Latest news with #Hoppa
Daily Mail
24-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Travel expert issues warning over simple passport mistakes that will stop you from flying
Holidaymakers jetting off this summer should be aware of some simple issues with their passports that could prevent them from flying. When going on a trip, tourists often have to juggle many different things including travel insurance, transfers and their luggage. But one important factor to consider is your passport – and issues with it could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK. Chris Harrington, managing director at transfer company Hoppa, shared his advice for those going away this summer. The travel expert emphasised the importance of making sure your passport isn't too damaged. He explained: 'If your passport is damaged to the extent that it impacts its ability to function or verify who you are, this can lead to it being declared invalid.' Chris advises checking the condition of your passport after booking a trip to avoid problems. He added: 'Once you have booked your holiday, ensure your passport is in good condition and it doesn't have any water damage, tears, rips, stains or any pages are missing. One important factor to consider is your passport and problems with it that could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK 'In most cases, minor wear and tear is acceptable, but for anything more severe, you will need to apply for a new passport.' Though life can become busy, it is important to ensure documents such as passports are up to date – including reflecting any changes to personal information – in order to ensure they are still accurate and valid. Chris said: 'Your passport needs to have all of your correct details on. Including name and date of birth, which means if this isn't the case, it could be invalid. 'When making your travel booking, it's important that the details you enter reflect those that are on your passport. 'For example, if you get married and you make the booking with your new surname, the passport needs to also have the same details. 'If you need to apply for a new passport due to getting married, this can be done before or after the ceremony.' Another point to look out for is the expiry date on your passport. Even if it hasn't expired, it's important to note that some countries require the passport to be valid for three months from the departure date. Chris explained: 'One of the common mistakes people make is not being aware of when a passport has expired. 'When you are going abroad, you need to make sure that your passport was issued within the last 10 years of the date you enter the country. 'It's important to remember that this is counted from the date of issue and not the expiry date. 'Alongside the 10-year rule, Brits travelling to the EU and Schengen countries also need to be aware that their passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond their departure date. 'It's also worth noting that for some destinations, there needs to be 6 months remaining on the passport, so it's important to check the regulations for the country you're travelling to.'
The Sun
03-07-2025
- The Sun
The two-word phrase you should always use when your luggage goes missing as over 62,000 items get lost a year in UK
HOLIDAYMAKERS who lose their luggage have been encouraged to utter a two-word phrase if they belongings ever go AWOL. Shocking data recently revealed that 62,000 items were lost between August 2023 and August 2024 across UK airports. 1 But hope is not lost for travellers whose belongings suddenly vanish, as there are ways to mitigate disaster. "Losing luggage is always stressful, but not knowing what to do makes the situation even worse," says Chris Harrington, Hoppa's managing director. "Ultimately, the faster and more informed your response, the better chances of recovering your bag or receiving updates on its status. "The process isn't as complicated as one might think, but there are important steps you need to follow." Travellers who lose their luggage are advised to report their belongings missing first before locating your airline's service desk. Then, give as much detail as possible, providing brand, colour, size, type of shell, plus any unique identifiers, such as tags or stickers. Crucially, affected travellers should demand a 'property irregularity report' (PIR) reference number. Chris continued: "Remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances of finding out what's happened to your luggage." "A PIR number is a unique code that is used by airlines to trace your missing luggage and will be needed when you follow up on your luggage's status or if you need to make an insurance claim." "Even if the airline does not hand out allowances, make sure to keep all your receipts. With proper evidence, you may be able to claim these costs back at a later date." TRAVEL WARNING CAA warns UK travellers of cabin luggage rule that could be 'catastrophic' Many travel insurers offer coverage for luggage that has been delayed for more than 12 to 24 hours, so get in touch with your provider as soon as possible. If you're unfortunate enough to still have luggage missing after 3 weeks, be sure to follow up. Airlines have specific deadlines for submitting lost luggage claims, varying anywhere between 7 to 21 days. It comes after another survey found that holidaymakers are more worried about losing luggage and missing flights than being pickpocketed and misplacing their passport. A poll of 2,000 travellers found health emergencies are the top worry when in a different country, with theft also being a big concern. HOLIDAYMAKERS are more worried about losing luggage and missing flights than being pickpocketed and misplacing their passport. A poll of 2,000 travellers found health emergencies are the top worry when in a different country, with theft also being a big concern.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Travel expert reveals what to do if you lose your luggage - as OVER 62,000 items go missing at UK airports in a year
You've stepped off a flight, gone through border control and now you're waiting for your luggage at the baggage carousel. But you've been there a while and the crowds have thinned – but still no bag. It's a travel nightmare that many of us have experienced. In fact, UK airports saw more than 62,000 items reported lost between August 2023 and August 2024, according to data shared by Now experts from Hoppa, a transport comparison and booking site, are advising holidaymakers on what they should do if they find themselves without their luggage. 'Losing luggage is always stressful, but not knowing what to do makes the situation even worse,' says Chris Harrington, Hoppa's managing director. 'Ultimately, the faster and more informed your response, the better chances of recovering your bag or receiving updates on its status. 'The process isn't as complicated as one might think, but there are important steps you need to follow.' In the event you can't locate your luggage, the thing to do immediately is to report it. Head straight for your airline's luggage service desk, which is usually found near the baggage claim area. 'Remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances of finding out what's happened to your luggage,' says Hoppa. It's important to provide as much detail as possible, the firm adds, with information on the brand, colour, size, type of shell, plus any unique identifiers, such as tags or stickers. If you have any photos of your bag, show them to staff. Hoppa urges any affected travellers to make sure they request a 'property irregularity report' (PIR) reference number. 'A PIR number is a unique code that is used by airlines to trace your missing luggage and will be needed when you follow up on your luggage's status or if you need to make an insurance claim.' Be sure to ask about whether your airline will cover essentials, such as clothing or toiletries, while they track your luggage – especially, says Hoppa, if away from home. 'Even if the airline does not hand out allowances, make sure to keep all your receipts. With proper evidence, you may be able to claim these costs back at a later date.' Many travel insurers offer coverage for luggage that has been delayed for more than 12-24 hours, so get in touch with your provider as soon as possible. If you're unfortunate enough to still have luggage missing after 3 weeks, be sure to follow up. Once your bag has been missing for more than 21 days, it is officially classified as lost, and you'll you need to follow up with the airline and initiate a formal lost luggage claim.' Airlines have specific deadlines for submitting lost luggage claims, varying anywhere between 7 to 21 days. And remember the Montreal Convention, which means that airlines are responsible for compensating up to £1,300 if your luggage is lost, damaged or delayed. 'To file a claim, you'll need to provide proof of your luggage and its contents, so have this information prepared. The more information you have, the more likely you will be to make a successful claim'
