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Popular Tour Operator Awarded Good Housekeeping Institute Reader Recommended Status for Second Year
EASYJET Holidays has been awarded Good Housekeeping Institute Reader Recommended status for Customer Experience for a second year running. The award was based on direct feedback from customers rating their holiday experience across every stage,
from
booking through to travel on an easyJet Holidays package.
The package holiday provider was recognised for its consistent commitment to quality, value, and ease and was also praised for its excellent value for money, ATOL-protected packages for peace of mind and a diverse choice of destinations across Europe’s most-loved hotspots. The recognition follows from easyJet holidays receiving the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2026. Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: “We’re incredibly proud to once again receive the Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended endorsement for Customer Experience. Being recognized by customers themselves makes this especially meaningful, and reflects our commitment
Aer Lingus’ Impressive Summer Schedule Takes Off from Ireland with New Expansion
AER Lingus has expanded its summer schedule by introducing three new short-haul routes. A new service from Cork commenced on 2nd May, while two new routes from Dublin to Norway’s capital Oslo and Asturias, in the north of Spain, will also take off for the first time. Seasonal routes from Dublin to Pisa in Italy’s Tuscany region, Catania in Sicily, Nantes in France, and the Greek islands of Santorini and Corfu, will also return this weekend.
On its long-haul network, the
airline’s Dublin-Denver service is also back for summer 2026, offering direct flights to the ‘Mile High City’. Aer Lingus also introduced a further two new short-haul services this summer from Dublin to Montpellier,
that started on 19th May 2026, and from Cork to Santiago, from 1 June 2026. For those hoping to explore the Scottish Highlands, a new Aer Lingus Regional flight, operated by Emerald Airlines, will also begin service to Inverness from 21 May 2026, while a new route to Tours in France will fly from 6 June. Aer Lingus will operate a total of 24 routes from Ireland to North America in 2026, including two new routes to Raleigh-Durham, which took off earlier this month, and Pittsburgh which took off on 25th May.
Reid Moody, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer, said: “Aer Lingus is launching three new routes from Dublin and Cork
British Airways Announce Fully-Funded Pilot Training Scheme
this weekend, alongside the return of
some of our most popular
seasonal destinations. Our summer schedule provides customers with even greater choice and flexibility for sun, culture and adventure closer to home.
“The return of our Dublin- Denver service, together with new routes to Raleigh-Durham and Pittsburgh,
further strengthens
our transatlantic offering for the summer season. With convenient connectivity through Dublin, Aer Lingus continues to make it easier for customers to plan summer journeys on both sides of the Atlantic.
Ryanair Reduces Baggage Check-in Time for Passengers
RYANAIR has announced that from Tuesday 10th November, check-in and bag drop services at all its airports will close 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
BRITISH Airways has announced that its fully-funded pilot training scheme has opened for applications. The airline have invested £18m funding to allow 160 aspiring pilots the opportunity to take part in the Speedbird Pilot Academy.
The pilot scheme comes following the increased interest in aviation careers. British Airways ensure talented applicants from all backgrounds are able to follow their dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Sean Doyle, British Airways’
Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “The Speedbird Pilot Academy is an investment not just in British Airways, but in the future of UK aviation. “We want the very best talent out there for our future generation of pilots; by removing the costs, we’re opening the opportunity up to more people and making a flying career more accessible to all.” Simon Cheadle, British Airways’ Director of Flight Operations, said: “We’re incredibly proud to
open our doors once again to people who may never have believed a career as a pilot was within reach. The response to the Speedbird Pilot Academy in previous years has been extraordinary, and the calibre of applicants shows just how much talent is out there, talent that simply needs the opportunity.
This changes from the previous 40 minutes, with the airline hoping to provide more time for passengers to get through airport security and passport queues. This comes as Ryanair installs more self- service bag-drop kiosks across its network, with over 95% of airports having these kiosks by October. These self-service kiosks are fully integrated with the Ryanair app, giving passengers the ability to check in bags and print bag tags, which speeds up bag-drop and cuts waiting times. Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, said: “From Tuesday 10th November next,
Ryanair customers will see airport check- in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today’s 40 minutes. This will allow these 20% of our customers (who check in a bag) more time to clear through airport security and passport queues, and get to their departure gate on-time, especially during busy travel periods when some of these airport queues can be longer. “We are also installing self-service kiosks at over 95% of Ryanair airports before October. This means a quicker bag-drop service, less queuing at airport desks, and an even more punctual service for the 20% of our customers who still wish to check- in a bag, while the 80% (who don’t check- in a bag) will be unaffected by this small 20 minute change, as they will continue to check-in online before they arrive at the departure airport and they go straight through airport security to their departure gate.”
to offering brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices, and a seamless experience from booking to return, particularly as we head into our biggest ever summer season.”
PortAventura World Announce Opening of New Hard Rock Cafe this Summer
June 2026
PORTAVENTURA World have announced its agreement with Hard Rock International, to open a new Hard Rock Cafe this summer. This will be the first opening of a Hard Rock Cafe within a theme park resort in Europe and will be located at the entrance of PortAventura Park.
The new Hard Rock Cafe will host around 430 guests featuring live music performances and will be accessible to the general public.
Along with the Hard Rock Cafe opening, there will also be a Rock Shop, allowing customers to purchase exclusive merchandise developed in collaboration with PortAventura World. The
new opening highlights and more diverse audience. Costa
Daurada’s focus on strengthening the destinations appeal internationally, drive year-round visitation, and attract a broader
All ‘Smiles’ as TUI Announces Loyalty Programme
TUI Group has confirmed it will introduce a new loyalty programme for UK travellers in 2026.
Having completed its pilot in Finland,
the group’s CEO Sebastian Ebel confirmed that TUI Smiles Rewards Club will be available to customers in the coming months, with three tiers to the club. Customers will be able to avail of exclusive ‘smile’ offers, rewards tailored
to the customer and monthly prize-draws.
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