TUI

TUI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have all cancelled or delayed flights and holidays across Jamaica following the devastating hurricane.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall yesterday on the island with speeds up to 160mph.

New images coming from Jamaica show widespread destruction, with most of the island left without power.

As many as 8,000 Brits are thought to be on holiday in the country, with many taking shelter in hotels.

And tour operators and airlines have since been cancelling holidays in response.

TUI has cancelled all flights to Jamaica until October 31, although this may be extended.

CARIBBEAN CARNAGE

Storm death toll SOARS as dozens drown in Haiti & baby killed in Jamaica

TERROR STORM

Moment hurricane water floods Jamaican street as locals told ‘watch for crocs’

And all package holidays to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least the end of the week (November 2).

They said in a statement: “We’re working hard to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the extent of damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports. 

“We want to reassure our customers that their safety and wellbeing remains our absolute top priority. 

“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. ”

Virgin Atlantic has only cancelled flights up until tomorrow although this is very likely to be extended.

Flights VS165 and VS165 have been cancelled tomorrow (October 30).

And British Airways has also cancelled a number of upcoming flights, with passengers told to contact the airline.

Both Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport remain closed.

Just remember that you must not cancel your holiday ahead of the your tour operator or you will be left out of pocket.

This is because the Foreign Office has not warned again travel to Jamaica – it is only when it is advised against, that you can cancel a holiday for a full refund.

Instead it is better to contact the tour operator and see if you can push back your flight if you are wary of travelling.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

“We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office, including with support from the (Ministry of Defence), and we are also positioning specialist rapid deployment teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region.

“Any British nationals who are there should follow our travel advice and the advice of the Jamaican authorities.”

ONE Brit has shared her top spots in Majorca, after she was due to stay there for just six months… yet is still there 26 years later.

Diana Winskill originally left the UK for Spain back in 1999, for what was supposed to be a short stint as a TUI rep.

Yet, fast forward 26 years, she is still in Majorca.

She said: “I came here when I was 23 for what was supposed to be six months.

“I met my English born husband Chris here, we had two daughters, Imogen and Amelia and I’ve now lived in Majorca longer than I ever lived in the UK.”

She has even seen in that time what Brits love to do when in Majorca, including the all-inclusive holiday options.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

TAKE THE FALL

50 half term days out and Halloween specials which are FREE or under £5

She added: “And then there’s bingo.

“Without fail, we have our loyal customers who love their bingo every evening.

“That’s never changed in my 26 years.”

When it comes to her favourite things to do in Majorca, Diana recommends heading to Sant Elm, which is a quiet coastal village in the south west of the island.

Diana said: “Sant Elm has a very relaxed vibe and beautiful turquoise waters.

“You can relax on the small sandy beach, enjoy lunch and sangria in one of the small restaurants or hop on a boat to Dragonera, a protected uninhabited island where you can find unique wildlife and great hiking routes.”

Another top spot for the TUI rep is Palma city.

She said: “You can’t miss the spectacular cathedral, but many people don’t know about the 11th century Arab baths just around the corner.

“It’s well worth the small entrance fee to experience this little piece of history and interesting architectural elements.”

She added that if you happen to visit Palma on the last Saturday of every month, then you can see the changing of the guard at the Almudaina Palace – which is next to the cathedral.

“This is a fantastic sight where soldiers from the Light infantry regiment of Palma recreate the historical guard shift wearing historical 18th century uniforms,” Diana revealed.

The ceremony includes muskets, sabres and drums and it takes place at midday and 7:30pm in July and August.

For another hidden spot, head to Inca, which is known for having the biggest weekly market on the island.

Or you could head to one of the most varied, vibrant and historical markets in Majorca – Sineu market – which takes place each Wednesday.

Diana shared: “Dating back almost 700 years you’ll find amazing local fruits and vegetables, farm animals, leather products and much more.”

Finally, Diana recommends going for a ride on the historic wooden train that started operating between Palma and the mountain town of Sóller in 1912.

She said: “Beautifully preserved, this charming train journey takes you through stunning countryside and up into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tramuntana mountains.

“From there you can take the vintage tram to the port area, and then a boat to the breathtaking Sa Calobra bay.

“It is a very spectacular day of sightseeing in the most untouched part of the island.”

Diana works at the adults-only Hotel Globales Santa Lucia, which is located between two sprawling beaches.

The resort is then just a five-minute walk into town and it has an indoor and an outdoor pool, a buffet restaurant and two bars.

She has also noticed how Brits want to do more excursions, such as seeing the markets in Majorca and experiencing the local culture.

She said: “TUI have so many to choose from with local guides who know the island back to front.”

And on the TUI app, travellers can see all their transfer times and can book experiences on their phones.

She added: “Even in winter, the average temperature only drops to 13 degrees, and you still get the most beautiful sunshine even in the colder months.

“My colleagues have become my family, and honestly, working around people on holiday is infectious because everyone’s so positive.”

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

In other Spanish news, there will be vintage train to connect two cities next year – with a seaside stop along the way.

Plus, Spain’s ‘best coastal town’ set to ban smoking, pets and loud music on its beaches.

Diana Winskill, from Somerset, has lived in Majorca for the last 26 years, having moved to the Spanish island with her husband and kids to work as a TUI holiday rep

When Diana Winskill from Somerset left the UK for a six-month stint in Majorca as a TUI rep in 1999, she never imagined she’d still be welcoming British holidaymakers 26 years later—and still loving every minute.

While a lot has changed in the country and the world over the past quarter of a century, holidaymakers’ patterns are pleasingly regular.

“Brits still absolutely love their all-inclusive holidays. Knowing everything’s included means they can really indulge and not worry about extra costs. And then there’s bingo. Without fail, we have our loyal customers who love their bingo every evening. That’s never changed in my 26 years.”

For the past seven years, Diana has been a friendly face at one of the island’s most popular TUI hotels, the Globales Santa Lucia, welcoming and farewelling hundreds of British travellers each day.

READ MORE: Last flight cancelled to UK’s most remote airport leaving hidden gem town strandedREAD MORE: City ‘rivals Amsterdam’ with canals and nightlife and is ‘must visit’ in 2026

“I came here when I was 23 for what was supposed to be six months. I met my English-born husband Chris here, we had two daughters, Imogen and Amelia, and I’ve now lived in Majorca longer than I ever lived in the UK,” said Diana.

However, Diana has noticed some major shifts. British holidaymakers are increasingly seeking experiential travel, wanting to immerse themselves in local culture rather than just lounging by the pool.

“Excursions to see the markets in Majorca are getting much more popular. People want to get out and experience the local culture they’re in, and TUI have so many to choose from with local guides who know the island back to front. I’ve also noticed a rise in friendship groups travelling together, moving away from the traditional family or couple getaways”.

However, the biggest transformation has been technology.

“The TUI app has revolutionised everything. Customers now get all their transfer times and can book experiences directly on their phones. When I first started, we wrote everything by hand and phoned through excursion bookings.”

Yet despite the digital revolution, Diana insists that face-to-face contact remains crucial.

“Welcome meetings are still incredibly popular. In a world where everything’s going digital, people still love asking questions and meeting in person. Sometimes you just cannot replace human contact. And so we focus on ensuring we have the knowledge and know-how of the destination to help ensure our guests have the most memorable holidays.”

The adults- only Hotel Globales Santa Lucia is located between the beaches of Son Matias and Palma Nova, meaning there is sea views from each room and it’s just a five minute walk into town. It features an indoor and outdoor pool, and a sociable buffet restaurant and two bars.

“One customer told me she’d been back four times this year just to see me because I make her holiday so special. That’s what makes this job incredible. A lot of people think we’re just salespeople with a smile, but you have to be so well-rounded. We support people when things go wrong, but we’re also there for the magical moments. Holidays mean so much to people”.

Working from a beautiful beachfront hotel with year-round sunshine certainly has its perks.

“Even in winter, the average temperature only drops to 13 degrees, and you still get the most beautiful sunshine even in the colder months. My colleagues have become my family, and honestly, working around people on holiday is infectious because everyone’s so positive.”

THE world’s most powerful storm this year is due to hit Jamaica today, with winds up to 175mph.

Hurricane Melissa, which has been upgraded to category five (the highest strength level), is heading to a Caribbean destination, with three people confirmed dead so far.

As a result of the hurricane, Jamaica is experiencing flash flooding, with landslides and a rapid four metre increase in the sea level also expected.

All airports on the island have been closed and thousands of residents have been left without power.

So here is everything you need to know if you have plans to travel to the island.

Is it safe to travel to Jamaica?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently has a warning about Hurricane Melissa on its website, stating that it is expecting to make landfall today.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

TAKE THE FALL

50 half term days out and Halloween specials which are FREE or under £5

However, it has not warned against non-essential travel.

It adds that the Jamaican government has already closed its international airports until further notice and that travellers should monitor updates from local authorities.

The FCDO states: “Please continue to monitor local and international weather updates, including from the Meteorological Service for Jamaica and the US National Hurricane Centre, and follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of any evacuation orders.

“The Jamaican Government has published a list of available hurricane shelters in advance of anticipated landfall.”

The FCDO also has two helplines that British nationals stuck in Jamaica can use to get consular assistance – +1 (876) 936 0700 (option two) and +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

According to Travel Gossip, a spokesperson for Sandals, which has multiple Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica, said: “With more than four decades of experience operating in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, the resorts are well prepared for weather-related events.

“Each property follows detailed, time-tested protocols led by trained teams who are equipped to respond calmly and effectively as conditions evolve.

“Guests can be assured that every measure is being taken to ensure their safety and comfort, and that the resort’s dedicated team members – many of whom call Jamaica home – remain committed to providing care, communication and the warm hospitality for which Sandals and Beaches Resorts are known.”

Have flights to Jamaica been affected?

As all international airports have been closed on the island, all flights have currently been cancelled.

Kingston Airport said: “Passengers, contact your airline for rebooking.

“DO NOT go to the airport.”

Sangster International Airport has then said: “When we reopen, confirm flight status with your airline BEFORE travelling.”

Virgin Atlantic has cancelled today’s flight between London Heathrow and Montego Bay flight and the return journey too.

A spokesperson from the airline said: “Due to adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Melissa, some of our Jamaican flights are subject to cancellations and delays.

“The safety and welfare of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we are contacting any Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holiday customers who may be impacted by the hurricane to discuss their options.”

British Airways has also postponed the London Gatwick to Kingston flight, which was due to depart today.

A TUI spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the situation in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa moves across the Caribbean.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.

“Our teams are working around the clock to support everyone impacted and we are in direct contact with all customers whose travel plans may be affected.

“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams.”

Can I cancel my holiday?

Currently, the FCDO has not issued advice against non-essential travel to Jamaica.

This means if your holiday has been cancelled by your holiday provider or your airline, then you are legally entitled to a full refund.

Your provider should contact you directly if they are cancelling your trip, but you can also call them to confirm.

However, if you cancel your holiday or flight, companies have no obligation to refund you and you also will not be able to make a claim on your travel insurance, unless the government advice changes.

If you do have travel insurance, check your policy as it may include natural disaster cover.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

In other travel news, a UK airline with 1.3million passengers on brink of administration and axes ALL flights.

Plus, a major UK airport is getting a £30million upgrade – but could mean your late flight is cancelled.

HUNGRY Brits are being led by their stomachs when it comes to booking a holiday – as the UK establishes itself as a nation of foodies.

Research from tour operator TUI has revealed that 41 per cent of us would consider booking a trip that’s all about the nosh.

It’s little wonder as, even at home, 39 per cent said they prioritise eating out in local restaurants.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the best short-haul breaks in 2026 for those who love their grub . . . 

AYIA NAPA, CYPRUS

TO get a bit of guidance on your foodie adventure, take a look at TUI’s new Dine & Discover packages, which are designed to send travellers to hotels renowned for their food.

As well as excellent grub and booze within the resorts’ restaurants, visitors will be treated to special extras, such as a complimentary cookery lesson or a cocktail mixology class, as part of the deal.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

The 5H Amanti, MadeForTwo hotel in Ayia Napa, on Cyprus’s south-eastern coast, is marketed as a couples-only resort and is the ideal spot for a romantic escape.

Travellers booked on the TUI package will receive money off a mountain villages tour with lunch and honey tasting.

Or they can opt for a discount on a halloumi-making and bread baking experience.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Amanti, MadeForTwo hotel is from £1,192pp including flights from Manchester on June 1, 2026. See tui.co.uk.

MOROCCO

IF it’s authentically traditional tastings you are after, Intrepid is the holiday company for you.

Their 12-night Morocco Real Food Adventure is undoubtedly something for the bucket list, showcasing everything from camel burgers to traditional family dinners whipped up in local homes – as well as tours of traditional markets.

Cuisine is at the heart of this trip, but you’ll tick off some pretty cool sights, too, as you pass through Casablanca, Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Chefchaouen, Fez and Midelt before moving on to Merzouga, the M’Goun Valley and, of course, Marrakech.

You’ll stay in hotels, guesthouses, gites and a desert camp.

GO: The 12-day trip costs from £984pp including accommodation, breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches.

Price also includes several foodie experiences such as a goats-cheese tasting and cous-cous demonstration. Flights extra. See intrepid.com.

DOLOMITES, ITALY

HAVING your hand held is no bad thing – and because of this, you know you’ll get the best of the best wherever you go when you book one of Saga’s food-and-wine holidays.

Every itinerary on a these getaways has been carefully curated, to include the top spots and activities on offer in that region, whether it be a visit to a local market or a cookery workshop combining culture and grub.

How does la dolce vita in the Italian mountains sound?

This week-long Dolomites tour is lip-smackingly good, with a visit to a working dairy farm, a wine-cellar tour with olive-oil samplings, and demonstrations at an apple orchard.

When you’re not tasting goodies, kick back at your hotel, the Alle Dolomiti over-looking Lake Molvano – enjoy the pool or unwind in the sauna.

GO: A seven-night Food And Wine In The Dolomites trip costs from £1,525pp on a half-board basis, including flights from Gatwick on September 21, 2026. See holiday.saga.co.uk.

BODRUM, TURKEY

HOLIDAY firm Jet2 has a specific section entirely dedicated to foodie escapes.

It is called Perfect For Dining – and these places really are.

The collection of hotels offer gourmet food, with extensive a la carte menus, and have an emphasis on local flavours.

Some of the properties even house Michelin-star restaurants.

Unlike many all-inclusive packages, the all-inclusive-plus deals at the 5H Lujo Art And Joy hotel, in sun-drenched Bodrum, cover everything.

That means not being restricted to the buffet each night, as a la carte dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner is available at most of the 11 onsite restaurants and bars.

You will have to fork out extra for the teppanyaki, steakhouse and Asian joints, though.

Kids will be kept happy with a 24-hour ice cream and frozen yoghurt stand.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive-plus costs from £1,828pp based on a family of four sharing and including flights from Leeds Bradford on April 19, 2026. See jet2holidays.com.

PORTOPETRO, MAJORCA

THE Spanish island of Majorca most certainly pips the other Balearics to the post when it comes to a smashing food and drink scene.

If you’re tempted to visit, it’s worth remembering that customers booking a TUI Dine & Discover package also receive 15 per cent off food and gastronomy experiences with TUI Musement.

And on this gem of an island, that includes a Majorca Winery Visit & Local Food Tasting experience.

You’ll be driven into the heart of the island’s wine country to sample tipples from a small family-run vineyard.

Soak up that booze with homegrown snacks, fresh bread, olive oils and local cheeses.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

A stay at the 5H Ikos Porto Petro also includes a free bottle of cava from the hotel’s private cellar, as well as a cocktail event on site.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Ikos Porto Petro is from £2,240pp including flights from London Gatwick on May 5, 2026. See tui.co.uk.

IT’S all change for tour operator TUI, which will operate flights for certain package holidays through a third-party rather than its own airline.

Next summer, TUI will fly holidaymakers to its destinations using other airlines like easyJet and Sun Express.

According to reports, TUI is dropping its direct flights from Manchester to Portugal‘s Faro and Bodrum in Turkey.

On TUI’s website, Sun Travel found that direct flights between Manchester and Faro can’t be booked after April 19, 2026 – with only four other flights available between now and then.

On its website, TUI is offering packages from Manchester to Portugal throughout the year and into 2026 with direct flights from easyJet.

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

Package holidays from Manchester to Bodrum with TUI can be booked from May 2026 with flights from Sun Express.

Flights from regional airport Birmingham and Gatwick to Faro for next summer will also be operated by third-party airlines.

As a result TUI said it will be putting more capacity into destinations including Balearics, Italy, Greece and Croatia, with TUI Airlines.

Sun Travel has contacted TUI for comment.

In March, TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel said in an interview with the Financial Times that the it planned to sell more seats on other airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet in order to “generate growth”.

Earlier this year, the tour operator completely scrapped its flights from the UK to Costa Rica, St Lucia and Orlando.

The London Gatwick to Costa Rica route was scrapped in April 2025, and TUI’s St Lucia flights from London Gatwick stopped at the end of May.

TUI first launched flights to St Lucia from both London Gatwick and Manchester Airport in 2020.

Again, TUI still offers holiday packages to both St Lucia and Costa Rica, but flights will no longer be with TUI Airways.

TUI also scrapped its direct flight route from Birmingham to Orlando, which was axed in October 2025.

In other news, TUI has confirmed that it is in talks to return to Doncaster Sheffield Airport if it can open next year.

It was forced to shut back in 2022 due to financial difficulties, with TUI operating the last flight.

When it comes to airlines, TUI has said they could relaunch their flights – which once connected the airport to destinations including Alicante, Malaga and Tenerife.

TUI boss Neil Swanson said at the ABTA conference in Majorca: “Clearly that is something we are talking about.

“We were in there before, it is part of an ongoing discussion.”

JAB HACK

I’ve lost 6st in six months on Mounjaro & ‘cured’ the horrible side effect

CASH BOOST

Clever tools to help you find lost cash in time for Xmas – you could get £3,141

Plus, one of the world’s best airlines adds more flights from the UK to Brit-favourite winter sun destination.

And Europe’s best airline revealed and it has new cheap flights from the UK.

Andrea Owen, who has been TUI cabin crew since 2003, has shared her top tips for flying with children to boost your chances of as little going wrong as possible

A flight attendant has shared her top tip for boosting the chance that a flight with kids goes well.

Andrea Owen, who has been TUI cabin crew since 2003, has lifted the lid on some of the best tips for travelling with children that she’s learned in her 22 years of flying.

From short-haul to long-haul flights, Andrea has flown at least 3,000 times and sees hundreds of families take to the skies every week to some of TUI’s popular destinations, such as Majorca, the Canaries, Mexico, and Jamaica.

Andrea says: “After all these years of flying I have looked after thousands of families, I can tell you that the secret to stress-free family travel is preparation. I always tell parents to expect the unexpected, pack more snacks than you think you’ll need, and don’t be afraid to ask crew for help. A lot of us are parents too, and we genuinely want every family to have a great start to their holiday.”

READ MORE: ‘Heartbreak’ as another UK travel agent suddenly shuts with impact to bookingsREAD MORE: European hotspots are 22C right now with £15 flights – perfect for escaping rainy UK

Andrea’s number one tip to having a successful flight is to choose the right boarding time. When, exactly, is a personal decision.

“This one really depends on your child’s personality, and you know them best. Some families find that boarding as soon as possible gives them that extra breathing space to get settled, stow the bags, and get the kids comfortable in their seats without feeling rushed. But I’ve also seen plenty of parents who swear by boarding last, especially if their little ones can’t sit still for long,” she said.

Below are Andrea’s other top tips:

Relieve ear pressure

“This is one of the most common concerns parents ask me about, and it’s really easy to solve. For babies and toddlers, feeding during take-off and landing is brilliant, whether that’s breastfeeding, a bottle, or even just a dummy – the sucking motion helps equalize ear pressure. For older children, give them chewy sweets or lollipops about 30 minutes before landing as that’s when the pressure really starts to build. I’ve seen many tears avoided with this simple trick.”

Always pack a variety of activities

“I recommend packing a small bag stuffed with variety – different toys, activities, and snacks. What works brilliantly is either letting them pack their own bag so they’re excited or pack some surprise toys they haven’t seen before. Keep everything small and compact with plenty of pencils, crayons, and paper. A surprise sticker book with a little bag of sweets is absolute gold. The games I see working best are Snap, Dobble, and colouring. And here’s a lovely tip – encourage your children to draw pictures for the cabin crew. We absolutely love receiving them and always have a stash of stickers at the ready for every flight.”

Help them to feel prepared

“Preparation is everything when it comes to keeping children calm. Before you leave for the airport, talk through exactly what’s going to happen. Checking in, going through security, boarding the plane, and what take-off and landing will feel like. Let them know about the noises they might hear and explain that their ears might feel different. This is particularly useful if your child is neurodiverse. The key is to make it sound like an exciting adventure rather than something to worry about.”

Bring your home comforts

“Packing home comforts like a small pillow, blanket or cuddly toys can help children of all ages feel more relaxed. If you’re travelling at times when your child would normally be having a nap or going to bed, I really encourage parents to try and stick to that routine as much as possible. Let them sleep if they want to, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling so much fresher and ready to enjoy your holiday. It’s also worth thinking about time zones if you’re flying long haul. Maybe start adjusting their sleep schedule a day or two before you travel. A well-rested child makes for a much happier holiday start!”

Dress in layers

“The temperature on board can vary throughout the flight. That’s why I always recommend dressing your child in layers so you can add or remove clothing to keep them comfortable. It’s always handy to pack a spare pair of clothes in your hand luggage just in case of a spill or accident. I’ve seen many parents caught out without a change of clothes, and it makes the rest of the flight uncomfortable for the both of you.”

Snack trays

“Those little snack trays with multiple compartments come in really handy. Kids absolutely love them and there’s something about having lots of different treats in separate sections that keeps them entertained for ages. You can fill each compartment with different snacks: fruit, crackers, cheese cubes, raisins, a couple of sweets. It turns snack time into something fun and interactive, and it means you’re not constantly rummaging through bags. We also have healthy snack boxes for kids available onboard which they love, so there will always be something they can eat. “

Don’t be afraid to ask cabin crew for help

“Don’t ever feel worried about asking us for help, that’s what we’re here for. Over my 22 years of flying, I’ve seen everything. We’ve warmed countless bottles, fetched extra sick bags, provided colouring sheets, and even entertained little ones while parents take a breather. Many of us are parents ourselves, so we completely understand how overwhelming it can feel. Whether you need extra wipes, help with the overhead locker, or just some reassurance, we’re here to make your journey smoother.”

“We know flying can feel overwhelming for families, whether it’s your first flight with kids or you have an anxious flyer in the family, there are lots of simple and easy tips you can put into place to make it seem that little bit less daunting.”

A seasoned traveller has shared a list of items that should never be packed in checked luggage, as they could be difficult to replace if your suitcase goes missing

A travel guru has issued a stark warning to holidaymakers, urging them not to pack certain items in their checked luggage. With many travellers heading off for Christmas breaks or to enjoy some winter sun, Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI passengers are being warned about the potential dangers of packing a variety of everyday items.

TikTok user @thepointsguy has offered crucial advice on what you should “never put in your checked bag, regardless of how short your flight is.”

He’s highlighted items such as suncream and plug adaptors, due to the potential issues if your checked bag goes missing.

This guidance serves as an important reminder to always keep certain essentials within reach during travel. One item that should always be kept close at hand is any prescription medication, reports Chronicle Live.

The expert said: “One thing that should always be kept close at hand is any prescription meds. The expert said: You may be able to get a doctor to call in your prescription, but that becomes trickier if it’s a weekend or a holiday or if your medication doesn’t allow for refills before the previous prescription runs out.”

Moreover, he has advised against storing electronics in checked luggage. He cautioned that despite the honesty of most airport staff, there remains a “risk” of theft.

He also warns against packing “jewellery and cash” in checked luggage, along with any “items with significant personal value”, urging holidaymakers to keep such treasures close to hand to prevent “financial or emotional loss”.

Finally, he suggested that “plug adapters and high-quality suncream” should remain in your hand luggage, as these could be difficult to find in more remote locations if your checked baggage goes missing.

The savvy traveller suggests packing “daily necessities” in your carry-on bag – always ready for those times when a spare outfit, essential toiletries, or vision aids such as glasses or contact lenses might be needed at short notice.

Following this prudent advice going viral and receiving widespread praise online, one TikTok user commented: “Everything important goes into my carry-on. Meds, contacts, electronics in particular.”

Another agreed, adding: “I only have clothing and shoes in checked bags. Everything else is in my carry-on.”

This handy guidance comes as millions of Brits jet off to Christmas markets as well as winter sun destinations from the Canaries to the Caribbean. However, if you’re hoping to travel light with just hand luggage and space is a concern, another travel expert has revealed a clever trick to pack ‘three months’ worth of stuff’.

This strategy was shared on TikTok by @joanna. pirog, who ditched the use of packing cubes for a more simple and cost-effective method.

Man spends night in ‘one of UK’s weirdest hotel’ and shares honest opinion

Hidden UK coastal village with picturesque walks that’s perfect for weekend away

Her demonstration involved an empty suitcase and a selection of holiday clothes, which she neatly rolled before carefully placing them within the luggage.

Her suitcase held an impressive range of dresses, shirts, tops, skirts, and shorts with ease, and even when it appeared full, Joanna managed to fit in extra items by slotting them into small gaps. She insisted that this method allowed her to pack ‘three months’ worth of clothes into a single compact suitcase.

TWO popular holiday destinations will have Free Child Places for the first time with TUI holidays.

From 2027, families will be ale to make the most of the free places when travelling to Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

TUI has more than 30 hotels across the two holiday regions, with 10 of them being included in the offer.

Which hotels will be included is yet to be confirmed.

However, both destinations are also about to be easier to get to.

From April 2026, TUI will launch a new fortnightly service from Cardiff to Cancun.

BEACH PLEASE

Spanish TUI hotel to reopen next summer for adults only and it’s on the beach

HOP TUI IT

Hot holiday destination where TUI is launching first-ever hotels

And from June 2026, new TUI flights will run from Belfast International Airport to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

There also thousands of Free Child Places across existing holiday destinations including Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, as well as Turkey.

And last year, Free Child Places were added to Florida holidays.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director of TUI UK&I said: “We’re thrilled to be the first major tour operator to extend our free kids’ places programme to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, responding directly to the growing demand we’ve seen for long-haul family adventures.

“With thousands of free kids’ places available across our Summer 2027 programme, we’re making bucket-list family holidays more accessible than ever before.

“For Summer 2027, we are excited to be offering our widest range of destinations with free kids’ places, the convenience of flying from 23 UK regional airports, and the exceptional service of our UK accredited TUI staff who run kids’ clubs across more than 120 hotels.”

Free Child Places are when a child can go free on a holiday, when staying with two-fully paying adults, at no extra cost.

Most accept children to be under the age of 16 to get the free place.

Generally, a free child place can only be claimed if there are two full-paying adults on a holiday booking. It means that when a pair of adults book a room, one child can stay for no extra cost.

The cut-off for a free child place is 16 years old with most holiday companies.

It includes the return flight, as well as accommodation, transfers and any food board.

Some of the current Free Child Place TUI deals on offer include a week in Majorca for £362pp,

OMAZE-ING

I went from council flat to winning £4m house… But this is why I’m selling up

BOTTOMS UP

Wetherspoons reveals opening dates of 5 new pubs starting next week

Or you can head to a waterpark hotel in Morocco for just £438pp.

Here’s how to find one of the world’s best hotel – and you can book it with TUI.

Holiday-maker Jason Hall was heading home after a nine-day break in Cyprus with his 13-year-old daughter when they found themselves ‘abandoned’ at the wrong airport

A holidaymaker vowed to boycott an airline after he and his daughter were left ‘abandoned’ overnight.

Jason Hall, 54, had been enjoying a nine-day getaway with his 13-year-old daughter in Cyprus, and they had been due to land at Birmingham Airport at 5.30pm on August 6. But, after a small aircraft crash-landed on the runway, their flight was diverted to Cardiff Airport, arriving at 6.10pm.

Passengers on the aircraft were promised that return transport would be arranged for them – but, according to Jason, that did not take place. He has gone on to slam the company’s ‘shocking’ after-care.

Jason, of Clayton, told StokeonTrentLive: “I can’t complain about the holiday – it was lovely. Coming back was where the trouble started. We were promised that we’d be provided with coach travel back to Birmingham – I didn’t mind, these things happen sometimes.

“We spent an hour-and-a-half collecting our bags because they weren’t expecting two massive 300-passenger TUI planes in. But once we’d got our things, we couldn’t see a single member of TUI staff in the whole airport. We left for the car park, and there were around 450 people stood waiting for these coaches.”

READ MORE: Ryanair passenger ‘stunned’ to receive ‘worst food ever’ on flightREAD MORE: ‘I had to leave my son, 5, at home during my holiday after my simple admin error’

He continued: “Eventually, a member of staff from Cardiff Airport – not a member of TUI staff – came out to tell us that three coaches had already been and gone. But if you think that a coach can hold roughly 50 people, that was nowhere near enough for the 600 of us who had landed.

“There were young families, children, kids in wheelchairs, all sorts of people left with no way of getting home. We stood in the car park for around an hour waiting for some sort of direction. Then everybody’s phone went off at the same time. It was an email from TUI informing us that they could not get us home and that we’d need to make our own arrangements.”

Passengers left stranded at Cardiff Airport were told that the airline was ‘having issues sourcing transport’ and encouraged passengers to pay for their own travel arrangements. TUI promised customers it would compensate them in full for any extra costs after their journey.

“We were all just abandoned by TUI,” Jason explained. “There were students and people who didn’t have the money to pay for this up front. Some people were getting local taxis that were costing £350. Others were getting Ubers which were costing £450. Within half an hour, you couldn’t even book one. They’d all gone.

READ MORE: ‘Jet2 gave me a broom cupboard for a hotel room in holiday from hell for bizarre reason’

“I made a decision to get a nearby hotel room for me and my daughter, as I didn’t want to make her sleep in the airport. We got a little room down the road for £85. We couldn’t physically get home. There were no taxis and you couldn’t get a train until the next day.

“The next morning, we went to the station and caught four different trains. We went from Cardiff to Bristol, Bristol to Birmingham New Street, and Birmingham New Street to the airport. When we finally arrived back to the car, I’d got a parking fine.”

Jason’s disastrous journey home led him to miss a day’s paid work as well as the £85 hotel bill, £100 in train fares, and the £60 parking ticket. But he claims TUI refused to compensate his costs in full.

He added: “They only offered to pay for my train fares. I explained the rest of my additional costs, but they just weren’t interested. They made out as if I should have just gone straight back, but that wasn’t possible. The duty of care and customer service was just non-existent.

READ MORE: Mum and kids driven ‘out of our minds’ as they’re ‘stranded’ after TUI cancellation

“It was absolutely shocking. I’ll never use them again. They’re fine so long as everything runs smoothly. But as soon as there’s some kind of incident, it seems they just don’t want to look after you at all. The bare minimum is ensuring they can get you to your destination – not just abandon you somewhere else.”

TUI has since repaid Jason in full.

A spokesperson for TUI UK & Ireland said: “We would like to apologise to all customers impacted by this unexpected flight diversion, which was unfortunately out of our control. We always strive to provide our customers with the best possible travel experience, and we understand that this situation impacted the end of their holiday.

“We have been in direct contact with all customers, including Mr Hall, and have arranged refunds for out-of-pocket expenses.”

It’s no secret that flights and hotels have increased in price, but for one traveller, the cost of their trip was dubbed ‘a trip to the moon with NASA’ as it saw a whopping price increase

Gone are the days of booking a flight seat for £15.99 and an all-inclusive hotel for £100 as prices for a getaway abroad shoot up. But for one traveller, they were left baffled after their holiday package increased by a whopping £17million, prompting people to label it as much as a “trip to the moon with NASA”.

The holidaymaker, who didn’t reveal the exact details of their elaborate holiday, shared a screenshot of the cost inflation while using the TUI website. What started out as an £8million trip jumped to a staggering increase of £17million.

In a message on the TUI website, with the title ‘The cost of your holiday has increased’, it read: “We’re sorry to say the price for your holiday has gone up by £17734902.34. It’s because this trip uses flights from a third-party airline.

READ MORE: Woman climbs ‘busiest mountain in UK’ but one thing leaves her annoyedREAD MORE: ‘I stayed at Premier Inn and unexpected feature I found left me floored’

“We receive the latest prices from the airline a few times each day, but the price might change when we come to request the actual seats. Your new total is shown in the holiday summary.”

While it’s uncertain what the traveller put into the booking website, he shared the screenshot and wrote on Reddit: “So, £297 for both with flights seemed a little too good to be true, so I went through the motions. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have £18,000,000 in the bank to spend 4 days in Athens, even with the £2m discount.”

The post was met with a flurry of comments as everyone applauded the post. One asked: “Who are the third party airline, NASA?”

A second added: “Just a short layover on the moon.” “Sounds more like a Space X side hustle to me. Uber x Space X if you will”, a third penned.

“NASA’s having a…. bit of time off”, another shared. “Its only £120 deposit. Put it on klarna,” a fifth wrote.

While another wrote: “I feel you OP. I hate when they add on that little 69p to the price like that too. Like it’s such a sneaky trick. You can sort of rationalise it by convincing yourself you’re only paying £8867599 but let’s be honest here, you’re really paying more like £8867600.”

Someone else remarked: “Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday”, before another chimed in with: “And right now you can save £1m per person. That’s £4m off for a family of four!”

A TUI spokesperson said the error was likely caused by a technical error, and they’d like to apologise for the confusion.

The analysis looked at departure data for six of the biggest airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui and Wizz Air – between May 2024 and April 2025. They show that all of the airlines were less punctual now than before the pandemic in 2019

The worst offending airlines for delays have been revealed amid an industry-wide slipping of standards.

Take-offs within 15 minutes of planned departure times are down significantly pre-Covid compared to now for almost all major airlines flying through UK airspace, according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.

There are several factors in play, including a rise in the number of flights taking off, airspace restrictions as a result of military conflicts and issues with air traffic control (ATC) staffing.

Which? studied checked departure data for six of the biggest airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui and Wizz Air – between May 2024 and April 2025. They show that all of the airlines were less punctual now than before the pandemic in 2019.

READ MORE: Brit woman left ‘fighting for life’ in Ibiza after ‘mystery’ collapse in hotel roomREAD MORE: KPop Demon Hunters triggers huge spike in Brits booking South Korean holidays

Out of the six big UK airlines, Tui was the worst for punctuality according to the analysis, with the lowest average percentage of on-time departures. Back in 2019, an average of 67.2 per cent of Tui’s departures were on time, but by 2024–25, that had slipped to 59.2 per cent.

Second-worst for punctuality for the time period Which? looked at was Wizz Air. Its average on-time rate was already as low as 66.8 per cent back in 2019, and by 2023 it had plummeted to 55.6 per cent. In 2024–25 it now has fewer delays with 66 per cent, almost back to its pre-pandemic level.

It’s a similar story for Ryanair, whose average on-time departures were at 77.8 per cent in 2019 but fell to 63 per cent by 2022, only recovering to 66.5 per cent by 2024–25.

easyJet’s punctuality was 70.6 per cent in 2019 but dropped to 67.8 per cent in 2024–25, while the CAA data also showed a decline in Jet2’s punctuality. In 2019 departures punctuality was 81.8 per cent, and in 2024–25 was 68 per cent.

British Airways’ punctuality was at 71.5 per cent in 2019, and as high as 75.8 per cent the year before. By 2024–25 it had fallen to 68.7 per cent.

Some airlines are blaming air traffic control (ATC) for these delays. In May, Ryanair launched a website called ‘Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight’, along with a ‘League of Delays’ claiming to expose the worst ATCs across Europe for delays ‘due to mismanagement and staff shortages from January to May 2025’.

Eurocontrol, which speaks for the European network of air traffic controllers, admitted that in some parts of the network, the number of ATC officers is 10–20 per cent lower than would be needed to manage the demand.

The UK’s own ATC body, NATS (formerly known as National Air Traffic Services), said that it is “fully staffed and operating normally”.

Any other air traffic control delays are only exacerbated by other factors at play. Some parts of the airspace, through which major airlines fly, are closed off for military or geopolitical reasons.

Eurocontrol has said that the crisis in the Middle East has led to traffic becoming unevenly spread – after already losing 20 per cent of airspace following the war in Ukraine. Those complexities add to an already expanding ATC workload. Airport capacity is another issue.

And while delays are worsening, airlines are putting on record numbers of flights. Although Ryanair hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels of punctuality, it scheduled 162,411 flights in 2024, according to CAA data – 24,192 more than in 2019. Wizz Air put on 29,325 flights in 2024, up 3,534 from the 25,791 it flew in 2019.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “easyJet always does all possible to get our customers to their destinations on time and minimise any delays despite flying in some of the most congested airspace in the world.”

A spokesperson for Tui said: “Punctuality is super important to us and has highest priority but there is one topic even more important: to operate each and every flight and to not cancel any flight. That’s what we do at TUI because we have holidaymakers onboard which we want to fly to their destination and also back.

“So, sometimes we have flights delayed by a couple of hours because we need to get a replacement aircraft ready. But for guests the good news is: their flight isn’t cancelled and they can still fly. Other airlines have or use the possibility to cancel flights which then would also not be part of the delay statistics anymore.

“And, one important point: within our overall fleet of 130 airplanes we have about 11 spare airplanes – the highest number we ever had and which helps us to keep a network alive without cancellations.

“So yes we want to be more punctual but we also keep our credo to never cancel, which is the even more important topic for our holiday guests.”

A spokesperson for Wizz Air said: “At Wizz Air, every minute matters, and that’s why we are committed to ensuring our customers reach their destinations as smoothly and as promptly as possible. Some delays are outside of our control, and we do whatever we can to avoid cancellations. Our completion rate (meaning completing the flights we schedule) was one of the best in the entire industry in 2024 at 99.4% – and that has increased to 99.9% for flights from the UK between January and April this year. While we know delays are frustrating and we always try our best to avoid them, we would rather delay than cancel a flight, as we know how important it is for our passengers to reach their destinations.

“Our on-time performance (flights arriving when they are scheduled to) continues to improve. From 2022 to 2024, our on-time performance for flights from the UK improved by more than 20%. We were also named the UK’s second-most punctual airline in Cirium’s 2024 On-Time Performance Review, achieving a 70.54% on-time arrival record. The percentage of delayed flights is also decreasing year-on-year. In particular, longer delays are a rare occurrence, with just 1% of flights from the UK in 2025* delayed for three hours or more.

“The facts speak for themselves, and this progress reflects the effort and investment we have made in improving our service, which is a daily focus for us. But we know there is more work to be done. Punctuality is a key priority of our Customer First Compass – a £12 billion framework to ensure we can deliver the best possible service for our customers. As part of this, we are enhancing the resilience of our operations to minimise cancellations, reduce delays and provide fast solutions in the event of a disruption.”

British Airways and Ryanair did not comment.

Former England captain and World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi sensed some frustration from Mitchell.

The Red Roses head coach confirmed he will rotate his squad for the second pool game against Samoa next Saturday so everyone has played, which could further affect cohesion.

“Mitchell is not happy with that performance,” Alphonsi told BBC One.

“He will take away that England were not accurate. They had six weeks together and didn’t really execute.

“It is interesting to see how he reacts as he will expect more from his second group when they come out against Samoa.

“They will want to put out a performance that shows what they can do as you have to build it up.”

England last became world champions in 2014 and are on a 28-game winning run, having not lost since the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand in 2022.

Simon Middleton, who was in charge of England for that showpiece game three years ago and the 2017 final loss to the Black Ferns, disagreed that Mitchell would be unhappy with the opening performance.

“I think Mitchell will be all right with that as it was a difficult game,” Middleton told BBC One.

“You train, train, train and it was a typical opening game of the World Cup. The biggest thing is that it looks like they have come out of it with no injuries, which is so important, particularly at half-back.

“I thought their discipline was fantastic. Games like that can get loose. I thought they were aggressive around the contact area.

“The set-piece was great and the scrum was fantastic. They played with real tempo. There are always things to fix up.”

TUI passengers can travel with four luggage items for free this summer, but there are some rules to be aware of if you’re jetting off abroad with a baby or infant

TUI passengers are in for a treat this summer as they can bring four pieces of luggage onboard flights without any additional charges.

Every TUI traveller aged two and above is permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage on flights free of charge, provided it doesn’t exceed 10kg and its dimensions don’t exceed 55x40x20cm. In addition, passengers can also bring one small personal item onboard, such as a backpack, laptop bag or a handbag.

This must be compact enough to fit under the seat in front and not exceed 40x30x20cm. It comes after Ryanair passengers band together as staff charge woman £75 luggage fee.

READ MORE: Baggage handler explains type of suitcase that’s least likely to be ‘tossed around’READ MORE: Beautiful UK resort dubbed the ‘Queen of seaside towns’ during summer

For those who’ve booked a package holiday with TUI, a checked-in luggage allowance of at least 20kg per person is included. However, for flight-only bookings, checked-in luggage comes with an extra fee.

But there’s good news for families travelling with infants – TUI is allowing up to two additional items of luggage on flights free of charge, reports the Express.

TUI permits passengers to check in a collapsible pushchair and a car seat into the hold at no extra cost on both package holidays and flight-only bookings. Although passengers do have the option of bringing pushchairs onboard, provided it doesn’t exceed 50x40x20cm and weighs no more than 10kg. However, in this case, it will count as your large piece of hand luggage.

Infants under the age of two don’t get a hand luggage allowance on TUI flights, so if you have a baby changing bag that you need to take with you, this will be counted as part of your 10kg free allowance.

TUI states: “If you’re flying on a TUI flight (package or flight only), you can check in pushchairs and/or car seats into the hold for free. You can also bring your pushchair with you onboard, as long as it weighs less than 10kg, is no bigger than 55x40x20cm and has a hand luggage label provided during check-in.

“This’ll count as your larger piece of hand luggage for an adult on the booking, meaning you can have this and one smaller piece of hand luggage that fits under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions 40x30x20cm.

“There’s the option to use your pushchair at the airport and hand it to a member of staff at the gate before you board, but please make our ground staff aware when you check in as you’ll need a label for this too.

“Just so you know, pushchairs and car seats will be returned on the luggage belt when you arrive, and there’s occasionally a long walk between the aircraft and the luggage reclaim area. Any pushchairs need to be completely collapsible. Please note, if you’re travelling with an infant under 2, they don’t have a hand luggage allowance.”

Every TUI aircraft features baby changing facilities situated within the loos, though travellers are encouraged to consult the cabin crew beforehand since amenities can differ based on the aircraft type. Children under two years old also don’t receive meals during flights, meaning passengers must pack their own grub, although the carrier can warm baby milk bottles while airborne.

READ MORE: Ryanair-approved cabin case to rival Antler gets slashed by 30% in summer sale

A little known rule could stop holidaymakers from boarding their flight with popular airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI and Jet2 unless they have the correct documentation

Passengers jetting off with popular airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 need to be clued up on a rule that could stop them in their tracks at airport security. There are specific rules about what can and can’t be taken in hand luggage, and some holidaymakers might not realise an extra document is needed for certain items.

Your prescription medication might not seem like it would cause any issues, but the airlines see things differently. If you try to take medication that’s over 100ml, security staff will halt you and may ask for a letter from a doctor or other healthcare professional.

READ MORE: Travel expert’s verdict on if it’s safe to fly Greece right now amid wildfires

This letter needs to confirm that you need to have the medication with you on the flight. According to advice from Gov.uk, if your medication is in tablet form or is less than 100ml, you don’t need to provide this documentation.

Chronicle Live has rounded up advice from some of the top airlines to help outline the travel rules so you’re prepared and not caught out at the airport.

Ryanair

Ryanair doesn’t require customers to have a doctor’s letter to carry medication in their hand luggage, however, this might be required by airport security. If a passenger needs to take medical equipment in addition to their hand luggage, Ryanair will give them a medical baggage waiver letter.

TUI

A TUI spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: “If a customer is carrying medication or medical equipment onto an aircraft, they will need to bring a doctor’s letter or a prescription, which will allow customers to pass through check-in and security easily.

“Travellers may also bring liquid medication larger than 100ml through security if they have a doctor’s letter.”

Jet2

Guidance on Jet2’s website states: “All the essential medications you need for the duration of your journey should be carried in your hand luggage.

“Essential liquid medication in quantities over 100ml must be verified as genuine by a doctor’s letter and must be presented in their original containers. Bottles and packaging may need to be opened by airport security during screening.”

EasyJet

easyJet said: “In line with government guidance passengers are able to bring essential medication on board and we only require a letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming that it is necessary to bring medication on board if they are liquids that exceed 100ml, are sharp objects such as needles or oxygen cylinders and concentrators, or any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin, a list of which can be found on our help pages on easyJet.com.”

UK Government The UK Government’s official guidelines stipulate that any medicine containing a controlled drug must be carried in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. If you can’t prove it was prescribed for you, it may be confiscated at the border.

If you’re planning to take medicine out of the UK, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, verify the rules for your destination country with the embassy before travelling.

You’ll need to provide proof of ownership with either a prescription or a letter from your doctor.

Jet2 issues guidance for all inclusive packages on its website

TUI, easyJet and Jet2 customers are being told to “check” certain hotel rules ahead of a busy summer for holidays. Millions of people are expected to jet off abroad over the coming months, with experts predicting a bumper season for international travel.

Lots of travellers like to book all inclusive hotels for ease, as most things are taken care of and you won’t need to take too much spending money as you’ve already paid for meals and drinks. However, on its website Jet2holidays explains that all inclusive rules can vary “from one hotel to another”.

Guidance reads: “Please check the property description for each hotel for details of what’s included, as this will vary from one hotel to another. All inclusive typically includes 3 buffet style meals in the hotel’s main restaurant, snacks and locally produced drinks (often during a specified timeframe) for a minimum of 12 hours per day but please note that in rare cases all inclusive may be available for less than 12 hours; where we are aware of this, it will be stated clearly in the property description.

READ MORE: Ryanair, easyJet and TUI bag rule parents may not be aware ofREAD MORE: Spain holidaymakers told not to say these two words this summer

“Please be aware that in some properties, there may also be limits on the number of drinks or the facilities available.” This was the case for an all inclusive package to Playa de Palma, Mallorca, found on the Jet2holidays website, where information stated: “A maximum of 3 alcoholic drinks per person (beer and wine) during lunch, and 3 alcoholic drinks per person (beer and wine) during dinner only. At all other times any alcoholic drinks are payable locally.””

easyJet offers similar advice, too, explaining: “Every all inclusive hotel is different, however most do include alcohol as part of an all inclusive package. Most of the time local branded alcohol will be included, and you can often upgrade to include premium or international drinks if you want to.

“Check the description of the hotel you’re interested in to find out exactly what is included.” And if you’re going on an all inclusive holiday with TUI, again, “it varies from hotel to hotel”.

TUI says: “One buffet restaurant might take care of all your meals, or you could have a different restaurant to visit every night of the week. Likewise, things like kids’ clubs and watersports can all come as part of the package, or you might need to pay a little extra.

“You’ll find all the details on the hotel’s info page on our website. Everything’s taken care of so there’s no need to factor in extra costs for food or drink. You’ll get your breakfast, lunch and evening meals included in your package.

“Plus, snacks and soft and alcoholic drinks are also included – some hotels might charge extra for premium spirits so check before you book.”

While passengers typically sleep in their seats on long-haul flights, few know where the cabin crew rest – but a TUI flight attendant has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look

A TUI air hostess has lifted the curtain on a little-known aspect of aviation by showing where cabin crew staff sleep on long haul flights. Experienced travellers will be well-versed in the hierarchy of airline seating from economy to first class, with the latter two offering flat-bed luxury.

However, for some passengers it’s a mystery as to where the flight attendants rest during these lengthy journeys. Charlie Silver, an air hostess with TUI, took to TikTok to give a glimpse into the resting place for staff onboard planes. In her video, she walks through a hidden door near the galley and climbs a ladder to a snug sleeping area above the main cabin.

She reveals: “This is our crew bunks and we have six of these little beds located on our 787 Dreamliners.” She goes onto describe how each crew member receives a ‘bunk kit’ for their break, complete with a pillowcase, mattress topper, and blanket.

Charlie admits that making up these compact beds isn’t straightforward due to the cramped conditions.

The flight attendant shared: “Some crew can’t sleep up here but even if you’re not going to sleep sometimes it’s just a nice little escape from everyone.

“I, personally, can sleep and I think it’s just the sound of the plane that just soothes me.”

Ensuring her safety, she always fastens her seatbelt over the blanket in case of any unexpected turbulence. The bunks also usually come with reading lights for convenience.

Charlie further revealed that these snug spaces are where crew members can “have a little nap at 40,000 feet somewhere across the Atlantic”.

After take-off, rest periods are scheduled and rotated among the crew to ensure everyone gets a chance to recharge.

As per Cabin Crew Wings, on flights ranging from 8 to 12 hours, staff might be allocated an hour or two for their rest break.

On ultra-long-haul flights (those exceeding 12 hours), they are often given up to four hours to rejuvenate and be ready to help passengers.

Cabin Crew 24 reveals that passengers “rarely know about these spaces as they are often hidden from view”.

Despite being compact, these compartments provide enough comfort for crew members during their breaks.

They come equipped with essentials like privacy curtains and ventilation systems.

The website also emphasises that rest for cabin crew is a “critical part of ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight”.

This is because the onboard staff have numerous responsibilities, including handling emergencies and providing customer service.

Charlie’s TikTok video, offering a peek into where TUI cabin crew members catch some shut-eye, has garnered more than 30,000 likes and nearly 200 comments.

One person remarked: “I’d pay good money to have one of these instead of a normal seat.” Another chimed in: “Gosh I’d feel very claustrophobic.”

A third expressed their astonishment, saying: “Why have I travelled long haul millions of times with TUI and never knew about these.”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Been on a TUI 787 many times, where on Earth is this located on the plane?!?!” To which Charlie responded: “At the back most people think it’s a toilet!”

TUI passengers on a flight home from Mexico faced chaos after a couple on board the plane started smoking in the toilet and then began fighting

British holidaymakers returning from a sun-soaked break in Cancun, Mexico, found themselves unexpectedly stranded in the considerably chillier US state of Maine, after two passengers on their flight refused to quit smoking and sparked a brawl.

The pilot of the TUI transatlantic flight bound for London Gatwick was compelled to make an emergency landing on Tuesday, following the discovery of two passengers “smoking in the toilet.”

Despite UK airlines having enforced a smoking ban for the past thirty years, the duo stubbornly continued to light up, even when the pilot threatened to land the plane if they persisted.

Irate passengers aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight informed the New York Post that the unidentified smokers seemed to be a couple, whose in-flight chaos subsequently spiralled into a fight. “They were obviously drunk, and he basically assaulted his partner,” one fellow passenger revealed.

READ MORE: Ryanair, easyJet and TUI bag rule parents may not be aware ofREAD MORE: ‘Sensational’ UK beach that spans for ‘miles of golden sand’

All 267 passengers from Cancun were then subjected to an unplanned stopover in Bangor, Maine. Flight recordings disclose the pilot communicating with air traffic controllers, stating: “Cockpit is secure, and there’s two passengers fighting, and the crew has pretty much gotten them under control.”

Within moments, air traffic controllers had rerouted the flight and by 9.30pm, the TUI flight was grounded in Maine with airport officials escorting the pair of smokers off the aircraft.

The travel chaos only intensified for their fellow passengers, who endured an unplanned overnight stay in Bangor before catching another flight home.

They would be waiting until 3pm on Wednesday to recommence their transatlantic trip, eventually touching down safely at Gatwick later the same day.

The two troublemakers who sparked the chaos dodged any charges by US Customs and Border Protection officials, who resolved to send them back on separate flights.

An official from the border agency commented: “This incident involved a foreign-to-foreign flight that was diverted due to an in-flight altercation between two passengers.

“Upon arrival, CBP officers removed both individuals from the aircraft. Although no criminal charges were filed, CBP processed the two subjects for expedited removal.”

If you’re planning a family holiday, there are some rules you need to be aware of

Going on a family holiday is an exciting time, but the preparation and the actual outgoing journey itself can be quite the faff. You need to make sure you have everything you need, including passports and boarding passes among many other items.

While a trip abroad is a time for relaxation, the travel can be stressful, especially if you aren’t familiar with all the rules you’ll need to follow. And if you’re jetting off with little ones, there’s a common baggage rule you may not be aware of.

With Ryanair, TUI and easyJet, some form of hand luggage allowance is included with even the most basic of fares. But if you have a child under two with you, no baggage is included, unless you book them their own separate seat.

READ MORE: Wizz Air launches seven new routes from UK including little-known gemREAD MORE: All major UK airports’ 100ml liquids rules explained for summer holidays

An exception to this is with Ryanair and easyJet you can bring a small baby changing bag at no extra cost. To make sure you’re clued up on all you need to know ahead of setting off, including baggage rules, we’ve listed TUI, Ryanair and easyJet advice for travelling with kids below, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Ryanair

Ryanair does not permit infants aged up to seven days to travel on any of its flights. Infants (aged 8 days to 23 months inclusive) travelling with Ryanair must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over (one infant per adult).

All infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap and do not have a separate baggage allowance. Baby changing facilities can be found on board, typically at the rear of the aircraft, and cabin crew are also able to assist in warming baby bottles if needed.

If an infant reaches 2 years old or a child turns 16 during your journey, it is advised to purchase two single flights instead of a return ticket. At the airport, you’re allowed to check in two pieces of baby equipment per child (a pushchair plus a car seat, booster seat or travel cot) free of charge.

Ryanair strongly recommends parents or guardians to seek approval from their doctor that these very young infants are fit to travel by air. You’re permitted to bring two items of carry-on baby equipment at no extra cost.

This can include a pushchair/buggy, car seat, booster seat or travel cot. These items will need to be tagged either at the check-in desk or at the boarding gate.

TUI

According to TUI’s guidelines, an infant must be older than 14 days to travel on an aircraft, due to health and safety considerations. All TUI planes are equipped with baby changing facilities

Any pram or pushchair you bring along needs to be collapsible. While there are no restrictions on size or weight if it’s going in the hold, if you wish to bring your pushchair on board, it will count as your larger piece of hand luggage and cannot exceed dimensions of 55cmx40cmx20cm and 10kg.

The good news is that you can check in pushchairs and car seats into the hold free of charge when flying with TUI Airways. According to regulations for all UK-registered aircraft, infants under 6 months must be seated on an adult’s lap and secured with an infant lap-strap throughout the flight.

Children between 6 months and 2 years are also required to sit on an adult’s lap unless a separate seat has been purchased, in which case a car seat may be utilised if needed. Liquid baby food or baby milk, whether pre-packaged or prepared at home, is permitted onboard.

Foods catering to special dietary needs can also be brought along, provided they’re essential for the duration of the flight or holiday. Solid baby food can be packed in either your hand or hold luggage. There are no restrictions on carrying powder formula – you’re allowed to bring your baby milk powder to mix up during your holiday as part of your luggage allowance.

All children, including newborns, are now required to have their own individual passport. The child’s passport will initially be valid for five years, but can be renewed for an additional five years at the end of this period.

Upon reaching their 16th birthday, they’ll become eligible for a standard 10-year passport.

easyJet

easyJet also states that babies under 14 days old are not permitted to travel. If your child is over two years old or turns two while you are travelling, you will need to book a separate seat for them.

Children aged between two and fifteen years cannot travel unless accompanied by an adult who is 16 years or older. Unaccompanied minors aged 15 and below are not allowed to travel alone and will be denied boarding.

The airline deems anyone aged 16 and above as an adult, who can then fly with children, or adults who require special assistance. Infants with reserved seats and children over the age of 2 years are entitled to the same cabin bag and hold luggage allowance as adults.

If you’re journeying with an infant who will be seated on your lap, only an extra baby changing bag is permitted for the infant. For every infant or child, you can bring up to two of the following items free of charge to go into the hold, in addition to your cabin bag allowance: travel cot, pushchair, double pushchair, buggy, car seat, collapsible or non-collapsible pram, booster seat and baby back carrier.

You’re allowed to carry baby food, baby milk and sterilised water in your cabin bag if you’re travelling with an infant. The 100ml liquid limit enforced at some airports doesn’t apply to baby food, milk or sterilised water, provided that the total amount in each container does not exceed 2 litres.

easyJet aircrafts are equipped with baby changing facilities. However, passengers are required to bring their own nappies and wipes as these are not supplied on board.

Baby food and milk

When travelling with a baby, you’re allowed to bring enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the duration of the journey. There isn’t a legal limit to how much you can bring, but it’s always best to check with your airport before you travel.

As per Gov.uk, breast milk can be carried in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby. However, frozen breast milk is not permitted in hand luggage.

Individual containers of breast milk must not exceed 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff may need to open the containers to screen the liquids.