Cheap holidays

Insiders at TUI have revealed a little-known booking trick that most Brits don’t know about, and it could help you save money on flights and even get returns from £30

If you’re always on the lookout for cheap holiday deals, then you may want to take note of a little-known TUI trick revealed by insiders at the holiday giant.

In fact, according to TUI UK’s Commercial Director Chris Logan, it could help you snap up return flights from £30 to a number of holiday hotspots including Spain, Greece, Portugal and Turkey.

You’ll need to book just a few weeks before departure – and according to Chris it can work on long-haul holidays like the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand too.

According to TUI insiders, the holiday giant’s dedicated ‘Cheap Flights‘ page is where the firm will release flights that have been heavily reduced. This can be because of a number of factors, such as if a plane isn’t full and the airline is trying to sell the remaining seats.

Chris explained: “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, this is one of the easiest ways to find a great-value getaway. It’s not something everyone knows about, but checking our flights page regularly can uncover some genuinely low fares, especially closer to departure as we look to fill remaining seats.”

“We’re talking everything from quick European breaks to long-haul trips across the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand. Because TUI Airways flies from 22 airports across the UK, it makes it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and fly from your closest regional airport.”

Obviously it only works if you can be a little flexible on your dates, and even destination; but given the summer holidays stretch over a six-week window, it could mean you could bag some tempting deals during the peak seasons too.

Chris added: “For customers who don’t mind when or where they go, it can be a really simple way to save money on flights and land some of the best-value fares”.

Unsurprisingly, the cheapest fares from £30 tend to fall outside of the school holiday dates, for example for flights in June or early July. However, if you’re tied to term time, you could still bag cheaper flights and potentially save on your holiday during the busier periods.

For those who are able to travel outside of the school holiday dates, you can find return flights from £30pp to Majorca, from £63pp to Ibiza, and even £82pp to Tenerife.

Of course the TUI hack isn’t the only way you could find some tempting holiday bargains. For example, Skyscanner has an ‘anywhere’ feature that lets you pick some dates, and then it simply shows you all of the cheap flight deals it can find for that window, which can be really useful if you’re not too set on a specific destination.

Meanwhile, easyJet has an ‘Inspire me’ tool where again you can enter the rough window you’d like to travel, the type of holiday you’re after (for example city break or beach holiday), and then it will show you some of the cheapest flights on offer to a number of destinations.

Have you been on an amazing holiday after finding an incredible deal? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The ferry operator has urged passengers with trips booked to ‘plan ahead’ when travelling

P&O Ferries says passengers need to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling over the bank holiday weekend. The popular ferry operator issued the alert for customers, as families across the country head off on their half-term holidays.

The travel company operates routes between Dover and Calais, Hull and Rotterdam, and Larne and Cairnryan. P&O Ferries shared the message for passengers in a post on X. Taking to @POferriesupdate, the travel update included essential advice for anyone travelling today (May 24).

P&O Ferries said: “Ahoy half-term heroes and Bank Holiday adventurers! The port will be busier than usual, so pack your bags with a travel pillow and those extra snacks you’ve got in the cupboard.”

The post explained: “We expect the ports to be busy today so please plan ahead and use our top tips.” In the travel advice, P&O Ferries said passengers should:

• Check traffic and their route before setting off
• Bring refreshments and snacks
• Exercise pets before entering the port
• Bring entertainment for children
• Keep documents to hand and remove passports from cases

Families driving to the port should be aware that the bank holiday is set to be the busiest on the roads in two years, according to the RAC. Research suggests almost 19 million Brits are travelling over the long weekend, with 3.4 million journeys expected on Sunday and 3.1 million trips planned for Monday.

The RAC said: “Drivers looking to spend less time in the car should consider making their getaway outside of peak hours. According to transport analytics experts INRIX, the worst jams this weekend will be on the M1, M25, M5, M6.

“On Friday, the M25 anticlockwise will likely see the heaviest traffic from junction 10 to junction 6 around 4.45pm, as people clock off for the day. The same stretch of road could see a second spike on Saturday around lunchtime, with journey times more than twice as long than on a typical day.

“On the same day, queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on the M5 southbound between the RAC tower near Bristol and junction 23 for Bridgwater.” As a result, there will be an extra one million Brits on the road compared to the same weekend last year.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “With the weather looking like it may improve, millions are planning to make a getaway trip over the bank holiday weekend.

“And the fact our research shows it’s set to be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 shows that even though fuel prices remain uncomfortably high, it takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a long weekend.”

The ferry operator issued an important reminder for any passengers with bookings

DFDS has issued an important reminder to passengers travelling on its ferry services. Ahead of summer, many families are looking forward to their holidays and getting everything ready for their trips. For those making ferry crossings, the operator has issued a message about ‘travel documents’ to help ensure journeys are as smooth as possible.

Posting on social media, DFDS outlined advice for customers in a post on X. In the message, @DFDSLiveUpdates shared port information for passengers. It read: “Please have all travel documents and passports to hand and open at the photo page before arriving at booths.”

In the post, DFDS explained: “Keep your passports, booking confirmations, and any necessary ID easily accessible for check-in and border control.” As such, the guidance could be helpful to any customers with upcoming bookings.

As customers will know, they need to keep a record of their confirmation. They will also want to pack their luggage accordingly, ensuring they can easily access any documents they will need when travelling.

Passengers can find more information about the check-in and boarding process on the ferry operator’s website. The boarding advice states: “All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in.

“These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.”

DFDS also shares border control updates, including guidance on the UK eVisa and ETA. The website explains: “Travel requirements to the UK are changing.

“The UK is transitioning from physical immigration documents, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), passports containing visa vignette stickers and ink stamps, or biometric residence cards (BRCs), to eVisas.

“If you hold a UK visa and use a physical immigration document to prove your rights, take action now by creating a UK Visas and Immigration account to access your eVisa: www.gov.uk/eVisa.

“If you already have an eVisa, ensure your travel information is up to date by notifying the UK Government about the passport you intend to use if it is not already linked to your eVisa account: www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.

“Those who are visa-exempt for short visits to the UK, i.e. visits of up to six months, will still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is digital permission to travel.”

Martin Lewis set out some of his top picks

Consumer expert Martin Lewis has shared some tips for your holiday spending while you are abroad. He shared the key advice during his BBC podcast.

During a question and answer edition of the podcast, a query came in from a mum whose 18-year-old son is heading off on a lads’ holiday. She asked what the best spending card would be for him to take along, or whether she should simply give him cash instead. She explained that she was reluctant to give him a credit card as she wasn’t confident he would use it responsibly. However, the accommodation where he was staying required a £300 credit card deposit.

Top recommendation

In response, Mr Lewis said his top recommendation for cards she could consider was Chase. He explained: “Technically you have to open a bank account to get it, but you don’t need to switch bank account.

“The Chase bank account is available for anyone aged 18 or older. It’s openable via an app. So effectively you can open this up, you put money in it that you want to spend and it gives you the same near-perfect rate that the bank gets when you spend, because it doesn’t add a non-sterling exchange rate fee.

“So I think that’s a really simple option. It’s a debit card, it doesn’t have an overdraft facility. It doesn’t do a hard credit check, it just does an ID check and it doesn’t affect his credit-worthiness.”

Another card he recommended was the Revolut pre-payment card, where you load the card with the amount you wish to spend. Regarding the credit card deposit for accommodation, Mr Lewis said this is a common requirement, frequently being necessary when hiring a car abroad too.

He explained that if a deposit needs to be paid on a credit card, this could prove tricky for an 18 year old as they may not pass the credit check. Mr Lewis suggested that perhaps the mum could contact the company and pay the deposit on her son’s behalf.

Big danger

Mr Lewis issued an additional warning for young holidaymakers. He said: “One of the biggest dangers for finances and young people is drinking. The problem when we drink is we lose all our sense of control.

“So it’s very difficult what you advise young people. Do you tell them take cash out so you’ve only got the amount you can spend on that day. That keeps you to a budget.

“But then it does wrong, they haven’t got any money left and they can’t get back to where they need to go, which can be dangerous.

“Or do you have a card that has an unlimited spending facility on it. It’s quite a difficult one at that age. The best thing is to be sensible and not drink too much.”

Passengers were told to bring their own food and drinks on board after a fire caused a supply disruption

Jet2 has released a fresh update for passengers after many were informed that certain services would be unavailable on their flights. Earlier this week, it emerged that Jet2 had suspended food and drink services and in-flight retail for passengers on selected routes.

At the time, the airline stated it was dealing with an ‘operational issue’ that was ‘outside its control’. The disruption was reportedly triggered by a major supply chain disruption following a fire at Jet2‘s Retail Operations Centre in Middlewich.

The warehouse is reportedly responsible for stocking all catering carts. Consequently, the airline was forced to suspend all food, drink, and Jet2shop retail services on the affected flights.

This meant some passengers were unable to purchase snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, hot beverages, or duty-free items from the cabin trolley. Pre-booked meals were scrapped, and those who had paid in advance for a hot meal or snack deal did not receive their order.

In a fresh update, sent to the Liverpool Echo today (May 15), a Jet2 spokesperson said: “Due to an operational issue outside of our control, there was limited food and drink available to buy on board on Sunday, May 10. We are pleased to say that, since then, customers have been continuing to enjoy our award-winning flights and can choose from a wide selection of food and drink onboard.”

They added: “Our full in-flight retail and food and drink offering will be completely back to normal in the coming days.” Jet2 has also confirmed it is automatically processing refunds for all pre-booked catering back to the original payment method.

While the problem persisted, travellers were advised to bring their own food, drinks and snacks on board, after clearing airport security. However, passengers are prohibited from bringing hot coffee, tea, or hot food from the airport terminal onto the plane. A statement on the Jet2 website states: “You can’t bring hot food or hot drinks onboard our planes for safety reasons.”

At the time, many people turned to social media to find out more about the ‘operational issue’ and to alert fellow passengers. On X, one passenger with the username @BigDogStaff wrote: “@Jet2tweets just had an email and a text message to say there will be no food or drinks available for our five hour flight.”

Jet2 responded: “Hi there, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by our food and drink services and in-flight retail by unavailable on your flight. Sadly, this is due to an operational issue outside our control. (1/2).”

The airline went on to say: “You are welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks purchased in the terminal onboard with you, but for safety reasons, hot drinks cannot be brought on board. If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know. ^Ellie (2/2).” On the Facebook group, Jet2.Com and Jet2holidays Customer Service and Support, a user asked: “What is happening with no food or drink on Jet2 planes? Just had an email about no food or drink on the planes tomorrow, any idea what happening?”

In the comments, one person wrote: “Been on lots of posts – supply issues due to a fire in a warehouse apparently- just get something in the airport to take on board with you.” Another added: “Just arrived in Greece via Jet2, we pre-ordered hot food but got an email saying it was limited. There was no food, drinks, snacks, and no duty-free trolley, all we got was water.”

A third commented: “Someone I know is flying tomorrow, and they were told this evening that there would be no food, including pre-booked. Maybe it depends on the airport or route.”

In a separate Facebook post, another user warned: “Just a heads up. A friend who is travelling from Leeds tonight has received this. So it may be the same on the return journey.” They shared a screenshot of what appears to be a text message from Jet2.

The message reads: “Due to an operational issue outside of our control, there will be no food, drink or Jet2shop available to buy on board your flight. Unfortunately, this also means that any pre-booked food or drink items will not be available, and we will automatically arrange any refunds for these.

“You are welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks purchased in the terminal (after security) on the flight with you, but for safety reasons, hot drinks cannot be brought on board. We are very sorry for any disappointment this may cause.”

A separate Facebook post by UK travel agency Camel Travel states: “Heads up for those flying with Jet2 at the moment. A fire at Jet2’s Retail Operations Centre in Middlewich on Wednesday has impacted the availability of food and drinks on some flights.”

What seems to be a screenshot of an email sent by Jet2 is also featured. It states: “We will process the refund right away to the payment card used when you booked – but like all refunds these days, it could take three to five working days for the funds to reach you. We’re sorry if you don’t receive any pre-booked items. Our friendly Cabin Crew are looking forward to welcoming you on board and will ensure you have a lovely flight.”

The holidaymaker revealed how he enjoyed a week-long holiday at a budget price

A social media user has wowed travel fans after sharing how much he spent on a week’s holiday in Mexico. The holidaymaker explained his bargain travel hack in a TikTok post shared under the username @Byseyi.

In the viral video, Byseyi revealed he spent £360 per person on a last-minute holiday to Mexico. He said: “So this is one travel tip that I don’t really hear that many people talk about. And this is actually how me and my wife travelled to Mexico for a week for around £360 per person, and that’s flights and accommodation.”

The TikTok creator claims: “So if you’re able to travel last-minute, go and look at TUI’s last-minute flight deals on the flight section of their website. Because what happens is they’re trying to get rid of some of these last-minute flights and not have empty seats going. So we ended up booking a flight for two people to go to Cancun, Mexico, for £538 for both of us.

“Managed to find some good accommodation in Tulum that was cheap for £185. And even right now, if you go on the website, you’ll see a flight to the Dominican Republic for £384 if you’re able to travel in the month of May.

“So it’s really just for those people, maybe you had a holiday that got cancelled and you’re trying to plan a new thing, or you have the flexibility to just travel last minute. So it doesn’t apply to everyone, but for those that it can work for, you can get something good for cheap.”

The video gained over 115k views and 14k likes on TikTok. Replying to the video, a viewer said: “Thanks for reminding me being fully remote is a win.” A second comment read: “A digital nomads dream lol …let me go check out TUI.” A third social media user wrote: “Yep! TUI got me to Aruba for £196 return, directttt! best!”

Someone else shared: “I always like these deals but they don’t work for people who like to explore more than one city in a country. But I think it’s great when you are simply looking for anywhere to go to.”

Another response said: “How close to the departure date did you book?” The travel lover replied: “Booked on the 23rd of Feb, flew out 3rd of March.”

Passengers looking for last-minute flights can browse deals on TUI’s website, where there’s a section dedicated to cheap flights. Customers can filter their search by departure date, with options ranging from within seven days to three months. Alternatively, customers planning further ahead can refine their search by month.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK and Ireland, said: “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, our last-minute flight deals can be a brilliant way to grab a great-value getaway. Flying from over 20 airports across the UK, making it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and set off from a nearby airport. There’s a great choice of destinations on offer too – from European favourites like Spain and Greece, to long-haul escapes across the Caribbean, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, as well as Florida.

“These direct flights include 10kg of hand luggage as standard, with the option to add more, upgrade for extra space or enjoy a more premium travel experience. It’s always worth checking back – you might find something that gets you away sooner than you think.”

The bundle includes three suitcases in different sizes, designed to cover everything from short weekend breaks to longer holidays abroad

Holidaymakers hoping to upgrade their luggage without spending a fortune might want to pop into Home Bargains before jetting off on their next summer getaway. The discount retailer has quietly slashed the price of a travel essential by nearly £90, and it’s being hailed as “perfect for every trip”.

Home Bargains has cut the price of the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3, which normally sells for £149.99, down to a bargain £59.99. The set comprises three suitcases in varying sizes, catering for everything from quick weekend escapes to extended holidays overseas.

According to the product listing, each case is crafted from lightweight ABS material with a hard-shell construction designed to offer durability while minimising weight. The product description, available on the Home Bargains website, reads: “Travel smart with the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3 in sleek black – lightweight, durable ABS material with smooth 4-wheel glide for effortless airport navigation. Perfect for every trip, whether you pack light or heavy.

“Modern Suitcase. Lightweight. Whether you pack light or travel heavy, we’ve got you covered! The smooth 4-wheel glide makes navigating airports effortless, while the strong yet lightweight material ensures durability without adding extra weight.”

The largest case measures 70 x 48 x 29cm, while the medium and cabin sizes come in at 60 x 41 x 26cm and 50 x 35 x 20cm respectively. All three cases are designed to stack inside one another for convenient storage when not being used.

Home Bargains describes the set as “perfect for any trip”, emphasising its lightweight construction and smooth-rolling wheels as standout features designed to reduce travel hassle. Thanks to the current discount, shoppers can now save an impressive 60 per cent, with comparable sets elsewhere carrying significantly steeper price tags.

Budget-friendly suitcase sets such as this have grown increasingly sought-after amongst travellers seeking to reduce costs before holidays, especially as travel demand continues climbing during peak booking seasons. Retailers have noted strong appetite for affordable luggage bundles as families and solo travellers hunt for value-focused alternatives.

The set is also stocked in other colours including grey and navy through the same retailer, with prices staying uniform across the collection while stocks remain available. Shoppers keen on the offer can locate further information, including home delivery arrangements, via the Home Bargains website.

Budget airlines have spoken amid warnings that the UK faces greater exposure to jet fuel shortages due to the Middle East conflict

Following warnings from a leading analyst over potential jet fuel shortages that could hit the UK during the summer, Europe’s biggest budget airlines have stated they remain confident in their ability to keep flights running as normal throughout the peak holiday season.

Ano Kuhanathan, head of corporate research at insurer Allianz, has warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz leaves Britain considerably more exposed than other European countries to supply disruptions. Roughly three quarters of Europe’s jet fuel comes from the Middle East and passes through the vital shipping lane.

He explained: “The UK is Europe’s most structurally exposed market to jet fuel shortages, relying heavily on imports to meet aviation demand and running persistent refining kerosene deficit, leaving it particularly vulnerable to supply shocks.”

Despite these concerns, senior figures at Britain’s top budget airlines have voiced confidence in their capacity to deliver a full flight schedule throughout the summer.

A spokesperson for Jet2 said: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice. Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.”

READ MORE: Martin Lewis warning for holidaymakers including Jet2, easyJet, TUIREAD MORE: TV holiday expert Simon Calder gives holiday 2026 update and says ‘that is crazy’

The announcement comes in the wake of a separate warning from Heathrow airport on Wednesday, which stated it anticipates passenger numbers for the remainder of the year to be impacted by the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Laura Lindsay, spokesperson for the price-comparison site Skyscanner, suggested that travel demand is changing rather than vanishing. She told The Independent’s daily travel podcast: “We know that people do still want to get away. It may be reduced internationally and increased domestically, for example.”

Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly making last-minute bookings since the outbreak of the Iran conflict amid growing concerns over the impact of the war and fears surrounding jet fuel supply.

The company said summer passenger bookings to date are up 6.2% thanks to expansion across its airline and package holiday operations, but in a sign of rising unease among travellers, it disclosed that the “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” due to the Middle East conflict.

It stated it is well shielded from the fuel cost surge triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period, adding it is “maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply”.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, said that “the risk of ‌a supply disruption is receding”, with no disruption risk before the end of June. However, he pointed out that the UK faces greater vulnerability compared to other major nations. EasyJet has confirmed it intends to run “a full schedule across its network”. Garry Wilson, chief executive of easyJet Holidays, said: “Our operations remain unaffected, so customers can be confident that not only will their holiday go ahead as planned, but there will be no surprise extra payments.”

Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said: “We have just launched our biggest-ever network from the UK and in particular from Luton.

“Despite the challenging geopolitical crisis, business goes on as usual. In airlines, we are well used to crises, so we are resilient and we’re well adapted.

“For low-cost airlines like Wizz in the UK, we don’t see any shortage of fuel.”

The airline boss explained that if a shortage were to emerge in the UK, Wizz Air could source fuel from alternative countries – a tactic known as “tankering”.

“We can take more fuel than is required in those destinations,” she said. “We can even fly to other countries and and pit-stop, if you will, if we need additional fuel

“But we’re not seeing an Armageddon situation. We have fuel supply. We have other mechanisms for uplifting fuel.” Wizz Air is Europe’s third-largest budget airline, behind Ryanair and easyJet.

Jet2, easyJet and TUI have all committed to not imposing any additional charges on passengers for fuel price increases.

The popular airline offered reassurance to passengers in a message shared on social media

Jet2 has offered reassurance to passengers worried about passport control queues at Spanish airports. In recent weeks, British travellers visiting the popular destination have reported long queues following the rollout of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System.

In response, the airport authority, AENA, has reportedly directed staff to take all possible measures to streamline the process and reduce waiting times. In light of the border control queues, passengers have also been contacting airlines on social media to find out what to do in the worst-case scenario.

For instance, a Jet2 customer recently contacted the travel firm on X to ask for advice. @Jet2tweets often offers assistance to Jet2.com and Jet2holidays passengers on social media.

In a post shared on April 28, a passenger named Laura wrote: “With the crazy queues at Spanish airports to get through passport control, can you guarantee that I won’t miss my transfer bus? Thanks.”

In response, Jet2 said: “Hi Laura, any congestion caused by passport control our airport team will be aware off and will make sure there is a plan in place, so customer do not miss their transfers. Thanks, Gemma.”

Sharing a further message, Laura continued: “Thanks Gemma. Last time it took nearly 3 hours to get through – I’m hoping there won’t be any issues even if it’s that long?” Jet2 replied: “Rest assured our team will be aware of any congestion and plans will be in place.”

Passengers with transfers can find more information about the service on the Jet2holidays website, with transfers to and from hotels included with all Jet2holidays. The website says: “You’ll be met at the airport by our friendly Red Team who’ll then show you to your coach. Once onboard, you’ll be informed whether you are the first, second or third stop.

“Coach transfer information will be available in the Jet2 app when you land in your destination. We’ll also send it by SMS. Whether you have a coach, private or adapted transfer, our friendly Red Team will be on hand to guide you and help you on your way.”

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) requires visitors from non-member countries such as the UK to have their fingerprints recorded and a photograph captured to enter the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries, predominantly within the EU. While the new system was initially introduced in October, it became fully operational on April 10, 2026.

The Mirror has contacted Jet2 for comment.

Everything travellers need to know about online check-in rules and bag drop deadlines for Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2 in 2026

With the two May bank holidays fast approaching, numerous travellers will be plotting to make the most of the long weekends by jetting off on getaways. Among the most popular airlines operating at UK airports are Ryanair, Jet2 and EasyJet, and passengers flying with these carriers are being urged to familiarise themselves with the latest check-in regulations.

There are specific policies and rules that holidaymakers need to be aware of, including various timing requirements to avoid missing their flights. Due to longer queues at passport control following the rollout of EES (Entry/Exit System) for passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations, travellers are advised to factor in additional time when arriving at and departing from overseas airports.

Check-in desks have designated closing times for passengers to drop off their luggage before shutting. For anyone heading abroad with bags to check in, here are the current rules for Ryanair, Jet2 and EasyJet you’ll want to get to grips with to avoid last-minute panic.

Ryanair’s latest check-in rules

Ryanair has overhauled how check-in and boarding passes operate in a bid to streamline airport procedures. The most significant upcoming change is that check-in and bag drop desks will close earlier, coming into effect from November 10, 2026. The current deadline means desks typically open two hours before and close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure.

In November, desks will close 60 minutes before departure across all airports. The airline is introducing this change to allow passengers more time to clear security and passport control, particularly owing to potential delays from the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), reports the Liverpool Echo.

Should you fail to check in online up to two hours before your scheduled departure time, you may still check in at the airport up to 40 minutes before departure, however you will be charged an airport check-in fee. See Ryanair’s table of fees. “We urge all passengers to check in online before arriving at the airport to avoid these fees,” the airline says.

Towards the end of last year, Ryanair switched to 100% digital boarding passes via the Ryanair App, with exceptions for certain destinations such as Morocco and Turkey, which still require printed passes. If you have checked in but are unable to access your digital pass, staff can provide a free replacement.

You can check in via the Ryanair.com website or through the mobile App. Once logged in, select check-in and input your travel document details. For your safety and security, and for the safety and security of your fellow passengers and crew, the check-in process must be completed by you personally, by a passenger on your booking, or by someone with personal knowledge of you and your luggage.

If you have pre-reserved a seat, online check-in is available up to 60 days before your scheduled departure. Bear in mind that both your outbound and return flights must fall within that 60-day window. If you haven’t reserved a seat and one is being randomly allocated to you, check-in opens 24 hours before your flight and closes two hours before departure.

Airport check-in is also an option, though you’ll be charged a fee per passenger for the additional service – refer to Ryanair’s table of fees for full details. Should you have already checked in but are unable to display your boarding pass on the app upon arriving at the airport, you will be issued a replacement boarding pass free of charge.

Jet2’s latest check-in rules

Online check-in through Manage My Booking is available from 28 days up to six hours before departure via Jet2’s website or app. You’ll need to either print your boarding passes, download them to your device, or check in at the airport no later than three hours before your scheduled departure.

At the airport, Jet2 check-in desks typically open at least two hours and 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, and potentially up to three hours beforehand. Jet2 says: “Please arrive at the airport in good time, as our check-in desks will close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time. By this point, you must have completed the check-in process.” If you have checked luggage, you must arrive at the check-in desk by the time stated on your itinerary, or at least two hours before your flight departs. You are also required to be at the boarding gate no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled take-off time.

Jet2 is unable to provide online check-in for flights departing from Turkey. It says: “You can still complete the process and get your pre-allocated seats, but you’ll need to visit our airport check-in desks to collect your boarding pass before you go to security.”

In line with European Regulations, passengers are prohibited from carrying certain items into security-restricted areas or aboard an aircraft. To view the complete list of banned items, visit the Jet2 website. At select UK airports, Jet2 provides a Twilight Check-in service, allowing passengers to drop off their luggage at the airport the evening prior to departure, provided their flight is scheduled before noon.

Due to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) which launched on April 10, 2026, travellers should allow additional time at the airport for the mandatory biometric registration process. Once you have checked in online, amendments to your booking, such as adding extra baggage or changing names, cannot be made without contacting customer services directly.

EasyJet’s latest check-in rules

Passengers can check in online from 30 days up until two hours before departure, downloading or printing boarding passes for all their flights. A passport or identity card may be required, and EasyJet might ask travellers to verify their contact information.

The airline doesn’t accept PDF scans of boarding passes on mobile devices, as airport security personnel cannot scan them. Passengers must use either the official app version or a clearly printed paper copy. Lost boarding passes can be reprinted, and when printing, the entire pass must be legible.

Should any booking amendments be made – such as adding hold luggage or altering flight times – passengers must check in again and obtain a fresh boarding pass. EasyJet says: “If you have any technical problems whilst checking in, please don’t give up and do try again later. If you continue to have difficulty, please ask our ground crew for help when checking in at the airport: this must be done before the bag drop closing time.”

The airline emphasises there are crucial timings for travel. Passengers need to have all documentation prepared and allow sufficient time to navigate the airport to arrive punctually for their flight. Those running late may be refused travel by EasyJet, resulting in a missed flight. All timings are calculated from your flight’s scheduled departure time. Unless EasyJet informs you otherwise, these timings remain valid even if your flight is delayed, as the airline states it always endeavours to recover any lost time. You can view the complete list of crucial timings on the EasyJet website.

A statement on the website reads: “Please note – airport times may change after you’ve booked. For example, if there’s major disruption or new airport procedures such as increased security. We’ll send any updates using the contact details we have for your booking, so please check with the booker that we have the correct details. Please also check our Flight Tracker for the latest updates about your flight.”

Arrival times differ by airport, but general deadlines are calculated from your scheduled departure:

• Bag drop opens: Usually two to three hours before departure.
• Bag drop closes: Strictly 40 to 60 minutes before departure, depending on the airport.
• Gate closes: Promptly 30 minutes before departure.

This deal from Wowcher means you could be enjoying the magic of Disneyland Paris, with the cost of the ferry and a two-night stay at a hotel close to the park, at under £200 per person

Nothing beats the magic of a day at Disneyland, but it can be a costly choice just for the tickets alone. That’s why it often works out cheaper to book a deal that includes extras such as accommodation.

Wowcher has just launched a 4* Disneyland Paris Break which is now available to book that includes two-nights in a hotel, transport across the channel, and a one-day Disneyland Paris park entry for each guest, with prices that start at £189 per person.

You can check the availability calendar on Wowcher’s website to see the prices for each date. At the moment, the £189 deal is available in the first week of May with a 37% discount available. However, these dates are likely to sell out quickly, so you may need to snap them up soon.

Dates are available later in the year for November and December at around £249, and this can be an excellent time to visit the parks for the festive period. If you’re looking for summer holiday dates, then the last week in August is the cheapest, with dates from £309 per person.

OPINION

Julie Delahaye

The package includes a stay at the 4* Paxton Hotel Paris MLV, just 10-minutes from the gates of Disneyland by car, which also offers a bus connection to the parks. The price also includes a return ferry crossing for a vehicle, and the drive from Calais to the hotel is just over three hours, mostly on motorways.

The one-day entry pass includes access to all attractions, shows, Character Encounters, parades, and more, so you can pack a lot into your trip.

Since the package has two nights in a hotel, you may also want to enjoy the onsite indoor pool, spa, and hammam, or even head to nearby Bussy-Saint-Georges station to get a train into Paris for some sightseeing. The city centre is about half an hour away by train.

If you’d rather stay onsite at the parks, you can book Disneyland Paris breaks via its official website, which gives you the option to stay in official Disney hotels. Staying in an official Disney property gives you perks such as early access to the parks and a quicker journey home at night, but it is a pricier option.

One night at the Disney Newport Bay Club in early May, with a two-day park pass comes in at £372.45 per person, and considerably more during peak times.

Another way to save money is to look for the deals that Disney offers throughout the year. For example, Walt Disney World in Florida has just relaunched its popular Free Dining offer, as well as offering up to £400 off breaks. This deal can be found on disneypackages.co.uk, and is available during most school holidays. This site also offers packages that include flights, making it easier to plan your trip.

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Travel insurance specialist has issued advice, as cancellations and delays may happen

As airlines continue to navigate fuel supply challenges caused by the Middle East conflict, some flights may be disrupted, or fares may increase. Some energy bosses have claimed Europe only has six weeks’ worth of jet fuel left. Tom Vaughan, a travel insurance specialist at Confused.com, has offered advice for passengers with summer holidays coming up.

He also warned that cancellations and delays may happen, and stressed the importance of preparing in advance and knowing what to do if a trip is axed. “For Brits planning to travel this summer, it’s worth being aware that flight cancellations and delays could happen as airlines respond to operational pressures,” he said.

“Disruptions like this can leave travellers unsure about their rights and what steps to take next if they are affected. The good news is that UK passengers have rights if their flight is cancelled.

“Airlines should offer a refund or an alternative flight, even if your ticket was non-refundable.” If passengers do experience disruption, Tom has shared some steps to follow.

Firstly, he says travellers should contact their airline as soon as possible to confirm their options, including rebooking or a refund. He also recommends: “Keep receipts for any essential costs like food, accommodation or transport, as these may be reimbursed”.

Tom said passengers may still be entitled to assistance (such as meals or a hotel stay) while waiting for a new flight. “If you booked a package holiday, check if it’s ATOL protected and contact your travel provider for support”, he added.

The travel insurance specialist went on to say that people who pay by credit card “may have additional protection if things don’t go to plan”. Lastly, he urged people to review their travel insurance policy and speak to their insurer to understand what extra costs they could claim back.

He also says it is “always sensible” to take out travel insurance before going away. “Even if you are able to claim directly via the airline, an insurer can guide you on how to make a claim,” he explained.

Tom continued: “With the right policy in place, you may also be able to claim back for other parts of your holiday that were affected as a result. If you’ve recently experienced flight cancellations, our flight compensation guide will help to break down your options.”

Inflation climbed higher last month as the knock-on effects from the Iran war started to hit the cost of living for UK households. The Office for National Statistics reported an annual rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation of 3.3% for March, increasing from 3% last month.

It meant inflation picked up to its highest level since December, with higher fuel prices a significant driver. The ONS indicated that fuel prices were the main area where the impact of the Iran conflict had already been reflected in their data.

While jet fuel costs have risen, the ONS said that air fares are based on previously booked flights, meaning that the March data was not yet impacted by inflation linked to the conflict. This means airfare inflation is likely to continue rising this year as higher jet fuel costs are passed on to passengers.

KLM has made several adjustments to its flight schedule for the coming month. The airline says: “This concerns a limited number of flights within Europe that, due to rising kerosene costs, are currently no longer financially viable to operate. There is no kerosene shortage. KLM will operate 80 fewer return flights to and from Schiphol, which is less than 1% of its European flights during that period.

“Passengers affected by these changes will be rebooked onto the next available flight. As these are destinations KLM serves multiple times a day — such as London and Düsseldorf — travellers can usually be accommodated quickly. KLM expects a busy May holiday period and is making sure passengers can travel to their holiday destinations as planned.”

In a new statement, Lufthansa has said: “The Lufthansa Group has secured (“hedged”) approximately 80 per cent of its kerosene requirements for 2026 and approximately 40 per cent for 2027 based, among other things, on the price of crude oil – both at pre-crisis price levels. With this level of hedging, we are in a better position than most competitors.”

Meanwhile, easyJet has said it is not currently seeing any disruption to flights and doesn’t plan to make any changes to its flight schedule.