Ryanair

Different airlines have different seat dimensions and leg room — and you may wonder what standard tickets actually provide

With autumn in full swing, many people in the UK are heading off for winter sun or a European city break. But comfort on flights can be hard to come by, especially on the cheaper airlines.

Cramped legroom and tight seating can put a damper on your flight experience. It’s well known that seat sizes and leg space vary from airline to airline. For those unwilling to fork out extra for “extra legroom” options, you might be wondering what standard tickets actually offer.

Luckily, back in 2023, Which? conducted a study looking at legroom and seat width among 12 leading short-haul carriers flying out of the UK, reports the Express.

The study looked at “seat pitch” — the distance between your seat and the one in front — as a measure of legroom. Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and KLM came out on top, offering a generous seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches, 29 to 33 inches, and 30 to 32 inches respectively. On the other hand, Wizz Air and TUI were at the bottom of the pile, both providing a seat pitch of just 28 inches.

When it comes to seat width – the actual space between the two armrests either side of your seat – most airlines offer similar dimensions, around 17 inches. However, easyJet, TAP Portugal, and Lufthansa provide slightly more room, at 18 inches.

Airlines that offer the most to least legroom (in inches)

• Aer Lingus: 31-32
• British Airways: 29-31
• easyJet: 29
• Jet2: 28-31
• KLM: 29-33
• Lufthansa: 30-32
• Norwegian: 29-31
• Ryanair: 30
• TAP Portugal: 28-31
• TUI: 29
• Vueling: 29-30
• Wizz Air: 28

Passengers on one budget airline might be subjected to even more fees when it comes to their seat selection, but there is one particular way to try and get around it

A budget airline has introduced a new fee for passengers who want to be able to recline their seat on their journey – and some aviation experts are unimpressed with the introduction of the new cost.

When it comes to booking a flight, the original price you see listed is often for the most basic option – and for a lot of airlines, even booking a specific seat to be with your friends or family will mean your wallet takes a hit.

From baggage costs to seat selection, it can seem like almost everything you might need on a flight will end up costing you even more – which can be a serious pain when most people are operating on pretty tight budgets.

READ MORE: Brit in Australia ‘baffled’ by unexpected feature on trains but everyone says same thingREAD MORE: ‘I refuse to give up bus seat for elderly passengers – it’s my right to sit too’

One more budget airline has decided to join the ranks of the businesses determined to eke as much out of their customers as possible, and will now be charging their customers to have a seat that reclines, redesigning their cabins with rows of fixed seats on some of their planes to fit in an extra row.

To avoid the extra cost, you’ll need to book one of the fixed seats in the Economy cabin.

The major Canadian airline, WestJet, will not have the vast majority of its Economy seats fixed upright, with passengers given the opportunity instead to pay more for a seat in the Premium cabin. The 12 seats in Premium will be ergonomically designed, have four options to adjust the headrest, and will recline.

Behind Premium will be 36 ‘Extended Comfort’ seats, part of the Economy option, which don’t recline, but do offer a bit more legroom for passengers.

“The cabin has been thoughtfully designed to offer WestJet’s welcoming service at every budget,” the Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer of WestJet – Samantha Taylor – said in a statement, per news.com.au.

“It reflects our commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience and meeting guest demand for a broader range of product offerings,” the exec continued.

However, the experts are not necessarily impressed with the argument that the change is about creating more choice for consumers, or that by fitting in an extra row, prices will actually come down that much for passengers using the airline.

“The imagination of airline marketers never stops to astound me: the depths they will go through kind of gives people an impression that if I pay more, I get more,” John Gradek, an aviation lecturer at McGill University, fumed.

The airline passenger rights expert added: “Right now, it’s like you pay more to get what you had.”

WestJet is by no means the first airline to remove the option of reclining seats – Ryanair did so all the way back in 2004, and many other budget airlines operate similarly.

Even more premium airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, and Delta have reduced the number of reclining seats on offer, with BA removing them entirely on short-haul aircraft.

The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landingafter issuing a ‘fuel Mayday’ as it travelled to Prestwick Airport in Glasgow from the Italian city of Pisa

A Ryanair flight was forced to make a dramatic emergency landing after coming within six minutes of “running out of fuel”. An investigation has been launched into the incident involving a Malta Air flight, operating on behalf of Ryanair.

The plane was en route from Pisa, Italy, to Prestwick Airport in Glasgow on October 3 when it issued a “fuel Mayday”.

The aircraft had to make an emergency landing in Manchester after the cockpit crew issued a 7700 squawk code – the universal signal for a general emergency. Before this, the plane made several unsuccessful attempts to land at both Prestwick and Edinburgh airports.

Nearly two hours later, it safely touched down in Manchester. Upon landing, the plane had only 220kg of fuel left – enough for just five or six minutes of flying.

Passenger Alexander Marchi revealed that the chaos began even before they took off from Pisa, as protestors managed to storm the tarmac amid a strike.

A passenger told the Ayr Advertiser: “After leaving late from Pisa because of a general strike and protesters invading the tarmac at the airport we were worried that we wouldn’t get to Prestwick before the storm hit.

“Everything was fine until we started our descent. The plane was circling a few times before trying the first time but pulling up almost immediately.”

More than 40,000 people tracked the plane as it failed to land at Prestwick before attempting to touch down in Edinburgh, again without success. The flight eventually landed in Manchester, with passengers on board eventually reaching South Ayrshire via bus 10 hours late.

Upon landing, the aircraft had just 220kg of fuel remaining in its tank – sufficient for merely five or six minutes of flight time, according to reports.

Passenger Alexander Marchi revealed the mayhem began before they’d even departed from Pisa, as demonstrators managed to breach the runway during industrial action.

He told Ayr Advertiser: “After leaving late from Pisa because of a general strike and protesters invading the tarmac at the airport we were worried that we wouldn’t get to Prestwick before the storm hit.

“We were told we would try one more time or we’d have to go to Manchester. The second time it was a very bumpy ride and we almost reached the tarmac, but at the last minute we pulled up very sharply.

“We realised how bad things had been after seeing the images after finally landing at Manchester with almost no fuel. There was a lot of relief.

“People were wanting to get off and definitely were not up for flying any time soon. “

A Ryanair spokesman said: “Ryanair reported this to the relevant authorities on Friday (Oct 3). As this is now subject of an ongoing investigation, which we are cooperating fully with, we are unable to comment.”

Thanks to its fertile valleys, this region in Spain is romantically known as the Garden of Europe – but as well as an abundance of fruit, veg and olives, it also offers visitors stunning architecture and beautiful beaches

A university city in southeastern Spain is often overlooked by holidaymakers but has so much to offer and is still wonderfully warm in the winter.

Murcia can cater to everyone’s tastes, with a rich historical heritage evident in its Baroque architecture and cathedral, breathtaking natural parks and stunning sandy beaches – as well local menus that make the most of the region’s bountiful produce.

Despite it being Spain’s seventh largest city, it is relatively unknown among tourists. However, that could be about to change as UK airlines are extending their summer routes into winter, allowing visitors to enjoy a much welcome sunny break during the cooler months at home.

READ MORE: European island with 28C weather in October making it a perfect autumn escapeREAD MORE: Secret Christmas alternative to Lapland and booking now will save you thousands

Easyjet is now adding Luton and Bristol airports to its Murcia schedule from October to March. Previously Gatwick was the only route to the region in the winter. There are currently flights available for as little as £20 and under, one way.

Ryanair has also added a new route from Stansted as part of its winter schedule. We found a seven night round trip for just £44 in November from the London airport to Murcia.

It’s a great time of year to travel there – the area enjoys mild winters and relatively low rainfall. Temperatures in November average a high of 21C, making it the perfect place to recharge in the suns rays before the onslaught of the harsh UK weather and seasonal Christmas madness.

It’s not just the clement climate that is the province’s appeal though. Despite it being a city with the expected hustle and bustle in some areas, its people enjoy a laid back pace of life and there are less crowds than other tourist hotspots nearby such as Alicante.

The area has a rich historical heritage and has been inhabited since the Bronze and Iron ages. There are Roman sites to explore and the city’s grand Cathedral de Murcia is a favourite among visitors with its Baroque and Gothic designs and ornate carvings.

In the same square is the 18th century Bishops Palace which is the official headquarters of the Diocese of Cartagena and displays magnificent Rococo style facades reminiscent of Italian palaces of the Renaissance.

Juxtaposing the historical masterpieces in the Cardinal Belluga Square is the modern annexe of the town hall which was completed in 1999 and was designed by Raphael Moneo.

The Real Casino is another must see in the city. Its numerous rooms reflect the varying periods of design from 1847 to the early 20th century in the building which was once an exclusive establishment.

For those who want to explore the local landscape, the Barrancos de Gebas is a badland – a dry, arid land with little vegetation and rugged hills – on the outskirts of Sierra Espuña Regional Park. A hike here will uncover the area’s different species of birds, butterflies and moths as well as breathtaking views.

If relaxation is more your thing the region has around 155 miles of incredible coastline. There are quiet, sandy beaches to doze on and if travelling by car it’s even possible to find relatively deserted areas. Cabo de Palos is a hotspot for scuba diving and snorkeling with plenty of shipwrecks to explore, some from the First and Second World Wars.

When it comes to food, as previously mentioned, Murcia has come to be dubbed the Garden of Europe or Europe’s Orchard. Its long agricultural tradition thanks to the fertile valleys of its landscapes means the region produces an abundance of fruit, vegetables, oils, nuts and flowers.

Chefs in local restaurants make the most of this along with the supply of fresh seafood from the coast to serve a variety of delicious tapas dishes. One must-try speciality is Marineras – a dish with tuna, potato and vegetables on toast.

Meanwhile, Murcia al Vino is a goat’s cheese cured in a locally produced red wine and the traditional dessert is Paparajotes. Originally eaten by Murcian farmers, it is made by taking a leaf from a lemon tree, coating it in fried dough, sugar and cinnamon and peeling the batter from the leaf which gives it a zingy citrus flavour.

THIS is the nerve-wracking moment a Ryanair plane is forced to abort landing in Storm Amy’s 90mph winds.

The dramatic footage shows the pilot unable to land the aircraft at Dublin Airport on Friday.

4

4

4

It comes as Storm Amy swept in on Friday with wind speeds of over 90mph, sparking widespread travel chaos for millions.

Video footage shows the Ryanair plane descending as it approaches the runway at Dublin Airport.

The aircraft can be seen buffeted by strong winds on its way down, knocking it of course as it nears the tarmac at speed.

Just moments before it is due to touch down, the pilot suddenly aborts the landing.

They then pull the plane back up as its forced to go around the airport before it attempts to make another landing.

A plane spotter posted the footage to social media on Friday, alongside the caption: “Ryanair plane has to do a go around because of the high winds.”

Hundreds of users flocked to the comments with some claiming they were on the flight itself.

“I was on that plane, was a very hairy land,” one posted.

Others claimed that it was the “worst flight of my life” and that this was one of two failed landing attempts before the plane diverted to Manchester.

“That plane was like being on the worst roller coaster ride ever, what you see in that video, doesn’t do justice to what went on onboard,” stated another.

According to them, other passengers were panicking and an “elderly gentleman had to be taken from Manchester Airport straight to the hospital”.

Storm Amy is expected to cause further travel disruption across the UK and Ireland on Saturday with flights, rail and ferry services cancelled.

Belfast International Airport said it was expecting delays on Saturday and advised passengers to check with their airlines.

Due to winds reaching up to 100mph in some areas, “risk to life” warnings have been issued too.

Irish Police confirmed on Friday that a man in his 40s had died following a “weather related incident”.

While over 234,000 homes were also left without power across Ireland with thousands in Scotland also facing continued power outages.

The Scottish island of Tiree has recorded the highest wind speeds at 96mph while a provisional October record for Northern Ireland was set with 92mph gusts in County Londonderry.

An amber wind warning has been issued for the north of Scotland until 9pm on Saturday with yellow warnings covering the whole of Scotland, the north of England and north Wales until the end of the day.

A yellow wind warning will run until 7pm for the rest of England and Wales.

Additionally, yellow warnings for rain are in place in north and west Scotland until midnight and in Northern Ireland until noon.

4

One little island in the Atlantic Ocean stays warm and sunny long after summer is over – and it is closer to Africa than the continent it technically belongs to

When October arrives, much of Britain becomes grey, damp and chilly, leaving countless Brits yearning for a final dose of sunshine.

The brilliant news is that autumn often presents the most affordable time to secure a getaway, and with pupils back at school, the tourist hordes have thinned out considerably.

Whilst most European coastal spots begin to turn cooler, there’s one magnificent little island that remains balmy and bright, and it’s nearer to Africa than the continent it officially calls home. This gorgeous volcanic isle in the Atlantic boasts average daily temperatures of approximately 22C in October.

READ MORE: Brits can apply to live on Greek island for free but there’s very unusual catchREAD MORE: ‘Magical’ autumn walks that run right through stunning UK beauty spot

And whilst it’s a Portuguese territory, it lies more than 300 miles west of Morocco and over 600 miles from Lisbon. The island is Madeira – a verdant, mountainous haven that offers everything from breathtaking tropical landscapes to delightful towns and welcoming hospitality.

Frequently dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe”, it’s a perfect retreat for holidaymakers seeking dependable sunshine without travelling too far.

Flights from Britain to Madeira last just under four hours, with direct connections available from London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and other cities. Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, and TUI all provide direct services to the island’s capital, Funchal.

Madeira is most famous as the birthplace of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal in 1985. The island honours his heritage with a special museum and even a statue on the waterfront. But there’s far more to discover beyond that.

For those who adore trekking, countless renowned Levada trails await exploration. These narrow footpaths wind alongside the island’s ancient irrigation channels through valleys, clifftops and woodlands.

Among the most beloved routes is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, which meanders through verdant laurel forests featuring spectacular cascades. Moreover, the capital Funchal boasts cobbled lanes, vibrant markets, and charming botanical gardens.

READ MORE: Best European destinations to visit in October for ‘bucket list’ autumnal escapes

Tourists can also enjoy a cable car journey up to Monte, then experience a traditional wicker toboggan ride back down. Whale and dolphin spotting excursions operate throughout the year, and October remains sufficiently warm for swimming or lounging beside the ocean.

Madeira’s culinary offerings represent another major attraction. Regional delicacies feature black scabbard fish served with banana, espetada (beef skewers), and naturally, the globally renowned Madeira wine.

Travellers who have experienced the island describe its tranquil ambience, gentle climate, and breathtaking landscapes, reports the Express. One visitor commented on Tripadvisor: “It’s absolutely breathtaking, the views are out of this world.”

Another remarked: “We visited in October and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, just right for walking and relaxing.” The sole consideration is that the island’s climate can prove unpredictable, positioned as it is amidst the Atlantic Ocean.

Aircraft occasionally cannot touch down owing to powerful winds and must be redirected to mainland Portugal. Although sandy beaches are scarce, the island boasts some remarkable volcanic rock pools that serve as a favourite spot for swimming and unwinding.

Air Canada has announced it has begun serving complimentary beer, wine and snacks to economy passengers on every flight across its network, in a major win for those who love free stuff

“Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps please.”

No longer will this request be met with an eye-watering bill when made at 30,000 feet, at least on one airline.

Air Canada has announced it has begun serving free beer, wine and snacks to economy passengers on every flight across its network.

That is a significant change, as previously the airline only served free alcohol and food to economy passengers on long-haul flights.

As generous as it may sound, the policy is designed to be a cost-effective way to keep passengers flying with Air Canada. Scott O’Leary, vice president of loyalty and product, explained the rationale in a statement.

READ MORE: Definitive guide to which passengers get the middle armrests on a planeREAD MORE: ‘I’m an airline worker and passengers should only ever use one type of suitcase’

“Food and beverage tend to have a disproportionate impact on customer satisfaction. As part of our commitment to elevating the onboard experience, we’re delighted to introduce even more exciting new options to our menus,” he said.

“These upgrades offer something for everyone and proudly showcase Canadian brands so that our customers can sit back, relax and kick-start their travels no matter where they’re going.”

What customers can expect to get for free on economy flights varies significantly.

Unsurprisingly, budget carriers such as Wizz Air, Ryanair and easyJet provide nothing for free.

Airlines offering free drinks on short-haul flights include KLM, which offers a free snack and drink on all European flights, and LOT Polish Airlines, providing free beer, wine, or juice on their short-haul routes.

Free water and snacks are also typically available with British Airways, though the extent of the service can vary by division and route. For other airlines like Lufthansa and Swiss, only a complimentary bottle of water and perhaps a small snack are provided.

For short and medium-haul flights within Europe, Lufthansa offers a paid “Onboard Delights” service where passengers can purchase food and drinks.

Air France offers free food on many of its flights. While a “buy on board” system is being tested on some routes, most flights still provide complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, depending on the flight duration and class. Passengers on short and medium-haul flights can expect a free sandwich, pastry, or snack, along with a drink.

On short and mid-haul TUI flights (less than seven hours), a variety of hot and cold snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard café.

Most full-service airlines do still include meals and drinks on long-haul routes. Think flights to the US, Asia, or the Caribbean.

• British Airways: Even on the cheapest economy fare, you can get complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Virgin Atlantic: Offers free meals and drinks, and they’re known for a decent veggie option.
• Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines: All offer full meal service in economy, and it’s usually good quality. You’ll get at least two meals plus snacks and unlimited drinks.
• Turkish Airlines: Generally provides free meals on their international flights, including both economy and business class. On longer flights, passengers are typically offered a choice of main courses, side dishes, bread, and dessert. Drinks are also complimentary on all flights.
• Air France: On long-haul flights, an extensive selection of meals is offered, including hot dishes, and passengers can also purchase a la carte meals in advance.
• American Airlines: Meals and drinks are typically included on international flights, including wine and beer
• United: United Airlines offers complimentary food on most flights, especially on longer distances and for higher class tickets.
• Air Canada: Generally offers complimentary meals and snacks on international flights. On flights longer than 2 hours, you’ll typically receive a complimentary meal and beverage service, including salad, warm bread, a hot entrée, and dessert.
• Tui: On long-haul flights (seven hours or more), a complimentary meal is included. Additional drinks and snacks can still be purchased on these flights as well
• Lufthansa: Lufthansa generally provides complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul flights
• KLM: Provides complimentary meals and drinks on most of its flights. The specific offerings vary depending on the flight duration and class of travel, but generally include snacks and drinks on shorter flights and more substantial meals on longer routes.

Airlines will not know exactly how many flights they need to cancel until the action is confirmed and almost underway, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said he expects Ryanair to be told to cancel up to 600 daily, affecting up to 100,000 passengers.

Ryanair and easyJet have issued warnings to passengers ahead of a run of disruptive strikes that could impact more than 100,000 passengers.

The main French air traffic control union, SNCTA, has announced a strike scheduled from 7 to 10 October 2025, which is expected to trigger a large number of flight cancellations and delays throughout western Europe.

Airlines will not know exactly how many flights they need to cancel until the action is confirmed and almost under way, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said he expects Ryanair to be told to cancel up to 600 daily, affecting up to 100,000 passengers.

He said: “We cannot have a situation in the EU where we have a single market yet we close that market every time the French go on strike. They have the right to strike, but if flights are to be cancelled they should be flights arriving to and from France. They should not be overflights.”

Have you been impacted by the strikes? Email [email protected]

READ MORE: European Christmas market deals you can start booking now including Prague and CologneREAD MORE: Ryanair to cancel 600 flights in blow to 100,000 passengers on major holiday routes

The union’s reasons for striking include concerns over air traffic control governance, highlighting “mistrust, punitive practices, and harsh managerial methods,” along with demands for pay increases to offset inflation.

Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, said: “While this is outside of our control, we will be doing all we can to minimise the impact this will have on our customers. Our passengers and crew have been impacted by ATC related disruption for too long and so a solution must be found.

“We are calling on the new head of the French aviation authority to urgently address this issue by building more resilience into the system and crucially, by protecting overflying on strike days to ensure the travel plans of passengers whose flights do not take off or land in France are not needlessly ruined.

“We need action on this now, so the rest of Europe is not held hostage when French Air Traffic Controllers go on strike.”

This industrial action is likely to cause major disruptions, especially affecting flights crossing French airspace, with past strikes having resulted in thousands of cancellations and substantial costs for the aviation sector.

By law, airlines must reroute passengers and provide accommodation and meals for cancelled flights, regardless of the strike’s cause—though managing these obligations becomes difficult during widespread disruption.

Latest analysis by AirAdvisor shows the strike will impact over 129,600 UK passengers, with mass cancellations expected on routes to Spain, Italy, France, and beyond. AirAdvisor expects a 50-60% disruption rate, which means 240 UK flights per day or over 720 flights to and from the UK will be disrupted, affecting 129,600 Brits over three days.

According to AirAdvisor, the routes that are most vulnerable to being disrupted are:

UK to Spain (all routes except northern Spain via the Bay of Biscay)

UK to Portugal (including Madeira and Azores)

UK to Italy (especially southern Italy)

UK to Greece (western routes)

UK to the Canary Islands

UK to Morocco and Tunisia

French airspace acts as Europe’s bottleneck. More than 30% of all UK-to-Mediterranean flights, and a huge chunk of UK-Spain, UK-Italy, and UK-Portugal routes, are about to face either outright cancellation or one to four hour delays. The disruption isn’t limited to French airports, but will affect every hub from Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma to Amsterdam and Brussels.

Airlines cannot simply fly around France as alternate, oceanic or North African routes add time, cost, and complexity. Fuel, crew, and slot constraints mean not every flight gets an alternative path.

Travellers headed to Spain and Portugal from London, Manchester, and Bristol are expected to be especially hard hit, with flights being axed at the last minute and others rerouted hundreds of miles out of the way, resulting in arrivals creeping into the early hours or simply overnighting at hubs.

The budget airline has warned passengers of impending strikes in France that could disrupt the plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers heading to destinations including Greece, Italy and Spain

Ryanair has delivered a stark warning to passengers planning to travel in October that hundreds of flights could be cancelled.

The budget carrier is alerting customers about looming strikes in France that threaten to wreck the holiday plans of tens of thousands of travellers. France’s biggest air traffic controllers’ union, Syndicat Majoritaire des Contrôleurs Aériens, is preparing to down tools from October 7 to 10. The union members are taking action over their current working conditions.

Initially planned for September 17-18, the industrial action was delayed due to political turmoil across the country. Now rearranged for October 7 to 10, one travel company is forecasting ‘chaos’. The walkout won’t just hit flights bound for France but also those travelling through French airspace.

Now Ryanair’s chief executive has warned that 100,000 passengers could see their flights disrupted next week as a consequence of the strike. Michael O’Leary estimated that the industrial action would cost Ryanair around £20m.

READ MORE: UK’s ‘best’ Christmas market in beautiful city confirms dates and brand new attraction for 2026READ MORE: New £185 travel fee starts today for people heading to US – but most Brits won’t pay

The budget airline CEO called for overflights to be protected from strike action, saying disrupting them is an abuse of the free single market. Countries including Spain and Greece already do that, but France doesn’t offer such protections.

Mr O’Leary said that Ryanair was expecting to be asked to cancel about 600 flights, with almost all of them overflights. “That’s about 100,000 passengers who will have their flights cancelled needlessly next Wednesday and Thursday,” he told Sky News.

“On any given day at the moment, we operate about 3,500 flights and about 900 of those flights cross over French airspace and about two-thirds of those, around 600 flights, are cancelled every day there’s an air traffic control strike. The UK is the country whose flights get cancelled most because of the geographic proximity to France.”

The airline voiced its exasperation earlier this summer when a Belgrade ATC strike held up 99 flights and affected more than 17,800 passengers in merely two days. The French strikes could cause significant disruption.

During the peak travel season in October, Charles de Gaulle Airport alone typically sees over 200,000 passengers daily, and France recorded roughly 1m overnight stays by international tourists between October 9-11 in 2024.

Holidaymakers are being urged to check with their airlines 48 hours before departure to learn of any disruption. They are also advised to brace themselves for a longer-than-expected wait at the airport and arrive well ahead of their flight.

Downloading airline apps can also help you stay updated, and be prepared for delays on things like trains and coaches as affected passengers seek alternative means of transport.

If your flight has been delayed or cancelled as a result of strike action by cabin crew or pilots, then you are entitled to compensation by law. That’s because the airline could have foreseen and preempted this problem.

However, strikes by airport staff and air traffic controllers are not considered to be within the control of the airline, so no compensation would apply. If strikes have an impact on your airport then get their early or follow the advice from your airline. Problems with airport staff strikes can result in major queues to check in bags, so if this kind of industrial action is announced, you might want to think about reducing your baggage to just carry-on cabin bags in order to cut out one queue.

Ryanair has launched a brand new flight route to a popular Italian tourist hot spot which will make it easy for Brits to travel to – and it will create over 800 new jobs

Ryanair has announced a brand new holiday destination for Brits looking for a sunny getaway for next year.

A beautiful Italian holiday spot is now easier than ever to access, and it’s part of an ‘exciting’ expansion of the airlines presence in the EU country.

The new route, that will go from Bournemouth Airport to the western tip of Sicily in Trapani-Marsala will begin operation in January 2026 and the airline said it will “enhance connectivity and the availability of low fares for Sicilian residents”.

READ MORE: Pizza Express is giving a lucky fan free pizza for a year on one conditionREAD MORE: M&S brings back popular product 10 years after being axed from shelves

It comes after Sicilian authorities decided to scrap the Municipal Tax at its smaller regional airports in Trapani-Marsala, and scrapping this levy has made access to the areas easier for tourists.

According to Daily Express, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said: “As Europe and Italy’s number one airline, Ryanair is delighted to announce this major investment at Trapani-Marsala with the opening of a new base from January 2026. We’ve worked closely with both the regional government and Airgest teams to deliver this exciting investment.

“Since first flying to Sicily in 2003, Ryanair has carried more than 100 million passengers to and from Sicily [and] our new Trapani-Marsala base will deliver two new aircraft, 23 routes, more than one million passengers annually and support over 800 local jobs.

“Ryanair welcomes [Sicilian] President Schifani and the Sicilian Government’s decision to scrap the Municipal Tax at the smaller Sicilian airports, and now is the right time to take the next step. Extending this measure to all Sicilian airports would unlock further connectivity, deliver low fares and strengthen year-round connectivity for Sicilian citizens and visitors.”

Alongside its route to and from Bournemouth, in southwest England, the site will see the launch of services to London, Baden-Baden, Bari, Bratislava, Brussels, Katowice, Pescara, Saarbrücken, Stockholm and Verona. The move also means there is a creation of 800 local jobs and will facilitate 23 new routes and 260,000 extra seats.

Mr Wilson has also urged the Italian government to “scrap” the Municipal Tax at all Italian airports, as Ryanair is prepared to invest $4 billion (£3 billion) in Italy.

Adding 40 new aircraft, 20 million additional passengers and over 250 new routes. Byscrapping this tax, it will “stimulate capacity” as well as help to reduce fares and drive economic growth.

He has also previously challenged Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a 0.5 euro per passenger rise in the municipal surtax for non-EU flights for airports exceeding 10 million passengers a year. He described it as a “short-sighted and regressive” policy that would be “damaging” for Italian tourism.

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

A new EU rule change could mean that passengers are able to bring two bags on board at no extra cost

Ryanair and easyJet travellers could soon be permitted to bring two cabin bags aboard flights without paying extra fees. At the moment these airlines allow those flying on basic tickets to bring one small personal item onboard, with any additional baggage incurring supplementary charges.

Ryanair has been forced to expand the dimensions of the personal bag it permits, following amendments to EU regulations. Under fresh rules, passengers flying with the budget carrier will be permitted to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, representing a 20% expansion from its previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm size limits.

easyJet’s personal bag dimensions already met these requirements, reports Plymouth Live. And another EU rule change could mean travellers are able to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm, alongside a personal bag, without additional charges.

The proposed legislation requires backing from at least 55% of EU member nations. Should it receive approval, the regulation would apply to all flights within the EU, plus routes travelling to and from the EU.

Members of European Parliament (MEPs) also seek to ensure children under 12 years old are seated alongside an accompanying passenger without extra cost. Currently, airlines face no legal requirement to seat children with their parents, though the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises they should do so.

The CAA states: “Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.

“This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children.”

Leg room can be an important factor for many passengers. Here are the airlines that offer the most room without having to pay extra

When it comes to jetting off, whether it’s a short-haul or long-haul flight, comfort is often a top priority. For those who are taller or struggle with leg space, the prospect of a cramped flight can be less than appealing.

The size of the seats and the amount of leg room can vary greatly depending on which airline you choose to fly with. As we head into the shoulder season for travel, many holidaymakers might be planning ahead for their Christmas or next summer.

Starting your holiday on the right note with a comfortable plane journey can be a deciding factor when choosing an airline. So, without having to fork out extra for additional legroom, which airlines offer the most space when buying a standard ticket?

According to a survey by consumer watchdog Which?, one airline offers more legroom than 15 other short-haul carriers from the UK. The survey measured seat pitch, which is the distance between your seat and the one in front – to determine legroom.

Taking the leading position is Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier, offering 29 to 30 inches. However – British Airways provide the same amount of room with exactly the same pitch.

The poorest performer regarding leg space is TAP Portugal, which provides just 28 inches of legroom, reports the Express.

Here’s a rundown from the airlines offering the most legroom to those offering the least:

A RYANAIR flight was diverted after a passenger allegedly “ate his passport” and another tried to flush theirs down the toilet.

The passenger jet set off from Milan for Stansted before the two men began acting strangely around 15 minutes into the flight, it is claimed.

1

When it comes to short haul flights, the seat width is between 17 and 18 inches which may not sound like much – but that extra inch can make a lot of difference.

You’re all set for your dream holiday, breezed through security and about to board the aeroplane when you spot it: a tiny middle seat that’s going to be your home for the duration of your flight.

Thankfully, there’s now a method to determine which budget airline offers the widest seats, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on comfort.

Last year, Which? did the maths to identify which airlines offer the most spacious seats, helping you get the best value for your money.

For short haul flights, the seat width (the distance between each armrest) typically ranges from 17 to 18 inches, which might not seem like a significant difference, reports the Express.

However, that additional inch can make a world of difference when you’re crammed in like sardines.

According to the experts, the airlines offering the widest economy seats include Wizz Air, TAP Portugal, easyJet and Lufthansa, all boasting widths of 18 inches.

This leaves airlines like Aer Lingus, Loganair, Jet2 and Norwegian with the narrowest seat widths, which can all be as low as 17 inches. Below is a breakdown of airline seat width and legroom in inches.

If you’re looking to maximise space on your budget flight without shelling out extra cash, there are a few tricks you can employ.

One hack is to book a seat in the bulkhead – the seats located directly behind the partitions, curtains or screens that divide the plane. With no seats in front, you’ll have enough room to stretch your legs.

However, these can be a bit narrower if tray tables are stowed in the armrest.

If a bulkhead doesn’t take your fancy, opt for a seat towards the back of the plane where they taper. This could occasionally result in fewer seats in a row – but naturally, you might find yourself next to the loo queue which can be somewhat disruptive.

If you’re on a flight that’s already airborne and you spot extra vacant seats, you can always politely ask the cabin crew if it would be possible to switch.

Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t get – and provided you’re polite, there’s a likelihood they will accommodate your request.

If you have additional requirements that would benefit from more room, such as being tall or pregnant, you’ve got a better chance of being relocated to a more spacious area.

Ryanair had said that 206 million of its passengers already use digital boarding passes, meaning that around 40 million journeys could be disrupted once the new rule kicks in

Fears are growing that people who struggle with technology could be blocked from boarding Ryanair flights.

The budget airline confirmed earlier this week that it will move to 100 per cent digital boarding passes from November 12. That means passengers who have bought tickets will not be able to download and print them prior to getting to the airport. This is an option that 20% of Ryanair passengers currently choose, according to the airline.

Ryanair had said that 206 million of its passengers already use digital boarding passes, meaning that around 40 million journeys could be disrupted.

The company’s boss, Michael O’Leary, said that his 86-year-old mother uses the Ryanair app to travel. However, the move has been met with criticism, with a number of campaign organisations accusing the airline of ageism.

READ MORE: A billionaire will throw a party for you – if you conceive in his hotelREAD MORE: ‘I perfected packing when I went to space – this is how I never forget anything’

Groups including Age UK and Silver Voice said the move will make flying harder for those who don’t have access to a smartphone or who struggle with technology.

Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, told The Telegraph: “It’s a disgraceful move. They are effectively saying they don’t want older people as passengers. There’s a strong argument to say that it’s discriminatory.”

A number of concerned readers have written to the Mirror to express concerns about the change. One told us: “I have elderly in-laws who live in Spain. They won’t be able to download anything onto their phone. They’re not tech savvy, so what will happen when they travel to the UK? I appreciate the need to utilise technology, but that will not work for a lot of passengers.”

Another added, “This seems discriminatory to people, such as the elderly, who, for various reasons, are not able to use smartphones. By Ryanair’s own admission, some 10% of passengers do not use smartphones currently for boarding passes. It may backfire. Ryanair will lose these customers who will turn to alternative providers without such a policy.”

Mr O’Leary, who is 64 years old, was quick to downplay such fears. He said: “I’m old, and I travel from Ryanair on a very, very regular basis, and I use the Ryanair app, it is pretty simple, pretty easy to use.”

For those particularly concerned about the change, Mr O’Leary said that airline would be flexible, promising that “nobody would be cut off at the knees.” He said that it would be “reasonably forgiving” of people showing up with paper boarding passes through Christmas and into January, Belfast Live reported.

“The critical thing: If you’ve checked online before you get there and you lose your phone, we’ll have your name in the system,” he said.

“We will manually board you at the boarding gate so if your phone goes off, you lose your phone, your phone gets stolen, it is not going to make any issue as long as you checked in online before you got the boarding gate, which, by the way, would eliminate all the check-in fees at the airport.”

Mr O’Leary argued that it was patronising for people to suggest that the elderly would not be able to cope with the change.

“Actually, what you find is the old people firstly just get their kids or grandkids to make bookings for them, and then pretty quickly they’re adopting it themselves. And it is slightly patronising, this notion that old people can’t and won’t move to mobile technology or to the apps,” he said, Mail Online reported.

The change has been delayed by a week to November 12, to avoid UK and Irish half-term.

Ryanair chief marketing officer Dara Brady said: “To ensure a seamless transition to 100 per cent digital boarding passes for our customers, we will make the switch from November 12, which is traditionally a slightly quieter time for travel following the busy mid-term break period.

“Ryanair’s move to 100 per cent digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers, streamlined through our best-in-class “myRyanair” app, where passengers will also benefit from helpful in-app features, like Order to Seat and live flight information.”

Ryanair’s move to fully digital boarding passes follows other key ticket industries (such as festivals, music, and sport events) which have successfully switched to digital-only ticketing.

A savvy traveller decided to use a very unique hack to stow some extra hand luggage on her return flight – and the flight attendants didn’t even bat an eyelid

A clever hack involving undergarments has gone viral after one traveller revealed how she “stuffed” her bra before a Wizz Air flight – saving her a fortune on baggage costs.

The cost of adding extra baggage onto flights can sometimes be more expensive than the ticket itself – with restrictions getting tighter on hand luggage.

Budget airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet notoriously make last-minute checks at the gate – sometimes resulting in extra fees for those who are slightly over the limit. But one woman has revealed a clever trick for sneaking in extra clothes – and it’s all in her bra.

READ MORE: Drunk Jet2 thug causes holiday flight to be diverted after spitting on passengerREAD MORE: EasyJet statement on major border change which will impact millions from October

Chelsea Dickenson was flying home from Lisbon with Wizz Air who only allow a tiny 40 x 30 x 20cm cabin bag for free.

And while she managed the outbound flight fine, she wanted to try out the clever hack for her return journey. Just before her flight, she bagged herself a giant bra – that was not her size – for less than £5 from a local shop.

“I’d never seen anyone use a bra for this purpose. And the logic was solid: airlines weigh and measure your bag, not your body. My coat pockets had been carrying overflow snacks and chargers for years, so why not give my chest a piece of the action too?,” she told the Metro.

After making it through security, she headed straight to the toilets to get changed into her bra – surprisingly fitting a lot of clothes inside.

“On the day of my flight, I wasn’t about to stroll through security looking like I’d got a Portuguese breast enlargement – this was about getting through the scales and bag sizers,” she explained.

Chelsea stuffed the bra with her gym kit, a bikini, and a fishing vest. But one thing she hadn’t prepared for was the intense heat the extra padding would provide.

“It was like a private heat wave,” she wrote. Her boyfriend James also found the sight amusing.

At the gate, the flight attendants didn’t bat an eyelid and let them board the plane smoothly. But while it worked, she admits she wouldn’t do it again and would opt for less invasive options.

Top packing hacks to avoid extra baggage fees

1. Roll your clothes

Rolling clothes like T-shirts, jeans and dresses can save a lot of space in hand luggage thanks to making the items more compact compared to simply folding.

2. Packing cubes

Investing in packing cubes can save space – especially those that are vacuum packed meaning you can get rid of excess air and flat pack your clothes with ease.

3. Wear bulky items

On the plane, opt to wear your more bulky items like coats, jackets, hoodies or tracksuits. While you might be warm layering clothes, you can always remove them onboard and stow them in the overhead lockers.

4. Place heavy items at the bottom of hand luggage

Strategically packing can save a lot of space, with heavy items helping to keep the bag’s structure while offering more room for lighter items on top.

Shop Charlotte’s bauble

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£20.00

Charlotte Tilbury

Buy Now on Charlotte Tilbury

This limited-edition kit includes travel sizes of Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat lip liner and Collagen Lip Bath in either Pillow Talk Fair, Original or Medium for a fuller, jucier pout.

Mary McHale was due to fly from Dublin to Brussels but her brother-in-law tragically died the day before and she now claims that she has been denied a £380 refund

A woman says she is “fuming” with Ryanair for a lack of “empathy” claiming the airline refused a £380 refund after she cancelled a booking due to a family bereavement.

Mary McHale was due to fly from Dublin to Brussels for a girls weekend away in December last year but sadly, one day before she was due to fly, her brother-in-law Alan McHale, passed away suddenly, aged 61. The 54-year-old claims she reached out to Ryanair immediately to request a cancellation and was told via online chat that she needed to provide a death certificate before the flight took off.

She claims she couldn’t get her hands on a death certificate that soon and was also busy supporting her husband, Colin, 55, in his grief, which led to Ryanair refusing her £380 refund.

READ MORE: Drunk Jet2 thug causes holiday flight to be diverted after spitting on passengerREAD MORE: Donald Trump’s rage at UN escalates as he tells Europe: ‘Your countries are going to hell’

“I’m absolutely fuming,” Mary, from Dublin, told Need to Know. “There’s no empathy. It didn’t matter how sad my case was, they weren’t interested. I’ll never fly with Ryanair again. Alan passed away suddenly three days before I was due to fly.

“The funeral service would be on the morning of the holiday. There was no way I was leaving my husband. A death certificate is a very official document and we couldn’t get it in time. Even if we could, there was no way I was going to ask the family for it while they were grieving so I could get a refund.

“I tried to appeal to Ryanair and said it wasn’t physically possible to get the certificate. We didn’t get it until January.” Mary says battling Ryanair while grieving only added to her heartbreak and made an already difficult time even more stressful.

She said: “Alan had Motor Neurone Disease and ended up getting an infection and pneumonia so it was quite sudden in the end. We were trying to organise the service. I couldn’t ask my sister-in-law for it while she was grieving her husband.

“I was grieving too. This was the last thing we needed. It was so stressful and I’m so frustrated by it. I didn’t even mention it to the family because I didn’t want to make them feel any worse. I kept chasing Ryanair up but they stopped talking to me and closed the case. There needs to be a management review. There need to be some discretion.”

In a online chat message, a Ryanair worker allegedly told her: “I wish to inform you that Ryanair tickets are non- refundable. This is clearly stated in our Terms and Conditions, agreed to at the time of purchase.

“Changes to flight dates, routes, times and customer names can be made online or by contacting our Customer Services Department prior to the initial date of travel. Change fees and possible fare difference will apply.

“I sympathise with your circumstances but I am not in a position to process your refund request and recommend that you contact your travel insurer with regard to this matter.”

In a follow-up message she claims was told: “Whilst I have noted your continued dissatisfaction, I regret that the position remains unaltered. As per our previous correspondence, as the Terms and Conditions state clearly.

“You must make your claim before the date of the flight and provide a copy of the death certificate”, therefore I cannot accede to your refund request.”

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “All Ryanair air fares are non-refundable.

“This passenger was correctly advised that she is not entitled to a refund for her Dublin to Brussels return flights (18 December 2024) as per Ryanair’s T&C’s, which this passenger agreed to at the time of booking.”

Ryanair has announced that it will be banning the use of paper boarding passes from November 3, with digital boarding passes replacing the paper version

Ryanair has changed the date that it will introduce a significant change that will impact all passengers.

The airline has decided to ban the use of paper boarding passes, which will no longer be accepted at the gate. Instead, digital boarding passes will become mandatory for all.

All travellers flying to or from any destination with Ryanair must download their boarding pass via the Ryanair app. These digital boarding passes will provide real-time updates to “minimise” disruption, store travel documents for “simple” check-in and offer access to features like Travel Assistant, live flight updates and Order To Seat.

Today, the budget airline announced that it “will move to 100% digital boarding passes from Wednesday, November 12, instead of Monday, November 3, ensuring a seamless transition for customers in the less busy travel period after the mid-term break.”

Are you concerned about the new policy? Comment below or email [email protected]

READ MORE: ‘I tried the strict new EU border system for Brits – one thing jumped out’READ MORE: Ryanair hand luggage rules explained as passenger hit with charge for water bottle

Ireland’s mid-term break, like the UK’s half-term, takes place at the beginning of October this year.

Earlier this year, Michael O’Leary, the airline’s chief executive, announced his plans to eliminate almost all airport check-in desks, stating it would “create a smoother, easier journey for everybody”. Back in July, the airline estimated that roughly 25% of Ryanair passengers still rely on printed boarding passes.

However, not all countries are ready to accept digital boarding passes. According to Ryanair’s website, airports in Morocco and Turkey (except Dalaman), and Tirana airport in Albania do not yet accept mobile passes. If you’re travelling from or through these airports, you should download your boarding pass from your email confirmation or from the app, print it out and keep it handy.

Speaking to The Independent’s daily travel podcast, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: “Between 85 and 90% of passengers show up with smartphones. Almost 100% of passengers have smartphones, and we want to move everybody onto that the smartphone technology. The big concern that people have is: “What happens if I lose my battery or whatever I lose my phone?”

He added: “If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you’ve checked in before you got to the airport, we’ll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge. But you have to have checked in before you got to the airport.

“Also, if your battery dies or something happens, once you’ve checked in, we’ll have your sequence number anyway at the boarding gate, we’ll take you you’ll get on. So nobody should worry about it. Just make sure you check in online before you get to the airport and then all will be fine.”

The airline claims that utilising the myRyanair app improves passengers’ journey as they gain access to various useful in-app tools and services.

There is one simple way to make sure you don’t end up picking up the wrong luggage

When it comes to selecting luggage, most travellers instinctively opt for black, grey or navy cases. They appear safe, timeless and seem sensible – until you find yourself at the baggage carousel surrounded by numerous other cases that appear identical.

All of a sudden, your case becomes difficult to identify and you face the possibility of grabbing the wrong one – or another passenger mistakenly taking yours. Because of this, Ryanair has urged passengers who frequently travel with black, navy or grey cases to ‘alter’ their baggage to prevent any mix-ups upon arrival.

The budget airline recommended holidaymakers make their checked luggage more recognisable on the carousel due to how common these shades are, reports the Express.

In a statement last year, Ryanair said: “Make it easier to spot your checked-in luggage on the carousel, especially if your luggage is black, navy or grey (like 99.9 percent of the population). Add a colourful luggage tag or ribbon to the handle so that there’s no confusion on arrival.”

The popular airline also advises passengers to make copies of their passport, driving licence and/or ID card and email them to themselves. It’s also recommended to photograph these documents and save them on your phone for offline access at your destination.

According to research carried out by luggage brand Eminent, over 40% of travellers choose black hard-sided cases. Jamie Frazer, a travel guru from US summer camp Wild Packs, shared with the Economic Times: “Vibrant colours are far easier to spot on the baggage carousel than the typical black hard-sided suitcase.

“If you still want to use a black suitcase, include colourful luggage tags, stickers, or patterned straps so that it stands out in a crowd.”

He further advised that you should “include your name, phone number, and email address on the tag, as these are typically the quickest ways to get in touch.” He then concluded the warning by urging people to always “avoid listing your home address to reduce safety risks.”

There are plenty of great destinations to try out for solo travellers but there is one European country that stands out above the rest and even better it is only a three hour flight from the UK

The prospect of solo travel can be intimidating for many, with the thought of a lengthy and uncomfortable journey often serving as a deterrent. There’s a common belief that an individual must venture far and wide to experience new flavours, immerse themselves in cultural activities, meet like-minded individuals, or delve into a country’s rich history.

However, it appears that these experiences can be found much closer to home – specifically, in Europe. Lithuania ticks all these boxes, and the best part is, travellers don’t have to endure a long-haul flight.

While embarking on a solo adventure to distant locations, like Australia or Thailand, is undoubtedly an extraordinary opportunity, planning such these trips can be time-consuming and the journey itself can be quite exhausting, especially when travelling alone.

On the other hand, hidden gems like Lithuania offer a significantly shorter travel time, with flights from the UK capital taking less than three hours, reports the Express.

What’s more, Vilnius Airport’s proximity to the city centre means it takes just half an hour to reach the number of hotels and hostels available, allowing solo travellers to maximise their time exploring the city’s heart.

Another crucial factor for those considering embarking on a solo travel adventure is ensuring the destination is safe and easily navigable.

In Lithuania, visitors can rest assured that they will feel secure, regardless of their chosen accommodation.

Based on the Institute for Economics & Peace 2023 Global Peace Index, Lithuania has surpassed its neighbouring countries Latvia, Estonia and Poland when it comes to overall safety.

Meanwhile in the 2024 study, Lithuania jumped six places to 31st in the rankings beating the likes of Poland, Italy and the UK.

For travellers keen to dive deep into Lithuanian culture and perhaps extend their stay for a more substantial visit, there are numerous options to explore.

Vilnius serves as Lithuania’s capital, and the historic old town stands out as the must-see attraction, earning praise from TripAdvisor users with an impressive 4.6-star rating.

One visitor enthused: “Loved walking around to see the charming old town and its establishments. My visit was in December during the Christmas season so the visit was extra special. Many good shops to visit and tasty food to try! Would definitely recommend it as there must be something for everyone.”

Another traveller said: “Vilnius old town is an architectural gem. There are many styles but the stand out is the Baroque period of building. It’s fascinating to go from medieval to Baroque in the street and to have such a rich cultural history laid before you. Also, the terrain is undulating with some steep hills which gives it an other dimension.”

A third visitor shared: “We explored the old town with a local expert, as part of an Insight Vacations ‘Northern Capitals’ tour. Lovely old buildings and so much history!

“Some of the shops are excellent for gifts etc, including amber. We had an excellent dinner at a local beer restaurant (also had other beverages) – most enjoyable!” The KGB Museum (Genocido Auku Muziejus) ranks as the second top-rated spot on the travel review platform.

This niche museum is devoted to documenting the 50-year Soviet rule over Lithuania.

A visitor remarked: “This is a fairly small museum but is packed with information exposing some of the horrors of Lithuania’s past right up to the 1980’s. The price to enter was six euros per person and we easily spent 2.5 hours there.

“So much to read & look at but if you prefer you can pay for an audio tour which I believe was around 20 euros. Included in the price you can visit the cells & outdoor yard space downstairs, there were far more than I was expecting which gave a grim but interesting insight into what took place here.”

Another added: “What an experience. We didn’t really know much about the history of Lithuania and the Soviet Union and this was very informative and disturbing.”

A user said: “We booked an English tour beforehand. We were so glad we did. The tour was just for the two of us and the guide was excellent. He answered all our questions and gave us a really comprehensive explanation of how the building was used by the KGB.”

Where to stay in Lithuania?

Securing an apartment or even a whole cottage is straightforward, and luxury five-star hotels begin at a mere €150 (£130) per night. Additionally, Lithuania boasts a selection of hostels for those on a budget.

The sun isn’t the only source of radiant positivity during Lithuania’s summer. The locals exude such a cheerful vibe that Lithuania clinched the top spot for individuals under 30 in the annual World Happiness Report, ranking 16th overall.

Lithuanians are immensely proud of this accolade and are eager to share their warmth and joy with solo travellers keen to explore the marvels of Lithuania and its rich culture.

How to reach Lithuania?

Numerous UK airports offer flights to Lithuania. From London, you can jet off to Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga.

These direct flights take approximately two hours and 45 minutes. On average, these flights are priced at £57, with budget airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair offering services to Lithuania.

For those in Manchester, Belfast, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, you’ll need to catch a connecting flight via London before heading to the Balkan nation.