Stansted Airport Ltd.

It had operated from Stansted Airport and Liverpool Airport

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidance after Play Airlines (Iceland), an airline serving Stansted and Liverpool airports, abruptly ceased all operations.

The CAA confirmed that all flights operated by Play Airlines have now been cancelled, advising passengers: “Therefore, please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating. Play Airlines customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements if required.”

Andrew McConnell, spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said on Monday evening: “It’s always unfortunate when an airline ceases operations, and we understand that Play Airlines’ decision will be unsettling for its employees and customers. UK customers seeking the latest information are advised to visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.”

In a statement, Play Airlines announced: “Fly PLAY hf. has ceased operations and all flights have been cancelled. We kindly advise you to check flights with other airlines. Some carriers may offer special ‘rescue fares’ considering the circumstances.”

The airline further advised passengers who purchased their ticket with a payment card to contact their card issuer regarding a refund, while those who booked a ticket as part of a package through a travel agency in the EEA should reach out to their travel agent for assistance.

The airline added: “Some rights may also apply under EU Air Passenger regulations. In case of bankruptcy, claims should be directed to the appointed administrator.”

Encouraging passengers to seek advice from www.icetra.is and www.kefairport.com, it said: “We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes and thank you for your understanding.”

If you’re rushing for your flight, you’re in luck. A travel vlogger has revealed how to breeze past security queues in one of the UK’s busiest airports for free using a little-known trick

There’s nothing more frustrating than rushing to your flight only to get stuck in a massive airport security queue, but luckily a travel expert has revealed a clever way you can beat the crowds.

Airports are incredibly busy places and changed flight times and luggage mishaps only make it worse. Even the most organised travellers have had to dash to make it to their boarding gate on time – an experience which can be even more panic-inducing in a busy airport like London Stansted.

Fortunately, travel vlogger Elaine Poon has revealed a handy way to skip past the crowds if you’re looking to get through security quickly. She posted her experience travelling through Stansted Airport using the trick.

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On her TikTok channel @travelainewithme, she explained that everyone usually enters security through the ‘Departures’ queue to the left.

However, she said passengers should “turn right” instead and walk towards the sign reading ‘Fast Track’. She then showed another ‘Departures’ queue beside the Fast Track one.

She said: “A lot of people only think this is for Fast Track, so no one goes to this side. But as you can see, this whole middle section is free for us to go through.” Elaine then showed herself breezing up to security while a massive queue of people stood waiting on the other side of the rope.

She said: “This is crazy, look at the queue on the other side. We just skip all of that and go straight through to the front.”

While some comments expressed scepticism, doubting that the lane was actually free to enter, others were quick to chime in that the hack was real and actually worked.

London Stansted’s official TikTok account even left a comment underneath the video, confirming the trick. They wrote: “We see you.”

Many viewers also thanked her for sharing her handy time-saving hack. “Thank you, just went through and it was super quick, no queue at all,” one said. “Only flown through Stansted Airport once will definitely use this hack the next time I fly thank you!!” a second chimed in.

A third joked: “I’m going next year. I need to tell my mum about these hacks.” However, other experienced flyers were slightly annoyed that their travel secret had been revealed.

One wrote: “Honestly, don’t tell people, I want to keep my almost empty path. I fly so much so I know the airport like the back of my hand.”

The new advanced CT scanners combine computer image processing with X-rays, which is a huge improvement for speeding up security waiting times.

UK holidaymakers are being urged to double-check the specific rules at each airport they travel through due to differing security policies.

Those jetting out of the UK, whether for a sun-soaked holiday, family visit, sports tournament, business trip, or studying abroad, should note that not all airports have yet installed CT scanners at security checks.

These scanners mean passengers no longer need to take liquids and electronics out of their luggage. Previously, liquids were restricted to 100ml and had to be placed in a clear plastic bag, while electrical items had to be removed and scanned separately.

However, not all airports have implemented the new systems, so the old rules still apply in many places.

The state-of-the-art CT scanners combine computer image processing with X-rays, significantly speeding up security waiting times. This also means travellers should be able to fly with bottles and containers holding up to two litres of liquid, with no limit on the number of bottles they can carry, reports Birmingham Live.

However, holidaymakers shouldn’t disregard the old rules just yet. There’s still a fair bit of confusion about which airports have the scanners fully operational and which do not, as internet searches on the issue have more than doubled.

Experts at One Sure Insurance have warned: “With some airports such as London City Airport having installed CT scanners in April 2023, others such as London’s Heathrow are not expected to make a full switchover soon, due to the cost of the new technology – expected to be around £1 billion – and the retraining of staff that’s required.

“It’s important to remember when returning from your trip that you still need to follow the rules from your departing airport, including liquid, electronic and customs restrictions and protocols.

“Otherwise, you may face delays and/or losing expensive belongings in the bin. You might leave from an airport where two litres are fine, but return from one that still enforces the 100ml rule. Not all airports are ready, and that could cause problems.

“There’s a big risk of confusion right now, but technology has the power to change the way we fly. Until airports around the world catch up with newer technology, travellers should stay proactive to avoid being left behind.”

This means checking airport websites, packing liquids in hand luggage, keeping essential items to 100ml if in any doubt, leaving enough time at airports to potentially separate liquids and electronics, and being especially mindful when returning to different airports or during multi-city holidays.

As we approach the peak of the summer holiday season, millions of UK passengers are expected to pass through airports, some of which will still be operating under the old rules.

So, which airports have these new security scanners in place?

Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have fully rolled out new CT scanners at security. This means you can keep liquids of up to two litres inside your cabin bag, and there’s no limit on how many two-litre bottles or containers you can take through.

Only liquids, pastes, and gels in containers no larger than 2 litres (2L) can be carried in hand luggage – anything larger needs to be in checked luggage.

When going through security, ensure all items are out of your pockets, including phones, keys, coins, tissues, etc. Watches can be left on.

Bristol Airport has fully embraced the new rules, stating that electrical items can remain in hand luggage along with liquids, which can now be up to two litres per container.

While most other UK airports are still operating under the old rules on liquids and electricals, more are expected to introduce CT scanners throughout this summer.

Gatwick Airport has announced that passengers no longer need to remove liquids and gels from their hand luggage, although the containers must still be limited to 100ml. However, electrical items do need to be removed and screened separately.

Luton Airport has stated that all liquid containers in your hand luggage must be under 100ml/100g each, including creams, pastes, lotions, and gels. Passengers can keep their liquids inside their bags for security screening, as a plastic bag is no longer required.

Electronics can also be kept in baggage.

Stansted Airport is still adhering to the old rules, advising passengers that they can pack liquids in their hand luggage, but containers must be under 100ml each and in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This bag should be removed from hand luggage and placed clearly in the tray provided, along with any electrical item above A5 size (20cm x 20cm).

Manchester Airport has also confirmed that the old rules are still in place. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be under 100ml each and packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm.

Manchester passengers are limited to packing one clear bag of products in their hand luggage, with the stipulation being one per person. These should be removed from hand luggage and placed in the tray for scanning.

Additionally, any electrical item larger than A5 (20cm x 20cm) should also be removed from your bag and placed in the tray.

Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester airports are gradually introducing new CT scanners lane by lane, meaning some passengers may be asked to remove liquids and electronics while others won’t.

It’s worth bearing in mind that you may not be able to leave liquids or electrical items in your bag on your return journey. According to consumer website Which, at most airports in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain – as well as the US – you will need to remove liquids from your hand luggage and put them in a clear plastic bag.

Katharina Bost tested the so-called ‘airport theory’ London Stansted Airport, where she got to the airport just 45 minutes before her flight was due to take off to see if it was enough time

Going to the airport can be a stressful experience for some people, but others find it a breeze. You’re either a last-minute dasher, trusting in the cosmos that you’ll whizz through security without a hitch. Or, alternatively, you’re the type who prefers to arrive well ahead of the recommended two hours (or three during peak times like school holidays). If your travel companion wouldn’t object, you might even fancy arriving four hours early, indulging in a manicure, treating yourself to a matcha (or something stronger), and perusing the bookshop.

However, thanks to the ‘airport theory’ circulating on TikTok, which many experts advise against trying, more individuals are attempting to emulate the former category, aiming to reach the airport with just enough time to spare.

Katharina Bost tested this theory at London Stansted Airport, claiming she arrived at 6.45 pm for a flight scheduled to depart at 7.30 pm. This gave her a mere 45 minutes to complete all necessary tasks, including navigating the dreaded security queue.

By 6:48pm, Katharina found herself in the bustling airport security line. However, passengers must have been swift as by 6:50pm, she was ready to explore the fragrances and cosmetics in duty-free.

She took full advantage of the perfume testers available, spritzing herself generously before boarding her flight.

At 7.04pm, she expressed her craving for a “needed a matcha,” leading her to pop into Joe and the Juice for her favourite brew.

By 7.09pm, she had her matcha in hand, sipping it as she strolled towards the airport gate.

She reached the gate at 7.14pm, and by 7.22pm, she was strapped in and ready for take-off, looking quite chuffed with herself.

However, some commenters questioned the authenticity of the timestamps provided in her video, wondering how she managed such a seamless airport experience, something they’d never encountered before.

One person commented: “There’s no way security took 15 minutes unless you got fast-track”. A fast-track pass allows you to bypass most of the queue and rejoin further down the line.

A woman retorted: “The longest time I’ve ever spent in an airport security queue is about 15 minutes tbh”.

“You went through fast-track security, and then your plane was delayed,” another accused her.

A TikTok user confessed: “I’d be having a panic attack cutting it this fine,” while another admitted: “I’d literally be running”.

“It took me an hour to get through security at Stansted a few weeks ago, on a random Saturday afternoon,” someone grumbled.

Stansted Airport advises: “Always follow your airline’s guidance on how early you need to be at the airport before your flight.

“As a general guide, you will need to have checked in and be ready to go through security at least 2 hours before your flight departure time.”

Christina Finn and her family were flying back to Dublin from London Stansted with Ryanair on Sunday evening when they were refused boarding on their flight

A family from Ireland has spoken out after they claimed Ryanair refused to let them board a flight from London to Dublin, erroneously informing them they needed a visa to travel from the UK to Ireland. Christina Finn and her husband, Cameron, were forced to miss their return trip to Dublin following a CBeebies event in London with their infant son when they were turned away by the budget carrier at Stansted Airport.

The pair had travelled trouble-free to London from Belfast on Friday but encountered issues when attempting to return home.

Christian said: “We had flown to London on Friday morning from Belfast for a meeting with the BBC, and we were to fly home from London to Dublin and then get the bus up to Belfast as that was the cheapest option, and it is something we would do all the time.”

The couple’s journey hit a hitch when they struggled to check-in online due to technical issues which Christina initially thought were caused by her mobile phone, reports the Irish Mirror.

Stranded with their ill five-month-old baby who requires regular medication, Christina emphasised the urgency of their need to return home.

Christina said: “When we went to check in on the app, it wouldn’t let me click through to our booking at all and I thought the issue was with my phone so when we got to the airport, we had to check in at the desk where we then had to pay a fine for not checking in online.”

Following the unexpected check-in fee at the airport, Christina explained that the Ryanair representative asked to see their passports, despite having used their driving licences for the outbound easyJet flight, and offered their slightly expired passports as identification.

“My husband has an Irish passport and I have a British one, which have both recently expired. With the baby due, we were waiting until he was born to renew them so that we could just do it at the same time.

“We informed the staff that we had flown over on our driving licences so he took them away and came back with a man who told us that because my husband has an expired Irish passport, he would be allowed on the flight to Dublin but as my passport was a British one they couldn’t let me on the plane.

“The staff informed me that as a UK citizen I would need a visa to travel to Ireland as it is in the EU and I tried to explain to them that that wouldn’t apply due to the Common Travel Area.

“I told him that we lived in Northern Ireland and he then questioned how I had a British passport and couldn’t seem to understand that it was a pretty common thing for people to fly to Dublin then travel on to Belfast. He also said that we would need to have evidence that we had booked onward travel from Dublin to Belfast.

“As I questioned it, he said that he was speaking to someone on the phone who told him that if they let us on the plane and if we arrived in Dublin we would be stopped at passport control and the airline would be fined between £500 and £1000 for allowing me on the plane without a valid passport.”

Christina revealed that the staff member advised the only solution to their problem would be to book a new direct flight to Belfast, which would cost them €580 (£554).

In a frustrating situation, Christina had to turn to her mother for help with the flight costs. While sorting things out, her mother checked the official government website and found something that surprised them both.

“We had to borrow the money from my mum for the flights and while I was on the phone to her she looked up the Government website which stated that you did not need a passport or visa to travel between the UK and Ireland.

“She sent me a screenshot of this which I showed to the man and he said he would look into it then he walked away.”

Determined to get to the bottom of the issue, Christina phoned the British embassy in Dublin who referred her to their Irish counterparts in London.

She said: “I decided to ring the British embassy in Dublin who directed me to call the Irish embassy in London and the woman on the phone was horrified.

“She said that there was no requirement for people to have a passport for travelling between the UK and Ireland and that there was also no need for a visa.”

However, to her dismay, she discovered that Ryanair’s own rules played a significant role in her travel woes. “However, she explained that Ryanair could have its own policy requiring travellers to have a passport.”

Feeling mistreated, Christina recounted how the incident left her feeling less than respected. A Ryanair spokesperson defended the airline’s position, emphasising their policy and the customers’ agreement to it.

“In accordance with Ryanair’s TandC’s, which these passengers agreed to at the time of booking, these passengers failed to check-in online before arriving at London Stansted Airport (5 June).

“Therefore, these passengers were correctly asked to pay the required airport check-in fee (£55 per passenger), however refused to do so, and became aggressive towards the agents at the check in desk at London Stansted Airport.”

They further reiterated the importance of abiding by their procedures. “All passengers travelling with Ryanair agree to check-in online before arriving at their departure airport and all passengers are sent an email reminding them to do so 24hrs before departure.

“These passengers were subsequently correctly denied boarding to this flight from London Stansted to Dublin (5 June) as these passengers’ passports did not meet the requirements for travel as both passports had expired in 2024.

“It is each passenger’s responsibility to ensure that their passport is valid for travel in line with the relevant State requirements at the time of travel. These requirements are clearly set out on Ryanair.com, and passengers are reminded with pop-up messages during booking.

“Passengers travelling between Ireland and the UK are required to carry a valid passport for travel. Therefore, as these passengers did not present a valid passport for this flight from London Stansted to Dublin Airport, they were correctly denied boarding.”