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Ryanair has urged plane passengers to stop packing a common toiletry in their hand luggage. It’s advice worth listening to if you want to avoid potential problems at the airport

With summer now upon us, it’s pretty standard to dream of sun, sea and sand, but before any of that comes packing and making sure your luggage is sorted correctly is absolutely vital. Budget carrier Ryanair often keeps travellers up to date with their advice.

Now with more families booking time away in the summer holidays, the airline issued guidance regarding a common bathroom item that should be kept out of hand luggage if you want to sail through airport security. It’s crucial to follow this advice as ignoring it could land you in some bother at the airport. The issue recently sparked debate on Reddit after a baffled traveller raised questions about the rules governing what’s permitted in carry-on baggage.

This isn’t the first time that crucial travel guidance has been brought to people’s attention either. Just a few months back, important information was also shared regarding hand luggage regulations.

Reddit Debate over Loose Blades vs Safety Razors in Carry-On Bags

Posting on Reddit, one user wrote: “I recently started using safety razors and I was wondering if I could carry mine with one blade inside or a packet of blades. I don’t have a checked bag, only the carry-on.

“Previously I was always able to bring disposable razors with the blades stored in the plastic compartment. In the General terms and Conditions, Ryanair says safety razors are allowed but, I asked the support and, even though he wasn’t anywhere specific to answer my query, he said that sharp objects are not allowed.

“So, if I bring the safety razor with me with a blade in it, the worst that can happen is they are just going to remove the razor and give me the head/handle (enclosure thing) back?”

The question sparked a heated discussion online, with one person observing: “Safety razor will be fine. Really comes more down to the airport you are going through, not the airline, and even then it also comes down to the individual person you deal with.”

Another chimed in: “OP (original poster) is not asking about safety razors per se. He’s asking about the blades, which are definitely prohibited items. Someone intent on causing harm could quite easily unscrew the razor and use the blade or spare blades as weapons.”

A third person argued: “NO, you cannot. Razor blades, including straight razor blades and replacement blades, are prohibited items because they could be used as weapons.

“However, as you said, fixed cartridge razors (disposable razors) generally are allowed in carry-on luggage. Safety razors (with blades in a plastic head) also are usually permitted in carry-on luggage. But NOT the type where you can unscrew the head and extract the blade.”

For regular flyers who habitually pack razors — and there are plenty — it appears there are specific regulations that need to be observed. Complete details can be found on the Ryanair website.

Official Ryanair Cabin Rules for Disposable Razors and Prohibited Blades

The official guidance states: “The following items must not be carried on board, but may be carried as part of your checked baggage. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury, including razors and razor blades (except safety or disposable razors with enclosed blades and razor heads held in plastic compartments).”

The website also outlined every other item banned from cabin bags. While individual airlines may operate slightly varying policies, there are broadly accepted standard rules that all passengers are expected to adhere to.

Although not all razors are forbidden in hand luggage, certain types are prohibited. Most airlines permit disposable razors, cartridge razors and electric shavers/epilators to be brought into the cabin.

However, traditional safety razors, cut-throat razors and individual razor blades are generally not permitted in the passenger cabin and must be stowed in hold luggage, owing to their exceptionally sharp nature.

Should security staff deem them a potential threat, they hold the power to seize them, and this simple oversight could leave you facing unnecessary delays at the airport. In short, it’s a packing mistake you’ll want to avoid at all costs.

Andy Burnham has been urged to lobby EU leaders directly to suspend the new entry-exit system, EES, as the peak weekend for overseas holidays begins.

About 2.2 million British holidaymakers are expected to head abroad between Friday and Monday, the majority to Europe, with all schools in the UK now on their summer break.

Speaking at Heathrow airport on Friday morning, the Liberal Democrats’ foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller, said the prime minister needed to call on EU states to drop the “bungled, malfunctioning border system” until at least September.

The EES, which requires non-EU citizens to register on arrival and be photographed and fingerprinted, has been technically in full force since April after launching last year, but border police have been allowed to relax requirements during extreme delays.

Some passengers, however, have still missed flights while others have had to queue for several hours.

Miller said: “Holidaymakers and hauliers should not be punished by a bungled, malfunctioning border system that is completely out of their control. Andy Burnham needs to pick up the phone to each and every European leader – and persuade them, collectively, to suspend the EES until at least September.”

He said a disastrous Brexit deal was “putting millions of Britons at risk of having their holidays ruined by this broken EU border system”.

The travel association Abta said Spain would be the main destination for people travelling abroad this weekend, with strong demand also for Greece, Portugal, Italy and Turkey. Its chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said passengers should leave plenty of time for their journeys.

“For many heading overseas, this will be the first experience of EES, and for some, though not all, it may take longer than usual to get through passport control,” he said.

Greece has already indicated it will not impose the additional biometric checks on UK nationals who make up the majority of its incoming non-EU tourists, while problems with technology provided to France means that automated booths at its borders are not working.

The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, has met EU commissioners and her French counterpart, speaking again last week to raise concerns. A government spokesperson said: “While the new EES checks are a matter for the EU, we recognise this is a significant change for British travellers and are doing everything we can to get people away on their summer holidays with as little hassle as possible.”

That includes money for EES facilities and management of traffic at the port of Dover. For cross-Channel traffic, the French border posts are in the UK – prompting concerns of tailbacks over the peak getaway period. But French border police have decided not to fingerprint or photograph car travellers at ferry ports or the Eurotunnel terminal and traffic has so far passed smoothly.

The port of Dover said it was expecting its busiest days of the summer on Friday and Saturday, with just over 10,000 cars on top of the usual haulage traffic, but that queueing time had not exceeded 40 minutes and had been as little as 10 minutes.

Return flights from Europe for UK citizens will be the biggest anxiety. EasyJet urged the EU on Thursday to extend the flexibility to suspend the EES until the end of October.

An animal welfare charity has shared advice for holidaymakers who find stray animals

The RSPCA has shared advice for any travellers worried about stray cats they spot on holiday. The animal welfare charity has urged people to do one thing in such a situation.

The experts explained that it’s important to check if cats look underfed or unwell. In a Facebook post, the charity explained: “It’s common to see street cats while on holiday abroad, but not all cats may need our intervention, and it’s important to know how to help them responsibly, wherever you may be this summer.”

The post was accompanied by a video. In the clip, an RSPCA staff member explained exactly what holidaymakers can do to help stray animals. She told viewers: “Here’s how you can help stray cats abroad this summer. It can be tempting to wish to help cats whilst overseas, but not all cats need our help. Do they look skinny or unwell? Or do they look quite well fed?

“You can also check if the cat has had its ears clipped, and what that means is that the cat has been caught, neutered, and then rereleased back into the area.”

The expert continued: “What you can also do is speak to the local people in the area, who may be able to let you know the organisations, or individuals out there, currently caring for the cats. You may also find that at your local gift shop, at your resort, there is actually cat food in there, and that’s to encourage tourists to buy the cat food and feed the cats.

“What you may also be able to do is make a donation. This donation will probably go towards maybe treatment or even the trap, neuter, and release programme.”

Holidaymakers could also write to tourism boards or public officials. For instance, people could send a letter encouraging the local authority to offer their help, the RSPCA said.

“You could even write to those in power, or even tourist boards. You could explain that you love visiting their country, but were sad to see so many cats in need of help, and would love to see an investment into that line of work in the future.”

In the video’s caption, the RSPCA encouraged animal lovers to ‘share this advice with fellow holiday-goers and check out International Cat Care for more information.’ International Cat Care is a global charity. The charity’s website reiterates that cat lovers can help by finding out who is already helping in the area they are visiting.

It said: “Ask about the local people or organisations who are working in the area. There may be individuals, charities, local municipality activity or non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the area to help the cats.”

Experts have warned parts of Southern Europe could exceed 50C this summer or next, with holidaymakers urged to rethink holiday destinations or could be forced to spend their vacation indoors

A sweltering 50C heatwave could hit parts of Europe as experts warned British holidaymakers to prepare for dangerous conditions this summer.

Holidaymakers heading to the Mediterranean have been warned temperatures could soar to 50C, with experts saying the record-breaking heat seen across southern Europe may only be the beginning. Large parts of Spain have already endured temperatures of 44C in recent days, while the heat has fuelled wildfires across Spain and France, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

Professor Bill McGuire, Emeritus Professor of Geophysical & Climate Hazards at UCL said even hotter weather could be yet to come. He said: “It would be no surprise if 50C was exceeded, either later this summer or next year, when the heating impact of the unprecedented El Niño building in the Pacific will be at its greatest.”

He urged anyone travelling to the Mediterranean to be prepared to spend far more time indoors than they might have planned. He told the Daily Mail: “I wouldn’t say that they would be a total write-off, but I think holidaymakers will need to be prepared to spend a lot of time in air-conditioned hotel rooms, due to it simply being too hot to do anything outside.”

The highest air temperature ever officially recorded in Europe is 48.8C, set in Sicily in 2021. Before that, the record stood at 48C, recorded in Elefsina and Athens in 1977.

Professor Hanna Cloke, Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading, said parts of Spain and Portugal could see temperatures climb into the high 40s. She said: “Temperatures in the high 40s are possible in the hottest parts of Spain and Portugal. And where humidity is high it can feel even hotter than that, well above what the thermometer says. That’s the kind of heat that kills.”

She urged holidaymakers to take extra care if temperatures continued to climb. She said: “The old and vulnerable need to be very careful; keeping out of the sun and drinking plenty of water, as they can easily suffer and become ill in 40C+ temperatures.”

Professor McGuire said there was “no doubt whatsoever” climate change was driving the extreme heat. He said: “Europe is heating faster than any other continent as we continue to add more than 40 billion tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere every year – equivalent to the weight of 800,000 Titanics.

“The average temperature of Europe is now more than 2°C hotter than it was 100 years ago, and high temperature extremes are going up even faster. Heatwaves are getting hotter and longer, and taking many thousands of lives every year.

“But this isn’t the new normal, this is just the beginning. Summers across the Mediterranean region are just going to keep on getting hotter as long as we continue to do next to nothing in terms of reining in carbon emissions.”

Travellers must take extra when packing their suitcases as certain items are not allowed in hold luggage, especially this device would could cause more disruption than usual

Packing for a holiday can be both exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure. Most airlines enforce strict restrictions on weight and size, which can prove incredibly stressful for travellers.

Certain items have long been forbidden during air travel, but what about storing them in your suitcase? According to recent findings, vapes and powerbanks rank among the greatest fire hazards on aircraft. As a result, many holidaymakers remain unsure about the correct procedures when flying with these devices.

To shed some light on the matter, Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal & External Affairs for Northerner, has set out the key guidelines for storing your vape.

He warned that despite safety notices, many travellers are still mistakenly packing vape devices in their hold luggage, when airlines actually require these to be switched off and kept solely in cabin baggage.

Why lithium batteries and vapes are banned in checked luggage

This comes down to the considerable fire risk posed by lithium batteries. In the past, airlines have been forced to divert flights after a lithium battery caught fire, making it absolutely vital to thoroughly check your bags.

If you’re caught vaping on board, this can set off smoke alarms and alert cabin crew. Depending on the airline and the circumstances involved, failing to cooperate with staff or disregarding safety instructions could land you with a hefty fine.

This could also result in police getting involved once the aircraft touches down, or even a lifetime ban from travelling with that carrier. But if you spot another traveller vaping mid-flight, it’s recommended to quietly alert a member of the cabin crew.

Getting through an entire journey without nicotine can prove challenging for some, but Markus recommends smokers bring patches on board to tide them over until they reach their destination.

They can be stored in both hand luggage and hold baggage, are subtle to apply and don’t produce vapour, making them appropriate for use while airborne.

As with any product, travellers should always verify the regulations of their airline and destination country before departure, as requirements can differ.

France, for instance, has outlawed nicotine pouches. Taking a brief moment to familiarise yourself with the airline’s regulations and pack appropriately can help prevent hold-ups, seized items or fines, ensuring your trip begins smoothly.

Airline vape policies and the UK disposable vape ban

According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, all vapes and e-cigarettes must be carried in cabin luggage and never in hold baggage.

This is compulsory to avoid lithium battery fires. Furthermore, all e-liquids must adhere to the standard 100ml liquid restriction in a transparent resealable bag.

You should also drain your refillable tanks prior to flying, as changes in cabin pressure often cause e-liquid to seep out through the airflow openings. For more comprehensive policies on precise battery quantities, it’s worth checking your specific airline’s guidelines via British Airways, easyJet, or Ryanair.

It is also worth noting that selling single-use disposable vapes is completely prohibited in the UK. While you are still permitted to travel with ones you already own, purchasing them at UK airports is not allowed.

Tour de France fans have been urged not to attend the end of the third stage because of wildfires in the south of France.

Monday’s mountain stage will begin in Granollers, Spain, and conclude within 60 kilometres (37.3 miles) of some of the worst of the fires across the border in Les Angles.

While the 195.9km route is not expected to change, Tour organisers have asked fans and unessential personnel to stay away from the final 40km.

“An exceptional fire calls for exceptional measures for the Tour,” said race director Christian Prudhomme.

“We invite the public not to come to the edge of the race or to the finish site.”

Europe has been dealing with extreme heat and wildfires during the past few weeks, with a record-breaking heatwave recorded in June.

The fire that has affected the Tour is currently being contained within the Pyrenees-Orientales region, where aircraft have been deployed to battle the blaze.

A key stretch of the mountain pass providing access to the race will be closed.

Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire ignited near Perpignan on Thursday.

“We obviously think first of all of the populations who are affected by the fire, of all those who have to move, and then we also think about the people who would be here to host the Tour,” added Prudhomme.

Jonas Vingegaard holds a narrow lead over reigning champion Tadej Pogacar in the general classification standings after Isaac del Toro won stage two on Sunday.

Jet2 has reminded passengers to bring their physical card on board to help keep its cashless onboard service running smoothly and efficiently

Jet2 has encouraged passengers to bring a simple everyday item on board to help minimise certain in-flight delays. The airline says having this item helps keep its onboard service running smoothly and efficiently.

In the “onboard service and conduct” section under payments, it states: “To make our service as efficient as possible, we only accept card payments.”

Urging travellers to bring a card with them, which may help any delays with orders, it adds: ” We’ve also introduced a few updates to contactless, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. So, please bring your physical card to use chip and PIN when needed.”

Can I smoke or drink alcohol on a Jet2 flight?

Passengers should also be aware that only alcohol purchased on board is permitted to be consumed during the flight. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

It warns: “In accordance with safety laws, smoking and the use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited on all flights. Please note that only alcoholic drinks purchased on board may be consumed during the flight. Jet2.com reserves the right to serve alcoholic drinks at our absolute discretion.”

Passengers could be kicked off Jet2 flight

Passengers are also reminded that disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated. The aircraft’s Captain has the authority to refuse boarding or take appropriate action against anyone considered disruptive, disorderly, or likely to pose a risk or cause unnecessary inconvenience to fellow passengers or crew.

It adds: “Anyone falling foul of this provision shall be liable to indemnify us in full against any liability or loss we may suffer as a result. In addition, they may be prevented from flying with us in the future.”

You can read about Jet 2’s Conduct on Board here.

Tourists have been told they need change a key phone setting before travelling to airports. Failing to do so could land them with a “major problem”, so it’s best to act

There’s so much to think about when you travel abroad, but something that probably slips your mind is safely using your phone during your journey. It’s something you need to pay attention to, as you are required to follow a few rules to keep safe.

While it may be something that rarely crosses your mind, it should actually be on the top of your travel list, as making some simple mistakes can be super costly when you’re on a holiday adventure. We all use our mobile phones when we’re at airports but, little you may know, some dangers can come with making the decision to use them in certain ways.

This isn’t the first time such matters have been brought to people’s attention either. Previously, some other hidden dangers were outlined to aid travellers.

Free airport Wi-Fi feels like a small win when you’re killing time before a flight. However, William Thackray, IT expert at AGT Computer Services, claims it’s one of the riskiest things you can do on your phone.

What you need to know

William explained: “The biggest threat isn’t the airport’s actual network. It’s the fake ones sitting right next to it.

“Criminals can set up a hotspot called something like ‘Heathrow Free Wi-Fi’ or ‘Gatwick Passenger Network’ that looks completely legitimate. The moment you connect, they can intercept your data including passwords, emails, anything you’re sending or receiving.”

This technique, known as an “evil twin” attack, is increasingly common in busy public spaces and airports and, with thousands of distracted travellers all hunting for a signal, they are prime targets.

You may not realise, but connecting to airport Wi-Fi can leave your personal data exposed to hackers in seconds. Criminals can set up fake networks designed to look identical to the real thing.

Airport Wi-Fi is rarely considered completely safe. While it is generally fine for browsing the news or checking your flight status, public networks leave you vulnerable to hackers, phishing attempts and rogue “evil twin” hotspots.

You should avoid online banking or entering passwords without taking precautions. This is why the guidance is so essential.

However, one simple phone setting can keep you protected without costing you a penny. It’s easy to sort out once you know what to do.

How to avoid a problem

The fix is straightforward. Before you leave for the airport, go into your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and turn off “Auto-Join” or “Auto-Connect” for public networks. On iPhone, you can also go to Settings > Wi-Fi and toggle off “Ask to Join Networks”.

That way your phone won’t go hunting for a signal without your say-so. “Better still, use your mobile data if you have it,” added William.

“It costs a little more, but it’s your own private connection. If you do need to use airport Wi-Fi, avoid logging into anything sensitive like banking, work email, anything with a password – until you’re somewhere you trust.”

The rule of thumb? If you didn’t set up the network yourself, treat it with caution. This is a rule that’s really worth paying attention to, as failing to follow it could lead to major problems.

The Met Office has issued a series of amber and red heat alerts this week as temperatures are set to rise close to 40C in some parts of the UK, with the RAC urging drivers without air conditioning to postpone non-essential journeys

Britain is being battered by a sweltering heatwave this week, with temperatures threatening to nudge close to 40C in some areas of the country. In response, the Met Office has issued a raft of amber and red heat warnings.

Britons are also being urged to keep their fluid intake up and remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness brought on by the scorching conditions.

Some people may look to escape the heat by jumping into their car and cranking up the air conditioning. However, one motoring expert has cautioned drivers that even if their vehicle is available to them, they should think twice before getting behind the wheel this week.

In a statement published on the RAC‘s website, the organisation’s road safety spokesman Rod Dennis warned that motorists without air conditioning in their vehicles should consider putting off their journeys altogether.

Explaining his reasoning, he said: “Red extreme heat warnings are rare and we urge everyone to take them seriously this week. Drivers whose vehicles don’t have effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing any non-essential car journeys until the Met Office’s weather warnings are lifted and temperatures drop.

“If this isn’t possible, our best advice is to travel during cooler times of day. This is especially important for anyone travelling with vulnerable people, including young children and older adults, who are at greater risk from the intense heat.”

Red heat warnings, set to take effect on Wednesday and Thursday this week, have been put in place owing to the exceptionally high temperatures forecast across the south and south-east of the UK.

Temperatures are expected to soar so dramatically that some forecasters believe records for June could be shattered. The current record for the hottest June day stands at 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976 and in Camden Square, London, in June 1957.

The last time Britain endured a prolonged spell of temperatures reaching as high as 40C was roughly four years ago, in July 2022.

In a statement addressing the warnings, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway made it clear that red warnings are not handed out lightly, and are reserved solely for the most extreme weather conditions.

He said: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat.

“The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity.”

Meanwhile, Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency, added: “We are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.

“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Power banks:

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

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

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

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

Tourists have been urged to stop making a common packing mistake as it could lead to “ruining holidays”. The advice comes as vacation season begins to kick off

The prospect of jetting off somewhere keeps most of us motivated, so the last thing anyone wants is for something to spoil their well-earned break. Yet, as many may not realise, a straightforward packing blunder could land you in trouble, and may even affect whether you’re able to fully enjoy your time away.

If you’re hoping for a smooth and stress-free trip, there’s some vital travel information you really ought to be aware of. It’s essential to steer clear of a simple packing error, as it could prove costly and seriously disrupt your holiday — something nobody wants to experience.

It’s not the first expert guidance of this nature to emerge recently, either. Previously, holidaymakers were cautioned about another common luggage blunder to avoid.

According to pharmacist Seema Khatri at Roseway Labs, the vast majority of medication-related holiday mishaps stem from a handful of easily preventable errors, with most occurring before the trip has even begun.

Seema said: “People spend weeks planning itineraries and what to take, but medication is often an afterthought. And that causes problems.”

Travelling with medication can be a minefield, as regulations differ from country to country. As a general rule, ensuring your medication is clearly labelled is always a sensible precaution.

For certain medicines, particularly injectables or controlled substances, a doctor’s letter may also be required. She added: “Always keep your medication in your carry-on luggage.

“It reduces the risk of loss, delays or temperature damage.” What you might not realise is that medication can cause problems at airports if it’s not packed and documented properly.

In fact, it can result in hold-ups, questioning, confiscation or you could even be refused permission to fly in certain situations. Issues typically occur with controlled substances, liquid medications that exceed particular limits or absent prescriptions.

To make sure you pack yours appropriately, check the regulations at your airport and in the country you’re visiting. Seema said: “Most holiday medication problems are preventable.

“With a bit of planning, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of dealing with avoidable health issues.” That said, there are several general guidelines people ought to follow to be on the safe side.

What you need to know

Always keep medication in your hand luggage in its original, properly labelled packaging. Store a spare supply in your checked baggage in case your bags go missing.

Additionally, make sure you carry a copy of your repeat prescription and, in certain cases, a signed letter from your doctor outlining the medication, dosage and duration of travel. It’s always advisable to verify what you require before you pack your bags.

A doctor’s note is recommended for large quantities of over-the-counter medicines to prevent complications at border control. You also need to make certain that liquid medication exceeding 100ml is readily accessible, as it will probably be screened separately.

If your medication is classified as a controlled drug, such as powerful painkillers or particular sedatives, specific rules apply. Therefore, check what applies to you before you travel.

Rules can differ from country to country, so always ensure you verify this before travelling, and declare that you’re carrying medication at the airport. After all, nobody wants to face delays at security, or be refused the right to travel, because of a straightforward packing error.

A passenger revealed that the tip ‘really helped’ when they encountered a common travel problem

Passengers have been advised to pack an extra item in their hold luggage before travelling. The ‘helpful’ travel tip was shared by an airline passenger who swears by the method. The recommendation was shared on Reddit’s r/airport forum. Sharing a question for social media users, a travel fan asked: “What are the best airport tips?”

The post read: “My trick is to always carry an empty bottle. After passing through security at every airport, I look for a drinking fountain. Most airports have a couple of them. I discovered a nice website called Water at Airport. If I can’t find one, I just do a quick search on the website.

“This is just a recommendation. Let me know if you have any other trips to the airport. I’m planning some new trips and will definitely need them!” In response, passengers shared several recommendations, including a tip that could be useful for anyone flying with hold luggage.

A traveller wrote: “I might be old school, but I not only tag my bag on the outside but I also put my name and address identification on the inside.” They explained: “This really became helpful when my bag was delayed and then the exterior luggage tag somehow got ripped off.

“I was able to describe the bag, its contents, as well as the additional tag information in the bag – it really helped! This can be as simple as writing your name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and then putting it inside a Ziploc bag and then putting it somewhere inside your checked luggage.”

Most airlines recommend that passengers include a label inside and outside their luggage. While the inner label is not often needed, it could be helpful if the exterior label falls off.

For instance, easyJet advises customers to add a luggage label to their bags and leave contact information inside the luggage. Recommending the idea to passengers, easyJet’s website says: “Make sure your bags stand out from the crowd on the carousel!

“We advise attaching something noticeable and unique to your luggage like a colourful ribbon, eye-catching sticker or personalised tag. This will make it easier for you to spot your luggage on the carousel at arrivals and avoid any confusion with similar bags.

“We also recommend adding a label to your luggage with your name and contact details such as address, email and phone number and put a copy of these details inside your bag too! This would really help us reunite you with your bag in the unlikely event of the exterior tags falling off.”

British Airways offers similar advice. The airline’s website says: “Label your bags inside and out with your name, destination address, email address and mobile number.”

A travel expert has shared five vital passport checks Brits should make before jetting off on holiday this summer – and failing to do so could mean being denied boarding at the airport

Many people will be counting down the days until their next holiday. With children set to wrap up for the school year, many families are gearing up for a summer of fun. Now a travel business owner has called on all British passport holders to carry out five crucial checks before jetting off abroad this summer.

Kate Donnelly, who posts travel advice on TikTok, urged her followers to take action now to prevent being turned away at the departure gate. While some of her guidance might appear straightforward to experienced travellers, she insists certain issues continue to trip up numerous Brits and wreck their holiday plans at the eleventh hour.

Passport validity

Her initial recommendation is to verify the expiry date – as the majority of European destinations require at least three months’ validity remaining from the date you depart the country.

“This is slightly different if you are travelling to Turkey where you have to have a validity of 150 days on the day you actually arrived,” Kate explained. “So it’s really important you check the country you are travelling to and see what their rule is.”

10-year rule

Following this, Kate alerted her followers to the 10-year rule, which she states is applicable to most of Europe. “On the day that you enter [the country] your passport has to be less than 10-years-old – so it’s important you check the issue date as well as the expiry, especially if your passport was renewed before 2018 because unused months from your old passport will have likely been added on to your new on meaning that your passport is probably 10-years plus,” she said. “This is catching so many people out.”

Blank pages

Third on Kate’s list is the matter of blank pages in your passport. “This isn’t as important as due to the new Entry-Exit System (EES) in Europe we are slowly phasing out passport stamping,” she admitted. “But the reality is lots of countries are bringing in measures, which means the EES is paused.”

Regrettably, when travelling to such destinations, you won’t discover whether the EES is operational or not until you get there. “Therefore if the airline checks your passport and you have no empty pages left, they are well within their right to refuse boarding,” Kate warned.

Condition

Kate proceeded to emphasise the physical state of your passport is something that is frequently neglected and could present a genuine obstacle to your travel arrangements. “If it has water damage, if it has fake tan on it, if it is torn or you can’t read any of the writing for whatever reason, this is also enough grounds for the airline to deny you boarding,” she elaborated.

Dual-nationals

Kate directed her final piece of advice at dual-nationals, who are impacted by a rule modification that came into effect in the UK in February. “UK citizens have to ensure they have a UK passport or a certificate of entitlement when they are entering or exiting the UK,” she continued. “This means that you can no longer use your non-UK passport – even if you are recognised as a British citizen.

She closed by advising the certificate of entitlement is £589 and therefore it is more “cost-effective” for dual-nationals to apply for their UK passport to keep alongside their non-UK one at all times. “This means you have the two to use freely depending on which country you are travelling to,” Kate said.

There have been tens of thousands of cases but infection is preventable

Health experts have warned of two diseases spreading in Spain and other parts of Europe and urged UK holidaymakers to take precautions this summer. According to new data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), gonorrhoea cases across Europe reached 106,331 in 2024 – a 303% increase since 2015.

At the same time, syphilis cases more than doubled to 45,577. Spain recorded some of the highest numbers of infections reported in Europe, with 37,169 gonorrhoea cases and 11,556 syphilis cases in 2024.

Gemma Nice, sex and relationships coach at condoms.uk, said: “People often behave differently on holiday because routines disappear and inhibitions lower. Alcohol, spontaneity, and the ‘holiday mindset’ can all lead to riskier sexual behaviour than people might normally engage in at home.

“We’re not saying people shouldn’t enjoy holiday romances, but many people wrongly assume that pregnancy prevention and STI protection are the same thing. Condoms remain the only form of contraception that helps protect against both pregnancy and STIs.”

Experts also warn that many travellers underestimate how common symptomless STIs can be, meaning infections can unknowingly spread between partners. Gemma said: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that you would immediately know if someone had an STI – or if you had one yourself. In reality, many infections can remain symptomless for weeks or even months while still being transmissible.

“We’re also seeing growing complacency around condoms, particularly where people rely on other forms of contraception or assume someone is ‘low risk’ without having open conversations around testing.”

The ECDC has warned that widening gaps in testing and prevention are contributing to rising infection rates across Europe, with officials urging people to use condoms with new or multiple partners and seek testing if symptoms appear.

According to experts at condoms.uk, several common holiday behaviours can increase STI risk while travelling – particularly when combined with alcohol, spontaneity, heat, and lower inhibitions.

Common mistakes include:

• Storing condoms in hot beach bags or cars Excess heat can damage latex and increase the risk of breakage without people realising.
• Using suncream before handling condoms Oil-based products can weaken latex and increase the likelihood of condom failure.
• Having sex in pools, hot tubs or the sea Water reduces natural lubrication, increasing friction and the chance of irritation or condom breakage.
• Relying on local shops or vending machines for protection Travellers may struggle to find familiar brands, sizing, or products that meet UK standards.
• Assuming oral sex carries little STI risk Infections including gonorrhoea and syphilis can still be passed on through oral sex.
• Skipping sexual health checks before or after travelling Many STIs can remain symptomless, making regular testing important after new sexual encounters.

Gemma added: “Many holiday-related STI risks come down to small, avoidable mistakes. Packing protection, checking condoms are stored properly, and having open conversations around sexual health can make a huge difference. It’s also important to always check the expiry dates on all condoms and lubricant products.

“Holiday sex should still be safe sex. Planning ahead and carrying protection is one of the easiest ways to protect both yourself and your partner.”