Jet2 wants travellers to make an important check(Image: P A Thompson via Getty Images)
Jet2, Britain’s third-largest airline, wants passengers to act before they are due to depart. The travel operator is urging those set to fly with them this year to take action “at least 12 hours before your flight”, according to their most recent guidance.
In its “latest travel information” section, Jet2 advises holidaymakers to check the site at least 12 hours prior to their flight for any updates. The alert continues: “Further information can be found by using the [above] search panel by entering your flight number or route. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.”
Passengers are also reminded that check-in desks close 40 minutes before departure. In case of any flight disruption, Jet2 assures that its dedicated Operations teams at its UK-based HQ are working tirelessly to get passengers “on their way as soon as possible”.
Jet2 currently operates from several airports across the UK including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Manchester Airport, Glasgow Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Newcastle Airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, East Midlands Airport, Birmingham Airport, London Luton, London Stansted, Bristol Airport, and Bournemouth.
The carrier operates flights to over 75 destinations across Europe, including Spain, Turkey and Italy. Jet2 recently announced it is launching Palermo as a brand-new city break destination in Summer 26, with trips available from Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle International – from May 1 until October 23.
Meghan Law, who is an NHS nurse, has expressed her anger after her teenage son Alix Dawson was not allowed to board the Qatar Airways plane for Phuket, Thailand
Meghan Law is pictured with her sons; Alix Dawson (left) and 10-year-old Cole(Image: Kennedy News and Media)
A mum has blasted Qatar Airways after her 13-year-old son was denied boarding their flight for Thailand.
Meghan Law said there was “no justification” for her experience at Edinburgh Airport, which threatened to derail her £3,000 family holiday. Check-in staff, though, told Meghan there was a “luggage sticker mark” on Alix Dawson’s passport, which they said constituted “damage”.
The mum was ordered to go to Glasgow Airport — around 50 miles away — for a new emergency document. Scrambling to salvage her family’s holiday, Meghan contacted TUI, who she had booked the trip with, for their advice. The tour operator found no issues with the passport and put them on the next available flight to Thailand.
But Meghan, 33, has now vowed to never use Qatar Airways again. The NHS nurse, who has two kids, said: “If I hadn’t booked through TUI and booked it myself, we just wouldn’t have been able to go on holiday. One way from Glasgow on the same day of travel would’ve been £2,800. There’s no way I would’ve been able to pay that.
“I’d never had an experience like that at any other airport. There was no justification for it. I’ll never fly with Qatar again. It ruined the start of the trip – it was so stressful.”
Meghan, who lives in Aberdeen, has now returned from her two-week holiday, but wants to raise awareness of her experience. HM Passport Office classes a passport as damaged for several reasons, including if details are indecipherable, if there are missing or detached pages and if there is a chemical or ink spillage on any page.
But Meghan said Alix’s document had neither of these issues, and had previously been accepted dozens of times at airports. She continued: “I said I’ve used this umpteen times. No one’s ever mentioned any damage on it before. There were no rips or stains, I don’t know what she was trying to imply. I was really shocked.
“She told me that I need to get an emergency passport from Glasgow Airport. Then she said actually it’s not your passport that’s the problem, it’s your child’s, Alix.
“What they were trying to say was that the luggage check-in stickers that had been stuck on one of the pages [and] had damaged the page. But it wasn’t even on the photo page.
“There were no rips, it was just where the sticker marks had been. They said we couldn’t travel with it. I knew there were no issues with their passports. We’d probably travelled over a dozen times with those passports. We were just left in the airport with no help and no advice.”
The Mirror has contacted Qatar Airways for comment.
Pretoria Drever and Rhonan Kelly said they were “absolutely gutted” to miss their trip to Amsterdam but felt they “probably would’ve died” had they stayed on the KLM plane
05:16, 30 Oct 2025Updated 06:03, 30 Oct 2025
Pretoria Drever and Rhonan Kelly have shared their experience(Image: Kennedy News and Media)
A British couple claim they had no choice but to leave their aircraft and miss their holiday despite boarding — as staff “ignored” their nut allergies.
Pretoria Drever and Rhonan Kelly say KLM flight attendants continued to hand out free almond-topped cakes, even though they had told employees of their airborne allergies. Despite again raising their concerns after boarding, the couple decided they had no option but to disembark and miss their holiday to Amsterdam booked for Rhonan’s 25th birthday.
KLM says it “cannot control or prohibit other passengers” from eating products that contain — or may contain — nuts during flights. It did, though, state staff do request tourists refrain from doing so by delivering onboard announcements upon boarding.
But the situation at the gate at Edinburgh Airport on Saturday October 25 became so concerning for the couple, they felt “backed into a corner” and left the aircraft.
Rhonan, who recently got engaged to Pretoria, said: “I’ve never felt so discriminated against in all my life. I honestly believe if we took off on that flight and they served the nuts they’d have taken an emergency landing in London or we’d have probably died on the flight.
“When we book a holiday, we always double check with the airline [about our allergies]. We asked if they’d put an announcement out to ask passengers not to open anything if they do have nuts in them and if they could not sell nuts on the plane.
“Even the menu for that day was meant to be a cookie but when we got on the plane it was a banana loaf with almonds and nuts on it. The manager on the plane was saying ‘we’re not going to stop selling [nut products]. We spoke to KLM Amsterdam and they’ve told us to go ahead with selling the nut products and they can’t put an announcement out’. They said if we don’t like it, we have to basically not fly.
“I was angry but it was very embarrassing. I felt as if I was backed into a corner because no matter what we said or did, we knew we weren’t going to win.
“The pilot said that basically they need to carry out a service for what everybody’s paid for but I paid for it as well. I feel quite disgusted that an airline would do something like that.”
Although staff allegedly told Pretoria and Rhonan EpiPens were onboard, the couple felt this was not sufficient because it is only a short-term measure and typically effective until paramedics help.
Now, having missed the two-day trip, Pretoria and Rhonan, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, hope to get a refund from KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands. They say they declared their allergy to nuts and peanuts on an online form, and arrived two hours early to Edinburgh Airport so they could alert staff on Saturday.
“I was absolutely gutted [to miss out on the trip] It’s put me off using that airline again and it’s actually putting the fear in me flying. I have to build myself up to be able to go on a plane. I know the air is circulated and I know that’s the chance I take,” Rhonan added.
Pretoria, who works in car insurance, admitted she could go into anaphylactic shock within just two minutes of nut exposure because of her airborne allergy and the experience has put her off flying.
Pretoria said: “Before we got on the flight, I had such bad anxiety about flying but I thought ‘it’s only an hour and a half’. But it was the worst experience ever.
“It made me feel I was different to everyone else. It was humiliating getting off the plane and as if we were less than everyone else, as if we’ve paid less so we should be leaving.
“But we obviously paid the same as every other passenger. It made me feel rubbish and unwanted. No-one even stuck us for us or said ‘I won’t eat that so they can fly’.
“They were putting our safety at risk. There’s two of us but 190 passengers so that’s the whole air with nuts in it, it was horrible. I’ll never fly with them again and it’s put me off flying ever again.”
A KLM spokesman said: “We are sorry to hear about the experience Mr. Kelly and Ms. Drever had prior to their flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam.
“We understand how serious nut allergies can be and how distressing this situation must have been for them. When a passenger informs our crew about a nut allergy, we can make an onboard announcement kindly requesting fellow passengers to keep nut-containing products sealed for the duration of the flight.
“However, we cannot control or prohibit other passengers from consuming products that may contain nuts during the flight. While we do our utmost to support passengers with allergies, we unfortunately cannot guarantee a nut-free environment on board.
For a “picture-perfect” festive season, this market is a must-visit and has been voted the top destination for a Christmas market
An aerial view of visitors in the Christmas Market at Krakow(Image: Getty)
It may only be October, but many of us are already fantasising about a magical Christmas – and perhaps one final quick break before 2025 draws to a close.
And a European Christmas market that’s just over 2 hours from the UK has been declared the number one destination to visit this year for a “picture-perfect” escape.
Europe is celebrated for hosting some of the globe’s most enchanting Christmas markets that have delightful medieval backdrops, snow-covered pavements, sparkling illuminations, and fun festivities.
It’s essential viewing for both wanderlust seekers and anyone who adores the holiday period. Ranking the top 15 across the continent, The Travel Expert declared Krakow, Poland, as the finest to experience, reports Edinburgh Live.
The expert revealed: “Home to Europe’s largest market square, Krakow is an excellent choice for a Christmas market break. The massive main square in the centre of the old town comes alive with hundreds of market stalls selling handmade gifts and souvenirs as well as traditional local food and mulled wine to enjoy.”
What’s even more appealing, direct flights from UK airports cost as little as £36 via easyJet. If a Christmas escape is on your 2025 wish list, here’s what you can expect on a visit to Krakow.
What does Krakow have to offer?
According to Visit Krakow, the festive market has been staged in the Main Square since the early 14th century. Krakow boasts three principal Christmas markets. The biggest can be found on Rynek Główny, the Main Square, while smaller festive gatherings operate at Plac Wolnica in Kazimierz and outside the Galeria Krakowska shopping centre.
Each market showcases a magnificent selection of seasonal presents and handicrafts, alongside substantial food offerings and warming mulled beverages. “In addition to pierogi dumplings and traditional Polish soups, there are kiosks selling skewers of meat and delicious grilled sheep cheese,” the website said. “Vodkas, liqueurs, and spirits really take the edge off a winter’s night. For pudding, there are waffles, gingerbread biscuits, and Eastern European pastries.”
Beyond food and drink, Krakow provides numerous seasonal activities. The Old Town and Kazimierz markets showcase stages hosting holiday performances throughout December, while the Galeria Krakowska market includes a small ice rink.
A standout feature of the city’s festive customs is the szopki krakowskie nativity scenes. Rather than conventional nativity displays, these vibrantly coloured models draw inspiration from the city’s churches and cathedrals.
A representative from Krakow Christmas’ official website also declared: “Krakow Christmas market is one of the most picture-perfect settings for a Christmas market that you can imagine. Krakow’s Main Square is huge.
“It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, and amongst all the Christmas market stalls is the beautiful twin-towered basilica of St Mary’s. In the centre of the square is the Cloth Hall. In Polish, the Cloth Hall is called Sukiennice (pronounced Sukyenitse). Krakow’s Cloth Hall is THE place to go for souvenirs throughout the whole year, and Christmas-time is no exception.”
The blog page also suggests there may be a chance of a white Christmas for those seeking the perfect winter wonderland. Experts say snow is most likely to fall in southern Poland, and Krakow sits close to the Tatra mountain, offering the city a much stronger prospect of a snowy backdrop – though, as ever, the weather remains unpredictable.
Is Krakow worth a visit?
A travel blogger called The Sunshine Seeker, who lived in Krakow and visited it at least 10 times, shared her view on whether the market is genuinely excellent. She said: “So is Krakow Christmas Market worth visiting? My answer is YES, but… It is worth it because Krakow is worth it.
“Krakow is one of the most beautiful yet affordable weekend getaways in Europe. However, I wouldn’t plan a visit to Krakow just for the Christmas Market, there are better destinations such as Dresden and Strasbourg for that. Or Wroclaw Christmas Market which is the largest in Poland.”
If you’re planning a visit, the 2025 market is set to open on November 28 and will run until December 26, with some stalls remaining open through the New Year. Direct flights from Edinburgh Airport to Krakow cost as little as £35.99 via easyJet. According to the Sunshine Seeker, the Christmas Market is open from around 10:00 until 8:00 pm, and the food stalls are open even later.
The optimal time to experience Krakow Christmas Market is during the week when it’s dark as it will allow you to soak up the atmosphere. Sundays are extremely busy. Krakow is a walkable city, meaning tourists can stroll to the Christmas Market from most hotels.
“I always recommend you stay in Kazmierz, my favourite neighbourhood in Krakow, or somewhere along the park that encircles the Old Town,” said the blogger. She continued: “I find Krakow Christmas Market one of Europe’s most affordable.
“The market has some more expensive items; however, Krakow, and Poland in general, is still quite affordable. You can expect to pay €3 – €10 for food, €4.5 for a draft beer and $5.5 for mulled wine.”
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An easyJet flight(Image: Mrkit99 via Getty Images)
easyJet has today made an announcement, aimed at people aged above 17 and three months. The airline is launching applications for its 2026 engineering apprenticeship programme, with roles available at a number of major UK airports.
This comes at a time when the UK Civil Aviation Authority estimates that 27% of the aircraft engineering workforce is set to retire within the next decade, and after new research commissioned by easyJet suggests more needs to be done to encourage young Brits to consider a career in engineering.
Some 65% of the 2,000 16-24 year olds surveyed said they had never considered a career in the field, with many deterred by misconceptions about their suitability for the profession. Over half (59%) believed they lacked the right qualifications, while 34% said engineering was never presented as an option at school and 21% thought it was too expensive to pursue.
The study also highlighted a gender gap, with only 36% of young women considering a career in engineering, compared to 52% of young men. In reality, an apprenticeship offers an accessible alternative route into the profession, providing the skills, experience and confidence needed for a successful career in engineering.
As well as this, the research revealed a growing trend among 16-24 year-olds expressing an interest in pursuing a career with a purpose. Over half (52%) expressed a desire to be in a role that benefits society, with more than two-fifths (44%) stating they aspired to a career that would help tackle climate change.
A further 43% identified engineering as a profession that could help achieve these goals through activities such as developing lower-emission technologies. In an effort to dispel misconceptions and support young 16–24 year olds in their ambition of a purpose-driven career path, easyJet is welcoming its next batch of aspiring engineers, offering an apprenticeship programme that will provide essential skills while earning and learning on the job, without the barriers of traditional routes to access the profession.
Speaking about the call for more apprentices to join its ranks, Brendan McConnellogue, Director of Engineering and Maintenance at easyJet said: “Today’s young people are motivated by purpose – they want to solve problems, travel, innovate and play their part in building a more sustainable future.
“Our engineering apprenticeships give candidates the chance to gain valuable experience working on our state-of-the-art fleet of aircraft while helping to deliver on aviation’s commitment to decarbonisation.
“This programme not only provides a pathway to grow professionally but also allows apprentices to make a meaningful contribution to the success of our operations throughout our network. We’re looking forward to opening the doors to applicants from all backgrounds who are ready to take their first step into a rewarding career in aviation.”
Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “This engineering apprenticeship scheme marks an important step in continuing to build a highly skilled aviation workforce fit for the future.
“Initiatives like easyJet’s unlock exciting, flexible routes into aviation, backing an expanding sector whilst offering young people valuable opportunities and long-term careers – helping deliver our Plan for Change.”
Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, with spots up for grabs across all of easyJet’s major engineering bases nationwide including Luton Airport, London Gatwick Airport, Manchester Airport, Liverpool Airport, Bristol Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport. Those with a minimum of 2 GCSEs at grade 3 and above or equivalent (SCQF Level 4) Scottish Qualifications in English and Maths are urged to apply here
The Ryanair passenger, a 21-year-old man, was removed from the flight destined for Spain after he was accused of committing an aviation offence, causing a two-hour delay
05:55, 05 Aug 2025Updated 05:55, 05 Aug 2025
Police were called to the aircraft after an alarm was allegedly set off by a passenger(Image: Jam Press/@itstristanjames)
A Ryanair passenger who allegedly vaped in the plane toilet was marched off a plane by six police officers.
The 21-year-old man caused a two-hour delay to his flight after it is said he puffed on a vape in the loo before the plane was due to take off at Edinburgh Airport. Police stormed the aircraft and detained the young man on suspicion of breaching aviation laws.
Mr Walker said the man on his flight was bundled into a police van amid their delay. Authorities have confirmed the 21-year-old suspect has been charged in relation to an aviation offence.
Police stormed the flight(Image: Jam Press/@itstristanjames)
Speaking yesterday about the footage, shot on July 3, Mr Walker said: “A young lad in a group happened to set the alarm off for apparently vaping.
“The pilot then came out after the air stewardess explained what happened, and then the pilot stated he would be removed from the plane. The young lad waited for over six police officers to come on board.
“He was taken off, he was very calm, didn’t argue or anything, no drama. We then happened to bump into him on Benidorm’s famous strip and he told us he just got a caution and was banned from Ryanair.”
A representative for Police Scotland said: “Around 7.55 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 were called to an aircraft at Edinburgh Airport. Officers attended, and a 21-year-old man was charged in connection with an aviation offence. A report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
UK holidaymakers could experience serious travel disruption over the busy summer holiday period, as workers in two major airports could ballot over strike action against their employer
Two major UK airports could ballot union members over strike action(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Brits could face serious travel disruption over the summer holidays, as workers at two major UK airports threaten strike action.
Unite the Union has revealed that staff at Edinburgh and Glasgow Airport have overwhelmingly rejected ‘unacceptable’ pay offers from their employer, Menzies Aviation. An overwhelming 97 per cent of around 300 workers at Glasgow Airport and 100 per cent of some 300 workers at Edinburgh Airport voted against the proposed deals.
The union has since warned that unless Menzies Aviation presents an improved offer, it will be forced to ballot members for strike action, potentially causing summer travel chaos. “Summer strike action looms over Edinburgh and Glasgow airports because the pay offers on the table from Menzies Aviation aren’t good enough,” Unite industrial officer Carrie Binnie said.
Threats of industrial action emerged last year, but were called off after workers accepted a new pay deal(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
“Menzies Aviation has the ability to improve its offers and they can easily resolve this pay dispute without any disruption to the travelling public. If the company fail to table a better offer to our members, Unite will have no option but to ballot our members for strikes over the summer holidays.”
Glasgow rejected a 4.25 per cent pay increase, while Edinburgh rejected a four per cent increase. The union emphasised that the ground crew workers, including dispatchers, allocators, airside agents, and controllers, all play a vital role in supporting major airlines.
The threat of industrial action follows similar tensions last year. However, these strikes were called off when workers accepted a new and improved pay deal in July, 2024.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “Unite’s Menzies members have emphatically rejected unacceptable pay offers. The Menzies group is posting sky-high profits and our members who contribute towards this success deserve far better from the company.”
Glasgow and Edinburgh airport could face heavy disruption this summer, if workers vote to strike(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Last year, Edinburgh Airport handled a record-breaking 15.78 million passengers, a 10 per cent increase compared to the year before. Despite only having one runway and one terminal, 37 airlines operate from the hub – travelling to 155 different destinations.
Glasgow Airport is much smaller, and only welcomed 7.5 million passengers last year. Still, it was a 13 per cent increase from the previous year – and outranks Aberdeen (2.2 million) and Inverness (801,000) combined. According to reports, the hub flies to 27 different countries and offers 185 routes.
If your flight has been cancelled delayed in the last six year, or five in Scotland, you could still be eligible for compensation. You can find out more here.
PA approached Menzies Aviation for comment.
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