Passengers carrying the item in their hand luggage need to be aware of restrictions
People should take care when packing their luggage (stock image)(Image: Getty)
Passengers flying from a busy UK airport are being reminded to pack their bags carefully. While most flyers know there are rules around carrying liquid items in hand luggage, there’s sometimes confusion over which beauty items and toiletries count as liquids.
Heathrow Airport has a reminder for passengers online. The airport has answered various security and baggage FAQs for customers on its website. Explaining the restrictions, the airline told its customers: “Liquids, aerosols and gels can now be packed in your cabin bag and are permitted in containers up to two litres. These do not need to be removed from your cabin baggage.”
As Heathrow Airport points out, common shower items such as shaving foam and gels count as liquids. Other items commonly packed in toiletry bags, including toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, and creams, are also classed as liquids, according to the advice.
The airport explained: “We often get asked about hair gels, creams and even yoghurt”. Here is a quick checklist of what is considered a liquid and what is not:
Not considered a liquid:
Solid lipstick
Stick deodorant
All these items are considered liquids:
Drinks, soup and yoghurt
Pastes and puréed food
Formula milk (special rules apply for breast milk)
Shaving foam
Toothpaste
Roll-on deodorant
Atomisers, sprays
Creams
Gels
In the FAQs, the airport added: “Duty free liquids, aerosols and gels purchased after security can be carried as hand baggage. However, these must be sealed at the time of purchase with the receipt inside a security tamper-evident bag.”
More advice is available on Gov.uk. The advice says liquids include: “All drinks, including water. Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups. Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.
“Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants. Pastes, including toothpaste. Gels, including hair and shower gel. Contact lens solution. Any other solutions and items of similar consistency.”
However, passengers can carry refillable drink containers if they are empty. These can then be refilled in the departure lounge after security, and most airports have water fountains. For example, Heathrow Airport says there are over 100 water fountains across its four terminals.
Passengers carrying liquids are advised to check travel advice with the airports they are travelling through before departure. This should include the airport they are flying from, any other airports they plan to travel through, and the airport they are flying home to.
HEADING abroad can be stressful, from packing all the essentials to leaving for the airport at the crack of dawn.
To make it as easy as possible, take a look at all of the new rules for a smooth-sailing holiday this summer.
Heading on your summer holiday soon? Make sure you read all these new rules firstCredit: Alamy
EES
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new system that has been implemented across 29 European countries in the Schengen Area.
These include holiday hotspots like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Germany.
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EES tracks when you enter and leave European countries by using biometrics and eventually it will replace passport stamping.
Essentially Brits will have to register at a machine and scan their passport – the good news is that you then you don’t have to do it again for another three years.
If you want to find out more on the step-by-step process – head here.
Something else to be aware of about EES is that it has resulted in long queues, so it’s wise to leave extra time when heading abroad.
There have been reports of up to six- hour delays outside of peak travel time at border control at multiple airports.
During the summer, you might experience queues in the arrivals hall, but there have also been travellers who have missed flights on their way home too.
Brits now have to register with EES before heading to the Schengen AreaCredit: AFPThere have been reports of incredibly long queues at border controlCredit: Getty
eGates
There are new rules at UK airports for children which is actually good news for families.
Now, children aged eight and over can now use eGates when accompanied by an adult – they also need to be at least 120cm tall.
The height restriction is in place as kids need to be able to see and be captured by the biometric screens at the eGates.
The rule change impacts 13 airports across the UK that currently use eGates, including:
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London City
London Luton
London Stansted
Manchester
Birmingham
Bristol
East Midlands
Newcastle
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Passports
Brits heading on holiday are STILL being caught out by passport rules, so it’s worth reminding yourself beforehand.
Passports must be only be valid for 10 years, with any months rolled over from previous passports no longer allowed.
Figures have shown up to 100,000 holidaymakers a year face being turned away atairportsif their passport is more than a decade old.
Make sure your passport is in date before you travelIf you have a burgundy passport – this is likely to run out of date soonCredit: Alamy
For example, if a passport has June 2016 start date but a November 2026 expiry, it has technically expired.
Alongside the requirement to have between three to six months left on it, enforced by a number of countries, it is still causing confusion for travellers.
Most places in Europe only want three months left on a passport, but places like the UAE, Egypt, and Chile require six months in total.
Another passport rule to be aware of only affects those with dual nationality.
A rule that came into effect at the beginning of 2026 means that you can no longer use your foreign passport to enter the UK.
Instead, you have to use a valid British passport.
If you don’t have this, you can apply for a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589.
Visas and travel requirements
Luckily for Brits, citizens can visit more than 170 countries in the world without a visa.
When heading on holiday, families can enter with just their passport to the Schengen Area and most European countries.
In most destinations, you can travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period – so if you’re going to the likes of Spain for a two-week break, you’re covered.
But there are certain countries where an additional entry requirement is needed.
Most countries in Europe don’t require an ESTA for British citizensCredit: GettyAnyone heading to the USA for a holiday will need a valid ESTACredit: Alamy
Be sure to check the entry requirements in advance as some take a few weeks to come through – although most holiday visas are approved quicker.
For example, if you’re headed to Florida for a theme park getaway to Orlando, then you’ll need to apply for an ESTA.
It costs around £30 per application and can be approved in as little as 72 hours.
Countries where you’ll need a visa or other travel requirement include India, Australia and parts of Egypt.
Until December 31, 2026, UK passport holders can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa.
FANCY a last-minute break? You aren’t the only one. Holiday Hypermarket has found that one in five Brits are booking trips just two weeks before jetting off.
And there are plenty of great holiday deals too – and we’ve found some holidays all under £300pp.
You could jet off to the Trabukos Beach Complex in Corfu for £260ppCredit: On the Beach
Seven Hills Camping & Village, Italy
There’s a large freshwater pool at Seven Hills Camping & Village in ItalyCredit: Love Holidays
Set in the Italian countryside is Seven Hills Camping & Village which has bungalow-style accommodation.
It has an outdoor freshwater swimmingpool and a sun terrace for soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.
From the swimming pool to evening entertainment, there’s plenty for guests to do.
All rooms come with a private balcony with outdoor seating so the weather can be enjoyed well into the evening.
A five-night stay including flights departing from London Gatwick to Dalaman on July 20 returning on August 4 will set you back just £289pp.
Trabukos Beach Complex, Greece
Trabukos Beach Complex is an adult-only hotel near the party town of KavosCredit: Unknown
Found on the main strip of Kavos in Corfu is the adults-only Trabukos Beach Complex.
It’s close to the city centre and within walking distance from lots of bars and nightclubs.
The hotel itself has a pretty swimming pool, and some of the spacious rooms have their own balcony.
A five-night stay including flights departing from Manchester Airport to Corfu Airport on July 27 returning on August 1 will set you back just £260pp.
Hotel Cappelli, Italy
The Hotel Cappelli is a beautiful city break spot in Tuscany with deals from £245ppCredit: On the Beach
Hotel Cappelli in Tuscany is labelled the ‘go-to spot for a chilled-out city break‘.
There’s an outdoor pool, terrace, lush garden and when it’s time to eat, Ristorante Giulio serves up classic Italian dishes.
If the Italian heat gets too much, there a cosy TV lounge inside.
A five-night stay including flights departing from Stansted Airport to Pisa on July 30 returning on August 4 will set you back just £245pp – including breakfast.
The Money Saving Expert says one thing that is ‘totally free’ could save holidaymakers loads of money
Martin Lewis has shared his holiday advice (file image)(Image: ITV)
Heading to Europe this summer? Before you jet off, Money Saving Expert says there’s one free card every holidaymaker should have in their wallet – and it could save them money.
The Money Saving Expert has issued a reminder to travellers to get the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) just in case of an emergency. It can help you access state healthcare in many European countries, however he stresses this shouldn’t be a replacement for travel insurance.
Speaking as part of the National Money Assembly held at St Charles 6th Form College in London, Lewis urged anyone heading to the continent to apply for a GHIC before leaving the UK. He explained how the card is “totally free”, and warned people to never pay a third-party website to apply for one.
“First of all, if you’re going to Europe, you always get your GHIC card, your Global Health Insurance Card,” he said. “That’s totally free, never pay for it. This gives you treatment in a state-run hospital in a European Union country or equivalent at the same cost as a local – so if it’s free for them, it’s free for you.
“If you need to go and see the doctor when you’re abroad and local people don’t pay for the GP, you can go to the GP with your GHIC card. So you should make sure that you have one of those.”
The NHS says the GHIC covers medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU and certain other countries. However, it does not cover private medical treatment, mountain rescue, being flown back to the UK or costs such as lost or stolen belongings.
For that reason, Martin Lewis says holidaymakers should never rely on the GHIC alone. He urged travellers to arrange travel insurance as soon as they book a holiday, explaining that it protects them both before and during their trip.
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He said basic travel insurance for a young person spending a week in Europe can often cost as little as £7 to £10. Martin added: “If you can afford the holiday, you can afford travel insurance.”
His long-standing rule is to buy travel insurance “ASAB” – as soon as you book. That’s because policies can protect you if illness, injury or another unforeseen event forces you to cancel your holiday before you even leave home.
Applications for a GHIC are free through the official NHS website, and most people can apply online. Anyone using a website that charges a fee is paying for a service they do not need, as the card itself is available free of charge.
A MASSIVE travelling attraction is set to return to a seaside hotspot next week – and it’s perfect for the whole family.
The popular spot will be open for more than a month throughout the summer.
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The popular fair is set to return next weekendCredit: Cardiff Bay Fun ParkThis year the site will even feature the UK’s tallest travelling towerCredit: Cardiff Bay Fun Park
Cardiff Bay Fun Park will descend on the Welsh capital once more, as the family-friendly destination is set to return to Roald Dahl Plass next weekend (July 18).
This year also marks the attraction’s newest arrival, Skyfall – the tallest travelling drop tower in the UK.
At 262 ft (80 metres) high, thrill-seekers will be treated with 360-degree panoramic views of Cardiff and the Bristol Channel, before plunging down at speeds of up to 75mph.
The tower even dwarfs the tallest roller coaster in the UK, Hyperia, which stands at 236 ft (72 metres).
THOUSANDS of people have been evacuated across the south of France due to huge wildfires across the region.
Along with flights being forced to divert, we’ve explained everything you need to know.
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Wildfires have spread across the south of France, resulting in evacuations and flight diversionsCredit: EPASmoke seen over Canet en Roussillon which was evacuatedCredit: Alamy
Emergency services including water-dropping helicopters and firefighters have been deployed, with more than 3,000 people evacuated, after highs of 44C have been reported.
The blaze in France is believed to have been sparked by a discarded cigarette butt.
Officials have spent much of the summer battling with wildfires in France, with over 9,000 reported along the Mediterranean coast.
Jet2 has rolled out a ’72-hour’ update so passengers can check live flight times and its status before even getting to the airport, to help make travel over summer even easier
Jet2 has shared an update for customers(Image: Getty Images)
Just ahead of the summer holidays, Jet2 has rolled out a new ’72-hour’ update for passengers.
Travellers flying with Jet2 will now be able to check live flight times, monitor their flight status and receive any updates 72 hours prior to departure. The new functionality was introduced this week and is designed to provide customers with accurate, up-to-date information about their flight to help ensure their journey runs as smoothly as possible.
The new handy features come courtesy of an upgrade to the airline’s app, which will also enable passengers to find out how and when they can meet their Jet2 in-resort Customer Helper. Times, locations and the Customer Helper’s name will be made available to holidaymakers via the app, making it even easier to access assistance and information about their holiday.
The update comes at the ideal moment ahead of the summer holidays, one of the busiest periods for travel. It’s expected to make travel more straightforward for passengers as they’ll have instant access to crucial flight information at the touch of a button, reports Chronicle Live.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, said: “We are always looking at how we can continually improve the experience for our customers and digital innovation is a critical part of that. We are very pleased to be launching this new app functionality, which makes travelling with Jet2 even easier and more convenient. By putting more real-time information in our customers’ hands, we are improving our industry-leading customer experience even further.”
“This is part of our continued investment in delivering the very best customer service there is, and it is another example of how we are continuing to evolve our app and digital offering in response to what customers want from us.”
Last year, Jet2 introduced its ‘Live Transfer Status’ app feature, enabling passengers to track their coach transfer to the departure airport from their holiday destination in real time. This covers coach services when returning from the Balearics, Canaries, Mainland Spain, Morocco, Turkey, and Bulgaria, and is set to expand to Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Faro, and Madeira this summer.
Elsewhere, Jet2 has urged passengers to take action “at least 12 hours” before their flight.
With a packed summer season on the horizon and thousands of holidaymakers expected to board their flights, Jet2 has published guidance on arrivals and departures on its website. The airline advised customers: “Please check this section of the website at least 12 hours before your flight for the latest flight information.”
It continued: “Further information can be found by using the [above] search panel by entering your flight number or route. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
“Please remember – check in desks close 40 minutes before this. In the event of flight disruption our dedicated Operations teams are working hard behind the scenes at our UK-based HQ to get you on your way as soon as possible.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Simple mistakes could not only invalidate travel insurance but also leave the medication ineffective or even ‘unsafe’
It is important to notify travel insurers(Image: GettyImages)
A warning has been issued to thousands of people who will be travelling abroad on weight loss treatments this summer as mistakes could mean they are not only ineffective but could be “unsafe” to use. Millions of people currently use the jabs to help weight loss but there are strict rules around their use.
A survey by ZAVAfound an estimated 337,000 people will holiday on Mounjaro or Wegovy this summer however if it is not carried and stored correctly it can be left “ineffective”. Experts at the firm have now provided three tips for travelling with Mounjaro and Wegovy, alongside the most important things to know before heading off.
You could be invalidating your travel insurance
When taking out travel insurance, you often need to declare any pre-existing conditions during an online application or by calling your insurer directly. Failing to declare the use of weight loss treatment could render your policy invalid, leaving you unable to make a claim should something go wrong, which could result in a bill worth thousands of pounds.
You should also check import restrictions to any country you are travelling to and verify if the medication can be brought into the country and how much you’re allowed to carry for personal use. Make sure to also take evidence of your prescription with you, whether it be in paper or digital form, and that your treatment is in its original packaging.
Insurers like Admiral don’t typically cover GLP-1 injections bought from an unofficial programme, if a medical professional isn’t monitoring them or hasn’t been declared. It is strongly advisable to follow up with a direct call to your insurer to confirm everything is properly documented. When in doubt, contact your insurer and your GP before travelling.
Storing jabs in hold luggage could freeze your medication
Putting injection weight loss treatments in with checked luggage can be a huge risk. The compartments where checked baggage is stored undergo huge changes in temperature and pressure that may alter the effectiveness of, or even damage, your medication. It can get very cold and may freeze and unfreeze the liquid in the pen, making the injections unsafe to take. Make sure to take a carry-on bag with you to store your medication in.
Essential liquid medicines are allowed through security, even if they are over 100ml; security often advises keeping medicines separate in your bag where possible, informing the Security Officer and bringing supporting documentation if possible. After this step, make sure that your medication stays in its original packaging. If you have any specific queries about carry-on luggage and medication, contact your airline provider.
Not having access to a fridge could damage your medication
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy must be stored by following the guidelines outlined in the patient information leaflets. The medication may be kept in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C or stored at room temperature, provided it does not exceed 30°C, for a maximum of 28-30 days.
Any pens exposed to temperatures above 30°C, or left unrefrigerated for more than 28 days for Wegovy and 30 days for Mounjaro, should be discarded immediately, as it could be unsafe to take. Patients travelling with weight loss injections are advised to contact their accommodation in advance to confirm refrigerator access and to verify that the appliance maintains an appropriate temperature, as this can vary between units. As the jabs are administered once weekly, most patients will use each pen within the 30-day unrefrigerated window, unless travel is extended or a dose is missed.
A UK woman has vanished in Paris after travelling abroad for a festival, with no contact with her family for over a week. Lucy Stemp has been reported missing by her loved ones. The woman, from Tonbridge, Kent, has been described as “very vulnerable” by her family.
She had travelled over to France for a festival in the city of Brest but her last known location is believed to have been Paris. Lucy is believed to have gone missing on May 30. Her loved ones are pleading with locals and expats to report any information they have on to the police or themselves.
Her last known location was the Bercy neighbourhood in the French capital. Lucy’s stepdad Sean said: “Lucy is my stepdaughter and is very vulnerable, she has been missing for over a week now.”
It is believed that Lucy will have no access to sorting how to get herself back home. The British embassy and Interpol are reportedly working together on a cross-border operation to help track her down.
Paul Arnott, who helps find missing Brits, said: “Lucy Stemp, from Tonbridge, Kent, has been missing in France for approximately one week and her family are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare. Lucy had travelled to France for a music festival in the city of Brest and is believed to have subsequently been in Paris.
“No one has heard from her for the past week. Lucy is considered vulnerable and efforts to locate her are ongoing. The British Embassy, police authorities and Interpol are involved in the search.
“If you know Lucy, have spoken to her, seen her, or have any information that could help establish her whereabouts, please come forward as soon as possible.”
A travel expert has shared five vital passport checks Brits should make before jetting off on holiday this summer – and failing to do so could mean being denied boarding at the airport
Many people will be going on a holiday soon(Image: Getty Images)
Many people will be counting down the days until their next holiday. With children set to wrap up for the school year, many families are gearing up for a summer of fun. Now a travel business owner has called on all British passport holders to carry out five crucial checks before jetting off abroad this summer.
Kate Donnelly, who posts travel advice on TikTok, urged her followers to take action now to prevent being turned away at the departure gate. While some of her guidance might appear straightforward to experienced travellers, she insists certain issues continue to trip up numerous Brits and wreck their holiday plans at the eleventh hour.
Passport validity
Her initial recommendation is to verify the expiry date – as the majority of European destinations require at least three months’ validity remaining from the date you depart the country.
“This is slightly different if you are travelling to Turkey where you have to have a validity of 150 days on the day you actually arrived,” Kate explained. “So it’s really important you check the country you are travelling to and see what their rule is.”
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10-year rule
Following this, Kate alerted her followers to the 10-year rule, which she states is applicable to most of Europe. “On the day that you enter [the country] your passport has to be less than 10-years-old – so it’s important you check the issue date as well as the expiry, especially if your passport was renewed before 2018 because unused months from your old passport will have likely been added on to your new on meaning that your passport is probably 10-years plus,” she said. “This is catching so many people out.”
Blank pages
Third on Kate’s list is the matter of blank pages in your passport. “This isn’t as important as due to the new Entry-Exit System (EES) in Europe we are slowly phasing out passport stamping,” she admitted. “But the reality is lots of countries are bringing in measures, which means the EES is paused.”
Regrettably, when travelling to such destinations, you won’t discover whether the EES is operational or not until you get there. “Therefore if the airline checks your passport and you have no empty pages left, they are well within their right to refuse boarding,” Kate warned.
Condition
Kate proceeded to emphasise the physical state of your passport is something that is frequently neglected and could present a genuine obstacle to your travel arrangements. “If it has water damage, if it has fake tan on it, if it is torn or you can’t read any of the writing for whatever reason, this is also enough grounds for the airline to deny you boarding,” she elaborated.
Dual-nationals
Kate directed her final piece of advice at dual-nationals, who are impacted by a rule modification that came into effect in the UK in February. “UK citizens have to ensure they have a UK passport or a certificate of entitlement when they are entering or exiting the UK,” she continued. “This means that you can no longer use your non-UK passport – even if you are recognised as a British citizen.
She closed by advising the certificate of entitlement is £589 and therefore it is more “cost-effective” for dual-nationals to apply for their UK passport to keep alongside their non-UK one at all times. “This means you have the two to use freely depending on which country you are travelling to,” Kate said.
P&O Cruises passengers are urged to check the rules for their destination before packing certain medications
10:10, 24 May 2026Updated 10:10, 24 May 2026
Certain items are banned and passengers risk trouble if they aren’t aware(Image: Getty)
P&O Cruises passengers heading to specific destinations worldwide are being advised to pay special attention to the medications they bring. The cruise operator is a favoured option for countless Britons, carrying between 500,000 and 600,000 travellers annually.
P&O Cruises operates a fleet of seven vessels. This collection features both family-oriented choices and adult-only ships, spanning from massive floating resorts to more intimate, traditional boats. All the ships go to numerous nations, including Norway, the Caribbean, and the Canary Islands.
For those with bookings to Japan or voyages exploring the Arabian Gulf, it’s essential to verify what medications are permitted. These nations enforce stringent regulations, and particular medicines are prohibited for personal import and non-prescription use.
This includes codeine, which is frequently found in paracetamol tablets. On the P&O Cruises website, the operator outlines all the crucial information passengers require, reports the Liverpool Echo.
It states: “Please be aware that some prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, complementary therapies and other medicines that are purchased in the UK may be illegal in the United Arab Emirates and are therefore banned in the country. Japan also has rules regarding such medication. Penalties can be severe if banned substances are found when entering these countries.”
It states: “Codeine, for example, is banned and no products containing codeine, which may include paracetamol, may be imported or sold in the United Arab Emirates. An import Certificate from the Japanese or UAE Authorities would be required in order to take such products into the countries, and this does not guarantee the products will be permitted.”
According to the NHS, codeine is a potent opioid painkiller and is often combined with paracetamol to treat moderate pain that standard paracetamol alone cannot alleviate. This combination is typically known as co-codamol.
Codeine is categorised as a narcotic. You’re prohibited from bringing it into Japan for personal use without obtaining strict prior authorisation. Codeine is also designated as a controlled substance in the UAE.
If you’re taking medication and have any uncertainty, contact the appropriate embassy before your arrival:
United Arab Emirates London Embassy Medical Department: 020 7486 6281
Japanese Embassy: 0207 465 6500
You may also check for further information at www.fco.gov.uk.
P&O Cruises also advises that anyone travelling with medications and/or syringes should carry a prescription. It clarifies: “All medications should be kept in their labelled dispensing bottles or packages. If the medications are ‘controlled’ or injectable drugs, it is also advisable to carry a doctor’s letter.
“For the United Arab Emirates, it is essential to carry a prescription for any medication, as well as a medical report if you are travelling with syringes or other medical equipment. We strongly advise you to seek advice if any of the above affects you.”
Little you may know, passengers travelling with Ryanair should obey by a certain rule when on planes. As soon as you board, it’s wise to remove a key item of clothing
09:32, 19 May 2026Updated 09:33, 19 May 2026
Ryanair passengers should remove the item of clothing (stock image)(Image: Jakub Porzycki/Getty Images)
Thetravel tip was recently shared online by a woman known as Sarah Geissler who alluded to the rule in a light-hearted way. Even so, she drew attention to something a lot of people may not be aware of when they’re jetting off onholidays, and this is that a certain item of clothing should be removed on flights.
She shared a clip of a sign on a plane seat, which seemed to show that heels are not permitted to be worn. Over the top of the clip, she wrote: “No heels allowed on your Ryanair flight.”
Sarah also teased that this was “bad news for baddies”, but it actually put a spotlight on something important. When it comes toair travel, there are some important things you need to be clued up on, but it’s not as simple as it seems.
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Indeed, while there are rules you need to follow about wearing heels when flying with Ryanair, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear them when at the airport. There are actually vital guidelines you should follow, especially in case of an emergency.
What you need to know
Even though people aren’t banned from wearing heels when travelling with the airline, it is highly recommended that they avoid doing so. Heels significantly increase your risk of tripping in the cabin and can puncture the inflatable emergency evacuation slides.
For safety reasons, cabin crew will instruct you to remove your heels prior to going down an escape slide in an emergency. This is why it’s best to remove them before boarding a plane, and perhaps slip into something more comfortable.
Even better, you could avoid wearing them in the first place. During an emergency, you must remove all high heels before going down the slide.
To ensure a swift escape, flight attendants suggest slipping them off before sliding, should an emergency ever occur. If one took place, passengers are also advised to leave their hand luggage behind.
In the footage shared online, the video also showed you shouldn’t wear glasses or smoke in such an emergency either. It’s a topic that’s got people talking on Reddit in the past.
One person said: “Heels can damage an escape slide, and I’d guess that glasses, ear rings and false teeth could be ripped out during impact. Hence, get them off before the event.”
Another noted: “My theory. Remove glasses, dentures. They may come loose and become lost (so, put them in a pocket).
“Remove high heels (especially important if you leave the plane via slide). Remove ear buds or headsets (so you can hear emergency instructions).”
A third also suggested: “The point is not to wear pointy things when coming down the inflatable slide in order not to make holes in it.”
Popular budget airline is to cancel routes in 2026 after a row with officials
Ryanair is shutting down a European base, with 12 routes set to be axed.(Image: Getty)
Ryanair has given bad news for passengers going to 12 destinations. The airline regularly keeps customers with bookings in the loop regarding travel updates and on its website has explained that the routes are being chopped.
It said that 12 routes are being cut – with the result that 700,000 seats are effectively being lost to air gtravel. The issue has arisen around its Thessaloniki base – meaning it’s closing for the three aircraft based there. It said: “This devastating loss in off-peak winter connectivity is the direct result of the hopelessly uncompetitive costs charged at the German-run Fraport Greece monopoly and Athens Airport.
“The Greek Govt. made the wise decision to reduce the Airport Development Fee (ADF) by 75% (from €12 to €3 per passenger) from November’24, which should have directly stimulated year-round connectivity and tourism across Greece. However, most Greek airports, particularly those run by Fraport Greece, refused to pass the tax cut onto passengers and instead have pocketed the tax cut for themselves. Since then, Fraport Greece have continued to increase charges, which are now +66% above their pre-Covid levels. Likewise, Athens Airport will hike charges this Winter.
“Consequently, Greek airports are no longer competitive in the off-peak shoulder and Winter months, when the tourism industry’s reliance on low-fare connectivity is most acute. Ryanair has therefore been left with no choice but to reallocate capacity to more competitive countries like Albania, regional Italy, and Sweden where airports have passed on the savings from Govt. tax reductions. “
Ryanair said it presented an ambitious growth plan to the Greek government in what it said would grow traffic to 12m passengers per annum, base 10 additional aircraft and launch 50 new routes over the next 5 years. It said it would carry out the plan if airport charges were frozen and the 75% Airport Development Fee reduction is passed on to passengers at all airports.
Ryanair Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness said: “Ryanair regrets to announce the closure of our Thessaloniki base and reductions in Athens for Winter ‘26, resulting in the loss of 700,000 seats and 12 routes across Greece, as well as the suspension of operations at Chania and Heraklion during the off-peak months. These preventable traffic reductions are a direct result of the airports’ failure to pass through the ADF reduction, particularly in Thessaloniki where the Fraport Greece monopoly have hiked airport charges +66% since 2019.
“The removal of 3 based aircraft, 500,000 seats (-60% vs. Winter ‘25) and 10 routes from Thessaloniki for Winter ‘26 will be devastating for the city and region, as Ryanair provided 90% of international capacity to Thessaloniki last Winter. Unfortunately, there will now be less low-cost air fares for Thessaloniki’s citizens and visitors, and year-round tourism will be harmed as a result. These aircraft will be reallocated to Albania, regional Italy and Sweden, where airports have passed on their Govt’s aviation tax savings – resulting in more connectivity, tourism and jobs this Winter in those regions.
“There is an opportunity for Greece to secure significant year-round traffic growth however, this investment can only be realised once the German-run Fraport Greece monopoly fully passes through the Greek Govt.’s sensible tax cut from November’24 – allowing airlines such as Ryanair, to deliver the connectivity required to reduce Greece’s chronic seasonality.”
The cancelled routes:
Thessaloniki to Berlin
Thessaloniki to Chania
Thessaloniki to Frankfurt-H
Thessaloniki to Gothenburg
Thessaloniki to Heraklion
Thessaloniki to Niederrhein
Thessaloniki to Poznan
Thessaloniki to Stockholm
Thessaloniki to Venice-T
Thessaloniki to Zagreb
Athens to Milan-M
Chania to Paphos
Ryanair has also pulled its aircraft from Chania and Heraklion.
Fraport, which runs 14 airports in Greece said Ryanair’s decision is “exclusively related” to the airline’s commercial strategy and profitability considerations. “Any claims linking this decision to airport charges or the airport development fee imposed by the Greek state are entirely unfounded,” it adds. Fraport Greece has invested over €100 million (£86 million) to upgrade Thessaloniki, the statement added.
Meanwhile, Ryanair has announced the closure of its Berlin operating base and a 50% reduction in its winter schedule to the German capital, citing escalating aviation taxes in the country. The Irish budget airline confirmed that relocating seven aircraft to alternative hubs would see its Berlin passenger numbers drop from 4.5 million to 2.2 million annually.
