Tui

STILL looking for the dream holiday? This little-known website sells incredible breaks by TUI at lower prices.

From beautiful European islands to city adventures and even the Caribbean – make sure to check out this website first to save your pennies.

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

HolidayHypermarket has some huge discounts on breaks to destinations across the globe from Spain and Greece, all the way to Mexico and Thailand.

It might seem underhand but actually the website is owned by the TUI Group which is why it has access to deals with reduced rates and discounts.

If you’re looking for a break that’s great value, there are deals from as little as £175per person – or £43pppn.

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For this price, you can jet off to the beautiful Greek Island of Kefalonia at the Pericles Hotel for four-nights with bed and breakfast on June 21.

It includes return flights from Bournemouth Airport, baggage and transfers.

Guests can take a dip in the pool with a beautiful mountain backdrop and in the evening, hunker down in one of its cosy rooms.

Directly with TUI, it’s slightly more expensive at £180pp.

City breaks with HolidayHypermarket start from £145per person.

At this price, you can jet off to Krakow for a three-night stay at the Leone Aparthotel.

It’s found near the historic Old Town Square and is the ideal base for exploring the Polish city.

Highlighted as one of their best and latest all-inclusive packages is a seven-night break to Hotel Meridian in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria.

The hotel has incredible views across the coastline as it’s one of the tallest buildings in the area and there’s a swim-up bar.

The outdoor pool has a section for children, and there’s a top-floor terrace to enjoy sunset during the evening before heading out to enjoy the Sunny Beach nightlife.

The deal on HolidayHypermarket is for two adults departing Newcastle Airport on June 11 for an all-inclusive break and is priced at £528pp.

In comparison, the same package holiday on TUI’s official website is £543.12pp.

If you’re looking to escape the UK in the next few days, then there is a tab for that with last-minute holidays from as little as £330pp – or £47.15pppn.

This is for a seven-night stay at the Sunrise Blue Magic Resort, also in Bulgaria.

It has two swimming pools, a buffet and lobby bar for the evenings with plenty of entertainment.

Directly with TUI, the exact same break comes in at £343.17pp.

Sun Travel spotted one of the most luxe places with a low price tag, which is Hotel Tour Khales in Tunisia, and can be booked from £558pp.

The hotel has a swimming pool and is just steps away from a private golden beach on the edge of Sousse.

There’s an infinity pool, enormous spa, fitness sessions and a tennis court.

Guests can laze about on cabanas by the poolside and enjoy evenings on balconies looking out either at the gardens or beach.

Departing on November 20, it’s for two adults across seven nights from Gatwick Airport.

Long-haul holidays include to far-flung destinations like Thailand, Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Some of its lowest all-inclusive offers to Jamaica includes a break to the Samsara Cliff Resort.

The hotel is found in Negril at the top of its cliffs and has direct access to the seafront.

You can definitely make the most of the all-inclusive break at its restaurants that specialise in Jamaican food – and there are plenty of rum cocktails too.

As for entertainment, during the week, there’s a live reggae band, and in the evening head over to the sister hotel – Legenda Beach Resort – for more.

For two adults, a seven-night stay departing Manchester Airport on June 3 starts from £931pp.

Directly with TUI, this break costs a little more at £950pp.

HolidayHypermarket has offers on both Marella and TUI River Cruises too.

Prices correct at time of publication.

“WE have a saying in Catalan,” my guide Rosa tells me, looking up at the towering structure and surrounding cranes looming over us. 

While Brits may grumble that something is “taking for ever”, the people of Catalan prefer to say: “This is taking longer than the building of the Sagrada Familia.”

It’s a valid joke. 

Barcelona’s most famous church has been under construction for 144 years, and five generations have watched legendary architect Antoni Gaudi’s vision slowly come to life.

But at last, the Sagrada Familia has reached the final stages of completion. And I couldn’t wait to check it out.

There’s never been a better time to visit the Spanish city of Barcelona. Crowned the World Capital of Architecture 2026, it is currently marking the centenary of Gaudi’s death with a year-long calendar of concerts, exhibitions and events. 

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WHAT A TREAT

I visited the foodie city with new British Airways flights and 33C summers

I was visiting with Tui, which made my action-packed break super-smooth thanks to a host of easily-bookable excursions via its Tui Musement site.

Of course, it includes a Sagradia Familia tour with a specialist guide and access to the tower.

Guides really know their stuff, too. Rosa tells me, with its latest tower finally in place, the Sagrada Familia now stands at 172.5m, making it officially the tallest church in the world. 

While the landmark is technically close to structural completion, that doesn’t necessarily mean we are much closer to seeing a “finished” version without any scaffolding.  

In fact, the Sagrada Familia is far more likely to remain a perpetual work-in-progress with older, more weathered parts of the building undergoing continuous restoration.

Nonetheless, it will still take your breath away. Each side of the church tells hundreds of stories through carved figures and symbols. Look closely and you’ll see more than just saints — Gaudi used local labourers, their children and even himself as models, immortalising the people who built the church into its walls.

If you don’t fancy the crowds of the Sagrada, there are plenty of other architectural delights to admire elsewhere in the city.

Gaudi fans will find 12 more of his designs here, including Casa Batllo.

This building was designed in 1904 and sits on the Passeig de Gracia, or as I like to call it, Sweets Street (the house is now owned by the founder of Chupa Chups lollies, plus Casa Amatller next door has housed three generations of chocolate-makers).

Inside, Casa Batllo feels like a Willy Wonka dream. Gaudi took inspiration from nature, which can be seen in the spirals and rounded wooden doors that make walking the hallways feel like a fairytale.

My ­personal highlight was the ­mushroom-shaped fireplace. 

An eight-minute walk from here is the equally unmissable Casa Mila.  

And away from impressive buildings, there’s plenty of shopping. Just avoid the touristy streets of Las Ramblas and instead head to La Boqueria, a must-visit market. It’s still popular, but no tourist trap. The recommendation came from Rosa, who explained that if she’s cooking for guests, she shops there. 

Across the road you’ll find the much quieter Placa del Pi, a peaceful square with a smaller artisan market. 

From here, wander down Calle­Petritxol, home to the oldest art gallery in Spain, Sala Pares, which held Picasso’s first exhibition. 

If you’ve been inspired by all the stunning artistry, an espadrilles- making class (£88pp with Tui Musement) might appeal.  

You’ll learn about the shoe’s beginnings as farm-workers’ footwear, before it was brought into fashion by Salvador Dali.  

You’ll pick your ribbons, enjoy a glass of cava and get to work on making a pair for your next holiday. 

On my final day, I had booked onto a full-day e-bike, winery and boat tour (£122pp).

I cycled along the coast to the charming village of Alella to enjoy a tasting at a family-owned vineyard, before ending the afternoon with a yacht tour, where I could admire even more of Gaudi’s modernist cityscape from the sea. 

Staring out towards the glorious shoreline, I can easily see where he drew inspiration — and just why he loved this city. 

If you’ve made a purchase in duty-free, you may want to check ahead of time to see if you’re actually able to use it on board, as there’s one item strictly prohibited

Brits travelling abroad need to stay alert to the items they can and cannot take onboard, but do they know about the rules regarding items they buy at the airport?

Travelling with bottles in any shape or form usually comes with its restrictions, as many airports ask for you to pack liquids in measurements only up to 100ml. However, there are some far stricter rules when it comes to the liquid you’re buying in duty-free – particularly alcohol.

At most airports, you can buy bottles of wine, spirits, beers, and more; sometimes up to a liter of each is sold at discounted prices. And yet, despite being able to make the purchase at the airport, you are strictly prohibited from drinking it or even opening it on the plane.

Duty-free alcohol is generally allowed on board, passing as a form of carry-on luggage, when purchased after getting your security checks. Although it is almost always placed inside a sealed Security Tamper-Evident Bag, paired with the receipt.

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Within aviation law, this bag must remain sealed throughout the whole duration of the flight, a rule that is consistent across all airlines. Passengers must not consume their own duty-free alcohol on the plane, as all alcohol must be purchased from the cabin crew.

If there’s anything else you’ve purchased from duty-free, you will need to ensure it is placed in a separate bag or in your carry-on luggage to avoid it being trapped inside the sealed bag for the duration of the flight.

The rule is consistent, yet each airline may handle people consuming this alcohol differently, with potential fines for those who break the rules.

Jet2 states: “You may not bring on board alcohol for the purposes of consumption whilst on the aircraft. For safety reasons, we restrict the consumption of alcohol on board. Only alcoholic drinks purchased on board may be consumed during the flight. It is an offence to be drunk on any aircraft. Jet2.com reserves the right to serve alcoholic drinks to customers at our absolute discretion.”

After some recent confusion with passengers boarding Ryanair flights, a spokesperson made it clear where they stand when it comes to drinking on board. They said: “We are not ‘banning’ or ‘confiscating’ duty-free alcohol at boarding gates. As per Ryanair’s T&Cs, passengers can carry duty-free alcohol onboard but must not consume it during the flight.”

Across the majority of airlines, when it comes to alcohol consumption, they have a zero-tolerance policy on ‘disruptive behaviour’ and have the right to reject drunken and disorderly passengers from boarding the flight.

Meaning, even if you’re yet to take a swig of your duty-free bottle, you should be wary of how much alcohol you’re drinking within airport bars and restaurants.

As for the duty-free bag itself, this is often allowed as an extra courtesy to take on the flight, provided that it fits under your seat. However, this is typically limited to one bag per person and does not encourage passengers to hop on board with multiple additional bags after a huge shopping spree.

TUI is launching its first ever loyalty scheme for UK customers – and there are plenty of perks.

The Smiles Reward Club is set to be rolled out later this year and holidaymakers will be able to use it across flights, holidays and cruises.

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

TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel announced yesterday the TUI Smiles Rewards Club will be rolled out in the UK ‘this summer or autumn’.

This will be the first time ever that TUI will have a loyalty scheme for its customers.

The Smiles Rewards Club will be able to be used across all bookings including flights, hotels, packages, cruises, and experiences.

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As members make purchases, they will progress through three levels and each level increases the benefits like TUI treats, priority support and personalised rewards.

These rewards also include on-board and in-hotel added benefits.

For even more potential wins, there will also be a monthly game with ‘great prizes’ to be won.

For higher tier members, there will be better access to services like priority live chat and priority call support.

The scheme launched in Finland in March of this year and will be rolled out in the UK later this year.

Here’s another travel website which launched its own loyalty scheme this year.

The holidaymaker revealed how he enjoyed a week-long holiday at a budget price

A social media user has wowed travel fans after sharing how much he spent on a week’s holiday in Mexico. The holidaymaker explained his bargain travel hack in a TikTok post shared under the username @Byseyi.

In the viral video, Byseyi revealed he spent £360 per person on a last-minute holiday to Mexico. He said: “So this is one travel tip that I don’t really hear that many people talk about. And this is actually how me and my wife travelled to Mexico for a week for around £360 per person, and that’s flights and accommodation.”

The TikTok creator claims: “So if you’re able to travel last-minute, go and look at TUI’s last-minute flight deals on the flight section of their website. Because what happens is they’re trying to get rid of some of these last-minute flights and not have empty seats going. So we ended up booking a flight for two people to go to Cancun, Mexico, for £538 for both of us.

“Managed to find some good accommodation in Tulum that was cheap for £185. And even right now, if you go on the website, you’ll see a flight to the Dominican Republic for £384 if you’re able to travel in the month of May.

“So it’s really just for those people, maybe you had a holiday that got cancelled and you’re trying to plan a new thing, or you have the flexibility to just travel last minute. So it doesn’t apply to everyone, but for those that it can work for, you can get something good for cheap.”

The video gained over 115k views and 14k likes on TikTok. Replying to the video, a viewer said: “Thanks for reminding me being fully remote is a win.” A second comment read: “A digital nomads dream lol …let me go check out TUI.” A third social media user wrote: “Yep! TUI got me to Aruba for £196 return, directttt! best!”

Someone else shared: “I always like these deals but they don’t work for people who like to explore more than one city in a country. But I think it’s great when you are simply looking for anywhere to go to.”

Another response said: “How close to the departure date did you book?” The travel lover replied: “Booked on the 23rd of Feb, flew out 3rd of March.”

Passengers looking for last-minute flights can browse deals on TUI’s website, where there’s a section dedicated to cheap flights. Customers can filter their search by departure date, with options ranging from within seven days to three months. Alternatively, customers planning further ahead can refine their search by month.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK and Ireland, said: “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, our last-minute flight deals can be a brilliant way to grab a great-value getaway. Flying from over 20 airports across the UK, making it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and set off from a nearby airport. There’s a great choice of destinations on offer too – from European favourites like Spain and Greece, to long-haul escapes across the Caribbean, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, as well as Florida.

“These direct flights include 10kg of hand luggage as standard, with the option to add more, upgrade for extra space or enjoy a more premium travel experience. It’s always worth checking back – you might find something that gets you away sooner than you think.”

Anyone with holidays planned needs to know the rules before they fly

Getting your boarding pass sorted is one of the first things to clear before jetting off on holiday, but some Brits risk being caught out at the check-in desk by overlooking a rule certain airlines have introduced. It is essential to know whether your documents need to be in a specific format to pass through the airport smoothly.

Previously, most UK carriers left it up to passengers to choose between printing boarding passes at home or having them on smartphones at the airport. However, it’s important to understand what your airline now allows, as failing to do so could put your entire trip in trouble.

Paper boarding passes are steadily being phased out in favour of digital options. Most airlines now issue tickets via email, apps, or other methods rather than paper.

In many instances, travellers can still print their passes at home or at the airport. It’s advisable to verify your airline’s specific policies (both outbound and return) beforehand, according to the Express.

Ryanair

Budget airline Ryanair has switched entirely to digital as of November 2025. Passengers travelling with the carrier will receive their boarding pass electronically via the Ryanair app once check-in is complete.

On its website, the airline states that its digital boarding passes “get rid of 300 tonnes of paper annually” and contribute to “lower airport costs and fares for all Ryanair passengers”.

Discussing check-in, Ryanair say that all “passengers will still receive email reminders to check-in online 48 and 24 hrs pre-departure. If any passenger arrives at the airport but hasn’t checked in online (having ignored these reminders), they will still be required to pay the airport check-in fee.”

Ryanair added that “special assistance is available at all airports” for travellers requiring support with digital passes and check-in. Full details can be found here.

EasyJet and WizzAir

For most flights, airlines such as easyJet accept digital tickets. EasyJet does not accept PDF scans displayed on phones, and all digital tickets must be presented via the free EasyJet app. Certain non-UK airports continue to require printed passes.

As of 2026, 21 airports in the easyJet network do not currently accept mobile boarding passes. If you are returning to the UK from any of these locations, you will need to print your boarding pass on paper:

• Egypt: Hurghada (HRG), Luxor (LXR), Marsa Alam (RMF), Cairo Sphinx (SPX), Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)
• Morocco: Agadir (AGA), Essaouira (ESU), Marrakesh (RAK), Rabat (RBA), Tangier (TNG)
• Turkey: Izmir (ADB), Antalya (AYT), Bodrum (BJV)
• Tunisia: Djerba (DJE), Enfidha (NBE)
• Other Regions: Aqaba, Jordan (AQJ), Belgrade, Serbia (BEG), Pristina, Kosovo (PRN), Tirana, Albania (TIA), Ivalo, Finland (IVL) and Sitia, Greece (JSH)

A handful of airports that handle Wizz Air flights also do not support mobile passes, though there are just five such destinations, as of 2026:

• Agadir (AGA)
• Marrakesh (RAK)
• Cairo Sphinx (SPX)
• Zaragoza (ZAZ)
• Tirana (TIA)

What about other major UK airlines?

For those flying with other carriers, it is best to check your airline’s website to determine whether a specific policy applies. Rules are larely the same but may vary from location to location.

• British Airways: Allows printing at home or at airport kiosks. Digital passes are available via the BA app.
• Jet2: Supports both physical and digital tickets. You can print from “Manage My Booking” or use the Jet2 app.
• TUI: Both printed and digital passes are accepted.
• Virgin Airways: Although the airline “highly recommends” digital, printed copies are accepted, and kiosk printing remains available at major hubs like London Heathrow and Manchester.

easyJet, TUI and Jet2holidays are some of the UK’s biggest package holiday providers

Travellers planning to book holidays with easyJet, Jet2, and TUI are being cautioned by the travel firms that they could face additional charges they may not have previously been aware of.

With summer now just around the corner, millions of Brits are eagerly looking forward to a well-deserved break in the sun. easyJet, TUI, and Jet2holidays rank among the UK’s biggest package holiday providers, with countless travellers turning to them to arrange all manner of trips overseas – and 2026 is set to be a busy one.

When browsing the respective websites, customers can explore a vast range of holidays and will be presented with a price for their chosen trip. Each of these operators helpfully outlines why these holidays may carry extra costs, and how much travellers might be expected to fork out.

It all comes down to tourism taxes. The amount you’ll pay depends on your destination, the length of your stay, and whether you’re travelling during peak season.

Alongside the quoted price for your holiday, whether booked through TUI, easyJet, or Jet2holidays, you’ll also find an estimated tourism tax figure for the full duration of your trip. This is typically payable directly at your accommodation upon arrival.

In any destination where a tourism tax applies, all holidaymakers will be required to pay a standard rate – regardless of which airline or travel operator they have chosen to book with.

The money-saving guru has urged those who have paid for trips with major holiday firms and airlines to avoid the DIY approach

Martin Lewis has delivered a stark warning to anyone who has already booked a holiday for this summer – and explained why people could be making a big mistake getting flights and hotels separately. In a recent update, the money-saving guru has urged those who have paid for trips with major holiday firms and airlines, including TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and British Airways, to pay close attention.

It was suggested this week that the UK could be worst hit by jet fuel shortages because it has ‘critically low levels’ of supplies and poor refining tools, by Goldman Sachs. The giant investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a research note to clients: “The UK is the largest net importer of jet fuel in Europe, and it holds no strategic reserves, leaving commercial inventories as the primary buffer.”

During his Money Show Live on ITV, the financial expert responded to an audience member who asked: ‘If my flight’s cancelled due to no jet fuel will you definitely receive at the moment package holidays give you a certain as well.’ Mr Lewis explained that holidaymakers would lose their hotel booking costs if they had arranged accommodation independently from flights reserved with airlines such as Jet2, TUI, Wizz, Ryanair or easyJet – as they would not be protected under consumer regulations.

He said: “No. And I think this is what people need to be very aware of. If you booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, then under the package holiday regulations and rules and protections generally if your flight went you would get everything back.”

He added: “And so actually at the moment package holidays give you a certain level of extra security that you wouldn’t get if you did a DIY booking where you bought your hotel and flight separately.” The reason for this, he explained, stems from the fact that the hotel reservation itself remains entirely valid: “Because the point is if you lose your flight and you’ve DIY booked, there’s nothing wrong with your hotel.

“The issue is you can’t get there. Your hotel is still there. It’s not faulty. It’s not cancelling. So, you don’t have those consumer rights.” If the accommodation provider hasn’t violated any terms, then guests might examine how they’ve paid for their booking – but that route offers no solution either. He said: “So, you would then say, ‘What about using a credit card or debit card protection?’ It won’t work because there’s nothing faulty. And that’s just giving you the same replica rights that you would have with the retailer.”

For those still seeking a solution, travel insurance may seem like the next logical port of call. Mr Lewis revealed: “So, you’ then say, ‘What about travel insurance?’ This is the bad bit. We were checking 40 travel insurance policies. Of those, only a few would have covered you for the knock-on eventuality of your flight being cancelled due to jet fuel and then your hotel costs.

“Only about three or four and most of those were package bank accounts where it’s linked to your bank account. Only one standalone provider. So we need to be blunt at the moment. There is a big risk in those circumstances. If you’re booking, you want something with free or limited cancellation quite short before. So you could just cancel it. You should always talk to the provider.

“Government are saying there isn’t one at the moment and they’re working on consolidating flights and doing things so there won’t be one, but people’s hotel costs if they book separately and other knock-on costs are potentially at risk.”

Speaking on his ITV programme, he also cautioned that neglecting to take one vital step after booking could leave holidaymakers with absolutely nothing if their plans fall through. With the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East sparking serious worries over jet fuel supplies, Mr Lewis warned that those who book a holiday and put off arranging insurance could risk losing everything should something go wrong in the interim.

Mr Lewis emphasised that travel insurance ought to be bought the instant a holiday is booked: “The reason you do that is because half of the cover you’re paying for is in case something happens that stops you going before the trip. And if you don’t have the travel insurance place, you’ve got no cover. So, you may as well have it in place. But at this time of year when many people have already booked, I have a slight adaptation, which is this. If you’ve booked and you don’t have it yet, just get it now.

“Get it done as soon as possible.” A Money Show Live viewer named David said: “I booked flights to Australia for a family group of seven to travel in March next year. I took out insurance immediately. One of our group is now pregnant and can’t travel on the dates planned. It costs £5,000 to reschedule, which I’m happy to report the insurance covered.”

Mr Lewis also commented on the complexities facing larger groups: “Very quick aside on that, think of who you’re booking for. So, if it’s a family group and one can’t go, they’ll often cover you. But if there’s a large group of friends going, you often all get independent travel insurance. Well, then if one can’t go or and you can’t all go on the trip, it’s only the person who’s who’s got that cover. So, you’d need a group insurance policy so that if one can’t go, you all can’t go.”

Jet2 today said now people choosing a package holiday as their preferred method of booking is up 5% to 51% since February. In the same period, the number of people preferring to book through different providers has dropped by six percentage points to 20%. Those choosing ‘accommodation only’ has dropped to 2%.

The primary reasons for choosing a package holiday have remained steady, with value (36%) and ease (36%) the main drivers, however the benefit of ‘added security with one provider, ATOL/ABTA protection’ has increased by four percentage points since February to 26% the poll said.

This protection means that customers are covered should any changes happen to their bookings, including the option of receiving refunds if their travel plans are cancelled, and that those holidays are held to the highest standards when it comes to customer service, changes to bookings, and health & safety.

Jet2 has confirmed it will not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, for example jet fuel, assuring customers that the price they book with Jet2 is the price they will pay.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “Consumers want assurance during times of uncertainty and package holidays provide that assurance. On top of all the protection that our package holidays guarantee, Jet2 is well known as being a consumer champion that goes above and beyond to look after customers. Ahead of a busy summer season, this means new and existing customers know that their well-deserved holidays are in the very best hands with us, and we are very excited about welcoming everyone onboard and taking them on their breaks.”

Each airline has set rules about when to arrive at the airport to avoid delays – check which apply to you before you make your way to the airport this May half-term

If your family is headed abroad in May, it might be wise to pay attention to the latest airport arrival advice from airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and TUI.

Airports are expected to be packed during the school holiday period, and with fluctuating jet fuel prices concerns, many travellers want to be extra prepared for potential delays, longer queues and last-minute schedule changes.

The rules have remained mostly the same in recent months, but some airlines have specific requirements for different types of passengers or groups.

Ryanair

Ryanair advises passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow enough time for check-in, bag drop and security, and also says passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure time.

Even if you’ve booked through an online travel agent, you’ll still need to verify your booking at the airport, and you’re also told to arrive at least two hours early.

EasyJet

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Passengers flying easyJet are warned on their website that airports can become especially busy during school holidays, and to allow extra time for traffic, train disruptions and queues.

The airline warns that bag drop at most UK airports closes 40 minutes before departure, although some airports and destinations may close earlier at 60 minutes. Twilight bag drop services are available the evening before flights that are scheduled for the morning.

Jet2

For Jet2, you should arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure, or earlier, since the airline’s check-in desks generally open around two-and-a-half hours before flights.

Jet2 closes check-in desks 40 minutes before departure. Traveller are urged to check its latest travel information page at least 12 hours before flying for updates on delays or disruptions.

Like some others, the airline also offers its Twilight Check-in service at selected UK airports, allowing customers on morning flights to drop off bags the night before.

TUI

TUI’s standard check-in opens at least 2.5 hours before short- and mid-haul flights, but for long-haul flights you can check in 3.5 hours before departure.

The company warns that arriving earlier than this will not allow passengers to pass through security sooner, and that those travelling with hand luggage only and who have already checked in online can go straight to security after arriving at the airport.

For groups travelling together on the same booking, TUI advises that only one person needs to go to the bag drop with all passports, visas, boarding passes, and luggage.

For all airlines, general advice is to keep travel documents easily accessible, check flight updates online before leaving for the airport and prepare for longer queues during peak travel periods such as the May half-term.

The Department for Transport has announced it is consulting on major changes for holidays

Concerns have been raised about potential changes which will mean the end of a ‘14-day rule’ this summer with flights being changed or cancelled at the last minute. The Department for Transport has announced it is consulting on major changes to holidays amid uncertainties about jet fuel supplies as the Middle East crisis continues with no end in sight.

With intense pressure on jet fuel widely tipped to cause travel problems this summer, the government announced over the weekend that airlines will be allowed to group passengers from different flights onto fewer planes. This means that at the last minute, people could be switched to a different flight.

The DfT says it will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict. It lets carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, Wizz Air UK, and TUI, consolidate flights on routes where there are multiple trips to the same destination on the same day.

However, consumer experts said that currently, passengers are protected by a 14-day rule, and it’s ‘not fair’ for people to be shifted at the last minute to suit airlines without compensation. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: “Millions of Britons will have already booked their flights for this summer, often paying over the odds for flights at peak times.

“Existing rules already allow airlines to move customers to new flights so long as they give them more than 14 days’ notice and offer the choice between a new flight or a refund. It’s only for cancellations within 14 days that compensation is payable, rightly.

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“It’s not fair for the rules to now be bent in favour of airlines and potentially leave passengers holding the bill. Many passengers will understand that disruptions can occur and may be happy to travel a few hours or a day later, but for those on short trips or connecting flights it could mean the trip is no longer worthwhile.

“Before any changes are made, passengers need cast-iron assurances that their rights will not be weakened and that airlines cannot use reform as cover to shift the cost of disruption onto travellers.”

Conservatives say it could see passengers “herded on to a different plane, at a time of the airline’s choosing”. The DfT says, however, that the measure is designed to give passengers “greater confidence” by helping airlines to lock in their schedules earlier.

Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, adds: “There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.

“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses.”

The Department for Transport said the measures would:

• help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
• prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
• reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes

Current rules

If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund. If a flight is subject to a significant delay – at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul – passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.

“Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.

“Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”

If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much time should I allow myself?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the new EES system?

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

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

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

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

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

Money expert on his ITV show said ‘there is a big risk in those circumstances’

Martin Lewis has warned anyone booking their summer holiday that they won’t get their money back if their flight is cancelled and they’re unable to reach their hotel – provided they’ve booked in a particular way. During his Money Show Live on ITV last night, the financial expert was questioned by an audience member: ‘If my flight’s cancelled due to no jet fuel will you definitely receive all your money back even for your hotel booking as well.’

Mr Lewis clarified that travellers would forfeit their hotel booking fees if they’ve arranged it separately from their flights booked with operators like Jet2, TUI, Wizz, Ryanair, easyJet – as they won’t be protected by consumer regulations. He said: “No. And I think this is what people need to be very aware of. If you booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, then under the package holiday regulations and rules and protections generally if your flight went you would get everything back.

“And so actually at the moment package holidays give you a certain level of extra security that you wouldn’t get if you did a DIY booking where you bought your hotel and flight separately.”

This is because there’s nothing amiss with the hotel reservation itself, he explained: “Because the point is if you lose your flight and you’ve DIY booked, there’s nothing wrong with your hotel. The issue is you can’t get there. Your hotel is still there. It’s not faulty. It’s not cancelling. So, you don’t have those consumer rights.”

If the hotel hasn’t done anything wrong, then travellers might look at how they’ve arranged their booking – but there’s little relief to be found there. He said: “So, you would then say, ‘What about using a credit card or debit card protection?’ It won’t work because there’s nothing faulty. And that’s just giving you the same replica rights that you would have with the retailer.”

Finally, people may turn to their travel insurance. Mr Lewis explained: “So, you then say, ‘What about travel insurance?’ This is the bad bit. We were checking 40 travel insurance policies. Of those, only a few would have covered you for the knock-on eventuality of your flight being cancelled due to jet fuel and then your hotel costs.”

READ MORE: Major airline cancels all flights to three UK holiday hotspots for JuneREAD MORE: TUI, easyJet and Jet2 Monday update as 3 statements for passengers issued

“Only about three or four and most of those were package bank accounts where it’s linked to your bank account. Only one standalone provider. So we need to be blunt at the moment. There is a big risk in those circumstances. If you’re booking, you want something with free or limited cancellation quite short before. So you could just cancel it. You should always talk to the provider.

“The reason this is important to know is if you are in that position once you understand you have no rights and they say, ‘Well, we’ll give you a voucher and you can come back in 6 months.’ You suddenly realise you’re doing well, not badly, right? If you didn’t have free cancellation and that this is going to be a problem if we get to that jet fuel shortage.

“Government are saying there isn’t one at the moment and they’re working on consolidating flights and doing things so there won’t be one, but people’s hotel costs if they book separately and other knock-on costs are potentially at risk.”

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

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

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

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

Jet2

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

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

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

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

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

EasyJet

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

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

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

TUI

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

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

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

Ryanair

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

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

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

Kuoni

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

Loveholidays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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