First things first - if you're due to fly during this disruption, we know this is stressful. This issue sits with a third-party provider used by multiple airlines. Airports and airlines are switching to manual check-in to keep flights moving. We've pulled together the essentials so you can make confident, informed choices right now.

What to do now

• Check your flight status with your airline before you set off. If your flight is showing confirmed, travel as normal but allow enough time for queues at check-in.
• Arrive at the airport in line with the airport's guidance - typically 3 hours before long-haul and 2 hours before short-haul/domestic. Turning up earlier can create longer queues without speeding things up.
• Have your documents ready - passport/ID, booking reference, and (if you can) a printed or downloaded boarding pass. Staff may issue replacements at the desk.
• Bag-drop may be manual. Pack to airline rules, keep essentials and medication in your hand luggage, and be ready for slower tagging and weighing.
• Special assistance: if you've pre-booked, head to your airline's desk on arrival - teams are prioritising assistance customers.

Airport snapshots

Heathrow

Most flights are operating as normal, but some airlines are still using manual processes at check-in and bag-drop. Expect queues at peak times. Heathrow advises you to check your flight status with your airline and arrive at the usual times - 3 hours for long-haul, 2 hours for short-haul/domestic.

Brussels

Manual check-in remains in use for several airlines and disruption continues today with delays and cancellations. Travel to the airport only if your flight is confirmed, and allow extra time for queues.

Berlin (Brandenburg)

Longer waits at check-in continue for some airlines while recovery work completes. Allow extra time in the terminal and proceed to security as soon as you have checked in.

The disruption stems from a third-party system used by multiple airlines; airports are using manual workarounds while services are restored.

If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, you may have rights to assistance or compensation under EU261/UK261 passenger rights.

Changing plans

If you decide not to travel or your flight is changed, you can amend or cancel your Holiday Extras booking online in minutes. See our guidance below on Flextras options and how to rebook once your new flight is confirmed.

Our advice to all customers who may be disrupted by today's airport check-in cyber incident:

• Monitor airport, airline and official travel advisories for live updates. Some airports are using manual check-in and bag-drop, so queues may be longer than usual.
• Contact your airline directly (app, SMS, or website) for the latest on your specific flight before you travel to the airport.
• Consider the flexibility of your bookings:
  • Customers with Flextras: Free cancellations can cancel any time up to the booked day and time of travel. We'll issue a flexible voucher to rebook once you have new details.
  • Flextras: Saver customers can cancel for a voucher to book the same product again once your plans are confirmed.
• We encourage you to use our online amends system to change dates, times, terminals, or other booking options, as well as cancelling if necessary.
• For questions about a Holiday Extras travel insurance policy, please email [email protected].

Customers Already Abroad

Our support team are fully briefed and ready to help. The quickest way to reach us is Live Chat, Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am - 5pm.

Links and more information

We recommend checking the following sources for the latest information:

• Reuters live report on the airport cyber incident
• Guardian coverage: Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin
• AP News overview of the disruption
• Eurocontrol operational updates
• EU261/UK261 passenger rights