Ryanair

A group of 24 passengers watched in disbelief as their plane took off after spending over an hour navigating airport security delays at Tours Airport in France

Ryanair passengers were left stunned when they glanced out the window after enduring 90 minutes queuing through security. A group of 24 travellers watched in complete disbelief as the aircraft they were supposed to be boarding departed without them whilst they remained stranded in the terminal.

The service, departing from Tours Airport in France, was scheduled to fly to Marrakech in Morocco at 12.15pm on Wednesday, 11 March. With just 15 minutes remaining before departure, the pilot took the decision to shut the doors and proceed as planned, leaving a quarter of his passengers behind.

According to Ici, the pilot instructed that the passengers’ luggage be offloaded from the aircraft in order to keep to his timetable. And whilst he acknowledges the carrier is perfectly entitled to take such action, French holidaymaker Maxime says he was left absolutely astonished when he discovered what had occurred.

The 37-yea-old maintains he turned up at the airport nearly two hours ahead of his scheduled take-off time. He said: “It’s a completely crazy situation.

“Going through customs and security took ages. We spent over an hour and a half there. At one point, we realised the pilot had decided to take off without us, knowing that our suitcases were already on the Ryanair plane.”

Maxime claims his baggage stayed on the tarmac as the aircraft departed at 12.57pm, 42 minutes beyond its scheduled take-off. He branded it a “completely absurd situation”.

Louis Chaumont, director of Tours Airport, described the circumstances as “regrettable”. He clarified that pilots are permitted to depart during their allocated take-off slot to prevent having to wait for another to become available.

He indicated this was one of three key factors that resulted in the passengers missing their flight. He stated: “The first was an unannounced inspection by the gendarmerie brigade across the entire airport. The second is the introduction of a new measure, the ESS (Entry/Exit System).

“This is a measure introduced by the EU which requires customs checks on all passengers entering and leaving the Schengen area, so passengers travelling to Marrakech are affected.

“Previously, the screening rate was 10%, and it takes time to implement this measure, which takes three to four minutes per passenger. Added to this is the third factor: the pilot of this flight had a designated take-off slot. If he doesn’t comply, he has no idea when he’ll be able to get another one to fly. So he’s perfectly within his rights to close the doors of his plane and take his slot.”

Whilst the director stopped short of promising full refunds for passengers, he confirmed compensation claims will be evaluated individually. He indicated the airport “will investigate what happened and determine who is responsible.”

In a statement to French media outlets, Ryanair maintained its policy is to guarantee a “punctual departure”. The airline asserted the delays within the airport were “entirely beyond our control”.

A spokesman informed ICI: “Had these passengers arrived on time, they would have boarded this Tours–Marrakech flight alongside the 155 other passengers who arrived at the gate on time. We regret that these delays, caused by security checks at Tours Val de Loire Airport-which are entirely beyond our control-resulted in some passengers missing this flight.”

Ryanair and easyJet have similar rules

Jetting off overseas is often an exciting time, with the promise of fresh surroundings and experiencing a different culture. But as the cost of living crisis rolls out, many Brits are finding it increasingly difficult to locate a getaway that won’t drain their finances.

Depending on your flexibility with dates, bargain flight offers do occasionally crop up. However, you’ll frequently face substantial charges if you want to bring anything beyond a compact carry-on bag. And there are also restrictions on the amount of luggage you’re permitted to take.

It might also be that while one person in your party travels light, others decidedly don’t. In such situations, you may want to ‘share’ your baggage allowance – by allowing another passenger to use some of yours. But is this actually allowed?

Ryanair and easyJet have clarified their policies regarding passengers sharing baggage allowances with fellow travellers in their party. Ryanair said on its website: “Bag pooling is allowed between passengers with check-in bags on the same flight reservation.

“This means that if you have two 20kg Check-in Bags (40kg total) on your booking, one of those bags could weigh 15kg whilst the other weighs 25kg. However, no bag can weigh more than 32kg.”

easyJet adopts a similar approach, as its guidelines state: “If you’re travelling with family or friends on the same flight and booking, you can pool your total weight allowance. This means that the total weight allowance can be split among the total number of bags booked, as long as no single item weighs more than 32kg. Maximum total size (length + width + height) = under 275cm.”

Ryanair customers who have opted for a basic fare are permitted to bring a small bag at no additional cost. The bag must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

Larger bags can set you back anywhere between £12 and £80.99 per flight, depending on the size and the chosen route. It’s always more cost-effective to book these online rather than at the airport.

easyJet allows all passengers to bring one small under-seat cabin bag on board free of charge. This must not exceed dimensions of 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including any wheels or handles.

The cost for larger bags varies, but as with Ryanair, it’s always cheaper to add these online rather than at the airport.

RYANAIR is scrapping more flights to Spain and it will affect one of the country’s popular airports.

The budget airline has already axed millions of seats in recent months, citing expensive airport fees and charges.

And Ryanair has since confirmed that Girona Airport will be the latest victim, with 11 per cent fewer seats next summer.

The airline cited the “failed fee system” for the removals of seats, according to local media.

Alejandra Ruiz, the airline’s spokesperson in Spain, said: “Ryanair had ambitious growth plans for Catalonia’s regional airports, where it could have allocated a fifth aircraft to Girona, a new base in Reus, and unprecedented growth at both airports under competitive and beneficial conditions for all airlines.

“However, we are still waiting for a response from the Spanish government, which has no plans to fix these regional airports.”

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Girona Airport is often used as an alternative to travel to Barcelona, as well as to Costa Brava.

Last year it reported more than 2.1million passengers in 2025 travelling through – its highest numbers since 2013.

Flights to Barcelona will grow, however, with two per cent more capacity, with another six per cent growth in seats for Reus.

And flights to El Prat – one of Spain’s busiest airports – will increase capacity despite being reduced by five per cent over the winter.

Ruiz added: “Our commitment to Barcelona remains strong and we will continue to grow, albeit at a more moderate pace until the airport expands.

Earlier this year, Ryanair confirmed that all flights to and from the Azores will be cancelled from March 29.

Affecting around 400,000 passengers who visit a year, this also includes routes from London.

More than two million seats have been axed across Spain which includes Santiago, Tenerife North and Vigo.

The only direct flights to Vigo from the UK were with Ryanair so Brits will now have to connect to fly to the Spanish city.

Ryanair boss Michel O’Leary warned at the time that “if the costs in regional Spain are too high, I will fly elsewhere”.

Last summer, Ryanair suspended all flights from the UK to flights to Brive and Bergerac, although flights to the latter have been restored.

And Riga in Latvia has also been hit with all routes from Edinburgh scrapped.

Otherwise here is a pretty European island that will be getting new Ryanair flights this year.

Flying with a red, blue or green suitcase could be a bad idea

Planning and setting off on a getaway is among life’s finest pleasures, but sometimes, events outside your control can occur. Flights might get axed, accommodation double-booked, or in the most serious cases, you could become a target for criminals.

Whilst remaining vigilant is crucial, there are several steps you can take prior to departure to guarantee your possessions and personal items stay safe at the airport and during your travels. Shahzad Ali, security specialist and CEO of Get Licensed, revealed his key tips for safeguarding your luggage while on holiday.

He urged passengers to steer clear of brightly coloured luggage at all costs, as it could draw unwanted attention.

The travel specialist cautioned passengers flying with major carriers this summer, including Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI, and recommended they choose a black suitcase instead.

He said: “Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you. It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one – as to not stand out from the crowd – and with it, a high-quality padlock,” reports the Express.

“This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe. You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else’s whilst still remaining subtle.”

He offered another handy security recommendation: “When packing, organise your items in three categories: extremely valuable (such as documents, credit cards, mobile phones and larger sums of cash), valuable (such as jewellery and other expensive items) and less valuable (such as clothes and self-care products).

“The extremely valuable items that don’t need to be used often at the airport should be placed in a money belt that will stay close to your body at all times until you reach your destination.

“The ones that need to be used at the airport should be placed in a small handbag or fanny pack that will stay in front of you at all times. When they’re not needed any longer, these items should be placed in the money belt. Larger valuables, such as laptops or tablets, can be placed in your carry-on luggage.

“Valuables such as jewellery should be strategically hidden among less valuable items, such as clothes, in your checked luggage.”

The war in Iran has put a spanner in the works for travel plans with many countries now off-limits – here are six replacement destinations for people looking to change their March getaway

There have been many knock-on effects of the Iran war which ignited a week ago. While no means the most important, a disruption to travel plans has been one factor to consider.

Parts of the Middle East have been popular with British tourists, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The cities offer almost year-round sunshine, incredible hotels and luxury breaks that entice UK tourists to snap up trips in their droves.

Those destinations, along with a host of other hotspots in the Middle East and Mediterranean, are now effectively no-go zones, at least temporarily.

Fortunately travel writer Annabelle Thorpe has compiled a list of six possible destinations to book your holiday to instead.

Athens

The expert recommends swapping Cyprus for the iconic Greek capital. Athens is pretty quiet in March which means the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon are likely to be virtually crowd-free.

March is considered ‘shoulder season’ in Athens with fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures as the mercury normally hovers around 16-17C.

There are direct flights from five airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City – with a range of carriers including easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Seville

If you had a trip to Istanbul in the pipeline, Annabelle says consider going to Seville instead. The city in the south of Spain is famed for its Moorish palace, Gothic cathedrals and flamenco dancing.

Seville enjoys daytime highs of around 22C in March, making for a cool contrast before the stifling summer heat. Visitors can also enjoy the blooming orange trees and the preparations for the Easter festivities.

Most London airports as well as Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh offer direct flights to the city.

Tunis

If Amman, the capital of Jordan, was on your travel list, the expert suggests making a beeline for Tunis instead. The ancient city, the capital of modern day Tunisia, offers an incredible blend of Mediterranean charm, French colonial history and Arab heritage.

It also boasts a UNESCO-listed medina along with the ancient ruins of Carthage. Daytime highs in the city are a pleasant 20C.

Direct flights depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted, with Tunisair the main carrier.

Marrakech

Annabelle recommends trading in the UAE’s glitzy malls for a spot of shopping in Marrakech’s world famous medina instead. It’s a great spot to shop for cashmere shawls, handmade jewellery, antiques, spices and much more.

Away from the hectic souks, there is Jardin Majorelle, a one-hectare botanical landscape garden, and the bustling Jemaa El Fna Square. Temperatures can reach a pretty steamy 25C in March but many riads have pools to allow their visitors to cool off.

Several airports fly direct to the Moroccan city, including major London hubs and Manchester, Birmingham and John Lennon Airport in Liverpool among others.

Gran Canaria

Bodrum has long been popular with Brits seeking winter or early spring sun. But with its proximity to the war zone, Annabelle called on tourists to try out Gran Canaria instead.

The island is the third-largest and second-most-populous island of the Canary Islands. March highs reach around 22C, but the sun-drenched beaches along with the duty-free shopping and nightlife make it a rival for Turkey’s holiday resorts.

Over 15 airports offer direct flights to the island’s capital Las Palmas, including London’s hubs and Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Bristol.

Nice

One of the big draws of Dubai is its city-beach combination. Many British tourists enjoy soaking up the sun before enjoying some shopping. The travel expert puts forward Nice, on the French Riviera, as an alternative to the popular UAE city.

The Promenade des Anglais sweeps along a four-mile stretch of seafront, and that couples with the open-air bars and restaurants make for a heady mix.

You can catch direct flights from most London hubs along with Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.

SHOPPERS are flocking to Amazon to snag a sleek underseat cabin bag that’s been slashed in cost just in time for the holiday season.

Originally £29.99, the budget-friendly Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag has now been dropped in price.

Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag, from £18.99 (was £29.99)

Discounts on these handy backpack vary across depending on colour – you can pick up the black model for £22.79, but that drops to £18.99 if you have Amazon Prime membership.

It looks like a solid choice for anybody flying with budget airlines, where luggage rules are strict and some unlucky travellers get stung with extra fees at the terminal gate.

In a massive win for travellers, Ryanair has changed its free hand luggage rules.

Now, free personal bag allowance has been upped from 40x20x25cm to 40x30x20cm – that’s a 20% increase and an extra 4 litres of space.

Small wonder so many Amazon shoppers are dashing to pick up this rucksack after that price drop.

It is specifically designed to meet those new dimensions while offering a suitcase-style, 180-degree opening that makes packing all your bits an absolute breeze.

Despite its compact size, the bag is packed with features like a built-in wet pocket for toiletries, plus a separate shoe pouch.

You can also pick it up at sizes designed for Easyjet and Lufthansa flights.

The bag has racked up over 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with customers heaping praise on its practicality and quality.

“This is perfect!” one delighted shopper wrote.

“[It] passed the Ryanair bag stand with ease, thanks to the suitcase-like design and all the pockets kept everything separated. 10/10!”

Another shopper shared: “I had room to fit my Kindle, headphones, passports, purse, snacks, and a few other essentials just in the front compartment.

“The larger compartment fit a change of clothes and shoes!”

A third fan added: “Perfect overhead luggage bag, good quality and easy to carry.

“The padding on the back and shoulders make it comfortable no matter the weight.”

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Ryanair passengers have been told to pack a cardboard box in their hand luggage

Ryanair passengers have been advised to slip a piece of cardboard into their hand luggage following an announcement the airline made last summer. The budget airline increased its ‘personal bag’ size by 20% in response to new EU regulations.

As of September 2025, passengers travelling on a basic fare can bring a larger bag on board, measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, without incurring additional charges. The bag must weigh less than 10kg and fit under the seat in front of you.

With the new bag dimensions now in effect, packing expert Tom Schott from Schott Packaging is cautioning travellers against a potentially costly mistake, as he believes the increased allowance might tempt people to overpack their bags. Tom said: “The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely.

“The mistake is to simply cram more in. The real victory for passengers is using that volume to pack with structure. A well-packed bag is a compliant bag.”

One of Tom’s many tips to avoid this is to pack some cardboard. He explained: “Soft bags lose volume. A lightweight, snug-fitting cardboard box inside your bag provides a rigid frame, allowing you to use every corner and prevent the bulge that attracts gate staff.”

He also suggests using sealable bags to maximise space, organising items into smaller compartments, and protecting valuables. Tom added: “Place a small, sturdy box in the centre of your bag, cushioned by clothes.

“This creates a crush-proof zone for chargers, adapters, and toiletries, preventing damage and leaks.”

Holidaymakers are also advised to “pre-plan your bag”, with Tom recommending you arrange all your belongings on the floor within a 40cm x 30cm outline beforehand, as this “provides a real-world view of what fits and helps you assemble your packed modules logically and quickly.”

Tom went on to say: “These aren’t just clever tricks, but core principles of efficient packing. By applying them, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and still breeze through the boarding gate”.

Ryanair passengers should make sure they are up to date on the budget airline’s policies, amid claims that a family of four were hit with a fine of £400 due to misunderstanding the rules

As a budget airline, Ryanair is famous for its low fares, but another thing it has become notorious for are its strict rules on luggage. While the airline clearly sets out its rules when you book, as well as on its website, people continue to be caught out by them.

A recent change to Ryanair’s baggage policy saw it increase the size allowed for the free underseat bag that comes with even the most basic fares. In the past, bags had to be 40 x 25 x 20 cm, but as of last year, passengers can bring a bag of up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. This small item can be a laptop bag, handbag, rucksack, or any item that fits within the dimensions to fit under the seat in front of you.

For an additional fee, which varies depending on route and availability, passengers can bring a second cabin bag of up to 10KG in weight. This bag can be up to 55 x 40 x 20cm in size and passengers will need to be able to load this into the overhead locker themselves without assistance from the flight crew. Checked luggage is also available to add for those who prefer to put items into the hold. There are 10kg, 20kg and 23kg bag options available.

However, despite the warnings, one family got caught out at the airport after not checking their bags’ dimensions and allegedly were hit with a £400 fee. A poster on Which? Travel’s Facebook page claimed they ended up being given the charge after not checking the rules before their return flight to the UK.

In a statement responding to the claims made at the time, Ryanair said: “People should avoid Ryanair’s high fees for oversized bags. They can do so by simply travelling with bags that meet our agreed dimensions. Our sizers are bigger than our permitted dimensions, so if that the bag fits in the sizer, it gets on, if it doesn’t, it gets charged.”

In a Which? report, its travel team set out a series of guidelines to avoid paying extra costs when travelling with Ryanair. The number one rule is to make sure the bag you bring really does fit into the holder, as gate crew will often check bag sizes. If your bags don’t fit into the sizer, you could end up being charged for extra luggage and potentially made to check your bag into the hold.

Don’t rely on measurements given by your bag’s manufacturer. Get the tape measure out when the bag is packed, as luggage can be bulkier when full, and make sure you include the wheels and folded handle in your measurements.

Ryanair’s website warns: “Passengers who bring an oversize bag (over 55x40x20cm) to the boarding gate will either have their bag refused or, where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of £/€ 70.00 – £/€ 75.00. You will be required to leave your bags at the aircraft steps, in the gate bag trolley, or as directed by Ryanair agents, for stowage in the hold.”

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It also warned that passengers need to ensure they’ve booked the second cabin bag if they want to bring one, as there’s no guarantee it’ll be accepted at the gate. “Non-priority customers who bring their 10kg check-in bag to the boarding gate will either have their bag refused or, where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of €/£ 46.00 – €/£ 60.00.”

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WE’VE all seen the headline of £14 flights plastered across airline websites, social media and publications – but what does a £14 flight actually look like and can you really get it for that price?

When it comes to booking a holiday, we all love a bargain.

And in the UK we aren’t short of budget airlines to choose from, such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air.

But the reality is that airlines actually often lose money on £14 flights if you book them without extras.

This is because the flight tends to be listed at cost or below cost to entice people in to go on the website.

According to The Flight Club, Ryanair has previously claimed that each passenger costs them about €34 (£29.55) to fly each way, excluding fuel.

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Broken down, this is about €8 (£6.95) for staff, €8 (£6.95) for airport and handling costs, €6 (£5.21) for travelling in the air space, €8 (£6.95) for aircraft ownership and maintenance and €4 (£3.48) for other expenses.

On the other hand, Wizz Air’s costs are around €52 (£45.19) per passenger per flight and easyJet’s are around €79 (£68.66) (again, both excluding fuel).

When looking at flights, once on an airline’s website you can get hooked in and before you know it you’re adding a return flight and luggage adding up to a figure far from that original £14 fare.

At the moment, the cheapest flight available is with Wizz Air to Gdansk in Poland, costing just £13.99 one-way.

But this is just one of a myriad of ‘cheap’ flights.

Other Wizz Air options include Seville in Spain for £19.99 one-way, or Barcelona and Valencia – also both in Spain – return flights for £40 each.

EasyJet has the second cheapest flight on offer, which is to Nice in France, costing £14.49 one-way.

Other cheap easyJet options include Fuerteventura in Spain for £16.99, Innsbruck in Austria for £16.99, Palma de Mallorca in Spain for £16.99 and Pisa in Italy for £16.99 – all one-way flights.

Ryanair then comes in a touch more expensive, with flights to to Alicante and Barcelona in Spain starting from £14.99 one-way.

The main issue with these flights from the offset? All of them except a handful fly out from London airports.

For those who don’t live in or near the capital, this is where your first additional cost will come in.

Either you spend money travelling to the London airports or you opt to fly from your local airport, but at the sacrifice of your ticket being more expensive.

The second cost on top of the flight price are add-ons.

These include things like cabin bags and hold luggage.

For example, to add cabin luggage to each a Wizz Air, easyJet and Ryanair flight it would cost around an additional £32.97, £17.20 and £43.98 per person, per flight respectively.

These additional costs do also include standard seat selection and ‘speedy’ boarding for each airline.

Though if you want extra legroom, then again that will come at a price.

So if you intended to take anything more than a handbag, your flight will already be costing you a lot more.

Another issue is getting a flight back.

While one-way flights can be a bargain, prices tend to rise when you book a return.

For Gdansk, for example, the return leg costs around £28.99.

So the basic flight costs you more like £42 and with cabin luggage it would sit more around the £75 return mark.

One way to get around this is by having flexible holiday dates, as then you can choose the day with the cheapest return flight.

Other hidden costs include checking in at the airport, which Wizz Air charges €40 (£34.78) to do – more than double the price of the actual flight!

If you are travelling light and able to fit your stuff into a small bag (45cm x 36cm x 20cm for easyJet or 40cm x 30cm x 20cm for Wizz Air and Ryanair), then the cheap flights are worth it.

One centimetre bigger than this though, and it could cost you an additional £70 at the gate.

But if you do choose to fly with just a handbag that fits under the seat in front of you, then perhaps opt for easyJet to make the most of those extra few centimetres allowance.

On the other hand, if you are travelling as a family with extra luggage, who want to sit together and have fixed holiday dates, then maybe this isn’t the best offer.

If we take the £75 per person price for return flights to Gdansk as an example, a family of four, with two children aged over two (under twos don’t need their own plane seat), you could be looking at £300 for return flights.

And that’s before your hotel booking.

The better option for families is to book a package holiday that includes flights.

For example, you could stay in a sea view studio at Albatros Family Hotel in Salou, Costa Dorada in Spain for four nights, flying from London Gatwick on April 20 with four 10kg cabin bags and four 22kg hold suitcases and airport transfers for £573 total or just £143 each.

And for that price, you get hold luggage, which if you booked on a flight separately, it would cost you even more.

Of course, with a holiday package you also get peace of mind in case of things going wrong, as you’ll have ATOL Protection, which helps in cases of your travel operator going bust.

The bottom line?

If you are travelling with a backpack, and live near an airport, go for it.

For those who like to pack more or are travelling as a family, perhaps book a package to avoid the headache.

For more flight tips, here are the new 2026 travel hacks you need to know about.

Plus, our travel team’s best tips for flying with budget airlines from ‘free’ legroom seats to a cheap food hack.

Passengers have been evacuated from Paphos International Airport in Cyprus amid reports of an unidentified drone flying into its airspace. Here are the latest updates from airlines with flights to the island.

Paphos International Airport in Cyprus ordered an ‘immediate and total evacuation’ this morning (March 2) amid reports that an unidentified drone had been flown into its restricted airspace.

Some European airlines including easyJet have already been cancelling their flights to Larnaca International Airport, a major hub for package holidays, after a drone strike hit the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Cyprus is a popular destination for Brits, with over 1.3 million visiting each year, and with the busy Easter period on the way, many holidaymakers may be wondering how this will affect their travel plans. Around 60 flights have been cancelled to the island today, and airlines will be closely monitoring the situation in order to make a decision on resuming flights in the coming days and weeks.

Check out updates from airlines including British Airways and easyJet below. Travellers to the island should also keep up to date with FCDO advice for Cyprus, as the situation is likely to change quickly.

British Airways (BA)

BA said in its latest statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East. We understand it is a difficult time for customers in affected destinations and we are in contact with them to offer reassurance and support. Safety is our top priority and we will only operate a flight if it is safe to do so.”

It added: “We have cancelled flights to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv up to and including the 05 March and today’s Larnaca service [March 2].

“We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for free.

“We are advising customers to check their flight status on BA.com for the latest updates before travelling to the airport due to the evolving situation.”

EasyJet

EasyJet has been advising passengers on X (formerly Twitter) to check its Flight Tracker for the latest information on whether their Cyprus flight will be delayed or cancelled.

An easyJet spokesperson told The Express: “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating.

“Flights from 3 March are currently operating as planned but we would advise customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information.

“We are doing all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and are providing options for rebooking including on other airlines or a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.”

TUI

A TUI spokesperson said: “The safety of our customers is our highest priority, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the middle east and surrounding regions. We are currently operating our Cyprus program as planned, but as this is an evolving situation, that could be subject to change.” Paphos and Larnaca airport shows TUI flights scheduled from Wednesday onwards, with no cancellations or delays showing at the time of writing.

TUI has also previously released a statement for customers due to fly out to the UAE or Qatar up to and including March 8, advising: “our pre-travel team will be in contact with you ahead of your departure date.” It also advises: “We are working though bookings in date order and will call you to discuss your options. However, if you would prefer, please call us on 0203 451 2688.” Should the current situation extend to Cyprus, it’s likely the process would be the same.

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Jet2

Jet2 flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3 and 4) are not yet showing as cancelled or delayed on the Paphos Airport website. Customers who have asked for advice via Jet2’s official X account have been advised to contact the Jet2 pre-travel team via Whatsapp to discuss their options.

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Elafonisi Beach on the Greek island of Crete is famed for its stunning ‘pink sand’ and offers “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views” – and return flights start from just £41

A breathtaking island renowned for its ‘pink sand’ boasts the ‘second best beach in the world’ – and Brits can snap up return flights for a mere £41. Elafonisi Beach, nestled on the sun-drenched Greek isle of Crete, recently clinched second place in a Tripadvisor survey of the globe’s top beaches.

It was pipped to the post by Mexican beach Isla Pasion, making it the highest-ranked in Europe, with visitors lauding its “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views”.

Even better, there are flights up for grabs in April for as little as £42 return, departing from and returning to Stansted Airport via Ryanair.

The beach has bewitched visitors with its signature ‘pink sand’. The unusual hue is reportedly due to mollusks, a vast group of soft-bodied creatures lacking a backbone.

With over 85,000 known species found in oceans, freshwater or on land, these creatures shed their shells at the end of their lives. These decompose and blend with the sand, resulting in the sand’s distinctive pink shade, reports the Express.

However, the beach has suffered due to its own popularity, scoring 4.4/4.5 based on more than 16,000 Tripadvisor reviews. Holidaymakers are advised to visit between 8am and 11am to dodge fellow holidaymakers.

The official Tripadvisor page also cautions visitors to “temper your expectations”. It states: “The amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts alike.

“Also, hike up to the neighbouring cedar tree reserves for a change of scenery. Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left.”

Elafonisi is located in the south-west of Crete, Greece ‘s largest island and amongst its most popular with holidaymakers. It is approximately 45 miles by road from Chania, the closest airport.

Recent Tripadvisor reviews are largely enthusiastic. One visitor commented: “Free to visit one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world. We spent a week in the area and came here to chill out daily.”

Another remarked: “Elafonissi is the icing on the cake called Crete. you need to spend at least a day to taste the beauty of the place; we went there at the end of September and the tourism was nothing short of … mighty. the clear water and the shoreline attract.”

The critical reviews typically highlight one issue – overcrowding and a perceived lack of ‘authenticity’. One tourist commented: “I personally cannot recommend it.

“There are far too many tourists and influencers on the beach. Really enjoying it and experiencing it authentically is hardly possible. Getting to the beach is also not particularly easy, as you have to drive numerous serpentines by car.”

A passenger survey has found the short-haul airline that was ranked as the lowest for its overall customer satisfaction, including for the boarding process and value for money

The airline with the worst customer satisfaction in the UK has been revealed, and it’s not Jet2, Wizz Air or easyJet.

In a lot of circumstances, the airline we fly with can depend on the most affordable ticket available at the time of booking, with competition rife among major budget airlines like Jet2, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet for short-haul flights. But depending on the airline we choose for our journey, it can severely impact our overall travel experience, from the booking and boarding processes to the customer service onboard.

Now, an annual customer satisfaction survey of more than 5,500 travellers by Which? found that Ryanair was the worst-performing short-haul airline.

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A Ryanair spokesperson told the Mirror: “Neither we nor our 208m passengers pay any attention to these made-up manufactured surveys or their fake results. Every passenger booking a flight has a choice and last year 208m consumers chose Ryanair, while nobody reads or pays any attention to Which? fake surveys.”

In the Which? ratings, Ryanair secured a mere one star for seat comfort, while it scored two out of five stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service and cabin environment.

When it comes to value for money on short-hauls, the airline earned a three-star rating, the same as easyJet and Wizz Air, but fell behind carriers, Jet2, Lufthansa, TUI and Aer Lingus. Overall, Ryanair received a customer satisfaction score of 55 per cent in the short-haul survey and ranked bottom on a list of 24 airlines. Just in front of Ryanair on the customer survey, with a total score of 59 per cent, was Wizz Air.

The budget carrier, which had 259 passengers included in the Which? survey, received two stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service, and cabin environment. However, it was awarded three stars for its value for money.

A Wizz Air spokesperson also shared: “Once again, Which’s survey relies on a tiny sample size. It surveyed 259 people, which is only 0.002% of the 12 million passengers carried on our UK flights in 2025. No credible organisation can claim that such a sample is representative.

“Our strong passenger numbers – which rise every year – clearly show that travellers value WIZZ’s low prices and industry-leading operational performance. We’re continuing to deliver against the commitments outlined in our £12 billion Customer First Compass initiative. From October 2024 to December 2025, customer satisfaction rose by eight percentage points. At the same time, our flight completion rate in the UK was 99.7% – consistently among the best in the industry – while our on-time performance increased by 14% year-on-year.

“This year, we look forward to welcoming even more passengers on board Europe’s youngest and most modern fleet, taking advantage of our low prices on our biggest ever summer leisure network to many new destinations in Spain, Greece, and France.”

In stark contrast, Jet2 topped the list with 76 per cent, receiving a four-star rating for its booking process, customer service and value for money. One customer said: “Compared with other budget airlines, they give you a generous luggage allowance, which makes such a difference.”

Have you had a complaint-worthy flight? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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NEW data has revealed the best – and worst – airlines in the UK.

In a new Which? report, Jet2 has been named the best airline in the UK, based on the responses of 5,500 travellers.

The airline – which was the only airline with short-haul flights to be named a Which? Recommended Provider – achieved an average score of 76 per cent based on several categories including boarding, customer service and seat comfort.

Last year, Jet2 cancelled fewer flights last minute than its biggest rivals.

This helped the airline to hold on to four stars for its booking process, customer service and value for money.

One customer said: “Compared with other budget airlines they give you a generous luggage allowance, which makes such a difference.”

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And unlike other budget airlines, Jet2 allows passengers to take on board one piece of hand luggage – as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and isn’t bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm – free of charge, each.

And you can also bring a small, under-seat bag as long as it is not bigger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.

More than 76 per cent agreed they hadn’t had any problems with their flight, whilst only 63 per cent said this about Ryanair.

When it comes to other short-haul airlines that performed well, Lufthansa and Norwegian scored 73 per cent satisfaction, British Airways, TUI and KLM each scored 72 per cent, Aer Lingus scored 71 per cent and Air France scored 69 per cent.

At the other end of the table, it might not come as a surprise that Ryanair finished bottom, achieving a satisfaction score of just 55 per cent.

The airline, which is often called out for having hidden fees, scored two stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service and cabin environment.

It then also achieved just one star for seat comfort, with one customer commenting: “The plane is dirty and the seats are awful.”

And even though the airline did get three stars for value for money, another customer added: “It is billed as a budget airline but they make money from extras which far outweigh price savings on other flight companies.”

In total, over a third of Ryanair’s customers said something went wrong with their journey.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: “Neither we nor our 208million passengers pay any attention to these made-up manufactured surveys or their fake results.

“Every passenger booking a flight has a choice and last year 208million consumers chose Ryanair, while nobody reads or pays any attention to Which? fake surveys.”

Wizz Air also didn’t do too great, scoring just 59 per cent for customer satisfaction.

The budget airline achieved two stars in most categories and then three stars in the value for money category, with one customer remarking that the airline is “consistently terrible and overpriced”.

Passengers also noted how the airline has poor customer service and lack of communication around delays.

A spokesperson for Wizz Air said: “Once again, Which’s survey relies on a tiny sample size.

“While the total number of passengers surveyed was 5,500 – only 259 of those actually flew with Wizz Air.

“That’s less than five per cent of those surveyed, and only 0.002 per cent of passengers carried on WIZZ flights to and from the UK in 2025.

“This tiny sample size of Wizz customers is a point we’ve raised with Which for the last three years, which has also been echoed by other airlines.

“Despite raising our concerns about how misleading this figure is, there have been no major improvements, and the survey remains entirely unrepresentative of what the vast majority of customers have experienced – and therefore an inaccurate source of information for the British public.”

EasyJet did slightly better, scoring 67 per cent overall, with three stars for its booking process and value for money and two stars for its customer service, seat comfort and cabin environment.

The budget airline also improved its punctuality over the past two years with fewer cancelled flights.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “With around 40 per cent of our customers choosing to travel with just the fare and our customer satisfaction scores at a ten year high, it’s clear that customers continue to value this choice and our service.

“Given this survey is not weighted, it simply isn’t representative when comparing with airlines who carry far fewer passengers.”

Which? also found that the price for flights with low-cost airlines often shoots up once you add cabin bags to your booking.

And these prices usually don’t become clear until towards the end of the booking process.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said: “It’s outrageous to see Ryanair and Wizz Air openly scoff at the poor experiences of their own customers.

“They love to blow their own trumpet about the number of passengers who fly with them, but on many routes, there is simply no other choice.

“Many other passengers fly with them because of the enticingly low headline fares.

“But ridiculously expensive charges for baggage and other add-ons mean they are no longer guaranteed to be the cheapest option.

“We’ve repeatedly found that airlines that include baggage and seat allocation in their fares can actually work out cheaper overall.

“Fly with anyone else, if you can.”

Sun Travel has also contacted the airlines mentioned for comment.

In other aviation news, two UK airports are about to be much easier and cheaper to travel to – after thousands fined £100.

Plus, another English airport introduces hugely unpopular charge for passengers.

ONE of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean will soon be getting new flights from just £14.99.

There’s a reason Sicily, Italy, is dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, with its soft sand beaches, clear waters and warm climate.

And now, one city on the island – referred to as the ‘city on two seas’ due to its centre sitting on a peninsula with the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south and west – will be getting new flights from Bournemouth Airport.

Ryanair will launch new flights to Trapani in Sicily from the end of March.

The first flight from Bournemouth Airport to Trapani will take off on March 31, costing £60.59 each way.

Though, if you wait a bit, the fares get cheaper – for example, you could fly on April 7 for £14.99 one-way.

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Sun Travel found that the airline will be flying to the Sicilian destination twice a week, with one flight on Tuesdays and another on Saturdays.

Trapani sits on the west coast of Sicily and is well-known for its historic old town and harbour.

Throughout the city visitors can explore Baroque architecture, especially in the old town, Centro Storico.

Here you will find a maze of narrow alleyways that you would expect of any charming old town, but what makes it particularly special is Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

This is the main street in the old town and is home to unique pottery shops where you might even catch the store owners painting the ceramics.

It’s on this street that you will also find the city’s cathedral, Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.

Don’t miss Piazza Mercato either, a sprawling square which used to be the home of the city’s main fish market for over a century.

There are a lot of famous landmarks in the city too, such as Torre di Ligny which was a watchtower and is now a museum.

You can also see the Saline di Trapani salt pans, which is a protected nature reserve.

In total, the pans span across 2,400 acres and dates back to the 12th century when they were used to harvest sea salt.

If you prefer the beach, you can visit Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana, which has the “clearest water in Sicily” according to one visitor.

Along the beach is the old Spanish wall, which you can walk along – providing a great spot to catch the Italian sunset.

If you happen to visit the city during Easter, look out for the Processione dei Misteri, which is a famous, 24-hour long religious event that dates back to the 17th century.

There are plenty of places to stay in Trapani, including the four-star Hotel Punta Tipa which overlooks the beach and costs from £73 a night.

If you want to have access to a spa during your stay, then head to Palazzo Gatto Art Hotel and Spa, costing from £127 per night.

When exploring Trapani, you can expect to pay around €50 (£43.58) for a three-course meal for two people and if you add a beer, that will set you back an additional €3.75 (£3.27).

The city is just an hour by car from Palermo as well, if you wanted to spend more time exploring Sicily.

The new flights are one of 20 new routes that have been announced for this summer from Bournemouth Airport.

Other holiday destinations include Alicante and Malaga in Spain and Edinburgh in Scotland.

In other destination news, here are six of the best holiday destinations to book for some quick Vitamin D including 28C Spanish islands.

Plus, here are the cheapest family holiday destinations under three hours from UK that are over 20C this Easter.

The extra baggage charge would have been more than half what she paid for the tickets

A woman avoided paying a £30 luggage charge on Ryanair thanks to a simple hack that cost her just £2.59. Laura Poole, 33, paid a tiny amount to send her clothes in the post, rather than adding £30 to the cost of her flight by checking a bag in as excess luggage.

Laura says she has “better things to spend her money on” and swerved the additional charge by squeezing her outfits into her gym bag, wrapping it in a Lidl carrier bag and dropping it off at her local Tesco Express InPost locker. She flew to Glasgow from Bristol on February 22, paying £57.48 for her return flights.

Staying in Glasgow for a month on a business trip, she shipped “at least” five outfits including suit jackets and dresses – all for just £2.59. Dropping her parcel off on the Thursday evening before her Sunday morning flight, Laura’s parcel arrived safely in Glasgow just after she arrived.

Inspired by Vinted and their parcel shipping process, Laura says she has received comments from trolls saying she us “stupid” but has also been hailed a “genius” online.

Ryanair’s baggage fees are famously dynamic—they change based on your route, travel dates, and, most importantly, when you buy them. ^{The general rule is: the later you wait, the more it costs. If you forget to book online and show up at the airport, you can expect to pay at the highest end of those ranges (up to £60 per bag).}

If your bag is already checked but weighs more than your purchased allowance (e.g., your 20kg bag actually weighs 22kg) you will pay £11 more per kilo. If you try to take a bag to the gate that is too big for your allowance (like a “cabin bag” when you only paid for a “small personal item”) you can pay £75 for the bag to be put in the hold.

Laura, a public speaker and trainer, from Cardiff, said: “I have better things to spend her money on. I actually did it before, this is the second time I’ve done it. So I knew it worked. “I got the idea from Vinted because they’re using InPost lockers for that. I was curious and thought ‘I wonder how much it is?’

“If it’s only that much for postage on Vinted it can’t be as much as Royal Mail. I’ve always been really frugal and am part of the FIRE community – financial independence and retire early. Lots of people are super frugal and I have better things to spend my money on than really expensive baggage fees.

“I’m here for a month this time as well and I thought I’m going to need more than a backpack, so I got my gym bag, stuffed it with clothes and wrapped it in a Lidl bag and taped it up. People on Vinted send stuff in anything – I thought ‘that’ll do’.”

Laura also packed enough clothes to last her two to three days in her cabin backpack. “I would not post anything that I loved,” she added. “For example I’ve got a scarf I’ve had for 10 years and my grandad’s t-shirts – who is not around anymore. That stuff goes in my backpack.

“Obviously I don’t want to lose my clothes and there are lots of clothes in there. It’s insured for up to £50. My thought process is if anything goes wrong, or it doesn’t arrive in time, I’ve got time to buy new clothes. I do public speaking so I need to look good. Suit jackets, trousers, all sorts I threw it all in, dresses as well.

“I must have at least five different outfits and then loungewear and stuff as well”.

Sharing her plans on Facebook, her post went viral. Laura said: “There are always trolls whenever anything goes that big and people are always negative, but overall I’ve never been called a genius so much in my life.”

She will use the InPost locker system when she returns from the trip next month and will save another £27.41.

RYANAIR has warned it’s planning on axing even MORE routes to Spain next year.

This comes after the budget airline announced it would be cutting 1.2million seats from popular destinations this summer.

Ryanair has already revealed that this year it plans to axe over a million seats to certain Spanish routes, with some routes being cut down.

Others could be axed completely – and there could be more to come.

This is in response to Aena – the state-controlled airport operator in the country – increasing its fees for airlines.

The operator has proposed an increase in passenger fees, meaning airlines would be paying 21 per cent more from 2027 to 2031.

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CEO of Ryanair, Eddie Wilson has now said: “Next winter we will make further cuts to regional airport services and I remind you that our total traffic in Spain for this summer will only grow by 0.5 per cent compared to 9 per cent in Italy, 11 per cent in Morocco or 20 per cent in Poland.”

He added: “Aena’s proposal to increase fares by 21 per cent is regrettable, but not surprising, as this airport monopoly has a history of applying the highest fares at the expense of traffic development, especially at Spain’s regional airports, which are 70 per cent empty.”

Eddie Wilson continued to say that if the fees were to be increased it would “make even the most popular airports in Spain uncompetitive.”

He said that Ryanair’s aircraft would end up going to “other places in Europe where rates are more competitive” instead.

Ryanair isn’t the only airline hitting back at the proposals from Aena.

According to Business Travel News Europe, “‘airline groups are objecting to proposed increases” and have called for an “annual reduction in the fees.”

Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s regional vice president for Europe, called AENA’s proposed level of increases “unsustainable and unrealistic”.

After the proposals were announced, Ryanair last year revealed cancellations of its routes to Vigo and Santiago.

The airline is also reducing its capacity at Santander, the Canary Islands, and Zaragoza.

It is also significantly scaling back its operations at Santiago de Compostela.

Elsewhere in Spain, Ryanair is halting all flights to Asturias and Vigo, and the base in Jerez will remain closed in 2026.

Other axed routes last year include those to French airports like Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg.

However, Ryanair will restart routes to Bergerac in March with flights being bookable until the end of October 2026.

In response to possible tax increases in Belgium, Ryanair has said that 1.1million seats will be axed across Charleroi Airport this year.

This will be followed by another 1.1million in 2027.

Charleroi City Council is set to introduce a €3 per passenger tax from April 2026.

And the Belgium government is set to increase the passenger tax from €2 to €10 by January 2027.

Check out this cheap and sunny destiantion alternative to Spain…

With Ryanair axing flights across Europe this year – Morocco could become even more affordable in the coming years…

This means that your trip to Tenerife could become more expensive – and if so, you should take a look at Morocco instead.

Cities around the North African country could be set to get cheaper flights as Ryanair has said that the capacity removed from Spanish airports will be reallocated to more competitive European markets, including Morocco.

There are plenty of options like Marrakesh, Agadir, Rabat or Essaouira.

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, went on a trip earlier this year and said: “I’ve spent a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.“

For more on holidays, check out Morocco’s capital city that’s an ‘understated seaside gem’ and far less crowded than Marrakesh.

Plus, here’s the best time of day to book flights down to the exact MINUTE – and how it can save you hundreds on your holiday.

A former Ryanair flight attendant has shared some essential travel tips for passengers including the one item never to pack in checked luggage for safety reasons

A former Ryanair cabin crew member has revealed the one item travellers should never pack in their hold luggage.

Eleanor, who was stationed in Marseille, France, clocked up numerous hours flying across the globe with the well-known low-cost carrier. The 25-year-old content creator has chronicled various aspects of her experiences on YouTube, including posting a video discussing the advantages and disadvantages of working as cabin crew for the Irish airline.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror about what shouldn’t go in checked baggage, the ex-flight attendant explained: “I can say you’re not supposed to have any laptops or computers in the checked bag because an overheated battery could cause a fire – and if the source is not in the cabin there won’t be any way to stop it.”

While it’s not prohibited to place a laptop in checked luggage on Ryanair flights, it’s widely regarded as safer to keep it in the cabin where possible.

That said, if personal electronic devices must travel in the hold, Ryanair has four particular requirements you need to follow, as outlined in their terms and conditions.

Firstly, the device must be “totally switched off” and “effectively protected from being turned on accidentally”.

Secondly, any apps, alarms or settings capable of activating it must be disabled or deactivated prior to placing it in your bag for the journey.

Thirdly, you need to ensure the device is safeguarded against accidental damage, either through packaging or a protective case. Alternatively, it can be shielded by sufficient cushioning within a sturdy bag.

The final stipulation is that the device must not share a bag with any flammable substances, including perfume or aerosols.

Meanwhile, Eleanor also shared with us two seats that passengers might want to “avoid” when booking their holidays.

With her extensive experience, she understands better than most how particular seats can significantly impact a journey. She explained: “I can only say to avoid 11A. That’s supposed to be a window seat – but it doesn’t have a window! You won’t be able to see outside.”

Previously dubbed “Europe’s most hated” seat, there’s another one worth swerving, as she added: “Also avoid row 32 on the 737 MAX, an aircraft that Ryanair has only in some bases. That has emergency exits at the wings, and a crew seat near them that faces the passengers.”

Eleanor, who hails from Italy and is now based in New Zealand, elaborated: “So, if you sit in that row, you’ll have the flight attendant stare at you during take off and landing, and you’ll have to move every time they have to pass. It was very uncomfortable as a flight attendant, I imagine it is as a passenger also.”

Travel experts reveal the three types of items you should avoid packing in your cabin bag when flying with budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet

Travellers who choose to fly with budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet can take advantage of remarkably low fares if they travel with hand luggage only. However, these airlines, like numerous other low-cost operators, require passengers to pay additional fees for larger cabin bags or checked luggage.

Should you turn up at the airport with more than your permitted luggage allowance, you could be stung with substantial excess charges. Matthew Corrigan, CEO of Trtl Travel, recommends that one of the most effective ways to maximise your luggage allowance and sidestep extra costs is to pack cleverly.

He said: “Airlines such as Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 are cracking down on hand luggage passengers.”

In recent years, numerous airlines have tightened restrictions on the amount of hand luggage passengers can bring aboard. For example, Ryanair now only permits passengers to bring one small item of luggage per person free of charge.

Matthew said: “One of the main downsides of travelling with only a carry-on bag is significantly less space for your belongings.

“Whilst this may seem like a deal-breaker, there are some simple ways to maximise the space in your hand luggage.”

According to the specialist, this means leaving certain everyday essentials behind that could be taking up considerable space or adding unnecessary weight.

Travel guru Matthew has some shrewd advice to banish your packing headaches for good. He suggests: “Avoid packing items that will be provided by the accommodation – such as hairdryers, towels, and toiletries. Only bring items you know you’ll use, and try to share phone chargers and other technology wherever possible.”

Before you start packing those bulky bottles of shampoo or a hefty hairdryer, check with your hotel first; there’s a good chance they’ve got you covered. And let’s face it, you can pick up toiletries at your destination if needed.

Heading somewhere chilly? Matthew’s tip: wear your coat and chunky knits on the plane instead of cramming them into your bags.

Walk through departures in your winter wear, he says, because after all, you can throw your coat over your arm if you warm up. Plus, it won’t count against your cabin baggage allowance and you’ll avoid the shivers mid-flight.

He added: “It’s best to wear large items such as jumpers and coats onto the plane rather than packing them. This frees up space and ensures you don’t get cold during the flight.”

The fashion retailer is selling a ‘pull-along cabin bag’ that could be ideal for holidays

Holidaymakers don’t have to splash out on expensive cabin bags, as Primark is stocking a £25 option. The retailer is selling a ‘pull-along cabin bag’ in two colours, so everyone can ‘travel in style.’ The luggage could be ideal for anyone who is planning to fly this year.

Primark says the bag is ‘perfectly sized for the essentials,’ and it meets the cabin bag requirements of several airlines. Shoppers interested in the £25 Trolley Cabin Bag can purchase it online or in-store. Primark sells a black style and a white-and-black style. It measures 26cm x 40cm x 20cm.

According to easyJet’s website, passengers can carry one bag measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm on board for free, or pay to bring one large cabin bag measuring 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Ryanair’s website says passengers can carry one bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm on board for free, or pay to bring one cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm.

Primark says its bag helps passengers ‘make the most’ of their packing options. The full product description reads: “Travel in style with our pull-along cabin bag. There’s a lot to love about this trolley cabin bag.

“Whether you’re a carry-on only expert or are simply looking to make the most of your packing options, this cabin pack is perfectly sized for the essentials. It benefits from a large main compartment with a secure zip fastening as well as an external zipped pocket to the front for extra organisation.”

The description continues: “Carry the bag with the two top handle webbing straps or pull it along, thanks to the addition of two wheels at the base. For enhanced organisation, why not check out our other travel essentials?”

Alternatively, Primark sells a £12 Quilted Underseat Cabin Bag in black or white. The product description states: “Travel smart with this cream quilted cabin bag, designed to fit perfectly under your seat.

“The diagonal stitching adds a sophisticated touch while multiple compartments, including a handy back zip section, keep your essentials organised. Ideal for weekend getaways or business trips, this sleek carry-on helps you breeze through airports with effortless style. The sturdy handles and practical size make it the perfect companion for travellers who appreciate both form and function.”

For £20, there’s also a Handled Travel Bag in black or pink. The product description states: “Pack up and head out in style with this sleek black travel bag, perfect for weekend getaways. With a spacious zippered main compartment and a convenient front pocket for easy access to your essentials, it’s both functional and versatile.

“The bottom compartment offers extra space for shoes or wet items, while the sturdy webbing handles make it easy to carry. Add a detachable shoulder strap for comfort or use the handles to carry it by hand. Ideal for short trips and organised packing!”

Ryanair has lowered the price of a number of its basic fares

With the winter now feeling like it’s rumbled on for almost an eternity, many people will be looking ahead to the warmer seasons and dreaming of a holiday abroad. But if you have school-aged children, you’ll probably be painstakingly aware of how much the cost can rise when the kids break up.

Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, it can be hard to pay for an overseas family trip. With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at some of the cheapest Ryanair flights to Spain for this year’s summer holidays.

And if you’re not picky about where you go, you may be able to save some money. For instance, travellers flying from London Luton can travel to Palma de Mallorca from £26 one-way.

The cheapest return fare for is £109, departing on August 26 and returning on September 3. From Manchester, we found a one-way flight to Castellon (Valencia) for £23, departing on August 27.

A return fare on September 3 is available for £27, meaning you could travel both there and back for £50 each. And from Birmingham, holidaymakers can book a return trip to Santander for £85 each.

The outgoing flight departs on August 17 and returns on September 3. Travellers flying from Aberdeen to Alicante can get a return journey for £86 when leaving on August 19 and returning on August 25.

If you do book with Ryanair it’s important to remember that baggage and other add-ons come at an additional fee. Only one ‘personal’ bag is permitted with each basic fare.

As of last summer, following an EU rule change, the dimensions for this bag are 40cm x 30cm x 20cm and the bag must weigh less than 10kg. All flight prices were correct at the time of publication.

TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways rules on flying with pets including the airlines that do allow you to bring animals into the cabin

Every pet owner has found themselves missing their cuddly companion when away from home. If you’re particularly close to your dog or cat, you might even be wondering whether it’s possible to take them with you. Policies vary from airline to airline, as does the cost. It’s also worth checking the requirements for bringing pets to your destination, as well as returning to the UK with your pet, as you’ll need to follow a number of steps to get them through customs.

Here’s what some popular airlines say about travelling with animals.

TUI

Pets aren’t allowed in the cabin of TUI’s aircraft, although registered assistance dogs can travel with their owners for free. Any other animals need to travel in the hold, and TUI say pets will usually go on the same flight as their owners. Its website reassures owners that: “The hold is pressurised and at the same temperature as the passenger cabin.”

Pets need to be kept in a travel box with a water bowl, and cannot be medically sedated, although herbal calming products cam be used. Owners will need to call or email TUI beforehand to check whether their pet can be accommodated, as some routes have restrictions, and to arrange for their pet’s travel in advance.

EasyJet

EasyJet’s policy is clear: “Animals are not allowed on our flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs.” Animals can not be carried in the cabin or hold.

Passengers travelling with assistance dogs will need to contact the special assistance team in advance, at least 48 hours before the flight, and will need to provide documents that the pet is a trained assistance dog. The dog will also need an animal health certificate, or pet passport if accepted, and the necessary vaccination certificates depending on the destination.

Ryanair

Ryanair also say: “We do not carry animals on board any Ryanair flights, except guide/assistance dogs on certain routes.” Assistance dogs need to be registered with an organisation such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK, or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

Ryanair added: “Emotional support or therapy dogs that are not recognized as assistance dogs by the above organizations are not permitted to travel with Ryanair.” It also has a list of requirements for assistance dogs on its website.

Jet2

Jet2 does not allow pets in the cabin or hold, and assistance dogs are the only animals allowed onboard. Assistance dogs travel with their owner for free, and Jet2 advise that passengers should contact their Assisted Travel Team before travelling so arrangements can be made.

It advises: “Please note an additional seat may be required to ensure there is enough floor space for the assistance dog to lie down, and if this is the case, an additional charge may be applicable depending on the size of the assistance dog.” Jet2 also warned: “If the assistance needs (including carriage of assistance dogs) of customers on the same flight create conflicting health issues, we reserve the right to decide how the conflict shall be resolved at our absolute discretion.”

British Airways (BA)

BA advise that all pets must be carried in the hold on flights to and from the UK. It has partnered with cargo services that specialise in the transport of pets, details of which can be found on its travelling with pets page.

BA warn: “British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet.” However, it also makes an exception for assistance dogs, which can travel free of charge in the cabin. Assistance dogs will need to be registered and trained with a suitable organisation, and the dog will need to be registered ahead of the flight’s departure.

Air France

Air France is one of the few European airlines to allow pets in the cabin, but there are restrictions. It only allows cats or dogs up to 8kg in weight, and up to 75kg in total with its carrier. Pets over this size must go into the hold.

Owners will need to contact Air France before they travel and check the strict list of requirements. Certain breeds with snub-noses will need to be cleared by a vet to fly. This includes pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats. Pets can’t travel in the cabin on intercontinental flights and aren’t allowed in business class.

Vueling

Spanish airline Vueling also allow some pets onboard including dogs, cats, birds, and turtles, although they must be kept inside a carrier at all times when in the cabin. It does not allow pets in the hold.

The maximum weight for pets travelling on Vueling is 10kg including the carrier, and it’ll need to go under the seat in front of you. Pet owners will need to check the requirements for their destination country and should contact the airline to book their pet’s space.

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Former Ryanair cabin crew member Eleanor has shared which seats to avoid when booking with the budget airline, while also revealing the best row to be in, especially if you want a quieter tirp

A former Ryanair cabin crew member has issued a warning to travellers about two seats they should swerve when making their bookings. Eleanor, who was stationed in Marseille, France, clocked up significant flight hours with the no-frills carrier and has pinpointed the seats that could seriously dampen your journey.

The 25-year-old content creator revealed to the Manchester Evening News: “I can only say to avoid 11A. That’s supposed to be a window seat – but it doesn’t have a window! You won’t be able to see outside.”

Eleanor isn’t the first member of cabin crew to sound the alarm about the infamous 11A seat, previously dubbed “Europe’s most hated”. It’s widely recognised as the sole ‘A’ seat on a Boeing 737 that’s missing an actual window.

But Eleanor didn’t stop there. Having previously documented the highs and lows of working for Ryanair on her YouTube channel, she went on to share additional guidance on seating choices.

Following her 11A caution, she added: “Also avoid row 32 on the 737 MAX, an aircraft that Ryanair has only in some bases. That has emergency exits at the wings, and a crew seat near them that faces the passengers.

“So, if you sit in that row, you’ll have the flight attendant stare at you during take off and landing, and you’ll have to move every time they have to pass. It was very uncomfortable as a flight attendant, I imagine it is as a passenger also.”

However, she stressed that on the whole, seat selection on Ryanair isn’t terribly crucial. This is largely down to the fact that flights tend to be relatively brief and there’s no complimentary meal service on offer, meaning your seating position won’t guarantee you’ll receive your food first, as it might with other carriers.

Eleanor suggested it ultimately boils down to individual preference, noting: “Another thing I can say is to avoid sitting at the rear of the aircraft, most because sometimes, although not often with Ryanair, only in some airports, you will have a bridge from the front and you’ll be the last one to disembark if you’re sitting at the back.

“And also because in case of ditching (controlled emergency landing onto water), that’s the first part that goes in the water, and you won’t be able to open the doors at the back, so you’re less likely to make it in case of a landing in water.”

For those keen to be more selective during booking, Eleanor, an Italian now based in New Zealand, reckons certain seats provide optimal comfort and are even guaranteed to be child-free zones.

She disclosed: “I would say usually it’s better to sit at the emergency exits in the middle of the aircraft, usually around row 17 for safety reasons. You have more space and also because children under 16 can’t sit at the emergency exits and infants under two can’t even be in the two rows before and ahead of the emergency exits.

“So these and row 1 are basically the only seats where you can be sure you won’t be spending your flight with crying babies next to you.”