Travel with Katie Butler: EasyJet plans to run full schedule despite Border Force strikes

Katie Butler writes: It is something we love to do and it is a great feeling of giving something back to our local community.

We thank you for your donations. We have been overwhelmed with your support, especially as we are all feeling the pinch with the cost of living crisis.

As we close for the Christmas period I want to take this opportunity to personally wish you all a very Merry Christmas and also thank all our customers old and new, who have supported our independent agency.

Border Force strikes are still planned to go ahead over the Christmas period.

The industrial action will see Border Force officials walk out on eight days over the festive season, from December 23 to Boxing Day and from December 28 to New Year's Eve.

We are hoping that the majority of holidaymakers will see minimal disruption as arriving passengers with British passports will be able to use the e-gates as usual at Manchester.

Thankfully, Leeds Bradford Airport is not one of the named airports striking.

Jet2 operates out of three of the affected airports – Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

The Yorkshire based company said it “very much intends” to operate a full schedule of Christmas and New Year flights despite the strikes.

“Our customers have worked hard to make precious holiday plans, including seeing family and friends over the festive period,” chief executive Steve Heapy said in a statement.

Easyjet also said it plans to run its flight schedule as expected.

Last week the government announced that new rules are to come into place that will mean airport passengers will no longer be limited to just 100ml of liquid.

In addition they will no longer have to remove large electronics from hand luggage.

The current rules were brought in in 2006 in response to terrorist threat.

At present, passengers must remove tablets, laptops and liquids from their cabin baggage and all liquids must be in a clear plastic bag.

However, don't get too excited as this will not be happening overnight and a deadline has been set for June 2024, by which time the government say that major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed. Watch this space!

Once again our week was filled with late deal bookers, with this month and January being our busiest months of departure for brand new bookings, a sign that last minute holidays remain popular and in high demand.

Tenerife in line with the last few weeks has been consistently our top selling destination.

We will be closing on December 23 for the Christmas break and re-open on December 28.

Merry Christmas to you all and we hope you stay safe and warm.

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Katie, Leanne, Karen and Kath x