passengers

Cruise ships have plenty of entertainment for passengers but there’s one clever ‘blue mind effect’ that can be key to whether they feel calm while they’re on the ship

Cruise holidays offer up plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation whether that’s sitting poolside on the top deck, unwinding in the spa or tucking into some delicious food. Then of course there are all of the thrilling destinations to be explored whether you’re sailing along the Mediterranean coast or going in search of winter sun in the Caribbean.

Most people tend to feel happier or more relaxed on a holiday, but according to industry insiders, cruise ships use a clever tactic to try and maximise that feeling of joy for passengers.

It all comes down to the ‘blue mind effect’. This theory suggests that if you’re close to water or immersed in water, it can encourage a meditative and relaxed state of mind, and therefore play a key role in your wellbeing. Of course cruise ships are surrounded by water, and according to experts, cruise lines use this to their advantage.

READ MORE: Disney’s new ship sailing in 2025 will have epic themed bars and new water rideREAD MORE: World’s ‘most beautiful cruise port’ is tucked away in city that’s UNESCO site

The insiders at Iglu Cruise explained: “Taking this into consideration, cruise ships are designed with as many positions to view the sea as possible. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in public areas offering uninterrupted views of the ocean, open decks to view the horizon and private balconies allowing passengers to have their own private “blue mind” sanctuary, and there’s nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of the sea.”

Are you obsessed with everything cruise? Sign up to our Anchors Away newsletter for a weekly dose of cruise news, first looks at new ships and more.

The ‘blue mind effect’ isn’t the only way a cruise can offer up useful ways to boost your mental wellbeing. Another perk of being at sea is that in the middle of the ocean, you’re unlikely to get good signal. While most lines do offer up Wi-Fi packages for those who want to stay connected, if you’re after a digital detox then a cruise can be the ideal opportunity to take one.

READ MORE: ‘I watched Disney’s new ship float out and it was more nail-biting than expected’

In fact, according to Iglu Cruise, “it’s been found that a “digital detox” can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, improve sleep, decrease FOMO (fear of missing out) and deepen relationship”. Their experts added: “This newfound freedom whilst onboard, encourages disconnection from devices and instead, engaging with the surroundings, embracing the present moment and enjoying precious time with loved ones. It’s also the perfect justification for not feeling obliged to respond to people right away.”

Of course while it’s lovely to have some R&R, some holidaymakers also like a bit of adventure on their holidays, so the fact that you can visit multiple destinations on one holiday can appeal. Then there’s the upping of the ante when it comes to onboard entertainment from rollercoasters at sea to West End-worthy shows, and epic waterparks. With an increasing demand for entertainment at sea, new ships are bigger than ever before – and experts predict that they could soon be the size of small cities.

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected]

Passengers on a recent easyJet flight were guided by cabin crew through an impromptu stretching session, but beyond entertainment there is a vital reason this is becoming a common practice

Passengers on a recent easyJet flight were subject to an impromptu ‘air-robics’ class. A viral TikTok video shows a plane-full of passengers stretching their arms and touching their knees at the direction of a cabin crew member.

The TikTok video has been viewed over 2 million times and was shared with the caption: “What in the air-robics is going on, easyJet”. While the synchronised stretching may look quite odd, one expert has shared that the practice is critical while flying.

While doing yoga stretches on an airplane may sound like a hassle, it’s become quite the trend. Videos are circulating online of flight attendants leading passengers through seated yoga routines mid-flight.

READ MORE: Brits warned to stop adopting common sitting position on flightsREAD MORE: Pilot’s wife shares the only two neck pillows she recommends for long flights

Weighing in on the movement, yoga instructor Holly Hogan says the practice supports circulation onboard and reduces nerves.

Partnering with Well Pharmacy Online Doctor, Holly Hogan, also shares expert-backed advice on in-seat yoga stretches, discreet breathing techniques, and strategies for beating jet lag to improve passenger comfort and wellbeing at 30,000 feet.

Holly says even minimal movement during long-haul travel can make a big difference. “Just five minutes of gentle stretching every couple of hours can help reduce tension in the neck, back and legs and lower the risk of circulation issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).”

While it’s important to stretch your legs by walking up and down the aisle, Holly says there are some beginner-friendly ways to stretch in your seat too.

“Even with limited space, there are simple yoga stretches you can do to stay comfortable and grounded. Try a seated cat-cow by gently arching your spine as you inhale and rounding your spine as you exhale. Add in some neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and ankle circles to release tension and improve circulation.”

Holly recommends a “seated spinal twist” as well, which is not only great to ease stiffness in your back but aids with digestion. A great stretch to try after you’ve gotten through your inflight meal. Knee hugs are also great to loosen the lower back.

When you do stand up to stretch your legs or use the bathroom, there are a few other discreet poses you can attempt. “Mountain pose is a great one: just stand tall, ground your feet, and lengthen your spine,” Holly says. “A gentle forward fold can release your lower back, and calf raises are perfect for circulation. Even a standing quad stretch or lunge, if you have space, can prevent stiffness.”

For those who feel anxious while flying, Holly recommends focusing on breathing to calm down. “If you’re feeling anxious, one of my favourite techniques is box breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. If you can, extending your exhale – for example, inhale for four and exhale for six or eight, will help to calm your nervous system.”

Everyone should be moving or stretching every one to two hours during a long flight, according to Holly. This includes walking the aisle, doing standing poses or just stretching while seated.

“It doesn’t have to be a full routine – just enough to keep your body from stiffening up,” she says. She also says it’s vital to combine gentle stretching with good hydration.

“Drinking water supports good circulation and prevents dehydration, while conscious breathing keeps your mind calm,” she concludes. “Add in a few stretches and a guided meditation, and you’ll land feeling much more refreshed.”

Plus-sized passengers make have to fork out hundreds extra if trying to fly thanks to a popular airlines new policy that sees plane seat restrictions tighten in the coming months

A popular airline has made huge changes for plus sized passengers – and people aren’t happy. Southwest Airlines has announced a new role for larger passengers, which could see their ticket prices more expensive.

Southwest is a major airline in the United States, and for those who can’t find within the armrests of their seat will need to soon book an additional seat before they fly.

It comes as a rollout of new changes coming into effect on January 27 2026, including pre-assigned seats. At the moment, plus-sized travellers who may need extra room can purchase an additional seat upfront and apply for a refund after flying, or request a complimentary seat at the airport.

READ MORE: You need laser-sharp vision to find 5 hidden microphones in baffling brainteaserREAD MORE: You are ‘highly attentive’ if you can spot sewing machine in colourful scene

One of the biggest changes to this will mean refunds may still be possible, but not always guaranteed which could result in passengers facing higher upfront costs without the certainty of getting their money back.

In a statement released by the airline, they said: “To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.” It goes against what the airline was previously known for as being traveller-friendly and operating a ‘customer-first approach’ according to Metro.

These perks, which also included open seating at boarding and a generous free baggage allowance are slowly disappearing as the free baggage was stopped in May, and the rules around seats getting stricter.

The refunds for plus-sized passengers will only be granted if at least one seat on the flight was empty at departure and if both tickets were purchased in the same booking class. In other words, passengers can no longer assume that an extra seat will automatically qualify for a refund.

In order to get their money back, passengers will need to request a refund within 90 days of their flight. In a bid to still protect the promise for flexibility for passengers, it may still hike up costs for people being asked to pay hundreds upfront without the certainty of getting it reimbursed – and if it’s a fully booked flight, they will be turned away and booked onto the next available flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, told AP: “I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody.”

Tigress Osborn, chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance told the New York Times: “Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying. And now that beacon has gone out.”

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

Passengers travelling from Spain to Italy were screaming in fear as their Wizz Air flight was hit with severe turbulence and was forced to make an emergency landing

Passengers on a flight returning from Spain were left screaming in fear as their plane was thrown around in terrifying turbulence, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.

The Wizz Air flight was travelling from Alicante, Spain, to Fiumicino Airport, Rome, this week when it encountered severe turbulence. In a shocking video posted to social media, petrified passengers could be heard shrieking on the Airbus A321 as it battled the bumpy conditions.

The seatbelt signs were on while the majority of the cabin lights were turned off, only adding to the fearful moment for travellers on board. In the video shared on TikTok, the user added the caption, “Attimi di terrore sul volo”, translating to “Moments of terror on the flight.”

READ MORE: British Airways drama as 20 people kicked off plane after it became too heavyREAD MORE: Furious TUI holidaymakers ‘abandoned’ at airport with kids sleeping on floor

Passengers in the video can be heard shouting, “Oh God”, and “No, no, no!” while others remained quiet with heavy breaths. Outside through the windows, the plane’s red lights can be seen amid the grey and dark sky.

Italy has faced extreme weather this summer, and Rome was given a severe thunderstorm warning. The bad weather is what impacted the Wizz Air flight, which attempted to land at Fiumicino, the country’s busiest airport.

After several attempts, the pilot aborted the plan and was redirected to Bologna, over 250 miles away, to make a safe landing. The flight from Alicante to Rome typically takes under two hours, but due to delays and severe turbulence, it landed in Bologna at 3:53am – almost three hours after it was due to arrive in Rome.

Wizz Air said: “Wizz Air flight W4 6038 from Alicante to Rome Fiumicino on August 20 was diverted to Bologna Airport after it was unable to land safely due to adverse weather conditions at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

“The aircraft landed safely and without incident in Bologna at 3:57 a.m. local time. Passengers were provided with ground transportation from Bologna to Rome.”

The airline added that passengers who “had independently arranged ground transportation” would be entitled to a refund. Wizz Air also said: “Weather conditions are beyond the airline’s control, and safety remains Wizz Air’s top priority.”

They also added that aborting a landing is a “standard procedure in the event that conditions are not ideal for a safe landing”. The airline thanked the pilots and cabin crew for “ensuring everyone’s safety during the turbulence and for making the right decision to divert the flight to Bologna.”

On August 4, 294 passengers were trapped on a flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and not allowed to disembark for almost 29 hours owing to a severe ‘Black Warning’.

Those boarding Cathay Pacific flight 883 on August 4, 2025, from Los Angeles to Hong Kong knew they were in it for the long haul — but little did they know exactly how long it would be.

In what can rightly be described as a nightmare flight from hell, 294 passengers were trapped on flight CX883 and not allowed to disembark for almost 29 hours.

While the initial journey from Los Angeles to Hong Kong averages around 13.5 hours, passengers aboard flight CX883 ended up spending almost twice that amount of time on the Cathay Pacific Boeing 777 due to a ‘black warning’ in Hong Kong at the time of landing. It comes after a ‘traumatised’ family are stranded at Palma Airport after being told they can’t board a Jet2 flight.

The Hong Kong Observatory issues a Black Rainstorm Warning in extreme weather conditions, which means over 70 mm of rain is expected to fall each hour increasing the likelihood of landslides, flooding, and severe disruption. In such cases, flights may be delayed, diverted, or cancelled.

And that’s exactly what happened with flight CX883.

After taking off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 12:55am local time, nearly 300 passengers onboard the Cathay Pacific flight made their way west across the Pacific.

After 13 hours, as the 15-year-old Boeing 777 craft began its final 5,000-foot descent into Hong Kong International Airport, the Black Warning was issued, and flight CX883 was diverted to Taipei to wait out the weather. The plane then landed at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport after 15 hours and 33 minutes since departing from LAX.

While it’s standard practice for Cathay Pacific to regularly divert to Taipei when a landing in Hong Kong is not possible — what’s unusual is Cathay Pacific’s decision not to allow passengers to disembark for another 10.5 hours citing immigration restrictions and international laws.

This resulted in the craft sitting at various remote stands on the tarmac, as per Flightradar24 . In fact, flight CX883 may have just broken the record for the world’s longest commercial flight in terms of duration spent by passengers inside the cabin.

Terrifying scenes from inside the flight were posted to the social media platform Threads by aircraft engineer Fahad Naim (@mfahadnaimb) with the caption: “On August 4th, a flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong set a new record for the longest continuous time spent in an airplane cabin.

“The flight, CX883, was delayed due to a thunderstorm in Hong Kong and was diverted to Taiwan. Passengers spent nearly 29 hours in the cabin, waiting for the weather to clear. The flight finally landed in Hong Kong on August 5th, and passengers applauded the pilot for a safe landing.”

Replying to a comment on his post, Fahad provided an insight into the situation inside the plane, writing: “I think the crew had it way harder because a lot of passengers were anxious and wanted to get off the plane. Plus, dealing with complaints and requests for food and drinks would make things even tougher for the flight attendants.”

At some point, Cathay Pacific was forced to swap out the pilots and cabin crew operating flight CX883, so as to ensure the crew were legally fit to finish out the final leg of the gruelling journey. The flight finally landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 7:15pm local time on August 5 — an astounding 28 hours and 20 minutes after its departure from the origin airport (LAX).

Hong Kong’s rare Black Rainstorm Warning comes as the city was battered with more than 350mm (13.8 inches) of rain in just a few hours on August 5 — making it the region’s most severe weather alert and the highest recorded daily rainfall in August since 1884 (when annual rainfall records started being kept).

The Mirror has approached Cathay Pacific for comment.

TUI passengers can travel with four luggage items for free this summer, but there are some rules to be aware of if you’re jetting off abroad with a baby or infant

TUI passengers are in for a treat this summer as they can bring four pieces of luggage onboard flights without any additional charges.

Every TUI traveller aged two and above is permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage on flights free of charge, provided it doesn’t exceed 10kg and its dimensions don’t exceed 55x40x20cm. In addition, passengers can also bring one small personal item onboard, such as a backpack, laptop bag or a handbag.

This must be compact enough to fit under the seat in front and not exceed 40x30x20cm. It comes after Ryanair passengers band together as staff charge woman £75 luggage fee.

READ MORE: Baggage handler explains type of suitcase that’s least likely to be ‘tossed around’READ MORE: Beautiful UK resort dubbed the ‘Queen of seaside towns’ during summer

For those who’ve booked a package holiday with TUI, a checked-in luggage allowance of at least 20kg per person is included. However, for flight-only bookings, checked-in luggage comes with an extra fee.

But there’s good news for families travelling with infants – TUI is allowing up to two additional items of luggage on flights free of charge, reports the Express.

TUI permits passengers to check in a collapsible pushchair and a car seat into the hold at no extra cost on both package holidays and flight-only bookings. Although passengers do have the option of bringing pushchairs onboard, provided it doesn’t exceed 50x40x20cm and weighs no more than 10kg. However, in this case, it will count as your large piece of hand luggage.

Infants under the age of two don’t get a hand luggage allowance on TUI flights, so if you have a baby changing bag that you need to take with you, this will be counted as part of your 10kg free allowance.

TUI states: “If you’re flying on a TUI flight (package or flight only), you can check in pushchairs and/or car seats into the hold for free. You can also bring your pushchair with you onboard, as long as it weighs less than 10kg, is no bigger than 55x40x20cm and has a hand luggage label provided during check-in.

“This’ll count as your larger piece of hand luggage for an adult on the booking, meaning you can have this and one smaller piece of hand luggage that fits under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions 40x30x20cm.

“There’s the option to use your pushchair at the airport and hand it to a member of staff at the gate before you board, but please make our ground staff aware when you check in as you’ll need a label for this too.

“Just so you know, pushchairs and car seats will be returned on the luggage belt when you arrive, and there’s occasionally a long walk between the aircraft and the luggage reclaim area. Any pushchairs need to be completely collapsible. Please note, if you’re travelling with an infant under 2, they don’t have a hand luggage allowance.”

Every TUI aircraft features baby changing facilities situated within the loos, though travellers are encouraged to consult the cabin crew beforehand since amenities can differ based on the aircraft type. Children under two years old also don’t receive meals during flights, meaning passengers must pack their own grub, although the carrier can warm baby milk bottles while airborne.

READ MORE: Ryanair-approved cabin case to rival Antler gets slashed by 30% in summer sale

Birmingham Airport’s runway was shut down for about six hours on Wednesday afternoon and evening, delaying thousands of passengers and leading many planes to divert

Birmingham Airport is still dealing with the knock‑on impact of an emergency landing that closed its runway on Wednesday afternoon.

At 1.40 pm a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, with three people on board, began to experience issues with its landing gear. The pilot aborted the journey to Belfast and turned back to Birmingham for a bumpy landing, which saw it collapse onto its undercarriage on the tarmac.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, whisking the two crew members and one passenger away from the wreckage. Thankfully, they were not injured. The runway was immediately closed following the crash landing, leading to dozens of flights both to and from the airport being cancelled and delayed. Thousands of passengers in Birmingham, across the UK and internationally were disrupted. The incident at Birmingham came after a union in Spain announced its Ryanair workers would strike at 12 airports in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: Family’s holiday Greece nightmare as ‘icky tummy’ becomes sepsisREAD MORE: Spanish town installs ‘detectors’ to track Brits while they are on holiday

Newly emerged footage from the scene shows the white light aircraft collapsed on the runway, its nose tilted down towards the tarmac. It is surrounded by emergency service vehicles and personnel. The incident is now being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Live departure and arrival boards highlight the knock‑on impact of the runway closure, which was only lifted at 8 pm last night, meaning six hours of the flight schedule were missed.

Delays this morning include a four‑hour wait for a TUI flight to Keffalinia, a three‑hour wait for Lanzarote and a three‑hour wait to Zakynthos. A handful of arrivals have also been bumped down the schedule. The 6am KLM flight to Amsterdam this morning was cancelled because the aircraft and crew could not reach Birmingham on Wednesday.

Diversions yesterday meant that several planes were in the wrong place, causing a headache for airline schedulers. Planes were diverted as far away as Liverpool, Cardiff, and Gatwick.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch says it is investigating the incident at Birmingham Airport. It said in a statement: “Following an incident involving a light aircraft at Birmingham Airport, the AAIB has deployed a team to the site to begin an investigation. A multi‑disciplinary team including inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data have been deployed to the airport.”

The latest statement from Birmingham Airport came just before 8 pm last night. It read: “Following the aircraft incident today, the runway has reopened and operations have resumed. All passengers must check flight details with their airlines and follow advice issued by them. We understand the frustration and apologise for the disruption this has caused. Our teams have worked as quickly as possible, in line with strict protocols, which must be followed to ensure a safe reopening of the runway following a prolonged closure.”

A small silver lining for delayed passengers came in the form of a chilled pint. Organisers of a beer festival held next door to the airport offered those caught up in the chaos a free bev if they showed their boarding pass. “We hope everyone is ok at Birmingham International Airport. If you are stuck at the airport, come to the Great British Beer Festival next door at the NEC for a pint while you wait,” the organisers tweeted.

Mirror reader Alycia Royle-Evatt believes that Ryanair duped her into paying for a bag that was, in fact, the correct dimensions ahead of a flight from Leeds Bradford to Palma Majorca

A debate is raging over the real dimensions of Ryanair bag sizers, with some passengers claiming things are not quite as they seem.

There are few ways worse to begin a holiday than by getting stung by an extra baggage charge. Budget airline Ryanair has seemingly mastered the art of catching out passengers with oversized hand luggage, slapping customers with fees of up to £75—sometimes for being just a little bit over the maximum allowed size.

This can be particularly infuriating as, on other occasions, boarding agents wave through clearly oversized bags without a second glance. This comes after Ryanair admitted just how much it makes from fining customers for breaking its rules.

Mirror reader Alycia Royle-Evatt believes that Ryanair duped her into paying for a bag that was, in fact, the correct dimensions. During a trip from Leeds Bradford Airport to Palma Majorca, Alycia and her daughter were charged £75 for each of two bags that “bowed out slightly in the middle by millimetres.”

Have you been stung by Ryanair? Tell us your story by emailing [email protected]

READ MORE: Grandad stuck in holiday destination as dream Greece trip takes nightmare turnREAD MORE: Spain holidays warning for Ryanair passengers as strikes set to hit 12 major airports

“I measured my luggage before travelling to make sure it fit the dimensions advertised on their website and they were an exact match,” Alycia said.

This led the mum to start questioning whether the “cages are slightly smaller dimensions, especially the depth”. During her break, the spurned holidaymakers bought a measuring tape for her return trip. At the airport, Alycia measured the depth of the bag sizer. “It was 18cm, not the 20 as advertised,” she claimed.

“It was extremely distressing and I have since found out that the staff work on a commission for every bag they manage to fine.”

Rumours that Ryanair bag sizers are not the dimensions advertised have long swirled online, with forums packed full of people claiming to have been stung for bags that they believe to be compliant.

However, there is no good evidence that this is the case. In fact, multiple videos posted on TikTok and YouTube show sceptical passengers scrutinising the Ryanair baggage cages and discovering that they are exactly quite a bit bigger than the maximum bag dimensions.

Sarah Giblin tried just that and found that the sizer was between 1cm and 2cm bigger than the different dimensions of the maximum bag allowance. “That means that Ryanair is a little bit nicer than they have been letting on,” Sarah said in a TikTok video. “But it does also mean if your bag doesn’t fit, then it really doesn’t fit.”

In July, Ryanair announced that it is planning to increase its “personal bag” size by 20% as the EU brings in a new standard. That means that passengers will be allowed to take an item such as a handbag or laptop bag measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in the cabin without paying an extra fee.

The bag should weigh less than 10kg and fit “under the seat in front of you.” The new size represents a 20% increase in volume from the current maximum dimensions and means that Ryanair accepts free bags one-third bigger than the new EU minimum size limit.

The new bag size limits were due to come into effect “in the coming weeks” following the announcement, which came at the beginning of July. If you’re travelling with Ryanair this month, make sure to check with the airline to find out if the new measurements are in force on your flight.

Ryanair has been contacted for comment.

Valencia, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago airports are due to be impacted by workers downing tools over the coming weeks

Brits heading for Spain are facing more travel chaos as 3,000 striking workers target 12 airports.

Valencia, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago airports are due to be impacted by workers downing tools over the coming weeks, which are among the busiest travel weeks of the year.

The strikes involve more than 3,000 Azul Handling baggage handlers and are due to kick off on August 15, 16, and 17, and then every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of the year. By law, the workers have to provide a “minimum service” yet to be determined, but the action could still have a major impact on travellers.

Azul Handling provides baggage handling services to Ryanair at its Spanish bases. The strikes have been announced after hospitality workers on 12 Spanish islands revealed their own walk-out plans.

READ MORE: Grandad stuck in holiday destination as dream Greece trip takes nightmare turnREAD MORE: Brits warned getting your passport stamped could ruin holiday plans

The industry action will coincide with the long bank holiday weekend at the end of August and the days before most children return to school, potentially spelling major headaches for UK holidaymakers. Around 18 million Brits head to Spain each year, with the bulk of those trips coming during the school holidays.

The strike will affect all bases and work centres in Spain and will take place between 5am and 9am, noon and 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. The union has said its decision to strike is based on what it sees as a lack of stable job creation and consolidation of working hours for permanent part-time staff, as well as a disagreement with bosses over bonuses.

It has also claimed there are issues with how workers are sanctioned and what it sees as an “abuse of overtime”. The strike is motivated by sanctions imposed on workers who refuse to work non-mandatory hours, with penalties of up to 36 days without employment or pay.

“UGT regrets having to go to these extremes and all the damages that may occur, for which the direct responsibility will be solely and exclusively the company and its reckless action with the workforce,” the unions said in a statement.

Jose Manuel Perez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Air Union, claimed Azul Handling maintains “a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands.”

The FeSMC-UGT Air Sector demands that the company withdraw the sanctions, comply with the opinions of the Joint Commission and immediately open a real negotiation process, which will improve the working conditions of the more than 3,000 workers affected throughout the national territory.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain.”

Karle Ofarrell was about to board a Ryanair flight from London Gatwick to Dublin when staff told her that her bag was too big and that she’d have to pay an extra charge

A group of passengers stepped in to try to save a woman from paying a £75 Ryanair cabin bag charge.

Karla Ofarrell was travelling from London Gatwick to Dublin when a Ryanair worker asked her to make sure her luggage fit in the bag sizer. And when the 35-year-old was told it was too big, a group of men offered their belts.

As a team, they tried to wrap the belt around the bag to squash it down and pass the check. But the staff member wouldn’t back down. The intervention came after a Mirror reporter was forced to fork out a significant chunk of cash to take her water bottles on a Ryanair flight.

Have you got a Ryanair story to share? Email [email protected]

“Staff came directly over to me while I was sitting down and asked me to put my bag in the bag holder,” Karla, from Dublin, told Luxury Travel Daily. “It fit in, but the staff said it didn’t, and I would need to make the case shrink somehow to fit it behind the tape.

“They didn’t pull anyone else’s bag, and when I argued that it fit, she said the bag was a danger to fly with, so I would need to make it smaller or else it wouldn’t fly. Three or four men who were standing nearby started to offer their belts.

“I tried two different ones that were too small, and then finally one belt that would fit and make the case smaller. The flight attendant wasn’t happy about it, shushed the crowd and said they were disturbing other passengers.

“Someone shouted out, ‘Micheal O’Leary is charging €10 for having the craic’. The flight attendant got more and more irate and wouldn’t accept the bag with the belt. They ignored my attempts at boarding. She made me wait until last and said she wouldn’t let me fly unless I paid the fine and I could ‘take all the pictures I wanted’.

“Me and the other passengers agreed that she wanted to make an example out of me, so she doubled down because she was embarrassed.”

Karla had already forked out £385 for the return flight on 9 July and £40 for priority boarding. She claims that when she pointed this out to the staff, they threatened to ban her from flying. Karla says she made a complaint to Ryanair.

She added: “The fines are an unbelievable waste of time and bad press. Unfortunately, we had to fly Ryanair due to flight times for meetings.”

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “This passenger booked a Regular fare for this flight from London Gatwick to Dublin (9 Jul), which allowed them to carry a small personal bag and a 10kg cabin bag onboard. As their cabin bag exceeded the permitted size, they were correctly charged a standard gate baggage fee (£75) by the gate agent at London Gatwick Airport.”

Ever wondered why you have to put your phone on airplane mode during a flight? Here, people share the real reason behind the long-standing rule, and it may surprise you

As your plane ascends, you’re well aware that your mobile phone must be switched to airplane mode. But have you ever pondered why this is necessary, especially considering your phone probably wouldn’t function at 42,000 feet anyway? One curious traveller took to Reddit’s ‘ask’ forum to find out what could possibly go wrong if they used their phone mid-flight and whether it could lead to disastrous consequences.

And they finally uncovered the true reason behind the need to switch off your phone on a plane. They queried: “Why do they ask us not to use our phones during flights? I am just curious, what are the stakes here? Will it go boom?”

A response came: “No. There are two reasons for this:

1. Against popular thinking, the main reason is that it was feared that as the plane is taking off and landing, the phones would be connecting/disconnecting to multiple phone towers rapidly, which would cause issues with those towers. However, this isn’t really a problem in this day and age, especially. It was a precaution anyway.
2. It could mess with flight instrumentation, especially the radio. Ever had a speaker or radio open and when you get a call, you can hear sounds from the speaker? This does still happen, but is more rare nowadays as you need to receive GSM call really”.

Another Redditor chimed in: “And to have a better chance that people will listen to the safety briefing. Pay attention, people! It might just save your lives!”

“Honestly, that’s probably 100% the reason. Using your mobile on a plane shouldn’t interfere with any instruments. Doesn’t even make sense. We are surrounded and being bombarded and flying through all sorts of electronic signals. Plus they offer WiFi ON some planes,” someone else added.

Another person shared: “It’s for peace and quiet and to control a herd of people. It’s the only place left on earth where you can disconnect and nobody cares. I hope it never changes”.

One bloke stated: “I’ve read it largely has to do with potential interference with the pilot’s headset”.

When somebody responded saying it’s been tested and showed no interference, he replied: “That small sample size doesn’t dismiss the risk, nor does it take into account future headsets. I’d rather play it safer than sorry during the statistically most dangerous parts of flying”.

What is the real reason you can’t use your phone on a plane?

The genuine reason you’re told not to use your phone for calls or texts during flights is chiefly down to regulations and potential interference concerns, rather than any immediate threat to the aircraft.

Previously, there were worries that signals from numerous phones might potentially disrupt the delicate navigation and communication systems on board, particularly during take-off and landing.

Today’s aircraft are well-protected, and the likelihood of interference is now deemed extremely minimal.

Nevertheless, rules have stayed cautious.

Another factor is that at flying altitude, your mobile would attempt to link with several ground-based cell towers, potentially creating network issues for phone companies and rapidly depleting your battery.

Furthermore, airlines and aviation authorities wish to preserve a peaceful cabin atmosphere, and permitting voice calls might disturb fellow travellers.

For these reasons, you’re usually required to activate aeroplane mode, which switches off cellular connectivity whilst still enabling Wi-Fi access if the carrier offers it.

Therefore, it’s advisable to turn off your phone, or activate flight mode, whenever you step aboard an aircraft.

Monica Clare, 68, was onboard an Aer Lingus flight from Heathrow to Shannon, Ireland, when the problem began. Her flight was one of more than 150 cancelled on Thursday

Passengers swept up in the air traffic control chaos of Wednesday evening have now found out why their flights were disrupted.

Monica Clare, from Brentford, west London, is one of the unlucky group who had their holiday plans ruined last night. The 68-year-old was on an Aer Lingus aircraft ready to depart from Heathrow to Shannon, Ireland, when things went south. She recounted how the plane stayed on the runway for roughly three hours before the captain informed that his “shift was going to finish”, necessitating the passengers’ return to the terminal.

Ms Clare described the scene inside Heathrow as “bedlam”, with “suitcases everywhere”. The retired maintenance manager had to return home after being informed that Aer Lingus had no available seats on flights that would get her to her friend’s wedding in Limerick on Friday. Her frustrating situation comes as holidaymakers with trips booked this week scramble to figure out what they should do.

READ MORE: UK flights LIVE: Heathrow and Gatwick chaos sees Brits face DAYS of delaysREAD MORE: Your compensation rights as air traffic control chaos causes ‘delays for days’

Ms Clare found that alternative routes, such as travelling to a port and taking a ferry, were impractical and too costly after already shelling out for flights. She is currently seeking refunds for car hire and hotel reservations.

“I’m absolutely numb. I’m so upset. I’m heartbroken. It’s disgraceful. I think it’s absolutely unbelievable in this day and age that something that went down for 20 minutes has caused havoc like that all over the country,” she said.

“I’m so upset, I’m so angry. I’ve spokem to my friend who’s getting married. They’re devastated. We can’t now go to the wedding. I was so excited, and it’s all gone.”

Ms Clare is far from the only one who has been impacted. Asha, 18, from Manchester, said the chaos had ruined her first holiday Interrailing. She told the BBC her 3.10pm flight to Amsterdam had actually departed and was in the air for 50 minutes – before turning around. Hours later, she said she was still ‘stuck’ on the tarmac at the city’s airport

John Carr, a chiropodist from Stourbridge, was one of thousands of stranded Brits left in limbo after his flight from Heathrow to Norway was cancelled at the last minute. He and a group of friends were on their way to his brother’s wedding, for which he is best man, when he found out after checking in that his flight was cancelled.

The 35-year-old said: “I’m pretty gutted. We’ve got loads of stuff in the suitcases to set up the venue, because we’re obviously flying to Norway. We’ve got the wedding rehearsal to do. It’s quite stressful. It’s rubbish. There’s nothing we can do. We don’t know what we’re going to do tonight in terms of accommodation. We have put our cars in special car compounds for the next six days.”

It has now come to light that a “radar-related issue” was at fault for the mass disruption, which saw flights grounded across the UK on Wednesday.

NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe was summoned to speak with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on Thursday morning, a day after thousands of passengers were disrupted by the technical problem which forced the cancellation of more than 150 flights.

Airlines are demanding a deeper explanation for what happened. A spokesperson for NATS said, “This was a radar-related issue, which was resolved by quickly switching to the backup system, during which time we reduced traffic to ensure safety. There is no evidence that this was cyber-related.”

It is understood that the back-up system continues to be used by controllers while investigations continue. Ms Alexander said: “I have spoken with Nats CEO Martin Rolfe who provided further detail on yesterday’s technical fault.

“This was an isolated event and there is no evidence of malign activity. I will continue to receive regular updates.”

The problem happened at NATS’ control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, and affected the vast majority of England and Wales. A Government source said the failure lasted around 20 minutes, and the level of disruption was similar to a day with bad weather.

A travel expert has advised people heading off on holiday to use a handy tool to check their luggage amid Ryanair’s plans to pay staff to check for oversized bags

Holidaymakers worried about being stung by hefty excess baggage fees at the airport have been advised to carry out a vital check using two “trustworthy” items. A travel expert issued the guidance following news that Ryanair is thinking about increasing bonuses for staff who catch passengers with overweight bags.

The subject of extra fees has been a sore spot for money-conscious travellers in recent years given different airlines have different allowances. And recent comments by Michael O’Leary, the airline’s CEO, will do little to calm the nerves of those flying off on their summer holidays.

To avoid getting stung by such fees, Paul Stewart, the founder of travel company MyBaggage, suggested people check their luggage’s weight at home using two simple items instead of using the facilities at the airport.

“Investing in a trustworthy luggage scale and measuring tape is the best course of action,” he said. “Check your bags at home rather than at the airport. In order to account for scale differences between your home scale and the airline’s equipment, I always advise packing a little under the weight limit.”

The travel guru added: “If at all possible, opt for soft-sided luggage rather than hard cases because the former are more accommodating if you have to fit them into sizers. Consider wearing your heaviest shoes and jacket while travelling rather than packing them, and pack your heaviest items in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.”

Luggage scales can be bought for as little as £5.99 on Amazon and avoid the risk of being fined £70.

In addition to weighing your luggage at home, Paul also suggested the time-honoured tradition of reading up each airline’s policies as they can vary between carriers and routes, reports Bristol Live. He said: “Document the size and weight of your luggage at home as proof in case of any disagreements.”

Stewart’s advice came after O’Leary discussed the possibility of improving incentives for staff in an attempt to relieve the pressure of excess baggage on his airline.

In an interview with RTE’s Morning Ireland, the low-cost carrier’s CEO said: “We are happy to incentivise our [staff] with a share of those excess baggage fees, which we think will decline over the coming year or two. It is about €1.50 [£1.30] per bag – and we’re thinking of increasing it, so we eliminate it.”

At present, airline employees earn around £1.30 per item for flagging oversized bags, which is capped at £70 per month.

“We’re flying largely full flights, about half the passengers can bring two bags and the other half can only bring one – because that’s all that fits in the plane. We’re already struggling with that amount of baggage,” he shared.

Ryanair current permits each traveller to take one small personal item aboard, which must slot beneath the seat, weigh no more than 10kg and conform to measurements of 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.

Passengers who opt for the priority boarding service at additional expense can bring the same sized item, plus a 10kg case (55cm x 40cm x 20cm), which goes in the overhead compartment. This upgrade also grants flyers first access to the aircraft via the priority boarding lane at departure gates.

If crew members determine a traveller’s luggage fails to comply with its rules, passengers could be fined £70.

However, the Ryanair CEO’s bonus comments alarmed Stewart, who argued this strategy was merely “the tip of the iceberg” and feared other budget carriers would soon jump on the bandwagon.

“When airline management implements bonuses for spotting baggage abuses, staff enforcement will obviously become more stringent,” he said. “As for Ryanair, I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. Once other low-cost airlines realise the potential for profit, they will most likely follow suit.

“Instead of giving passengers the benefit of the doubt, staff are now actively seeking out reasons to impose fees, and the definition of ‘suitable baggage’ is getting more and more restrictive. Travellers must now pack and measure much more precisely as a result of this change.”

Many travellers may not be aware of the risks they are taking while connecting to free airport Wi-Fi networks, experts have warned.

With the summer getaway season at its peak, countless holidaymakers are descending on airports and relying on the complimentary Wi-Fi offered in public areas. Yet many are unwittingly exposing themselves to severe danger before they’ve even stepped foot on their aircraft.

Whilst complimentary airport Wi-Fi may appear to be a handy method of killing time, specialists are cautioning it could leave users vulnerable to some of the most perilous cyber risks.

Many users link up to public networks without hesitation to browse emails, access banking apps, or secure eleventh-hour accommodation.

But according to the experts, that swift connection could pave the way for highly sensitive data to be pilfered, reports the Express.

Geoff Pestell, CEO at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, revealed: “One of the greatest risks of joining public Wi-Fi networks is the potential for identity theft.”

He emphasised that linking to unsecured airport networks can enable cybercriminals to harvest a vast array of personal details, from your whereabouts and journey records to financial data, including banking and credit card particulars, and even fundamental yet sensitive information like your name, contact details, and marital status.

And this isn’t the sole worry, as public Wi-Fi hotspots, frequently unencrypted, leave your internet activity entirely vulnerable.

“Many users are unaware that public Wi-Fi networks often do not encrypt the data you transmit,” Geoff observed.

This means that strangers on the same network can spy on your internet use, potentially capturing everything from your login details to private emails.

There’s also the risk of malware and phishing. Cybercriminals can push harmful software onto devices through fake download links or trick travellers into filling out fraudulent forms disguised as legitimate portals.

“If you use public Wi-Fi networks, hackers may also be able to infect your computer, mobile phone, or other connected devices with malicious software,” warned Geoff.

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.

2

2

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.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

While most airlines allow passengers to carry a small personal item or bag free of charge, some of the UK’s most popular airlines charge an additional fee for cabin bags

Airline staff have become adept at spotting luggage that exceeds the standard weight and size limitations. One personal bag or ‘small’ cabin bag – typically a purse or a backpack – is allowed on every one of the UK’s most popular airlines – no matter what type of fare you purchase or where you are travelling.

However, this ‘small’ cabin bag must typically be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Passengers requiring additional space will need to separately purchase a cabin bag which can be stored in the overhead compartment. easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Jet2 all charge extra for overhead storage cabin bags.

READ MORE: Genius packing hack praised as traveller avoids paying £43 for extra luggage

Below you can find the maximum weight and dimensions of both personal baggage and cabin baggage for each airline – as well as how much you will be charged.

easyJet

Every easyJet passenger is entitled to carry a maximum of two cabin bags: one small cabin bag (free of charge) and one large cabin bag (if included in membership and fare benefits or added during booking).

easyJet small cabin bags must be a maximum of 15kg and within the dimension 45 x 36 x 20cm. A small cabin bag or personal item is free with any fare for easyJet passengers.

easyJet large cabin bags must be a maximum of 15kg within the dimensions 56 x 45 x 25cm. A cabin bag is free for easyJet Plus members or FLEXI ticket holder, or available for purchase

Prices start from £5.99 to book a large cabin bag. Alternatively, you can choose to bring a hold bag, with prices starting from £6.99 for a 15kg bag.

Ryanair

Every Ryanair passenger is entitled to carry one small personal bag free of charge. The small personal bag must be between 40 x 20 x 25cm. Regular cabin bags can be purchased separately but must be within 55 x 40 x 20cm in size and weigh no more than 10kg.

Prices start from £6 to book a large cabin bag and can reach as high as £60 depending on your travel route, whether you add the cabin bag during or after the time of booking, and your travel dates.

Vueling Airlines

All Vueling passengers are entitled to one personal bag that can be stored in the seat in front of them between the dimensions 40x30x20 cm. However, there is an additional cost for basic fare passengers to add a cabin bag.

The cabin bag must be between the dimensions 55x40x20 cm and under 10kg in weight. The cost to add a cabin bag can range from 10 Euro to 75 Euro depending on whether you book it early or add it on later, as well as your travel destination.

Wizz Air

All Wizz Air passengers are entitled to one personal item free of charge. However only Wizz Priority passengers are entitled to bring an extra trolley bag of maximum size 55 x 40 x 23 cm into the cabin.

The cost of adding a cabin bag depends on whether it is high seasons or low season, as well as where you are travelling. Prices range from €15 during low season for a bag with a 10 kg weight maximum to €189.50 during high season for a bag with a 26kg maximum.

Two airlines that allow cabin bags free of charge

British Airways and TUI Airways both allow passengers of all fare classes to travel with one piece of hand luggage free of charge.

1) British Airways

British Airways specifies that passengers can bring one standard piece of hand luggage and one personal item on board with even their lowest fare – Economy Basic. The standard hand luggage, including wheels and handles, can be up to 56 x 45 x 25cm and must weigh no more than 23kg.

That said, it is important to note that if you have more than two pieces of hand baggage, or they’re over the permitted size, you may have to put your larger bags into the hold as checked baggage.

Additionally, when you’ve used your free checked baggage allowance, you’ll have to pay to put any extra bags into the hold. You can check your baggage allowance on the BA website using their handy baggage allowance calculator.

British Airways asks passengers to keep in mind that the carriage of excess baggage is subject to availability. In some destinations, additional local taxes may also apply. If your journey includes a flight with another airline, their allowances may be different.

2) TUI Airways

All TUI Airways passengers (excluding infants) are permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage free of charge. The luggage must be within the dimension 55 x 40 x 20cm and be a maximum weight of 10kg.

TUI passengers are also permitted to carry one personal item free of charge, but it must be stored under the seat in front of you and within the dimension 40 x 30 x 20cm.

Additionally, when you fly both ways with TUI Airways as part of a package holiday, your fare will include at least 20kg of checked-in luggage per person and 10kg for Under 2s.

Social media videos show terrified passengers jumping into sea as flames and black smoke billow from burning vessel.

Three people have died and more than 500 others have been rescued after a ferry caught fire off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, emergency officials said.

Passengers jumped overboard the KM Barcelona 5, as it sailed from Melonguane port in Talaud Islands district towards the city of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, after the fire broke out on Sunday, said the Indonesian coastguard.

Photos and videos circulated on social media showed terrified passengers, mostly wearing life jackets, jumping into the sea as orange flames and black smoke billowed from the burning vessel.

A video released by the Manado rescue agency showed a coastguard vessel spraying water on the ferry, which was emitting black smoke.

Indonesian authorities previously reported five people died in the accident, but later revised the death toll to three after two passengers initially reported as dead were saved in a hospital, including a two-month-old baby whose lungs were filled with seawater.

At least 568 people were rescued from the ferry, the national search and rescue agency said in a statement on Monday.

A coastguard ship, six rescue vessels and several inflatable boats were deployed in the rescue operation, Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base, told The Associated Press news agency.

According to officials, the blaze is believed to have started on the upper deck.

“Until now, the joint rescue team is still conducting the search and rescue operation because the data is still developing,” Manado rescue agency head George Leo Mercy Randang told the AFP news agency on Monday. “Our post is still open 24 hours a day, in case families want to report about their missing relative.”

One survivor described waking up to smoke filling the passenger deck.

“The air was full of smoke and everyone started panicking,” Johan Rumewo told Kompas TV after being evacuated to Manado port. “I managed to grab a life jacket and jumped into the sea. I floated for about an hour before being rescued.”

The ferry’s log had registered only 280 passengers and 15 crew on board. Local media reported that the ship had a capacity for 600 people.

Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in the Southeast Asian archipelago of about 17,000 islands, in part due to lax safety standards or bad weather.

Sunday’s fire came just weeks after another ferry sank off the popular resort island of Bali due to bad weather, killing at least 19 people.

In March, a boat carrying 16 people capsized in rough waters off Bali, killing an Australian woman and injuring another person. In 2018, more than 150 people drowned when a ferry sank in one of the world’s deepest lakes on Sumatra Island.

Ryanair failed to load a single piece of lugagge on to a Gran Canaria-bound flight, blaming it on a security issue at Bristol Airport but refused to explain what the exact issue was

A plane full of tourists have been left in Spain without their belongings after their Ryanair flight flew across Europe without a single piece of checked luggage on board.

Travellers on the Gran Canaria-bound flight FR4757, which departed from Bristol on Friday, were left stunned when the pilot told them there suitcases had not been loaded due to “time constraints”. The pilot blamed the blunder on a security issue at Bristol Airport.

Among the passengers were 11 pals from Taunton, who were on their way to Maspalomas, where they were going for a birthday and graduation celebration.

Madeline Cooper, 22, said it was a normal journey until they were told about the issue when they landed.

“We had absolutely no issues at all until we landed. Then the captain said they made the difficult decision to not bring any of our luggage,” she explained. “They wouldn’t say what the security issue was – just that every single person’s bag had been left behind.”

The group quickly discovered they weren’t the only ones affected, reports Bristol Live. “We were told today that it was 70 bags that didn’t fly. One pram made it across, that’s it,” Madeline added.

“People didn’t even believe it at first – some thought it was a joke.”

Vital belongings left behind included medicines, contact lenses, cosmetics and sun protection. Sophie Payne, one of the party, suffers severe asthma and found herself stranded without her inhaler.

“It was really stressful,” she said. “I take it twice a day and it gets worse at night.

“We’ve had to search for a pharmacy in an area we don’t know.”

The group, staying at the Cordial Green Golf Bungalows, were informed that their luggage might arrive by Saturday night.

But as of 6pm, they had not received any updates from Ryanair.

“There’s been zero communication,” Madeline commented. “They keep telling us to use the app, but some older passengers don’t even have smartphones.”

The ordeal has already disrupted their plans. “We’ve had to pay €60 just to get to a shopping centre and back for clean underwear and essentials,” Madeline said. “We’re all students – we can’t afford to keep replacing everything.”

With temperatures soaring and no suncream in sight, Sophie summed up the mood: “There’s a lot of burnt bodies around here.”

Other travellers vented their frustration on social media.

One user said: “Great start to the holiday as Ryanair decided to bring 0 of the suitcases from Bristol to Gran Canaria. No heart medication for me tomorrow.”

Another shared: “Currently in Gran Canaria with zero belongings.”

Despite the problems, the group is still hopeful that their luggage will turn up in time for their activities, which include a birthday celebration, a trip to a water park, and a private boat tour.

“This is provided that we are able to get our luggage,” Sophie pointed out. “If we don’t our stuff then it’s completely ruined the holiday.”

Some of the group face an hour-long round trip back to the airport to retrieve their suitcases.

Ryanair and Bristol Airport have been contacted for comment.

Video shows people jumping into the sea as fire engulfs a passenger ship, the KM Barcelona VA, in Indonesia. The national search and rescue agency has begun evacuating the burning vessel near Talise Island, in North Sulawesi Province.

Experts warn that, with airlines routinely overbooking flights on purpose, a simple check-in mistake could see the start to your holiday getting delayed

UK airports are gearing up for a record summer travel boom, with millions of us planning to fly to exotic destinations. But with budgets getting ever tighter, airlines are even more likely to deliberately overbook flights to eliminate any risk of wastage due to passengers failing to show up for their booked flights.

But with that deliberate overbooking comes the risk of being turned away at check-in.

How can travellers work out if they’re at risk of missing out on their flight? Experts from leading luxury airport transfer provider SCS Chauffeurs explain that there’s a unique code on every boarding pass.

According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, more than six million passengers were denied boarding globally in the last year, with many unaware that early check-in could have guaranteed their flight.

Hadleigh Diamond, luxury airport chauffeur provider at SCS Chauffeurs, explains: “SEQ stands for Sequence Number, and it tells airlines the order in which you checked in for your flight.

“A SEQ of 001 means you were the first to check in; 152 means you were the 152nd. While it doesn’t affect your seat assignment or boarding group, it’s crucial during overbooked flights, especially on budget airlines.

“When flights are oversold, which is increasingly common during peak periods – airlines have to choose who gets involuntarily denied boarding.”

One of the main factors used is the check in order. If you were one of the last to check in, you’re more likely to be at the bottom of the priority list.

“When we arrange transfers, we often remind passengers to ensure they’ve checked in early, whenever possible, to avoid a potential flight issue.” Hadleigh adds: “Airlines tend to overbook flights as not all passengers turn up on the day.”

When a flight is so overbooked that passengers are denied boarding or offloaded, the airline will usually ask for volunteers. But if no-one comes forward, each airline will deny boarding to passengers in line with its own policies: “For many airlines, this involves using the SEQ number as a fair tie-breaker.

“You might be more likely to be denied boarding if you’re travelling alone or without luggage, have paid the lowest fare or were the last to check-in.”

Don’t assume a booked seat means that you have a guaranteed flight. Overbooking affects all classes, including economy with assigned seating. Look for SEQ on your boarding pass – It’s usually printed under or near the barcode. A low number is better.

There are two key tips for avoiding disappointment.

First of all, the experts say, try to check in as early as possible. Most airlines allow online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. Set a reminder and check in online it the moment it opens.

Secondly, if you’re flying with friends or family, make sure everyone checks in together to avoid getting split up by the SEQ system. In worst-case scenarios, some members may board while others are denied.