Latest news with #HeathrowAirport
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Airport worker names exact time to swap seats and it's not when on the plane
A former Heathrow Airport employee has revealed an easy trick to getting your seats changed at the very last minute, avoiding the extra fees - but there's a catch When it comes to travelling for long hours, especially on a plane, everyone wants to sit next to their loved ones. But sometimes, big parties get split up. Here's how travellers can change their seats at no extra cost. Many of us are counting down the days until our much-deserved holidays, away from the busy city life and spending some time at the beach soaking in all the UV rays. But at the time of checking in for our flight, we've all been in a situation where seats have been allocated poorly. A former check-in agent at the UK's busiest airport Heathrow shared some insightful information as to when the most appropriate time to ask for a seat change is - and it's not at the check-in desk. She said: 'Online check-in doesn't always offer the best seat selection, and let's be honest, no one likes getting stuck in the middle seat.' The former airport worker revealed that the best time to ask for this is after the check-in closes. It's important to note that all airlines operate differently, and different rules apply based on the routes. Although most airlines will automatically seat you with the people under the same reservation, sometimes, sudden changes occur. For those who wish to have their seats changed, they must wait until the check-in time closes, or in some cases, after all passengers have boarded. 'This is when all unclaimed seats, such as those from passengers who haven't checked in, become available,' she added. According to Forbes, airlines allocate seats for weight and balance reasons, which is why it's important for passengers to sit in their designated seats. Gerrie Brand, a spokesperson for Dutch airline KLM, said: "The captain calculates weight and balance for take-off. If the occupancy is low, passengers tend to want to change seats, but that could change the weight distribution and balance for take-off." However, the former Heathrow employee warned that this trick doesn't always work, especially during peak season. In this case, passengers can ask the cabin crew once on board, or the passenger who's seated next to them. As holidaymakers look forward to their much-deserved breaks, it's important to remember that check-in agents are human too and will always try to accommodate all passengers, especially those travelling with small children. Nonetheless, as much as travelling can be expensive and stressful, taking out your anger on the staff won't benefit you at all! Kindness goes a long way, so just be nice!
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
M&S to make huge change by launching first-of-its-kind store perfect for holiday goers and it opens in just HOURS
M&S is making a huge change by opening a first-of-its-kind store that is perfect for Brits jetting off on their summer holidays. The home of Percy Pig will open its first ever airside store at Heathrow Airport on Monday, July 21. 1 It means jet setters will be able to stock up on iconic M&S food after going through security. From tomorrow, holiday goers will be able to pick up sandwiches and sweets from its new branch at Gate A, located within Terminal 5 of the busy airport. Later this week a second store will open at Gate B, which will sell gifts such as its popular biscuit tins as well as prepackaged food. Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food said: "This launch builds on the success of our well-established landside airport stores across the UK and allows us to serve customers even closer to their departure gates. "Whether travellers are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a British gift to take home, we're aiming to bring some M&S magic to their journey through Heathrow.' The high street stalwart already has seven branches across popular UK airports, including Luton and Manchester. But this is the first time flyers can get their hands on its products after passing through security and waiting to board the plane. It is not the first time in recent months that M&S has spruced up its store estate. Last Autumn it opened its first ever standalone clothes store in London's Battersea Power Station. The new store features a curated selection of women's and men's clothing, focusing on premium lines and beauty products. Shoppers race to M&S as one of their best selling items which is a mum-essential viral are scanning for just 63 PENCE Earlier this year, the brand also said it would open six Foodhalls across London and revamp nearly a dozen sites after committing £90million to the investment. It builds on the previous £30million investment made last year, and the extra £50million investment in stores across the Northwest of England. The brand-new Foodhalls will open their doors in Covent Garden, Leytonstone, Clapham Common, Putney, New Malden and Fulham Broadway. They will be completed "over the next few years, pending planning permisison", according to M&S. What else is new at M&S Elsewhere, M&S said it would dish out treats to millions of customers as a thank you following its cyber attack. Over 1.8 million customers will receive birthday gifts this month, and those who missed out in May and June will also be rewarded. Eager customers will be able to choose between one of two of M&S' bestselling food products. These could include Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box, a Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco, a punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits. Sparks birthday treats were among the casualties of the cyber attack for those who had a birthday over the spring and early summer. It comes after M&S is picking up the pieces from a vicious cyber attack which occurred in April and cost the firm £300million in lost profits. For weeks the beloved retailer was unable to process online orders and store shelves were left bare. Last week, three teenagers and a woman were arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into attacks, which also targeted Co-op and Harrods. They have since been released on bail. HISTORY OF M&S M&S was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds. The first official Marks and Spencer store opened in Manchester in 1901. Throughout the 1920s, M&SA gre rapidly, opening more and more stores across the country. The retailer made its reputation in the early 20th century by selling only British-made products. It began textile sales in 1926 and started selling food from 1931. The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value. This was initially used only for a small range of textiles but was extended over the years to cover all goods sold by M&S. M&S introduced its first in-store cafe in 1935 in the Leeds store. It provided cheap, hygienic, and nutritious mass catering. By 1942, M&S opened 82 cafes across its estate. At the outbreak of the Second World War, M&S had 234 stores. By 1945, over 100 of these had been damaged by bombs, and 16 had been completely destroyed. BY 1960, M&S pioneered in the sale of fresh poultry following the invention of the cold-chain process. In the 1970s and 1980s, M&S pushed into international markets including the US, Canada and France. In 1979, M&S introduced the Chicken Kiev to its food halls across the UK. In 1992, Percy Pigs were launched. The Autograph range of clothing was introduced in 2000, and the St Michael brand was slowly phased out. In 2019, the group announced 110 store closures as part of its plans, affecting several longstanding high-street shops. In September 2020, M&S partnered with Ocado to allow for home delivery of the chain's full food range. M&S has recently announced new stores and is freshening up a swathe of others in a boost for shoppers.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
M&S to make huge change by launching first-of-its-kind store perfect for holiday goers and it opens in just HOURS
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) M&S is making a huge change by opening a first-of-its-kind store that is perfect for Brits jetting off on their summer holidays. The home of Percy Pig will open its first ever airside store at Heathrow Airport on Monday, July 21. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A mock image shows how the new M&S store will be laid out It means jet setters will be able to stock up on iconic M&S food after going through security. From tomorrow, holiday goers will be able to pick up sandwiches and sweets from its new branch at Gate A, located within Terminal 5 of the busy airport. Later this week a second store will open at Gate B, which will sell gifts such as its popular biscuit tins as well as prepackaged food. Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food said: "This launch builds on the success of our well-established landside airport stores across the UK and allows us to serve customers even closer to their departure gates. "Whether travellers are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a British gift to take home, we're aiming to bring some M&S magic to their journey through Heathrow.' The high street stalwart already has seven branches across popular UK airports, including Luton and Manchester. But this is the first time flyers can get their hands on its products after passing through security and waiting to board the plane. It is not the first time in recent months that M&S has spruced up its store estate. Last Autumn it opened its first ever standalone clothes store in London's Battersea Power Station. The new store features a curated selection of women's and men's clothing, focusing on premium lines and beauty products. Shoppers race to M&S as one of their best selling items which is a mum-essential viral are scanning for just 63 PENCE Earlier this year, the brand also said it would open six Foodhalls across London and revamp nearly a dozen sites after committing £90million to the investment. It builds on the previous £30million investment made last year, and the extra £50million investment in stores across the Northwest of England. The brand-new Foodhalls will open their doors in Covent Garden, Leytonstone, Clapham Common, Putney, New Malden and Fulham Broadway. They will be completed "over the next few years, pending planning permisison", according to M&S. What else is new at M&S Elsewhere, M&S said it would dish out treats to millions of customers as a thank you following its cyber attack. Over 1.8 million customers will receive birthday gifts this month, and those who missed out in May and June will also be rewarded. Eager customers will be able to choose between one of two of M&S' bestselling food products. These could include Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box, a Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco, a punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits. Sparks birthday treats were among the casualties of the cyber attack for those who had a birthday over the spring and early summer. It comes after M&S is picking up the pieces from a vicious cyber attack which occurred in April and cost the firm £300million in lost profits. For weeks the beloved retailer was unable to process online orders and store shelves were left bare. Last week, three teenagers and a woman were arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into attacks, which also targeted Co-op and Harrods. They have since been released on bail.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
‘Disruptive' Teens Arrested at an Airport After Causing Chaos — Including Allegedly Using Fake IDs to Buy Alcohol
NEED TO KNOW Virgin Atlantic said in a statement that one of its flights on July 14 involved 'disruptive passengers' who were later 'apprehended by authorities" at London's Heathrow Airport The passengers were allegedly a group of teenagers who had purchased alcohol with fake IDs prior to boarding and drank it on board, according to The London Standard and other U.K. outlets The teenagers were arrested and had their Electronic Travel Authorizations to the U.K. revokedA group of teens caused chaos on a recent Virgin Atlantic flight, leading to several arrests. Virgin Atlantic told PEOPLE in a statement that the incident occurred on one of its flights to London's Heathrow Airport on July 14, and involved 'disruptive passengers' who were later 'apprehended by authorities.' 'We'd like to apologize to customers for any inconvenience caused following the arrival of the VS008 at London Heathrow on 14th July, due to disruptive passengers being apprehended by the authorities,' a spokesperson said in a statement. 'This is now a matter for the police, and we are unable to comment any further. The safety and welfare of our people and our customers is always our top priority,' the spokesperson added. The incident involved nine U.S. teenagers, who were believed to come from wealthy families, according to The London Standard. The news outlet reported that the teens used fake IDs to buy alcohol prior to the flight, which departed from Los Angeles, and drank the bottles on board. The flight crew alleged that the teens were 'screaming and running amok' during the approximately 10-hour transatlantic flight, per the outlet. When the plane landed in London, the teenagers were arrested by the Metropolitan Police, who confirmed the arrests to The London Standard. According to the outlet, the teenagers were taken to a station, where they had their mugshots and fingerprints taken. The group was also warned by officers that they could face jail time for disrupting the flight. Officers also revoked the teens' Electronic Travel Authorizations, which barred them from carrying out any summer plans they had in the U.K., per the outlet. The Metropolitan Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the incident on Saturday, July 19. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Disrupting a flight or interfering with crew members and attendants can lead to serious consequences, including steep fines and potential jail time. According to CBS News, those found guilty of such behavior could face up to 20 years in prison. The London Standard reported that Virgin Atlantic initially refused to fly the teenagers back to the U.S., but eventually allowed them to fly back. The airline reportedly flew the teens to different cities, per the outlet. Read the original article on People
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
My autistic brother is stranded in Tokyo jail hell after drugs gang ‘sneaked meth into his luggage' on dream holiday
THE sister of an autistic teenager who is being detained in Japan on drug smuggling charges believes her brother was manipulated by gangs before he left the UK. Sean Stephenson, 18, from Charlton, London, was arrested at Tokyo airport last month with a suitcase containing more than 10kg of methamphetamine. 3 Sean Stephens, 18, is being held in Japan Credit: Ami Lee 3 The teenager has autism and had never been abroad alone before Credit: Ami Lee 3 His sister says he was adamant he wanted to go on the trip Credit: Ami Lee Ami Lee and her family believes Sean has been pressured and exploited by heartless underworld figures. He has multiple physical and mental health challenges and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged five. Though legally an adult, Sean has a much younger mental age and is eager to make new friends - something his family say was taken advantage of. They claim he was groomed on UK soil before he was pressured into travelling, first to READ MORE NEWS Sean then travelled to Tokyo and he was arrested on June 21 after he was found with a locked suitcase containing the methamphetamine. Ami last saw her younger brother on June 14 at her daughter's birthday party. Since then, she has been fighting to find out what's happening to her brother nearly 6,000 miles away and has started a crowdfunding appeal for £14,000 to pay for his legal fees. "My mind is a total blur- I haven't slept now for coming up two weeks," she said. Most read in The Sun "My life is really hectic, I'm looking after three children and I've now got to worry about my brother - I'm on the phone to Tokyo throughout the night. "He's on no communication so I can't get any contact anymore - I'm beyond worried now." New CCTV of Brit 'mule' Bella May Culley 'smuggling £200k of cannabis' released as cops slam her claims she was coerced Having never travelled abroad before, let alone by himself, Sean's disappearance stunned the entire family. "He kept saying he's going to go to Canada but we didn't really think much of it," Lee said. "I think until you've got a child that's autistic, you don't actually understand where I'm coming from with that." Sean then suddenly vanished overseas on Father's Day morning. Lee said: "He had never travelled alone before, and it was clear from our contact with him that he was frightened and confused. "We pleaded with him to come home." Soon after, his family received news that he had been detained in Everything his family know about his movements is through the information provided by a solicitor in Lee says that Sean was picked up outside a Nisa shop one morning by a man who had befriended him and escorted him to Heathrow Airport. Sean's phone and bank cards were taken and he was given a Nokia so he couldn't contact his family and arrangements were made for Sean to meet another man in Toronto. According to the solicitor, Sean received threats to "break his legs and hurt his family" if he didn't go to Canada. From Toronto he was handed the suitcase of drugs to take to Tokyo where he was told it was money to be dropped to a "friend", she claims. Lee then received a message from the solicitor on July 15 who said that according to the case record, the amount of methamphetamine he was carrying wasn't one or two kilos - but more than 10kg. She added that Sean has now been moved to a juvenile centre and could be potentially looking at over 10 years in prison. Lee said: "He's extremely vulnerable - his mental age is 12 to 13 years old. "He comes to my house, he plays with my children like children play. "He's very funny, he's very unique, he's so helpful and kind - he's my Mum's carer. "His nan passed away in February and was on palliative care - he did not leave her bedside and used to go and get her medication everyday from the chemist. "It's not an excuse because he's autistic and we understand he's going to be punished - but he actually doesn't understand what's going on. "How do I know if my brother's even going to come home?" Lee also said Sean has a history of self-harm, suicide attempts, and other medical conditions. 'Police have been disgusting' Sean's family don't know who got him involved in alleged drug smuggling and his sister was hesitant to speculate over fear of repercussions given the amount of drugs involved. But they say they reported allegations of grooming and exploitation at Plumstead Police Station on Tuesday, July 1. Lee claims that officers told her it was a matter for the NCA who then redirected her back to the police. She said: "The police have been disgusting. "I get that my brother has been detained abroad but a crime was taking place very close to his home. "He was picked up from the Nisa between 8am and 9am that morning and the guy took him in his car to Heathrow airport. "I'm just asking for CCTV of my brother at Heathrow Airport and the local shops to see who picked him up." When asked whether she had been able to obtain the CCTV, Lee responded: "No - the police say it isn't a crime, so no." She added: "They're passing the buck telling me to contact NCA. "The NCA laughed at me and said 'well, what do you want us to do?' "So both have been kind of saying it's not our problem." When The Sun contacted the NCA for comment, they said the matter is for the Foreign Office and that a criminal investigation taking place abroad is a matter for law enforcement in that country. They added that anyone wishing to report someone being the victim of the a crime in the UK would need to contact the police and that the NCA is not a public crime reporting body. The NCA can facilitate UK police to international requests but it would have to be initiated by the law enforcement bodies concerned. An FCDO spokesperson said: 'We are supporting a British man who is detained in When the Metropolitan Police were contacted for comment they claim to have no record of contact with Sean's family. This is despite Ami claiming she had visited the police station twice and was provided with a Crime Reference Number. She claimed she was the victim of an online romance scam but prosecutors sought a ten-year sentence and $30,000 fine after she was caught with the drug concealed in the bottom of her suitcase. Autism campaigner, Emma Dalmayne, who has launched a petition to help raise awareness of Sean's plight, said: "Sean is autistic, learning disabled and has a heart condition, he is extremely vulnerable. "The unpredictability and worry over what will happen to him will be causing him extreme anxiety which will cause harm to him. "Autistic people are targeted for grooming and mate crimes, what had happened here is a global case of county lines." Do you know more? Email
