SEVERAL airlines in Europe are set to bump up the price of their hidden costs with UK holidaymakers impacted by the measure.

British holidaymakers will be affected as UK routes won’t be an exception in the hike.

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The Lufthansa Group covers Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss and Air Dolomiti.

And from the start of this month, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss raised the cost of seat reservation prices.

Seat reservation prices aren’t often included in the initial price, making them a hidden charge to customers.

Most economy class passengers travelling on short-haul flights won’t be affected by the measure, with seat reservations for “regular seats” remaining free of charge.

However, anyone who wants to book certain seats like an extra legroom seat will now need to pay.

Meanwhile, holidaymakers flying on an Economy Light Fare on short and medium-haul flights will need to pay to have their assigned seat changed.

This means passengers will be issued an assigned seat for free but will have to pay for any changes.

A Lufthansa spokesperson has said assigned seats can be changed at an airport desk without a charge.

Those passengers travelling on medium and long-haul flights will also pay a fee if they want to pick their seats.

Just like on short-haul routes, seats will be assigned for free but holidaymakers will pay to change their seat reservation.

This amount will not be fixed. Instead, it will be based on factors like a passenger’s route and the type of seat they’d like to book, such as a regular seat compared to an extra legroom seat.

The cost of seat reservations will start at €14 (£11.70) but cost as much as €115 (£97) for economy passengers travelling on long-haul services.

Families travelling with children and groups of holidaymakers on a joint booking will be seated together where possible.

Earlier this year German carrier Lufthansa also increased the price of its flights by up to £60 in a bid to cover new EU regulations.

Lufthansa introduced an environmental charge of up to £60 to its fares.

Holidaymakers now have to splurge extra when flying from EU countries as well as Britain, Norway and Switzerland.

The increase will be effective as early as Wednesday but will cover flights starting from January 1, 2025, onwards.

EU regulations force airlines to use more sustainable jet fuel in a bid to reduce emissions, and subsequently, drive up costs.

The German airline said: “The surcharge is intended to cover part of the steadily rising additional costs due to regulatory environmental requirements.”

It comes as flight experts have warned travellers that plane tickets will likely skyrocket this summer.

A group of aviation industry leaders have revealed that worldwide inflation and jet fuel costs are significant factors in the price hike.

Earlier this year, Lufthansa has launched a new airline with routes across Europe, including Hanover, Düsseldorf, Bordeaux and Birmingham.

Holidaymakers in Birmingham will be able to fly directly to Munich when the new route takes to the skies tomorrow.

It comes after the German carrier scrapped all of its flights to a popular UK airport in February.

Lufthansa only started running flights between Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport and Frankfurt in May 2022.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

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You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

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The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

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If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

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However, the route was scrapped, despite an increase in the number of flights between the two airports in the summer of 2023.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa will also be introducing “business class style” economy seats without the hefty price tag.

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A SEASIDE town in the north of England could be set to benefit from two huge investment projects.

Morecambe in Lancashire was named one of the worst coastal towns in the UK by the Telegraph.

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The report, which was published last year, ranked Morecambe as the 5th worst seaside town in the country, saying it could be “so much more than it is”.

And that could very much be the case, with two huge development projects potentially on the horizon.

The Lancashire-based seaside town was already set to benefit from the arrival of the second incarnation of the Eden Project, which is due to open by 2028.

Developers hope Eden Project Morecambe will be able to replicate the success of the Eden Project in Cornwall.

The huge £100million attraction will feature a “hyper-real forest” with large installations and immersive theatre.

It will have three huge shell-shaped pavilions that will overlook Morecambe Bay and a “Bay Glade” with a well-being landscape and a Natural Observatory for research and education.

There will also be an exhibition area and meeting point for guests named the Bay Hall as well as play areas, restaurants, cafes and a gift shop.

Talks are also underway to regenerate Frontierland – an abandoned theme park in Morecambe that closed in 2000.

The site where Frontierland sits has been left bare for the last 24 years but the local council are hoping to bring it back to its former glory.

According to the BBC, the Frontierland site was discussed at the latest Eden community conversation event, which was hosted by the local authority.

City council officer, Jonathan Noad revealed that around “35 regional and national developers” were coming to the town to discuss the abandoned theme park.

However, Jonathan added that the developers would “need to up-their-gears and put their ideas to us” as they look to start the procurement process.

Lancaster City Council acquired the land in 2021 and invited interested parties to submit development plans for it.

The city council official added: “We’ve also got the rest of central Morecambe to look at.

“Work will also look at Morecambe environments and what the public realm needs to look like to attract visitors.”

The authority hopes a developer will propose an “exciting idea” which can transform the site in the next 18 months.

The Eden Project and the possible redevelopment of Frontierland isn’t the only thing that’s drawing tourists to Morecambe.

Last year, one of the town’s most famous residents, heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury, increased the number of visitors to the town, with his Netflix series At Home With the Furys.

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In episode one of the series, Fury explains why he has never moved away from the town, saying the view of the bay, where he can often be seen running, is one of the main attractions.

He said: “I’ve often tampered with the idea of living abroad and living in Monaco and America, but there’s always something that keeps me here in Morecambe Bay.

“I believe it’s probably the sea air calling to me, ‘don’t go! Stay!’

“Every time I jog down the front, I look at the bay and the view and I think, ‘Wow, no matter where I go in the world, I will never get that anywhere else’.”

Before the regeneration takes place, visitors have plenty to see, with places like Happy Mount Park, the Eric Morecambe Statue and The Smugglers Den pub all rated highly on TripAdvisor.

The beach itself receives a lot of praise too, with one reviewer writing: “This bay is beautiful and very extensive so there is plenty of coastline to walk along.

“There were lots of people swimming out into the sea. The beach had large rocks then sand and was full of character. Well worth a visit on a nice day.”

Meanwhile, this seaside town in England – with sandy beaches, donkey rides & the best B&B in the world.

And this other holiday location is getting a huge new tourist attraction.

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A FAMILY of five have visited more than 20 countries in their motorhome, going as far north as Norway and as far south as Turkey.

Known as the Roaming Radfords, Steve and Lyndsay have been holidaying in a motorhome since 2007, when their eldest son Eddie was just a year old.

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The husband and wife team, who live in Milton Keynes, have explored countries like France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Norway and Morocco.

Even renting an RV on their trip to America so they could explore the country in a motorhome.

Their most recent trip took them to Turkey where they spent six weeks exploring the country with their three sons, Eddie, Harry and George.

The family regularly shares their caravanning tricks, tips and travel videos on their YouTube channel, the Roaming Radfords.

And with more than 17 years of experience, it’s safe to say they know the must-have gadgets every budding caravanner needs.

Steve and Lyndsay told Sun Online Travel: “If you’re planning a holiday to warm countries like Morocco, Spain and Turkey, having aircon is essential.

“I wouldn’t want to go to Morocco or Turkey without aircon, so definitely invest in that.”

It’s not just aircon budding caravanners will need to invest in if they want to enjoy holidaying in warmer countries.

They added: “Most brand-new motorhomes come fitted with 3 Way Fridges, which means they can work on battery, electricity plugin or gas.”

While this may sound ideal, Steve and Lyndsay know from experience that 3 Way Fridges don’t work well in hot weather.

They encouraged holidaymakers to consider upgrading to a compressor fridge because they work better in warmer climates.

Lyndsay said: “Three Way Fridges stop working properly when you reach temperatures like 30C.

“We’ve been woken up in the middle of the night with the smell of rancid chicken because the fridge wasn’t cool enough, so definitely upgrade to a compressor fridge if you can.”

With three teenage sons, and a YouTube Channel, Steve and Lyndsay need to stay connected to the internet while on the road, which is why they have a Starlink.

Starlink is an alternative to traditional broadband, beaming connections via SpaceX satellites.

It’s useful for remote areas left in the slow lane for on-the-ground broadband upgrades.

Steven and Lyndsay said: “Six weeks is a long time to be away from your friends when you’re a teenager, so we made sure to have a Starlink.

“It also enables us to upload our YouTube videos and keep in touch with the business we own back in the UK.”

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Their last recommendation isn’t technically a gadget but for the Roaming Radfords it’s a necessity.

Steve said: “One of my favourite things – and my family laugh at me for this – is a 6ft plastic table.

“Once you pop up the table, you’ve got a lovely big area where everyone can eat and sit.

“It also attracts people, so other holidaymakers can come and enjoy the space.

“Honestly it’s one of my favourite things and one of our best investments.”

Later this month, Steve and Lyndsay will be sharing even more tips at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

On October 15, 16 and 17, the couple will also be talking about their caravan adventure through Turkey, which they went on last summer.

Why caravan holidays are so underrated

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CARAVAN park holidays are a British staple.

And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain’s purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break.

Josie O’Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated…

WHEN I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun.

She’d use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays.

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As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday.

No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs. 

I still love caravan holidays as an adult.

In a world of doing everything for the ‘gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics.

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There’s no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don’t find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad. 

I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade.

My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in. 

And then, of course, there’s the cost.

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Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips. 

With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I’m spending hundreds less than I would abroad.

I’ve had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I’ll buy my own one day.

Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.

And this holiday park has been named as one of the best in the country.

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