Travel experts reveal the three types of items you should avoid packing in your cabin bag when flying with budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet
If you’re clever about how you pack you can save money(Image: Dmitri Zelenevski via Getty Images)
Travellers who choose to fly with budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet can take advantage of remarkably low fares if they travel with hand luggage only. However, these airlines, like numerous other low-cost operators, require passengers to pay additional fees for larger cabin bags or checked luggage.
Should you turn up at the airport with more than your permitted luggage allowance, you could be stung with substantial excess charges. Matthew Corrigan, CEO of Trtl Travel, recommends that one of the most effective ways to maximise your luggage allowance and sidestep extra costs is to pack cleverly.
He said: “Airlines such as Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 are cracking down on hand luggage passengers.”
In recent years, numerous airlines have tightened restrictions on the amount of hand luggage passengers can bring aboard. For example, Ryanair now only permits passengers to bring one small item of luggage per person free of charge.
Matthew said: “One of the main downsides of travelling with only a carry-on bag is significantly less space for your belongings.
“Whilst this may seem like a deal-breaker, there are some simple ways to maximise the space in your hand luggage.”
According to the specialist, this means leaving certain everyday essentials behind that could be taking up considerable space or adding unnecessary weight.
Travel guru Matthew has some shrewd advice to banish your packing headaches for good. He suggests: “Avoid packing items that will be provided by the accommodation – such as hairdryers, towels, and toiletries. Only bring items you know you’ll use, and try to share phone chargers and other technology wherever possible.”
Before you start packing those bulky bottles of shampoo or a hefty hairdryer, check with your hotel first; there’s a good chance they’ve got you covered. And let’s face it, you can pick up toiletries at your destination if needed.
Heading somewhere chilly? Matthew’s tip: wear your coat and chunky knits on the plane instead of cramming them into your bags.
Walk through departures in your winter wear, he says, because after all, you can throw your coat over your arm if you warm up. Plus, it won’t count against your cabin baggage allowance and you’ll avoid the shivers mid-flight.
He added: “It’s best to wear large items such as jumpers and coats onto the plane rather than packing them. This frees up space and ensures you don’t get cold during the flight.”
TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways rules on flying with pets including the airlines that do allow you to bring animals into the cabin
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Would you take your pet on holiday?(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Every pet owner has found themselves missing their cuddly companion when away from home. If you’re particularly close to your dog or cat, you might even be wondering whether it’s possible to take them with you. Policies vary from airline to airline, as does the cost. It’s also worth checking the requirements for bringing pets to your destination, as well as returning to the UK with your pet, as you’ll need to follow a number of steps to get them through customs.
Here’s what some popular airlines say about travelling with animals.
TUI
Pets aren’t allowed in the cabin of TUI’s aircraft, although registered assistance dogs can travel with their owners for free. Any other animals need to travel in the hold, and TUI say pets will usually go on the same flight as their owners. Its website reassures owners that: “The hold is pressurised and at the same temperature as the passenger cabin.”
Pets need to be kept in a travel box with a water bowl, and cannot be medically sedated, although herbal calming products cam be used. Owners will need to call or email TUI beforehand to check whether their pet can be accommodated, as some routes have restrictions, and to arrange for their pet’s travel in advance.
EasyJet
EasyJet’s policy is clear: “Animals are not allowed on our flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs.” Animals can not be carried in the cabin or hold.
Passengers travelling with assistance dogs will need to contact the special assistance team in advance, at least 48 hours before the flight, and will need to provide documents that the pet is a trained assistance dog. The dog will also need an animal health certificate, or pet passport if accepted, and the necessary vaccination certificates depending on the destination.
Ryanair
Ryanair also say: “We do not carry animals on board any Ryanair flights, except guide/assistance dogs on certain routes.” Assistance dogs need to be registered with an organisation such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK, or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
Ryanair added: “Emotional support or therapy dogs that are not recognized as assistance dogs by the above organizations are not permitted to travel with Ryanair.” It also has a list of requirements for assistance dogs on its website.
Jet2
Jet2 does not allow pets in the cabin or hold, and assistance dogs are the only animals allowed onboard. Assistance dogs travel with their owner for free, and Jet2 advise that passengers should contact their Assisted Travel Team before travelling so arrangements can be made.
It advises: “Please note an additional seat may be required to ensure there is enough floor space for the assistance dog to lie down, and if this is the case, an additional charge may be applicable depending on the size of the assistance dog.” Jet2 also warned: “If the assistance needs (including carriage of assistance dogs) of customers on the same flight create conflicting health issues, we reserve the right to decide how the conflict shall be resolved at our absolute discretion.”
British Airways (BA)
BA advise that all pets must be carried in the hold on flights to and from the UK. It has partnered with cargo services that specialise in the transport of pets, details of which can be found on its travelling with pets page.
BA warn: “British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet.” However, it also makes an exception for assistance dogs, which can travel free of charge in the cabin. Assistance dogs will need to be registered and trained with a suitable organisation, and the dog will need to be registered ahead of the flight’s departure.
Air France
Air France is one of the few European airlines to allow pets in the cabin, but there are restrictions. It only allows cats or dogs up to 8kg in weight, and up to 75kg in total with its carrier. Pets over this size must go into the hold.
Owners will need to contact Air France before they travel and check the strict list of requirements. Certain breeds with snub-noses will need to be cleared by a vet to fly. This includes pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats. Pets can’t travel in the cabin on intercontinental flights and aren’t allowed in business class.
Vueling
Spanish airline Vueling also allow some pets onboard including dogs, cats, birds, and turtles, although they must be kept inside a carrier at all times when in the cabin. It does not allow pets in the hold.
The maximum weight for pets travelling on Vueling is 10kg including the carrier, and it’ll need to go under the seat in front of you. Pet owners will need to check the requirements for their destination country and should contact the airline to book their pet’s space.
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Watch out for the 100ml limit on some types of food
Passengers heading on flights should look at specific airline guidelines to know what they can bring on board, as there are a number of restrictions they have to stick to(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)
Picking up a snack or beverage during your flight can make a real difference to your travel experience when jetting off on holiday. Carriers like easyJet offer a wide selection of refreshments and nibbles available for purchase.
That said, these items can come with a hefty price tag, and when you’re travelling with the whole family, the bill can quickly spiral. Fortunately, passengers are typically allowed to bring their own food on board, though certain products are completely banned.
Exact regulations differ between airlines, but there are standard restrictions that apply across most UK carriers in 2026.
EasyJet permits passengers to bring their own food on flights, whilst also providing an assortment of snacks and beverages for sale during the journey.
The airline urges travellers to familiarise themselves with particular rules concerning the importation of certain food products at their destination, reports the Express.
EasyJet said: “There’s a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard. Different countries have different regulations about importing food and drink, so make sure you check the rules for your destination.
“You can bring alcohol bought in the airside departure lounge into the cabin, as long as it’s unopened. Alcohol must be lower than 70% abv, and packed either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag. It’s strictly forbidden to drink any alcohol that has not been purchased on board the aircraft and those found consuming their own alcohol may face prosecution.
“You can bring hot drinks on board if you’ve bought them at the airport and they have a lid on.
“The 100ml liquid limit doesn’t apply to baby food, milk or sterilised water, provided that the total amount is no more than two litres. You may be asked to taste it for security reasons.”
Banned food and drinks on easyJet flights
Any liquid food over 100ml, like soup, yoghurt or custard
Bottles of alcohol that have been opened. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed if purchased on board during the flight.
COMING back from your holiday should be straightforward – but for one British couple, a recent easyJet flight turned into a nightmare.
Olly Andrews, 36, and Lucy Andrews, 32, from South East London were less than 10 minutes into their flight from Amsterdam to London Luton Airport when disaster struck.
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Lucy and Ollie were on their way back from Amsterdam when a bird hit their planeCredit: Lucy Andrews
The couple had been in the Dutch capital for a four-day mini-break to see their best friend get married.
But just after taking off to return home to London, the couple heard something ominous.
Lucy said: “I heard a massive thud and I looked at Olly and I was like what was that?
“Not only that but the air stewardesses suddenly went quite quiet at the back.
“We were in the back seats, so we could hear everything and people started looking around in confusion.
“Then we were flying really low – we were going over the sea and I could see the wind turbines looked really close up.
“I was like something’s wrong, why are we flying so low to the sea and something just felt off.”
There was then an overhead message from the pilot to say that the plane had been hit by a bird and that they needed to return to Amsterdam Airport.
Lucy added: “[The pilot] was quite calm and said there’s nothing to worry about.
Olly said: “The pilot said we’d hopefully be landing in 10 minutes – that actually turned out to be like 25 minutes.”
Lucy continued: “I’m quite a nervous flyer, so I was like ‘oh my god’.
“You know it must be pretty bad if we had to do an emergency landing back in Amsterdam.
“The captain said it was most likely a seagull we hit.”
Despite being told to stay put, when the plane landed a collection of curious passengers flooded to the front of the plane to find out what happened.
She said: “As we got off the plane we could see there was gore and blood splattered all over the cockpit window and blood smeared everywhere.
The plane had to land back at Amsterdam AirportCredit: Lucy Andrews
“The pilot wouldn’t have been able to see out properly – it was everywhere.”
It became clear that the bird had hit the windscreen and then also hit other parts of the plane as blood was splattered over the tail, Lucy explained.
After getting off of the plane, the couple spent the following two and a half hours in the airport waiting for the next available flight.
During this time, there were no easyJet reps or staff around and the couple kept checking for updates via the easyJet app.
“We could only see the Gate G section and Amsterdam is a silent airport, so they didn’t announce updates.
“There was one update, but we couldn’t hear it.
“We kept refreshing the app and we couldn’t see anything, but they were giving quite regular updates such as there weren’t any sandwiches on board.
“We just wanted to go home.
When back at the airport, the couple had to wait over two hours for a replacement flightCredit: Lucy Andrews
The update said: “We’re sorry that we won’t be able to offer you any sandwiches on your flight today.
“We’ll still have a selection of snacks as well as hot and cold drinks on board.”
EasyJet did give all passengers a £6 voucher for food and drink at the airport though.
They also received a message to explain what had happened, saying: “There has been an additional delay because the plane that was scheduled for your flight today experienced a bird strike.
“Because the issue could not be resolved, we’ve decided to arrange a new plane to fly you to your destination today.”
EasyJet had to then send a plane from London Luton to collect the passengers and crew – although Lucy said they nearly missed it.
She explained: “We wouldn’t have got on the plane if we hadn’t seen a passenger who we recognised heading towards a gate and asked if there had been an announcement, which they had been.”
The couple then had to run through the airport to make their flight.
The couple has to keep checking the app for updatesCredit: Lucy Andrews
Lucy added: “We were really scared for other passengers because we recognised one passenger who was asleep and we had to wake them up and be like you’ve got to go the flight is here.”
Directly next to Lucy and Olly, the seats were empty despite a couple sitting there in the previous flight.
It wasn’t clear if this couple made the flight or not.
“The app updates were quite poorly handled because we really should have been given like regular updates.
Looking back on the incident, Lucy added: “It was described by easyJet as a ‘exceptional circumstance’ which I agree with, it was a freak incident and not the fault of easyJet.
“It was the fact that the updates for the flight weren’t communicated with the passengers.
“They have an app which gives updates and they chose to send us a message apologising that there would not be sandwiches served to us on the flight, but failed to tell us when the next flight actually was.
“It left several passengers in the lobby not knowing that the plane was being boarded.”
The customer praised the under-seat travel bag after using the luggage for a trip
The budget retailer is selling a £4 travel bag (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
Holidaymakers looking for budget-friendly cabin bags might like a £4 option that has the backing of an easyJet passenger. The shopper recommended the ‘amazing’ luggage to fellow travel fans in a social media post – and it could be ideal for passengers who don’t want to pay extra for bags.
According to easyJet’s website, all customers can carry one small under-seat cabin bag on their flights for free, provided it’s no larger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm. As such, customers could choose B&M’s Womens Under the Seat Handheld Bag, which measures L45 x W20 x H35cm.
Available in three colours, the B&M bag is currently on sale for £4, marked down from its original price of £8. The product description for the travel bag states: “Travel with convenience using this Bordlite Women’s Under the Seat Handheld Bag. Suitable for most airlines.”
It also has the backing of a shopper who used the bag on a flight and then recommended it to other passengers. Replying to a Facebook post asking for easyJet bag suggestions, a shopper named Kimberley wrote: “This from B&M is amazing and only £4.
“Just took the pink one with me as a carry-on on my recent holiday and I stuffed a lot in it including laptop, heavy books etc and it’s still intact and looks new!”
For shoppers looking for something different, B&M also offers a Bordlite Womens Under the Seat Bag with Wheels, which has been reduced from £16 to £8 and comes in two different colours. It measures L45 x W20 x H36cm.
With the additional wheels, it could be better suited to passengers who prefer not to carry their bags. The product description states: “Travel with convenience using this Bordlite Women’s Under the Seat Bag with Wheels. Suitable for most airlines.”
Alternatively, shoppers might like some of the suggestions shared on the same Facebook post where the B&M shopper praised the store’s luggage. For instance, another shopper highlighted Amazon’s Underseat Cabin Bag, reduced from £24.95 to £17.78, which measures 20 x 36 x 45 cm. The customer said: “These are great, various colours.”
The product description claims: “With a capacity of 30L, our easyjet cabin backpack is perfect for packing clothes and travel essentials for 4-7 days.
“A separate wet pocket allowing you to store wet clothes, towels, and toiletries. A 15.6″ laptop compartment and many other small pockets to keep your items well-organised.”
Shoppers should check their luggage and the size requirements for any airlines they are travelling with in advance of travel.
Analysis of Civial Aviation Authority data by the Mirror has found the UK operating airline that had the most complaints made by passengers during the most recent recorded period
We have gone through the complaints data(Image: simon2579 via Getty Images)
The most complained-about airline in the UK is not Ryanair or easyJet.
While flying, at its best, can feel like a modern-day miracle, transporting us across the world in a handful of hours in a way our forebears could only have dreamed of, it can also be deeply frustrating and annoying.
Whether it’s waking up at the crack of dawn for an early flight, getting stuck in an hours-long boarding queue for a service that promised to leave long before, spending a small fortune in the airport, or suffering from small-airline-seat-cramp, there is plenty to gripe about.
And gripe we have.
The most recent figures from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority show that over 43,000 complaints were made about airlines operating in the UK from mid-2024 to March 2025. The list of things one could complain about is endless, but the most common are disruptions, denied boarding, lost or damaged baggage, and lack of assistance for disabled passengers.
Have you had a complaint-worthy flight? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Particularly given the rough few months aviation has had. The first five months of 2025 were marred by tens of thousands of delays and cancellations, EuroNews reports. Dutch carrier KLM scrapped the most flights during that period, with 2,760 grounded, followed by British Airways (1,763) and Germany’s Lufthansa (1,757), according to FlightRight.
The highest rate of flights scrapped in those five months was on Finnair, with 3.35% of its flights grounded out of a total of over 43,000 trips.
Whatever the reason for a passenger’s gripe, so long as a flight took off or landed in the UK, they have the right to register a complaint with the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Analysis of the latest data from the Authority shows that Wizz Air had the highest number of complaints per million passengers flown, beating Ryanair to the bottom spot. In fact, the Hungarian airline romped home with the prize.
It received 10,548 customer complaints from mid-2024 to March 2025, or 918 complaints per one million passengers. That means for every customer who flew, just under 1,000 registered a complaint during that period.
In Wizz Air’s favour is the relatively low ‘complaint upheld’ rate during that time, at 47%. It paid out £1,482,183 as a consequence, or £651 per customer on average.
Contrastingly, British Airways had a far lower complaints rate (192/one million customers), but 83% were upheld. BA paid out £6,238,378 in total, or £837 per customer.
In what may be a surprise to some, Ryanair did not receive the most complaints. Its complaints-per-million-customers rate was 188, with a low complaints upheld rate of 28% and an average award of £694.
The most complained-about airlines
(UK operating airline: complaints per million customers; complaints upheld; average award)
TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 warning over common children’s toy that’s banned on flights – The Mirror
Need to know
Parents are being warned ahead of the February half-term holiday about a common children’s toy that is banned from all major airlines, including TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2
Parents are warned of a common kids’ toy that is banned in hand luggage(Image: Getty Images)
Warning for children’s toy banned on flights
All airlines have luggage restrictions that every passenger must abide by. This includes requirements for travelling with liquids, food and baby formula, and electronic devices
The luggage restrictions included banned items, including sharp and dangerous objects, as well as liquids over 100ml, although the liquid rule has changed at some UK airports
Many passengers are often aware of the common restrictions, but there are some that could come as a surprise, and might seem a little unusual
One of the items banned from all flights is toy guns and weapons, including replicas, which is often a common toy among kids, particularly after a trip to somewhere like Disneyland, where souvenirs are available to buy
Anyone boarding a flight with a toy gun or weapon is likely to have it confiscated, even if it belongs to a child and is just a toy
TUI outlines the restriction on “Toy guns, replicas, and imitation firearms that could be mistaken for real weapons”, under its dangerous and prohibited articles. They confirm they are not allowed to be carried through security or onto the plane
EasyJet states that “toy guns, replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons” are banned from hand luggage. However, toy guns can be carried in hold baggage
Ryanair affirms that “toy guns (including recreational guns such as paintball guns), replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons” are prohibited on board and in checked baggage
Jet2 states that firearms, including those that are toys, are “forbidden for carriage”
The ban applies to other major airlines, but it is best to check directly with the company for their restrictions and guidance on certain items before travelling
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Operations came to a sudden standstill on Thursday at 6pm CET, with the airport saying on its website: “Due to weather conditions, no take-offs or landings are currently possible.”
The airport remains closed today as adverse weather conditions continue to disrupt transport across north Germany.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport said in a statement: “We currently have freezing rain and black ice and cannot yet predict when takeoffs and landings will be possible.
Lufthansa also scrapped a number of flights in and out of the city.
German weather service DWD warned of “significant slipperiness” caused by icy conditions spanning Berlin to the Baltic Coast and Polish border.
Forecasters were uncertain about when travel disruptions might ease, with the cold snap anticipated to continue across northwest Europe into next week.
Germany’s national railway operator Deutsche Bahn said train service between Berlin and Hanover have also been affected by the icy weather.
The European Parliament has voted to allow passengers to carry a small case alongside free underseat bags
easyJet, Ryanair and other airlines could be impacted(Image: Anna Barclay/Getty Images)
Travellers with Ryanair and easyJet may soon be allowed to bring two cabin bags on flights without facing additional charges. Currently, these carriers permit passengers on basic fares to take just one small personal item aboard, with any extra luggage coming at an additional fee.
Ryanair has been compelled to increase the size of personal bags it allows, following changes to EU regulations. Under the new rules, passengers flying with the budget airline will be able to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm restrictions.
easyJet’s personal bag dimensions already complied with these requirements, but another EU rule modification could enable travellers to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm, along with a personal bag, without extra costs. The European parliament voted last month to grant all passengers the right to carry a small case, in addition to the free underseat bags currently allowed.
Parliament wants passengers to have the right to bring onto the aircraft, at no extra cost, one personal item (such as a handbag, rucksack or laptop) and one small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 cm (combined length, width and height) and seven kilograms. The amendments, which require approval from the European Council before taking effect, would cover all travellers flying to or from an EU airport with an EU-based carrier, directly impacting the majority of short-haul journeys from the UK.
European Parliament members (MEPs) are also keen to guarantee that children under 12 are positioned next to an accompanying adult at no additional charge. At present, carriers have no legal obligation to place children beside their parents, although the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends they should do so.
The CAA explains: “Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.
“This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children.”
Avoid paying a massive fee at the airport gates by checking your cabin bag size before you fly. With half term on the way, here’s the latest sizing regulations for some of the most popular airlines
Cabin baggage allowances can vary hugely by airline(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
One thing that often catches passengers out when flying on budget airlines is cabin baggage allowances. On busy flights, it’s common to see the dreaded bag sizer coming out, and being over just a centimetre can mean you end up paying a massive fee to check your bag at the gate.
To make things even more confusing, cabin bag size allowances change all the time, so even if you’re a frequent flyer, you can get caught out. It’s always best to check the size of the cabin bag that’s included with your ticket just before you go, so you can avoid hassle at the gates.
It’s also much cheaper to pay for extra bags when you book your flight, not once you’re at the airport, so always make sure you’ve booked the amount you need in advance.
Ryanair is notorious for strictly enforcing cabin baggage sizes, and if you’re taking a bag on board, you should make sure you get the tape measure out and check the dimensions before you head to the airport.
However, there’s good news for Ryanair passengers: the free underseat bag included in its basic fare can now be slightly larger. Previously, this small bag had to fit in a sizer with the dimensions of 40 x 25 x 20 cm, but since summer 2025 it can now be up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. These free bags need to fit under the seat in front of you, and usually people bring a handbag, laptop bag, or small rucksack.
Technically, there’s no weight limit on these small bags, as long as they fit under the seat, but passengers will need to be able to carry and handle them, and an excessively heavy bag could be noticed by flight attendants.
Passengers can also pay to bring a second cabin bag of up to 55 x 40 x 20cm onboard with them, and this bag has a weight limit of 10KG. Passengers will need to lift this bag into the overhead locker above them, so bear this in mind when packing. If you prefer to check a bag, you can add a 10KG, 20KG, or 23KG bag to the hold. Prices vary depending on route and availability.
EasyJet
Budget airline easyJet is also known for strictly monitoring bag sizes, and you’ll see lots of orange sizers around the airport so you can check whether your luggage will fit. However, it’s best to measure bags at home when they’re packed so you can adjust accordingly.
Everyone who flies with easyJet gets one small underseat cabin bag included in the price. This can be up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm in size, and easyJet states it can’t exceed 15KG in weight.
Customers also have the option to book a second cabin bag of 56 x 45 x 25 cm maximum, including handles and wheels. As a bonus, if you book a second bag, you get speedy boarding included. When booking your flight, you also have the option to pay for up to three checked bags of 15KG, 23KG, or a whopping 32KG. Some airports offer a twilight bag drop for passengers on early flights, meaning you can check your luggage the night before heading off and head straight for security in the morning.
Jet2
Whether you’ve booked a package holiday with Jet2, or just a flight, cabin baggage allowances are the same. You get a small bag of 40 x 30 x 20cm, which must fit under the seat, and the price also includes a 10KG piece of hand luggage of up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Again, you must ensure measurements include handles, wheels, and other fixtures.
Package holidays include 22KG of checked baggage, but if you’ve only booked a flight, you can still add a checked bag for a fee. Passengers can buy up to three bags of 22KG in weight, perfect for those who don’t like to travel light.
Families travelling with young kids can also bring a collapsible pushchair, car seat, and/or travel cot free of charge.
British Airways
British Airways (BA)’s economy basic fare includes a handbag and a cabin bag. The former can be up to 40 x 30 x 15cm in size and needs to easily fit under the seat in front, while cabin bags can be up to 56 x 45 x 25cm in size. However, BA can only guarantee that the smaller item will be allowed on board. If there’s not enough space in the overhead locker, your cabin bag may need to go in the hold.
BA also offers a range of options for checked bags, depending on the flight route you take and which classes are available. Economy with checked bag includes a 23KG bag in the hold, and unlike most airlines, BA put a size restriction on these checked bags of 90 x 75 x 43cm. Those lucky enough to fly business or first class get much bigger allowances.
If you’ve booked a flight only on TUI Airways, you’ll get a piece of hand luggage of up to 10KG in weight for free, and this can measure up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. You can also bring a small personal item like a handbag or laptop bag of up to 40 x 30 x 20cm that’s placed under the seat in front of you. TUI emphasises that passengers must be able to lift their hand luggage into overhead storage compartments themselves.
Customers can also add a checked bag when booking their flight, with prices depending on the route and availability. However, if you book a package holiday through TUI and are flying with its airline, then 20KG of checked luggage is included. Some holiday types, such as TUI BLUE or cruises, have a 25KG allowance, so it’s worth checking your booking confirmation before you go.
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A WOMAN was forced to miss her holiday after she was stopped from boarding an easyJet flight when they discovered an issue with her passport.
Donna Fairclough was due to fly out of Manchester Airport and was ‘heartbroken’ to miss out on an £820 holiday to Malta.
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Damage on her passport meant that Donna Fairclough missed out on her holidayCredit: Kennedy Newsand MediaDonna was turned away from her flight at Manchester Airport in early JanuaryCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
Donna Fairclough and her fiancé Gary Broadley were due to fly to Malta from Manchester Airport on January 3, 2026.
However, Donna was turned away from the flight by easyJet because of a sizeable tear in her passport.
The damage was across the photo page of her travel document and the size of the tear meant that she wasn’t allowed to board the flight.
Talking to Manchester Evening News, Donna said: “The rip was initially about a quarter-of-an-inch. I was excited to go away. It was heartbreaking because we lost out on a holiday because of a rip.
“I said to my partner, you can still see my face and my passport number and it didn’t affect any of that. That’s what I couldn’t understand.”
As well as missing out on their holiday, the pair have claimed that easyJet won’t refund them for their break as the rip is classified as ‘accidental damage’.
Advice on the Gov.UK website reads: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it. HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if […] any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing.”
HM Passport Office will also consider your passport damaged if you cannot read any of the details, the cover is coming away, or if there are stains on the page.
Donna has since got a new passport and has urged other holidaymakers to check theirs before travelling.
easyJet responded in a statement that the airline is “sorry” that Ms Fairclough was not able to go on her holiday and “understand how disappointing this must have been”.
The airline added it “works closely with the authorities and complies with their guidance to ensure the safety and security of customers and crew, and this means we can’t allow anyone to travel if their documentation is damaged.”
They then advised Donna on how she could get a new passport and have been in touch with further support.
Donna was stopped at before boarding the flight at Manchester AirportCredit: Alamy
Previous rules allowed British passport holders to roll over 10 months from their previous passports meaning they’d have validity of up to 10 years and 10 months.
But the current rules no longer see those additional 10 months as valid, even if they are on your passport.
So, if your passport was issued in June 2015, but your expiry date says September 2025, that expiry is actually incorrect.
Instead, your passport would have expired 10 years past the start date – making the real expiry is actually June 2025.
There’s also the three month rule – a number of countries require British holidaymakers to have a few additional months left on their passport to travel.
Most places inEuroperequire British travellers to have at least three months left on the passport before it expires.
THERE’S bad news for passengers flying with easyJet to Italy this weekend.
On Saturday, unions representing easyJet’s pilots and flight attendants have announced a strike due to to take place between 1pm and 5pm.
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easyJet flight warning as passengers face chaos this SaturdayCredit: AlamyFlights from the UK to Italy could face delaysCredit: Alamy
easyJet operates daily departures across Italy in destinations like Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice and Rome Fiumicino.
Currently, easyJet says that there is only one return flight scheduled to and from the UK within the strike period which is currently set to operate as planned.
Another nine intra-EU flights are also within the strike period, but there are also plans in place to operate.
easyJet also told Sun Travel: “We have contingency plans in place so our flying programme to and from Italy is currently scheduled to operate as planned tomorrow.
“We will contact customers directly should their flight be affected.”
Naples Airport operator GESAC has warned of “possible delays and cancellations”, urging travellers to check the status of their flights.
The industrial action has been taken as a result of delays in talks over roster patterns, post-pandemic wage restoration and integration of the new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
A number of services could be grounded and the select time of the walkout is to maximise disruption.
SkyRefund has advised that if your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or re-routing to your destination.
If the airline cannot fly you out quickly, they should book you onto a flight with an alternative carrier.
Commenting on passenger rights, Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of flight compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: “Passengers should be aware that while airlines often cite strikes as ‘extraordinary circumstances’, industrial action by an airline’s own employees, such as this walk-out by easyJet pilots and cabin crew, is generally considered within the carrier’s control under UK and Under EU 261/2004 regulations.
“Because this strike stems from internal disputes over wages and rosters, it does not typically meet the criteria for an ‘unforeseeable’ event.
“If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, you aren’t just entitled to a seat on the next available flight; you are likely eligible for fixed financial compensation of up to £520 (€600) per person.”
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
The beach resort recently gave local clubs permits to open 24-hours a day along the shore, turning the area into a serious clubbing zone and a cheaper competitor to the party island of Ibiza
The island is becoming a party hotspot(Image: Maroon Horizon Ltd)
If you’re looking for chilled days on the beach followed by all-nighters at the club, then Ibiza might be your go-to destination. But the Balearic Islands aren’t the cheapest option, and certainly not the only place where you can party all night long.
One beach resort is emerging as a serious contender for those who want to enjoy the party vibes, but can’t stretch their budget to a week in Ibiza. Set on the picturesque Pag Island just off the coast of Croatia, Zrce Beach is becoming a major destination for fans of night – and day-clubbing.
Zrce Beach is about an hour and 20 minutes from Zadar airport, which has Ryanair flights from Birmingham, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London-Stansted, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne, making it easy to access from the UK. Flights start at just £21 one-way with the budget airline and take about 2.5 hours.
The beach itself has smooth pebbles and turquoise seas, and its position in a sheltered bay means there are shallow, clear waters for swimming. Along the beach, you’ll find a variety of beach clubs renting out loungers and Bali beds, or you can grab a spot next to a palm tree.
Outside of festival time, the daytimes here tend to be relaxed, with people sipping cocktails in beach clubs and enjoying chill music and the occasional dips in the sea. Some clubs have their own pool areas where you can enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
As the sun starts to set, the parties begin, and the great thing about Zrce Beach is that it has so many bars and clubs in a relatively short, walkable area, so you can simply wander around and find the best party. Noa Beach Club is one of the most unique clubs in the area, with a huge pier where you can dance and party surrounded by the sparkling blue seas.
At the other end of the beach is Kalypso, where the party often spills out onto the seafront. DJ sets last until the small hours in this paradise-themed club, and there’s an outdoor chillout area right next to the sea. There’s also Euphoria Club, famous for its giant cocktails and outdoor parties that often go on long after the sun comes up.
But it’s the summer festivals that really bring in the crowds, with stages set up right on the beach, boat parties, and international DJ sets that last all night. Zrce Spring Break Croatia takes place over two weekends in 2026, on May 22 to 25 and June 4 to 7, and is set to include Spring break games, water sports, and of course, plenty of late nights.
One of the summer’s biggest events is the Balkan Wave festival, with acts from July 9 to 11. Regular tickets cost €89.99 (about £77) for all three days, or you can book accommodation packages from €229.99 (just under £200) which include four-nights accommodation in a basic apartment nearby plus access to the festival.
Many visitors stay in nearby Novalja, which during peak season has regular shuttle buses to and from Zrce Beach. Hotel Kaneo is popular with guests who want to enjoy the lively nightlife and is on a long stretch of sandy beach with rooms from £54 a night. For those on a budget, there’s the Casa La Cha – Hostel & Bar, which is also on the beach and has apartments that sleep up to eight people, making it ideal for groups.
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easyJet’s new travel report shows dark sky tourism, padel holidays and Gen Z trends are dominating summer bookings to Spain and beyond
Holidaymakers are heading to Spain in hope of catching the solar eclipse (Image: Getty Images)
Dark skies tourism is set to be one of the top travel trends this summer, driven by a growing fascination with astronomy and astrophotography, according to The Great British Holiday Audit by easyJet and easyJet Holidays. The report highlights a surge in bookings for Spanish hotspots like Valencia, Palma Mallorca, and Ibiza, particularly around August 12th, as travellers aim to combine sun-soaked breaks with catching the solar eclipse.
These locations are perfectly situated in the eclipse’s path and benefit from long, clear summer days. And the trend is especially popular among Gen Z and has been amplified by TikTok, following a wave of interest sparked by the Northern Lights visibility in the UK in 2025.
Beyond astronomical events, longer short-haul flights of five to six hours are also becoming the “new norm”. For example, Tunisia saw a 12% increase in easyJet flights, particularly to the island of Djerba. Meanwhile, Tbilisi, Georgia is gaining traction as a popular city-break destination.
And travel to longer-leisure hotspots such as Morocco, Turkey, and Cyprus has seen a 21% rise.
Travel writer Nigel Thompson, who co-authored the report, said: “We’re seeing travellers plan around passions and purpose – whether that’s spirituality, culture, sport or nature.
“It looks like 2026 is about meaning as much as mobility, but value remains a key factor.”
‘Gen P’ travellers (those in their formative educational years during the pandemic) are embracing European pilgrimage routes like Santiago de Compostela and Lourdes.
Also, the return of hit TV shows like The White Lotus to Europe is expected to drive interest in destinations across the south of France as part of a ‘screen-led’ travel.
Similarly, ‘canon country tourism’—visiting locations made famous in literature and modern retellings, such as Verona (Shakespeare) and Pamplona (Hemingway)—is on the rise, with 28% of holidaymakers choosing a destination based on TV, books, or film.
What’s more, the padel phenomenon is fuelling sports-focused holidays, particularly in Spain, where the sport has surpassed tennis in popularity. The research found 10% of holidaymakers are now trying padel or pickleball while on holiday.
Additionally, many fans are opting to travel to European fan zones to soak up the atmosphere of events like the World Cup, saving time and money compared to travelling across the Atlantic.
While these trends take off, travellers are also adapting their booking and holiday habits, with many holidaymakers increasingly using vlogs and VR to explore destinations before making a booking.
As for parents with pre-school children, they are maximising flexibility and travelling more before term-time restrictions begin. While on the other end of the spectrum ‘Home Alone’ Parents (those without adult children or pets) are rediscovering the freedom to travel.
Garry Wilson, CEO at easyJet Holidays, summarised the findings: “In 2026, there’s a clear desire to make holidays count… people are prioritising connection, wellbeing and memories that last, not just time away.”
THE 15 TRENDS THAT WILL DEFINE HOW BRITS TRAVEL IN 2026:
Longer short haul – Bringing destinations that blend distance with convenience into easy reach
Try before you fly – Utilising immersive technology like VR, or short-form video platforms to experience the destination first through someone else’s eyes
Translation Exploration – Embracing adventure and veering off the beaten track with the confidence of strong language translators including AI instant translate
Pre-School’s Out – Parents with younger children cram holidays in before term time constraints take their toll
Dark sky tourism – European dark sky spots to enjoy their day in the sun as Gen Zer’s travel to pursue newfound interests in astronomy and astrophotography
Take your pickle… or padel – Booking holiday destinations based on new sporting activities on offer, including pickleball, padel or paddleboarding.
Wardrobe wanderlust – selling clothes on sites such as eBay, Vinted or Depop to put towards travel budgets, decluttering at the same time
The White Lotus effect – set to return to Europe in 2026, travellers will look to replicate the luxury seen on the silver screen
Canon country tourism – Visiting historic towns and landscapes rediscovered through classic literature or their modern retelling, from Shakespeare’s Verona to Hemingway’s Pamplona.
Sun – without – screen – Exploring inventive or classic ways to reduce screentime whilst on holiday, but prioritising an analogue way of life
Community influence – Taking the online travel community off-line by joining on group travel trips organised by travel content creators, experts in their own rights
Wealth of experience – Prioritising experiences within travel, culture and personal enrichment over assets
Home alone – Taking more holidays as a parent of adult children with a live-in house or pet-sitter (your adult children)
Gen-P – Exploring historic religious pilgrimages as a reason to travel, from Santiago de Compostela to Lourdes
Putting the world in cup – Using major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup as a reason to travel to teams’ home countries, watching iconic matches surrounded by local fans
The islands are becoming the go-to winter sun destination for UK travellers, with easyJet launching direct flights from London Gatwick and some regional airports
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The islands tend to have warmer weather than the Canaries(Image: Getty Images)
Many of us are well and truly fed up with the January weather, and with warmer days in the UK still a long way off, it may be time to spoil yourself with a winter sun holiday.
Luckily, you don’t have to go long haul to get some warm weather this time of year. Options such as the Canary Islands are popular, but if you want somewhere a bit more off-the-beaten track, then another set of islands are becoming increasingly popular.
Cape Verde has warm weather year-round, and in the next couple of weeks, daytime highs will reach 24C, making it warmer than Tenerife at 20C. With flights clocking in at around six hours, you don’t need to spend an entire day on a plane to enjoy its long days of sunshine.
The islands that make up Cape Verde include Sal and Boa Vista, with the largest airport where most Brits arrive on Sal. Budget airline easyJet launched flights to the archipelago back in March 2025, with the route marking the airline’s first foray into Sub-Saharan Africa. It also became easyJet’s longest route at the time. The airline went on to launch a route from Manchester, and from May 1, passengers will also be able to fly from Bristol.
TUI also flies to the island from the same airports and also offers routes from Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. A seasonal service from the East Midlands is also available to book on dates from April 29.
The islands, positioned off Africa’s west coast, attracted roughly 1.2 million tourists in 2024. However, this figure pales in comparison to the Canaries’ visitor numbers. Tenerife alone drew approximately seven million holidaymakers during the same period, giving Cape Verde a decidedly less crowded atmosphere.
The islands’ biggest selling point is undoubtedly the delightful climate. While February is still winter in Cape Verde, temperatures routinely reach 27 °C during the day, with six to eight hours of sunshine and minimal rainfall. In contrast, Tenerife hovers between 17C and 22C during this period, enjoying roughly six hours of sun, but conditions can be overcast with brief showers.
Flying with easyJet will land you in Sal, an island characterised by its volcanic desert terrain. The majority of holidaymakers stay in Santa Maria on the southern coast, famed for its expansive golden beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. The resort town has a laid-back atmosphere, with streets adorned by swaying palm trees.
After dusk, the area comes alive with vibrant nightlife featuring live performances and beachfront bars. Travellers can enjoy windsurfing, take boat trips to look for sharks, or explore the disused Pedra Lume salt mine nestled within a dormant volcano. Guests can explore the historical mining site before indulging in a rejuvenating mud treatment and float in the salty pools, which are reputed to leave skin feeling wonderfully soft.
Of course, there’s no obligation to remain on Sal throughout your holiday. A three-hour ferry journey connects you to Boa Vista, home to a selection of resorts. This quieter island boasts stunning, pristine beaches where lucky visitors might see turtles emerging from the ocean.
Take a quad bike expedition across the arid wilderness, or set sail aboard a catamaran to discover the finest coastal spots. On the island’s northern tip, you’ll also find the wrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, which has remained grounded in these waters since 1968, providing a fascinating backdrop for photographs.
EasyJet Holidays‘ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Bixby, previously said in a statement: “Cape Verde is a fantastic destination, providing year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches. That’s why we’re thrilled to be offering our brilliant package holidays, whether it’s a family looking for a resort to enjoy with kids, or a couple looking for adults-only luxury, we have a great range of fantastic resorts across the island of Sal.”
Accommodation options vary from budget-friendly basics to luxurious all-inclusive properties. The Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa, an adults-only venue with all-inclusive packages, boasts outstanding reviews. One satisfied guest said: “The resort itself is beautiful, a true oasis of tranquillity and style.” The property also features swim-up rooms for a luxury stay.
For families, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort sits in an enviable spot on the vibrant Ponta Sino, a popular destination for kitesurfers. A guest praised their experience: “A lovely stay at Hilton Sal Cabo Verde and would certainly return again. Great location and friendly staff. Extremely clean and good choice of food. Rooms are a great size with comfy beds.”
EasyJet operates flights from London Gatwick to Sal three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with February fares starting from £148.99 one-way. Current holiday packages feature a seven-night all-inclusive getaway at Sol Dunas Family Fun, departing February 3 from Manchester, priced from £737 per person, based on two adults sharing a double room and using code BIGSALE.
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