Planes flights and airlines

HOLIDAY experts have revealed the exact time and date Brits should book their tickets ahead of the August bank holiday to save hundreds of pounds.

It’s not too late to book last-minute flight tickets for holiday trips over the August bank holiday weekend.

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Brits can still find ways to get out of the country that won’t blow the budget for the weekend of August 25.

This includes trips to classic European escapes and hotspots like Disneyland Paris.

Ticket experts have analysed pricing data and industry travel trends.

CEO of AttractionTickets, Oliver Brendon, explained: “It’s easy to assume the early bird always gets the deal.

“In reality, travel companies adjust fares repeatedly based on demand, and we see opportunities appear even in the final days before departure.

“There’s still time to save on last-minute August bank holiday travel if you know when to book.”

Brendon reveals the trick to finding value no matter how late the purchase is made.

Through review of historic pricing, as well as industry reports, Sundays have been found to regularly deliver the lowest average booking prices.

This is because airlines adjust seat availability and prices over the weekend.

Therefore, holidaymakers who plan to book on Sundays can more often find a better deal and pay significantly less than those who book on other days.

Furthermore, Fridays have been found to be time to avoid as it is the time when prices tend to spike due to increasing demand.

A clear morning advantage has also been found through analyses.

Around 6am is when the fresh fares tend to show up, so it is good to get in early before search traffic ramps up into the day.

So those looking to book a getaway from the bank holiday this month should set their alarms for Sunday morning.

Oliver adds 6am on Sunday, August 17 “both sit within the sweet spot before the long weekend and will give you a chance at potentially unlocking better pricing.”

This timing tip comes from expert insights and data-driven research from travel and ticketing platforms.

It also focused on last-minute booking trends by travellers in the UK.

The advise follows suggestions from CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, who said flights could also be booked cheaper in the first two months of the year.

Winter months are believed to be the best time of the year to find cheap air fares, as well as just before the peak of school holidays.

Another study looked in to the best time to book flights for certain destinations.

For Faro in Portugal, the cheapest flights for the summer holidays were found to be just five weeks before travelling.

And for long-haul flights like to New York, the best time was found to be June to book for an August vacation.

A HAIR removal specialist has warned travelers not to get a wax immediately before boarding a flight, as it could lead to painful skin problems that might spoil the start of a holiday.

Timca Pruijt, hair removal expert from Laser Hair Removalo, says the conditions inside aircraft cabins can worsen post-wax skin irritation, causing redness, increased sensitivity and potential infection risks.

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She noted that many people book last-minute beauty treatments just before flying abroad, without considering how the aircraft environment might affect freshly waxed skin.

Cabin air is extra dry

“To avoid condensation, cabin humidity is reduced dramatically to anywhere between 10% and 20%, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s latest Aviation Weather Handbook.

“This is much lower than what your skin is used to, which is ideally between 30% and 50%, based on guidance from the US Environmental Protection Agency,” Pruijt explains.

“We can easily feel our lips chapping, our nose drying and our eyes getting itchy, but we rarely remember our skin is suffering too.”

She explains that newly waxed skin will have its protective hair layer removed, and tiny pores are left open and exposed.

“After waxing, your skin needs time to recover and close those open pores. The ultra-dry cabin air draws moisture from your skin at the worst possible time – right when it needs hydration to heal properly,” she adds.

“People often forget that waxing is not just hair removal; it is quite traumatic for the skin. You are pulling hair from the root and removing a thin layer of skin cells in the process,” she says. 

Pruijt also points out that the stress of travelling, along with changes in temperature between air-conditioned airports, hot tarmacs and cool cabins, puts additional strain on your skin’s ability to recover.

Your Skin Needs At Least 48 Hours to Heal

According to Pruijt, sitting in a confined space for hours with compromised skin creates ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to spots, rashes, or even infections.

For holidaymakers who still want to be hair-free on arrival, she recommends planning beauty treatments carefully.

“Preparation is the only way you can avoid complications from waxing. This means booking your appointments well ahead and applying moisturizers before leaving the house for the airport.”

“Get your waxing done at least 48 hours before your flight. This gives your skin adequate time to recover and those open pores to close,” she advises.

She also suggests applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer before the flight to create a protective barrier.

Airports can be bacteria breeding ground for freshly waxed skin

“Our hands contact multiple surfaces in airports, planes, taxis, buses, and cafes. We then inevitably touch our skin with those hands, breeding with bacteria.

“You can use hand sanitizer generously and often, but bacteria are on surfaces you might sit on or accidentally touch.

“While you cannot exactly cover a waxed upper lip or brow, you could swap shorts for loose trousers and tank tops for airy, long-sleeved shirts to give your fragile skin an extra layer of protection from unsanitary surfaces and your own contaminated hands.”

The expert noted that wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the flight is essential if you have recently had a wax, particularly for sensitive areas.

“Tight clothing creates friction and traps heat and moisture, which can lead to irritation or folliculitis, when your hair follicles become inflamed,” she explains. “Opt for cotton for avoid sweating and maximize your skin’s ability to breathe.”

Last-minute waxing can cause rashes

If you are used to waxing as your preferred hair removal method, you may be reluctant to consider alternatives or combinations thereof.

“Many travelers now opt for a waxing appointment a few days before their flight and pack a small razor for touch-ups if needed during their holiday,” she says.

“If you travel often or want longer-lasting results, treatments like laser hair removal might be worth considering. Unlike waxing, once a course of laser treatments is complete, there is no need to worry about last-minute hair removal before flights.

“Ultimately, if it is too late to plan more permanent hair removal options, your best bet is packing a good old set of fresh razors and, importantly, a new loofah or gentle brush to exfoliate your sensitive, sun-bathed skin before shaving,” Pruijt notes.

“You are better off putting in the extra effort of shaving daily than walking around with a waxed, sore rash you cannot control your entire vacation.”

Sun exposure can damage sensitive skin

Pruijt also advises taking extra care with sun exposure after both waxing and flying.

“Newly waxed or dehydrated skin makes you more susceptible to sun damage.

“You should avoid applying sunscreen on freshly irritated skin, which is why, if you do need to step out the following 24 hours, cover your skin with clothing rather than sunscreen, depending on the area. Wear trousers, long-sleeved tops, a wide-brimmed hat and trainers.

“Make sure you are extra vigilant with sunscreen once you reach your destination,” she warns.”

THIS is the shocking moment a Virgin Atlantic passenger hurled abuse at a hostess he threatened to “gang rape and set alight”

Disturbing footage shows Salman Iftikhar, 37, tell stewardess Angie Walsh she would be attacked in her hotel after landing.

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He spouted his vile rant after downing champagne on an eight-hour flight from London Heathrow to Lahore on February 7 2023.

Iftikhar said Ms Walsh would be taken from her hotel room, gang raped and set on fire.

Another passenger, who filmed the shocking scenes, can be heard saying “holy s–t”.

Iftikhar repeatedly accuses Ms Walsh of being a racist and says: “You called me a p-ki in front of everybody.”

The 37-year-old had been flying with his wife and three children, Isleworth Crown Court heard.

Prosecuting, Abdul Kapadia, said: “During the defendant’s first meal service, the defendant was seen helping himself to ice, leaning over the bar he was drinking at, and taking ice with his hands.

“When told to stop, the defendant became irate, and started to film cabin crew with his phone, telling them: ‘Do not tell me what to do you b***h.

“When asked by the cabin crew to return to his seat, he then said: ‘Don’t tell me what to do you racist f***ing b***h. I know where you are from in Cardiff.”

Staff alerted the pilot and the seat belt signs were turned on, which only aggravated Iftikhar more.

He continued to call Ms Walsh a “f***ing b***h” before his escalating behaviour sparked a possible flight diversion to Turkey.

“The defendant was informed of this possible diversion, to which he replied: ‘I don’t care. F–it, go to Turkey. I have contacts,” the prosecutor told the court.

“The defendant then sat down, but his aggressive behaviour continued.

“His wife was ashamed. His three children were also on-board,
and other crew members were called to assist, but the defendant continued shouting and swearing.

“He was slurring his words, with his voice raised.

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“He shouted at the cabin crew: ‘Do you know who I am?’

“The defendant’s wife went to the food bar and tried to talk to cabin crew, but the defendant pushed his wife away, and shouted at her not to talk to crew.”

He grabbed one flight attendant, called Tommy Merchant, and threatened him with a fight.

‘YOU WILL BE DEAD’

The out-of-control passenger then told cabin crew he would blow up the floor of their hotel.

“The defendant knew the specific hotel, but also the hotel room numbers, and threatened the cabin crew with this,” Mr Kapadia told the court.

“He told Ms Walsh: ‘You will be dead on the floor of your hotel’.

“Iftikhar shouted at Ms Walsh and said: ‘The white sheep sh**ging b***h will be dead. The floor of your hotel will be blown up and it will disappear.

“He told Ms Walsh: ‘You will be dragged by your hair from your room and gang raped and set on fire’.”

His violent rant unfolded in front of his wife and three young children – who were brought to tears.

Iftikhar was arrested at his £900,000 detached home in Iver, Bucks, on March 16, 2024.

‘IT HAS BROKEN ME’

In an impact statement, Ms Walsh said she was forced to take off 14 months and the altercation “changed my life enormously”.

“I can’t quite believe that one passenger has had this much of an impact on my, my job, my career and my life,” she said.

“I am a strong brave, happy stewardess, and loved my job. I am well known within the company.

“But I had to take 14 months off work. 

“I have been flying with Virgin Atlantic for 37 years. I was working when all flights were grounded on 9/11, and I’ve even flown into a warzone. But this incident has broken me.

“But I don’t feel strong enough anymore. I was abused for eight hours and 15 mins. It has broken me. It was a very personal attack.

“I was doing everything in my power to protect passengers and the crew from him. I felt exposed and vulnerable, especially as we were 39,000 feet in the air. There was nowhere for me to go.

“There was one moment where I felt I could not cope. I went into the cockpit and had a meltdown. I said to the captain I don’t know what to do. 

“Even the threat of diverting the plane to Turkey or Baku, Azerbaijan, had no effect.

“I was traumatised by the threat of being gang raped.

“Never in my entire career flying for 37 years have I not been sure what to do.

“I have had the best career in the world for 37 years. But he has taken that away from me.”

He told Ms Walsh: ‘You will be dead on the floor of your hotel’

Prosecutor Abdul Kapadia

Iftikhar, of Iver, Bucks, admitted making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment, in relation to Ms Walsh.

He was cleared of assault by beating and threats to kill in relation to Mr Merchant.

Ben Walker-Nolan, defending, said Iftikhar was suffering from “amnesia blood loss” at the time.

Mr Walker-Nolan added: “Although there were over 100 incidents over the course of eight hours, the most serious, including threats to kill, were limited.

“The defendant has buried his head in the sand for a long period, and expressed regret.

“He has a long standing drug and alcohol problem which he has not addressed for many years.

“He is a successful businessman who employs a lot of people.”

THUG JAILED

Iftikhar has six previous convictions arising from 15 offences, including common assault in 2004 and drink driving in 2008 and failing to stop and possession of cannabis in 2021.

Judge Ms Recorder Annabel Darlow KC said: “Your threats to kill were made in the presence of children, specifically your three young children. 

“These were threats made with significant violence. 

“Your children had to be comforted by cabin crew staff while you made those threats.

“Ms Walsh has given up a job which she has loved for 14 months, but thankfully has now returned to work.

“This was a sustained incident which involved repeated racist abuse to Ms Walsh.

“You have a lengthy and appalling record of misconduct. You have not addressed the underlying cause of this for many years, that is your drug and alcohol problem.

“Given your lifestyle and your ability to earn money, your harm and risk has not moved.

“This was an appalling incident which has caused long lasting and devastating consequences.”

Iftikhar cried in the dock as he was jailed for 15 months.

His LinkedIn profile stated that he was the director and founder of recruitment firm Staffing Match.

Virgin Atlantic was contacted for comment.

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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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A FIRST-TIME mum dreading flying with her baby daughter has shared how she got through it without any tears

Lala, from Germany, took to social media to share her genius parenting hack just in time for any summer holidays you have planned.

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And the best part is that the travel hack costs just 45p.

In the clip, Lala and her partner could be seen boarding the plane with their baby asleep in her mum’s arms.

She said: “This was her very first flight and we timed it perfectly with her nap. She slept right through takeoff but eventually she woke up.”

So how did the parents keep her entertained for the three hour flight? Lettuce.

Lala said they often give their tot lettuce when they’re trying to eat in peace, so decided to try it on the plane.

“It always keeps her occupied for so long. And I thought, if it works at home, why would it not work on a plane?” she explained.

Like most kids, her daughter was obsessed with tearing things up and trying to put them in her mouth.

“Like bread, paper, tissue, anything. But bread is way too messy, like there are crumbs everywhere,” she explained. And with paper or tissue, we always have to keep an eye on her that she doesn’t eat it. But lettuce?

“Lettuce is genius. It has a really fun texture and it’s not messy at all. And it’s safe if she decides to munch on it. Not just safe, but it’s actually a really refreshing and healthy snack for her.”

“This kept her occupied almost the entire flight.”

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While Lala’s easy travel hack was worth giving a go, it’s worth noting that some airlines may not let you bring it on, depending on what country you are flying to.

Others may not let you bring it into the country when you land so you’ll have to chuck it away.

But that won’t matter too much as the hack costs just 45p as two heads of lettuce cost 90p from Waitrose.

The clip quickly went viral on her TikTok account @lalaleluu with over 1.7 million views and 267k likes.

Plenty of parents took to the comments thanking her for the advice.

One person wrote: “Wow this is genius. About to take my baby on her first flight alone and I might try this.”

Another commented: “I have a 14 hour flight with my baby next month. I’ll just bring a whole field.”

“You, Lala, have just unlocked a whole new toy for all of us mums out there thank you,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “This is some next level parenting!! Bravo!!”

“Genius idea,” claimed a fifth

Someone else added: “This is such a good idea!!”

TRAVEL lovers have been lapping up a big brand cabin bag that’s even more penny-pinching than Primark’s own version.

There’s nothing worse than getting caught out by militant measures – and here’s the answer.

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To avoid paying for an overpriced cabin bag, shoppers have been going potty for the Robert Dyas Underseat Cabin Bag.

Available in black/red, it comes in at a savvy £7.99 and is ideal for short breaks or business trips.

The travel companion is priced even lower than Primark’s £12 Underseat Bag.

High Quality Cabin Carry on Holdall Bag Duffel Under Seat. Additional sleeve section on the back to fit over trolley case handles. Adjustable shoulder strap and top carry handle.

Happy customers reviewed online: “Great bag to take on plane.”

A second added: “Underseat travel bag. Perfect size to use when travelling. Strong bag, easy to fold and store away.”

A third praised: “Looks good and roomy, ideal to take onboard a plane and lots of compartments for important stuff.”

“Perfect lightweight bag, just what I wanted,” applauded a fourth.

“Excellent quality and value,” wrote another.

“Very good. Correct dimensions for small bag to take as cabin bag. Love it!” penned another.

“Very sturdy, great quality bag. Amazing price. Perfect for Ryanair‘s ridiculously stringent sizing policy. Managed to ram more into it than I envisaged,” advised a fifth.

All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you.

All over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available put in the hold for a fee.

Anyone wanting to bring another bag, you’ll need to upgrade and pay extra for priority and two cabin bags or checked baggage.

Many angry passengers have been caught out by Ryanair’s strict baggage allowance for flights.

However, the Robert Dyas lightweight bag has a 20L capacity with dimensions H:25 x W:40 x D:5 cm and fits perfectly under the seat.

With a front zip for passports and essentials, it features carry grab handles with an adjustable shoulder strap.

Made from strong polyester, it also offers a one year guarantee.

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GREECE’S biggest island is getting a huge new £422million airport.

Heraklion, on the island of Crete, is currently preparing for a new airport in Kastelli which is scheduled to open in February 2027.

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According to the New Heraklion International Airport, the new airport will serve 10million passengers each year, after opening.

This number will then rise to 18million after some time.

There will be 19 boarding gates, eight of which will be of combined use for Schengen and Non-Schengen flights.

There will be space for 27 aircraft and also a terminal building with five levels of retail space and permanent exhibition areas.

A masterplan map also shows an area shaded in purple that suggest future retail space.

In addition, the airport is due to be one of the biggest in the country and when it opens it will replace the existing Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion.

Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport opened back in 1937, however, it can only accommodate eight million passengers a year.

Kastelli International Airport is being built to handle the growing number of tourists heading to Greece each year.

The airport will be located a 25-minute drive away from Heraklion, which is the largest city on the island.

In total, the airport is expected to cost €500million (£422million) to build and generate a total of 7,500 jobs in the area as well as a further 37,000 indirect jobs.

In addition, the new airport is expected to give new life to Crete’s tourism.

According to Tornos News, the new airport will create a number of new roads and contain one runway which stretches 3,200 metres long with one parallel aircraft movement taxiway,

A trial launch of of the airport will take place next summer, before a full opening in 2027.

Currently, airlines including easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways fly to Crete.

These are likely to move to the new airport when it opens.

And there are a number of other new exciting airports opening around the world.

A new £25billion mega airport is also opening in Europe to ‘take on Heathrow and Dubai’ with 65milllion passengers.

Plus, one of the world’s busiest airports reveals plans for new £7billion mega terminal with 50million more passengers.

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PASSENGERS could enjoy quicker journeys and fewer delays under the first shake-up of flight paths in 70 years.

Ministers have ordered an overhaul of UK airspace to create more direct routes.

The review could also let planes climb into the sky quicker to reduce the noise for communities below.

In the long-term, the government says the redesign would even create the necessary airspace for the “flying taxis” of the future to operate.

Britain’s flightpaths have not been changed since the 1950s when there were just 200,000 flights per year, compared with 2.7million in 2024.

It has resulted in flight congestion that often forces planes to circle overhead before landing, causing frustration to passengers as well as more emissions.

A new UK Airspace Design Service will be up and running by the end of the year, and will first focus on re-carving London’s flightpaths in anticipation of a third Heathrow runway.

Transport Minister Mike Kane said: “Redesigned ‘skyways’ will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry.

“Not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy as part of the Plan for Change.

“Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term sustainable future.”

Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK added: “Modernising UK airspace is long overdue.

“These changes will help to speed up a programme that will provide tangible reforms, from a reduction in delays, improved resilience and lower carbon emissions.”

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DONALD Trump’s luxury “sky Palace” gifted to him by Qatar will cost a few billion dollars, says the President of Emirates airline.

The US government now faces a “Herculean task” to transform the huge Boeing 747-8 into a new Air Force One fit for a president, warns Sir Tim Clark.

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President Trump, 78, sparked concerns earlier this month with his willingness to accept the plush flying mansion from the Qatari royal family.

The giant gift, worth an estimated $400m (£300m), has raised several ethical questions about if the US leader should be allowed to accept such expensive goods from other states.

But despite the controversy, Trump gladly took the 13-year-old mega jet back to Washington with him.

He now plans to make it part of his Air Force One fleet alongside two other Boeing 747-200 jumbo jets.

They have been operational since 1990 but are now said to be not up to scratch compared to modern planes such as Qatar‘s 747-8.

In order for it to become a fully fledged member of the president’s aviation arsenal however, it will need to go through some serious work.

It would have to be kitted out with top-tier communications and security tech before ever ferrying around Trump.

And significant retrofitting and clearance from security officials would be required.

Sir Tim, president of Emirates, told Piers Morgan Uncensored that President Trump’s flashy plans may cost a “couple of billion dollars”.

He explained to Piers: “I think you’re talking a couple of billion dollars to start with.

“Just roll back a little bit and look at what it takes for us to convert our 777s – from the old to the new – because we haven’t got the Boeing’s coming in at the pace we want them so we’re having to reconfigure all of them.”

The top aviation boss said trying to fix up all the jets as an airline has been an extremely tough task.

Tim admitted to “pulling his hair out” over the regulators and the tiny tweaks that have to be made to modernise a plane of that size and stature.

And he believes the US government will face an even trickier – and much more expensive – battle to get the gifted plane ready for presidential trips.

He said: “It’s a Herculean task, make no mistake about it.

“Whether President Trump will adapt fully, this present from Qatar, to an Air Force One I doubt it, but he’ll certainly get a lot of it done.”

Aviation specialist Jeff Wise also told The Sun that he expects the Air Force One replacement to take years and need billions of dollars pumped into the project to make the jet viable.

Trump’s Air Force One jets currently in use come with dozens of specialised security features.

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These include armoured glass and plating, on board flares to confuse enemy missiles, mirror-ball defences and even an electric jamming system.

Another unique yet needed element is an electromagnetic shield for nuclear explosions.

This has to be on a presidential plane as the leader of Washington can actually launch a nuke from the aircraft.

But the new Qatari jet lacks most of these security features.

Instead, the lavish aeroplane boasts a luxurious interior, featuring spacious suites and rooms with ornate interior decoration.

It also has glittering gold-coloured furnishings and hallways that echo Trump’s well-know interior design preferences.

The president is believed to have spent an hour inspecting the plan when when it was parked at West Palm Beach International Airport back in February.

The luxury Boeing was once even listed for a whopping $400 million, according to the Business Jet Traveler.

During his first stint in office, Trump had ordered two new Air Force One jumbo jets from Boeing to replace the pair that have been in service since George H. W. Bush’s presidency.

But the Boeing contract has faced delays, and reports suggest the new plans would not be ready until after Trump leaves the Oval Office.

Fears Trump’s new Air Force One replacement is vulnerable to devastating HACKS – or worse

By Chief Foreign Reporter, Katie Davis

A LAVISH jumbo jet Donald Trump plans to receive from Qatar will be vulnerable to hacking, an expert has warned.

The Boeing 747 – dubbed a “palace in the sky” – could even be blasted out the sky, aviation specialist Jeff Wise believes.

He fears Trump may bypass necessary measures to save time and money – which could therefore invite hacking or a devastating assassination attempt.

Wise told The Sun: “This Air Force One would be a major intelligence target for any adversary nation or even our allies, because allies love to spy on each other.

“The United States is being given this albatross that they are going to have to spend billions of dollars on to fix up for the personal use of Trump.

“If your job is to protect the President of the United States or if your job is to protect the secrets of the United States, then this is a massive headache for you.

“This is a plane that does not have secure communications and the anti-missiles defence systems that a normal Air Force One has. It’s just wide open.

“This is an administration that is completely irresponsible in the way they use their personal devices. They’re using these off-brand apps to communicate. It’s just a hacker’s dream.”

Wise continued: “I would say an increasing number of people would like to target Air Force One. 

“America’s list of enemies is growing longer and longer as we become an increasingly horrible nation, from the Houthis to the Iranians to the Russians.”

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WHEN a flight attendant came across a couple on the way to their wedding, she decided the whole flight should help them celebrate.

And rather than the typical trinkets, this thoughtful crew member decided fellow passengers should give the gift of their best advice.

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The unnamed air-hostess asked all the fellow travellers to scribble down their most valuable tip for a successful marriage – and delivered the results to the betrothed pair.

Kirsten and Sam, the happy recipients, shared the heart-warming experience – and the lessons they learned – on TikTok, to the delight of hundreds of thousands.

Kirsten, a pediatric oncologist nurse, said: “The sweet flight attendant helped us ask people for marriage advice.

The pearls of wisdom arrived scrawled on airline napkins, note pads and small scraps of paper – anything passengers could find.

Here are some of the best among them.

A pair of high school sweethearts married 40 years wrote: “Our advice is: Never give up [because] nothing is perfect, don’t sweat the small stuff, never stop communicating, and never go to bed mad.”

Another couple advised: “Keep God at the center of your marriage and have fun together.

“Don’t forget to be best friends [and] laugh at the little things.

“Stick together through the hard times [and] good times will eventually come again.”

Offering a philosophical note, someone wrote: “Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments.

“Be nice, communicate wants and needs.”

Lovers of 43 years suggested: ““Be quick to forgive and say, ‘I’m sorry,’” which was a remarkably similar sentiment to the decades-together couple.

A long and thoughtful message said: “Always respond to your partner’s bids for attention.

“If they say the sunset is pretty, drop everything and enjoy it together.

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“If they ask if they look nice, truly take a moment to take them all in and give them a compliment.

“If they give you a quick hug, hold them longer. These small moments matter for intimacy.”

Kirsten and Sam tied the knot on May 22 in Phoenix, Arizona.

She said the wholesome life advice would serve as a foundation for their relationship, and they were “cherish these forever”.

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AN EASYJET passenger was left petrified after a group of rowdy “drunk” Brits turned her Ibiza flight into a “nightclub”.

Furious Spaniard Erika Barrachina claimed she suffered a “panic attack” after the mid-air raucous where she had to cope with “scum” passengers.

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The Ibiza resident blasted that these type of tourists should never have been allowed to board the plane in the first place.

Shocking footage showed a packed plane with passengers appearing to bang on luggage compartments and yell: “Come on Ibiza!”

Multiple travellers appeared to be waving their arms and legs around while sat during the loud journey.

And some who seemingly found the whole situation hilarious decided to record the noisy chanting.

The Spanish local said that her “flight from London to Ibiza was absolutely horrible“.

The passenger said she was “scared” while travelling on the jet “full of real English animals”.

“Everyone standing, screaming, guys hitting each other, drinking bottles of alcohol one after the other and stopping the flight attendants from doing their job,” she added.

The appalled passenger called her experience: “Real hell.”

She said of the footage which she managed to record: “This video is the just the end because I couldn’t film what happened during the journey.”

Barrachina also claimed that Brit passengers were drunk and high before boarding.

She continued: “Taking pills and drinking alcohol at the same time, which I saw with my own eyes.

“It was a really wild 2.5 hour flight.”

The Spanish passenger raged: “This shouldn’t be allowed. They shouldn’t let scum like this get on a plane or sell alcohol on board.

“We don’t want this type of tourism in Ibiza, they should stay at home.”

She branded the uncontrollable Brits “wild animals”.

The Ibiza resident also told a local Ibizan newspaper: “I’m not afraid of flying because I’ve flown around the world but I had a panic attack because it was like being in a pub, in a nightclub, but in the air.”

She claimed that multiple air stewards asked some of the passengers for their documentation, only to be told: “F**k off.”

The “wild” passengers were let off the plane after reaching Ibiza airport and identifying themselves.

EasyJet told The Sun: “We can confirm that flight EZY2307 from Luton to Ibiza on May 16 was met by police on arrival due to a group of passengers behaving in a disruptive manner.

“The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet’s priority.

“Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate disruptive behaviour onboard.”

Barrachina posted the footage on Saturday – one day before thousands of people marched in Canary Islands capitals as part of a new anti-mass tourism protest.

Locals in the Balearic Islands, which include Ibiza, are due to stage their protest on June 15.

FLYING abroad soon and worried about paying extra for overweight luggage?

Head over to Amazon, where shoppers are snapping up a handy gadget that’s been reduced from £19.99 to just £9.40.

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Freetoo Digital Luggage Scale, £9.40 (was £19.99)

The Freetoo Portable Digital Luggage Scale has been described as a ‘lifesaver’ for travellers who want to avoid those annoying baggage fees.

Now 53% cheaper, it’s currently a number-one bestseller on the Amazon website.

With summer just around the corner, many people have travel on the agenda – and airlines, of course, are super strict with luggage weight limits.

Thing are often trickier on the return flight home, when you’ve bought loads of souvenirs (or just gone a bit mad in the duty-free section).

This digital luggage scale is a cheap, easy way to make sure your bags stay within the weight limit.

It can measure up to 50kg and, according to the maker, is accurate down to 0.01kg.

It’s simple to use: just turn it on, attach the strap to your luggage, lift, and read the weight on the screen.

There’s a large LCD screen that’s easy to read, even in low light, and you can switch between weight units – pounds, grams, ounces or kilos.

The tare function lets you measure net weight easily, so you can figure out how much you’ve added or need to remove.

At just 90g, it’s (appropriately enough) very lightweight, and can easily go into your pocket or the luggage you take on to the plane.

This handy little gizmo has racked up nearly 50,000 reviews on Amazon, with shoppers loving how reliable and easy it is to use.

“Great travel device!” one review reads. “Easy to use, accurate readout. Does the job nicely.”

One happy customer shared: “[I] have used these for 16 flights recently.

“Gives you some peace of mind before arriving at the airport when you have loads of luggage.”

Another shopper called it “an absolute must-have for frequent travellers”.

For the reduced sum of £9.40, this is a real bargain for guaranteed peace of mind at the airport check-in desk.

And for shoppers not just worried about the weight but the size of their luggage, Amazon has slashed the cost of an underseat cabin backpack that’s designed with Ryanair restrictions in mind.

Freetoo Digital Luggage Scale, £9.40 (was £19.99)

And if you’re looking for more travel essentials, an Anker portable charger is now 65% cheaper – perfect for keeping your phone alive on long-haul flights.

And more good news for travellers: 9 UK airports have scrapped a hand luggage rule.