‘Aer Lingus cancelled our flight and refused to refund expenses'
✉ Following a wonderful Christmas holiday in Barbados with my parents, we arrived at the airport for our return flight to Manchester but found the check-in desks closed and no Aer Lingus staff on hand. After waiting around with dozens of others, a member of airport staff handed us a piece of paper telling us the flight had been cancelled for operational reasons and instructed us to make our own arrangements in terms of both rebooking alternative flights home and sorting accommodation, which would then be reimbursed. We incurred significant costs in doing so because we had to stay another five nights before the next Aer Lingus flight. However, Aer Lingus has declined my request to be reimbursed for my expenses, which amount to £1,650, or offer any compensation for the cancellation. At first it blamed adverse weather but last month it told me my flight was cancelled due to operational reasons, which was what the airport staff had initially told us. What had changed in the time between the original response and this new one? Can you help me get my money back?Patrick Ferguson
That was a miserable end to your Christmas and there's no excuse for Aer Lingus failing to refund you for your extra expenses. When I got involved, the airline quickly paid up. A spokesperson said: 'Aer Lingus sincerely apologises to Patrick for the delay in processing his reimbursement request. We are pleased to confirm that the refund for vouched expenses is now being processed as a priority. We have contacted Patrick directly to express our regret at his recent experience, which fell short of our standards on this occasion.' However, the airline won't offer compensation for the cancellation because it says it was due to adverse weather, so you'll have to complain to the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) if you want to pursue this (caa.co.uk).
✉ I have dual UK-German nationality. After Brexit, I decided it would be less complicated to travel on an EU passport, and have been happily travelling on my German passport for the past two years. However, I now understand an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for entry into the UK. Do I need one? I was born in the UK, and always take my expired UK passport with me as proof of my UK citizenship. My German passport also confirms that I was born in the UK.Robert Hurst
Lucky you having a German passport so that you can skip the queues for 'third-country nationals' at European airports and swerve the bureaucratic nightmare that will be the EU's new Entry/Exit Scheme, which starts in October. As a dual national you don't need an ETA but I think it's probably worth spending £94.50 on a new British passport so you don't have to lose a moment's sleep over potential delays or complications at the border.
• Our guide to the new Entry/Exit Scheme
• More information on Electronic Travel Authorisation
✉ My partner and I would like to have a holiday in Portugal in June near beaches where I can bodysurf. We want to fly from Edinburgh or Glasgow, then use public transport to get around and stay in an apartment because we enjoy eating out at different restaurants in the evening. We'd also like to be able to do some coastal walks and to hire bikes. Any ideas?Meg Wraight
• Great rental properties in Lisbon
If you fly to Lisbon from Edinburgh or Glasgow, several top surfing beaches are easily accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride from the airport. The most dependable spot — where you'll find many surf schools — is Costa da Caparica, a laid-back town whose boardwalk is filled with surfers, dog-walkers, cyclists and skateboarders and has plenty of bars and restaurants. Stay on a quiet road near the seafront in an airy apartment with a balcony; a week in June costs £980 and the owner runs a surf school should you need any tips (airbnb.co.uk/rooms/51647096).
• The best villas in Portugal
✉ My husband would like nothing more from a holiday in June than a lovely hotel on the seafront so we could walk by the sea. We know Brighton, Eastbourne and Margate well. Do you have any other suggestions in Kent, Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset or Devon, where we could walk easily and enjoy the views?Judy Parker
• Where to stay on the British coast
In Kent, Deal has a lovely flat seafront promenade and it's a great stroll up to Walmer Castle, one of England's finest Tudor artillery forts (and home to apartments that served as residences for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Winston Churchill and the Duke of Wellington). There's also a blustery walk along the 1950s brutalist pier with a perfect brunch spot at the end of it (dealpierkitchen.com). Stay at the Rose, a few roads back, with its gastropub vibe and colourful quirky rooms as well as a sister restaurant, the Blue Pelican, on the waterfront. B&B doubles start at £215 in June (therosedeal.com). Or try the Continental, a family-run hotel on the seafront in Whitstable, a short stroll from the harbour and the high street (hotelcontinental.co.uk). B&B doubles with sea views on the first floor (there's no lift) start at £165 in June. If you're looking for a hotel with grounds to relax in, the Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis in Dorset is in a fantastic cliffside spot about a ten-minute walk through Langmoor Gardens to Marine Parade and has a large garden where you can sit and enjoy sea views without the summer crowds. B&B doubles in a garden view room start from £215 in June (hotelalexandra.co.uk).
• The best tour operators for solo travel
✉ I'd like to spend a week in Mexico City, focusing on cultural and archaeological sites, Chapultepec Park, traditional Mexican ballet, as well as the vibrant food scene. However, I've been unable to find any small-group travel online; most are generic Mexico tours, but no city breaks. Surely there must be specialist companies that provide this? I'd be travelling solo, looking for boutique hotels. Any ideas?Jaquelin Clay
It's tricky to find long-haul city-break tours because operators assume that if you're flying all that way, you'll want to see more of the country. The answer is a tailor-made trip, which will bump up the price but of course you'll get to do exactly what you want. Audley Travel is one of the best companies for a holiday like this and it suggests you stay at the Alest, a boutique hotel with just 19 rooms in the hip neighbourhood of Polanco and a ten-minute walk from the edge of Chapultepec Park. It could arrange private guided tours of any of the city's 150 museums as well as a half or full-day tour to visit some of the arty highlights like Frida Kahlo's Blue House, the Museum of Modern Art or the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are just over an hour away and if you're feeling adventurous you can see them at daybreak with a hot-air balloon ride. You could also sign up for cooking classes with a local family to learn how to make tortillas or walking tasting tours that will get you to street vendors and cantinas you'd never find on your own. A week's holiday for a solo traveller would start at about £5,900pp, including all flights, transfers, B&B accommodation and a privately guided excursion per day (audleytravel.com).
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The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The UK has reached a deal with the EU over Gibraltar's border with Spain that will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
Rhyl Journal
5 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
North Wales Chronicle
5 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
