turbulence

Jet2 has said it will cut the number of seats available on its flights by around 200,000 in the coming months after the budget travel giant warned shareholders about earnings forecasts

Holidaymakers who rely on Jet2’s bargain fares will find fewer seats available in the coming months, after the budget airline received disappointing earnings projections.

The low-cost travel company is set to pull around 200,000 seats from the market over the next few months, leaving 5.6 million on offer during the winter period.

Whilst this still marks a nine per cent rise compared to last year, Jet2 has chosen to scale back its growth plans following predictions that the travel giant’s profits would fall short of expectations.

The news triggered a sharp decline in the company’s share price on Thursday, with analysts forecasting earnings of approximately £449m for the year ending March 2026, up from £446.5m the previous year. Stock values plummeted by roughly 13 per cent following the announcement.

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Jet2 revealed that cost-conscious travellers are increasingly displaying a “later booking profile”, snapping up flights at short notice and leaving the airline with “limited visibility” over passenger numbers during the winter months when many seats remain “still to sell.”

The low-cost carrier witnessed package holiday reservations climb by 2 per cent over the summer, which ThisIsMoney reports as a decline from the eight per cent surge recorded last year.

Nevertheless, these statistics also highlight shifting consumer behaviour, with flight-only bookings soaring by a substantial 17 per cent.

Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy informed shareholders that the concerning figures stemmed from “operating in a difficult market,” though he emphasised that their expanding customer base would “provide the foundation for a solid financial result this year and for further profitable growth in the years to come.”

The budget airline, which conducted its annual general meeting on Thursday, revealed it had introduced a “modest increase” in package holiday prices this summer and noted it would be premature to release “definitive” figures regarding the company’s overall profitability.

Last month, Jet2 became the first carrier in Britain to provide complimentary plane tickets to certain passengers, aiming to make their service more accessible for additional customers. All families travelling with a child under the age of two will now avoid purchasing a ticket for their little one, whether booking a package holiday or an individual flight.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, explained to ThisIsMoney: “Millions of people prioritise experiences over material goods, with foreign holidays high up the list of things they scrimp and save for. Such a trend should be positive for airlines and holiday companies, yet countless individuals are leaving it to the last minute to make a booking.

“Jet2 has once again bemoaned this situation, leaving it with cloudy rather than crystal clear earnings visibility. Management cannot keep their fingers crossed that sales will eventually come through; they need certainty given the expense in running a fleet of aircraft and a complex accommodation chain.

“Guidance that full-year earnings will be at the lower end of market forecasts has wiped out Jet2’s share price gains so far this year. It’s a disappointing setback for the business and has dragged down shares in other airlines including EasyJet and Wizz Air.”

Passengers travelling from Spain to Italy were screaming in fear as their Wizz Air flight was hit with severe turbulence and was forced to make an emergency landing

Passengers on a flight returning from Spain were left screaming in fear as their plane was thrown around in terrifying turbulence, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.

The Wizz Air flight was travelling from Alicante, Spain, to Fiumicino Airport, Rome, this week when it encountered severe turbulence. In a shocking video posted to social media, petrified passengers could be heard shrieking on the Airbus A321 as it battled the bumpy conditions.

The seatbelt signs were on while the majority of the cabin lights were turned off, only adding to the fearful moment for travellers on board. In the video shared on TikTok, the user added the caption, “Attimi di terrore sul volo”, translating to “Moments of terror on the flight.”

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Passengers in the video can be heard shouting, “Oh God”, and “No, no, no!” while others remained quiet with heavy breaths. Outside through the windows, the plane’s red lights can be seen amid the grey and dark sky.

Italy has faced extreme weather this summer, and Rome was given a severe thunderstorm warning. The bad weather is what impacted the Wizz Air flight, which attempted to land at Fiumicino, the country’s busiest airport.

After several attempts, the pilot aborted the plan and was redirected to Bologna, over 250 miles away, to make a safe landing. The flight from Alicante to Rome typically takes under two hours, but due to delays and severe turbulence, it landed in Bologna at 3:53am – almost three hours after it was due to arrive in Rome.

Wizz Air said: “Wizz Air flight W4 6038 from Alicante to Rome Fiumicino on August 20 was diverted to Bologna Airport after it was unable to land safely due to adverse weather conditions at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

“The aircraft landed safely and without incident in Bologna at 3:57 a.m. local time. Passengers were provided with ground transportation from Bologna to Rome.”

The airline added that passengers who “had independently arranged ground transportation” would be entitled to a refund. Wizz Air also said: “Weather conditions are beyond the airline’s control, and safety remains Wizz Air’s top priority.”

They also added that aborting a landing is a “standard procedure in the event that conditions are not ideal for a safe landing”. The airline thanked the pilots and cabin crew for “ensuring everyone’s safety during the turbulence and for making the right decision to divert the flight to Bologna.”

Nobody wants to experience turbulence on a plane but according to one pilot there’s a key mistake that people make which could make the experience even scarier

Turbulence during a flight can be quite scary for passengers, but one pilot has revealed that there are three key mistakes flyers make on planes that can actually make it a lot worse.

Although it can feel stomach-churning, in the majority of cases, turbulence isn’t actually dangerous and usually just means you’ll have a few spilled drinks or dropped belongings. However, according to one pilot, passengers who ignore one warning could actually be putting themselves in harm’s way.

Retired commercial airline pilot Richard Wells, 54, revealed that people often unbuckle their seatbelt just because the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign is off. He told Ski Vertigo: “Just because the light’s off doesn’t mean it’s smooth flying. I’ve seen passengers thrown upwards during sudden drops because they weren’t strapped in.”

Turbulence occurs when the aircraft hits strong wind currents that can push or pull the plane. Most of the time it can be detected by radars, but there is also ‘clear air turbulence’ that isn’t picked up, and therefore can occur without warning even when skies appear fine. So if you don’t have your seatbelt buckled, you may get thrown around more than your fellow travellers.

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This is why most pilots recommend keeping your seatbelt loosely fastened at all times when seated, not just during turbulence or announcements. In fact, data shows that the majority of turbulence-related injuries involve passengers or crew who weren’t secured.

Unsurprisingly, getting out of your seat during turbulence is not recommended, but some people still choose to ignore the warnings to go to the toilet, or get something out from the overheard lockers.

Richard warned: “If the seatbelt sign is on, don’t get up—no matter how quick you think it’ll be. We’ve had people lose their balance, fall into others, or get hit by objects falling from the compartments.” If you need to move, for example for a medical reasons, he recommends waiting for the crew’s guidance.

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Of course when turbulence does happen it can be terrifying, but panicking won’t help. In fact, it could make the experience that little bit worse for you. “Turbulence feels dramatic, but planes are built to handle it. It’s no more than a bump in the road, structurally,” Richard explained.

“When passengers scream or panic, it creates unnecessary tension throughout the cabin.” He suggests breathing deeply, relaxing your posture, and distracting yourself with music, a book or light conversation. In more severe turbulence, brace gently against the seat in front if advised, and always follow crew instructions.

Ultimately, if you’ve got your seatbelt fastened and you listen to the crew, it can keep any stress to a minimum. If you do face a bumpy ride, it doesn’t mean you need to instantly worry. “Planes are engineered for far worse than the turbulence most passengers experience,” Richard reassured. “It’s not dangerous, it’s discomforting. The key is staying buckled and level-headed.”

Have you experienced scary turbulence on a flight? Email us at [email protected]

A travel expert has pointed out one specific seat that offers the best combination of safety and value – and it’s one that most people don’t even know about

For many, the thought of flying can be a source of anxiety, particularly when turbulence strikes or the mind wanders to the potential dangers of being 30,000 feet in the air. While some opt for the comfort and reassurance of business class, others simply hold tight to their armrests and hope for smooth skies.

However, travel guru Bryson Robert, from Safari Soles Tours, an operator specialising in African escapades, suggests there’s a more intelligent approach that won’t leave your wallet feeling light.

“Most people don’t realise there’s actually a specific seat that offers the best combination of safety and value,” Mr Robert revealed. “While seat 11A might seem like any other window seat, it’s actually positioned in what many aviation experts consider the safest part of the aircraft, and you can often snag it without paying those exorbitant upgrade fees.”

With his extensive experience guiding clients to far-flung locations across Tanzania, Mr Robert has gained deep insights into aviation safety and booking strategies, and he explains why this particular seat should be on the radar of safety-conscious travellers.

Why Seat 11A is the sweet spot for safety

The allure of seat 11A lies in its strategic placement over the aircraft’s wings. This location provides several safety benefits that most passengers overlook when reserving their flights.

Aircraft seating expert Mr Robert shared a tip on securing a smoother ride, saying: “When you’re sitting over the wing, you’re positioned at the plane’s centre of gravity,” and added, “This means you’ll experience less turbulence compared to seats at the front or back of the aircraft. The wing area also has the most reinforced structure in the entire plane.”

The reinforcement of the wings not only ensures steadier flying due to the robust structure but is also pivotal for the plane’s structural integrity. The design of aircraft wings is intentional to bear significant stress, which in turn makes the space directly above them a highly stable zone in the event of any unforeseen trouble during a flight.

There’s also the added perk of being near emergency exits when seated at 11A, giving passengers swift access to multiple egress points – a sharp contrast to seats situated at the extremities of the plane where exit options could be restricted.

Check seat maps for your aircraft

Before rushing to book your seat, remember to review the seat maps specific to your flight.

For those aiming to claim seat 11A, Robert emphasises the importance of verifying the seat layout by stating: “You want to look for planes where 11A sits directly over the wing with clear sight lines to emergency exits,” recommending both Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s as prime candidates for such favourable seating arrangement.

To make sure that 11A indeed boasts these strategic positional perks on your particular journey, it’s wise to consult airline seat map resources and tools such as SeatGuru. It’s noteworthy that certain aircraft may have unique numbering sequences or layouts that displace row 11 from its advantageous spot over the wing.

Mr Robert also advises against choosing planes where the 11th row falls within the premium economy section, as these seats usually come with compulsory upgrade fees that negate the point of affordability.

Securing seat 11A without additional charges

The timing of your booking could be the deciding factor between securing seat 11A for free or being hit with hefty selection fees. Mr Robert reveals his insider tip for nabbing this prime spot.

“Book your flight first, then wait about 24 hours before selecting your seat,” he recommended. “Many airlines release their best available seats during this window, and 11A often becomes available for standard selection.”

“If you’re flexible with your departure times, Tuesday and Wednesday flights often have more seat availability,” Mr Robert said. “Airlines are less likely to charge premium fees for seats that aren’t filling up quickly.”

Another tactic involves regularly checking back after making your booking. As the departure date draws nearer, airlines sometimes make previously restricted seats available for free selection when it’s apparent they won’t be sold as upgrades.

Mr Robert concluded: “After years of coordinating travel for safari clients flying into remote African destinations, I’ve learned that smart seat selection can make or break a long-haul flight experience. Seat 11A represents the perfect sweet spot that most travellers completely overlook. You’re getting the structural advantages of being positioned over the wing – which means better stability during turbulence and proximity to the aircraft’s strongest point – without paying the premium that business class demands.

“The beauty of this seat is that it addresses the two biggest concerns I hear from nervous flyers: safety and cost. You don’t need to spend an extra £200-500 on an upgrade to feel more secure during your flight. Understanding aircraft design and booking timing can get you into one of the safest positions on the plane for the price of a standard economy ticket.

“It’s particularly valuable for travellers heading to destinations like ours in Tanzania, where you’re looking at 15-20 hour journey times. Every advantage in comfort and peace of mind counts when you’re covering that kind of distance.”