Travellers

A savvy shopper has shared the travel essentials she found in Poundland, including 100ml travel-size suncreams and shampoos that are perfect for those travelling with only hand luggage

The prospect of travelling with only hand luggage can fill many holidaymakers with anxiety, prompting them to fork out for hold luggage when their liquids won’t fit in a carry-on bag. The reason, of course, is that when passing through airport security, liquids are restricted to 100ml — which can be a real headache, given that many suncreams come in 250ml bottles, or, even more frustratingly, 125ml — just over the limit.

However, a savvy traveller named Sham has flagged that Poundland stocks “100ml suncreams,” meaning you’ll have “no stress at security” as your liquids will be fully compliant with rules and regulations. Getting through airport security with hand luggage only can actually be a doddle with the right products in tow — and also spares you the nail-biting wait at the baggage carousel, desperately hoping your suitcase has made it to your destination in one piece.

She noted that the mini products are priced at £2, quipping: “We know Poundland’s not all a pound anymore.” Sham revealed that the store stocks suncream, sprays, and even travel-sized shampoos and conditioners — ideal for those heading away long enough to need a hair wash.

She also spotted towel clips for just £1, so you needn’t worry about your towel taking flight if your destination turns out to be a touch on the breezy side. Rounding things off, there was a Malibu fake tan that Sham said she was keen to try before her holiday, adding that she’d heard great things about it — and at just £2, it seemed well worth a go.

In the comments section, one user wrote: “Ah, I need to get to Poundland! Going away soon, so these would be perfect.”

A second chimed in: “Buying s**** to take on holiday is the most British thing ever. You don’t need half that s***, it will be left in the bag in the hotel the whole holiday.”

However, Sham hit back: “It saves a right packet taking the small ones, perfect amount for your hol.” And there’s no denying that SPF is absolutely essential.

NHS advice on keeping yourself safe in the sun

Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. And it does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.

There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.

You can also check the UV index on a weather app or website. If it’s three or higher, consider protecting your skin.

Make sure you:

• spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• never burn
• cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• take extra care with children
• keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight
• use at least factor 30 sunscreen – make sure to use enough and re-apply frequently

Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest.

When buying sunscreen, the label should have:

• a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB
• at least four-star UVA protection

UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters “UVA” in a circle, which indicates that it meets the EU standard.

Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. This is marked by a symbol of an open jar, an M and a number, which shows how many months the sunscreen will last once it’s been opened. Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen.

EasyJet has announced 13 new routes, including new city breaks for UK tourists

EasyJet has today revealed 13 brand-new UK routes set to launch this winter. Among them are flights and package holidays to a never-before-served destination in Germany.

This festive season, EasyJet will launch flights and packages to Nuremberg. Services will be departing from Manchester from 2 November on Mondays and Fridays, London Gatwick from 19 November on Thursdays and Sundays and London Luton from 23 November on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Nuremberg is home to one of Europe’s oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets. The iconic Christkindlesmarkt, which dates back to the 16th century, draws visitors from across the globe to soak up the festive atmosphere of one of Germany’s most beloved seasonal destinations.

EasyJet will also be expanding its offering from its London airports, with fresh routes launching to Morocco, France and Egypt. Flights from London Luton to Rabat get under way on 5 November, followed by London Southend to Lyon from 3 December, running on Thursdays and Sundays.

Completing the new additions, flights from London Southend to Sharm El Sheikh will kick off on 4 January, departing on Mondays and Fridays. The airline is also expanding its connections to Hungary, with fresh flights and package holidays to Budapest taking off from three UK airports.

Services from Bristol and Belfast International will commence on 17 November, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while flights from Liverpool will get under way on 19 November, running twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays – perfect for a festive weekend getaway.

In Scotland, a brand new service from Edinburgh to Tromsø in Norway will launch on 30 November, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays and providing passengers with the only direct route to the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. Meanwhile, in time for the festive period, flights from Glasgow to Krakow in Poland will commence on 13 November, with departures twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

EasyJet will enhance its Manchester network with a fresh service to Vienna in Austria, launching on 19 November with departures up to twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Additionally, EasyJet is introducing its first international route from the Isle of Man, with a new weekly service to Geneva starting on 19 December, operating on Saturdays. The route will offer the only direct link between the Isle of Man and Switzerland.

The new routes take the airline’s total number of winter services introduced over the past fortnight to 26. Last week’s announcement featured a new direct service from Manchester to Sphinx Airport, alongside the carrier’s first ever international route from Cornwall Airport Newquay to Geneva. The airline says that package holidays can be booked through EasyJet holidays on all new routes with the exception of Luton to Rabat. All packages include flights and hotel, plus 23kg luggage and transfers on beach destinations such as Sharm El Sheikh, they say.

Holidaymakers can reserve their winter getaway with a deposit of £60 per person and until 1 July 2026, can save money on new bookings using the code FOOTBALL26.

Kevin Doyle, EasyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing a further 13 new routes this winter, bringing the number of new routes on sale over the past two weeks to a total of 26. A real statement of our commitment to giving customers across the UK more choice from their local airport.. From winter sun escapes to magical Christmas market breaks, there’s never been a better time to book a flight or package holiday with EasyJet. We look forward to welcoming even more customers on board for their winter holidays.”

EasyJet and EasyJet Holidays say they have introduced their Book with Confidence Promise to reassure customers on their travel plans. The airline says that the pledge guarantees that flight and package prices will not increase in price once booked and confirms that EasyJet intends to operate a full schedule across its network, despite competitors cutting routes, as EasyJet prepares to fly over 50 million passengers this summer.

Full list of new EasyJet routes and dates

• London Gatwick to Nuremberg – 19 November
• London Luton to Nuremberg – 23 November
• London Luton to Rabat – 5 November
• London Southend to Lyon – 3 December
• London Southend to Sharm El Sheikh – 4 January
• Bristol to Budapest – 17 November
• Liverpool to Budapest – 19 November
• Manchester to Nuremberg – 2 November
• Manchester to Vienna – 19 November
• Edinburgh to Tromso – 30 November
• Glasgow to Krakow – 13 November
• Belfast to Budapest – 17 November
• Isle of Man to Geneva – 19 December

People heading to Europe for the summer are being warned to account for additional waits

As the summer holidays near, many people will be excitedly looking forward to their big summer getaway in Europe. However, anyone heading for Spain, France, Greece and other Schengen areas have been issued a major warning from Heathrow Airport.

Taking to X, the airport’s official account warned travellers to “be aware” of the additional wait times they might face at European airports this summer due to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System, or EES. The system’s implementation has already caused a bit of travel chaos this year with some passengers missing their flights because they were stuck in line.

The EES is meant to replace the old manual system of stamping passports when non-EU citizens enter or leave Schengen countries. The new systems logs this travel digitally using biometric details like your fingerprints.

In the long run, EES is meant to make passport control at airports smoother but currently, it is causing massive queues and wait times to travellers’ journeys. This is because it needs to register travellers with their biometric details.

The process is free and travellers don’t need to do anything different before getting to the airport. However, travellers may need to account for the delay in getting to their boarding gate or they could risk missing their flight if the queue is too long.

Official guidance on the Gov.uk website explains: “On your first visit to the Schengen area, you may be asked to create a digital record at the port or airport on arrival. You may be asked to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.

“You don’t need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. The checks may take slightly longer than previously, so be prepared to wait during busy times.”

Countries in the Schengen area include:

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

You might also be asked to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you exit a Schengen area. Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

Some people are exempt from EES and won’t need to register. Instead they need to present their exempting documents to a border guard when they arrive at the border.

People exempt from EES include:

• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
• Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
• People holding a valid local border traffic permit
• Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys.
• People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State

A travel agent warned holidaymakers the item must always be kept in hand luggage after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched an awareness campaign following a rise in flight disruptions

Anyone who has ever travelled by plane will be familiar with the restrictions on hand luggage items at airport security – from liquids exceeding 100ml to batteries, tools and frozen goods. Security staff will refuse to allow anything they deem hazardous to pass through, meaning any attempt to do so could hold up your travels or result in the item being confiscated.

There are certain items, such as vapes, however, which must be packed in hand luggage rather than in larger suitcases stowed in the hold. Jake Cullum-Hollins took to TikTok to warn his 50,000 followers that another such item – power banks – are frequently “ruining” people’s holidays.

These are portable chargers that enable their owners to top up mobile phones, tablets and laptops while on the move – without requiring access to a mains socket.

“People still aren’t following the rules when it comes to packing these correctly,” Jake began in a video. “Due to the rising number of cases where flights are having to be delayed, diverted or even to make an emergency landing because of power banks, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is launching a massive awareness campaign.”

Jake clarified the guidance is straightforward – any item containing a lithium battery must be carried in hand luggage. This includes laptops, tablets, vapes and, indeed, power banks.

“It is really important to check your airline’s rules when it comes to things like power banks,” the travel agent reiterated. “Because some of them are now saying you cannot charge your items while you are on the flight.”

Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) published an addendum to its Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous goods by Air, which read: “The operator must adhere to for lithium cells or batteries (including power banks) carried aboard the aircraft for use or sale on the aircraft by the operator (such as electronic flight bags (EFBs), personal entertainment devices, card readers etc).”

The guidance continued: “Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be individually protected to prevent short circuits when not in use. For example:

• Keep them in original retail packaging
• Cover terminals with tape
• Place each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch

Power banks:

• Must be carried in carry‑on baggage
• Must be individually protected when not in use
• Must not be recharged on board the aircraft
• Should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
• Maximum of two power banks per person

The ICAO also advised: “The conditions for the carriage and use of these electronic devices and spare batteries (including power banks) must be provided in the operations manual and/or other appropriate manuals by the operators to enable flight crew, cabin crew and other employees to carry out the functions for which they are responsible.”

Responding to Jake in the comments, one TikTok user noted: “Airlines then need to have more adequate charging facilities on planes. Even when there is a port on the plain to plug into, it’s either outdated or doesn’t have a strong enough current to actually charge the phone.”

Jake later pointed out: “You can charge your devices at airports before boarding the planes – usually plenty of charging points around. When your device is in airplane mode it uses hardly and battery. Most long haul flights also have plugs to charge things like phones and laptops.”

Online reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays, but experts warn that not every review tells the full story

Millions of Britons are gearing up for their summer getaways, but experts are urging travellers not to place too much trust in a sea of glowing five-star reviews.

Online reviews have emerged as one of the most powerful influences when selecting hotels, resorts and holiday rentals, with many holidaymakers depending on them to determine where to invest thousands of pounds. However, according to review verification specialist TruthEngine, not all reviews paint the complete picture. Daniel Mohacek, CEO of TruthEngine, said holidaymakers should view reviews as one element of their research rather than concrete evidence that a property will live up to expectations.

He said: “Reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays. A string of five-star ratings can persuade someone to spend thousands of pounds on a hotel, resort or rental they have never seen in person.

“The problem is that not every review tells the full story. Some may be exaggerated, outdated, incentivised or, in some cases, not actually genuine.”

TruthEngine cautions that fake, manipulated and misleading reviews can leave holidaymakers arriving at destinations that bear little resemblance to what was advertised online. In some instances, guests uncover dated rooms, substandard facilities, hygiene problems, deceptive photographs or loud locations that were never flagged in the reviews.

One of the most common errors travellers commit, according to Mr Mohacek, is believing that a near-flawless review score automatically indicates a property is outstanding.

He said: “Holidaymakers should not assume that a high rating automatically means a property is perfect.”

TruthEngine recommends reading two, three and four-star reviews first, suggesting that these typically offer the most balanced and valuable insight.

He added: “Our advice is simple, to slow down before booking. Read the two, three and four-star reviews as these are the least faked, check recent feedback, compare different platforms and look at real guest photos.”

He also urged travellers to watch out for repetitive phrases, reviews that resembled marketing material rather than authentic experiences, and sudden spikes of glowing feedback appearing within a brief timeframe.

He said: “If the same complaints keep appearing, or if the reviews all sound too polished and too similar, that should ring alarm bells.”

Another frequent error is depending entirely on a single booking platform. TruthEngine advises cross-referencing reviews across multiple sites including Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia, while also examining social media and photographs uploaded by travellers.

Mr Mohacek added: “A holiday is one of the biggest purchases many families make each year. Taking 10 extra minutes to check whether reviews feel authentic could be the difference between a dream break and an expensive disappointment.”

For holidaymakers seeking a swift reality check, TruthEngine suggests a straightforward 30-second review assessment: examine the middle-range reviews, filter by the latest comments, cross-check several platforms, remain cautious of excessive references to particular staff members and take note of recurring grievances. According to Mr Mohacek, those additional few checks can uncover considerably more than a five-star rating ever could.

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.

A new LGBTQ+ travel risk map has assessed safety for LGBTQ+ travellers across 233 countries and territories worldwide, with conditions worsening in several nations including the US, India and Japan

Major travel hotspots including the US, Japan and India have faced travel warnings as a new map highlights the risk for LGBTQ+ travellers. Fresh criminal legislation, curbs on established rights, and political reversals mean that LGBTQ travellers could encounter heightened legal and societal dangers when journeying overseas.

The LGBTQ Risk Map 2026, published by Safeture, evaluates the circumstances for LGBTQ travellers across 233 countries and territories around the world. Worldwide, the assessment categorises 91 countries as high risk for LGBTQ travellers. A further 62 countries are rated medium risk, while 80 are deemed low risk.

In comparison with last year, circumstances have deteriorated in multiple countries, including Belarus, Burkina Faso, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Slovakia, and the United States. The factors differ but encompass restrictions on established rights, legal setbacks, stricter penalties, and fresh constraints on the recognition of gender identity and on travel documentation.

Where is safest for LGBTQ travellers?

Western Europe remains the safest region for LGBTQ travellers, with every country in the region classified as low risk in the most recent assessment.

According to the LGBTQ Risk Map 2026, the UK remains in the ‘Normal’ zone as somewhere LGBTQ+ travellers are “unlikely to face difficulties”. Local attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community for countries in the normal zone, including the UK, Brazil, Spain, France and Italy have “are overall open and progressive”.

Botswana and St. Lucia have scrapped legislation criminalising same-sex relations between men, leading to better ratings on this year’s map.

Where is risky for LGBTQ travellers?

By comparison, the Middle East and North Africa remain home to some of the globe’s most perilous destinations for LGBTQ travellers. The majority of nations in the region are categorised as high risk, with Israel given a low risk rating and Lebanon designated medium risk.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, conditions remain extremely difficult. Roughly 80 per cent of evaluated countries in the area fall within the highest risk bracket. The decline is especially noticeable in Burkina Faso and Senegal. Following the 2022 military coup, Burkina Faso introduced its first legislation criminalising same-sex relations. In Senegal, prison terms for same-sex relations have been doubled.

Throughout Europe and Eurasia, fresh legal restrictions have resulted in lower ratings for certain countries. Kazakhstan has introduced constraints on information concerning so-called “non-traditional sexual orientations,” while Slovakia has further curtailed the rights of same-sex couples. Belarus has passed legislation against so-called “LGBT propaganda,” which could lead to fines or even detention.

Backward steps have also been documented in Asia. In India, new laws aim to restrict transgender individuals’ ability to self-identify. In Japan, a court maintained the constitutionality of the nation’s prohibition on same-sex marriage.

In North America, the United States has strengthened requirements for travel documents. Passports will display only the sex assigned at birth, and the “X” gender marker will no longer be accepted.

An important update for family holiday plans

Holidaymakers planning trips to Mediterranean hotspots are being met with an enticing development as airlines grapple with concerns over possible jet fuel shortages this summer.

Ticket prices on major routes to destinations across Spain, Italy and France have tumbled by double digits – and in some instances drastically – as carriers attempt to entice hesitant travellers into making bookings. Costs have declined by 10% or more on 15 sought-after routes, including flights from Heathrow Airport to Nice, Manchester to Palma, and Gatwick Airport to Barcelona.

In the most striking case, fares between Milan and Madrid have nosedived by as much as 44%, according to analysis by the Financial Times.

The unexpected price cuts arrive as airlines wrestle with a decline in bookings, with numerous travellers postponing holiday arrangements amid warnings that jet fuel supplies could face disruption following tensions related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Industry insiders say consumers are holding fire, creating a high-stakes “confidence game” as airlines cut prices aggressively to fill seats before the peak summer holiday period.

One airline boss compared the present climate to the uncertainty experienced during the Covid pandemic, cautioning there remains “a lack of visibility” over how the situation will develop.

Analysis of fares between early April and early May reveals prices dropping on more than half of the busiest routes to southern Europe, particularly to seaside destinations around the Mediterranean. Significantly for families, the steepest reductions are being witnessed on traditional summer routes, with eight of the top 50 routes recording decreases of 20% or more. In contrast, only a small number of routes have experienced similarly sharp rises.

Travel industry insiders told the FT that holidaymakers were “freezing in the headlights”, resulting in them making reservations later than normal or opting for UK getaways instead.

READ MORE: UK officials issue 2026 Summer holiday fuel shortage update for families

Research indicates one in five Britons has already switched an overseas holiday for a domestic break this year, with another fifth contemplating doing likewise.

Airlines are now being compelled to boost demand through reduced fares even as fuel expenses climb and timetables are scaled back. Approximately two million seats have already been removed globally from May timetables, reflecting both elevated costs and weaker demand.

Low-cost carriers including easyJet and Wizz Air have acknowledged that passengers are making bookings later, while also seeking to reassure travellers.

EasyJet has committed not to impose fuel surcharges on existing package reservations, while British Airways has guaranteed prices will not increase after holidays are settled.

Despite the unpredictability, industry insiders emphasise the overwhelming majority of flights are still anticipated to run. Even in a worst-case scenario, only approximately 5% to 15% of flights could be axed and passengers would probably be transferred onto alternative services.

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.”

You need a new document at a cost of £90 a time

People travelling from the UK to Europe have been warned of a major passport change this week, making documents invalid from Wednesday, April 22. The post-Brexit change means that anyone travelling with a pet will need new documentation or face being sent home.

Until now, people taking their pets abroad – whether by plane, train, ferry or car – could use an EU Pet Passport. The EU Regulation 2016/429 – known as the Animal Health Law – comes into force this week after a 10-year transition.

That means anyone going to Europe with their pet now needs an Animal Health Certificate. The certificate requires a vet visit within 10 days of your trip, a new certificate each time and a £90 payment – per pet.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) issued Briefing Note 14/26 on April 17, 2026. ^{This statement marks a significant shift in pet travel rules, effectively ending the “loophole” where Great Britain (GB) residents used EU-issued pet passports to avoid the cost of Animal Health Certificates (AHCs).}

A spokesman said: “An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from GB to the EU. ^{This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026 . EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Un ion.”}

If your primary residence is in Great Britain, you cannot use an EU pet passport for travel from the UK to the EU, regardless of where or when that passport was issued (e.g., if you obtained it in France or Spain). UK residents must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every single trip to the EU.

The briefing clarifies that EU pet passports issued in Northern Ireland are also invalid for travel if the owner is a resident of Great Britain.

APHA is updating the AHC forms to align with new EU regulations. ^{While these new templates are being finalised, there is a transition period where older AHC templates will still be accepted for travel into the EU. There are currently no changes to the requirements for pets entering GB. You can still use a valid EU pet passport or AHC to return to the UK.}

For dogs, the requirement for a vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arriving back in GB remains in place.

You should contact your vet immediately to arrange an AHC, as pet passports will no longer be accepted at the border for UK residents from that date.

Updated rules on the movement of dogs, cats and ferrets are included in a January 2026 EU regulation which is coming into force on April 22.

Airline and travel company has contacted all passengers with holidays booked to inform them of a change to when booking documents are sent out amid Middle East conflict concerns

All Jet2 passengers with holidays booked have been contacted by the operator regarding an important change. Thousands of travellers have received emails notifying them that their holiday documents will be arriving later than originally expected.

This has raised alarm bells among some customers who fear it could be a scam – particularly as Jet2 has recently been warning about numerous fake social media accounts being created in an attempt to defraud passengers.

One passenger wrote on X: “@jet2tweets Hi, I’ve just received this email apparently from Jet2 saying I will now get my holiday documents 14 days before my holiday departure instead of 28, is this true or is it still 28, I’ve a feeling this was a spam email though.”

Another passenger added: “I had the same email. Flying on 25 May with jet2,” A traveller added: “Ive just had the same email !”

The email says: “Just so you know, following a change to when we send out the documents for your holiday, you’ll now receive your documents 14 days before departure, rather than 28 days as stated on your original booking confirmation. You don’t need to contact us or take any action – you’ll recveive your documents 14 days before you travel. Have a lovely holiday!”

Responding on X, Jet2 confirmed it was a genuine message and explained: “Hi there, thanks for reaching out. Yes we can confirm that you will receive your documents 14 days before departure. Should you require any further assistance, then please feel free to send us a DM. “

The shift towards holidaymakers securing their travel documents closer to their departure dates comes amid growing uncertainty sparked by the Middle East conflict. Last week, Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), warned there could be flight cancellations “soon” if oil supplies remain restricted by the Iran war.

The head of the world’s energy watchdog also cautioned that Europe has only six weeks’ supply of jet fuel because of the Middle East conflict. Iran continues to have a stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz and has fired at several over the weekend.

Worried holidaymakers have been flooding Jet2’s social media channels with their concerns. One wrote: “@jet2tweets Hi there – we are looking to go away for a week to Malaga in June and want to know how concerned we should be about the reporting of lack of airport fuel and what happens to our holiday should something like this happen and impact our holiday. Can you help…?|”

Another posted: “Are holidays going ahead as usual? We’ve booked an all inclusive 10 day to Crete in June. I’m worried about jet fuel prices.” While a further traveller asked: “You guys aren’t planning on last-minute flight cancellations due to potential jet fuel shortages, are you? Family holiday booked in May, FYI” Jet2 responded: “Hi all, flights are planned to go ahead as normal. If anything were to change regarding your booking, we would be sure to reach out to you directly to make you aware and discuss the options available to you. Thanks”

Meanwhile, Javier Gándara, easyJet’s CEO for Spain and Portugal, spoke at the reopening of the airline’s base in Palma, Mallorca, where he gave his assessment of the current fuel supply situation: “What the producers and airports are telling us is that there won’t be any supply problems for the next three or four weeks.

“Beyond that, it’s difficult to see. In Spain, we are in a comparatively better situation than neighbouring countries for two reasons. Firstly, because of all the crude oil that is imported and then refined here, only 11% comes from the Middle East, which is the percentage affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz; the remaining 89% comes from elsewhere.”

He went on to warn: “No one will be immune to potential supply problems. Ships that leave and pass through the Strait of Hormuz and come to Europe take an average of 45 days, and they have already been practically out of service for two months. It will take time to recover all of that. It’s difficult to know what will happen, so we’ll react as we go.”

Long-haul flights can cause in-flight circulation stiffness and fatigue, especially for older travellers

Anyone who’s flown long-haul will be acutely aware of the stiffness, exhaustion and sluggish circulation that can develop, potentially marring the start of your holiday. And this is particularly relevant for older passengers.

With this in mind, Inspiring Vacations has teamed up with Melbourne-based Pilates instructor Brittany Tatterson to reveal some movements anyone can perform while still aboard their flight.

She explained: “Seated movements every 30 to 60 minutes are ideal, with the opportunity to stand and walk every one to two hours where possible. Many people wait until they already feel stiff, but by that point the body has already tightened and circulation has slowed.

“The good news is you don’t need to stand in the aisle or take up extra space. The most effective movements are often the smallest and can be done entirely within your seat.”

The discreet in-seat exercises you can do (without anyone noticing)

The first movement Brittany suggests is gently tilting your pelvis forward and backwards, as this can help engage your core and relieve pressure from your lower back.

“You can also keep your toes on the floor and slowly lift your heels up and down to encourage circulation through the legs, which is particularly important on long-haul flights,” Brittany added.

“Breathing is another big one. Inhaling through your nose and allowing your ribs to expand, then exhaling slowly, can help improve both your breathing and overall energy levels.” She also notes that even minor neck movements, such as gentle nods, turns and slight tilts, can alleviate tension that accumulates from screen time and poor posture.

Meanwhile, simply clenching and releasing your glutes can help support your pelvis and ease strain on the lower back without drawing any attention from those around you.

How to move without annoying your neighbour

While these movements are vital for a comfortable journey, Brittany emphasises that they should never come at the expense of those around you.

“Move slowly and mindfully; there’s no rush. Slower movement is not only more considerate, it’s actually more effective for the body,” she says. “The key is to keep everything small and controlled, staying within your own space wherever possible.”

A few simple etiquette rules can make all the difference:

• Keep movements small and within your seat space
• Avoid wide arm stretches or anything intrusive
• Move during quieter moments, not meal service
• Only walk the aisle when it’s clear