Ryanair

Michael O’Leary, who has served as Ryanair CEO since 1993, said his airline is being forced to divert flights almost daily because of drunken, aggressive passengers

Airport bars should stop serving alcohol early in the morning, the boss of Ryanair says.

Michael O’Leary, who has served as Ryanair CEO for more than 30 years, claimed his airline is being forced to divert flights almost daily because of drunken, aggressive passengers. He said these tourists often drink in bars at airports for hours before they board their planes.

Pubs in airports do not currently need to follow the same licensing rules as bars outside these environments do. Mr O’Leary, 65, believes changing this will support his airline and others because it would help cut out aggressive behaviour in the skies.

The businessman said: “I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning. Who needs to be drinking beer at that time? There should be no alcohol served at airports outside [those] licensing hours.”

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A man was recently jailed for becoming abusive, causing widespread alarm throughout the Ryanair aircraft on which he was travelling from Poland to Bristol. Stephen Blofield’s case is one of several recent examples of passengers behaving aggressively after consuming alcohol.

According to The Times, Mr O’Leary has been calling for a two-drink per-person limit “for many years” and accused airports of “profiteering” off the troublesome travel ritual and “exporting the problem to the airlines”.

But father-of-four Mr O’Leary, from Kanturk, County Cork, stressed Ryanair is “reasonably responsible” with their drinks, rarely serving a passenger more than two drinks onboard. He insisted, though, drug use has entered the alcoholic mix too, worsening the issue as passengers then “want to fight”.

Footage recently emerged of a “shocking and frightening” brawl which broke out aboard a Jet2 flight from Antalya, Turkey to Manchester. The dramatic exchange, during which two people were seen grabbing at the phone and another passenger’s face culminated in airline bans for two of the people involved.

Mr O’Leary says he takes a similarly strict approach with his company, and has reminded passengers it is a criminal offence to be drunk on an aeroplane anyway, punishable by up to two years in prison and a hefty fine. Threatening and abusive passengers can be further prosecuted, as well as facing large compensation fees and prosecution in the country where the aircraft is forced to land.

It is reported flights from Britain to Ibiza, Alicante and Tenerife have been particularly problematic. Last year, a former soldier who sexually assaulted four Jet2 cabin crew during a flight to Tenerife was jailed. Joseph McCabe groped and slapped the buttocks of two flight attendants before grabbing a third around the waist and attempting to hug a fourth. The dad of two, from Glasgow, had been given for his drunken conduct on the plane.

68 Ryanair passengers missed their flight to Edinburgh from Lanzarote on Monday, reportedly due to issues with the airport’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) used to register third-country nationals including British travellers

Almost 70 Ryanair passengers missed their flight to Edinburgh from Lanzarote on Monday, reportedly due to delays at border control.

Those travelling back to the Scottish capital were left stranded at Lanzarote Airport on May 4, owing to passport control system failures, with several flights believed to have been affected.

A total of 68 holidaymakers failed to reach the boarding gate before it closed, due to problems with the airport’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is used to register third-country nationals – including British citizens.

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Ryanair confirmed all passengers who presented at the boarding gate before departure were accommodated and travelled without incident.

According to local publication Canarian Weekly, the disruption affected those travelling to destinations outside the European Union, reports Edinburgh Live.

Under the EES, travellers are required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, to establish a digital record valid for three years, replacing the traditional passport stamping system.

The system is intended to streamline passport checks and track how long visa-free travellers remain within the EU, however it has been beset by delays, with lengthy queues reported at passport control across various locations.

Now Lanzarote Airport has become the latest to face disruption. Operations were reportedly thrown into chaos by 11am, “causing delays and confusion in departure areas”. Canarian Weekly reports that the disruption was triggered by “a failure in the passport control system” according to National Police sources, while other sources “suggested a wider disconnection issue across Europe, which slowed systems at multiple airports”. The issue was resolved by midday.

Ryanair has recently pressured EU governments to abandon the EES during the peak travel season, writing to administrations in 29 countries demanding they halt the new entry requirements.

The airline’s chief operations officer Neal McMahon said: “Governments across Europe are attempting to roll out a half-baked IT system in the middle of the busiest travel season of the year, and passengers are paying the price, being forced to endure hours long passport control queues and in some cases, missing flights.

“The solution is simple and already provided for under EU law (EU Reg. 2025/1534) – Governments should suspend EES until September when the peak summer travel season has subsided, just as Greece has done. This would allow passengers – many of whom are travelling with young families – a smoother airport experience for their summer holidays.”

The Spanish National Police Force were contacted for a response.

RYANAIR is considering cancelling all flights to another airport in Europe over a dispute in airport fees.

The airline is reportedly set to close its base at Makedonia Airport later this year.

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Ryanair currently operates three aircraft from its base in Thessaloniki, but is considering shutting it down from October 2026.

Reports have been linked to issues related to a 15 per cent increase in airport charges.

However, no official announcement has been made by the airline.

With the airline considering leaving the city, there are growing concerns about tourism within Thessaloniki – a place where tourists visit to see Mount Olympus and the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki.

The news has prompted Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis to call an emergency meeting with regional tourism officials to assess the situation.

A tourism representative told local media that the “priority for everyone is and must be the interest of the city.

“If the reason for the possible closure is the high increases, then Fraport should reconsider its pricing policy.”

Sun Travel has approached Ryanair for comment.

This isn’t the first time Ryanair has closed a base due to the rising cost of airport fees.

The budget airline confirmed last year they would be cutting 1.2million seats across Spain and closing bases in the likes of Valladolid and Santiago de Compostela.

The airline also recently announced that it would be reducing its flight schedule to and from Berlin by 50 per cent.

When it comes to flights being affected, this means Ryanair passenger numbers will fall from 4.5million to 2.2million by next year.

This will affect flights from the UK which includes routes from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Simon Calder described the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES) as ‘passport roulette’

A leading travel journalist has suggested the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could be put on hold for the entire summer following reports of chaos and significant delays at airports. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Simon Calder – who has branded the system ‘passport roulette’ – acknowledged that while some locations had performed ‘really well’, others were ‘struggling’.

EES is an automated system gradually replacing the traditional passport stamp. It requires people from third-party nations such as the UK to have their fingerprints registered and photograph captured before entering the Schengen Area, which encompasses 29 European countries, predominantly within the EU.

For the majority of UK travellers, the procedure takes place at foreign airports. The system saw a soft launch in October 2025 and was meant to be fully operational across all borders by April 10, 2026.

Yet there have been numerous accounts of passengers missing flights and enduring lengthy queues at airports as systems buckle under the sheer volume of people attempting to register. Several countries have suspended EES at various points, with Greece postponing the system for UK travellers over the summer to enhance the travel experience.

Portugal has halted EES for extended stretches to ease travel to and from the country, with speculation mounting that Italy may do likewise. Mr Calder indicated it was not beyond the realms of possibility. “It was always going to be really exciting to see what happens when you roll out a digital borders scheme and you ask 29 national governments to implement it,” Mr Calder said. “They have all gone their own way.

“Some of them have done it really well. Others, well, they are still struggling and we might find that, actually, the whole scheme gets put on a sort of hold for the rest of the summer.

“That’s certainly what a lot of airlines and train operators would like, not to mention the Port of Dover, where they haven’t even started taking biometrics from motorists yet.”

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What’s the problem?

Headlines were made in April 2026 when passengers travelling with both Ryanair and easyJet missed their flights from separate Milan airports owing to EES complications. Footage from one incident revealed a crowd gathering at Milan Bergamo, with exasperated passengers informing staff they had been held at the gate for over an hour, demanding to know what action to take.

It’s understood that approximately 30 passengers were left behind. Ryanair said in a statement: “Due to passport control delays at Milan Bergamo Airport on 16 April, a number of passengers missed this flight from Milan to Manchester.” One passenger claimed they were kept waiting until the aircraft had departed, only to then be informed they would need to arrange their own return flights. A number of travellers on a Ryanair service from Tenerife South to East Midlands on 10 April also missed their homeward journey, once again blaming hold-ups at passport control.

Ryanair recently issued a blistering statement on social media, demanding the EES rollout be postponed until September. The low-cost carrier tore into France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Germany for their failure to ‘ensure that adequate staffing, system readiness, or kiosks are in place’.

Branding the system as ‘half-baked’, the Ryanair statement said: “Despite knowing for over three years that EES would become fully operational from 10 April 2026, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Germany have failed to ensure that adequate staffing, system readiness, or kiosks are in place.

“As a result, passengers are suffering long passport control queues and, in some cases, missing their flights.

“Ryanair calls on these EU Governments to suspend the rollout of the EU’s passport control Entry/Exit System (EES) until September to ensure that passengers are not needlessly forced to suffer long passport control queue delays at European airports during the peak summer season.”

This European carrier serves regionally inspired dishes at 35,000ft

A Greek airline boasting a fleet of 83 aircraft has been named the top carrier for in-flight dining, beating major rivals including Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, and British Airways. A study by Canstar Travel Insurance analysed passenger reviews and meals from the world’s top 100 airlines, concluding that Greek carrier AEGEAN serves up the finest food, earning an impressive score of 7.82 out of 10.

AEGEAN treats passengers to authentic Greek cuisine and regionally inspired dishes, while in business class, meals are lovingly prepared by acclaimed Greek chefs and sommeliers. The airline’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the concept of filema, which champions “love and kindness through food”. Other carriers delivering exceptional onboard dining include Qatar, Asiana Airlines and EVA Air.

On Tripadvisor, one traveller who recently flew with Aegean wrote: “Aegean Airlines is simply amazing! The level of service is very high, and it is incredibly easy to reach their call centre whenever you need help or extra information. On board, they offer food and drinks, and everything was delicious.”

A second passenger added: “I have used British, Virgin, easyJet, Ryanair… but no one is better, always on time and sometimes even earlier at the destination than Aegean Airlines.

“Although I’m Italian, I use it instead of Alitalia when I’m travelling to my country. Warm and delicious food and choices of wines and a particular menu for any kind of dietary or religious needs.”

Airlines with the best food

1. AEGEAN Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. Asiana Airlines
4. EVA Air
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Korean Air
7. All Nippon Airways (ANA)
8. Japan Airlines
9. Kuwait Airways
10. Garuda Indonesia

EasyJet has issued a new statement this Saturday, May 2 as UK travellers consider their holiday plans amid concern over jet fuel shortages

EasyJet has issued a new update for UK travellers currently looking to book their summer flights. Holidaymakers up and down the country are busy making plans for the warmer months ahead.

However, they are doing so amid uncertainty hanging over parts of the airline industry. This follows jet fuel shortages brought about by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.

Lufthansa has already confirmed that 20,000 of its flights are to be axed as a result. Industry experts warn that further airlines are likely to slash their capacity in the coming weeks – with Ted Wake, managing director of Kirker Holidays, last week predicting that “I think other airlines within the UK market will be doing something similar.”

Across the Atlantic, we reported earlier today that budget carrier Spirit Airlines has announced it is grounding all of its flights, as the jet fuel crisis, combined with mounting financial pressures, pushed the airline to the edge of collapse. easyJet has now set out new commitments to customers alongside a fresh statement.

It is all part of a bid to put the minds of UK passengers at rest as they weigh up their summer travel options. Ryanair and Wizz Air have also moved within the past 24 hours to offer their own reassurances to British holidaymakers.

In a statement released today, easyJet said: “easyJet is not seeing any disruption to fuel supply. We continue to operate our flights and package holidays as normal, are not making changes and intend to operate our full summer schedule. We remain in close contact with suppliers who continue to provide uninterrupted supply and are diversifying exporting from additional countries globally to bolster supplies going forward.”

easyJet made the latest statement as it introduced new measures designed to give UK travellers greater peace of mind when booking flights. The airline has unveiled a ‘Book with Confidence Promise’ in a move to reassure passengers ahead of the summer season.

The carrier says it is guaranteeing that customers won’t be hit with post-booking price rises or fuel surcharges. easyJet says it plans to operate its complete network schedule, which includes more than 50 million seats and 30 new UK routes.

According to the airline, the ‘Ultimate Flexibility’ policy enables holidaymakers to amend or cancel their bookings up to 28 days prior to departure. Kenton Jarvis, CEO at easyJet said: “We understand that global events may affect travellers’ confidence at the moment, but we believe that everyone has a right to book their flights and holidays with confidence.

“That’s why we’re launching our ‘Book with Confidence Promise’. Our customers won’t be charged any more after they book, including no fuel surcharges, and package holidays customers can continue to benefit from Ultimate Flexibility when they book with easyJet Holidays.”

Jet2, easyJet and TUI have all pledged not to impose additional charges on travellers for fuel price increases. In new remarks published today, Michael O’Leary, the boss of Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, told The Times that 80 per cent of its fuel supply until March 2027 had been secured in advance. He confirmed the company would not be reducing any flights, despite the crisis costing the firm approximately £37 million each month in extra fuel costs on its unhedged supply.

Eddie Wilson, chief executive of Ryanair, warned that rival airlines could soon begin “gouging” their schedules should prices remain elevated. He said: “What’s going to happen with airlines that are not financially robust, they either have to decide whether they are going to continue flying at a loss or start gouging their schedules. That’s not something we are contemplating.”

Meanwhile, Wizz Air has also moved to reassure customers. Speaking to renowned UK travel broadcaster and journalist Simon Calder on his Independent travel podcast, the airline expressed confidence that it will deliver a full schedule of flights this summer.

“We have just launched our biggest-ever network from the UK and in particular from Luton,” said Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK. “Despite the challenging geopolitical crisis, business goes on as usual. In airlines, we are well used to crises, so we are resilient and we’re well adapted.

“For low-cost airlines like Wizz in the UK, we don’t see any shortage of fuel.” She said that if jet fuel shortages affected the UK, the airline would get fuel from elsewhere.

“We can take more fuel than is required in those destinations,” she said. “We can even fly to other countries and and pit-stop, if you will, if we need additional fuel.

“But we’re not seeing an Armageddon situation. We have fuel supply. We have other mechanisms for uplifting fuel.”

A Jet2 spokesman said: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice. Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.”

Airlines UK said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is set to ‘level with’ the public as jet fuel shortages continue to affect airlines

British holidaymakers are set to be warned by ministers to prepare for potential flight cancellations. The anticipated warning follows concerns from airline bosses about possible jet fuel supply shortages affecting the UK from as early as next month.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is reportedly preparing to “level with” the public this weekend about the likelihood of disruption and cancellations this summer. She is also expected to outline contingency measures designed to minimise the fallout – as six tourist hotspots have reportedly been identified as being at risk of cancellations.

Government officials are drawing up plans to advise against long-haul travel to specific destinations should tensions in Iran escalate dramatically. Countries including Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar and Ethiopia could be affected, sources told the Times.

Ministers are also set to highlight the “positives” of staycations as anxiety mounts over overseas bookings. A number of major European carriers have recently sounded the alarm about looming jet fuel shortages in the coming weeks, citing disruption to their primary supply route through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to UKOilWatch, Britain currently holds just 34 days’ worth of jet fuel reserves. Roughly three-quarters of Europe’s jet fuel originates from the Middle East and passes through the Strait of Hormuz off Iran. Heathrow Airport confirmed on Wednesday that it anticipates passenger figures for the remainder of the year will be impacted by Middle Eastern tensions.

Lufthansa Group plans to axe 20,000 flights over the next six months in a bid to conserve fuel. Meanwhile, other carriers including Virgin Atlantic have introduced a fuel surcharge, and British Airways has cautioned passengers about potential “pricing adjustments” to their tickets.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, also suggested this week that Brits might need to reconsider “where they go on holiday”. Government ministers insist the UK isn’t currently facing jet fuel shortages, as alternative supply sources remain available.

Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, revealed to The Times that competitors are “desperately” hunting for flights to axe, with cancellations expected to begin within weeks. According to the newspaper, leading fuel suppliers are informing airlines that the UK has the “most limited visibility” across Europe regarding jet fuel availability, largely due to its heavy dependence on Middle Eastern imports.

These suppliers reportedly anticipate May will be manageable. Yet they warn that “mid to late June as the potential start of disruptions” if the Strait of Hormuz near Iran remains closed.

Ryanair and Jet2 reassure passengers

O’Leary explained: “There is a modest improvement in the supply situation through to the end of May, early June, but then nobody would give us any undertakings what happens in mid-June or thereafter.”

He confirmed Ryanair wouldn’t be slashing flights. However, he predicted that other prominent European carriers more “exposed” to soaring costs would likely begin scrapping routes, saying: “They are all desperately trying to take out marginal flights or any growth because they don’t have the fuel for it.

“We were worried there would be disruption to around 10 per cent of our flights but some of those worries have eased because other European airlines have taken out lots of capacity.” It comes as Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly making last-minute bookings following the outbreak of the Iran war, with growing concerns about the conflict’s impact and potential disruptions to jet fuel supplies.

The company reported that summer passenger bookings are currently up 6.2%, driven by growth in both its airline and package holiday operations. However, highlighting rising unease amongst travellers, it noted that the “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” as a result of the Middle East conflict.

Jet2 confirmed it has strong protection against fuel cost increases triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period. It said it is “maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply”.

British refineries have meanwhile been instructed to maximise jet fuel production as part of government contingency measures amid concerns that the Iran war could lead to aircraft being grounded. Energy minister Michael Shanks said the government is closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and liaising with airlines, airports, fuel suppliers and international partners.

“UK airlines typically buy fuel months in advance, and aviation fuel suppliers hold bunkered stocks. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the strait, including the United States,” Shanks stated in a ministerial announcement. “Airlines UK have stated that ‘UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.’ The government continues to work with partners to monitor and mitigate potential disruptions,” Shanks added.

Budget airlines have spoken amid warnings that the UK faces greater exposure to jet fuel shortages due to the Middle East conflict

Following warnings from a leading analyst over potential jet fuel shortages that could hit the UK during the summer, Europe’s biggest budget airlines have stated they remain confident in their ability to keep flights running as normal throughout the peak holiday season.

Ano Kuhanathan, head of corporate research at insurer Allianz, has warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz leaves Britain considerably more exposed than other European countries to supply disruptions. Roughly three quarters of Europe’s jet fuel comes from the Middle East and passes through the vital shipping lane.

He explained: “The UK is Europe’s most structurally exposed market to jet fuel shortages, relying heavily on imports to meet aviation demand and running persistent refining kerosene deficit, leaving it particularly vulnerable to supply shocks.”

Despite these concerns, senior figures at Britain’s top budget airlines have voiced confidence in their capacity to deliver a full flight schedule throughout the summer.

A spokesperson for Jet2 said: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice. Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.”

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The announcement comes in the wake of a separate warning from Heathrow airport on Wednesday, which stated it anticipates passenger numbers for the remainder of the year to be impacted by the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Laura Lindsay, spokesperson for the price-comparison site Skyscanner, suggested that travel demand is changing rather than vanishing. She told The Independent’s daily travel podcast: “We know that people do still want to get away. It may be reduced internationally and increased domestically, for example.”

Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly making last-minute bookings since the outbreak of the Iran conflict amid growing concerns over the impact of the war and fears surrounding jet fuel supply.

The company said summer passenger bookings to date are up 6.2% thanks to expansion across its airline and package holiday operations, but in a sign of rising unease among travellers, it disclosed that the “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” due to the Middle East conflict.

It stated it is well shielded from the fuel cost surge triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period, adding it is “maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply”.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, said that “the risk of ‌a supply disruption is receding”, with no disruption risk before the end of June. However, he pointed out that the UK faces greater vulnerability compared to other major nations. EasyJet has confirmed it intends to run “a full schedule across its network”. Garry Wilson, chief executive of easyJet Holidays, said: “Our operations remain unaffected, so customers can be confident that not only will their holiday go ahead as planned, but there will be no surprise extra payments.”

Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said: “We have just launched our biggest-ever network from the UK and in particular from Luton.

“Despite the challenging geopolitical crisis, business goes on as usual. In airlines, we are well used to crises, so we are resilient and we’re well adapted.

“For low-cost airlines like Wizz in the UK, we don’t see any shortage of fuel.”

The airline boss explained that if a shortage were to emerge in the UK, Wizz Air could source fuel from alternative countries – a tactic known as “tankering”.

“We can take more fuel than is required in those destinations,” she said. “We can even fly to other countries and and pit-stop, if you will, if we need additional fuel

“But we’re not seeing an Armageddon situation. We have fuel supply. We have other mechanisms for uplifting fuel.” Wizz Air is Europe’s third-largest budget airline, behind Ryanair and easyJet.

Jet2, easyJet and TUI have all committed to not imposing any additional charges on passengers for fuel price increases.

In a world of smartphones and content creators, airlines have strict rules on taking photos or videos while on board, with British Airways tightening its passenger regulations

Every airline has passenger regulations, but holidaymakers may not be aware of the restrictions on taking photos during a flight, as British Airways tightens its rules.

Heading off on holiday is always an exciting time, and it’s natural to want to document the journey, from arriving at the airport and boarding the plane to landing at that sun-drenched destination. But for those eager to take photos or videos during their flight, there are stringent guidelines to follow.

A vast number of airlines that fly thousands of Brits to holiday hotspots every year have specific policies on using a camera on board. While they affirm that it’s not a blanket ban and passengers are still allowed to take photos or videos during the flight, they can’t capture everything on board.

READ MORE: British Airways warns passengers taking certain photos can be kicked off flightsREAD MORE: ‘I’m a pilot – there’s one ritual l do at the airport before every single flight’

Just recently, British Airways introduced tougher guidelines on taking photos and videos while on board and revised its passenger terms. In an update under section 11a on its ‘behaviour on the aircraft’ conditions, the airline noted that none of its crew should be filmed without their consent.

The update stated: “If, while you are on board the aircraft, we reasonably believe that you have filmed, live-streamed or photographed our crew or other colleagues without their consent, we may take any measures we think reasonable to prevent you continuing your behaviour.”

The airline went on to warn that passengers who fail to comply with these rules could be asked to disembark upon landing or be refused passage on the remaining legs of their journey, as shown on their ticket. That’s not all; the incident could be reported to the relevant authorities “with a view to them prosecuting” the passenger for any criminal offences that may have been committed.

BA also pointed out that if diversion expenses arise due to unacceptable conduct, and they redirect the aircraft to an “unscheduled place of destination” and remove a passenger from the plane, that traveller will be liable for the “reasonable and proper costs of the diversion”.

They’re not the only airline to have a policy of this nature in place. Outlining their own policies on the common habit, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told the Mirror: “We know our customers enjoy capturing moments during their journey, and photography and filming are permitted onboard. However, we ask that customers always seek permission before including other people, including our crew, in any photos or videos. The comfort and well-being of our customers and crew is always our priority, and our crew may ask customers to stop filming or photographing to protect the privacy of those onboard.”

Meanwhile a spokesperson for Wizz Air told us: “Wizz Air is proud of its cabin crew, who play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of everyone on board. Filming or taking pictures of cabin crew without their consent is not tolerated on board. Passengers are required to follow crew instructions at all times, and where behaviour is considered disruptive, unsafe, or causes concern to crew or other passengers, appropriate action may be taken in line with our Conditions of Carriage. Our priority is always to help ensure a safe and respectful onboard environment for both passengers and crew.”

As for easyJet, a spokesperson told us: “Customers are welcome to take personal photos and videos as long as it doesn’t disturb the privacy of other customers or include the crew without their consent, so everyone can have a pleasant flight.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair states in its terms and conditions: “Recording or photographing our personnel, whether at the airport or onboard the plane, without their consent is strictly prohibited. Only recordings or photographs personal to you may be permitted.”

While airlines have these regulations in place, it doesn’t mean holidaymakers can’t document their flights. They’re still free to capture images of their seat, the view through the window, cabin features, meals, drinks and any other personal moments – provided they don’t film a crew member directly without their permission.

The same rule applies to photographing or filming fellow passengers on board without their consent. So as long as travellers remain mindful of their surroundings and what they’re recording, it shouldn’t be an issue.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Ryanair is warning customers after problems with the European Entry/Exit System (EES)

Ryanair has provided an update regarding its stance on the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), which is continuing to pose difficulties for travellers. The system affects Brits heading to the Schengen zone, encompassing sought-after destinations including France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

It is a digital system that is taking the place of conventional passport stamps. Travellers may need to register biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, upon arrival. No advance action is required before reaching the border, and there is no charge for using the system.

EES officially went live on April 10, 2026. Yet difficulties with the system, particularly during peak periods at busy airports, have resulted in its suspension in several countries on multiple occasions.

Budget carrier Ryanair issued a blistering message on social media, demanding the EES rollout be halted until September. The low-cost airline criticised France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Germany for failing to ‘ensure that adequate staffing, system readiness, or kiosks are in place’.

Reports indicate that passengers have been left waiting for hours due to the new system, with some even missing their flights as a result. Branding the system as ‘half-baked’, Ryanair’s statement read: “Despite knowing for over three years that EES would become fully operational from 10 April 2026, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Germany have failed to ensure that adequate staffing, system readiness, or kiosks are in place.

“As a result, passengers are suffering long passport control queues and, in some cases, missing their flights.

“Ryanair calls on these EU Governments to suspend the rollout of the EU’s passport control Entry/Exit System (EES) until September to ensure that passengers are not needlessly forced to suffer long passport control queue delays at European airports during the peak summer season.”

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The system was gradually rolled out from October 2025 before coming into full effect on April 10 across Schengen countries, which comprise 25 of the EU’s 27 member states alongside Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Frustrated holidaymakers have reported a range of issues, from an insufficient number of kiosks to handle registrations, to malfunctioning fingerprint scanners and being forced to repeat the entire process on both arrival and departure.

EUROPE’S biggest airline is calling for new European travel rules to be suspended.

Ryanair has written to the 29 countries where Europe‘s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being enforced, to suspend the system until September following lengthy airport delays.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The budget airline’s COO Neal McMahon said: “Governments across Europe are attempting to roll out a half-baked IT system in the middle of the busiest travel season of the year, and passengers are paying the price, being forced to endure hours-long passport control queues and in some cases, missing flights.

“The solution is simple and already provided for under EU law (EU Reg. 2025/1534) – Governments should suspend EES until September when the peak summer travel season has subsided, just as Greece has done.

“This would allow passengers – many of whom are travelling with young families – a smoother airport experience for their summer holidays.”

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It comes as the airline has called on the French government to suspend the rollout of EES to ensure passengers do not suffer long queues at airports during the summer period.

According to the airline, despite French authorities knowing that EES was going to be introduced on April 10 this year for the past three years, they have “failed to ensure adequate staffing, system readiness or kiosks are in place”.

This has meant that there are long queues at passport control and in some cases, passengers are even missing their flights.

For example at Beauvais, Marseille and Nantes airports, queues are taking around one to two hours for passengers to get through.

Other European countries are also suffering, with Sun Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recently getting stuck at Lanzarote Airport in Spain for three hours.

Other reports have seen two-hour queues at Lisbon Airport in Portugal and in Malta, one flight was forced to wait on the tarmac for 40 minutes before passengers could get off, as passport control queues in the airport were so long.

Greece, on the other hand, has suspended EES until September, to manage peak summer travel.

Back on April 18, a statement from the Greek Embassy announced that Brits are “exempt” from biometrics at all “Greek border crossing points”.

Eleni Skarveli, the director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, added: “The exemption of British passport holders from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points, effective from 10 April 2026, is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports.

“UK travellers will no longer need to undergo additional EES biometric procedures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece.

“The Greek National Tourism Organisation remains committed to ensuring a seamless and welcoming journey for all visitors from the UK.”

A travel specialist has said some people are giving themselves ‘too much time’

Travellers can avoid ‘pointless’ time-wasting this spring and summer by knowing exactly when to turn up at European airports with enough time to get through the new EES checks. Getting the timing spot on could help passengers feel less worried about missing their flights if they find themselves stuck in lengthy passport control queues.

Travel specialist Kate Donnelly (@Thedonnellyedit) said: “There is a lot of mixed information out there, and some people are saying that you need to get to the airport four to five hours before your departure. This is absolute nonsense. You need to be at the airport a minimum of three hours before your flight.

“Firstly, the bag drop in most European airports only opens two hours before departure, in some cases it may be three hours. [So] getting there four to five hours before your flight just means you’re going to be sitting waiting for the check-in desks to open.”

Kate went on to explain that, once you’ve cleared security and duty-free, most airports should have multiple border control points, reports the Express. She said: “You need to wait for your gate to be announced in order to know which one you have to pass through.

“[Even] if you haven’t had to wait to check a bag (you’re travelling with just hand luggage) and you’ve gone straight through, you are still going to be sitting in the main airport waiting for your gate to be called. This is why getting there hours ahead of time is pointless.”

How much time should I allow myself?

Depending on which airline you fly with, some carriers open their check-in desks several hours ahead of departure. Getting your timing spot on will give you the best chance of sailing through the airport, even if there are potential EES-related delays.

Most airlines work to similar timeframes, though this can vary by route. For instance, airlines tend to open check-in desks for long-haul flights considerably earlier than for shorter trips, as they require additional time for security and document checks, including visa verification.

It’s worth double-checking directly with the airline operating your service, or you may receive guidance a few days before you’re due to depart. Below is some general advice on when some of the more popular airlines will begin checking passengers in:

• British Airways: Two to three hours before the flight
• easyJet: Two hours before the flight
• Jet2: Three hours before the flight
• Ryanair: Two to three hours before the flight (airport dependent)
• TUI: 2.5 hours before (short-haul) / 3.5 hours before (long-haul)
• Virgin Atlantic: Four hours before the flight

Some airlines – like Jet2, easyJet, TUI, British Airways, and Ryanair – offer a twilight check-in service for people catching early departures. Passengers who are staying close enough to the airport to arrive the night before can drop off bags at select airports the night before their flight, so they can head straight to security on the day of their flight.

What is the new EES system?

The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on October 12, 2025. This new digital border system has altered the requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area, which includes the following countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

The UK, the Republic of Ireland, and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area. EES does not apply when travelling to any of these countries.

If you are travelling to a Schengen area country for a short stay on a UK passport, you may be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph, upon arrival. No action is needed before you reach the border, and EES registration is completely free of charge.

EES registration will replace the existing manual passport stamping system for entering the EU. EES may require additional time per traveller, so travellers should be prepared for longer waits than usual at border control.

Everyone knows Ryanair’s strict rules around the size and weight of your luggage, but there’s one bag type it won’t accept in the hold even if meets the other requirements for travel

Packing for a flight on a budget airline can be anxiety-inducing, as the baggage requirements seem to change all the time. It’s important to check for the latest luggage rules before you fly, so you can ensure you aren’t forced to pay additional fees at the gate.

However, some holidaymakers might not realise that there is more to luggage regulations than just the size and weight of your case. One particular type of bag, beloved by those who like to take lots of gadgets overseas, can not be checked into the hold on most airlines including Ryanair.

Smart bags, which are bags that have a built-in battery and USB charging port, cannot be checked into the hold on Ryanair flights if the battery is left inside them. There’s also a 100Wh maximum for batteries being carried in the cabin, so passengers should check the capacity before they fly.

READ MORE: Ryanair passengers can ‘boost price of flights’ by making 1 booking mistakeREAD MORE: Major airline cancels all flights to three UK holiday hotspots for June

If you have a smart bag that you’d rather put in the hold rather than the cabin, Ryanair’s website states they “may be checked in as hold luggage only if the lithium battery is removed before the bag is checked in at the bag-drop desk or at the gate.”

It clarifies: “The battery must not be placed in the hold under any circumstances. The removed battery must be carried with you in the cabin and placed in small baggage that is placed underneath the seat in front of you or on your person. Removed batteries must not be placed in the overhead lockers.”

Some bags do not give the option to remove the battery, and Ryanair explicitly notes: “If the battery is non-removable the bag is not permitted as checked baggage.”

Ryanair recently updated its luggage policy for passengers bringing a free under-seat bag onboard. These bags can now be 20% larger, and can measure up to 40x30x20cm, whereas the old allowance was previously 40x25x20cm. Technically, these small bags have no weight restrictions, although they must be light enough for a passenger to handle and carry onboard.

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The budget airline also announced another upcoming change to its baggage policy. Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, said: “From Tuesday 10 Nov next, Ryanair customers will see airport check-in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today’s 40 minutes.

“This will allow these 20 percent of our customers [checking baggage] more time to clear through airport security and passport queues, and get to their departure gate on time, especially during busy travel periods when some of these airport queues can be longer.”

It also floated a more tongue-in-cheek idea on its Facebook page, joking: “we’ll be charging yappers on our 6AM flights very soon” and proposing that people who get chatty on its early morning flights should be charged a fee for annoying other passengers.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

AS THE fuel crisis continues to put pressure on airlines, it can be hard to know what it means for your upcoming flight.

For some airlines, rising fuel costs are being offset by raising the price of flight fares such as Virgin Atlantic, with British Airways also recently warning of flight fare increases.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Yet there are also a number of airlines that have vowed not to increase costs for their passengers. Here’s a full rundown of the UK airlines that have not changed their prices:

Jet2

Currently, Jet2 has not increased the prices of its flights and holidays due to rising jet fuel costs, and both holidays and flights with the company remain unaffected.

A Jet2 spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice.

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“Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.”

Jet2 boss Steve Heapy added: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.

“As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them.”

EasyJet

EasyJet is not increasing flight prices, nor is the airline currently impacted by the fuel crisis.

A spokesperson told Sun Travel that passengers would not “suddenly face unexpected fees added to their bookings to cover fluctuating commodity costs”.

They added that there were “no plans to make any changes to our flying schedule”.

TUI

TUI holidays are not be increasing prices to cover fuel costs and are currently not impacted by the fuel crisis.

A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.

“At present, we’re not anticipating disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”

Ryanair

Europe‘s biggest airline has not increased costs for passengers and has not cancelled any flights due to the fuel crisis yet.

This week, the airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary said that he was committed to not implementing price increases or adding fuel surcharges to flight fares.

However, O’Leary has previously warned that it could cancel flights in the future, saying: “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated.”

Kuoni

When it comes to holiday package firm Kuoni – which specialises in tailor-made packages – they confirmed to MoneySavingExpert that no ‘holiday surcharge’ will be added to bookings.

Loveholidays

Similarly, Loveholidays – which offers packages to sunshine destinations and city breaks – also confirmed to MoneySavingExpert that there would be no additional charges on bookings.

It could cost up to £160 if people do not notice this problem before it is too late

Passengers flying with Ryanair have been warned against making one of the most expensive mistakes, which could leave them facing three-figure bills just before take-off. The mistake can be prevented by carefully checking a small detail when booking a flight with the carrier.

In the rush to snap up a bargain, tiny keypads on mobile phones or a simple typing error mean travellers could easily misspell their name when booking a Ryanair journey. However, this could set them back as much as £160 to correct.

As of April 2026, the charge remains in place and is listed on the Ryanair website. Aside from the £100 missed flight penalty, the name fee is one of the highest charges Ryanair passengers can face.

The budget airline operates a policy for amending passenger information that provides a brief window of opportunity should an error occur. However, this limited timeframe comes with specific terms and conditions, according to the Express.

Ryanair says: “Name changes are allowed on all bookings, with full changes possible online up to 24 hours before departure or at the airport up to two hours before, subject to a fee. Free corrections include swapping first and last names within 48 hours of booking or changing up to three characters per name once, up to 48 hours before departure.”

If travellers only spot the mistake after getting to the airport, it could cost up to £160. The policy was previously flagged by Martin Lewis’ MSE team in an article about the most effective ways to dodge Ryanair’s additional charges.

The budget carrier is known for imposing penalties on travellers who go against their policies when booking, including mistakes that can happen entirely by accident. Correcting a minor misspelling – such as jumbled or missing letters – is free of charge, but only if passengers act within two days of making their booking.

Travellers must also have booked directly through Ryanair, not a third party service. Beyond the 48-hour window, passengers will be hit with a £115 fee for a name change, rising to £160 if done at the airport, according to MSE.

Each airline’s policy varies, so check whether your airline charges to fix these mistakes; some may amend small typos for free if reported as soon as possible. The important thing is making sure that the name on your passport matches for boarding, and errors can lead to being denied a place on your holiday.

The MSE team suggested there is a rather drastic workaround to avoid the charge if it’s too late to make amendments without paying £115 or more. Given the typically low price of Ryanair flights, cutting your losses and starting a new booking could actually be the cheaper option.

MSE said: “If you notice errors after 48 hours, it may be cheaper to make a completely new booking, rather than amend an existing one. It won’t always be cheaper, but it is worth checking the cost of a new flight to see if it’s less than the change fee.”

Ryanair confirmed on its website that certain passengers needn’t worry about being stung by the name change fee. Bookings made under a maiden name can be updated at no extra cost.

It said: “If you booked your flight using your maiden/married name, and you update your name in the passport before the date of travel, we will make the name change on your booking for you free of charge. You’ll need to have proof (a copy of your marriage certificate).”

SPANISH holidays are under threat as Ryanair looks to cancel even more flights to the popular European destination.

Ryanair has slammed the Spanish government over rising airport fees in the country, warning that they could reduce even more flights to Spain.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

It comes as Aena – Spain‘s airports operator – plans to increase airport fees by 3.8 per cent each year between 2027 and 2031, which works out to 21 per cent total over five years.

Yesterday, Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said the new fees are “neglecting regional Spain” and that there could be further cancellations if the new charges go ahead.

Mr Wilson previously 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.

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“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.”

He added that if the fees did increase it would “make even the most popular airports in Spain uncompetitive” and that Ryanair would turn to “other places in Europe where rates are more competitive”.

These destinations would include Albania, Sweden, Italy and Morocco.

Ryanair has already slashed 1.8million seats, with another 1.2million set for this summer. This includes all flights being cancelled to:

• Asturias
• Vigo
• Tenerife North
• Jerez
• Valladolid

Here’s more on which Spanish destinations are losing their Ryanair flights.

A booking trick can help ensure you are covered as many UK airlines face chance of disruption or cancellation this summer due to Middle East conflict impacting air travel

Due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Europe is facing a fuel crisis, causing concern about the likelihood of summer holidays going ahead.

The International Energy Agency has warned that supply issues could kick in in the next five to six weeks with the owner of British Airways commenting that flight tickets may increase in line with skyrocketing fuel costs.

The fuel crisis comes as the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked throughout the conflict, meaning energy is not able to be distributed at a normal rate.

The strait is the shipping passage for 20 per cent of the world’s fuel and has seen the costs of petrol rapidly increase since the outbreak of war.

For travel, this has caused disruption to many flights, with prices changing and traveller’s fearing cancellations.

According to EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen it’s “very likely that many people’s holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets”.

If your flight is cancelled it is covered by UK law if it was set to depart or arrive at a UK airport on a UK or EU airline, or arrive at an EU airport on a UK or EU airline.

Popular UK airlines Jet2, Ryanair and easyJet are all covered by this rule.

If you are covered and your flight is cancelled, the airline you are travelling with must provide you with a refund or book you on an alternative flight.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says that you can get all of your money back for your tickets or for the parts you haven’t used.

With return flights, if outward travel is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund.

The CAA added: “If you are a transfer passenger and you have already completed part of your journey, you are also entitled to a flight back to your original departure point when your connecting flight is cancelled and you decide not to continue your journey.”

Experts gave a £100 flight booking warning, advising to pay via credit card as this gives you Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act, legally protecting you for purchases costing between £100 and £30,000.

The situation is currently so unpredictable that travellers should be aware of all the cover they are entitled to, as flights may be cut at any point.

Global aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas told the Daily Mail that flights could be cut at the last minute.

Thomas highlighted that Europe is particularly impacted, especially when it comes to long haul travel.

“Europe is more exposed at the moment than Asia is, which means trips from Australia are obviously a challenge.

“For airlines like Qantas, who operate the Perth to London service, at the moment, they have to fly additional distance to refuel in Singapore.

“Any airline that operates through the Middle East is also exposed if the conflict widens or the Iranians decide to resume random drone attacks.”

Amid the conflict, travel experts reiterated the importance of travel insurance.

“To not travel with insurance these days is pretty crazy,” Dr David Beirman told the Daily Mail.

“Most policies will cover cancellation or major changes to an itinerary from a number of causes.

“If your airline is being difficult about a changed flight, and they’re only prepared to give you a credit or something like that, the travel insurance company will usually come to the party and help financially.”

Everything travellers need to know about online check-in rules and bag drop deadlines for Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2 in 2026

With the two May bank holidays fast approaching, numerous travellers will be plotting to make the most of the long weekends by jetting off on getaways. Among the most popular airlines operating at UK airports are Ryanair, Jet2 and EasyJet, and passengers flying with these carriers are being urged to familiarise themselves with the latest check-in regulations.

There are specific policies and rules that holidaymakers need to be aware of, including various timing requirements to avoid missing their flights. Due to longer queues at passport control following the rollout of EES (Entry/Exit System) for passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations, travellers are advised to factor in additional time when arriving at and departing from overseas airports.

Check-in desks have designated closing times for passengers to drop off their luggage before shutting. For anyone heading abroad with bags to check in, here are the current rules for Ryanair, Jet2 and EasyJet you’ll want to get to grips with to avoid last-minute panic.

Ryanair’s latest check-in rules

Ryanair has overhauled how check-in and boarding passes operate in a bid to streamline airport procedures. The most significant upcoming change is that check-in and bag drop desks will close earlier, coming into effect from November 10, 2026. The current deadline means desks typically open two hours before and close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure.

In November, desks will close 60 minutes before departure across all airports. The airline is introducing this change to allow passengers more time to clear security and passport control, particularly owing to potential delays from the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), reports the Liverpool Echo.

Should you fail to check in online up to two hours before your scheduled departure time, you may still check in at the airport up to 40 minutes before departure, however you will be charged an airport check-in fee. See Ryanair’s table of fees. “We urge all passengers to check in online before arriving at the airport to avoid these fees,” the airline says.

Towards the end of last year, Ryanair switched to 100% digital boarding passes via the Ryanair App, with exceptions for certain destinations such as Morocco and Turkey, which still require printed passes. If you have checked in but are unable to access your digital pass, staff can provide a free replacement.

You can check in via the Ryanair.com website or through the mobile App. Once logged in, select check-in and input your travel document details. For your safety and security, and for the safety and security of your fellow passengers and crew, the check-in process must be completed by you personally, by a passenger on your booking, or by someone with personal knowledge of you and your luggage.

If you have pre-reserved a seat, online check-in is available up to 60 days before your scheduled departure. Bear in mind that both your outbound and return flights must fall within that 60-day window. If you haven’t reserved a seat and one is being randomly allocated to you, check-in opens 24 hours before your flight and closes two hours before departure.

Airport check-in is also an option, though you’ll be charged a fee per passenger for the additional service – refer to Ryanair’s table of fees for full details. Should you have already checked in but are unable to display your boarding pass on the app upon arriving at the airport, you will be issued a replacement boarding pass free of charge.

Jet2’s latest check-in rules

Online check-in through Manage My Booking is available from 28 days up to six hours before departure via Jet2’s website or app. You’ll need to either print your boarding passes, download them to your device, or check in at the airport no later than three hours before your scheduled departure.

At the airport, Jet2 check-in desks typically open at least two hours and 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, and potentially up to three hours beforehand. Jet2 says: “Please arrive at the airport in good time, as our check-in desks will close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time. By this point, you must have completed the check-in process.” If you have checked luggage, you must arrive at the check-in desk by the time stated on your itinerary, or at least two hours before your flight departs. You are also required to be at the boarding gate no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled take-off time.

Jet2 is unable to provide online check-in for flights departing from Turkey. It says: “You can still complete the process and get your pre-allocated seats, but you’ll need to visit our airport check-in desks to collect your boarding pass before you go to security.”

In line with European Regulations, passengers are prohibited from carrying certain items into security-restricted areas or aboard an aircraft. To view the complete list of banned items, visit the Jet2 website. At select UK airports, Jet2 provides a Twilight Check-in service, allowing passengers to drop off their luggage at the airport the evening prior to departure, provided their flight is scheduled before noon.

Due to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) which launched on April 10, 2026, travellers should allow additional time at the airport for the mandatory biometric registration process. Once you have checked in online, amendments to your booking, such as adding extra baggage or changing names, cannot be made without contacting customer services directly.

EasyJet’s latest check-in rules

Passengers can check in online from 30 days up until two hours before departure, downloading or printing boarding passes for all their flights. A passport or identity card may be required, and EasyJet might ask travellers to verify their contact information.

The airline doesn’t accept PDF scans of boarding passes on mobile devices, as airport security personnel cannot scan them. Passengers must use either the official app version or a clearly printed paper copy. Lost boarding passes can be reprinted, and when printing, the entire pass must be legible.

Should any booking amendments be made – such as adding hold luggage or altering flight times – passengers must check in again and obtain a fresh boarding pass. EasyJet says: “If you have any technical problems whilst checking in, please don’t give up and do try again later. If you continue to have difficulty, please ask our ground crew for help when checking in at the airport: this must be done before the bag drop closing time.”

The airline emphasises there are crucial timings for travel. Passengers need to have all documentation prepared and allow sufficient time to navigate the airport to arrive punctually for their flight. Those running late may be refused travel by EasyJet, resulting in a missed flight. All timings are calculated from your flight’s scheduled departure time. Unless EasyJet informs you otherwise, these timings remain valid even if your flight is delayed, as the airline states it always endeavours to recover any lost time. You can view the complete list of crucial timings on the EasyJet website.

A statement on the website reads: “Please note – airport times may change after you’ve booked. For example, if there’s major disruption or new airport procedures such as increased security. We’ll send any updates using the contact details we have for your booking, so please check with the booker that we have the correct details. Please also check our Flight Tracker for the latest updates about your flight.”

Arrival times differ by airport, but general deadlines are calculated from your scheduled departure:

• Bag drop opens: Usually two to three hours before departure.
• Bag drop closes: Strictly 40 to 60 minutes before departure, depending on the airport.
• Gate closes: Promptly 30 minutes before departure.

TUI, Jet2 and easyJet have all confirmed they will not add fuel surcharges to pre-booked or new package holidays and flights this summer

Airline TUI has this afternoon released a statement for passengers worried about being slapped with surcharges on holidays they’ve already booked. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted oil deliveries, raising the prospect of serious jet fuel shortages.

This has also caused fuel prices to skyrocket, leaving those who’ve already secured their holidays – and those preparing to – anxious they’ll be asked to stump up extra cash to offset the soaring costs facing airlines.

Jet2 and easyJet confirmed over the weekend that they will not be passing on any price increases to passengers via surcharges. Now, this afternoon, airline and tour operator TUI has announced it will not charge passengers additional fees.

Neil Swanson, Managing Director at TUI UKandI, said: “We understand that customers want both confidence and clarity when booking a holiday. Our teams are here to support people who are thinking about booking, and those who have already booked with TUI can be reassured that their holiday price is fixed, with no fuel surcharges added.”

easyJet has issued a fresh statement confirming the airline and tour operator will not add surcharges to any pre-booked flights and package holidays, or future bookings. The company said travellers can book their package holidays with confidence thanks to its Best Price Guarantee and Ultimate Flexibility policy: “easyJet and easyJet holidays has confirmed that it will not introduce surcharges on its flights or package holidays, giving customers complete peace of mind when booking.

“No surcharges will apply to any pre‐booked easyJet holiday packages or to any new bookings for summer 2026.easyJet currently sees no disruption to its jet fuel supply and all flights and package holidays continue to operate normally.” Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet holidays, said: “We know that holidaymakers may have questions about what recent global events might mean for their travel plans this summer so we are giving our customers absolute peace of mind that no surcharges will be added to their flights or package holidays.”

“Our operations remain unaffected, so customers can be confident that not only will their holiday go ahead as planned, but there will be no surprise extra payments, and they can enjoy their brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices.”

Jet2 has confirmed it won’t be slapping surcharges on any pre-booked flights or holidays to cover increased costs, including those related to jet fuel. In an effort to calm growing anxieties, the Department for Transport yesterday issued direct guidance to passengers with bookings through carriers such as Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and British Airways. Jet2 has axed surcharge provisions across all its flights and holidays, despite the carrier never having previously imposed them. The policy applies to all flights and holidays booked through any channel, be it online, via the mobile app, contact centre or independent travel agent. It does not cover tourist taxes, which are payable at the resort during the stay and are settled directly with the accommodation provider.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2. As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them. Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and award-winning customer service, nothing beats a Jet2holiday.”

The DfT said on Friday: “There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.

“If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you.”

Meanwhile, IAG – the parent company of British Airways, Aer Lingus and Spain’s Iberia – has referred to “pricing adjustments to reflect these higher fuel costs”. A spokesperson commented: “We are not seeing jet fuel supply interruptions, but fuel prices have risen sharply and, despite our hedging strategy, which gives some shorter-term mitigation, we are not immune to the impact.”