Jet2

As the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully introduced, airlines have issued advice on what time Brits should arrive at the airport to avoid disruptions

Airlines including TUI, easyJet and Jet2 have issued updates and travel advice amid the rollout of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES), urging travellers to arrive at the airport as ‘early as possible’.

Brits heading abroad have been hit with major travel disruptions following the rollout of the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES). There have been reports of lengthy border control queues at European and UK airports, along with missed flights, as thousands of holidaymakers pass through the new digital border system for the first time.

The EES, which was fully implemented on Friday, 10 April, requires all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph. It is required for their first arrival at the airport border in the Schengen area, and after the initial registration, the EES remains valid for three years.

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The government noted that the EES “may take each passenger extra time to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.” Yet, travellers have reported gruelling delays of up to three hours and missed flights, and airlines have issued key advice to passengers as they grapple with the new digital border system.

TUI

In a travel alert on the EES, TUI advised passengers: “At some airports, you might still find longer queues, particularly at busy travel periods. We know this isn’t the travel experience you want before, or after your holiday – and it’s certainly not the one we want for you – so please know we’re doing all we can to support.

“To help your journey run as smoothly as possible, please allow a little extra time when passing through border control. Keep any essential medication in your hand luggage in case of delays, and when departing the EU, head straight to passport control after dropping your bags to avoid hold‑ups. Bringing some extra water for comfort is also a good idea.”

easyJet

In an “important update” released earlier this month, easyJet warned: “Airports across Europe may experience longer queues at passport control whilst the new European Entry /Exit System (EES) border checks are being completed.

“This will mean you may need to have your biometrics taken, including your face and fingerprints scanned.” They advised passengers to plan their travel to and through the airport as they may “experience longer queues”.

Travellers who need to drop off their bags should “go there as soon as it opens”, and then make their way through “security as early as possible”. They further cautioned that there could be additional checks at passport control before the gate, and that passengers should go to the gate or boarding area “as soon as it’s announced”.

easyJet added that travellers should ensure they have all the correct documents required for travel, although Brits do not need to do anything before arriving at the border for the EES. They further warned that there could be “longer queues” at their arrival airport.

Jet2

On expected delays from the EES, and how it could impact holidaymakers, Jet2 said: “There may be longer wait times at Border Control at some EU Airports, especially at busy times. Once you start your EES registration, it should take around 1-2 minutes per person to complete.

“There may be longer wait times than usual when you arrive in destination and before your flight back to the UK. Unfortunately, this is outside of our control. But remember, there’s nothing you can prep before you travel.”

Meanwhile, in response to a traveller following delays at Faro Airport, Jet2 advised on X: “We kindly recommend customers arrive to the airport as early as possible, to allow plenty of time to make it through.”

For travel back into the UK, Jet2 said: “You’ll also need to pass through EES when leaving the EU in the same way you do on arrival. Depending on how busy the airport is, this may result in longer wait times at passport control before boarding your flight to the UK. After checking in for your flight, please head straight to security and passport control in order to arrive at your gate in plenty of time.”

British Airways

On general information about the new digital system, British Airways explained on their website: “You should allow extra time to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, the first time you enter the EU. There is no cost for EES registration, and your digital record will last three years before you need to register again.”

In response to a question on X about arrival times at the airport, a member of British Airways said: “Hi there. We ask customers travelling on our European short-haul flights to be there two hours prior to departure. It would be three hours if you’re travelling on a long-haul flight and one if you’re travelling on a domestic flight within the UK.”

For more information on the new EES system, visit the government website.

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Save stress and time if your holiday is due to start in the early hours of the morning

People can start their holiday quicker than others when flying with Jet2 and taking advantage of a little-known service that lets families skip the queues. Planning this ahead of time can make early morning flights feel “a whole lot easier”.

On its website, Jet2 claims the Twilight Check-in service can be used by any passengers booked to fly on a service due to leave the airport before midday. Later flights in the afternoon or evening cannot benefit from this perk.

A spokesperson said: “Your morning flight is about to get a whole lot easier. With our free Twilight Check-in service, you can drop your bags off at your UK departure airport between 4.30pm and 9pm the evening before your morning flight.

“Thanks to Twilight Check-in, when you arrive at departures the next day, your luggage is already sorted. If you live near the airport or are staying at a nearby hotel, it’ll make your morning a little easier.”

Flights leaving before midday are extremely common at UK airports. People tend to opt for these early departures to make the most of their holiday time rather than leaving the UK later.

The following UK airports offer the free Jet2 Twilight Service:

• Birmingham
• Bristol
• East Midlands
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow International
• Leeds Bradford
• Liverpool
• London Gatwick
• London Luton
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Newcastle

The process of pre-checking luggage the night before can save time and hassle on the morning of the trip. Jet2 claims that people don’t need to book this service specifically in advance, but people do need to check in online “no later than 24 hours before their flight”.

Some UK airports offer discounted or free limited-time parking to customers who use Twilight Check-in. The Jet2 website lists 10 that offer this for customers, but stresses that travellers should check for themselves using the Airport Information page on its website.

People who want to use this service will need to remember to bring their boarding passes and passports along with bags (excluding hand luggage). After completing everything, get some rest and, on the day of the flight, Jet2 claims people can simply “bypass check-in and head to security”.

It only takes one person from your group to check in and drop off bags for up to six people travelling on the same booking reference. For full details of how the free service works, click here.

Jet2 issued a new alert on Friday morning

Jet2 has issued a warning to many passengers who are soon due to fly abroad.

One of the UK’s largest airlines, Jet2 now flies from some 14 airports across the country, including London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. Jet2 also flies from East Midlands Airport, and passengers due to travel from here over the weekend have been urged to plan wisely ahead of their trips. On Friday morning (April 16) Jet2 issued a new alert ahead of an expected “increase in traffic”.

Jet2 said at 10am on Friday: “We wanted to let you know there may be an increase in traffic over this weekend due to the British Touring Car Championship event at Donington Park on Saturday 18th April 2026 and Sunday 19th April 2026. If you’re affected, please allow extra time for your journey to the airport as we’re operating all our flights as scheduled.

“Please arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time. Check-in closes 40 minutes before a flight’s departure time.”

The announcement comes after Jet2 also updated passengers travelling to parts of Spain on Friday. The airline warned there may be some delays on flights to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Jerez, and La Palma, due to strike action by Spanish Air Traffic Control company Saerco.

All passengers travelling with Jet2 are advised to check the travel information section of its website at least 12 hours before their flight is due to depart.

The airline shared advice for passengers looking for the best deal on their holiday

Jet2 has issued a message for customers, letting them know that holiday prices can go up or down ‘at any time during booking’. The advice could be helpful for anyone looking for a deal on their next getaway, so customers don’t miss out on any offers.

The package holiday provider has explained that it uses a live pricing system, which can be affected by various factors. As such, customers may wish to book without delay when they spot a deal they’re interested in.

One customer took to social media to share their experience when looking at booking a trip, prompting Jet2 to explain its pricing system. In the post, a customer named Phil claimed: “Jet2tweets almost booked a holiday to Portugal, left it overnight, same holiday had increased by £600!”

In response, a Jet2 team member explained that holiday prices may fluctuate and customers are advised to book at a price they are happy with. In a response posted on April 16, Jet2tweets said: “Hi there Phil, thanks for reaching out.

“Please be advised that when looking for a holiday, the price shown next to ‘Holiday price from’ is live and can take some time to update throughout the website.

“We work on a live pricing system, which is affected by a number of variables such as customer demand, availability, and promotions, meaning our prices are subject to change and can fluctuate up or down at any time during booking.”

The reply continued: “Therefore, we’d always recommend booking at a price you are happy with. We apologise for any disappointment caused. Should you require any further assistance in the meantime, then please feel free to send us a DM.”

Given the response, customers who are wondering about the ‘best time’ to book a holiday may wish to book as soon as they find a deal at the price they want. For passengers looking for cheap flights, the airline also offers money-saving tips on its website.

In a FAQ section on Jet2’s website, the airline said: “What’s the cheapest month to fly? Travelling outside of school holidays, bank holidays and peak summer dates tends to offer the lowest fares.

“You can also find some bargains in the shoulder seasons too, like late autumn, winter and early spring. To find the best prices, check our Low Fare Finder and compare months at a glance.”

Jet2 holidays to Spain just got even easier for Brits to plan as the holiday giant has announced exciting news ahead of the summer 2026 holidays

Jet2 has made it easier for Brits to plan Spain holidays this summer, as the travel giant is expanding its range of Eurocamp packages to the holiday hotspot. This means families booking a package holiday through Jet2 can now choose one of Eurocamp’s mobile homes or other accommodation for their break.

Jet2holidays previously offered Eurocamp packages in France, Croatia, and Italy, and has now added parks to Costa Brava , bringing the total number up to 54. Holidaymakers can book a Eurocamp package holiday online, and can filter results by selecting ‘Holiday Parks’.

While you can simply book accommodation directly with Eurocamp, a package holiday can come with perks; for example, with Jet2 your deal includes return flights, 22kg of checked and 10kg of hold luggage, ATOL protection, and car hire. The packages include the cost of bed linen, towels and and end-of-stay clean in most Eurocamps, as well as access to the entertainment and facilities on-site.

Eurocamp parks offer facilities such as restaurants, bars, and takeaways on site, and many offer daytime and evening entertainment during peak times, including the ever-popular minidiscos. Some parks in Costa Brava also have direct access to the beach where you can truly soak up the Spanish sunshine and take a cooling dip in the sea.

Its selection of Spanish parks include Castell Montgri, which sits between a lush green pine forest and a rugged stretch of the coast. Castell Montgri has four outdoor pools, including one with slides and kids areas, and there are four restaurants, a snack bar, and a pool bar. Enmar is another option close to the lively town of Enmar. The sandy beach is just 100 metres away, and there’s a large pool with a wildlife theme and slides.

Guests who stay on the Costa Brava can also take a day trip to Barcelona for some sightseeing, culture, and more. Explore the iconic Sagrada Família that dominates the skyline, or the unique Casa Batlló with its colourful Gaudi architecture. Wander around the historic La Boqueria market to try locally made foods or book a tour of Camp Nou and stand in the same spot as so many football legends.

In addition to Eurocamp, the Costa Brava has a range of other family-friendly accommodation such as Yelloh! Villages, which offer a similar style of mobile home holiday, pools, and entertainment. Another option is to go all inclusive, as some families find this easier to budget than a self-catering break. Package providers such as TUI offer a range of Costa Brava holidays from simple and friendly to luxury hotel options, so there’s something for all styles of holidaymaker.

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TUI, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways hand luggage rules aren’t just about what the airlines will let you bring onboard – passengers are subject to airport rules too

Brits heading on their holidays will want to take note of hand luggage rules – and not just the ones that help you swerve those pesky extra fees.

While many of us fly with different airlines including TUI, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways, hand luggage rules aren’t just about what these firms allow; they’re also dependent on your airport, destination and other factors. These restrictions are universal across various airlines when departing from the UK, but it’s important to note that there could be different rules at the airport you’re flying back into the UK from.

If you’re found to be carrying a prohibited item in your hand luggage, it could be confiscated at airport security. On the UK government website, it states: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”

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Therefore, it’s vital to check any hand luggage restrictions before arriving at the airport to ensure a safe and seamless journey. It’s also important to check the size limits for your carry-on bag before your flight, as they vary by airline.

List of common items banned in hand luggage

Corkscrew: but it is allowed in hold luggage.

Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) – but it could be allowed in hold luggage depending on the airline.

Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) – but it could be allowed in hold luggage depending on the airline. However, you can carry small scissors, such as sewing or embroidery scissors, in your hand luggage, but the blade must be shorter than 6cm.

Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics (including party poppers and toy caps): these are also not allowed in hold luggage.

Non-safety matches: and they are not allowed in hold luggage either. However, safety matches are allowed in hand luggage, but not in hold luggage.

Liquids: The majority of UK airports require liquids to be under 100ml; however, some airports have scrapped this rule. This includes: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London City, Teesside, Belfast International, Belfast City, and Newquay. As rules have evolved, it’s advisable to check directly with the airport for both your outbound and inbound flights, as countries outside the UK may also impose different restrictions. The government outlines that you cannot take frozen liquids, including frozen breast milk, in your hand luggage, but there are some exceptions to the 100ml rule. Passengers are allowed to take “liquid containers up to 2 litres through security at all UK airports” for medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or baby food or milk. Liquids above 100ml purchased at the airport or from duty-free can be taken on board.

Cigarette lighters : they must be placed in a resealable plastic bag in carry-on luggage and kept on you throughout the flight. The government states that passengers may carry only one lighter on board an aircraft, and it cannot be packed in hold luggage.

Niche items banned in hand luggage

Heavy bats and sticks (including baseball, softball and cricket bats): – although they are allowed in hold luggage.

Golf clubs, darts, walking/hiking poles, catapult, crossbow and martial arts equipment (including knuckledusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails and nunchuks): but they are all permitted in hold luggage.

Firearms (including replica firearms): but they could be allowed in hold luggage, so it’s best to check directly with your airline before travel.

Harpoon or spear gun: but they might be allowed in hold luggage, so check directly with your airline before travel.

Work tools: this includes drills, a tool with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm, Stanley knife, saw, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, wrench or spanner, bolt gun or nail gun, crowbar and blowtorch). However, they can be taken in hold luggage.

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