around £29 each”. Her video garnered more than 1,000 comments, with many sharing her views about the country. A local resident wrote: “I am from Malta and I am so happy that you loved our little island.”

Another user declared: “Malta is stunning, I would go back in a heartbeat,” while someone else commented: “Genuinely one of my favourite European destinations ever – never gets boring.”

“Omg I live in Malta, it’s so underrated,” another person posted.

How to get to Malta

A number of airlines, including Air Malta, Easyjet, British Airways, Ryanair, and Jet2, run direct flights from the UK to Malta. The busiest route is from London Heathrow to Malta International Airport, which sits in the island’s capital city of Valletta.

Flights are also available from Bournemouth, Liverpool, Norwich, Belfast, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, and Glasgow.

Daniel Green, a TV chef who appears on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and QVC, boarded a British Airways flight from Miami Airport to London Heathrow, when a flight attendant delivered an unwelcome message

A dad was left ‘extremely embarrassed’ after he was told to move from his seat and his wife was threatened with being kicked off the plane.

Daniel Green climbed aboard the British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Miami on June 30, looking forward to the nine-hour flight.

Two days before, the TV chef had splashed out, paying £1,900 to upgrade himself, his wife and his daughter from Club World to First Class.

“We upgraded specifically to ensure a comfortable journey for our 13-year-old daughter, who suffers from significant anxiety and travel sickness,” explained Daniel, who regularly appears on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and QVC.

Do you have an airline issue you’d like us to look into? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

However, after boarding, the family was told that one of the seats in the row in front of them had a recliner fault.

“We were then told that passengers from Row 3 would be moved into our Row 4 First Class seats, resulting in us being displaced from the seats we had paid for,” the dad continued.

“My wife was approached by ground staff while I was briefly away from my seat and told that she must move or accept deplaning. As a result, we were effectively forced into a situation where my wife remained in First Class with our daughter, while I was moved alone into Club World after take-off.

“She was told she could either move to Club or deplane, which felt like a very aggressive way for the situation to be handled, especially as my wife was not being confrontational in any way. She had not said or refused that she would move, so I am totally surprised that he said deplaning was an option.”

According to Daniel, they were not offered alternative seats in First Class or given any warning, despite the plane having been ready on the tarmac for several hours before take-off.

It wasn’t being moved that left Daniel embarrassed, however.

“During the process, a cabin service director also referred to us as being “on an upgrade” in front of other passengers, which was incorrect and deeply embarrassing. We had paid in full for First Class seats only two days earlier,” he said.

“The situation left our family separated, and our daughter experienced significant distress during the flight. What was intended to be a special family journey was instead one of discomfort, embarrassment, and disappointment.

“I believe the handling of this situation raises broader questions about customer service standards, particularly when passengers pay for premium cabins and travel with children.”

He added: “The main issue for us was the way the ground handling of the situation was managed, which felt dismissive and unnecessarily harsh. My wife ultimately remained in her seat, but the experience was very distressing at the time.”

A spokesperson for BA said: “We are sorry for our customer’s experience, and we are in contact to make things right.”

After the Mirror contacted BA, Daniel received an apology and was offered a refund on the upgrade as well as the £220 extra he spent to choose specific seats.

The airline has shared advice for passengers to help prevent delays during security checks

British Airways has advice to help passengers ‘avoid delays’ at the airport. The airline’s website shares the latest guidance and travel updates for customers. It also answers frequently asked questions to help passengers have the smoothest possible experience on travel days.

In the baggage FAQ section, the airline has offered a tip for anyone travelling with medication in their hand luggage. British Airways said it recommends that passengers carry a copy of their prescription for any medication they are carrying.

The advice said: “We recommend you carry a copy of the prescription for your medication to avoid delays at security or customs.” Passengers are advised to carry any essential medications in their hand luggage.

British Airways explained: “If you need to take regular medication, it’s important to pack enough essential medication for your personal use on board – and for the first few days of your journey – into your smaller under-seat item of hand baggage. This is in case your hold baggage is delayed for any reason.”

British Airways adds that this medication shouldn’t be packed in any larger cabin bags. “Avoid packing medication in your larger cabin bag as you may be asked to put it into the hold on busy flights.

“Additional medication for personal use at your destination can also be packed in your checked baggage, so long as you are carrying enough for a few days in your hand baggage in case of any eventuality.”

There are allowances for passengers who need to carry medicines exceeding 100ml. Gov.uk explains: “You’re allowed to carry the following in your hand luggage: essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers or medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey.

“You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example, a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s both: in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml. You do not need to show proof if the medication is either: in tablet form or liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller.”

Gov.uk also shares advice for any passengers travelling with medicine containing a controlled drug. The guidance states: “You must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK.

It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.”

THERE’s a beach in one of Europe’s most up-and-coming holiday destinations that makes you feel like you’re in the Caribbean or Thailand.

Montenegro is on everyone’s radar this year as a holiday destination, thanks to new British Airways and Jet2 flights.

And one of the big spots to visit in Montenegro is the seaside town of Budva, one of the original tourist resorts.

Yet most tourists may not realise it has a lesser-popular beach away from the crowds – if you know where to look.

The main beach of the town is Mogren I beach, which can only be reached by a winding footpath through the cliffs.

However, most tourists stop there, not knowing that the local-loved beach is hidden around the corner.

GOING COASTAL

English region nicknamed ‘Cotswolds by the coast’ with beautiful villages

STAYCAY SECRET

One of England’s best Blue Flag beaches that is ‘like visiting the Maldives’

Mogren II beach is even harder to get through, via rickety iron bridge through a rock tunnel.

Yet it is worth the walk. I was greeted by bright blue waters not unlike some of the ones I had recently seen in Krabi, as well as quiet stretches of coastline.

I was there at 8am in the morning and not only did I skip the crowds, but I will enjoyed the already-soaring 29C temperatures.

While not sand – its actually very tiny white pebbles – I still felt like I had been transported somewhere much more tropical.

You can even rent sunloungers for the day which range from £10-£20 a day which includes two sunbeds and an umbrella.

And right behind these is Mogren Beach Bar, serving everything from cocktails to food, either meals or snacks to be taken to your lounger.

Prefer a shady beach? Visit after 3pm as the cliffs then hide most of the sunshine.

Other tourists agreed, with one on Tripadvisor calling it the “one of the best beaches in Europe“.

Another wrote: “One of the beautiful beaches I ever visited.”

To get to Budva, you can fly from the UK with British Airways, easyJet or Jet2 to Tivat, with it another 30 minutes by bus or car.

Here are some other things you can do in Montenegro this summer.

Travel expert Simon Calder has explained the rights of British Airways and easyJet passengers after numerous flights were cancelled

Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a stark warning to British Airways (BA) and easyJet passengers, telling them they ‘will not be getting any cash’ after thousands found their flights axed over the weekend. Hundreds of services were thrown into chaos following a bout of thunderstorms, with Heathrow and Gatwick bearing the brunt of the disruption.

On Saturday alone, more than 900 inbound and outbound flights were delayed — some by as much as 11 hours — with dozens cancelled outright. South-East England and North-West Europe were among the worst-hit regions.

Travel expert Mr Calder said the chaos had left approximately 40,000 passengers ‘stranded’. He broke down exactly what passengers are entitled to when flights are delayed or cancelled, and precisely what obligations airlines have towards them, reports the Express.

What are your rights?

Mr Calder said: “It has been a miserable Saturday for 30,000 or more passengers on British Airways to and from London Heathrow and EasyJet in and out of Gatwick. The reason? Thunderstorms in the London area have caused air traffic control restrictions, and as those airports are operating at full stretch, especially on Saturdays in summer, unfortunately there’s no slack in the system, and the biggest airlines at those airports have no option but to cancel flights.”

“BA’s cancelled around 100, including an Airbus superjumbo going to and from Los Angeles. EasyJet has cancelled 82, including some really long ones to Hurghada in Egypt and also Antalya in Turkey.

“Under air passenger rights rules, the airline must get you to your destination as soon as possible, including booking a flight on another airline if necessary. Meanwhile, they have to provide you with hotel accommodation and meals as necessary until they can get you where you need to be. You will not, though, be getting any cash compensation. Good luck, everybody.”

What happened?

Mr Calder continued: “200+ flights cancelled today on British Airways to/from Heathrow and on easyJet to/from Gatwick, with 35,000 passengers stranded.

“Under air passengers’ rights rules, they are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline, plus meals/hotels as appropriate.

“Dozens more flights cancelled on Sunday to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports by British Airways and easyJet due to poor weather”.

“(It) follows more than 200 grounded flights on Saturday (and) brings the number of passengers whose flights have been cancelled this weekend to around 40,000.”

In an updated statement on Saturday afternoon, NATS said: “Severe thunderstorms across the south east of England and Europe continue to impact flights, and this is expected to continue for the remainder of today and overnight.

“To ensure the safety of the travelling public, aircraft need to avoid affected areas and be spaced further apart, which limits the number of flights that can operate safely.

“We understand disruption is frustrating, but we’re working closely with airlines and airports to reduce disruption as much as possible.

“Passengers should continue to contact their airline for the latest information on their flight.”

Airlines have different rules to cope with the new sports gear

A woman was left ‘in tears’ when her ‘lucky’ padel racket was confiscated before her flight home due to one simple error. Henrietta Jones-Chapman brought the racket ‘worth more than £100’ to Bali so she could play the sport during a work trip.

But the 27-year-old says that before her flight home, security staff at Bali Denpasar Airport, Indonesia, confiscated the orange racket. ‘Heartbroken’ Henrietta says she was left in tears and could only think workers were worried she’d start ‘hitting someone round the head’ with it’.

She filmed a TikTok video moments after the incident and captioned it ‘don’t bring your padel racket in your hand luggage coming home from Bali’. The clip, which now has more than 230,000 views, includes footage of Henrietta admitting ‘I’m actually crying, it’s so pathetic’.

She explains she brought the racket into the country in the same handbag so is confused why it’s been taken from her. Henrietta says she had to ‘kick up a fuss’ to convince staff to put the racket in the hold for free so she could keep it.

In Indonesian law padel rackets are not allowed in the cabin because they are classified as ‘dangerous devices’ so she should have checked it into the hold. UK Government guidelines allow tennis rackets to be taken as hand luggage but prohibit ‘heavy bats and sticks’ including ‘baseball, softball and cricket bats’.

The list doesn’t appear to contain a rule on padel rackets, which take a tennis shape but are stringless and more solid. However passengers should check with specific airlines regarding equipment restrictions as some allow them on board and others don’t.

Padel is booming in the UK, with an estimated 1,000,000 people now playing the sport. Player participation has surged by over 2,500% making it the fastest growing sport in the country.

Henrietta, from Harlow, Essex, said: “I was heartbroken. I know it’s a bit dramatic but it’s an item that was important to me. I was gutted. It was not just your average racket, it was more than £100 and personalised by my brother so it was sentimental.

“I took it there [Bali] and it was fine to take there so it was still in my hand luggage on the way out like normal and I had no issues at all. It was in my handbag and I didn’t even take it out at security or put it in the tray, I just left it in the bag.

“Then a lady came over with a sign with a padel racket saying it’s a new law that they’re not allowed to bring it in your hand luggage essentially. The lady said ‘no you can’t bring it through’ and I cried. I don’t know if it was because I was leaving Bali as well. I was panicked.

“She took it off me but she was apologetic because she could see I was crying. It was my lucky racket. I don’t see what the danger is unless I start hitting someone round the head with it on the plane but that could be anything, your laptop.

“Because I wasn’t expecting this I was kicking off a bit of a fuss and getting upset and saying ‘I think there should’ve been a warning before we got to that point’. If I hadn’t kicked off it would’ve just been in the bin and gone. I was really relieved.”

Airlines have their own rules on sports rackets such as Ryanair who prohibit them as ‘blunt instruments capable of causing serious injury’. However, British Airways allows passengers to pack padel rackets as long as they’re in a slim protective case.

Henrietta, who had been working in Bali as a girls-only holiday host, says staff told her about the Indonesian law surrounding rackets being banned from hand luggage. They reportedly added that in future they wouldn’t let her go back to check the racket into the hold.

She’s now warning holidaymakers the should always put their rackets in hold luggage to avoid making the same mistake she did. Henrietta said: “Make sure rackets are in your check-in bag if you’re traveling to Bali. Maybe if you’re worried about it getting broken get a proper case or padel bag.

“Make sure it’s checked in with all your rest of your stuff and not have it in your hand luggage because if I was any later my bag might’ve already gone through. There could’ve been extra costs but I was lucky they didn’t charge me but there would’ve been going forwards.

“Now you know it’s one of those things you can easily do. At least now people know it can be safely kept in the hold. I do think there’ll be a lot of people that travel back from Bali with their racket because it’s cheaper to get one over there and it’s played a lot.”

Bali Denpasar Airport has been contacted for comment.

A budget-friendly cabin bag from Home Bargains is available to buy right now while stocks last

A “versatile” cabin bag described as a “fantastic size” has landed on shelves at Home Bargains, and it could take the hassle out of getting ready for your next trip. The wallet-friendly purchase is designed to provide ample packing room while remaining compatible with a number of airlines operating throughout the UK.

The popular high street retailer is widely recognised for its extensive range of homeware and furnishings, but it has also been steadily growing its selection of budget travel accessories. Step forward the Salisburys Under Seat Bag, which will set you back just £9.99.

Describing the item, Home Bargains said: “Meet the Salisburys Under Seat Bag – your perfect travel companion! With its spacious zipped compartments and sleek design, it’s ideal for keeping your essentials close at hand while you jet off on your next adventure.

“Salisburys presents its broadest line-up of tried and tested luggage solutions with contemporary features to help the modern tourist navigate the hurdles of twenty-first century travel.

“Salisbury Under Seat Bags solve modern travel issues of the check-in case. A fantastic size bag that is versatile for the needs of your modern travel. Large open zipped storage compartment with small zip side pouch.”

Coming in four colours — black, green, light pink and purple — the bag boasts a rectangular design, complete with two carry handles at the top and an adjustable shoulder strap on each side. It comes with a zip fastening along the top, a padded exterior featuring stitched horizontal pockets at the front, plus several zip compartments throughout.

With dimensions of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm, the bag falls within the free under-seat cabin baggage allowances offered by a number of major airlines. It is compatible with carriers including Ryanair, and also fits comfortably within the larger free personal item allowances provided by the likes of easyJet, Jet2, TUI and British Airways.

Holidaymakers are nonetheless urged to double-check their airline’s most up-to-date baggage policy prior to travelling, as regulations can differ depending on ticket type and route. Those keen to find out more are encouraged to head over to the Home Bargains website.

The bag is available both in-store and online, with Home Bargains offering standard home delivery across the UK mainland for £3.95, and free delivery on orders over £100. Larger furniture pieces carry a £10 delivery charge, and standard parcels typically land within four working days.

Millions of Brits are due to pack up the budgie smugglers and inflatable doughnuts and head abroad – but there are plenty of sneaky charges and questionable practices that can easily ruin a holiday

Are you due to travel abroad for a holiday in the coming months? You’re not alone.

Despite dire warnings of cancelled flights, raising prices and stifling heatwaves, millions of Brits are due to pack up the budgie smugglers and inflatable doughnuts and head abroad.

However, there are lots of extra charges, shoddy practices and other travel traumas that can catch out the unwary traveller. So here’s my guide to some of the holiday horrors that you might not be aware of, so you can get away without a care in the world.

Don’t get caught out by a non-compliant cabin bag

So you’re travelling with just a cabin bag, but it’s looking a bit overstuffed. Beware…

It’s been reported that Ryanair has been paying bonuses to staff for every oversize cabin bag they spot – and are considering increasing this incentive. Meanwhile, other airlines are allegedly paying £1.20 to airline staff who do the same.

Airlines all have specific rules around the size of your cabin bag (the bigger one) and your hand luggage (the smaller one). Despite what it may say on your suitcase, there is no definitive size for cabin bags, though as a general rule the standard is 56 x 45 x 25cm for the cabin bag and 40cm x 30cm x 15cm for an under-seat (hand)bag. There are also weight restrictions too, with most cabin bags limited to a maximum of 7kg to 10kg.

Standard sizes are all well and good, but airlines can set their own, more restrictive rules around the size of both types of carry-on luggage. So before you travel, it’s vital that you understand their rules – and the consequences of not meeting them.

You’ll need to measure the height, depth and width of your carry-on bags. Missing off the wheels when you check the height is one of the more common mistakes.

But the biggie is over-stuffed bags. Having a bag that meets the criteria when empty doesn’t mean it does when you’ve jammed it full of holiday items. Remember that the bag must fit in to that metal box at the boarding gates if you want to get on your flight without paying extra.

Cheeky add-on charges on your flights

Chances are you’ve already booked your luggage costs as part of your flight booking. But make sure you pack your bags a few days before you travel so you know if you need to add on a hold bag, or are at risk of being caught out by those cabin bag rules.

The closer you get to travel, the higher the price you pay for your bags. So if you’ve not paid for your luggage yet, do it now.

So how much extra will you pay for essential add-on charges? By my calculations, the average prices hover around:

• £40 to £50 if you want to take a 23kg hold bag one way.
• £30 to £50 for an overhead cabin bag (this has almost doubled since last year – it might be cheaper to share a hold bag for two people).
• £6 to £25 for the most basic seat reservation

That’s £76 to £125 each way or £152 to £250 for a return. However, you’ll pay more the closer you are to your flight date.

In addition, watch out for charges to book a specific seat. I was charged over £320 for two return flight seat reservations alone through British Airways recently, just so I could sit with my partner! For shorter haul, the seat prices aren’t as high, but are still outrageous.

In fact, Ryanair has U-turned on charging £8 for families to sit with kids after the the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced an investigation.

You can usually book a specific seat 24 to 48 hours before check in opens. But watch out! There’s usually a massive rush to book and you may miss out. I tested the BA website after I’d paid for my shocking seat prices and the website and app went down on both occasions when check in opened.

Apartment traps and questionable locations

Using online travel marketplaces and apartment rental websites can be a great way to find a fabulous place to stay for your big holiday. But you do have to be a bit cautious about what’s on offer and you’ll need to check to see if the places you like are as good as they seem.

You may already be aware of the warnings about ‘tickers’ – those on-screen alerts that say there are only two rooms left in the hotel, or things are ‘booking fast’. Despite numerous warnings and fines, the industry is still finding sneaky ways to panic us in to buying without checking things thoroughly.

But there are other things to watch out for. Many websites offer hotels and aparthotels alongside private lets. There’s nothing wrong with a private let in theory, but with a hotel, you can complain to the reception if things aren’t as advertised, whereas a private let might limit your options if the host is a bit rubbish.

Check photos thoroughly to see if the advertised facilities are all there, ask questions before booking and look at the reviews – focus on recent ones. Watch out for things like extra bedrooms that turn out to be a sofa bed in the living room. I always look for a personal handover and return of keys too as this is a guide to how good your host is.

The latest thing to watch out for is the location of the property. Many sites list properties as being ‘500 metres from the centre’.

Yet, some of the sites I checked don’t specify which centre. You may find that you’re not 500 meters from the centre of Barcelona, but 500 meters from the centre of a suburb nearby. Check out a map online so you know where the main tourist areas are for your destination and cross reference with the details on the booking website.

• Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist

THE ongoing heatwave has caused chaos at the UK’s airports with more than 1,000 flights either delayed or cancelled.

Airports affected on Saturday include Heathrow, Gatwick, and Edinburgh, with 1,019 flights delayed and 160 axed, as air traffic restrictions were put in place overnight.

London Heathrow had 440 flights delayed, Gatwick 425, 120 at Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford had 20 and London City had 14, according to the tracking website FlightRadar.

Heathrow had 103 flights cancelled, while Gatwick had 46, there were six at London City and five at Edinburgh.

A British Airways (BA) flight from Santiago, Chile, was the longest delayed, it had been due to land at 10am but is now expected to arrive at 9pm.

London saw its skies light up as lightning hit and downpours came in following day of extreme temperatures that saw the month’s record temperature broken on three consecutive days.

PHARAOH-WAY ESCAPE

The Egyptian oasis that ‘feels like stepping back in time’

ON A BURJ-ET

How to do Dubai on a budget AND with some cash to spend as UAE hols back on

Thunderstorms forced airports to limit the number of flights that could take off and land, meaning holidaymakers were left stranded or facing severe delays.

BA put the delays down to London’s “weather conditions,” pointing to the Met Office’s amber “extreme heat” warning which covered the capital, the south-east and East Anglia.

This has now been extended by the Met Office to cover Sunday until 9pm.

Gatwick Airport urged passengers to contact their airline to check the status of their flight.

A spokesperson said that temporary air traffic restrictions had caused flight cancellations and delays “due to thunderstorms”.

A spokesman for London City Airport said: “Flights are gradually returning to normal following this morning’s weather-related air traffic restrictions.

“There have been some associated delays and cancellations.”

The thunderstorm also caused Edinburgh Airport to be hit by the air space restrictions with four arrivals and 15 departures delayed.

Leeds Bradford Airport also suffered with three departures delayed Saturday morning.

A spokesman for British Airways said: “Like other airlines, we’ve had to make some adjustments to our schedule today due to Air Traffic Control restrictions caused by adverse weather conditions affecting parts of UK airspace.

“While the vast majority of our customers will be unaffected, we apologise for the inconvenience caused and our teams are working hard to help those impacted get their journeys back on track.”

A spokesman for NATS, which runs air traffic control in Britain, said: “Forecasted severe weather across the south-east of England is causing disruption to flights today, with aircraft needing to avoid affected areas.

“Our teams are managing traffic safely and working to reduce delays, but weather disruption is expected to continue through the rest of today.

“Passengers should contact their airline for the latest information on their flight.”

Friday saw the hottest June day on record with temperatures hitting 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, breaking the high of 36.7C recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday and the record set by the famous summer of 1976.

While temperatures are predicted to fall over the weekend the Met Office still has an amber extreme heat warning in place until 9pm on Sunday.

An amber warning means officials expect significant impacts on health and social care services, with an increased risk of illness and deaths among older and vulnerable people.

The cooler weekend comes in the wake of several days of rare red heat warnings, the most severe warning where there is a danger to life.

The decision of where to sit on a plane could impact the rest of your holiday

As millions of Brits gear up to jet off on their summer holidays, one decision that many may have overlooked could make or break their entire trip. Choosing the right seat on the plane might be the difference between relaxing on a sun-soaked beach or making endless trips to the toilet.

Research has revealed that whether passengers opt for a window, middle, or aisle seat could potentially affect their chances of catching a viral infection before the holiday has even got underway. However, your seat selection alone won’t be the sole factor determining your overall risk of falling ill.

How close you are to someone carrying a virus is the single biggest indicator of how likely you are to pick up an infection. This is followed by how busy the flight is, as the greater the number of passengers on board, the higher the likelihood that some will be carrying viruses.

Airflow throughout the cabin, passenger movement, contact with shared surfaces (such as in the bathroom) and whether or not you wear a mask will all have a bearing on your risk of catching a viral infection during a flight.

Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Affairs at online pharmacy MedExpress, has offered guidance on how travellers can lower their risk of falling ill while flying, including advice on where to sit. She said: “Although there is no guaranteed way to avoid picking up an illness while flying, there are practical steps people can take to reduce their exposure to germs and viruses on planes.”

She shared her top tips for travellers looking to lower their chances of picking up an infection. Here’s what she advised.

Seat selection matters

“The best advice to avoid getting sick on the plane is to try and reduce as much contact with germs and other passengers as possible, so choosing where you sit may have more impact than you might have originally thought.

“Window seats are a great option as they are often far away from high traffic areas such as bathrooms and busy walkways. Aisle seats also increase your exposure to people who frequently pass by throughout the flight, queue for the toilet, and access luggage from overhead compartments. One study found that sitting in a window seat can reduce your interactions with other passengers or crew by up to five times compared to if you sit in a middle or aisle seat.”

She added: “Additionally, research may suggest that leaving the middle aisle free reduces the spread of airborne diseases by 37%, so choosing seats that appear to have middle aisles empty could be a strong choice. Whilst protection from illness is never guaranteed, this highlights that creating distance between other passengers greatly reduces your chances of getting sick.”

Wipe down any surfaces

“Surfaces such as tray tables, armrests, seatbelt buckles, touchscreens, magazines and window shutters can harbour germs easily as they are used so frequently by previous passengers. Wiping down surfaces with disinfectant wipes or sanitiser greatly reduces your risk of coming into contact with germs on them.

Wash your hands regularly

“Maintaining good hygiene standards while travelling can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick. Washing your hands regularly with soapy water or hand sanitiser, especially after coming into contact with surfaces, is a simple but effective way to stop the spread of germs while you’re on the plane.

Stay hydrated

“Cabin air on planes can be extremely dry and irritate your nose and throat whilst travelling, leaving you feeling more run down and vulnerable to picking up any viral infections. Make sure to drink plenty of water and keep on top of hydration throughout the flight to strengthen your immune system. Keep water easily accessible throughout the flight, and drink regularly, especially if you’re travelling with children.

Wear a face mask

“Wearing a face mask greatly reduces the spread of any airborne viruses, as we saw throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Crowded flights may become a hotspot for any infections due to the cramped space and close proximity to other passengers, so taking preventative measures may help reduce the spread of any current infections.

Ensure you’re well rested

“Those who don’t get adequate rest before a flight are over 4 times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who are fully rested. This is due to your immune system being weaker when you haven’t got enough sleep, making you more susceptible to picking up any infections.

Shoppers looking to ‘travel in style’ could do just that with the latest travel deal at Home Bargains

Home Bargains is helping shoppers prepare for their summer holidays with a “spacious yet compact” cabin bag that meets the hand luggage requirements of several major UK airlines. The discount retailer, which has over 600 stores nationwide, claims it is “perfect for your adventures”.

It may be renowned for its affordable homeware and furnishing deals, but Home Bargains’ range extends far beyond side tables, lamps and ornaments. From garden accessories and beauty buys to travel essentials, shoppers can find plenty of wallet-friendly options.

Take the Salisburys Carry-On Cabin Lightweight Backpack, for instance, which retails for a more-than-affordable £9.99. It comes in black, and boasts a very simple aesthetic to suit various tastes.

Describing the product, Home Bargains said: “Travel light and in style with the Salisburys Carry-On Cabin Lightweight Backpack in sleek black! Perfect for your adventures, this spacious yet compact backpack is designed for easy packing and effortless carrying.

“Every Salisburys product has been designed, manufactured and extensively tested to stand the rigours of today’s travel. Every Light Luggage product has been designed, manufactured and extensively tested to stand the rigours of today’s travel.”

According to Home Bargains, the cabin bag measures approximately 45 x 30 x 15cm, making it suitable for use with the cabin luggage allowances of most major airlines, namely easyJet, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and KLM. Please note, it could be too long for Ryanair, Wizz Air and Jet 2.

Weighing around 760g, it features multiple zipped compartments for organising belongings, a fully lined interior and a lightweight construction designed for travel. Interested shoppers can find out more, and view additional product images, on the Home Bargains website.

It’s available both in-store and online as Home Bargains offers standard delivery across the UK mainland from £3.95, while orders over £100 qualify for free delivery. A £10 delivery fee applies to larger furniture items, and most standard parcels are expected to arrive within four working days.

Home Bargains is also selling the Salisburys Under Seat Bag which will also set you back £9.99. The product description reads: “Meet the Salisburys Under Seat Bag – your perfect travel companion!

“With its spacious zipped compartments and sleek design, it’s ideal for keeping your essentials close at hand while you jet off on your next adventure. Salisburys presents its broadest line-up of tried and tested luggage solutions with contemporary features to help the modern tourist navigate the hurdles of twenty-first century travel.

“Salisbury Under Seat Bags solve modern travel issues of the check-in case. A fantastic size bag that is versatile for the needs of your modern travel. Large open zipped storage compartment with small zip side pouch.”

The discount chain claims this bag is ‘approved by over 30 airlines’ around the world

A ‘compact’ yet ‘stylish’ travel bag is available at Home Bargains, which the store says could help take the stress and worry of overpacking out of holidaymakers‘ minds this summer. It has been approved to comply with the luggage dimension rules of up to 30 airlines worldwide.

People can pick up the Bordlite Under Seat Cabin Bag in an online sale, down from £14.99 to £5.99 (a 60% saving). Shoppers can choose between black and navy for the same price at Home Bargains.

Describing the travel bag online, the store said: “The Bordlite Under Seat Cabin Bag is a lightweight and compact travel essential, approved by over 30 airlines. With three external pockets and a long shoulder strap, it keeps your journey organised and hassle-free.”

According to the Home Bargains website, the bag measures in at “approximately” 40 x 30 x 20cm. Using the provided dimensions, shoppers can confidently pack and use this underseat bag on a variety of airlines.

Home Bargains claims that “over 30” will approve this for travel, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Jet2 and British Airways. Because the bag fits in with some of the strictest size guides, it automatically works for airlines that offer slightly larger allowances.

Below is a full list of the 30 airlines which accept this size (or bigger) when booking. In most cases, airlines include a free personal or underseat item within the ticket price – but always double-check with the airline itself before getting caught out with an extra airport fee.

For more Home Bargains deals, click here. Some are online-only, meaning shoppers who shop only at their local store could miss out on certain major deals.

What airlines accept this size bag?

UK & Europe:

1. Ryanair (Up to 40 x 25 x 20cm)
2. Wizz Air (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
3. FlyOne (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
4. easyJet (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
5. Jet2 (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
6. British Airways (Allows a large cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm for free)
7. Lufthansa (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 40 x 23cm)
8. Air France / KLM (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 35 x 25cm)
9. Norwegian Air (Up to 38 x 30 x 20cm)
10. Iberia (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 56 x 45 x 25cm for overhead)
11. TAP Air Portugal (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
12. Aegean Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
13. Vueling (Up to 40 x 30 x 20cm)
14. Eurowings (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
15. Pegasus Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
16. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
17. Swiss International Air Lines (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)

Middle East and Asia

1. Emirates (Allows an overhead bag up to 55 x 38 x 20cm for free on all tickets).
2. Qatar Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 50 x 37 x 25cm for free).
3. Etihad Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 56 x 36 x 23cm for free).
4. Singapore Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20cm)
5. Turkish Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 23cm)

American and Transatlantic

1. Delta Air Lines (no specific personal item dimensions, must fit under the seat)
2. United Airlines (Up to 43 x 25 x 22cm)
3. American Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
4. Air Canada (Up to 43 x 33 x 16cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
5. JetBlue (Up to 43 x 33 x 20cm)
6. Spirit Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
7. Frontier Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
8. WestJet (Up to 41 x 33 x 15cm for personal item / 53 x 38 x 23cm for overhead)

The Foreign Office has lifted its no-go travel warning after Iran and the US signed a deal

A travel expert has provided an update on journeys to and from the Gulf region following the US and Iran reaching an agreement to cease hostilities between the two nations. Speaking outside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Simon Calder confirmed that travel insurance was ‘once again valid’ after both the Iranian and American presidents put pen to paper on a deal to end the conflict.

This prompted the FCDO to lift its advice against travelling to several Gulf States. Nevertheless, it cautioned that the ‘situation remains unpredictable’ amid ongoing regional tensions.

Mr Calder stated that those wishing to visit the region could now do so ‘with some confidence’. He said: “I’m at the Foreign Office which has just changed its advice for travellers going to the Gulf region, in particular Dubai, which last year was visited by 1.4 million British travellers.

“As from now, the no-go warning which prevailed for the whole of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as to the countries of Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has been lifted. The Foreign Office still warns that you need to be ready for trouble to resume at any time, but it means that travel insurance is once again valid and anybody planning a trip to the UAE or Qatar or elsewhere in the region can do so with some confidence.

“The immediate effect, I think, is going to be a big marketing campaign by the giant airlines: Emirates of Dubai, Etihad of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways based in Doha. They will be wanting to get people to both connect through their hubs, but also to take summer holidays. Be warned, it is extremely hot with average daily highs around 40°C.”

Not only do millions of holidaymakers head to the Gulf states, but countless others use them as a stopover for journeys to Asia and Australia. That meant the tourism industry took a particularly severe blow when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February.

The FCDO decision means tourists can now return without putting their travel insurance at risk. But that doesn’t mean flights will restart straight away.

Virgin Atlantic halted flights until winter 2027 after the conflict began, and a spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that this ‘remains the case’.

British Airways announced earlier in June that it wouldn’t restart flights to the UAE until October 2026. Emirates has maintained flights to and from the region throughout the hostilities.

Mr Calder continued: “The immediate effect, I think, is going to be a big marketing campaign by the giant airlines: Emirates of Dubai, Etihad of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways based in Doha. They will be wanting to get people to both connect through their hubs, but also to take summer holidays. Be warned, it is extremely hot with average daily highs around 40°C.”

“But it means that anybody who’s planning to travel perhaps to Asia or to Australia now will be able to travel with confidence through one of the Gulf hubs. In addition, I imagine that airfares will fall because the Asian carriers will not be able to command such a premium.

“Stand by for some really good holiday offers, but I personally won’t be seeing you on the beach in Dubai until about November.”

Brits who find themselves stranded in Europe due to a cancelled flights could soon have new rights to claim back travel replacement costs, amid a shake-up of the EU’s air travel rules

Cancelled flights could soon come with a more costly penalty for airlines, as a landmark air passenger rights agreement was reached between the EU Council and the European Parliament in good news for holidaymakers.

The ruling means that Brits who find themselves stranded in Europe due to their flight being cancelled could soon claim back replacement travel costs worth up to four times the price of their original ticket. It comes amid a raft of changes around airline charges for cabin bags and family seating, which could see Brits getting a fairer deal when they visit destinations such as Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, or France.

The law states that, after a flight cancellation, “if an airline fails to offer rerouting within three hours, passengers may organise their own rerouting and claim reimbursement of up to 400% of the original ticket price.” According to AirAdvisor, which specialise in claims for disrupted flights and mishandled baggage, this means passengers will no longer need to wait around for the airline to sort out a journey home for them.

AirAdvisor also said in a statement that this rerouting reimbursement will be separate from the standard compensation that some passengers are entitled to for cancelled flights. It explained: “The Council statement confirms that even when a passenger is rerouted, “airlines remain responsible for compensation for delays at arrival.”

This means passengers could potentially reclaim the cost of replacement flights, as well as claiming for standard cancellation compensation, which can be up to £350 per passenger for a UK to Spain flight, and higher for long-haul journeys.

“However, the standard compensation would still depend on the usual qualifying conditions, including whether the disruption was within the airline’s control. If extraordinary circumstances apply, airlines may not be required to pay financial compensation,” the statement continued.

EU rights aren’t based on nationality, but rather the route and the airline operating the flight. So even post-Brexit, Brits are protected on journeys departing from an EU airport to the UK, or any flights from the UK to the EU that are operated by an EU airline. For example, Brits taking a Ryanair flight from Malaga to the EU would be covered by the legislation.

However, flights from the UK to the EU on non-EU airlines wouldn’t be covered. So, the outbound leg of a London to Madrid flight on a carrier such as British Airways would not follow these rules because it is arriving in the EU from a non-EU country on a non-EU airline.

The UK has its own UK261 framework, which includes the Right to Care for journeys delayed over two hours, but it’s not known whether this legislation will be updated in light of the changes in the EU.

Anton Radchenko, aviation lawyer and CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “For the passengers who are genuinely in trouble, the ones standing at a desk in a European airport being told the next available flight is days away, this is the change that actually matters. A reimbursement cap of up to four times the original ticket price could make a real difference to families who suddenly have to buy last-minute flights home, and it is a part of the reform I would want every British holidaymaker to know about.”

He added: “The importance of this rule is that it gives people a clearer point at which they can act. The harder part, as with every passenger right, will be making sure travellers know it exists before they are stuck at the airport, rather than finding out months later.

“My practical advice to any traveller is straightforward. If your covered flight is cancelled, give the airline its three-hour window to offer a suitable reroute, and then keep everything: your original booking, the cancellation notice, proof of what the airline offered or failed to offer, and every receipt for the travel you arrange yourself.

“In my experience, the passengers who successfully recover what they are owed are almost always the ones who documented the situation as it happened, not the ones who tried to piece it back together weeks later. A right is only ever as useful as the evidence you keep to support it.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A SMALL airport in South Yorkshire once allowed passengers to travel to Europe – but lasted just over a decade.

Sheffield City Airport first opened in 1997, taking Brits to the likes of Belgium and the Netherlands.

First proposed in 1968, it finally opened in the 1990s as a gateway to Europe for those in South Yorkshire.

Passenger flights began in February 1998 with airlines KLM, Sabena, British Airways and Aer Arann.

Services took Brits to destinations like Belfast, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Jersey and London.

At its peak in 1999, the airport saw 75,000 passengers, but by 2002, this number had dropped to 13,000.

CHEAP DATE

Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

CHEAP THRILL

UK’s best-value theme parks MAPPED, plus hotels nearby for £29 & cheap parking

The runway at Sheffield City Airport was short meaning it couldn’t accommodate larger aircraft for long-haul flights.

At 1,211 metres in length, it’s smaller than even the runway at London City which is 1,508 metres.

At the time, it was also unable to take the planes that were used by the early low-cost airlines too which further limited the routes it could offer.

Sheffield City Airport officially closed in April 2008 after being deemed ‘not financially viable’.

The site has since been redeveloped with the terminal building and control tower being converted into offices.

The area that once was used to store planes is now a car park.

Recently, Sheffield City was even named one of the ‘world’s most fascinating abandoned airports’ by The Telegraph.

Another abandoned UK airport which came in joint place with Sheffield City is Doncaster-Sheffield which is actually set to reopen.

It closed down in 2022, but is currently undergoing huge upgrades and renovations to it can reopen as soon as next year.

Sun Travel previously spoke to the Director of FlyDoncaster who revealed that passenger planes could restart as soon as 2028.

Here are ’10 of the world’s most fascinating abandoned airports’…

1. Longhua Airport, Shanghai, China

2. Ellinikon Airport, Athens, Greece

3. Tegel, Schönefeld and Brand-Briesen airports, Berlin, Germany

4. Sheffield City and Doncaster-Sheffield airports, UK

5. Nicosia International Airport, Cyprus

6. Tempelhof Airport, Berlin, Germany

7. Kai Tak Airport, Kowloon, Hong Kong

8. Ciudad Real Airport, Spain

9. Stapleton International Airport, Denver, USA

10. Mirabel Airport, Montreal, Canada

AN ABANDONED airport home to one of the UK’s longest runways is set to reopen as early as next year.

Commercial passenger flights at the airfield are expected to restart sometime in the next two years.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is set to reopen as soon as this year after shutting down in 2022.

The site was previously considered no longer financially sustainable and since closing has remained abandoned and partially derelict.

During this time, regional developers have been pushing for a major overhaul of the former transport hub, costing around £160 million through a public-funded reopening programme.

The proposals have received the support of local councils, and the site is projected to resume cargo operations as early as this year, with passenger flights slated to resume in late 2027 or early 2028.

HOLA NEW ERA

Abandoned airport in Spain with one of Europe’s longest runways reopens

FIELD OF DREAMS

New ‘state-of-the-art’ hub the size of 150 football pitches is coming to UK

The airfield also boasts one of the UK’s longest runways, measuring 1.8miles and once operational again, will be the eighth longest commercial runway in England.

The longest runway can be found at London Heathrow, measuring 2.4miles, and runs parallel with the second longest runway also found at the airport, measuring 2.2miles.

Executive director for Airport Operations at FlyDoncaster, Simon Hinchley, said: “As we work towards re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, our focus is firmly on building a safe, efficient and operationally robust airport that is ready to serve a broad range of users from day one.”

Director of FlyDoncaster, Christian Foster, previously revealed that the airport revamp was progressing well, but that the extensive development and new recruitment process takes time.

Airlines such as TUI and Wizz Air used to be found at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, but currently it has not been confirmed who will be flying to and from the transport hub.

The airport is also keen to showcase the region, having independent vendors on-site rather than larger chains.

The airport will be kitted out with the latest technology and security lanes and systems are expected to move as their original location was in an unideal area of the site.

A project of this size has previously been described as transformative for the area.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which is one of the backers on the project, previously stated their rationale for investing in the development.

They said: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire one of the largest UK city regions without an international aviation presence.

“South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, and Council Leaders have taken a historic decision to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, approving a £160 million funding package that will see commercial flights return to the region.”

Doncaster Sheffield Airport first opened in 1915, and operated as a Royal Flying Corps airfield in the First World War.

The transport hub then served as an RAF base before being transformed into a commercial airport in 2005.

The airport was previously called Robin Hood Airport, referencing the folklore of the region.

IF you’re looking for a new London hang-out spot, Olympia has it all from pretty bars to top-tier entertainment.

After a £1.3billion upgrade, the impressive project is opening its rooftop ‘Canopy’ today and its music venue later this week.

The enormous revamped building in West Kensington is opening its rooftop bars and restaurants that can only be found at Olympia today.

For anyone who fancies Mexican, check out Bar Arriba which serves up fresh cocktails and small bites from tacos to tostadas.

Lillie’s Wine Bar & Restaurant is the spot for the best of British food from Gressingham duck to Devon crab salad and you can even try a rhubarb and custard cocktail.

The outside area looks like an English country garden too with sculptures and beds of daffodils.

SCHOOL’S OUT

Just 6 weeks until school summer hols! Cheap all inclusives where kids go FREE

CHEAP DATE

Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

At Wolves of Tokyo dig into Japanese dishes from sushi to grilled skewers, gyozas and tartare.

Arbour is the food hall which has more of a casual vibe and inside are four different spots; Café Modo, Fry Baby, The Rambler and Whammy Burger.

All of these spots are up on the rooftop so they’re perfect for a sunny weekend.

But if the weather doesn’t play ball, there is a retractable roof to protect punters from the rain.

Another dining venue at Olympia called Pillar Hall opened in March, 2026.

It’s found in the Grade-II listed part of Olympia that was built in 1886 and is home to Idalia an all-day restaurant and Pepperbird, a speakeasy-style bar.

That’s not all that opens this week as tomorrow, the state-of-the-art music venue, British Airways ARC will open.

It’s been described as a ‘world-class venue’ which will host music, comedy and entertainment.

It will start with performances by Self Esteem and McFly before the likes of Van Morrison and Khalid take to the stage later in the year.

This will be followed by the 1,575-seat British Airways Theatre in 2027 which will be London’s largest new theatre in 50 years.

The Hyatt Regency hotel which will have 204 rooms will open to guests from July 6.

The other on-site hotel, CitizenM London Olympia will have 146 rooms and is expected to open this summer, although no official date has been announced.

Olympia London first opened in 1886 and has held performances by Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd and was used as an exhibition space by the likes of Vivienne Westwood.