Heathrow

Anyone travelling abroad is advised to consult Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidance before setting off

Heathrow Airport has issued an important message to any Brits planning to travel abroad soon. The London-based facility posted its alert on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today, encouraging prospective travellers to sign up for key alerts.

“Looking to book your next trip from #Heathrow?”, the post read. “Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or engaging in extreme sports, make sure to check the latest @FCDOtravelGovUK travel advice for your destination and sign up to http://GOV.UK email alerts.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or FCDO, is the UK Government department responsible for handling the country’s foreign affairs and providing advice to citizens abroad. Online, it offers an A-to-Z list of 226 countries and territories, including details on ongoing incidents, safety, entry requirements, and other essential travel information.

Similar travel guidance related to health can also be found at the TravelHealthPro site, operated by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). This offers specific details on disease outbreaks and ongoing concerns, along with vaccination guidance.

Travellers are generally advised to check health advisories and vaccination details at least eight weeks before their departure. Beyond this, the FCDO encourages Brits to use its foreign travel checklist to ensure they are fully prepared.

The checklist, available on the FCDO website, details the following key points:

• Research your destination and check the latest advice and warnings.
• Get insured as soon as you book the trip.
• Check you have all the necessary documents for travel.
• Consider your health, including relevant vaccination advice and rules on taking medication abroad.
• Prepare for the unexpected and have backup plans for accessing key information abroad.
• Know that you can contact the FCDO in London 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000 for advice. You may also contact your nearest British embassy abroad.

Despite this, the Government’s website warns: “Our foreign travel checklist aims to help you plan for a trouble-free trip. It is not exhaustive. No foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe, and you take personal responsibility for your own travel.”

For more information, head to the FCDO’s travel advice website or TravelHealthPro here.

What counts as a liquid in luggage when travelling abroad?

The UK Government’s full list of what is considered hand luggage liquids on flights is below:

• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
• Contact lens solution
• Pastes, including toothpaste
• Gels, including hair and shower gel
• All drinks, including water

Liquid carry-on rules differ depending on the airport. Before your trip, verify the regulations at your departure airport, any airports you’ll pass through, and on your return journey.

The Government’s advice adds: “At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full. Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to two litres of liquid.

“Check for exemptions if you’re taking baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements or liquids bought in duty free.”

Heathrow, NatWest and Minecraft are among some of the sites and services experiencing problems amid a global Microsoft outage.

Outage tracker Downdetector showed thousands of reports of issues with a number of websites globally on Wednesday.

Microsoft said some users of Microsoft 365 might see delays with Outlook and some other services.

The company’s Azure cloud computing platform, which underpins large parts of the internet, reported a “degradation of some services” at 1600 GMT.

It said this was due to “DNS issues” – the same root cause of the huge Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage last week.

Amazon says AWS is currently operating normally.

Other impacted sites in the UK include supermarket Asda and mobile phone operator O2 – while in the US, people have reported issues accessing the websites of coffee chain Starbucks and retailer Kroger.

Microsoft said business Microsoft 365 customers might see problems.

Some web pages on Microsoft also directed users to an error notifications that read “Uh oh! Something went wrong with the previous request.”

A Microsoft spokesperson said it is working to “address an issue affecting Azure Front Door that is impacting the availability of some services,” adding that it is sharing updates on the Azure status page.

It said it had found parts of its infrastructure with connectivity issues, and was working to “reroute affected traffic to restore service health”.

It has started a thread on X with updates after some users reported they could not access the service status page.

Meanwhile, business at the Scottish Parliament has been suspended because of technical issues with the parliament’s online voting system.

A senior Scottish Parliament source told BBC News they believe the problems are related to the Microsoft outage.

While NatWest’s website was impacted, the bank’s mobile banking, web chat, and telephone customer services are still available.

NatWest customers with online banking bookmarked were able to access that service as well, the bank said.

On its service status page, Azure’s network infrastructure was showing as “critical” in every region in the world.

Exactly how much of the internet is impacted is unclear, but estimates typically put Microsoft Azure at around 20% of the global cloud market.

The firm said it believed the outage was a result of “an inadvertent configuration change”.

In other words, a behind-the-scenes system was changed, with unintended consequences.

Microsoft said it plans on fixing the problem by effectively replacing its service with a recent backup it knows was working properly.

But it could not give an estimate for how long this would take.

The concentration of cloud services into Microsoft, Amazon and Google means an outage like this “can cripple hundreds, if not thousands of applications and systems,” said Dr Saqib Kakvi, from Royal Holloway University.

“Due to cost of hosting web content, economic forces lead to consolidation of resources into a few very large players, but it is effectively putting all our eggs in one of three baskets.”

Paying for the extra fees on a flight is a big no-no, but former check-in agent Ashley Bautista revealed this one travel hack that will guarantee a seat charge at no extra cost

When it comes to travelling for long hours, especially on a plane, comfort is the number one priority to start the holiday on the right foot.

The first challenge comes whilst booking your ticket. Airlines charge for almost everything, including seat selection – and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the middle seat, or at the back of the plane away from your family and friends, especially on a long-haul flight.

As a former check-in agent at one of the world’s busiest airports, Ashley Bautista revealed what you can do instead to get your seat changed at no extra cost – and it works almost every time.

READ MORE: ‘I’ve been cabin crew for over 20 years – take-off activity is gamechanger for kids’READ MORE: ‘I was forced to quit flight attendant job – my huge bum would get stuck down aisle’

Everyone has a preferred seat, whether it’s the window to take pictures of the sky, the emergency exit row for extra legroom, or the back of the plane to be close to the toilet. For that reason, airlines then began to implement charges for passengers to reserve their seats. The other option is to deal with your allocated seat, which is given based on the weight and balance of the aircraft.

According to MSE, a few airlines allow passengers to select their seats free of charge as soon as they book their flight. For example, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways do this, with some exceptions. Virgin Atlantic also allows passengers to choose their own seat once check-in opens, and British Airways allows those with checked luggage.

If you’re travelling with a big group, the seat allocation system will always try to seat groups on the same booking together. However, if the bookings are, that’s a whole different story. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.

READ MORE: Flight attendant names the best time to use the toilet during a flight

Ashley’s advice is to head to the airport check-in counter as soon as it opens, and politely ask the agent if there are any seats together available. Unless the flight is completely full, most of the time, the agent will put you together with the person you’re travelling with.

Another secret is that even if the flight appears to be full, airlines often don’t manage to sell their pricier extra-legroom seats or emergency rows. In fact, some airlines keep them empty and assign them to random passengers. So, it never hurts to ask for a seat upgrade.

Of course, there are no guarantees and on some occasions, you will have to wait until check-in closes or all passengers are seated. Then, you can move around as you wish, as long as you’re not causing a disturbance to other passengers on board.

The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) in Warsaw, Poland, is a $32.5 billion project that aims to link the entire continent in unprecedented ways – but will it rival the likes of Dubai?

A swanky new airport could be landing in Europe, set to give London’s Heathrow and even the esteemed Dubai International a run for their money as it aims to connect the entire continent in ways never seen before.

The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, a proposed $32.5 billion project, is a fresh aviation gateway in Warsaw that carries the weight of Poland’s ambitious mega airport dreams. However, the idea is rapidly advancing, with the official approval and handover of the passenger terminal design marking a significant step forward.

This indicates the massive airport is officially moving into its next phase of development. The question remains, will this new progression challenge the dominance of the Middle East, home to both the world’s largest airport, King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and the busiest, Dubai International Airport?

While it still trails behind the world’s largest airport, CPK’s predicted passenger capacity makes it a strong contender as the new hub for Europe. In contrast, Dubai is on track to handle 100 million passengers by the end of next year, thanks to its strategic geographical position with other continents, while the Polish project will eventually accommodate up to 44 million.

Even the busiest airports in Europe can’t compete with Dubai, which saw its top airport process a staggering 40 million people in the first half of 2025. Despite significant growth, mega hubs like Milan Malpensa and Athens still can’t match the sheer volume of passengers that Dubai is handling, reports the Express.

Construction of CPK is due to kick off in 2026, with an ambitious plan to integrate both air and high-speed rail travel. The design aims to revolutionise connectivity across the continent, covering a whopping 450,000 square metres.

The major plans include around 140 check-in desks with the capacity to expand to up to 170, as passenger demand increases, according to Gulf News.

As for the aircraft, the terminal will feature over 20 dedicated contact stands for both narrow-body and wide-body planes, with plans for a phased expansion.

These ground-breaking plans, designed by Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, are three times the size of Warsaw Chopin Airport’s current terminal. But the impressive figures don’t stop there.

Their mega airport will initially be designed to handle up to 34 million passengers annually, with plans to increase to 44 million.

This ambitious multi-billion-pound project is set to include an underground railway station as part of the Warsawod High-Speed Rail Line. The rail system is slated for completion by 2029, while the airport is not anticipated to be fully operational until 2032.

Gulf News has reported that the initial estimates for the CPK project were a staggering $32.5 billion up to 2032; however, recent figures suggest this could soar to an eye-watering $34 billion in total. The mammoth airport is aiming to snatch a ‘meaningful share of Europe’s air traffic’ and transform into a multi-modal hub, but will it be worth its sky-high cost?

Following this advice could ensure your trip is as safe and stress-free as possible

A major UK airport has issued an alert to all passengers. Heathrow airport told people to “make sure to check” travel advice ahead of a planned trip.

While many of us head abroad as a way to relax and take a break from our day-to-day lives, holidays can prove stressful if they don’t go smoothly. For this reason, it is important to stay up-to-date with any travel warnings and advice for your chosen destination. In a on X, the official Heathrow Airport account said: “Looking to book your next trip from Heathrow?

“Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or engaging in extreme sports, make sure to check the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination and sign up to http://GOV.UK email alerts.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides a comprehensive travel guide for each country on its website here. You can use this to get the latest information on your destination.

As part of a more general travel checklist, the FCDO says before your trip you should:

• Research your destination
• Get insured
• Check your documents
• Consider your health

Research your destination

Before heading off you should make sure you are up-to-date on all the latest travel advice for your destination. The FCDO said: “Get up-to-date advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences by checking foreign travel advice for the country you’re visiting.”

You can do this via the FCDO website, here.

Get insured

You should not leave this important step until the last minute. “Get appropriate travel insurance as soon as you book,” the FCDO said.

“Check that it covers the places you will visit, the duration of your visit and any planned activities such as adventure sports. Tell your insurance company about any medical conditions, including undiagnosed conditions which are being investigated, and check that your policy will cover these.”

Check your documents for travel

This includes doing the following:

• Sign your passport and complete the emergency contacts page
• Ensure that your passport meets the entry requirements for the country you are visiting (for example, it may need to be valid for a set period after your trip ends)
• Get the correct visa for your destination
• Take an extra form of photo ID with you, other than your passport
• If you are travelling with children check whether you need extra documentation
• If you plan to drive abroad check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Consider your health

As standard, you should check the healthcare advice for all countries you’re visiting. It is also vital to check what vaccinations you need and what health precautions you should take at least eight weeks before you travel.

Information on this is available on the NHS website. You should also check the rules on taking your medicine abroad.

More specifically, if you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, you should apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), if your GHIC (or EHIC) has expired. The FCDO said: “An EHIC or GHIC may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs. It is not a substitute for travel insurance.”

If you are planning on drinking while away you should also “be alert” to the risk of spiked and contaminated drinks, including methanol poisoning. You can check the Travel Aware website for more details.

Getting help from the FCDO

You can stay up to date before and during travel by following FCDO Travel Advice on Facebook and X. You can sign up for email alerts on GOV.UK

You can contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the FCDO in London 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000 for advice.

British Airways claims to serve more American cities than any other UK airline, with St. Louis set to become its 27th

British Airways is poised to grow its transatlantic network by launching new direct flights from London to the United States in 2026. The new flight route will connect London Heathrow to St. Louis, a prominent city in Missouri at the heart of the Midwest.

Famous for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant neighbourhoods, the UK airline believes St. Louis has something for every visitor. Its flights to the city are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026 and will operate four times a week throughout the summer.

In light of the announcement, Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “St. Louis is a fantastic addition to our US network – it’s a destination in itself as a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as a gateway to exciting destinations beyond this.

“As the only direct route from the UK, this service will open up exciting new opportunities for our customers and further strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest.”

British Airways claims to serve more American cities than any other UK airline, with St. Louis set to become its 27th. The launch will also make British Airways the only UK airline operating direct flights to St. Louis.

The St. Louis launch coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the famous highway that begins in Chicago, passes through St. Louis, and continues to Los Angeles.

A British Airways release about the launch adds: “The city’s stretch of the ‘Mother Road’ is packed with Americana charm, from vintage diners and neon signs to historic motels and roadside attractions, offering the perfect starting point for travellers seeking a classic US road trip experience.

“Beyond its Route 66 heritage, St. Louis is home to Forest Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US –, a range of free museums and a thriving craft beer scene, making it an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer adventures.

“The city also boasts a proud sporting legacy, with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals (Major League Baseball), Blues (National Hockey League) and City Soccer Club (Major League Soccer), earning the title of ‘Ultimate Sports City’ by ESPN The Magazine.”

Customers travelling to St. Louis can choose from three cabin options: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class). Return fares begin at £529 from October 1.

Passengers travelling in Club World may also enjoy the airline’s newest business class seat, the Club Suite, on selected flights. This offers a private space with direct aisle access, a fully flat bed, and a ’17-inch high-resolution entertainment screen’. Such travellers can indulge in a brasserie-style dining experience, with a selection of freshly prepared starters, mains, desserts, and cheeses.

Beginning next summer, the airline will resume its twice-daily flights to Miami and offer daily services to Dallas-Fort Worth, too. Meanwhile, flights to Las Vegas will increase from 10 to 13 per week, and the airline will operate to both San Diego and Austin 14 times a week as well.

New York (JFK) will now operate exclusively from London Heathrow, offering nine daily flights, including a new service with the airline’s 777-200 fleet.

For more information, head to ba.com.

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Sept. 21 (UPI) — Officials at London’s Heathrow airport are warning of a second day of delays for travelers after a cyber attack disabled a passenger check-in and baggage system.

The problem resulted in hundreds of delayed flights at several European airports on Saturday and left workers using pen and paper to check passengers in for their flights.

At least 90% of the 350 scheduled departures at Heathrow had been delayed, most by at least 15 minutes. Six had been delayed as of Sunday afternoon, according to Flightradar24, which tracks air traffic. Thirteen flights were canceled on Saturday, but most of the hundreds of scheduled flights were delayed.

A Heathrow spokesperson said the “underlying problem was outside our influence” and added that the airport brought on additional staff to help manage the situation.

“We apologize to those who have faced delays, but by working together with airlines, the vast majority of flights have continued to operate,” the spokesperson said.

There was no timeline for a return to a fully functional system, officials at Brussels Airport said, where authorities asked several air carriers to cancel at least half of their flights scheduled to depart on Monday.

RTX, owner of the software provider Collins Aerospace, said it was “aware of a cyber-related disruption” to its system in some airports, and that it was working to resolve the situation, the BBC reported.

The company has not disclosed the error in its software that caused the system to shut down, or how long the outage could last, but added that the disruption would stretch into at least until Monday because Collins has yet to provide a secure software update or any recommendations on a solution, airport officials said.

Airports urged travelers to check flight status before heading to the airport and recommended they arrive at their selected airport no earlier than three hours prior to long flights and at least two hours before shorter ones.

HEATHROW airport has evacuated passengers and shut down a terminal as fire crews rush to the scene.

Emergency services were called to the major airport at around 5pm.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters are responding to a possible hazardous materials incident at Heathrow Airport.

“Specialist crews have been deployed to carry out an assessment of the scene, and part of the airport has been evacuated as a precaution whilst firefighters respond.

“The brigade was first called about the incident at 17:01, and crews from Feltham, Heathrow, Wembley and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene.”

A spokesperson from Heathrow Airport said: “Terminal 4 check in has been closed and evacuated while emergency services respond to an incident.

“We are asking passengers not to travel to Terminal 4 and supporting those on site.”

The spokesperson said all other terminals are operating as normal.

“Trains are unable to call at Heathrow Terminal 4 due to the emergency services dealing with an incident,” National Rail added in a post on X.

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LONDON Heathrow Airport has revealed their multi-billion masterplan for the extension of the airport including the controversial third runway.

The huge project is expected to cost nearly £50million, if given the go-ahead by the government.

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The major new upgrade will be the £21billion third runway, which is set to be operational in the next 10 years.

This is the same estimation of costs predicted in 2014 of £14billion, when adjusted for inflation.

The new 3,500 metre runway will be in the northwest of the airport, and will eventually welcome up to 276,000 new flights a year.

This takes the annual flights from 480,000 to 756,000, with as many as 30 new flight routes a day.

It could even welcome more budget airlines, such as easyJet who have expressed desires to launch from London Heathrow with the expansion.

easyJet boss Kenton Jarvis said: “I’ve always thought Heathrow would fit our network of primary airports with great catchment areas.

“It would be a unique opportunity to operate from Heathrow at scale and give us an opportunity to provide lower fares for UK consumers that currently at Heathrow just have the option of flag carriers.”

The airport suggests this could save as much as £79billion over three decades with the addition of low-cost airlines.

A new £15billion terminal complex will also be built, called T5XW and T5XN.

The creation of the new terminals will also see T1 and T3 demolished, and T2 expanded, at the cost of £15billion.

In total, the entire project is expected to cost as much as £49billion.

As many as 150million passengers could then be using the airport, up from 84million.

This would make it the busiest airports in the world, overtaking Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s 105million passengers.

The airport hopes to get planning permission by 2029, if ministers allow the proposal to go ahead.

Other parts of the renovation include a 50 per cent in cargo capacity, and and larger access for buses and trains.

One of the biggest concerns is the access around the M25, a notoriously busy motorway.

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The improvement plans also include the widening the M25 near the Heathrow junctions (at a cost of £1.5billion) which will see a new section in a tunnel under the runway to reduce congestion.

A similar road layout is already in place at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

Earlier today, rival plans for a cheaper third runway were put forward.

Arora Group – a major Heathrow landowner – proposed a shorter third runway which would eliminate the need to reroute the M25.

Rather than being 3,500 metres in length, it would be just 2,800 metres.

The plans also include a new T6 terminal, with the full project estimated at £25million – half the cost of the official London Heathrow plans.

Mr Surinder Arora explained in regards to the ‘Heathrow West’ plan: “I am proud to unveil the Heathrow West proposal which meets the UK’s ambition to grow its only hub airport while delivering on time and on budget.”

He added that the Arora Group had a “track record of delivering on-time and on-budget projects including in and around Heathrow airport.”

However, London Heathrow refuted their suggestions in the their own proposal, saying “any other proposal would not have this extensive public scrutiny and policy backing, risking years of delay and judicial review which mean the Government’s timetable would be undeliverable.”

They also said that shorter runways “do not necessarily cost less” as the different location would require buying more residential properties with compensation costs not factored in.

Here’s another mega airport opening in Europe set to take on London Heathrow.

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HEATHROW Airport has been evacuated after reports of a fire.

Passengers were forced out of Terminal Three at Europe’s largest airport as fire crews probe the incident.

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Passengers have reported huge queues and baggage claim being shut down as staff respond to the alarm.

Writing on X, the airport said: “While the fire service investigate a fire alarm, some areas of Terminal 3 have been temporarily evacuated.

“Colleagues are working as quickly as possible to resolve this, and we apologise for any disruption this may cause to journeys.”

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With plans to expand even further, Heathrow Airport has proposed an expansion, but it will be at the cost of the passengers as ticket prices are set to rise to cover the cost

Heathrow Airport has announced plans for a huge expansion – at the cost of their passengers. Heathrow’s latest business plan suggests that the airport is to take on a further £8bn of debt, leaving their passengers to pay for terminal upgrades in a bid to accommodate an additional 10 million passengers annually by 2031, contingent on an increase in airline fees.

The proposed 10 million passenger increase represents a 12 per cent rise on current numbers, and to do this the airport is exploring the option to raise the average charge per passenger from the current £28.46 to £33.26.

READ MORE: Airport worker shares tip to make your suitcase the first off the plane

Heathrow is Europe’s busiest airport, and has been under plans from the government for a long-term vision of a new runway – which isn’t anticipated to be operational until 2035 at the earliest. So this new proposal offers a quicker route and was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday, detailing upgrades to existing terminals as a means to boost capacity.

Now the CAA is set to review the plans, but it comes after the airport is currently under fire for already being too expensive. Heathrow has reportedly been facing claims from airlines for being one of the world’s most expensive, and have urged the regulator to reduce the charges already

IAG, the parent group of Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, the Heathrow Airline Operators’ Committee (AOC) and the Arora hotel group have joined together in a coordinated attack on the airport’s regulatory regime.

They hope to “conduct an urgent and fundamental review into the way in which Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport and the largest in Europe, is regulated, for the benefit of consumers, businesses and the UK economy,” as reported by the Independent.

“Heathrow has become the world’s most expensive airport, with passengers and airlines today paying £1.1bn more each year than if charges were in line with equivalent major European airports,” the partners said in a statement. However, Heathrow argue that this investment will make expansion more affordable and less disruptive.

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said in a letter to the Transport Select Committee: “One factor is that the airport’s small physical footprint means a lot of our infrastructure has to be underground or built in a unique way, increasing the cost.

“We are also the busiest two-runway airport in the world, meaning the intensity of our operating environment is comparatively more complex and makes it much harder to make targeted improvements and investment while remaining operational.”

Paul McGuinness (Chair, No 3rd Runway Coalition) said: “The astonishing detail in Heathrow’s Five Year Plan is that only £2bn is of its £10bn cost will be funded by shareholder equity; so adding a further £8bn of debt to Heathrow’s current £20bn of arrears.”

He continued: “Heathrow’s business plans shows their determination to grow irrespective of whether or not expansion takes place. The fact that 80% of this investment will be financed through debt reveals a continuation of a strategy to sweat their assets to their limit which brings with it associated risks and higher costs which will no doubt be passed onto passengers.”

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Former check-in agent Ashley Bautista debunks the truth behind an overweight baggage hack that many think will lead to them avoiding last minute fees

Working at one of the busiest airports in the world has taught me some tips and tricks when it comes to travelling – and one hack Brits think will work can actually backfire.

Now that the summer holidays have begun, many Brits are looking forward to spending time away from home. As light as your summer clothes might feel, don’t be fooled, as they can add up in the suitcase. That’s when your bag becomes overweight.

And there’s nothing more infuriating than arriving at the check-in desk and being told that your bag is overweight by a few kilos. Naturally, no one wants to leave their items behind, and no one wants to be financially stung on-the-spot. If you’re travelling alone, most of the time there aren’t any other options but to pay the extra fee, which tends to be expensive.

READ MORE: Tiny suitcase label which ‘guarantees’ your luggage is first off the plane

Different rules apply to all airlines, which is why it’s always good to check the weight allowance per passenger. These can vary between 23 kg and 32 kg, depending on the airline and the ticket fare. However, it’s important to note that no piece of luggage can contain more than 32kg, and this stern rule applies at all UK airports.

Mick Temple, managing director of Heathrow, said: “We are committed to implementing safe working practices airport wide, which is why we want to make sure that all our airlines adhere to the same guidelines to help lessen manual handling injuries among airport staff.”

READ MORE: Airport worker’s suitcase hack that means it comes off the plane first

Lifting your suitcase doesn’t work

As a former check-in agent, I would play the game of pretending that I didn’t see the person I was checking in had a kilo or two more than their allowance. However, there would be occasions when their bags would be too heavy as per the airport’s health and safety guidelines.

Don’t even try lifting your suitcase slightly to reduce its weight on the scales by also trying to distract the check-in agent, because it doesn’t work.

With honesty and a good attitude, if you’re lucky, the agent may waive the excess baggage fee if your luggage is a little bit over the limit, usually up to 2kg. Nonetheless, depending on the circumstances, exceptions can be made.

Passengers have to remember that check-in agents are travellers themselves, and they understand the feeling of having to open up a suitcase in the middle of the queue and rearrange it under pressure. During these occasions, the most important thing is to remain calm. If you’re travelling internationally, you should arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight to avoid the stress.

Efforts should also be made to weigh the case before you come to the airport to avoid these awkward moments. No one wants to start their holidays on the wrong foot, right?

Today the UK’s busiest airport, Heathrow, has revealed its £10billion, five-year plan designed to turn the “extraordinary airport” into one “fit for the future”

Heathrow has unveiled a huge expansion plan that will see billions of pounds poured into the airport, capacity increased by 10 million passengers, and a terminal demolished.

Today, the UK’s busiest airport revealed its £10billion, five-year plan designed to turn the “extraordinary airport” into one “fit for the future.”

Once complete, Heathrow will be able to serve 10 million more passengers a year—a 12% increase in capacity compared to now. Cargo handling will also get a significant boost, with plans to increase freight capacity by 20%.

A redevelopment of the Central Terminal Area is also planned, with new lounges, shops, and restaurants to be installed in several terminals. Heathrow has said space equivalent to ten football pitches will be opened up to passengers across the terminals.

READ MORE: Wizz Air boss hit with £60 fine by own staff for breaking hand luggage rules

In a major change, Heathrow bosses will seek planning permission to demolish the old Terminal 1, extend Terminal 2, and build a new southern road tunnel to improve access.

In April 1969, Queen Elizabeth opened the new Heathrow Airport Terminal 1 on the site, then the largest airport terminal in Western Europe. It was used by commercial aviation customers until its closure in 2015.

The terminal has played an important role in the running of Heathrow since then. “The building is still maintained to a very high standard, and the entire building has to be kept fit for purpose for safety and escape route reasons,” the airport’s website explains. The site also houses the baggage system for Terminal 2.

The plan will have to account for the loss of Terminal 1’s current functions, presumably by moving these facilities and operations into the expanded Terminal 2.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: We’re making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport—having become Europe’s most punctual major airport so far this year. But our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we. To compete with global hubs, we must invest.

“Our five-year plan boosts operational resilience, delivers the better service passengers expect, and unlocks the growth capacity airlines want—with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago. With Heathrow’s UK-based supply chain, this private investment will create jobs and drive national growth during this Parliament. We are ready to deliver the more efficient, sustainable Heathrow that will keep Britain connected to the world.”

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By the end of the five years, Heathrow aims to have 80% of flights leaving on time and 95% of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security.

“The CAA will now review and evaluate our plan. We will support this process alongside our airline partners and look forward to getting started with delivering improvements to make Heathrow an extraordinary airport, fit for the future,” a statement from the airport read.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been named the best airport in the UK – despite being significantly smaller than some of its southern rivals such as Heathrow and Gatwick

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has soared above its UK counterparts, despite being smaller than southern giants like Heathrow or Gatwick.

The local airport secured an impressive 35th place out of 250 in the 2025 AirHelp Score, which evaluates airports worldwide, making it the highest-ranking UK airport.

London City followed as the next best UK performer, landing at 56th. However, big hitters such as Gatwick and Heathrow didn’t fare as well.

In fact, Gatwick was dubbed the worst-performing UK airport, ranking a dismal 235th globally.

Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, also failed to impress, managing only 178th place, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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Both major London hubs have had a challenging year, grappling with staffing shortages, strikes, delays, and even a power substation fire at Heathrow causing significant disruption.

The annual AirHelp report, running since 2015, assesses airports based on punctuality, passenger service quality (including staff and comfort), and the variety of food and shops.

This year’s report evaluated airports in 68 countries, providing valuable insights just as the bustling summer holiday season kicks off.

Other UK airports also struggled. Leeds Bradford landed mid-table at 132nd, while Manchester and Birmingham languished near the bottom at 220th and 214th respectively – largely due to complaints about delays and subpar customer service.

The latest findings reveal a concerning trend for some of the UK’s major airports, yet also shine a light on the dependability of smaller hubs like Liverpool as holidaymakers prepare for their summer getaways.

Globally, Cape Town International Airport in South Africa has clinched the top spot in this year’s airport rankings, with Doha Hamad and Riyadh King Khaled not far behind.

Conversely, Tunis Carthage Airport in Tunisia finds itself at the bottom of the list, deemed the worst globally.

AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn commented on the significance of these rankings for passengers. “As millions of people get ready to fly off on holiday, our data shows exactly where you’re most likely to have a smooth trip – and where you might want to pack a bit more patience,” he remarked.

He praised the performance of Liverpool and London City airports but noted that there is room for improvement at other large UK airports.

Pawliszyn also offered advice to those travelling during the summer season: “For anyone flying this summer, it’s worth knowing your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Being prepared can make all the difference to your trip.”

Some of the UK’s smallest airports have worse cancellation rates for 2024 than their larger counterparts, according to newly released data

The UK’s worst airport for flight cancellations has been revealed and, surprisingly, it’s not Britain’s biggest aviation hub, Heathrow.

New data has revealed which major airports cancelled the most – and fewest – number of flights in 2024. The study was conducted by flight compensation specialists at AirAdvisor by analysing departure data from 20 of the busiest airports by passenger traffic across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island over two years.

It showed that across all UK airports, the average flight cancellation rate in 2024 was 1.46 percent – which was actually a slight decrease from 2023 which recorded a 1.78 percent cancellation rate. There’s more good news when it comes to London airports.

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The capital’s major airports like Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick, Stansted and London City also experienced a decrease in the rate of cancelled flights between 2023 and 2024. The cancellation rate fell by nearly 15 percent in the year alone.

While there were certainly some standout improvements, one airport distinguished itself as the UK’s worst major airport for cancelled flights. According to the data, Southampton Airport has the highest rate of cancelled flights.

This is the second year in a row that Southampton Airport tops AirAdvisor’s list of the Worst Airports for Flight Cancellations. The airport has a cancellation rate more than twice that of the national average.

According to AirAdvisor: “As a smaller airport with around 853,000 passengers in 2024, Southampton continues to struggle with operational challenges including persistent staffing issues and a limited infrastructure, which can be exacerbated during busy travel periods.”

Trailing close behind Southampton Airport as the airport with the worst cancellation rate is Belfast City Airport – with a rate of 3.5 percent. That said, Belfast City’s cancellation actually improved from 2023 by a slight margin.

Speculating on what’s causing the increased cancellations at Belfast City, AirAdvisor says it could be due in part to the airports focus on regional flights. This focus makes it ‘more vulnerable’ to flight disruptions, particularly when flights connect to bigger airports.

London City Airport ranked third worst with a cancellation rate of 3.13 percent and Glasgow Airport ranked fourth worst with a cancellation rate of 2.15 percent. On the other side of the spectrum, three airports distinguished themselves as the most reliable with the fewest cancelled flights.

Bournemouth Airport had the lowest cancellation rate (0.08 percent). Bournemouth claims the title of Most Reliable Airport – at least when it comes to cancelled flights – for the second year in a row. “With a light flight schedule and highly efficient operations, [Bournemouth Airport] offers travellers a more stress-free flight experience,” says AirAdvisor.

Following a few ways behind are East Midlands International Airport and Bristol Airport with 0.39 percent and 0.66 percent cancellation rates respectively.

UK airports ranked from lowest to highest cancellation rate (2024)

1. Bournemouth Airport
2. East Midlands International Airport
3. Belfast International Airport
4. Luton Airport
5. Bristol Airport
6. Liverpool John Lennon Airport
7. Stansted Airport
8. Birmingham Airport
9. Manchester Airport
10. Newcastle Airport
11. Edinburgh Airport
12. Gatwick Airport
13. Leeds Bradford Airport
14. Heathrow Airport
15. Cardiff Airport
16. Glasgow Airport
17. Aberdeen Airport
18. London City Airport
19. Belfast City Airport
20. Southampton Airport

You may be surprised to know that the London-based airport enforces a ‘two-bag policy’ at its security point to avoid delays

With summer on the horizon, many Brits are preparing for sunny vacations overseas. However, before heading to Heathrow Airport, familiarising yourself with its current policies and regulations is essential.

Carrying flammable substances or toxic items is a clear no-go when flying from any airport. However, what may be less known is Heathrow’s baggage limit for travellers at its security checkpoints.

You may be surprised to know that the London-based airport enforces a ‘two-bag policy’ at its security point to avoid delays. This means only two hand baggage items can be taken through the control area.

“To avoid delays, Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security,” advice at the airport’s site reads. “Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.”

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As part of this rule, any item larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) must be checked in as hold luggage. In turn, passengers are more likely to keep their security tray usage to a minimum, limiting delays for others.

Besides this, it’s also important to consider the dos and don’ts of what to put in this hand luggage. For instance, only specific electronic devices are permitted on flights from the UK.

While some airlines might have different restrictions, the UK Government outlines nine key items you can take in both your hand luggage and hold luggage:

• Hairdryers
• Straighteners
• Travel iron
• Electric shaver
• Most cameras
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Tablet devices
• MP3 players

It is essential for passengers using e-cigarettes to carry them in their hand luggage rather than in their hold luggage. When passing through security checks, placing electronic devices in a designated tray allows staff to see and verify that no prohibited items are hidden.

Heathrow Airport’s advice also adds: “Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don’t switch on, you may not be allowed to take them onto the aircraft. Charging points are available throughout the airport.”

On the flipside, most UK airports – including Heathrow – require liquids to fit inside a single transparent plastic bag when passing through security. Each liquid container must hold a maximum of 100ml, and the plastic bag must be approximately 20cm x 20cm.

The Government’s website clarifies that all items should fit ‘comfortably inside the bag’ so that it can be sealed. To avoid complications, do not attempt to seal it by tying a knot at the top, as it will not be accepted.

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Below is the UK Government’s complete list of items categorised as hand luggage liquids:

• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
• Contact lens solution
• Pastes, including toothpaste
• Gels, including hair and shower gel
• All drinks, including water
• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss

Solid products like deodorant sticks, soap bars, wet wipes, and lip balms are usually considered non-liquids. Therefore, they typically don’t require storage in the bag.

Guidance from Heathrow Airport adds: “Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through airport security into the departure lounge. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries and all frozen liquids.

“…Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – please pack them in your hold baggage instead.”

The London-based airport shared some crucial advice on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today

Heathrow Airport has shared some key guidance for anyone planning to fly with them soon. Travellers are encouraged to follow four key steps before going through security to save time and hassle.

“Flying soon?” the London-based airport asked in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Here are some useful tips to help prepare you when going through security at Heathrow:

“Liquids under 100ml and in a clear bag, Place electronic devices in a separate tray, Limit your hand luggage, Keep security trays to a minimum.”

If you’re wondering what ‘counts’ as a liquid, electronic device and how luggage can be kept to a minimum, fear not. The Mirror has further delved into these tips, highlighting some crucial dos and don’ts.

1. The 100ml rule

Grasping the criteria for liquids in aeroplane carry-on luggage might appear straightforward, but specific rules could surprise you. When bringing liquids in hand luggage, most UK airports – including Heathrow – require that each container hold a maximum of 100ml.

All containers must also fit into a single transparent plastic bag, approximately 20cm x 20cm in size. The Government’s website clarifies that all items should fit ‘comfortably inside the bag’ so that it can be sealed.

To avoid complications, do not attempt to seal it by tying a knot at the top, as it will not be accepted.

The UK Government’s complete list of what’s considered hand luggage liquid is below:

• Pastes, including toothpaste
• Gels, including hair and shower gel
• All drinks, including water
• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
• Contact lens solution

Products such as solid deodorant sticks, bars of soap, wet wipes, and lip balms are typically classified as non-liquids. As a result, they generally do not need to be stored in the bag.

Advice from Heathrow Airport adds: “Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through airport security into the departure lounge. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries and all frozen liquids.

“…Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – please pack them in your hold baggage instead.”

2. Heathrow’s two-bag policy

Heathrow Airport enforces a ‘two-bag policy’ at its security point to avoid delays. Only two hand baggage items must be taken through the control area.

Any items larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) must be checked in as hold luggage, according to the airport’s guidance. It also stresses: “Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.”

By adhering to the two-bag rule, passengers are better positioned to keep the security trays they use to a minimum, too.

3. Electronic devices

Guidance from the UK Government highlights that only specific electronic devices are allowed on flights and within hand luggage when travelling from the UK.

While some airlines might have different restrictions, these are nine key items you can take in both your hand luggage and hold luggage:

• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Tablet devices
• MP3 players
• Hairdryers
• Straighteners
• Travel iron
• Electric shaver
• Most cameras

Crucially, any passengers who use e-cigarettes should transport these in their hand luggage, not hold luggage. Placing electronic devices in a specific tray during security checks ensures that staff can easily see and confirm that no prohibited items are concealed.

Heathrow Airport’s advice also adds: “Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don’t switch on, you may not be allowed to take them on to the aircraft. Charging points are available throughout the airport.”

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