As Brits set out to fly abroad this summer, they may need to know when is best to arrive at the airport – some may have been going too early or even way late this whole time
Some airlines arrival times vary (Image: Getty Images)
When to arrive at the airport? It’s a question as old as time itself.
As airports are set to experience heavy amounts of visitors during the school holidays and summer months, travellers are keen to prepare more than ever for any potential delays or ways to make their journey as smooth as possible.
Whichever airline you’re flying with this year, you may find that what they expect of their passengers is very different. The exact arrival time, bag drop-off times and gate closures can vary from airline to airline, so it’s best to check ahead of time.
It’s always wise to give yourself enough time to allow for security checks and face any check-in or passport queues. Often, bigger airports can have bigger queues, and so this is worth bearing in mind ahead of your flying schedules.
TUI
According to TUI, passengers should arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure for short and mid-haul flights. For long-haul flights, give yourself more time and arrive within 3.5 hours before.
Passengers have the chance to review their specific itinerary when they press ‘Manage My Booking’ on the TUI website, confirming the ideal departure terminal and times.
Easyjet
For easyJet flights, it is suggested that you turn up at the airport at a minimum of two hours before your flight is due to take off. This aligns with the airlines’ bag drop-off desks, which typically open two hours before the flight and close around 40 mins to an hour prior to departure.
As for boarding times, boarding typically starts 40 minutes before departure and closes strictly 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
Ryanair
Ryanair’s Help Centre offers information on specific terminal time recommendations, but overall, the airline operates on a strict two-hour arrival time recommendation. This aligns with the time that the bag drop-off and check-in desks open for passengers, two hours prior to departure time.
Although many Reddit notes advise that passengers should allow longer when flying out of busier airports such as London Stansted or during the peak holiday months.
The boarding gate must be reached at least 30 minutes before the flight leaves, as gates typically close 20 minutes beforehand, and therefore, two hours should allow for enough time for this.
Jet2
Jet2 recommends, according to their website, arriving at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. The airline’s check-in desks close 40 minutes before this time.
It’s worth noting that if you’re flying with Jet2 and are travelling with hand luggage only, as long as you already have a boarding pass, you can arrive as late as 90 to 120 minutes before your flight’s departure.
If you’re looking to bring a squishy toy on a flight this summer, there are some travel rules you may not be aware of.
The viral toys are extremely popular with young children, but may not be allowed through security at certain airports.
Squishy toys can be filled with gel which could be a problem at airport securityCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
With the summer break fully underway, many Brits will soon be heading overseas on holiday.
For families packing children’s toys to bring on the flight, it’s important to check with airport security rules as certain toys may not be allowed past the gates.
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One such product is the viral squishy dumplings, the latest toy craze to take over the internet.
Housed in plastic “basket style” pots, the trending toys come in a variety of bright colours, including rarer glitter and galaxy dumplings.
However, if you or your child are looking to bring the toys with you abroad this summer, there’s a possibility the squishies may be flagged at security.
This is because some of the squeezy dumplings are filled with gel.
UK airports have restrictions on the limit of liquids, gels and pastes you can bring through security, which can range from 100ml up to two litres.
To check rules surrounding squeezy dumplings, the BBC reached out to the Department for Transport and major UK airports to see what guidelines they had in place.
The DfT is one of the regulatory bodies that consults on airport security restrictions.
When it comes to bringing squishy toys on planes, the DfT said: “No matter how adorable your squishy dumpling is, airport security rules still apply.”
This means that depending on the airport you are flying from, the limits that airport sets out surrounding liquids, gels and pastes will apply to your squishy toy.
It’s advised to check directly with the airport you are flying from to understand these limits.
However, the department did add that for any travellers in doubt as to where to pack their squeezy dumplings “the safest place is in your hold luggage”.
Manchester Airport has advised that “all but very small squishy toys should be placed in hold baggage”.
As smaller squishies contain less than 100ml of liquid they should be fine to bring through.
But larger toys may not have the exact measurement listed on the item, meaning it’s better to bring them in hand luggage so security can estimate the size.
Both Birmingham Airport and London Gatwick Airport said that the squeezy toys are required to go through security screening, whichever bag the item is in.
Like anything going through security, the airports confirmed that if the item fails security checks, it would not be allowed on the plane.
As the toys contain gel, Belfast City Airport has confirmed that the items are subject to the airport’s security rules surrounding liquids, gels and pastes.
Belfast City is one of a small number of airports in the UK that has introduced new security checks and limits on the amount of liquid able to bring through security.
Passengers can now bring up to two litres in hand luggage through this airport, so squishy dumplings are likely to be fine.
Both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports have said that its best to follow guidelines set out by the DfT.
President Maduro and former minister Saab were among those targeted by the civil lawsuit. (AP)
Caracas, July 20, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – A US federal judge has issued a default ruling against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and several current and former state officials. US $314 million in damages was awarded to three US citizens who spent time imprisoned in Venezuela.
Venezuelan authorities have yet to comment on the case. Legal proceedings against Acting President Delcy Rodríguez continue. However, on Monday, the Trump administration sent a letter to the court arguing that, as a sitting head of state recognized by Washington, Rodríguez should be “entitled to immunity.”
Judge Darrin P. Gayles from the District Court for the Southern District of Florida published the verdict on July 14. US nationals Jerrel Kenemore, Jason Saad, and Edgar José Marval brought a civil lawsuit in August 2025 under Florida’s Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and the federal RICO statute against organized crime.
The three US citizens were released from Venezuela in December 2023 as part of a prisoner swap agreement with the Biden administration that saw former Venezuelan government envoy Alex Saab returned to the South American country.
The plaintiffs sought damages after claiming to have suffered “physical and psychological torture” while imprisoned in Venezuela and to have been used as part of “hostage diplomacy” to secure Saab’s release. The judge claimed that Maduro and other officials were a “criminal enterprise” that acted against US interests.
“The Maduro Criminal Enterprise committed myriad predicate offenses through its drug trafficking and kidnapping actions in and against the United States and its citizens,” he wrote in the verdict. The court estimated compensation for “kidnapping and torture” and “solatium, pain and suffering” under ATA that totaled $312.5 million and added $1.5 million in RICO damages.
Gayles entered the default ruling against Maduro after he failed to enter a defense or plea before the court. The court clerk entered similar defaults against Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, former Defense and current Agriculture Minister Vladimir Padrino López, former Interior Minister Néstor Reverol, former Attorney General Tarek William Saab, former Supreme Court President Maikel Moreno, and former Industry Minister Alex Saab.
Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were kidnapped by US forces on January 3 and are facing charges including “narcoterrorism” and drug trafficking conspiracy. Both have pleaded not guilty, with the next hearing scheduled for July 22.
The Florida judge also included the so-called Cartel de los Soles, an alleged drug trafficking outfit run by high-ranking Venezuelan officials, as a defaulting defendant. Crime researchers have cast doubt on the existence of the cartel, while the US Justice Department dropped all references to it in the formal indictment against Maduro and Flores.
Similarly, Gayles claimed that “for at least twenty years, Maduro intentionally inundated the United States with tons of cocaine.” However, US officials have never presented evidence tying Maduro to narcotics activities, while reports from the DEA have consistently found that a very small percentage of US-bound drugs flow through Venezuela.
The US Justice Department has since 2020 introduced $25 million and $15 million bounties, respectively, for the arrest of Cabello and Padrino in connection with alleged “narcoterrorism.”
According to the Associated Press, Saab’s legal representatives declined to comment on the case. The acting Rodríguez government turned over the Colombian-born businessman, who served as industry minister after his 2023 release, to US authorities in May. He is being held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami while facing trial on renewed money laundering charges.
In contrast to Maduro, Cabello, and others, Acting President Rodríguez responded to the lawsuit in April, with lawyers contending that, as Venezuelan head of state, she should be immune from civil action. Rodríguez received the backing of the Trump administration via a July 20 letter “suggesting” to the court that the acting president should enjoy immunity,
“The United States respectfully submits to the Court that President Delcy Rodríguez is immune in this action and all claims against her should be dismissed without prejudice,” the letter concluded. The US State Department also intervened in June, requesting that the Justice Department communicate Rodríguez’s immunity to the Florida district court in order to secure a “prompt dismissal of the proceedings.”
Rodríguez’s brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, filed a similar motion to set aside the lawsuit via a different legal team. The plaintiffs opposed the moves in another motion at the end of April.
The civil lawsuit likewise targeted state-owned companies Petróleos de Venezuela, SA (PDVSA) and Corporación Venezolana de Petróleo (CVP). The two firms have claimed immunity from civil litigation under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.
The plaintiffs have not disclosed any strategy to collect the awarded damages. None of the defaulting defendants has any publicly known assets under US jurisdiction.
Edited by Lucas Koerner in Caracas.
[Updated on July 21 to include the Trump administration and State Department letters to the court endorsing immunity for Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez.]
While many are eagerly awaiting what the halftime show will bring, it’s not the same thoughts everywhwere.
The Cure star Robert Smith has furiously hit out at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime performance line-up curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin
Robert Smith took to social media to share his blunt reaction and took aim at FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
He berated: “The half-time show, which has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and the K‑pop boyband BTS. Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantosser, has described the half-time show as ‘groundbreaking spectacle’ that will ‘celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle’.”
HEADING abroad can be stressful, from packing all the essentials to leaving for the airport at the crack of dawn.
To make it as easy as possible, take a look at all of the new rules for a smooth-sailing holiday this summer.
Heading on your summer holiday soon? Make sure you read all these new rules firstCredit: Alamy
EES
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new system that has been implemented across 29 European countries in the Schengen Area.
These include holiday hotspots like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Germany.
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EES tracks when you enter and leave European countries by using biometrics and eventually it will replace passport stamping.
Essentially Brits will have to register at a machine and scan their passport – the good news is that you then you don’t have to do it again for another three years.
If you want to find out more on the step-by-step process – head here.
Something else to be aware of about EES is that it has resulted in long queues, so it’s wise to leave extra time when heading abroad.
There have been reports of up to six- hour delays outside of peak travel time at border control at multiple airports.
During the summer, you might experience queues in the arrivals hall, but there have also been travellers who have missed flights on their way home too.
Brits now have to register with EES before heading to the Schengen AreaCredit: AFPThere have been reports of incredibly long queues at border controlCredit: Getty
eGates
There are new rules at UK airports for children which is actually good news for families.
Now, children aged eight and over can now use eGates when accompanied by an adult – they also need to be at least 120cm tall.
The height restriction is in place as kids need to be able to see and be captured by the biometric screens at the eGates.
The rule change impacts 13 airports across the UK that currently use eGates, including:
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London City
London Luton
London Stansted
Manchester
Birmingham
Bristol
East Midlands
Newcastle
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Passports
Brits heading on holiday are STILL being caught out by passport rules, so it’s worth reminding yourself beforehand.
Passports must be only be valid for 10 years, with any months rolled over from previous passports no longer allowed.
Figures have shown up to 100,000 holidaymakers a year face being turned away atairportsif their passport is more than a decade old.
Make sure your passport is in date before you travelIf you have a burgundy passport – this is likely to run out of date soonCredit: Alamy
For example, if a passport has June 2016 start date but a November 2026 expiry, it has technically expired.
Alongside the requirement to have between three to six months left on it, enforced by a number of countries, it is still causing confusion for travellers.
Most places in Europe only want three months left on a passport, but places like the UAE, Egypt, and Chile require six months in total.
Another passport rule to be aware of only affects those with dual nationality.
A rule that came into effect at the beginning of 2026 means that you can no longer use your foreign passport to enter the UK.
Instead, you have to use a valid British passport.
If you don’t have this, you can apply for a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589.
Visas and travel requirements
Luckily for Brits, citizens can visit more than 170 countries in the world without a visa.
When heading on holiday, families can enter with just their passport to the Schengen Area and most European countries.
In most destinations, you can travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period – so if you’re going to the likes of Spain for a two-week break, you’re covered.
But there are certain countries where an additional entry requirement is needed.
Most countries in Europe don’t require an ESTA for British citizensCredit: GettyAnyone heading to the USA for a holiday will need a valid ESTACredit: Alamy
Be sure to check the entry requirements in advance as some take a few weeks to come through – although most holiday visas are approved quicker.
For example, if you’re headed to Florida for a theme park getaway to Orlando, then you’ll need to apply for an ESTA.
It costs around £30 per application and can be approved in as little as 72 hours.
Countries where you’ll need a visa or other travel requirement include India, Australia and parts of Egypt.
Until December 31, 2026, UK passport holders can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa.
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl was stranded in Rome and missed six weeks of school because of confusing new passport rules.
The new dual nationality rules meant that she was unable to return home for over a month.
Passport rules for those with dual citizenship changed in February 2026Credit: Alamy
The British girl had been visiting her grandmother in Italy in April of this year.
When it was time to return home, she was turned away at the airport because she didn’t have a valid British passport.
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The new passport rules that came into play in February mean that British nationals have to carry a valid British passport to return to the UK – they can no longer use their foreign passport.
An alternative is to have a “certificate of entitlement” costing £589.
Rowan Somerville, the father of the 15-year-old stranded in Rome, sought help from the Home Office and the Foreign Office.
But he told The Guardian: “The embassy, the Home Office and the Foreign Office bounced us from one to another.
“They are playing with people’s lives, a child’s education. It is loathsome.”
Rowan Somerville said that the Home Office couldn’t give his daughter a temporary passport because she didn’t have a British passport in the first place.
The girl’s school and local MP Joe Powell contacted the Home Office and the FCDO who eventually issued an emergency travel document.
Joe Powell said that “changes to Home Office rules resulted in her being stuck in Rome and missing six weeks of school.”
Rowan Somerville (left) contacted the Home Office and FCDO to get his daughter homeCredit: Richard YoungSince February, those with dual citizenship must use a valid UK passport to enter the countryCredit: Getty
Joe Powell added: “Thankfully, we were able to help and she’s now at home and back in school, but unfortunately this was not an isolated case.”
A Home Office spokesperson told Sun Travel: “This individual was granted an Emergency Travel Document in May, enabling them to return to the UK.
“We also remained in contact regarding a passport application, and once the required information was received and checks were concluded, a passport was issued within eight days.
“Since 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens have needed to present either a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement when travelling to the UK.
“Without one, carriers cannot verify British citizenship, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.” were concluded, a passport was issued within eight days.”
There are thought to be as many as 1.2million people who can no longer use their foreign passport to enter the country.
Despite the rules being outlined on the Gov.uk website, they are continuing to catch people out.
In another case, a woman who has lived in the UK for 28 years, but had been staying in Copenhagen attempted to return to the UK with her six-week- old and 23-month-old for a friend’s wedding.
But the family was refused boarding because her two children only had Danish passports which meant they didn’t have valid travel documents for returning to the UK.
People have been told that the more intense checks have ‘an upside’ after arriving
Brits told ‘one upside’ to tighter new Gibraltar border checks(Image: Getty)
Brits visiting Gibraltar now face new rules, including security screening and passport scrutiny, when landing in the British Overseas Territory. Travel journalist Simon Calder reported for The Telegraph that new rules came into force from today, July 15, as part of a post-Brexit deal.
The UK-EU agreement to create an open land border between Gibraltar and Spain has been signed in Brussels – and was brought into effect from Wednesday. It will make Gibraltar effectively part of Europe’s passport-free Schengen Zone, with the removal of checkpoints and border fences.
But the changes introduce tighter border controls at Gibraltar’s airport. On arrival at Joshua Hassan Gibraltar International Airport, Brits should expect two new sets of checks, which will satisfy entry into Gibraltar and the Schengen Area:
Gibraltar entry immigration controls – performed by the Gibraltar authorities
Schengen entry immigration controls – performed by the Spanish authorities
This includes registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES) where it applies. All of the updated entry requirements for tourists can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
The main page reads: “To enter Gibraltar, your [full UK] passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years and its validity must extend for at least three months after the day you intend to leave Gibraltar or the Schengen Area.”
If you are a British–Irish dual national and travel on your Irish passport, you will be treated as an EU citizen on entry to Gibraltar and the Schengen Area. You will not be subject to the 90-day limits, EES or ETIAS. If you travel on your British passport, the conditions above apply.
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What were the rules before July 15?
Before July 15, 2026, UK citizens visiting Gibraltar did not have their stay count toward the Schengen Area’s 90-day limit, and they only faced a single immigration check handled solely by Gibraltarian authorities upon arrival. Because the provisional UK-EU Gibraltar Agreement had not yet taken effect, Gibraltar operated entirely outside of the Schengen rules
UK nationals could visit Gibraltar for up to 90 days without a visa. Passports simply needed to be valid for the duration of the intended stay. But from today, tourists visiting the territory bordering Spain will face new rules.
What are the new ‘rules’?
As explained by Simon, he said: “From this summer, it gets a bit trickier to reach [Gibraltar] for British passport holders. The British Overseas Territory is not joining the Schengen area, but the effect for UK passport holders is the same.
On arrival in the Rock, you will be checked by Spanish passport officials to make sure that your passport meets those tricky rules on expiry and issue dates. They’ll also want to know if you’ve spent more than 90 days in the last 180 days in the Schengen area, and any time you spend in Gibraltar will count towards that total.”
With these new checks, Simon adds that there will be “an upside”. He claims that, with these stronger checks carried out in the airport upon arrival, visitors are considered inside the ‘frontier free zone’ and could travel straight into Spain without stopping again.
Major changes are set to impact British holidaymakers entering a European hotspot, and it’s good news, with the plans aimed at making travel smoother and quicker for Brits
British holidaymakers will benefit from easier travel to this European hotspot (Image: Getty Images)
A beautiful European hotspot is set to make travel easier for Brits by relaxing its entry rules.
British holidaymakers have been facing significant disruptions when travelling to Europe, partly due to the new European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), which was rolled out on 10 April 2026, and the increased demand for short-haul getaways, particularly during peak periods. In a bid to offer a smoother journey for Brits, without relentless delays and lengthy queues, Switzerland has eased some of its restrictions.
Under a new agreement between the UK and Switzerland, Brits will be allowed to use the Swiss e-gates at airports, providing a smoother experience at passport control. British tourists and business travellers visiting the country, known for its snow-capped, dramatic peaks, will also be able to benefit from scrapped roaming charges.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “We want travel to be as easy and smooth as possible, so this announcement includes great outcomes for British holidaymakers and business travellers. Removing roaming charges would give people one less thing to think about before their trip and should make it cheaper to stay in touch, too.
“Plus, giving UK visitors access to Swiss e-gates will make going through the airport smoother and quicker for tourists and business travellers alike.
“We know it’s not something that can just happen overnight, but it is encouraging to see that Switzerland has a plan in place to make it happen. Removing travel frictions like these with major European partners is so important for UK tourism and exports.”
Initial plans, set to be in place by the end of 2026, will allow Brits to enter through the e-gates at Zurich Airport, the country’s largest international airport. There are also plans to introduce this at the airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
The significant changes were announced following a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could ultimately offer an estimated £5.2 billion a year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland. Meanwhile, news that thousands of British holidaymakers and business travellers could use the Swiss e-gates was confirmed outside of the FTA.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK. It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.
“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges, and alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”
UK holidaymakers keen to visit Switzerland do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area, and can travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Meanwhile, for UK services professionals, the changes will also introduce visa-free travel to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.
The government website outlined: “UK businesses will be able to transfer people to work in Switzerland for up to 5 years, without being subject to stringent economic needs tests, making it easier to secure Swiss work permits for UK graduates in areas like finance, insurance and consultancy.”
Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This is the most significant services trade deal the UK has ever negotiated. It will bring huge benefits to British business and consumers and comes after a slew of deals with the US, Europe, the Gulf, South Korea and India.
“This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
For those travelling in Premium Economy, there will be no changes.
The rules will apply for both inbound and outbound flights.
A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “From 1 November 2026, we are making some changes to the food and drink service included for customers travelling in Economy on our long-haul flights.
“Customers will continue to receive complimentary soft drinks throughout their flight and a complimentary beer or wine served with their main meal.
“Additional alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase onboard.”
Adults with pre-existing bookings affected by the change will be given a £12.50 refund per flight, each way, as a gesture of goodwill.
Trump’s name was removed from the centre’s facade and signage last month, after a judge ordered its removal.
Published On 9 Jul 20269 Jul 2026
A US appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump’s name must remain off the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, while the organisation appeals an earlier ruling that found a name change illegal.
Trump’s name was removed from the centre’s facade and signage last month after US District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the removal and blocked Trump’s plans to close the centre for renovations. An appeal against this ruling was struck down by a three-judge panel on Wednesday.
The conspicuous addition, and ensuing legal battle, became symbolic of Trump’s broader push to imprint his legacy – and, in this case, his actual name – on the nation’s capital in his final term.
The decision by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied the Trump administration’s request to pause the lower court order in a lawsuit brought by Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, a Kennedy Center board member.
“Today’s ruling again affirms that this administration’s efforts to rename the Kennedy Center were unlawful,” Beatty said in a statement.
“His name no longer desecrates this sacred memorial, which belongs to the American people.”
The panel of judges wrote on Wednesday that the board of trustees’ request “failed to show how they will be irreparably injured” if Trump’s name remains off the building through the appeal process.
The board had argued that the removal “threatens to impede” fundraising efforts, but the judges found that claim came without the support of “specific facts or evidence”.
The Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment from the Associated Press news agency.
When Trump first took office in 2025, he replaced the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, who then named him chairman. His name was quickly added to the building, but a federal judge then ruled that the name change was illegal, prompting the ensuing legal battle.
Set to make travel easier for thousands of families, a new rule has been launched across 13 airports today (Wednesday, 8 July) – and in perfect time ahead of the summer holidays
The change is set to make travel for families easier when returning to the UK(Image: Getty Images)
Families going on holiday with children this summer can benefit from a new travel rule that has been launched across UK airports.
From today (Wednesday, 8 July), children aged eight or over will be able to use the eGates at 13 UK airports, offering a smoother journey home for families. Previously, the eGates were only available to travellers aged 10 and over, and those with younger children would need to join the family queue, which can take considerably longer.
Reducing the age limit is estimated to allow around 1.5 million additional children to pass through the electronic gates and other re-entry points far more quickly. While children can now be aged eight or over to use the eGates, they must also be at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall, so they can be easily detected by the biometric scanners.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “Today’s change will make journeys easier for families with small children and reduce the hassle of travelling home after a holiday. It will also free up more time for tourists to enjoy our fantastic country this summer and in the years ahead.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, also said it was a “welcome development”.
She commented: “It will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many. Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK’s front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience.”
In perfect time ahead of the summer holidays, the change will affect 13 major UK airports. This includes:
Birmingham
Bristol
Cardiff
East Midlands
Edinburgh
Glasgow
London City
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
London Luton
London Stansted
Manchester
Newcastle
The eGates at airports, which form part of the government’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), scan passengers’ passports and are designed to streamline the entry process. Residents in Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the US will also benefit from the airport change.
Travel Insurance Expert at Confused.com, Tom Vaughan, commented on the eGates rule change for children. He said: “The minimum age for UK airport e-gates drops from ten to eight today, meaning up to 1.5 million more children could clear the border automatically instead of queuing at a staffed desk. This is great news for families travelling with young children. Anyone who’s queued at border control with tired kids will know it could mean shorter waits and a smoother end to the journey home.
“It’s also a sign of where things are heading. As facial recognition technology becomes more established, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the age threshold lowered further in the coming years. But whether or not your child can use an e-gate, the basics still apply: everyone in the family needs a valid, biometric passport to travel. It’s easy to overlook this among the excitement of planning a trip.“Our research shows that confusion around passport validity is still common, with less than half (43%) of holidaymakers aware that passports for EU travel must be issued within 10 years of departure. That’s a significant number of people who could turn up at the airport only to discover their passport isn’t valid, regardless of which gate they’re heading for. With summer getaways in full swing, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check every family member’s passport now. Our passport checker can help you spot any issues early, so the only thing slowing you down at the border is the length of the queue.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
UK airports will now allow younger passengers to use the eGates, in a huge boost for families travelling this summer holidays.
From today, passengers aged eight and nine will be able to use the faster eGates at airports across the country.
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New rules mean kids the age of eight will now be allowed to use eGates in the UKCredit: Alamy
Previous rules only allowed kids who were the age of 10 or over to use the eGates, meaning families had to wait in much longer queues at passport control.
The only other rule is that kids must be at least 120cm tall, so they can still access the screens.
The new rules are predicted to affect 1.5million kids.
There are more than 290 eGates at UK airports and ports, plus juxtaposed ports (where UK border checks take place in Europe).
This means borders like the Eurostar at London St Pancras and Eurotunnel in Folkestone.
Minister Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum said: ”Today’s change will make journeys easier for families with small children and reduce the hassle of travelling home after a holiday.
“It will also free up more time for tourists to enjoy our fantastic country this summer and in the years ahead.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, added: “This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.”
It’s not just Brits the new rules affect either.
Non-British residents including those from the US, Australia and Japan, along with non-Schengen countries in Europe will be able to use the eGates too.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida speaks during a roundtable event in March in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the De-Santis-championed Stop WOKE Act violates free speech. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo
July 7 (UPI) — A federal panel of appeals court judges ruled Tuesday that the Stop WOKE Act championed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis violates the free speech of professors and is a “breathtaking assertion of power.”
The Florida law restricted how professors can teach, especially when speaking about gender and race, in colleges and universities. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled 2-1 to support a 2022 decision that called the law “positively dystopian,” Politico reported.
The court Tuesday went further, saying the act is a “breathtaking assertion of power to ban unpopular ideas from public discourse in the very places the state’s own statutes recognize as centers of inquiry — classrooms where students are trusted to puzzle through ideas that are good and bad, easy and hard, ideally getting ever closer to the truth.”
“If the First Amendment offers any boundary of protection at all for public university classrooms, this statute crosses it,” the ruling said.
Judge Britt C. Grant wrote the opinion, joined by Judge Charles R. Wilson. Judge Barbara Lagoa, however, wrote a dissent saying the First Amendment “does not compel all viewpoints to be worthy of state-sponsored endorsement.”
The Florida Legislature approved the act, also called the Individual Freedom Act, in 2022. The state has been fighting it in court ever since.
The lawsuits that led to the ruling Tuesday were brought by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a student free-speech group, and the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida and Legal Defense Fund.
FIRE senior attorney Greg Greubel said the decision “means that college remains a place where professors and students are allowed to debate controversial topics — even if politicians disagree with them.”
DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday, Politico said. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier praised Lagoa on social media, saying she “may be the best jurist in our country” and should be on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Farage served as Reform’s honorary president between March 2021 and June 2024. On 3 June 2024, he confirmed he was returning as party leader and standing in the general election. He became Clacton MP in July 2024.
Under parliamentary rules, new MPs must declare financial interests and “registrable benefits” received in the 12 months before their election.
The guidelines say purely personal gifts or benefits do not need to be registered.
When he became an MP, Farage registered a £9,253 trip to Belgium in April 2024 donated by Cottrell, and later added a £15,276 donation from Cottrell for a US domestic flight he provided in December 2024.
A spokesman for Farage said: “It comes as no surprise that the Sunday Times has chosen to publish this baseless and contrived story, covering a period of time when Nigel Farage was not even an active politician let alone an elected one, given that the newspaper backed the Labour Party at the last general election.
“Contrary to the story’s tone, no parliamentary rules have been broken.”
A source said Reform paid for Farage’s security and staff after his return to politics.
The source also denied Farage received accommodation from Cottrell – saying the MP did not stay at the London property.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, is currently investigating whether Farage broke the rules over the £5m gift from British cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne in early 2024.
Farage has said Harborne gave him the money to pay for his personal security, adding the gift was “purely private” and “wasn’t political in any sense at all”.
Lib Dem MP Josh Babarinde has asked Greenberg to “get to the bottom” of the latest allegations linked to Farage’s support from Cottrell.
Babarinde has also asked Greenberg to confirm whether he will investigate the claims as part of the existing inquiry or as a separate matter.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Nigel Farage and Reform are engulfed in a huge and growing scandal.
“These new allegations of secret payments from a wealthy convicted criminal are on top of the ongoing scandal of his secret £5m gift from a crypto billionaire.
“How much money has he been given, what did his donors get in return, and why has he tried to cover them up and avoid legitimate questions?”
Responding to Jenrick’s interview, Labour said Reform “can’t shrug this scandal off and hope it goes away”.
NEW travel rules are due to come into force next week impacting British families – but for the better.
From July 8, more children will be able to use eGates at UK airports.
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UK airport eGate rules are changing next weekCredit: Alamy
The new rules will allow children aged eight and nine, who are at least 120cm tall to use eGates when accompanied by an adult.
The height restriction is in place as kids need to be able to see and be captured by the biometric screens at the gates.
Under the current rules, children needed to be 10-years-old to use the eGates and prior to 2023, kids needed to be 12-years-old to use them.
This meant families with younger children would have to go in the standard queue to see a border force officer, which usually involves a longer process and wait time.
The change means that around 1.5million more children can use the gates.
The rule change will impact 13 airports across the UK that currently use eGates, including:
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London City
London Luton
London Stansted
Manchester
Birmingham
Bristol
East Midlands
Newcastle
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
These rules will also impact other travel methods from the UK to Europe such as Eurostar and the Eurotunnel.
It will also affect people travelling from non-Schengen countries in Europe along with the US, Australia and Japan.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: “Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.”
“By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time thissummer holiday season.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.”
European airlines and airports call for flexibility to suspend digital border system amid severe delays.
Published On 2 Jul 20262 Jul 2026
The European Union’s new digital border check system is causing severe disruption to travel, with passengers facing five-hour queues and departure gates closing with planes only half-full, industry representatives have warned.
In an open letter published online on Wednesday, the top representative bodies for Europe’s airports and airlines said that delays caused by the bloc’s recently-implemented Entry/Exit System (EES) had reached a “critical point”.
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“The current implementation of the EES is creating severe operational consequences, disrupting passengers and putting border authorities, airports and airlines under unsustainable pressure,” Airports Council International Europe, Airlines for Europe, and the International Air Transport Association said in a joint letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“We therefore urge your immediate intervention before the situation deteriorates further during the peak summer travel season.”
With European airports expected to handle 40 million more passengers in July and August than the previous two months, EU leaders “must take stock of the reality of the current situation and of what our air transport system will face over the coming weeks”, the lobby groups said.
“Without additional flexibility, existing challenges will inevitably intensify,” they said.
“As representatives of Europe’s aviation sector, we have a responsibility to warn that this would result in a significant worsening of an already very difficult situation for passengers.”
Warning that the travel disruption was undermining the reputation of the EU and European tourism, the industry groups said it was crucial that the continent continued to be an “efficient, welcoming and competitive” destination.
“Reports already suggest that some international travellers are reconsidering trips to Europe because of the prospect of excessive border delays,” they said.
A police officer scans a passport during a presentation of an automated terminal for registration to the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the Vaclav Havel airport in Prague, Czech Republic, on October 14, 2025 [David W Cerny/Reuters]
Until the stability of the EES is ensured and adequate staffing levels are in place, EU member states should be immediately granted the flexibility to “completely suspend” the new system whenever passenger numbers exceed the “operational capacity” of border facilities, the lobby groups said.
The World Travel and Tourism Council, the world’s largest representative body for tourism-related businesses, said on Wednesday that it endorsed the letter’s calls, warning that the delays could put up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4bn in visitor spending at risk.
“If lengthy delays become accepted practice, travellers will look elsewhere,” WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said in a statement.
“Europe cannot afford to compromise its competitiveness or the experience it offers millions of visitors.”
The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Al Jazeera outside of regular business hours.
The EU began rolling out the EES in October as a replacement for passport stamping.
The system records each traveller’s name, passport information, fingerprints and facial images, and his or her date and place of entry and exit.
The European Commission announced that the ESS was “fully operational” across the Schengen Area in April, but the system has been blamed for lengthy delays since its introduction, including cases of flights leaving before many of their passengers were able to board.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld laws in West Virginia and Idaho that forbid transgender athletes from competing on girls’ sports teams.
In a 6-3 decision, the court said the federal Title IX law envisioned separate teams for girls and boys based on their biological sex at birth.
“Separate sports teams for biological males and biological females are reasonable,” wrote Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. “Given the inherent physical differences between the sexes, allowing only biological females to play on women’s and girls’ teams can reduce the risk of physical injury and ensure fair competition.”
Kavanaugh, who has coached girls’ teams for many years, said 27 states have adopted laws prohibiting transgender athletes on girls’ teams.
But his opinion does not say states such as California must change their laws that forbid schools from discriminating based on gender. Instead, he stressed states are free to make their own decision.
“Consistent with Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, we hold that the states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females. They may determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex. The Constitution and Title IX do not require an overhaul of women’s and girls’ sports throughout America,” Kavanaugh said.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented in part. She said the state should have considered transgender students on a case-by-case basis to decide whether they had an unfair advantage. Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented as well.
The court’s decision is likely to bolster the Trump administration’s drive to pressure states, schools and universities that permit transgender athletes to compete on girls’ and women’s sports teams.
Because the Education Department provides federal funds to these states and schools, it can require them to comply with Title IX.
The sole plaintiff in the court case was Becky Pepper-Jackson. Now 15, she has carried on a lonely legal fight to compete on her school’s track team in Bridgeport, W.Va.
Designated male at birth, she says she is the only transgender girl competing in her state and has been the target of complaints and protests.
Her case drew strong reactions on both sides of the issue.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey hailed Tuesday’s decision as “one of the most important victories for women’s athletics” since the passage of Title IX in 1972.
“We defended a simple principle most Americans instinctively understand — that women’s sports exist to provide women and girls a fair opportunity to compete and succeed,” he said.
Penny Nance, president of Concerned Women for America, said “it is self-evident that males and females are biologically different, and the U.S. Supreme Court has confirmed this truth. It is fundamentally unfair for a male who feels like a female to demand that biological categories be ignored to accommodate his desire to compete among females.”
Joshua Block, the ACLU attorney who argued the case, called it “a heartbreaking ruling for our clients and transgender girls like them who’ve asked for nothing more than the same opportunities afforded to their peers,” he said.
“The reality is that the equality of transgender women and girls takes nothing away from, and in fact promotes, the equality of all women and girls.”
“This ruling is deeply harmful for transgender women and girls who only asked for the ability to participate in sports with their peers,” said Sasha Buchert, senior attorney with Lambda Legal. “Countless studies have demonstrated the myriad benefits that come with participation in team sports.”
The sports career of Becky Pepper-Jackson reflects some of the difficulty of the issue.
In sixth grade, she participated in cross country and described herself as slow. She “routinely placed near the back of the pack,” her attorneys told the court.
Her court appeals focused on a wish to participate in sports, not to win. But upon reaching high school, she has been winning.
In 2024, she “placed in the top three in every track event in which B.P.J. competed, winning most,” the state’s attorneys said. In the spring of 2025, “focusing on strength events, B.P.J. bumped female competitors out of the state tournament, then placed third in the state in discus and eighth in shot put while competing against much older female athletes,” they told the court.
Her ACLU attorney explained she has been winning in the shot put and discus “through hard work and practice,” not because of an advantage based on biology.
He said she “received puberty-delaying medication and gender-affirming estrogen that allowed her to undergo a hormonal puberty typical of a girl.”
The US Supreme Court has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for all individuals born on US soil, ruling that children born in the country remain entitled to citizenship under the Constitution.
What you need to know about boarding pass policies for the UK’s biggest airlines, including the carriers that have gone completely paperless and the destinations that require a printed pass
16:31, 29 Jun 2026Updated 16:31, 29 Jun 2026
Check your airline’s rules before setting off for the airport(Image: Getty Images)
Getting your hands on your boarding pass was once a straightforward affair. You’d turn up at the airport, check in at the desk, and a member of staff would hand you a printed copy.
These days, however, with increasing numbers of passengers choosing to check in online and airlines offering digital boarding passes, the whole process can feel rather bewildering.
If you haven’t got the airline’s app, do you need to download it? And if you choose to use a digital boarding pass, what happens should your phone go missing or your battery gives out?
Here’s what some of the UK’s biggest airlines have to say about boarding passes and what’s expected of you when you travel with them, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Ryanair
Ryanair has confirmed it has “moved to 100% Digital Boarding Passes (DBP)”. This means you’ll receive your boarding pass via the Ryanair app once you’ve checked in — which can be done either through the website or the app itself.
All travellers will be required to download the Ryanair app and check in online, with reminder notifications sent 48 and then 24 hours before departure. Any passenger who fails to check in online will face an airport check-in fee of €/£55 for most flights, or €/£30 for flights departing from Spain.
Once you’ve checked in, your boarding pass should appear automatically within the Ryanair app. Should you lose your phone or your battery runs flat after checking in, Ryanair confirms it will print a replacement boarding pass free of charge.
Travellers departing from certain airports in Morocco are still required to have a printed boarding pass. Ryanair explain: “Passengers flying from Morocco must check in online as normal and then present their DBP at the airport to collect a printed boarding pass, with the exception of those flying from Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, Tangier, Nador or Oujda, where you can now use your digital boarding pass on the Ryanair app.”
Jet2
Jet2 provides a paperless option for its flights and package holidays. By downloading the Jet2 app, passengers can access documents such as boarding passes all in one place.
Jet2 advise that “you can save boarding passes for up to eight passengers on one device.” It added: “When using multiple boarding passes per device, please make sure your group stays together at the bag drop, security, gate and when boarding the plane.”
For those who prefer the peace of mind that comes with a printed boarding pass, Jet2 explains you can: “Log in to Manage My Booking, then select ‘Get boarding pass’. From here, you can either get a PDF boarding pass sent to you or save it to your device. No need to print – just show the pass on your screen when you get to the airport.”
TUI
TUI explains: “if you’re flying with TUI Airways (flight numbers starting with TOM or BY), you have a choice. TUI Airways accepts both digital and paper boarding passes.”
It clarifies that passengers who would rather have a printed boarding pass should be sure to use A4 paper, ensure their copy is legible with no tears or damage, and that the barcode is clearly visible, as it will need to be scanned at the airport.
It’s important to bear in mind that not all TUI package holidays involve TUI Airways flights. If you’ve arranged a package holiday but the flight is operated by an airline such as Ryanair or easyJet, you’ll need to verify the regulations for the particular airline you’re travelling with.
EasyJet
There is a list of airports that don’t accept mobile boarding passes on easyJet’s website, including Antalya and Izmir. The majority of these are located in Egypt, Turkey, and Tunisia. If you’re travelling to one of these airports you should check in online and print a boarding pass.
That said, for most easyJet flights, the airline suggests downloading its app to keep all your trip details in one place. It says: “For more convenience and to access your boarding passes offline, you can download mobile boarding passes directly to your Apple or Google wallet.”
For those who prefer a paper boarding pass, these remain perfectly acceptable, with easyJet’s website stating: “The best way to store your boarding passes is to use the free easyJet mobile App or you can choose to print them out. You cannot use a PDF scan of your boarding pass on your mobile device as the airport security team will be unable to scan them.
“If you lose your boarding pass don’t worry, you can simply print them again. If printing, make sure the entire boarding pass is clearly printed.”
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Two more airports could ditch the need for Brits to register their biometric details when entering the Schengen area in the hope of avoiding ‘disaster’ this summer
14:38, 29 Jun 2026Updated 14:39, 29 Jun 2026
Two more airports could scrap the Entry/Exit System (EES) for Brits amid summer concerns(Image: Getty Images)
The EU’s new travel rules have caused growing concerns for the peak travel season, prompting a number of destinations to look at options to waive them for holidaymakers.
The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out on 10 April 2026, requiring all Brits heading to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph. While it’s been successful in many countries, it continues to cause significant travel disruption at European airports.
There have been reports of Brits being asked to submit their biometric information again, despite having already provided it on their first visit to the Schengen zone. Holidaymakers have also been stuck in gruelling queues lasting up to four hours as they attempt to navigate the digital border system, with missed flights and ruined holiday plans.
In an attempt to ease the travel chaos, particularly during peak travel times, Greece opted to waive the EU requirement for Brits to provide fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls earlier this year. In an official statement, the Greek Embassy confirmed: “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.”
Now, it appears that Rome Fiumicino Airport and Rome Ciampino Airport could join Greece in waiving the EU requirements in a bid to avoid “disaster” during the peak summer travel months.
Aeroporti di Roma Chief Executive Officer Marco Troncone told the Financial Times, “We are very worried for the summer”, and said his concerns were an “eight or nine” out of 10. He added: “The process proves to be incompatible with the peak volumes that we are going to face. So the only way is to open up the valve. There is no way that we can deliver 100% of the enrolment.”
While Rome is yet to make such a change, Greece remains the only country to have officially eased the EU requirements for British travellers. However, an EU official has indicated that European airports could relax EES requirements until September this year.
Uku Särekanno, Deputy Executive Director of Frontex, which helps to manage the external borders of the EU, said earlier this month: “We have until the end of the summer, the possibility during the tourism season to lift the biometric controls or the biometric registration temporarily.
“If there is a peak hour, you see that there are hundreds of people queuing, their queues are getting too long, then member states still have the possibility to lift biometric registration. The EU has considered, for the period of summer, to make sure that there is still some relief for the worst-case scenario.”
The new digital border system is required for the initial arrival at the airport border within the Schengen zone and has replaced the traditional manual passport-stamping process. Once the initial registration is complete, 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. Meanwhile, the EES system is not needed for travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as neither falls within the Schengen area.
The Foreign Office confirmed the EES change for Greece on its travel advice page. It read: “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 resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.”
Some of the major mainland airports in Greece include: the International Airport of Athens, Thessaloniki International Airport, Kalamata International Airport and Aktion National Airport. Meanwhile, those on the islands include Corfu International Airport, Kefalonia International Airport and Zakynthos International Airport.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Passengers have been urged to read up on their airline’s mobile boarding pass requirements
Passengers flying soon have been urged to stick to the rules(Image: Getty)
With many youngsters soon breaking up from school for the summer holidays, it won’t be long before families begin making their way to the airport.
However, before loading up the car and wheeling out the luggage, it’s worth brushing up on the rules surrounding mobile boarding passes, as certain airports do not accept them. On top of location-specific restrictions, one budget airline has gone entirely paperless since November 2025. Here’s what you need to know if you’re travelling with easyJet or Ryanair.
What are easyJet’s mobile boarding pass rules?
The airline encourages travellers to use mobile boarding passes, as they allow all travel information to be stored in one secure, easy-to-access location. They also help reduce paper waste by eliminating the need for printed boarding passes.
For added convenience and offline access, you can also save your mobile boarding passes directly to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
Not all airports accept mobile boarding passes. Easyjet explains: “The majority of our airports accept mobile boarding passes, however, the airports listed below do not currently accept mobile boarding passes.”
This includes:
ADB – Izmir
AGA – Agadir
AYT – Antalya
AQJ – Aqaba
BEG – Belgrade-Beograd
DJE – Djerba
ESU – Essaouira
EVE- Harstad
HRG – Hurghada
JSH – Sitia
LXR – Luxor
NBE – Enfidha-Hammamet
RAK – Marrakech
RBA – Rabat Sale
RMF – Marsa Alam
SCR- Scandinavian Mountains
SPX – Cairo Sphinx
SSH – Sharm El Sheikh
It adds: “If you’re flying from an airport that doesn’t currently accept mobile boarding passes, please check in online at www.easyJet.com and print out a paper boarding pass for your flight.
“Many of these airports require all passengers to complete a document check before going to security. If travelling from an affected airport, please make sure you, and anyone you’re travelling with goes to our Bag Drop for a document check before going through security.”
Ryanair confirmed it has “moved to 100% Digital Boarding Passes (DBP). This means all passengers will receive a DBP to their Ryanair App when they check-in online.”
Passengers simply need to check in online via Ryanair.com or through the Ryanair App before arriving at the airport. Once checked in, your DBP will appear automatically within the Ryanair App.
You should present your DBP at airport security and at the boarding gate for your flight. The airline explains the shift to fully digital means:
DBP lowers airport costs and fares for all Ryanair passengers.
Provides a better service (including flight info) for customers on day of travel.
Improves customer service and re-booking during flight disruptions.
Better for our environment (gets rid of 300 tonnes of paper annually).
If you have completed online check-in and your smartphone or tablet is lost, stolen, or runs out of battery, you can get a complimentary boarding pass at the airport.
It adds: “If passengers don’t have a smartphone or tablet, as long as they have already checked-in online before arriving at the airport, they will receive a free of charge boarding pass at the airport. However, they will not be able to access real-time flight updates or benefit from enhanced customer service during any flight disruptions.”
If passengers don’t check-in online before arriving at the airport, they will be required to pay the airport check-in fee.
