Wizz Air has made an announcement that will affect passengers planning to fly with the budget carrier from 2027 onwards. It has confirmed that travellers will soon be able to enjoy high-speed internet access on board.
The airline, which is based in Hungary, revealed it is fitting Elon Musk’s Starlink internet system across all its “new generation” aircraft. Wizz Air claims it will be the first European ultra-low-cost carrier to adopt the technology.
The airline has yet to confirm whether passengers will be charged for using the service. Starlink — owned by billionaire Mr Musk’s SpaceX aerospace firm — operates via thousands of satellites in orbit around Earth. A growing number of airlines have already begun offering the service or have announced plans to introduce it, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Ian Malin, chief commercial officer of Wizz Air, said: “Ultra low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people. In 2027, we’re taking that philosophy into the space era.
“Our customers shouldn’t have to choose between affordable fares and reliable internet onboard to stay connected to the people, work and moments that matter most. We’re proud to lead that change by collaborating with Starlink to bring maximum benefit to Wizz Air.”
In January, a row broke out between Mr Musk and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary over whether Starlink could be used on the airline’s flights. After Mr O’Leary dismissed the idea as unfeasible, Mr Musk branded Mr O’Leary an “idiot” and a “chimp”, and speculated on X about potentially buying the airline.
Mr O’Leary claimed the “PR spat” had driven a 2-3% increase in sales.
It seems sensible in theory, but thousands of budget travellers won’t benefit
Wizz Air issued the advice to passengers ahead of summer holiday season(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Earlier this month, budget airline Wizz Air told all travellers to get to the airport three hours ahead of their flight due to new border control checks that have been brought in. Managing director Yvonne Moynihan warns that holidaymakers have missed their return or connecting flights due to lengthy airport queues since the rollout of the Entry Exit System (EES).
Problems were flagged when the travel system was launched in April, but as more people pass through airports this summer for the first time since regulations changed, travellers may face hold-ups. Taking to TikTok, travel specialist Kate Donnelly (@Thedonnellyedit) argues that the latest guidance from the airline is “useless” for most people jetting off this summer.
She said: “We know when you’re travelling short haul that the general advice is to get to the airport two hours before your flight. Wizz Air is advising people to arrive three hours before their departure to beat queues and reduce the risk of missing their flight due to the EES system.
“So, while this advice appears sensible, the reality is that most check-in desks only open two hours before departure, in some cases two and a half hours,” Kate argues that only certain travellers would actually gain from turning up at the airport three hours before take-off.
Details available directly on Wizz Air’s website (as of June 7) state: “Airport check-in and baggage drop-off start two hours and close 40 minutes before departure. It’s worth noting that at some airports, the check-in desk may open or close earlier.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Nearly all airports listed with an earlier-than-standard check-in time are international. London Luton Airport was the only UK airport with differing rules, with check-in desks that open “180 minutes (three hours) before the scheduled time of departure” for all travellers, reports the Express.
Kate also suggested that passengers travelling with hand luggage only could be among those who stand to gain the most from arriving early. Without any luggage to weigh and drop off, the whole process becomes considerably faster, and passengers “would be allowed to get straight through security and into duty-free”.
The airport itself remains one of the most significant factors that could cause delays, even for those who arrive earliest. Kate claims: “A lot of airports have more than one border control, meaning that you are still going to have to wait until the announcement is made for your gate so that you know which border control you need to go to.”
What is the general advice on when to arrive at the airport?
To avoid any issues, it is best to double-check with your specific airline about the earliest time check-in opens. Arriving as early as possible can give extra time for delays, but being ready too soon could result in pointless delays just by waiting around.
Kate said: “If you are travelling to the Schengen area this summer, two hours before your departure is enough time, based on the fact that the airport processes have not changed. Unless [airlines] decide to start opening up check-in desks earlier and announcing gates sooner, you might as well stick with the two-hour rule.”
The Schengen area is an extensive, border-free travel zone encompassing 29 European countries. It features numerous popular summer holiday destinations such as Spain, Turkey and Greece – which means many British holidaymakers will encounter EES checks.
Hold-ups are likely to come from first-time EES users who are required to scan their passport, have a photo taken, and submit a 4-fingerprint scan (children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints). This establishes a digital record valid for three years, and during new trips within that timeframe, travellers just need to scan their passport and provide one biometric identifier (photo or fingerprint).
A YouGov survey has ranked budget airlines by food quality, with results likely to surprise some UK travellers
Airline with the worst food named — and it’s ‘awful’
A recent YouGov survey has revealed the worst airline food on offer, with budget carrier Ryanair topping the list for all the wrong reasons. Travel expert Mr Plane Guy weighed in on the findings, saying: “Unfortunately, not every airline hits the mark when it comes to in-flight dining.
“At the bottom of the list is Ryanair, where only 21% of passengers had good things to say about their snacks and drinks. Worse yet, just 17% found the meals satisfactory, and a staggering 50% labelled them as ‘poor’. Not far behind is Wizz Air, with just a quarter of passengers giving their snacks and drinks a thumbs-up, and 40% rating the meals as bad. easyJet also struggled, with only 35% of travellers enjoying their snacks and 29% happy with the meals.”
He went on to say: “If food is an important part of your flying experience, choosing the right airline can make all the difference! Emirates and Qatar Airways seem to be the safest bet for delicious meals, while budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air might leave your stomach rumbling.”
One Ryanair passenger took to Tripadvisor to share their experience, writing: “Why is the food so bad!? We usually pack a lunch for our flight. In this case, we didn’t, and I ordered the fresh sandwich, which in this case was Turkey and Stuffing. It was truly awful and cost me 5€. I couldn’t finish it. This is not only an issue with Ryanair, but with other low-cost airlines. It must be as easy to source good food as bad. I really don’t understand it.”
Not everyone agrees, however, with some passengers saying Ryanair’s food is acceptable. One traveller recommended the vegan lasagna: “As a vegan, I massively appreciate the vegan lasagna; it’s not bad at all.” Another chimed in with: “The cheese toasties are actually ok, I’ve had it a few times.”
It may be one of the most unusual hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in – and it came with some quirky features that I’ll definitely be telling stories about for a while
Tonyresort sits in the woods on then banks of a lake (Image: Comcast NBCUniversal)
Dropped off in the middle of a pine forest, miles away from the nearest major town or the rush of city life, I found myself in the middle of the Lithuanian wilderness.
With the tranquil sound of silence and occasional bird song only interrupted by the wheels of my suitcase clacking behind me, I made my way down a rocky path, unsure of where I was going.
But fortunately, I wasn’t lost. This was my home for the evening, as I arrived at what may be the most unusual hotel rooms I have ever stayed in.
You find me in Anupriškes, beside Lake Gilušis in the country’s medieval heartland, having just checked-in to TonyResort, a fairy-tale-like, remote, woodland retreat.
The one thing locals have pointed out to me about their country during my time touring Lithuania, is that it should be celebrated for its relaxation and adventure.
And I found all that and more when I arrived at the resort.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
The room
The tone was set as I walked into my room and found myself immediately drawn, almost magnet-like, towards its panoramic windows.
It may have been raining heavily, but that was not about to stop me from drawing open the curtains and stepping out onto a private terrace to marvel at probably the most beautiful picture-postcard views of nature I’d encountered anywhere.
Eventually, deciding not to catch a cold, I stepped back inside and poured myself a coffee, getting acquainted with the home comforts of the room itself.
Contemporary yet understated, the design of its interior was in typical Scandinavian-Baltic fashion, with pale woods and soft greys in keeping with its location.
It is clear that relaxation is a priority, as I lay back on a large, soft, and cosy plush mattress with soft bedding that felt like a good night’s sleep was assured.
The room was fully-equipped with the modern-day creature comforts you’d hope to find in your home away from home, from a flat-screen TV equipped with satellite channels, a powerful en-suite shower and free Wi-Fi. Across the site, it has 34 rooms, with VIP, family and standard variations.
The food
Despite its remote location, you are not far from finding a good meal, with its on-site restaurant just a two-minute walk from my lodging. Its menu largely leans into ‘comfort food’ serving up grilled dishes, ranging from its most expensive beef entrecote (€29) to its half chicken (€16).
What’s unique is that in some cases, guests can catch the fresh trout from a nearby lake themselves, before having it prepared for them. Personally, I found its secret weapon to be in its dessert menu, with its apple pie particularly flavorsome and moreish thanks to its rich cinnamon pastry.
Away from the kitchen, everything is driven towards embracing the outdoors, with lakeside walks, cycling trails, rope courses, horse riding, fishing and water sport possibilities. There’s also a sauna, hot tub and jacuzzi to enjoy.
Out and about
An enormous advantage of staying at the resort is that you are only a short drive away from what surely must be one of the most striking landmarks in the Baltics.
After a fifteen-minute journey through the countryside, I found myself at Trakai Castle, which, rising from the middle of Lake Galve, is on its own island.
Built in the 14th century, it felt very much like being in a fantasy film set as, joined by Lithuania Travel, I crossed its awe-inspiring drawbridge before entering its red-bricked, Gothic grandeur.
Despite extensive reconstruction in the 1900s, the museum features plenty of evidence of its time as one of Lithuania’s most important strongholds during the 14th and 15th centuries.
There was armour, coins, weaponry and artefacts on display as I wandered around its courtyard and tower rooms. But what I wasn’t expecting was that the highlight of my trip to Trakai wouldn’t be the castle.
Walking through the town itself was almost as visually memorable as the grand fort, with a collection of brightly-painted, green, red, and yellow wooden cottages creating the most beautiful streetscapes.
Teeming with nature, natural beauty, a sense of adventure, and an unmissable historic fortress within an easy distance, Tonyresort is a hidden gem that is worth getting yourself lost in.
British holidaymakers travelling to the Canary Islands have been warned to arrive at the airport three hours early due to severe border control delays caused by the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), with some travellers reporting waits of up to two and a half hours at passport control
British heading to the Canary Islands are being advised to reach the airport three hours (file)
(Image: Nigel Harris via Getty Images)
The rollout of the new biometric border infrastructure has sparked enormous queues – occasionally stretching to three hours – at popular holiday airports such as Gran Canaria Airport and Tenerife South. Airlines and travel specialists have issued these firm warnings to stop British and non-EU passengers from missing their return flights.
Under the EU’s digital border scheme, non-EU travellers (including British passport holders) must complete facial recognition scans and fingerprinting at border control.
Technical glitches and the considerable time needed to process each passenger have severely clogged passport control lanes.
The Canary Islands accommodate vast numbers of UK passengers. When several flights depart for non-Schengen destinations simultaneously, the local infrastructure becomes rapidly overwhelmed.
Spanish airport operator Aena officially requires a three-hour arrival window as standard procedure for all non-Schengen flights (which covers all flights returning to the UK).
Airlines such as Wizz Air have firmly reinforced the three-hour recommendation. Nevertheless, passengers should be mindful of a practical obstacle: many baggage drop and check-in desks at Canary Island airports do not open until precisely two hours before departure. Airlines continue to recommend arriving early to ensure you’re at the head of the queue the moment check-in desks open, enabling you to clear security and head straight to the congested passport control gates.
A travel expert based in the Canary Islands has now shared his thoughts on the 3-hour airport warning in a recent video.
Mr TravelON (real name David Gainford) is a well-known travel and media content creator on TikTok, recognised for his candid, lively vlogs and live streams centred on holidays in the Canary Islands (including Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria).
The influencer, who commands 192,000 followers, took to his account this week to offer his perspective on the guidance.
Gainford stressed in his clip that passengers travelling with luggage may be unable to check in three hours before departure as the desk may not yet be open. However, he suggested that many airlines are looking to address this by opening earlier.
He also pointed out that those who have booked a package holiday with TUI or Jet2 can count on these companies to ensure they reach the airport on time.
“It’s their responsibility to get you from your hotel and accommodation to the airport on time,” he said.
“So sit back, chill out, relax, and let your rep tell you what time you’re getting picked up.
“Yes, it might be an hour earlier.”
He noted that independent travellers not using a tour operator should ‘probably get to the airport three hours early’. The travel expert also warned that massive queues at airports could be likely, as travellers arriving at the airports have given conflicting accounts.
“Some are reporting two or two-and-a-half hour’s wait, it really does depend on how may flights land at that time,” he said.
The video has garnered over 180 likes as Canary Island holidaymakers hunt for information.
Numerous viewers flocked to the comments to share their own experiences, with one individual stating: “I got to Lanzarote airport 3 hours early last month and had to wait a hour for the gate to open.”
Meanwhile, another remarked: “Arrived in Lanzarote last month no issues on arrival but leaving to fly back to the UK was awful, we arrived early just in case, went to gate 6 done what we needed to once our gate number came up we headed over, that was where the issues began, you had to go through the machines again and there was only three machines.”
Yet a third responded: “We landed in Lanzarote last night and we were lucky, 10 minutes from getting off the plane to arriving at the bus stop. EES was ok, no queue and the luggage was waiting for us as we came through.”
One commenter summarised the situation by saying: “Better to be safe than sorry, it’s a nightmare at certain times.”
When contacted, a representative of the Ministry of the Interior commented: “The Entry Exit (EES) border control system has been fully operational in Spain since April 10th and is being implemented as initially planned, with positive results to date, and no significant incidents have occurred.”
The Cuerpo General Policía Canaria (CGPC) has also been contacted for comment.
The guidance emerges after renowned travel publisher Fodor’s has placed the Canary Islands — singling out Tenerife and Lanzarote in particular — on its 2026 “No List” back in November last year.
The publication cautioned responsible travellers to reconsider visiting, citing a severe housing crisis, gridlocked traffic, and water shortages brought on by overcrowding.
Airports at Brit holiday hotspots including Spain, France and Portugal have reported severe delays and long queues – some as long as three-and-a-half hours at peak times
11:27, 30 May 2026Updated 11:27, 30 May 2026
Recent airport delays appear linked to the new EES border control system(Image: ROBERT GHEMENT/EPA/Shutterstock)
British tourists are being advised to allow more time at airports across Europe before travelling home because of major delays caused by biometric checks.
Wizz Air boss Yvonne Moynihan warned holidaymakers returning home from an EU destination that they should arrive at the airport three hours before their flights are due to depart amid concerns about the new security procedures.
The EU entry-exit system (EES) has now replaced passport stamps with a digital registration, involving biometric checks carried out on entry and exit for all non-EU citizens.
The EES has been gradually introduced across Europe since October last year but came into full force last month. Since then, tourists have reported huge delays at border control,.
Just last week, French police temporarily lifted the EES checks at the Dover port to free thousands of tourists trapped in long delays in the scorching heat.
Ms Moynihan told the BBC: “Because there is another passport check … that’s where we see that people have, again, experienced longer waiting times than anticipated.”
She said that while usual advice is to arrive at the airport two hours before a flight, “in these circumstances, we are advising three hours”.
The new measures have been “fragmented across Europe”, she continued, with some EU countries recording “seamless travel” while in extremes, there have been long queues and delays at “usual hotspots such as Spain, Portugal, France”.
“When you land in the destination airport, there might be queues, so you should bring a portable charger or water,” Moynihan said her airline is advising in general to any British customers travelling from an EU destination.
For those with connecting flights, she advised planning for several hours.
Her comments come as the European airports association ACI Europe warned queues have been reaching an eye-watering three-and-a-half hours in peak traffic times, based on its survey conducted across 45 airports in 20 EU states on May 26.
“Airports which previously did not report excessive waiting times are now doing so despite the extensive use of partial suspension of EES,” it said in a statement to Travel Weekly.
However, the European Commission told the BBC that the EES was not the only factor that can cause delays at the border, stating information may only take around a minute to register.
Thousands of people are finding their holiday flights disrupted as a result of the conflict in the Middle East but the CAA say there is one time you should never choose a refund
There are rules for airlines when flights are cancelled(Image: Getty)
Scores of holidaymakers are facing an anxious wait ahead of their summer getaway as worries persist over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Thousands have already had their flights cancelled or disrupted, leaving them with the stressful task of replanning their trips or abandoning them entirely.
However, the Civil Aviation Authority, which oversees and regulates civil aviation in the UK, has issued summer guidance for passengers, outlining their rights should a flight be cancelled either before they depart or while they are already away. It has also reassured travellers that they are “well protected” when things go wrong.
It said: “You may have seen reports about possible disruption to flights this summer. As the summer travel season approaches, airlines, government and industry partners are working closely to support smooth journeys.”
It continued: “While there is a risk of some disruption as a result of the situation in the Middle East, travellers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest passenger rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.” Publishing the statement on its website, it went on to outline several key rules all passengers should be aware of if their flight is disrupted – including one scenario where you should not request a refund, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Cancellation of a flight departing from or travelling to the UK
If your cancelled flight was booked directly with the airline or via a third party your airline is required by law to offer you the following 3 options to choose from:
a refund
an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at the earliest opportunity
an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at a later date at your convenience, subject to availability.
It said: “You will be required by the airline to select one of these options. Once you have committed to one of these options with your airline you are unlikely to be able to change your mind. Ensure that you consider all options carefully before selecting the best choice for you.
A Refund
The CAA advised: “Do not choose a refund of your flight if you still wish to travel. If you choose a refund, you will not be entitled to re-routing or care.
“If you no longer wish to travel you can ask for a refund. If you chose this option, you will need to confirm this with your airline. The airline should provide you with a refund within 7 days. If you booked through a third party, your refund may take longer.
“Your right to a refund applies to all the parts of the ticket you have not used. For example, if you booked a return flight and did not depart, you are entitled to the full cost of the return ticket. If you are part way through your journey and your connecting flight is cancelled you are also entitled to a flight back to your original UK departure airport if you decide not to, or cannot, continue your journey.”
An alternative flight (re-routing) at the earliest opportunity
This requires the airline to find you a different flight to your destination as close as possible to the time of your original flight, explained the CAA. It said: “If there are lots of flights being cancelled, it may be challenging for your airline to find you alternative flight seats as other flights may already be full.
“Although we expect your airline to do all it can to offer you an alternative flight (which may mean flying on an alternative airline) and keep you updated while you wait, limited available seats may mean that your airline may not be able to get you to your destination as quickly as you or it would wish.
“If you are already at the airport when your flight is cancelled and you choose this option, your airline should also provide you with care in the form of meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the wait for your alternative flight. You are also entitled a means of communication e.g. two phone calls or emails.”
If your cancelled flight was a component of a package holiday
If your cancelled flight was a part of a package holiday, you benefit from the same rights as if you had booked directly with the airline. Refer to “If you booked a flight directly with the airline or via a third party” for details of these rights.
In addition, you may also benefit from additional rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations. Your package provider must offer a suitable alternative holiday if it can, or a refund for the full price of your package holiday.
Cancellation of a flight to the UK
These are similar to the rules for flights from the UK with some small expections, The CAA said if you booked a flight directly with the airline or via a third party and your return flight has been cancelled, you may be covered by UK passenger rights legislation, however this is dependent on which airline is operating your flight.
If it is a UK or EU air carrier you will be covered however if you are travelling with a non-UK or non-EU air carrier you will not be covered. It adds: “If UK passenger rights legislation does not apply, we encourage airlines to do all they can to minimise the overall impact to their passengers. You may also have some protection if you booked your flight with a credit card or via your travel insurance.”
However if your flight is covered by UK passenger rights legislation your airline is required by law to offer you the following 3 options to choose from:
a refund
an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at the earliest opportunity
an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at a later date at your convenience, subject to availability.
It added: “You will be required by the airline to select one of these options. Once you have committed to one of these options with your airline you are unlikely to be able to change your mind. Please ensure that you consider all options carefully before selecting the best choice for you. For most passengers, your choice will be a flight home.
A Refund
It said: “Do not choose a refund of your flight if you still wish to travel. If you choose a refund, you will not be entitled to re-routing or care. If you no longer wish to travel you can ask for a refund.
“If you chose this option, you will need to confirm this with your airline. The airline should provide you with a refund within 7 days. If you booked through a third party, your refund may take longer.
“Your right to a refund applies to all the parts of the ticket you have not used. For example, if you booked a return flight and did not depart, you are entitled to the full cost of the return ticket. If you are part way through your journey and your connecting flight is cancelled you are also entitled to a flight back to your original UK departure airport if you decide not to, or cannot, continue your journey.”
An alternative flight (re-routing) at the earliest opportunity
This option requires the airline to find you an alternative flight to the UK as close as possible to the time of your original flight. The CAA advised: “If there are lots of flights being cancelled, it may be challenging for your airline to find you alternative flight seats as other flights may already be full. Although we expect your airline to do all it can to offer you an alternative flight (which may mean flying on an alternative airline) and keep you updated while you wait, limited available seats may mean that your airline may not be able to get you to your destination as quickly as you or it would wish.
“If you are already at the airport when your flight is cancelled and you choose this option, your airline should also provide you with care in the form of meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the wait for your alternative flight. You are also entitled a means of communication e.g. two phone calls or emails.”
If your cancelled flight was a component of a package holiday
If your cancelled flight was a component of a package holiday, you benefit from the same rights as if you had booked directly with the airline, said the CAA. Refer to “If you booked a flight directly with the airline or via a third party” for details of these rights.
It added: “In addition, you may also benefit from additional rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations. Normally your tour operator will contact you in advance to re-arrange your flights back to you UK. However, if you are at the airport, you should contact your package travel organiser to talk through your options.”
