This week in travel 29/07/2019

The rain in the UK falls mainly on the runway

Heathrow airport was hit by a spate of delays and cancellations last week due to the record breaking temperatures the UK encountered. The delays caused chaos a coincided with a technical glitch which resulted in huge queues for both check in and security. Train companies have also been affected with the extreme heat with rail lines buckling under the heat and a number of trains had to be cancelled or encountered delays as trains were forced to reduce speed over the warped sections.

If the UK wasn't ready for the heat it was ill-prepared for the torrential rain which followed it. Buses, trains and planes were affected with flooded roads, tracks and runways again causing travel misery for the millions of people starting their holiday getaways.

Brexit and the pound

Brexit and the plunging value of the pound against the Euro has seen the cost of the annual summer holiday rocket. With a rate close to 1:1 British travellers have seen their spending money dwindle. Speaking to some British travellers in Majorca last week they all claimed that the devaluation of the pound was having an adverse effect on their holiday with many cancelling planned excursions for a day at the beach instead. Many had little faith that the new prime minister would deliver the Brexit the UK needs and expect further devaluation of the pound in October. With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit travel agents have struggled to fill seats and have adopted a policy of heavy discounting with more people opting for all inclusive deals than ever before.

Ryanair and the mystery of the 12 euro sandwich

So the news that Ryanair makes more money from inflight sales than it does from the actual flight comes as little surprise with cabin baggage allowances cut and priority boarding forced on those that wish to sit together. What you may not know is that Ryanair made 2 billion euros selling overpriced food to weary passengers including a 12 euro sandwich deal with a reduced size drink. Yes yes yes it's your choice whether you buy it or not but luring passengers in with appealing fares only to claw it back and then some from a captive audience hasn't gone down too well with some recent passengers from Palma to Manchester. Despite being delayed for over 2 hours they were forced to buy bottled water from cabin crew at an eye watering 2.50 euros. Most other airlines would have offered this for free during a delay but this is not Ryanairs policy.