Travel lighter
Practical answers on airports, luggage and packing. Every article is checked against official sources and dated.
How early should you get to the airport with Ryanair? Check-in changes from 10 November 2026
Since 10 November 2026, Ryanair closes check-in and bag drop 60 minutes before departure instead of 40. Who it affects and how to avoid the queue.
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How to pack for a week with hand luggage only
A 7-day packing list, rolling versus folding, packing cubes, layering and what to wear on the plane. A week in a cabin suitcase, without the stress.
Christmas gifts for travellers 2026: ideas for her, for him and for the office
A luggage scale, a power bank, a cabin suitcase or a luggage set for the family? Christmas gift ideas for travellers in 2026: stocking fillers, gifts for her and him, and corporate gifts.
Lost, delayed or damaged luggage: what to do step by step and how much compensation you can get
A PIR at the airport, 7 days to claim for damage, 21 days for a delayed bag and a limit of 1,519 SDR. What to do when your suitcase doesn't arrive or comes back broken.
Liquids in hand luggage 2026: 100 ml or 2 litres? UK and Irish airports with new scanners
Heathrow, Gatwick, Dublin and Shannon allow containers of up to 2 litres; Manchester, Stansted and Cork are still on 100 ml. Where the rules have changed and how to pack.
Power banks on planes in 2026: new bans on using them on board
Since March 2026: no more than two power banks and no charging them in flight. easyJet, Aer Lingus and Lufthansa ban using them, BA bans them from overhead lockers. Wh limits and airline rules.
ESTA, eTA, EES and ETIAS: which travel authorisations British and Irish travellers need in 2026
ESTA for the USA, eTA for Canada, EES registration at Schengen borders and ETIAS still to come. What British and Irish travellers need, what it costs and where to apply without overpaying.
How to set a TSA lock combination on your suitcase (and what to do if you forget it)
Factory code 000, the reset button and a new combination, step by step. Plus what to do if you forget the code, and when a TSA lock really matters.
Delayed or cancelled flight: when you're owed £220–£520 or €250–€600 (UK261 and EU261)
Arrive 3 hours late or have your flight cancelled and you may be owed £220–£520 under UK261 or €250–€600 under EU261. How to claim, how long you have and what the EU reform changes.
How to care for your suitcase: cleaning the shell, wheels and lining
What to clean the shell with and what to avoid, how to deal with scratches, clean the wheels and lining, store your suitcase and when to use the warranty.
A cabin suitcase that fits airline limits
Polycarbonate, TSA lock, quiet 360° wheels and a 7-year warranty. Find the one that suits your airline.
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