A WOMAN was left £900 out of pocket and missed her own 50th birthday abroad because of a passport mistake STILL being made by thousands.
Ali Burridge, from Suffolk, was due to fly to Benidorm with 15 of her friends during the May bank holiday weekend for celebrate her big birthday.
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Ali Burridge (right) was forced to miss her holiday abroad because of her passportCredit: SWNSShe was due to fly to Benidorm with her friends for her 50th birthdayCredit: SWNS
Having spent £900 on flights and accommodation, she ran into problems after arriving at the airport
Staff behind the counter at London Stansted gave her the “heartbreaking” news that she couldn’t board the plane due to a passport rule she had “no idea about”.
This also caught Ali out, who bought her passport before the new rules and meant she didn’t realise the extra time on her passport was no longer valid.
She said: “It was awful when I was told the news, to be honest, I’m still in shock.
“I had been looking forward to this since my 40th birthday – we had spent the previous year organising it all. In reality, the rule has cost me money and memories.”
Her sister Tracey said the girls were “in tears” after they landed and heard the news, with them travelling out on an earlier flight.
Instead her friends called her from their holiday while she was stuck at homeCredit: SWNS
Ali also said that no issues were raised on the website when she checked in two weeks before, despite it asking for her expiry date.
She continued: “If it had flagged the issues, I would have been able to get a new one, which is annoying.”
Despite driving to Peterborough with an attempt to get a new one at the Passport Office, she was unable to in time for her trip.
Instead, she was forced to stay home whilst some of her friends that had already made it out there enjoyed the sun – who managed to FaceTime her while out there.
She added: “I still know and see a lot of people travelling on the old passport, so I want to raise awareness so this doesn’t happen to others.
“You could be easily caught out like me if you don’t travel often. I’m seeing this situation as a valuable life lesson.”
Families need to be aware of how this could impact their flights home
Ryanair bookings need to be accurate at the time people head on holiday – especially people born in these three years(Image: GordZam via Getty Images)
Certain young people going on holiday with Ryanair this year could find themselves in trouble if they are booked to fly with the wrong ticket type. It can happen to anyone born in 2010, 2014, or 2024. Ryanair divides its passengers into four categories when assigning seats on planes: adults, teens, children, and infants.
The airline is clear online about who qualifies for specific ticket types when they are travelling abroad with the budget carrier. Outlining the policy online, Ryanair says: “For the purpose of defining our passenger types, adults are over 16 years of age, teens are between 12 and 15 years of age, children are between two and 11 years of age, and infants are those under two years of age.”
This applies from the “date of flight departure”. If families are heading abroad and celebrate a birthday, they need to be aware of how this could impact their flights home. Anyone born in 2010, 2014, or 2024 must comply with the rules.
If a child turns two, 12 or 16 between leaving the UK and returning home, they cannot be booked onto Ryanair flights without potentially facing extra charges. It is important for parents to be aware of this before booking their next holiday – or act now if the plans are already in place.
Ryanair adds: “If an infant turns two years of age or a child turns 16 years of age during your trip, you should purchase two one-way flights rather than a return ticket. You may then connect the bookings by contacting us.”
In terms of pricing, teens (aged 12-15) are treated the same as adults for pricing. They may, however, lose any free seat selection that is offered to under-12s.
The airline has a section on its website for customers who have already made a booking and need to change their passenger type. Changing passenger types may incur fees, and it is generally better to update this to avoid issues at boarding.
Generally, swapping a child or teen ticket to an adult is free when done online, but child passengers will lose their free seat selection privileges and have to pay for a new seat when ageing out of the free under-12s seating offer. The cost of doing this varies, depending on the flight service and the newly selected seat.
The page claimed the airline has announced routes to Barcelona that are “cheaper than dinner”. After making a quick check, you’ll see that some flights from the UK are pretty reasonable.
WASHINGTON — Before being deployed to Los Angeles during anti-ICE protests last summer, U.S. Marines were given 12 rules for engaging with protesters, and Rule 1 was clear: Force “of any kind” was allowed only as a last resort.
If force were used, the rule stated, it “should be the minimum necessary to accomplish the mission.”
That detail is among 178 pages of federal documents released by the Marine Corps to the nonprofit watchdog group American Oversight through the Freedom of Information Act and shared exclusively with The Times.
The documents paint a thorough picture of how Marines prepared to deploy in Southern California, where they stood alongside National Guard members and agents with the Department of Homeland Security.
The documents also illuminate a glaring contrast between the training of Marines and that of immigration agents, who have been accused repeatedly of using unnecessary force against peaceful protesters, bystanders and immigrants during enforcement operations.
“Ironically, I would’ve felt much safer with Marine engagement than with DHS because of the depth of training,” said Ryan Schwank, a former instructor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruits at the ICE Academy within the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia.
Schwank is a whistleblower who resigned in February after revealing that the Trump administration had slashed immigration officer training. After reviewing the documents obtained by American Oversight, he said the training given to Marines on crowd control was “significantly more in-depth and longer than training given to an ICE officer, even under the best of circumstances.”
An ICE agent walks through tear gas that was fired to push protesters back during a raid on Atlantic Boulevard in the city of Bell on June 20, 2025.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions and instead pointed to a February news release that said training has not been cut back and that new hires receive additional training after leaving the academy.
“ICE law enforcement officers are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve dangerous situations to prioritize the safety of the public and our officers,” said Lauren Bis, a department spokesperson. “Officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training.”
Schwank noted that the Marines and ICE officers came to Southern California with different objectives: As protectors of people and property, the Marines had a more limited, reactive mission, while ICE officers were charged with making arrests, a confrontational role.
“We’re giving [ICE officers] less training on it and fewer refreshers than the Marines are getting and yet we’re putting them in a situation where they’re taking the more confrontational actions to where they’re more likely to have to make split-second decisions,” Schwank said.
For most of history, he added, ICE agents detained people who were already in the custody of another law enforcement agency. He said ICE was never meant to act as riot police.
“The real fundamental problem isn’t ICE agents using force,” Schwank said. “It’s ICE agents using force in an environment they are not trained for.”
The training of Marines, and the lead-up to their deployment, is outlined in the documents reviewed by The Times.
On June 6, a commanding general emailed other generals to say that “national-level leadership” had directed Marines to assume an “alert posture” and be ready to support the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and ICE officers who were already responding to civil unrest in downtown Los Angeles.
The Marines would safeguard federal facilities and thus “protect lives and property through the restoration of civil order,” the email said.
Marines push back anti-ICE protesters in front of the Federal Building during a “No Kings Day” in downtown Los Angeles last June.
(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)
First, though, they needed to be trained.
The five-day course reviewed use-of-force policies, less-lethal weapons and handling of civil disturbances.
Overall, the 12 rules emphasized safety, urging Marines to be reasonable, to de-escalate tensions and to avoid confrontations with individuals who posed no threat.
Marines could use non-deadly force, if necessary, to control a situation or protect themselves or other federal personnel, and deadly force “only when all lesser means have failed.”
“Exercise due regard for the safety of innocent bystanders when using any type of force,” the rules state.
Schwank said there is no equivalent to the Marines course at Homeland Security. When he left the academy in February, he said, “there was no crowd control training, period.”
Crowd control was briefly added to the curriculum in 2021 for experienced law enforcement officers, he said, but it was later removed. ICE recruits may also have gotten lessons on crowd control after leaving the academy and joining their respective field offices, he said.
When Schwank left the agency, a six-hour class called “Public Order Public Safety” was in development for the 2026 curriculum, according to documents he provided to Congress. Homeland Security did not respond when asked if the class had started.
“I wouldn’t assume that any of the ICE officers on scene in L.A. had received any sort of actual crowd control class,” Schwank said. “They might have gotten a one-to-two-hour PowerPoint slideshow, but that would’ve been it.”
Marine Col. Beth R. Smith confirmed that the entire 2nd Battalion 7th Marines received academic and practical training before deploying to Los Angeles.
Managing civil disturbances has been an issue for Homeland Security since at least 2021, according to an audit conducted by the agency’s internal watchdog review of a 2020 deployment to Portland, Ore.
That year, President Trump mobilized federal power against the protests that spilled into Portland streets after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Trump sent 755 Homeland Security agents to defend federal property in what would come to be seen as a dry run for much larger operations of his second term.
A protester damages a Waymo vehicle at Los Angeles Street and Arcadia Street in L.A. on June 8, 2025.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Nested on rooftops, agents launched chemical weapons against protesters. Ground forces fired less-lethal rounds at point-blank range and forced participants into unmarked vans without explanation.
The audit by the Homeland Security inspector general found that only seven of 63 officers reviewed had received any level of riot and crowd control training. Some officers told investigators that they needed additional training, and many “questioned their involvement in the operation” due to the lack of preparation.
”Without the necessary policies, training, and equipment, DHS will continue to face challenges securing Federal facilities during periods of civil disturbance that could result in injury, death, and liability,” the audit concluded.
As of spring 2025, Homeland Security records show, the department had not corrected the training failures flagged in the audit years earlier.
Schwank agreed that the concerns raised in the inspector general’s report were never addressed.
Liz Hempowicz, deputy executive director of American Oversight, said the Marine Corps’ emphasis on de-escalation and on using force only as a last resort stands in stark contrast to what happened on the ground in Los Angeles with immigration agents.
The practices outlined in the documents “differ from positions taken by senior DHS leadership, whose separate internal communications revealed a mindset that appeared far more encouraging of violence,” she said.
Internal Homeland Security emails also obtained by American Oversight revealed that the agency’s lead attorney said federal agents in Los Angeles should have “just started hitting the rioters and arresting everyone that couldn’t get away.”
“These records underscore that the difference between disciplined restraint and unnecessary harm can come down to the tone set at the top — and when that tone shifts toward hostility, the human cost can be devastating,” Hempowicz said.
Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, a military research group, said that for Homeland Security, the issue is partly a training deficiency and partly a cultural shift against agent accountability.
“Trump talks about ‘the enemy within’ — this is what he’s talking about,” she said. “To some at DHS, the enemy within is all immigrants, it’s cartels — it’s also groups that are protesting the government.”
Conversely, the Marines’ documents emphasized personal liability and responsibility. For example, one page said that “if you either use more force than is necessary, or respond with DEADLY-force to a NON-deadly threat — You will likely lose your right to self-defense, and you will be viewed, under the law, as the ‘Aggressor.’”
Marines were told to immediately report anyone violating the 12 rules of engagement.
The high level of training for Marines shows that command considered the optics of military personnel harming or even killing civilians, Kavanagh said. But just because the deployment worked out last year doesn’t make it a good idea in the long run, she said.
Kavanagh, alongside Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass, and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, opposed the military deployments to Los Angeles last year, maintaining that Marines are trained for foreign combat, not domestic crowd control.
“I see these deployments as a recipe for disaster,” she said.
Schwank said ICE’s training touches on personal liability but not in as much depth. Last fall, Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, said ICE officers “have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties, and anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony.”
On the ground in Los Angeles, ICE agents and other local law enforcement fired a range of less-lethal weapons at protesters, such as pepper balls, hard foam rounds or canisters delivering flash-bang grenades and tear gas.
At a June 12 protest, a federal agent shoved freelance journalist Anna Sophia Moltke to the ground, causing sprains on her left arm and leg and deep scrapes to her hip and knee that have since scarred. She was carrying a camera, she said, and wore clear press credentials and a helmet that said “PRESS.”
“I remember distinctly there being no violence at all until police and ICE showed up,” she said. “We saw them firing rubber bullets into the crowd. People started running away. I was halfway turned around when they started rushing the crowd, and a tall, 6-foot-4 masked man used both hands to push me onto the concrete.”
Moltke said she recalled a large group of protesters gathered near the Marines stationed at the northern end of the detention center, just before police and ICE swept through and forced her to the ground. To her knowledge, she said the Marines remained at their post and didn’t participate in street skirmishes.
The Department for Transport has announced it is consulting on major changes for holidays
07:40, 06 May 2026Updated 07:41, 06 May 2026
Rules are being changed for flights this summer which could see people shifted onto different aircraft on the same day at totally different times with no penalty to the airline(Image: PA)
Concerns have been raised about potential changes which will mean the end of a ‘14-day rule’ this summer with flights being changed or cancelled at the last minute. The Department for Transport has announced it is consulting on major changes to holidays amid uncertainties about jet fuel supplies as the Middle East crisis continues with no end in sight.
With intense pressure on jet fuel widely tipped to cause travel problems this summer, the government announced over the weekend that airlines will be allowed to group passengers from different flights onto fewer planes. This means that at the last minute, people could be switched to a different flight.
The DfT says it will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict. It lets carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, Wizz Air UK, and TUI, consolidate flights on routes where there are multiple trips to the same destination on the same day.
However, consumer experts said that currently, passengers are protected by a 14-day rule, and it’s ‘not fair’ for people to be shifted at the last minute to suit airlines without compensation. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: “Millions of Britons will have already booked their flights for this summer, often paying over the odds for flights at peak times.
“Existing rules already allow airlines to move customers to new flights so long as they give them more than 14 days’ notice and offer the choice between a new flight or a refund. It’s only for cancellations within 14 days that compensation is payable, rightly.
“It’s not fair for the rules to now be bent in favour of airlines and potentially leave passengers holding the bill. Many passengers will understand that disruptions can occur and may be happy to travel a few hours or a day later, but for those on short trips or connecting flights it could mean the trip is no longer worthwhile.
Conservatives say it could see passengers “herded on to a different plane, at a time of the airline’s choosing”. The DfT says, however, that the measure is designed to give passengers “greater confidence” by helping airlines to lock in their schedules earlier.
Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, adds: “There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.
“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses.”
The Department for Transport said the measures would:
help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes
Current rules
If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund. If a flight is subject to a significant delay – at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul – passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.
“Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.
“Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”
If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.
Some drivers could be risking fines and penalty points without realising
00:57, 03 May 2026Updated 07:29, 03 May 2026
Weight is the deciding factor(Image: David Pardoe via Getty Images)
Drivers heading out across the UK in the weeks and months to come have been alerted to a lesser-known DVLA rule.
With numerous Britons choosing road trips and staycations, campervans and motorhomes have become the preferred option for many people’s summer travels. However, not all vehicles receive equal treatment and how your campervan is registered could impact how fast you are legally permitted to drive.
If a campervan remains classified as a commercial vehicle, it may be subject to reduced speed limits compared to a standard car. This can surprise drivers, particularly as limits differ depending on weight, road type and whether a trailer is being towed.
The Highway Code establishes clear regulations for different vehicle categories and failing to adhere to them could lead to fines or penalty points. Grasping the distinction before departing could help drivers sidestep unexpected penalties and keep journeys running smoothly.
Speed limit rules for campervans and motorhomes
Paul Gorry, vehicle expert at luxury motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail, explained: “Many drivers assume their campervan follows the same speed limits as a car, but that is not always the case, especially if the vehicle is still registered as a commercial van. If a campervan is classed as a light goods vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, the national speed limit is typically 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, which is 10mph lower than a car. This difference often comes down to how the vehicle is registered rather than how it is being used, which can lead to confusion for owners who have converted a van into a camper.
“Vehicles still classified as vans must follow lower speed limits on certain roads, particularly single carriageways, which can catch drivers out if they assume they are treated the same as a motorhome. This misunderstanding can lead to speeding fines, especially for those new to campervan ownership.”
£1,000 fines and points
Paul added: “Exceeding the correct speed limit for your vehicle can lead to penalties including fines of up to £1,000 and points on your licence. With modern speed cameras using number plate recognition to identify vehicle type, drivers are far more likely to be caught if they are travelling at car speeds in a vehicle classed as a van.”
How weight changes the rules
He said: “Speed limits for campervans and motorhomes are largely based on weight, with 3.05 tonnes being a key threshold that determines whether car or van limits apply. For vehicles under 3.05 tonnes, drivers can follow standard car limits, including 60mph on single carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
“Once a campervan exceeds that weight, the limits drop to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, even though motorway speeds can remain at 70mph.”
Towing and larger vehicles bring further restrictions
Paul said: “Drivers also need to be aware that towing a trailer reduces speed limits further, with motorway speeds dropping to 60mph and similar reductions across other road types.
“For larger motorhomes or caravans over 3.05 tonnes or longer than 12 metres, the lower limits of 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways apply more consistently.
“Many people only realise these differences when they are already on the road, which can increase the risk of speeding without intending to.”
Why checking your vehicle classification matters
Paul concluded: “Before heading off on a trip, drivers should check both the weight of their campervan and how it is registered with the DVLA. A campervan that looks like a leisure vehicle may still be legally treated as a commercial van, which changes the speed limits that apply. Taking a few minutes to confirm this can help drivers avoid fines and keep their journey running smoothly.”
Many airports across the UK have made a major change when it comes to packing 100ml liquids in hand luggage, scrapping the rule altogether, while many still have strict rules in place
Many UK airports require liquids to be 100ml in hand luggage, while some have scrapped this rule(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
Several UK airports have ditched the 100ml rule at airport security, and it’s vital to know before heading on holiday.
UK airports are gearing up for one of the busiest travel periods as thousands of families jet off abroad during the summer holidays. While it’s an exciting time, holidaymakers should be well prepared before heading to the airport, particularly regarding airport security restrictions.
In a major change, several airports scrapped the 100ml liquid rule earlier this year, allowing passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids through security. The shift is down to new CT scanners that provide security staff with detailed 3D images of bags, allowing travelers to keep their two-liter liquids in their hand luggage when passing through airport security.
The UK airports that have ditched the 100ml liquid rule so far include:
Belfast International
Belfast City
Birmingham
Bournemouth
Bristol
Edinburgh
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
However, it’s important to note that not every UK airport has made the switch, and many still require liquids to be 100ml or under. Despite this, many have relaxed the rules so travellers no longer need to put them in a clear plastic bag, and they can also be kept in their hand luggage when going through security.
While specific rules can vary, it’s best to check directly with the airport you’re flying from, especially in the run-up to the summer holidays. It’s also important to check any restrictions with the airport you’ll be returning home from, as countries outside the UK can have different rules, including for liquids in 100ml containers.
The UK airports that still have the 100ml liquids rule include:
Aberdeen
Bournemouth
Cardiff
East Midlands
Glasgow International
Glasgow Prestwick
Inverness
Isle of Man
Leeds Bradford
Liverpool
London City
London Stansted
London Luton
Manchester
Newcastle
Norwich
Southampton
Teesside
The Foreign Office states that liquids include the following:
All drinks, including water
Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
Pastes, including toothpaste
Gels, including hair and shower gel
Contact lens solution
Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
For airports that still follow the 100ml rule, the government advice page noted that there are exemptions for baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements or liquids purchased in duty-free.
In other news, TUI also warned holidaymakers about changes to airport security at some UK airports, where new restrictions are in place. In a travel alert to passengers, the holiday provider said: “While UK airports are installing new scanners to prepare for changes in security restrictions, at this time you should still follow current guidelines as not all airports have changed and destination airports still have these restrictions in place for your flight home.”
The airline went on to provide information on some UK airports that have implemented changes, including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London Southend, and London City. TUI also advised customers to visit its airport security page on its website or the information page for the UK airport they’re departing from to find relevant details.
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The Money Saving Expert founder reminded people of this ‘most important’ thing to do when booking a holiday
Martin Lewis reminded people of this ‘rule’(Image: ITV)
As the peak travel season draws near, Martin Lewis has reminded holidaymakers of his ‘golden’ travel rule, which he urges everybody to follow. He set out exactly why it matters during a recent special edition of the Money Show Live on Tuesday, April 28.
Martin said that his “most important” tip is to take out travel insurance “as soon as you book” – a principle he shortens to four letters: ‘ASAB’. Outlining his rule, Martin said: “If you’re booking a single-trip policy, then you get the insurance as soon as you book to cover a specific future date.
“You pay for that and, once you’ve paid for it, you have the travel insurance. If anything happens from that point onwards, you’re covered, no problem.”
Rather than waiting for something to go wrong, travellers should look at securing insurance the moment they book their holiday, safeguarding themselves should any problems arise in the lead-up to their travels. The level of cover on offer will vary depending on the type of policy chosen.
Martin’s reason for getting protected straight away – even if your trip is several weeks or more than a year down the line – is that cover kicks in immediately, reports the Express. He said: “The reason you do that is that half of the coverage you’re paying for is in case something happens that stops you from going before the trip.
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“If you don’t have travel insurance, you’ve got no cover. So you might as well have it in place. At this time of year, when many people have already booked, I have a slight adaptation. If you’ve booked and you don’t have it yet, just get it now.”
Fellow ITV presenter Jeanette Kwakye shared that a viewer got in touch to say how they managed to avoid a £5,000 rescheduling fee thanks to having travel insurance in place. The viewer told Martin: “I booked flights to Australia for a family group of seven to travel in March next year.
“I took out insurance immediately. One of our group members is now pregnant and can’t travel on the dates planned. It cost £5,000 to reschedule, which I’m happy to report the insurance has covered.”
The money expert was asked by an audience member: “If my flight’s cancelled due to no jet fuel will you definitely receive all your money back, even for your hotel booking as well.”
Martin confirmed that travellers would lose their hotel booking money if it had been booked separately from their flights, as they would not be protected under consumer rules. He said: “No. And I think this is what people need to be very aware of.
“If you booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, then under the package holiday regulations and rules and protections generally, if your flight went, you would get everything back. At the moment, package holidays give you a certain level of extra security that you wouldn’t get if you did a DIY booking where you bought your hotel and flight separately.”
In other travel news, airline passengers have been told there are two days that are often “cheapest to book a flight”. This will naturally depend on factors such as your destination, your chosen airline, and where you book – full details here.
People need to remember this, or they could be caught out
Jet2 confirmed its stance online(Image: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Passengers set to head off on holiday with Jet2 soon have been reminded of an important policy they will need to follow on their flight. Failing to prepare could see people caught out by the fairly common airline rule.
Anyone who has been on an aeroplane recently will know that cabin crew will often offer a choice of popular snacks and drinks as well as meal options. On short-haul flights, these are not included in the ticket price, and people can pay extra for them if they choose.
Ahead of their holiday with the airline, a passenger asked Jet2’s customer service team online for a reminder. Posting on X, Kim said: “Am I able to pay with cash on board flight or are you cashless?”
Jet2 responded within minutes to confirm the policy. The airline said: “Hi Kim, that is correct. We operate a fully cashless service onboard all flights, accepting only card and contactless payments.”
Aside from in-flight food and drinks, Jet2 offers customers a selection of in-flight purchases to start or end their holiday. Passengers can use the on-board magazine to browse from the choice of available skincare, makeup, beauty, watches and more.
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Why have airlines stopped accepting cash for on-board purchases?
Accepting payments by debit or credit card, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, helps cabin crew keep services running as quickly and smoothly as possible while in the air. It removes the need for staff to handle and keep cash secure on flights.
Businesses in the UK are under no legal obligation to accept cash. While cash is legal tender, businesses have the right to set their own terms of sale and choose which payment methods to accept, according to Parliament.
There is no law requiring businesses to accept cash, though this is a subject of ongoing debate regarding consumer choice. A business can legally refuse cash, provided they inform customers of its card-only policy.
In Jet2’s case, it is made clear on the company website, as a spokesperson said: “Just so you know, we only accept card and contactless payments onboard all our flights. You’ll need to bring your physical bank card to use chip and PIN when purchasing products from our Jet2shop.”
In other news, Jet2 has shared a new ‘suspended’ Greece holiday update for passengers. On its website, the firm issued an announcement on Tuesday, April 28, that will affect travellers with flights and holidays booked to the European country.
In the announcement, Jet2 praised Greek authorities for “prioritising customers” by putting the European Union ‘s new Entry/Exit System (EES) checks on hold. It follows the country’s confirmation of the suspension of the EES biometric checks for UK holidaymakers travelling to Greece.
A NUMBER of smaller European airports could face closure due to both the Iran war crisis and new entry rules being rolled out.
Experts have warned that regional airports are under threat due to mass cancellations and delays as a result of the fuel crisis and new European travel rules.
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In a release, ACI Europe stated: “The dramatic increase in jet fuel prices in Europe – peaking at more than $1800/ton (£1332/ton) earlier this month – is resulting in air fare increases and tight capacity management by airlines.
“Regional airports are the most exposed to the fallout of these adjustments, as demand on their routes is typically much more price-sensitive and price-elastic – and thus less profitable for airlines.
“This means that when considering where to cut capacity, airlines are more likely to do so on routes serving regional airports, as shown by the recent decision by Lufthansa to shut down its regional subsidiary, CityLine.”
Olivier Jankovec, the director general of ACI Europe, added: “The current levels of jet fuel prices and the prospect of a new cost of living crisis mean that many regional airports across our continent are likely to face both a supply and demand shock.”
ACI Europe also revealed that issues could be made worse by the new Entry/Exit System (EES) that is now in place across Europe and “is set to wreak havoc at regional airports serving popular tourist destinations this summer“.
The body added that airports should be allowed to suspend the new system at any point, if airport queues become too long.
It also shared that “regional airports are part of Europe’s critical infrastructure” as they are responsible for 35 per cent of flights.
In order to ease the threat on regional airports, ACI Europe is calling to scrap national aviation taxes as well as keeping a safety net of air for smaller airports.
Ryanair has criticised a new aviation tax that has been imposed on a European country and urged it to be abandoned as the airline outlined its impact on travel and tourists
Ryanair has slammed a new aviation tax imposed by a European hotspot(Image: Getty Images)
Ryanair has slammed the new aviation tax imposed on a major holiday hotspot and urged it to be ditched in a bid to boost visitor numbers.
The beautiful country of Austria offers a scenic escape, thanks to its dramatic backdrops of snow-capped mountains, mirrored lakes, alpine forests, rolling hills, national parks, and fairy-tale-like villages. Vienna, Salzburg and Hallstatt are among the most popular destinations for Brits.
According to the outspoken people at budget airline Ryanair, a €12 (£10.39) aviation tax imposed by the countries could severely impact airlines and, in turn, travel to the country.
Ryanair claimed the tax will see airlines such as Wizz Air, Level and easyJet “abandon Austria”, although it’s worth noting these other airlines have not issued statements to this effect. Two of Austria’s biggest airlines, AUA and Ryanair, have cut their capacity and closed routes, opting for “lower-cost neighbouring countries” such as Albania, Italy and Slovakia, according to Ryanair. The airline has long been a vocal opponent of many different forms of aviation taxes, despite a post-tax profit of £1.31 billion last year, according to AJ Bell.
Earlier this week, Ryanair called on the Government of Austria to ditch its €12 aviation tax by May 1, over concerns that it could lead to a “decline in airlines, routes and traffic serving Austrian airports”. The airline noted that the €12 tax has made “Austria uncompetitive”, as countries such as Albania, Italy and Slovakia have opted to revoke aviation taxes, lower ATC fees, and introduce growth incentive schemes to help reduce airport costs for airlines.
Ryanair has demanded that the €12 aviation tax is axed by the Austrian government, or else claims that it won’t invest in the country. The airline says it has a $1 billion (£740 million) growth plan, which could include basing 10 new B737 aircraft based in Vienna. If these proposed plans went ahead, Ryanair says the country’s traffic would grow by 70%, to 12 million passengers within the next five years.
As much as Ryanair’s bosses may not like the levy, the aviation industry has long benefitted from generous tax breaks. Even now, no fuel duty is paid on jet fuel, and no VAT is applied. This is in sharp contrast to other modes of transport. When it comes to driving in the UK, petrol is hit with a levy of 52.95 pence per litre, as well as 20% VAT.
“Aviation’s exemption from fuel duty and VAT appears more like an indirect subsidy that allows airfares to be kept artificially low. The absence of tax has helped to fuel passenger growth and the sector’s CO2 emissions have increased 125% since 1990. Over the same period, the UK’s overall emissions decreased by 43%,” writes the Aviation Environment Federation.
In a statement released on April 21, the CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, said: “Today we call again on Chancellor Stocker and Transport Minister Hanke to abandon their failed high tax policies. Austria has become totally uncompetitive, and is losing aircraft, routes and traffic to lower cost alternatives like Slovakia, Albania and Regional Italy. Even Sweden, the home of Greta Thunberg and flight shaming, has now abolished its aviation tax.
“Meanwhile, Austria has the highest aviation taxes, the highest ATC fees, and Vienna Airport has abandoned its growth incentive schemes, making Austria and Vienna hopelessly uncompetitive at a time when neighbours such as Slovakia have abolished aviation taxes, slashed ATC fees, and have lowered airport charges through growth incentive schemes, which Vienna Airport used to offer, but no longer does.
“The solution to Austria’s aviation crisis is clear. We need leadership and we need action. Abolish Austria’s harmful €12 aviation tax, cut Austria’s expensive ATC fees immediately by 50% to make them competitive with neighbouring Slovakia, and demand that Vienna Airport reinstate the growth incentive schemes, which were such a success when Vienna introduced them 8 years ago.
“Ryanair can and will deliver rapid traffic and tourism growth for Vienna, but only when Austria offers a competitive cost base to that currently offered in Slovakia, Albania and Regional Italy. Until such time as it does, it is inevitable that Austria will continue to lose aircraft, routes, traffic and jobs to lower cost countries, while “Sleepy Stocker” and “Hopeless Hanke” fiddle around with “reform” of the aviation tax, when what it needs, is abolition.
“It’s time for action from the Stocker Govt, and we call on them to abolish this stupid aviation tax on 1 May next, and give Austria an opportunity to recover the traffic, tourism and jobs it has lost as a result of its high tax policy over recent years.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
When travelling, it’s important to know what won’t get you in trouble at customs
14:37, 23 Apr 2026Updated 14:39, 23 Apr 2026
People returning from holiday need to know this rule(Image: Miragest via Getty Images)
Travellers could face fines or worse if they overlook an airport ‘rule’ that puts a limit on certain items. It could catch Brits off guard if they end their latest getaway with a last-minute spending spree on various common products or high-end items.
When going to or from the European Union (EU), it is important to understand the regulations regarding the duty-free allowance passengers are permitted. Failing to comply with these restrictions could result in goods being seized, along with potential fines or legal proceedings.
The duty-free allowance applies to both EU and non-EU nationals, including holidaymakers and business travellers. Following Brexit, the UK has been adhering to the regulations for non-EU nationals.
Why is there a duty-free allowance?
Duty-free allowance is the authorised quantity of goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, and gifts, that travellers can bring into a country without incurring customs duty, value-added tax (VAT), or other levies. As a result, people face a strict limit on how much they can observe, or risk being perceived as exploiting the system, reports the Express.
What are the duty-free limits?
Duty-free allowances are split into two categories – restricted and unrestricted goods. Unrestricted goods are those without any special regulations or caps, such as clothing, electronics, or personal belongings, while restricted items are subject to specific limitations, including alcohol, tobacco, and perfume.
The restrictions in place also vary depending on how you’re returning to the UK. Shoppers are often caught out by the deals on offer in airports – but identical rules apply to those travelling by sea.
You’re also unable to pool your allowance with fellow passengers, which means people need to be mindful of their own spending habits. According to ETIAS Visa Europe, Brits returning to the UK via air or sea travel have the following allowances on ‘restricted’ items:
200 cigarettes (or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco)
Four litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer and one litre of spirits or two litres of fortified or sparkling wine
Other goods up to a value of €430 per person
The thresholds are reduced for non-EU citizens travelling by rail or road. The website explains that travellers should bring no more than:
40 cigarettes (or 20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco)
One litre of spirits or two litres of fortified or sparkling wine and four litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer
Other goods up to a value of €300 per person
ETIAS warned that, when goods go beyond the duty-free allowance, customs duty, value-added tax (VAT), and other taxes may be applied on the excess amount. The total of duties and taxes owed depends on various factors, such as the type of goods, their value, and the country of origin.
A spokesperson said: “To avoid overpaying taxes and duties, travellers should be aware of the duty-free allowances for the type of goods they are bringing into the EU. They should accurately declare all goods they are bringing in and their value.
“If unsure about the value of an item, travellers can check online or with customs officials. Additionally, travellers should keep all receipts and documentation to show the value of their goods.”
As of today (Wednesday, 22 April), there has been a change in how pets travel abroad into the EU, and if the owner does not have the right documents, their dog could be refused entry
A new EU rule will impact how pets travel(Image: Getty Images/Stock Photo)
British pet owners have been warned about a new EU rule that impacts how they travel abroad with their dog or cat.
Under the new rules, the majority of pet passports will be invalid from today (Wednesday, 22 April), and Brits have been warned that they “should no longer use” them to travel into the UE. Instead, Brits travelling into the EU with a pet dog, including an assistance dog, cat or ferret, will need to get an animal health certificate (AHC).
In an update on the government website, it states: “If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, from 22 April you cannot use a pet passport (even if it was issued in the EU). If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.”
The animal health certificate must be issued by a vet within 10 days of the trip, and a new one is required for every journey to the EU. However, the AHC can be used for up to 6 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entering Britain, provided the rabies vaccination is still valid.
The government confirmed that the new rule applies to the “non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.” However, there are no changes to the pet travel documents for their return journey into GB, and they can still use EU pet passports.
In a further update on the government website, it stated: “EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU.
“This means GB residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU. To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.”
They also noted that additional documents are required if someone other than the owner is travelling with their pet. The person travelling with the animal must travel within five days of the owner and have the owner’s written permission.
The written consent should be carried with the pet’s travel document. Brits are now also only allowed to have a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle, although there are exceptions for competitions, events or training under specific conditions.
Despite the important change, it shouldn’t put any pet owner off from taking their beloved pet abroad. An APHA spokesperson said: “From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible.
“Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
British tourists have been warned that beloved dogs, cats and ferrets could be turned away at the border as new post-Brexit rules make EU passports invalid – here’s what you need to know
A huge change to rules around bringing your pets to the EU comes into force tomorrow (Image: Getty Images)
New EU rules could see beloved pets turned away at the border from tomorrow – and there’ll be big changes to what you need to do before taking four-legged friends on holiday.
Anyone travelling into the European Union with pet dogs, cats and ferrets from England, Scotland or Wales can no longer use EU pet passports under post-Brexit arrangements which come in to force on Wednesday.
Until now, people taking their pets abroad – whether by plane, train, ferry or car – could use an EU Pet Passport, even after Brexit.
But EU Regulation 2016/429, known as the Animal Health Law, comes into force this week after a 10-year transition, and means these pet passports will no longer be valid.
Instead, there’s a different document you’ll need to get sorted before you go on holiday. Here’s what you need to know:
You now need an animal health certificate for every trip
The changes mean that anyone travelling from Great Britain to an EU country with a pet will now need to get an animal health certificate (AHC) before they set off.
Travellers will need to get a vet to issue an AHC within 10 days of their trip. A new certificate will be needed for each trip from Britain to the EU.
The AHC can be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for reentering Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations are still valid.
The GOV.UK website, which says the rules also apply to assistance dogs, states: “If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, from 22 April you cannot use a pet passport (even if it was issued in the EU). If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.”
Holiday home owners will not be issued EU pet passports
Pet passports are now only to be issued to people whose main base is in the EU, and not to holiday home owners or seasonal visitors. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said individual member states may have specific pet travel requirements and owners should always check the entry details before travelling. British-based travellers can still use EU pet passports for their return journey back home.
Five pet limit and other rules to remember
The switch to the AHC from the EU pet passport means:
Extra paperwork will be needed if the owner is not travelling with their pet.
Whoever is taking the animal abroad must have written permission from the owner.
Up to five days are allowed before the pet and owner must travel abroad.
Travellers are now also only allowed to have a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle.
There may be exceptions given for pets travelling to competitions, events or training.
Holidays with pets ‘still possible’
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said “holidays with your pets are still possible” despite the new rules. An APHA spokesman said: “Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on Welcome to GOV.UK , and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they are travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
Following a major change made by Greece, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated the country’s travel advice for British holidaymakers
There’s been a major update for Brits travelling to Greece(Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has issued an update on travel to Greece for Brits, and it’s good news.
Since the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out earlier this month, there have been major travel disruptions. Holidaymakers have reported substantial queues and delays at airports across Europe, with some lasting up to four hours, while hundreds have missed flights as they try to pass through the new digital border system.
In a bid to ease travel chaos, Greece has chosen to waive the EU requirement for Brits to submit fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. In a statement from the Greek Embassy, they announced: “Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece.
“In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” There was no suggestion of how long the exemption would remain in place, but soon after, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel guidance for Greece.
In an update on Monday, 20 April, the FCDO stated: “Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are a resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.”
Greece opted to ditch the new biometric security measures amid concerns about the significant travel chaos they were causing at airports, severely impacting holidaymakers. The relaxed EU rules from Greece are now hoped to improve travel for Brits into the country, allowing for a smoother journey without gruelling wait times and unnecessary delays.
Noting the impact of the EES, Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, said: “While for many the travel experience remains smooth, we’re disappointed and frustrated to see some passengers being caught up in delays due to EES.
“Abta has been warning destinations and the (European) Commission for some time about the need for proactive steps to be taken to avoid delays, including the full use of contingency measures to stand down biometric checks at busier times, and adequate staffing, especially at peak times.”
The EES was fully implemented across European airports on April 10, 2026, and requires all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph. It’s needed for their first arrival at the airport border in the Schengen area, and after the initial registration, the EES remains valid for three years.
Countries in the Schengen area include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
However, as it stands, Greece is the only country to relax the EU requirements for Brits. The EES system is not required for travel into the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they are not within the Schengen area.
Anyone travelling with a pet needs to know the rule change
People travelling from the UK to Europe have been warned of a major passport change this week, making documents invalid from Wednesday, April 22. The post-Brexit change means that anyone travelling with a pet will need new documentation or face being sent home.
Until now, people taking their pets abroad – whether by plane, train, ferry or car – could use an EU Pet Passport. The EU Regulation 2016/429 – known as the Animal Health Law – comes into force this week after a 10-year transition.
That means anyone going to Europe with their pet now needs an Animal Health Certificate. The certificate requires a vet visit within 10 days of your trip, a new certificate each time and a £90 payment – per pet.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) issued Briefing Note 14/26 on April 17, 2026. This statement marks a significant shift in pet travel rules, effectively ending the “loophole” where Great Britain (GB) residents used EU-issued pet passports to avoid the cost of Animal Health Certificates (AHCs).
A spokesman said: “An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from GB to the EU. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026 . EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Un ion.”
If your primary residence is in Great Britain, you cannot use an EU pet passport for travel from the UK to the EU, regardless of where or when that passport was issued (e.g., if you obtained it in France or Spain). UK residents must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every single trip to the EU.
The briefing clarifies that EU pet passports issued in Northern Ireland are also invalid for travel if the owner is a resident of Great Britain.
APHA is updating the AHC forms to align with new EU regulations. While these new templates are being finalised, there is a transition period where older AHC templates will still be accepted for travel into the EU. There are currently no changes to the requirements for pets entering GB. You can still use a valid EU pet passport or AHC to return to the UK.
For dogs, the requirement for a vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arriving back in GB remains in place.
You should contact your vet immediately to arrange an AHC, as pet passports will no longer be accepted at the border for UK residents from that date.
Updated rules on the movement of dogs, cats and ferrets are included in a January 2026 EU regulation which is coming into force on April 22.
Airline and travel company has contacted all passengers with holidays booked to inform them of a change to when booking documents are sent out amid Middle East conflict concerns
Jet2 has changed when it sends out travel documents, it has told customers(Image: Getty Images)
All Jet2 passengers with holidays booked have been contacted by the operator regarding an important change. Thousands of travellers have received emails notifying them that their holiday documents will be arriving later than originally expected.
This has raised alarm bells among some customers who fear it could be a scam – particularly as Jet2 has recently been warning about numerous fake social media accounts being created in an attempt to defraud passengers.
One passenger wrote on X: “@jet2tweets Hi, I’ve just received this email apparently from Jet2 saying I will now get my holiday documents 14 days before my holiday departure instead of 28, is this true or is it still 28, I’ve a feeling this was a spam email though.”
Another passenger added: “I had the same email. Flying on 25 May with jet2,” A traveller added: “Ive just had the same email !”
The email says: “Just so you know, following a change to when we send out the documents for your holiday, you’ll now receive your documents 14 days before departure, rather than 28 days as stated on your original booking confirmation. You don’t need to contact us or take any action – you’ll recveive your documents 14 days before you travel. Have a lovely holiday!”
Responding on X, Jet2 confirmed it was a genuine message and explained: “Hi there, thanks for reaching out. Yes we can confirm that you will receive your documents 14 days before departure. Should you require any further assistance, then please feel free to send us a DM. “
The shift towards holidaymakers securing their travel documents closer to their departure dates comes amid growing uncertainty sparked by the Middle East conflict. Last week, Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), warned there could be flight cancellations “soon” if oil supplies remain restricted by the Iran war.
The head of the world’s energy watchdog also cautioned that Europe has only six weeks’ supply of jet fuel because of the Middle East conflict. Iran continues to have a stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz and has fired at several over the weekend.
Worried holidaymakers have been flooding Jet2’s social media channels with their concerns. One wrote: “@jet2tweets Hi there – we are looking to go away for a week to Malaga in June and want to know how concerned we should be about the reporting of lack of airport fuel and what happens to our holiday should something like this happen and impact our holiday. Can you help…?|”
Another posted: “Are holidays going ahead as usual? We’ve booked an all inclusive 10 day to Crete in June. I’m worried about jet fuel prices.” While a further traveller asked: “You guys aren’t planning on last-minute flight cancellations due to potential jet fuel shortages, are you? Family holiday booked in May, FYI” Jet2 responded: “Hi all, flights are planned to go ahead as normal. If anything were to change regarding your booking, we would be sure to reach out to you directly to make you aware and discuss the options available to you. Thanks”
Meanwhile, Javier Gándara, easyJet’s CEO for Spain and Portugal, spoke at the reopening of the airline’s base in Palma, Mallorca, where he gave his assessment of the current fuel supply situation: “What the producers and airports are telling us is that there won’t be any supply problems for the next three or four weeks.
“Beyond that, it’s difficult to see. In Spain, we are in a comparatively better situation than neighbouring countries for two reasons. Firstly, because of all the crude oil that is imported and then refined here, only 11% comes from the Middle East, which is the percentage affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz; the remaining 89% comes from elsewhere.”
He went on to warn: “No one will be immune to potential supply problems. Ships that leave and pass through the Strait of Hormuz and come to Europe take an average of 45 days, and they have already been practically out of service for two months. It will take time to recover all of that. It’s difficult to know what will happen, so we’ll react as we go.”
The hit Channel 5 series sees two families from opposite ends of the wealth divide swap homes, budgets, and lives for a week.
They both experience a dramatic shift in perspective as they step into each other’s worlds but one family appeared to break a rule as they left the property halfway through the swap.
During Sunday’s (April 19) episode, millionaire hotel owners Gez and Rosy Chetal swapped their luxury life with the Bloor family.
In Norfolk, John and wife Ann, live with their three children in a three-bedroom rented terrace house. After basic household bills they have just £79 a week to spend on everything else from food and travel to fun.
Mum Ann works as a cook in a mental health care home, meanwhile husband John works long hours as a bus driver, but they both have a passion for cooking.
Despite both grafting hard, the couple struggle to make ends meet and have previously gone bankrupt for £36k, but they dream of running a music café of their own one day.
Experiencing how the wealthiest 1% live, they exchanged homes for a week with hotel owners Gez and Rosy Chetal, who lived in their luxurious £1.7m 11-bedroom bespoke hotel with their 19-year-old daughter Saanchi.
Given his demanding lifestyle as an entrepreneur, the couple wanted to use the swap as a way for them to spend some quality time together and have a break from their business.
They swapped their hotel— complete with a wine cellar, a large dining room and private chef for a week-long stay in the Bloor family’s house.
While Gez and Rosy were forced to manage on a weekly budget of £79, John, wife Ann and their children got a taste of luxury living with £1,800 to spend.
However, not long into the swap it was clear that the Bloor family struggled to adjust to their new environment living in a hotel as Ann admitted: “My kids are not comfortable.”
After a restless night, Ann was visibly moved as she told husband John: “The children are really uncomfortable. They can’t be in their pyjamas because it’s a hotel, they can’t just go and get a drink, they can’t just go and get a sandwich.” John jumped in and added: “It’s not a home is it?”
Turning to John, Ann explained: “It’s nothing about the hotel. If it was just me and you.. I’d absolutely love it but actually to me we can’t really stay in the hotel.”
The couple then made a big decision and decided to abandon the hotel and use the remaining budget to book a luxury Airbnb, that cost a whopping £1,200.
When the two families finally reunited at the end of their swap, Ann went on to say: “We loved the hotel, unfortunately the children didn’t. They felt very separated from us.” Gez added: “It’s just a big house really, with 11 rooms.”
Rich House, Poor House airs Sunday night from 9pm on Channel 5
British travellers planning trips abroad must check their passports at least three weeks before departure
Failing to check your passport ahead of time could result in an expensive fee(Image: Getty)
Brits heading abroad should carefully check their passports at least three weeks before they travel. Missing certain critical problems could land you with a £239 bill.
Travellers must make sure their passports are valid and in good condition before they set foot on a plane. Any problems could see you turned away at the gate.
To sort this out, your passport will need to be replaced straight away, and putting this off could prove costly as standard passport renewals can take up to three weeks.
Following a price rise earlier this month, a standard passport will set you back £102. However, if you’ve left a passport problem until just days before your trip, you’ll be forced to shell out £239.50 for the one-day express service.
GOV.UK warns: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it.”
The HM Passport Office will consider a passport damaged if:
You cannot read any of your details
Any of the pages are torn, cut or missing
There are holes, cuts or tears in the cover
The cover is detaching
There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
Regarding your passport’s expiry date, the requirements will differ depending on where you’re headed. Some countries insist on at least six months remaining on your passport upon arrival, while others only require three.
For a full breakdown of passport requirements by country, visit the Government website here.
Applying for a passport online
To apply online, head to the Government website here. Key requirements include a digital photograph, a valid payment method (credit or debit card), and your existing passport if you’re renewing.
Furthermore, applicants must supply proof of their identity and citizenship. The application fee for adults stands at £102, while children’s passports are priced at £66.50.
For anyone requiring assistance with the online application, local Post Office branches provide support services. Their staff are able to:
Take your digital photo
Help with completing the online application
Be mindful that this service carries an extra charge.
Postal applications
Paper passport applications are available from your local Post Office. Keep in mind that postal applications generally take longer to process than online ones.
They’re also more expensive than online applications, setting you back £115.50. You’ll be required to submit a completed application form alongside your supporting documents, two photographs, and the relevant fee.
Post Office staff can assist in making sure your form is properly completed – though you’ll need to supply your own photos. Payment can be made using cash, debit or credit cards.
Fast-track applications
If the standard three-week processing period is cutting it too close with your holiday plans, several quicker options are available for securing a passport. According to the Government website: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.”
To take advantage of these fast-track services, you’ll need to secure an appointment at a passport office:
The same-day premium service carries a charge of £239.50 (or £253.50 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport)
The one-week express service costs £192 for an adult passport (or £206 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport), and £156.50 for a child’s passport (or £170.50 for the 54-page version)
For further information, visit the Government website here.
EasyJet’s general manager in Portugal has issued a warning over new government proposals the carrier says will artificially inflate prices
Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, money and lifestyle, content hub and Maria Ortega
10:29, 15 Apr 2026
(Image: f9photos via Getty Images)
easyJet is weighing up plans to cut back operations in Portugal, according to reports emerging from the country. The airline’s general manager there has issued the warning amid a dispute over government proposals which easyJet claims will drive up costs for passengers.
José Lopes, easyJet’s general manager in Portugal, announced on Monday that the carrier may cut back its domestic services following the scrapping of caps on something called the social mobility allowance for air travel. This caps maximum fares for some local passengers – but the changes are set to affect the airline more widely.
“Removing the upper limit will artificially inflate prices,” José Lopes said. He argued that the measure will deliver “zero benefits” for island residents while helping to deter tourists, who makeup the bulk of passengers on domestic routes.
The airline says it will not return to operate Azores routes due to the changes. It had already confirmed its departure from the region from March 29, 2026, blaming a 35 per cent increase in airport fees and what it describes as government inaction.
The easyJet representative was addressing journalists at a press conference in Funchal, held in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, to outline the company’s operations and long-term pledges in the Madeira archipelago, SIC Noticias reports. Portuguese media outlets report that at Porto Santo airport, the two existing routes to Lisbon and Porto will be retained, albeit with a reduction to Lisbon owing to constraints at that airport, he indicated.
He warned that if the measure to alter the social mobility subsidy regime – which would remove the maximum limits for air travel for residents of Madeira and the Azores – is implemented, there will be implications for Easyjet’s operations. “I hope that an analysis will be carried out and a way will be found to be more rational and less emotional in dealing with the matter,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of abandoning the route to Madeira, the official ruled out this scenario. Yet reports say he highlighted the possibility of “a reduction in market capacity.”
The changes were given the green light on Friday in the Assembly of the Republic, but have yet to come into force. The amendments stem from two initiatives to revise the legislation put forward by the Socialist Party and Chega.
What is the social mobility subsidy?
The social mobility subsidy set a maximum fare of €79 for residents and €59 for students travelling between Madeira and the mainland (round trip), with an overall cap of €400. In the Azores, residents travelling to the mainland pay no more than €119, while students are capped at €89, with a recently introduced maximum ceiling of €600.
The Portugal Post reports that Portugal Parliament’s recent decision to abolish price caps has placed island connectivity under serious threat, with easyJet warning of capacity reductions to Madeira and confirming it will not operate Azores routes under the new framework.
Ryanair has also revealed plans to cease all operations in the Azores on March 29, 2026, citing cost pressures.
Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa, 26, was born in London but has been left stranded in Spain after new UK border rules for dual nationals meant she was denied boarding on a flight back home
Olivia Beeson, Emily Phillips and Ashlie Blakey
06:46, 14 Apr 2026Updated 06:51, 14 Apr 2026
Natasha was due to fly from Amsterdam to Luton(Image: Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa / SWNS)
A British-born woman has been left stranded in Spain after falling foul of new UK border regulations that resulted in her being refused re-entry to the country.
Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa was barred from boarding a return flight from Amsterdam to Luton after spending a short holiday there with friends.
On her scheduled day of departure on April 6, the-26-year-old successfully passed through check-in, security and passport control, only to be turned away at the gate, she claimed.
The Home Office introduced updated regulations on February 25 stating that dual nationals can no longer enter the UK solely using a foreign passport.
They must now produce either a British or Irish passport or hold a digital certificate of entitlement.
Natasha was born and brought up in Islington, North London, and has a British father and Spanish mother.
As her parents were unmarried at the time of her birth, her father was unable to automatically pass on his citizenship, something Natasha says has placed her in a ‘grey area’, reports the Manchester Evening News.
She says that in order to return home, she must either pay £589 for a digital certificate of entitlement or apply for a British passport.
To do so, she explained she must ‘prove’ her mother held free movement rights across the EU at the time of her birth – documentation she says she never received.
Natasha, a client success manager who now lives in Haringey, North London, said: “I was born in Islington, I have paid taxes, I have voted. I am a dual national I do have British nationality but the government are saying none of that I have lived for 26 years matters anymore.”
Natasha is currently staying in Spain with a family friend, having booked a flight from Amsterdam to Seville after being unable to return to London.
“Luckily I am privileged enough to have a haven essentially but if I didn’t have any ties to my country, didn’t speak the language or have anywhere to stay I would have been left homeless in the Netherlands”, she said.
“I feel the government have failed and they have a responsibility to dual nationals and the population of the UK that such dramatic and important law changes are effectively communicated.
“People are commenting on my social media posts saying they would be in the same position as me if they had not come across my story. While I do take responsibility for not having checked, why would I check something that for 26 years of my life I’ve never had to do.
“The system is poorly designed and offers no support or understanding for citizens like myself who do not hit the check box but are still a British citizen.”
Natasha originally departed from Luton Airport on April 2, spending several days in Amsterdam on a holiday with friends.
On her scheduled return on April 6, she claims she was able to check in, pass through security and passport control and reached the gate of her homeward flight before being refused boarding.
She added: “They [the airline] called immigration on the phone basically were saying these new laws had come in. I was showing my birth certificate, my national insurance, my P45, my dad’s birth certificate and was still denied boarding as I had not got the right documentation.”
As her parents were unmarried at the time of her birth in 1999, Natasha’s father was unable to automatically pass on his citizenship.
She now faces two options: applying for a passport, which she fears could be rejected — as she claims there is no documentation confirming her mother held free movement rights — or paying in excess of £500 for a digital certificate of entitlement.
She added: “There was not documentation, not to my mother or anyone with free movement rights in the EU given to them by the government. How do we prove that now?
“To prove it we’re having to find HMRC documents or find anything that proves she was here legally. It was 26 and a bit years ago so it’s been a nightmare finding the documents.”
Natasha also revealed that following Brexit in 2021, her mother applied for settlement papers, as did her younger sister who was born in Spain, both of which were approved.
However, she claims she was informed she ‘didn’t qualify’ as she was already a British citizen. She added that she is currently unable to apply for the digital certificate of entitlement, as she still lacks the necessary documents from her mother – and has been advised the process could take a minimum of three to six months, or potentially up to a year, to resolve.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Since 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens need to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK. To prove citizenship and enter the UK legally, individuals can apply for a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement from abroad.
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023. This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”
