Posted on by Eva Cobham

The Latest Airline Rules Ahead Of The Summer Holidays

Summer is a-coming and for many of us the most exciting part is revving up for a well-earned summer holiday. That could involve reading up on the destination of our choice, assembling a new summer wardrobe, or digging out the luggage from the attic. To focus on the fun stuff, it’s wise to make sure the necessary things are considered beforehand, so your holiday goes off without a hitch.

To help, we’ve compiled the latest rules and laws for travel. We’ve checked official sources to cover off key aspects like online check in times, which airports have dropped the 100ml rule, and new baggage restrictions – but double check before you fly in case anything changes.

Airport security

One of the most impactful changes we’ll see this summer is the phasing out of the 100ml rule. As airports upgrade their scanners for better security detection, we won’t have to stress about travel-sized toiletries or carrying water with us, and we can even bring a bottle of English sparkling wine as gifts or in-hotel tipples! The only rule with bringing liquids in security is that it needs to be under 2 litres.

The upgraded scanners also make security a doddle. No longer will we have to take our electronics out or put our toiletries into those wasteful plastic bags – just put your whole bag on the belt, and you’re good to go. The big question is which UK airports have the scanners installed, and the answer is…

  • Heathrow Airport
  • Gatwick Airport
  • London City Airport
  • Birmingham Airport
  • Edinburgh Airport
  • Bristol Airport
  • Belfast International Airport
  • Belfast City Airport

Don’t forget to check your destination airport’s rules too – you don’t want to have your perfume or aftershave taken off you when you’re on your way back!

Online check-in

These days, airlines not only allow you to check in online – they’re starting to charge if you don’t. It’s worth being aware that the check-in windows are as follows:

Ryanair: Opens 60 days before the scheduled departure if you have reserved a seat, or 24 hours if not. Closes two hours before the scheduled departure. Airport check-in costs extra.

EasyJet: Opens 30 days and closes two hours before the scheduled departure. Airport check-in costs extra.

British Airways: Opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Closes from 60 to 30 minutes before, depending on the destination and airport – check your booking to find out.

Wizz Air: Opens 30 days and closes three hours before the scheduled departure. Airport check-in costs extra.

Jet2 Airways: Opens 28 days up to six hours before the scheduled departure. Airport check-in opens three or four hours (depending on airport) and closes 40 minutes before the scheduled departure.

TUI Airways: Opens 14 days before the scheduled departure for upgraded options, 48 hours as standard, and 24 hours for Mexico and Jamaica. Closes one hour before the scheduled departure.

Baggage

The luggage you’re allowed to take with you is another area in which rules change depending on airline and destination, so rather than risk going on rule of thumbs, it’s best to check your booking to be sure of inclusions.

What’s useful to know across the board is what constitutes as a free baggage, especially as, airlines are becoming stricter about the size and weight of your included allocation. So you don’t get charged extra at the gate, these are the measurements for each airline:

Ryanair: 40 x 30 x 20 cm.

EasyJet: 45 x 36 x 20 cm including any handles and wheels, weighing up to 15kg.

British Airways: 40cm x 30cm x 15 cm for an underseat bag and 56 x 45 x 25cm for a cabin bag, both of which are included in economy airfares.

Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20 cm, weighing up to 10kg.

Jet2 Airways: 40cm x 30cm x 20 cm for an underseat bag and 56 x 45 x 25cm including wheels and handles for a cabin bag, both of which are included in economy airfares.

TUI Airways:  40cm x 30cm x 20 cm for an underseat bag and 55 x 40 x 20cm including wheels and handles for a cabin bag, both of which are included in economy airfares.

Another rule to watch out for this summer concerns power banks and vapes – together, they were responsible for 58 per cent of in-flight fires in 2025. So now, airlines are asking passengers to keep their power banks and vapes in the cabin for safety reasons. Make sure you don’t pack it in your hold – your flight could be diverted if you remember en route.

Passport and visa rules

Because of the complexity of immigration rules, the advice for passport and visa requirements is to check the Foreign Office’s travel advice website for your destination well in advance. You’ll be looking for four main things: the country’s passport expiry rules for visitors, whether you need blank pages on your passport, visa requirements, and anything else specific to the country.

Usually, countries like your passport to be valid for a longer time beyond your travel dates – often they want 6 months left until your expiry. If you’re travelling within Europe, your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay, but it’s usually advised to have three months left. Many countries that stamp visas also need you to have one or two blank pages that they can use, so that’s another thing to check for.

When it comes to visas, many countries don’t require you to have a visa for short leisure stays. Others offer visas on arrival (when you can get the visa when you get in to your destination) or, like the US, Canada and Australia, they might need you to get travel authorisation before you travel. You’ll want to be sure you’re approved, with enough time to organise things if you’re not.

Many airlines won’t let you take off if you don’t have the right visa or passport, so do ensure all is in order well in advance.

If you’re a British passport holder travelling to Europe or the Schengen area, note that the European Entry and Exit System has recently been introduced, so you’ll go through biometric checks before entering the country. Especially if you have a connecting flight, be aware that this might take a little time.

 

Wherever you plan on heading this summer taking out Switched On Travel Insurance will give you the peace of mind that you’re protected for the unexpected. Find out more about our travel cover by visiting our travel insurance pages.