British holidaymakers risk being rejected from flights over unknown airport rule
A drained phone battery could leave you stranded, prevent you from boarding a flight, or even result in your device being confiscated
Your mobile phone being out of battery could prevent you from boarding your flight
(Image: Getty Images)
British holidaymakers, particularly those carrying blue and burgundy passports, risk having their holidays "ruined" by a "secret" airport regulation. Even before reaching the departure gate, travellers may encounter unforeseen disruption due to an obscure airport security requirement.
Whilst most passengers worry about lengthy security queues or industrial action causing flight cancellations, it's actually your mobile phone that could potentially derail your entire trip. Travel specialists from WildPack American Summer Camps have issued an alert that a flat phone battery could leave you stranded, stop you from boarding, or even lead to your device being seized.
In separate news, British passport holders are being advised to take one vital step before 12 October, reports Chronicle Live. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
Travel expert Jamie Fraser explained: "Many travellers are unaware that airport security now operates under stricter guidelines regarding electronic devices.
"If security personnel cannot switch on your phone to conduct necessary checks, they have the authority to deem the device, or you, a security risk."
Should gadgets fail to function when requested, you won't be permitted to take them on the aircraft. Airport personnel may require you to demonstrate your device works by powering it on.
Article continues below
Should your device be damaged or entirely flat and cannot be switched on when asked, you will be banned from bringing it aboard the aircraft.
Travel guidance on GOV.UK states: "Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft."
Although the majority of travellers won't need to prove their devices are working properly, airport security staff may occasionally carry out random checks.
Despite this rule being in place for a significant period, numerous passengers still don't know it exists.
Jamie Fraser comments: "While it might seem extreme, these regulations are in place for everyone's safety. A non-functioning device raises suspicion and can lead to significant delays and potential denial of boarding. In some cases, security might even confiscate the device for further inspection."
He recommends travellers ensure their mobile phone is fully charged before heading to the airport and to bring along a charging lead.
Article continues below
Taking a portable power bank could be crucial, especially if you're embarking on a lengthy trip or experiencing unexpected delays.
It's also sensible to get a paper boarding pass if your airline offers one as a backup. It's essential to familiarise yourself with your airline and airport's particular rules regarding electronic devices.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'dirtiest' beach named as tourists claim it's filled with 'faeces and broken glass'
A new list has been made of the "dirtiest" beaches in the UK as many Brits are heading to the coast this month during school summer holidays to enjoy the hot weather Brits have been given a list of the dirtiest beaches in the UK where there have even been reports of human faeces found, according to new research. With the exceptionally hot weather so far this year many people have taken advantage by heading to the coast on holiday and some have been left shocked at the state of the beaches they have visited. Experts have also told how there is a lot of litter which is lift behind after vast crowds turn up with plastics a particular problem as it is a hazard for local wildlife. And for those wondering which is the dirtiest beach, Skegness Beach in Lincolnshire has been named as the worst offender, closely followed by Margate Main Sands and Formby Beach in Merseyside. The research was carried out by plastic waste specialists at have listed the most litter-strewn beaches in the UK. The experts analysed TripAdvisor reviews to determine how many mentioned litter on the beach. One review of Skegness Beach from June 2025 warned: "Avoid the grass dunes between the car park and the beach. Not only do you have to dodge the dog waste you also have to with human waste and serviettes covered in faeces and left for you to tread in." Another visitor lamented: "Unfortunately, on the walk down the beach, we passed a lot of trash, dirty nappies and baby wipes strewn about the place in one area, and broken glass." However, it's not all doom and gloom, with many tourists sharing positive experiences on TripAdvisor. Despite some comparing Skegness to North Korea and Syria as the worst place to visit, it continues to be a popular destination for many British families. A review posted in May 2025 reads: "Skegness is a proper seaside resort. It has everything that you expect from a trip to the coast and a lot more besides. From the iconic Clock Tower to its many attractions. "But for us the best part was the beach, immaculate golden sands with plenty of places to buy ice cream, fresh food and drinks (including beer and wine). Well done Skeggy! ! ! PS The Blue Fin Fish Bar serves battered fish that is phenomenal." Holidaymakers visiting Margate Main Sands have voiced comparable grievances, with assessments highlighting shattered glass, canine excrement, and human waste. Whilst Formby Beach has received positive feedback generally, countless evaluations reference rubbish scattered across the shoreline. One visitor grumbled that they discovered the car park completely occupied by 10:30am and the coastline already packed with crowds and strewn with debris. Numerous other beachgoers remarked on abandoned picnics, discarded disposable barbecues littering the sand, and even discovering drug-related items, reported the Express. Graham Matthews, plastic waste specialist at says: "Litter on the UK's beaches turns our natural beauty spots into an eyesore and poses a huge environmental threat to marine life. "Each year, as the weather heats up, we see a sharp rise in people flocking to the seaside, but sadly, many don't clean up after themselves. It's common to find food packaging, disposable BBQs, and even human and animal waste scattered across our shores. "All this unsightly litter ruins the enjoyment of our beaches, but it also threatens local wildlife. Plastic is a particularly major hazard as it takes so long to break down naturally. Initially, this litter can endanger wildlife, entangle animals or be ingested. However, over time, plastic breaks down into smaller particles known as microplastics that find their way into water, sea life, and even our food chain." The UK's most littered beaches Skegness Beach, Lincolnshire Margate Main Sands, Kent Formby Beach, Merseyside Blackpool Beach, Blackpool Whitmore Bay Beach, Barry Island Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth Scarborough Beach, Scarborough Weston-super-Mare Beach, Somerset Botany Bay, Kent Clacton-on-Sea Beach, Essex
Metro
8 hours ago
- Metro
One of UK's 'most beautiful' beaches closed off over safety concerns
One of Britain's most beautiful beaches has been closed off to sunbathers due to safety concerns. Pedn Vounder in Cornwall has been cut off by the National Trust as the path to access it is in danger of erosion. The idyllic spot is known as an unofficial nudist beach with clear turquoise waters. It also featured in the BBC drama Poldark as the fictional location Nampara Cove. Access to the beach on the Penwith Peninsula is either by boat or, during low tide, via a path running from Porthcurno beach to the west. However the National Trust has said that coastal erosion had left it with no choice but to close off the footpath. Locals have said the sudden decision 'makes no sense' and that the access route had not significantly deteriorated in recent weeks. Rebecca Foy, 46, said she visited the cove last weekend with her nine-year-old child. She told heT Independent: 'Getting down was always a bit challenging, it's definitely not one for flip flops, but I can't say I noticed a massive difference from when I was a child.' The National Trust said it had taken the decision to close the beach in consultation with the local authority, adding that the cove had become 'increasingly unsafe'. More Trending A spokesperson for the charity said: 'Due to increasing coastal erosion, an unofficial and steep pathway across National Trust land leading to Pedn Vounder beach in Cornwall has become increasingly unsafe and is now temporarily closed. 'This decision has been made due to the significant increase in potential for serious injury and has been made in consultation with local authorities, emergency services and other partners. 'We understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community and have not taken the decision lightly. 'As a charity that promotes access to nature and culture we always try and maintain access wherever it's possible to do so, but due to the increasing erosion undercutting the cliff we have made the difficult decision to close it.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Disturbing horror that left fans 'too scared to sleep' now streaming for free MORE: 'Lots of unexpected twists and turns': Your favourite British TV thrillers MORE: 'The worst show on TV' might finally be ending and viewers are surprisingly sad
Glasgow Times
9 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
The holy cave in Scotland where a beloved saint once stayed
St Columba's Cave in Argyll and Bute is nestled within a beautiful landscape near the edge of Loch Caolisport and has, for a long time, been considered an "important landmark" for early Christianity in Scotland. The cave was once used in the 6th century by an Irish missionary going by the name of St Columba. See the 'historically significant' cave where the famous St Columba once lived and worshipped St Columba's Cave is home to some of the earliest Christian carvings in Scotland (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) He is thought to have used this as a place of retreat and worship in around 563, with it being home to some of the earliest Christian carvings in the whole of Scotland, according to Atlas Obscura. Today, the cave consists of a main chamber and a smaller adjoining chamber. This main chamber features a striking carved cross and other "incised" markings on its walls. In addition to the carvings, a stone altar and a water basin are also present and were likely used for baptismal purposes. For those planning to travel or make a pilgrimage here, there is parking close by at the shore of the loch. The location is a rather underrated pilgrimage site (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The location has also been commended on Tripadvisor, where a small number of users gave the site a 3.7/5. This visitor said: "We were holidaying at Port Ban for Easter Weekend and a number of the locals were heading to St Columbia's Cave on Good Friday for an ecumenical get together and service to observe Good Friday. "We hitched a lift and tagged along. It was a unique experience, in a beautiful setting looking out to the loch as the sun set and dusk set in." READ NEXT: ScotRail saw busiest week of 2025 as Oasis played in Scotland Describing the cave and the structures inside it, one person wrote: "This is the cave St. Columba visited on his way to Iona. "There is a dry stone altar, and below it is a stone basin. There are also other shapes carved into the walls of the cave, which show habitation in the past. "Also makes for a lovely walk along the single track road and great views of the Loch." However, a third person warned that the area can become very muddy, especially during or after rainy conditions.
