Jet2 Says Power Banks Without A Key Sign Are ‘Forbidden’ On Board

Posted on 14/05/2026 by Boris Clair

Passengers hoping to bring their “smart bags”, which have chargers in them, might be disappointed: those “with non-removable batteries above 2.7Wh are not permitted onboard,” sites like Ryanair advise.

That’s because they contain lithium batteries, which power banks also have.

These can sometimes short-circuit and are generally not permitted in the hold as they can catch fire.

And on their site, Jet2 said that they ban “lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries and power banks that don’t clearly state” an important rating.

Power banks need to show their watt/hour rating

Those that don’t include the “watt-hour rating or lithium metal content, or where the watt-hour rating cannot easily be otherwise ascertained, are forbidden”.

A watt-hour rating is usually shortened to Wh. Power banks should have a rating “not exceeding 160Wh, providing they are individually protected against short circuit”, Jet2 said.

What if my power bank doesn’t have a Wh rating?

This doesn’t need to be on the power bank explicitly, as you can work it out from the milliampere-hour (mAh), ampere-hour (Ah), and/or nominal voltage (V).

Once you find these, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “You can arrive at the number of watt-hours your battery provides if you know the battery’s nominal voltage (V) and capacity in ampere-hours (Ah) using this calculation ― Ah x V = Wh.

“If only the milliampere hours (mAh) are marked on the battery, then divide that number by 1000 to get ampere-hours (Ah). For example, 4400 mAh / 1000 = 4.4 Ah.”

If none of these is available, though, your power bank might not pass muster.

Don’t bring more than two power banks with you, either

Those are only some of the rules the airline enforces.

Their rules include:

No more than two power banks per passenger,
Power banks should not exceed 160Wh,
Power banks can’t be charged whilst onboard the aircraft,
Power banks can’t be used on-flight,
Power banks have to be carried on-board in hand luggage and placed under your seat,
Power banks must not be used to charge or power any portable electronic devices during taxi, take off, and landing.

Jet2 is not the only airline to have some or all of these rules, so check with your airline before flying.

Jet2 Says To Bring Physical Item On-Board For More ‘Efficient’ Flight

Posted on 11/05/2026 by Boris Clair

2026 is a tough year for fliers. Between ongoing fuel price crises and EES check-related queues, flying might not be as efficient as we’re used to.

Which means that any advice, including the “efficient” onboard recommendations from Jet2′s site, is welcome for travellers.

“To make our service as efficient as possible, we only accept card payments,” the page reads.

Bring a physical card on board

It’s not just that cash won’t fly (teehee) for on-board payments. Contactless isn’t guaranteed to work, either.

“We’ve also introduced a few updates to contactless, including Apple Pay and Google Pay,” Jet2 shared.

“So, please bring your physical card to use chip and PIN when needed.”

Their on-board offerings include a duty-free range of fragrances, skincare, makeup, aftershave, and jewellery, as well as refreshments, which you can also pre-order.

Anything else?

Yes. The airline has previously spoken about the best way to handle EES checks, which have led to some queues and even missed flights as airports get passengers onto the EU system for the first time.

They said, “There may be longer wait times at Border Control at some EU Airports, especially at busy times. Once you start your EES registration, it should take around 1-2 minutes per person to complete.”

But seeing as multiple people from non-Schengen countries may be doing so at the same time, those minutes can build up fast.

Schengen countries include:

Austria,
Belgium,
Bulgaria,
Croatia,
Czechia,
Denmark,
Estonia,
Finland,
France,
Germany,
Greece (though Greece have effectively temporarily suspended biometric EES checks for UK passengers),
Hungary,
Iceland,
Italy,
Latvia,
Liechtenstein,
Lithuania,
Luxembourg,
Malta,
Netherlands,
Norway,
Poland,
Portugal,
Romania,
Slovakia,
Slovenia,
Spain,
Sweden, and
Switzerland.

Therefore, they cautioned fliers, “Depending on how busy the airport is, this may result in longer wait times at passport control before boarding your flight to the UK.

“After checking in for your flight, please head straight to security and passport control in order to arrive at your gate in plenty of time.”

‘This Guy Can Get F*cked’: Ryanair Boss’ Call For 6am Airport Pint Ban Divides Passengers

Posted on 08/05/2026 by Boris Clair

Recently, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary called for an end to pre-flight pints.

Speaking to The Times, he said that the problem of inebriated passengers has gotten worse, claiming his company now has to divert an average of one flight a day due to rowdy behaviour on board.

This, he shared, is up from one diversion a week a decade ago.

“It’s becoming a real challenge for all airlines. I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning. Who needs to be drinking beer at that time?” he asked.

He also pointed out that airport bars don’t have to follow the usual operating hours of other alcohol vendors, saying, “There should be no alcohol served at airports outside [of those] licensing hours.”

O’Leary even called for a two-drink limit on airport bars, though he didn’t confirm whether Ryanair – which he said generally sticks to that rule anyway – would adopt the policy itself.

“We are reasonably responsible, but the ones who are not responsible, the ones who are profiteering off it, are the airports who have these bars open at five or six o’clock in the morning and during delays are quite happy to send these people as much alcohol as they want because they know they’re going to export the problem to the airlines,” he added.

It is, of course, already illegal to be drunk on a plane. Punishments include two years in prison or a £5,000 fine.

So perhaps it’s no wonder fans of the time-honoured British airport tradition had stern words for O’Leary (whose company previously took a disruptive passenger to court for losses over a diverted flight).

“This guy can get fucked,” one X poster commented on the site. “If I’m at an airport at 6:00 AM, having a beer is pretty much the only comfort.”

“Surely Ryanair should stop serving drinks on their morning flights before Michael O’Leary starts lecturing the rest of us?” another post read.

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Surely Ryanair should stop serving drinks on their morning flights before Michael O’Leary starts lecturing the rest of us?

— Richard Barrett (@richardluddite) May 6, 2026

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Surely Ryanair should stop serving drinks on their morning flights before Michael O’Leary starts lecturing the rest of us?

— Richard Barrett (@richardluddite) May 6, 2026

“Time doesn’t exist in the airport,” yet another person commented on an Instagram post.

They’re joined in their disapproval by Wetherspoons boss Sir Tim Martin, who’s called O’Leary’s proposal a “big brother” approach.

Speaking to The Times, he said: “A two-drink limit would be extraordinarily difficult to implement, short of breathalysing passengers, and would, in our opinion, be an overreaction, especially since many of the problems stem from incoming flights.”

Still, not everyone hates the idea.

“A two-drink limit feels fair to me,” one Instagram user said.

“Alcohol can metabolise differently in [the] air, and no one wants to risk being sat next to someone who’s an angry drunk who’s metabolised four drinks like they’re eight and is now plastered and raving in a metal box.”

“Ban ALL alcoholic drinks on airlines and don’t open airport bars until 12 noon,” an X poster added.

The debate takes place days after Jet2 called for a cross-airline database of disruptive passengers.

‘Sudoku Packing’ Is A Genius Solution For Overpackers Like Me

Posted on 05/04/2026 by Boris Clair

As a last-minute packer who always stuffs my carry-on bag the night before a trip, I am curious about any way I can lessen my organising woes. According to a new viral travel hack, “sudoku packing” might be my answer for easy repeatable outfit combinations I can create with just nine anchor pieces.

Like the grid puzzle it is named after, this organising system uses three-by-three grids of a top, bottom and layering piece to create a total of 27 outfits from nine pieces of clothing. If you lay it out in your bed, the combinations should look like:

Top row has top, bottom, layer
Middle row has bottom, layer, top
Bottom row has layer, top, bottom

The “sudoku packing” term has been around since 2016, but “packing sudoku” recently went viral after multiple travellers shared their own effortless combinations for trips.

Massachusetts-based travel content creator Natalie Shaquer has popularised the packing sudoku framework.

“It takes away all of that decision fatigue,” she said. Shaquer’s video on her “sudoku packing” has been seen more than 4 million times since she first shared her outfit combinations on Instagram in February.

Recently, Shaquer put sudoku packing to the test on a three-week trip across the globe from Australia to Dallas, Texas, and Portland, Oregon ― and she still found it to be a successful hack, defying critics who say you can’t pack for long journeys with only a carry-on luggage.

Shaquer told HuffPost that sudoku packing “actually forces you to be a little bit more intentional and a little bit more real about what you’re going to do.”

“It forces you to think about what you actually like wearing, what looks good on you, and what you’re going to need for the trip,” she said.

How To Execute Sudoku Packing

Stressed about what to pack? Try this viral travel hack.

In the last month, Shaquer has already used this sudoku packing system for four different trips. “I think so often we like to pack for a fantasy version and not the real version,” Shaquer said. But this system pushes you to be honest about what will work for your whole trip.

“If you’ve got ten tops in your closet and you’re like, ‘This is my favorite top,’ and you lay it on the bed and it’s like, well, that top does only goes with two pairs of the pants…it doesn’t make it into the grid,” she explained.

To try this out for yourself, Shaquer suggested picking your three pairs of shoes before deciding on your outfits. For Shaquer, she likes to pick a walking shoe like white sneakers, a weather-dependent shoe like sandals or boots, and the “you shoe” that brings out her individual flair like ballet flats or stilettos.

After she picks her shoes, Shaquer will apply this same mentality to choosing her tops, bottoms and layers for a trip. For layers, you could do “a weather-dependent layer, a more structured layer and a cozy cardigan-type layer,” Shaquer suggested as an example. You can make your chosen clothing pieces as colorful or neutral as you need it to be, but you need to make sure they match every combination. “You’re not going to have every colour in your grid, you need to have some constraint around what you’re taking,” Shaquer suggested.

This constraint is what personal stylist Bridgette Raes recommends if you do this sudoku system. “Avoid anything overly specific or novelty-driven, because those pieces tend to limit your outfit combinations,” she said. “You can include one ‘hero’ piece, like a printed blouse or a standout colour, to anchor the palette, but everything else should support it.”

Overall, Shaquer likes playing sudoku with her closet more than the popular “5-4-3-2-1” travel hack of five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two dresses and one set of accessories because this method has “intentional compatibility.”

“Every piece goes with every other piece,” Shaquer said. Ideally, you should give yourself an hour to sift through your clothes and pack using this method, she suggested.

Sudoku Packing Might Not Be For Every Trip

Lisa Zaslow, a professional organiser with Gotham Organisers, said this packing hack can be helpful because it “gives people a structure to get started.”

“Anything that prevents people from stuffing a suitcase willy nilly is a good thing,” she said.

But it might not be for everyone. “While the math might work on the sudoku method, I know I wouldn’t want only three tops for a trip that required 27 outfits,” Zaslow said. “I often wear two tops in one day while traveling. After a day roaming about or doing an activity, I need a clean top at night. And I’m not a fan of doing laundry while on vacation.”

More than playing sudoku with your closet, Zaslow thinks the best way to prevent overpacking is to create a packing list at least a few days before your trip. This way, you can see clearly what works and what doesn’t. “You’ll think more clearly when you’re not rushed,” she said. This cuts down on packing stress and gives you time to plan what you do ― and don’t ― need to bring.”

Shaquer said you can modify the grid system to suit your needs, and you can add additional tops if needed.

“I’m certainly not espousing that everybody needs to use this,” Shaquer said. “But if this is the kind of packing that you want to do, this is something that we have not seen before.”

7 Of The Rudest Things You Could Ever Do In An Airbnb

Posted on 29/03/2026 by Boris Clair

When you stay at a hotel, the rules are mostly clear: blasting music at 2am is not OK. Running through the halls is not OK. Someone at the front desk will intervene if things get out of hand.

Airbnbs and other holiday shares operate in more of a grey zone. You’re basically staying in someone else’s home, and it doesn’t have a concierge or staff on-site to set expectations or step in when guests cross a line.

“We never take a vacation from good manners,” said Jodi RR Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “Even when you are off and away, you still must take into consideration how your behaviours impact those around you.”

Even if no one is watching, the way you act can have real consequences – from negative reviews to cancelled bookings or fines. Here are the seven rudest things you can do in an Airbnb, according to etiquette experts.

Taking things that aren’t yours

“Towels, décor, kitchen tools, robes, or specialty products are not souvenirs,” explained Jacqueline Whitmore, etiquette expert in Palm Beach, Florida. “Even small items add up, and replacing them is costly and frustrating. If you are unsure whether something is complimentary, ask. When in doubt, leave it.”

You may be thinking: Is this even worth mentioning? Apparently, yes. Hosts routinely report stolen items – from pillows to utensils. At first, I optimistically wondered whether some of the confusion stems from hotel culture, where toiletries, slippers, and mini bottles are fair game. In a short-term rental, however, all items are simply part of someone’s home inventory.

Smoking (anywhere)

“Most rental properties are nonsmoking and most guests get that at this point,” Smith said. “But the guests think (hope?) that if they are outside, the no-smoking does not apply. However, unless otherwise noted, the entire property is nonsmoking.”

If that sounds overly strict, there’s a reason for it. Smoking on rental properties can cause lingering odours, damage furnishings, and create outdoor fire risks. Discarded cigarettes tossed into planters or mulch have ignited porch fires, leading to serious property damage.

Being noisy

On vacation, my everyday routine goes out the window. I sleep in, stay out later, and generally abandon the discipline required for a 9am conference call. But just because I’m on holiday doesn’t mean everyone else is.

“Late-night gatherings, screaming kids, drunken arguments, and loud music can disturb nearby neighbours,” Whitmore said. “Observe quiet hours and be mindful that your neighbours are not on vacation.”

And it’s not just the 1am DJ set that can get you in trouble – though most short-term rental agreements include no-party clauses, so that’s worth noting. It’s also the less conspicuous noises that add up: slamming doors in a shared hallway, dragging suitcases at dawn, speakerphone calls on a balcony, or kids racing up and down stairs in a multi-unit building.

Ghosting your host

Nobody likes to be ignored, especially when you’re staying on their property. “Prompt communication builds trust,” Whitmore said. “Be a considerate guest. Respect the host, the neighbours and the property, and you will always be welcomed back.”

That courtesy goes both ways. Whether you have a question about turning off a fire alarm or need to let the host know you’ve broken something, it’s better to speak up than stay silent.

“If there’s a problem, speak up,” said Nick Leighton, co-host of the Were You Raised by Wolves? podcast. “Hosts would much rather know about a problem during your stay and try to address it rather than just learn about something for the first time in your negative review.”

Leaving your rental reasonably tidy and respecting the space goes a long way with Airbnb hosts.

Treating your rental like a hotel

When I’m staying at a hotel, I regress a little to my teenage self: towels on the floor, bed unmade, room service tray lingering longer than it should. It feels like part of the perk. No disrespect intended, just the luxury of not having to reset the space before you leave.

But at a holiday rental, you don’t have those same perks.

“Treat the home as if you were staying with a friend or family member,” said Whitmore. “Follow house rules and leave it reasonably tidy. Don’t create excessive mess, move furniture, or break something without telling your host.”

Inviting friends or pets

It may feel harmless to have your mom stay the night before an early flight or let a friend crash on the couch after dinner. But in a short-term rental, occupancy limits aren’t just suggestions. They’re often tied to insurance policies, local regulations, homeowners association rules, and cleaning arrangements. Adding even one unapproved overnight guest can put hosts in a difficult position.

“Unannounced visitors raise safety and insurance concerns,” explained Whitmore. “If you plan to bring a guest or a pet, get approval first. Many hosts may charge an extra cleaning fee.”

While an extra overnight guest can create insurance or occupancy issues, pets raise even more concerns – even if you’re certain yours “wouldn’t do anything.”

“Your pup may be extraordinarily well-behaved, but if the property says no pets, you need to adhere to the agreement,” Smith said. “Whether it is cameras on the property, just nosy neighbours or the cleaning staff, most owners end up learning of a pet on the premises. (Certified service animals aside.)”

Ignoring the checkout procedure

You’re packed, you’ve called your car, and you’re mentally already at the airport. But before you shut the door, did you take out the trash? Is there still half a pint of milk in the fridge?

“Be sure to read and understand the checkout instructions before you book,” Leighton said. “Some can be quite onerous, but once you’ve agreed, you’ve agreed! So, be sure to follow the list before departure.”

Experts recommend leaving the rental as you found it. That can include tidying up messes, returning moved furniture to its original place, and taking care of smaller details like turning off lights and adjusting the heat.

“Be sure to understand how to strip the beds, where to put the wet towels, whether you need to empty the refrigerator, and how to handle the garbage and recycling,” Smith said.

I’m Officially Too Old For Hostels — But This £80-A-Night ‘Hub’ Is The Bougie-On-A-Budget Answer To Iceland

Posted on 27/03/2026 by Boris Clair

At a certain age, you just have to accept you are officially too old for some things. Now firmly in my 30s, my previously cemented love of budget hostels has expired. Once upon my twenties, a broken night’s sleep thanks to an anonymous bunkmate’s snoring was simply a minor inconvenience; now it will ruin my entire next day. The gymnastics of shuffling in and out of clothes under a bunkbed’s duvet used to be a breeze; now I’d probably end up slipping a disc.

However, my budget doesn’t exactly stretch to my developed taste for ‘comfort over everything’. I’m firmly in my accommodation ‘inbetweener’ era and there aren’t a whole whack of digs that bridge the gap between boutique and budget.

This struggle becomes even more of an issue when you factor in an expensive travel destination like Iceland. A trip to ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ notoriously comes with a serious price tag, and according to The Times, Iceland is facing a reduction in tourism as a result, with international visitors dropping by 6% last year.

So, how can I make a trip to the top destination of many a travel wishlist achievable on a budget, without compromising on comfort? Well, CityHub might just have the answer.

CityHub Reykjavik

Now, when I say ‘pod hotel,’ you need to immediately banish the thought of those tiny, coffin-sized capsules in Japan. Yes, while CityHub Reykjavik is technically a pod hotel, I can guarantee that you’ve never seen something quite like this before.

CityHub hotels (they also have locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Copenhagen) blend private sleeping spaces with vibrant hangout areas and premium amenities at an affordable cost. A concept that is, quite frankly, music to my ears, back and bank account.

Their private, pod-esque if you will, sleeping areas are called Hubs and despite being small, they pack a big punch – we’re talking king-size beds, smart storage that doesn’t compromise on space, Bluetooth speakers, air con and heating. The best bit? You can enjoy this all without the fear of someone cracking the big light on at 3am.

The secret? Opting for an L-shaped pod over the stereotypical coffin. Hubs are a bit like a clever game of accommodation Tetris – one ‘up’ Hub is connected to a ‘down’ Hub, offering vertical space at the start of each that acts like a foyer.

Some clever planning means plenty of space (without a price tag).

CityHub invited me to try out their accommodation for myself and honestly, the biggest shock was the silence – I was so surprised at my inability to hear anyone in the adjoining Hub. I’m a tall gal and unlike other pod hotels I’ve been to, I could comfortably sit upright in bed without fear of a concussion. Even with a second person in the Hub with me (ooo-er), there was plenty of space for our suitcases and room to get changed in – we just had to take it in turns.

‘Shared bathrooms’ don’t exactly scream luxury (pause for flashbacks to the horrors of a hostel shower), but CityHub does things differently. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you were actually in a spa while popping to the loo – their Pinterest-worthy bathrooms boast warm terracotta walls and high pressure showers as well as complimentary towels and Rituals amenities.

As for the communal spaces, again, it’s a far cry from the hostel lounges and kitchens of yore. The Hangout (CityHub’s reception, bar and lounge area-in-one) features a self-service system in which guests can tap their own beers and refreshments using the digital wristband they’re given on checking in (which also doubles as your Hub key). Forget someone badly playing Oasis on a guitar in the corner – The Hangout is perfect for relaxing or even working in.

The real showstopper, though? CityHub Reykjavik’s rooftop hot tub. There really isn’t anything like soaking yourself in geothermally heated water while sub-zero Icelandic air whips around you – all with an incredible view of the night sky. If you’re lucky, sometimes it’s even possible to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of the tub.

Thought it couldn’t get any better? Buckle up, because the best bit of all of this? The cost. While the average hotel price in Reykjavik for April is hovering around £156 per night, you can snag a Hub for as little as £60 to £80 – and you could get this price even lower depending on what promotions and discounts are available.

CityHosts

Now, the issue with Iceland trips is that you only have to step outside your hotel and it suddenly feels like you’ve spent £20. It’s notoriously expensive and with endless guides online as to where you should and shouldn’t go, which tours you should and shouldn’t book, it can all be really overwhelming.

Enter the CityHosts – CityHub’s onsite concierge service that does a whole lot more than just check you in. As Reykjavik locals themselves, the hosts on duty will happily help you set up cost efficient tours to experience as much Icelandic culture as possible without the hefty price tag. After all, who actually knows the best spots better than people who live in Iceland all year round?

We were pointed toward a walking foodie tour that let us sample the most iconic Icelandic dishes from local businesses (although I still can’t say fermented shark is for me). And on one (utterly freezing) evening I fulfilled my dream of seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory after being sent out exploring with a pocket-friendly guide who knew the best viewing points. Another Iceland expert took us on a day trip around the country’s most famous natural landmarks and we knew we were guaranteed a brilliant meal afterwards thanks to the restaurant recommendations from the CityHosts.

So what exactly is the key to CityHub’s ability to provide accommodation that bridges the gap between budget and bougie? Well, it’s all in their very clever climate-friendly planning.

CityHub transforms empty urban buildings into hotels, avoiding new construction which as a result cuts CO₂ emissions per guest by 89% compared to the European hotel average. Their modular, recyclable rooms, in-house smart tech and harnessing of Iceland’s famous geothermal energy all add up to a model that’s efficient, scalable, and certified B Corp, a title held by just 0.1% of hotels globally.

I’m already planning a trip to Copenhagen purely based on the fact that there’s a CityHub there – because as someone’s outgrown dorms but not budget-friendly travel, I know I’m guaranteed the perfect fit.

To book a stay at CityHub visit:https://cityhub.com/reykjavik/

Exclusive: Survey Finds All UK Women Under 25 Feel Unsafe Travelling Alone

Posted on 12/03/2026 by Boris Clair

Appetite for solo travel among women isn’t showing any signs of slowing – last year, tour operator Jules Verne said solo travellers accounted for 46% of bookings, with almost 70% of these bookings coming from women.

But while appetite is clearly there, that’s not to say women feel safe when they do travel alone. Far from it.

A new survey conducted by hospitality company The Social Hub, along with Opinion Matters, as part of their “Room For Her” campaign, has found that 100% of women aged 18-24 from the UK say they worry for their safety when travelling alone.

The study polled 2,000 women from eight countries in the UK and Europe.

What else did the survey find?

Their data also showed:

Only 12% of women aged 45-54 travelling for business said they felt “very safe”.
40% of 18-24-year-old women say they “don’t feel safe at all” after it gets dark on their travels,
29% of women surveyed reported being “followed or watched” while solo travelling (that figure rose to 41% for women age 18-24).
16% of women surveyed said they’d experienced physical abuse or assault while solo travelling.
57% of women said 24/7 hotel staff would make them feel safer.
45% said better lighting would help.

These are “eye-opening” results

A 2024 National Police Chiefs’ Council report declared violence against women and girls a “national emergency” in England and Wales, with a possibly low estimate of about two million women and girls targeted a year.

Amber Westerborg, a director of sustainability and impact at The Social Hub, said she hopes the survey encourages the hospitality industry “to start talking and take action, ensuring safe travel for all”.

“The results are eye-opening and shine a light on a real problem across the industry,” she said.

“Women should not have to change their behaviour, limit their ambition or decline an opportunity because they don’t feel safe.”

Humidity-Proof And Carry-On Friendly: The 7 Curl Products I Never Travel Without

Posted on 11/03/2026 by Boris Clair

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI – prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Travelling with a locked-in beauty routine is not for the weak, let me tell you.

When it comes to curl care, getting your perfect hair routine down pat is enough to make you feel like a Nobel-prize-worthy scientist.

It can take years of effort to get it right – trust me, mine did. And now, you’d have to pry my favourite products away from my cold, dead hands before I give them up.

So a little thing like baggage allowance isn’t going to stop me from bringing my essentials along with me.

Curious just what those essentials are? They’re worth their weight in gold to me, but don’t worry – I didn’t get into the business to gatekeep.

‘Bare Beating’ Might Be The Most Irritating Public Habit Right Now

Posted on 22/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Have you ever been trapped on a train carriage with someone watching TikToks from their phone without headphones? Or seated on a plane by a passenger blasting music? Or even stuck in a doctor’s office waiting room as a fellow patient broadcasts radio commentary on a sports stream?

If so, you’ve experienced what some call “bare beating”. This term refers to the act of playing music, videos, podcasts or other audio out loud in public without headphones – essentially treating shared space like a personal living room.

“This. Is. Rude. There just is no other way to slice it,” said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and host of the Were You Raised by Wolves? podcast.

“You’re imposing your choices on a captive audience. Nobody decided they wanted to listen to that YouTube video, and yet here we are all having to endure it without our consent.”

Jodi R.R. Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, agreed, emphasising that bare beating is “unequivocally rude”.

“The presumption that everyone wants to listen to what you are listening to is simply unacceptable,” she said. “This is doubly so if others are unable to move away from you – at work, in an elevator, on public transportation, etc.”

In those tight quarters, what might even seem like low or moderate volume to you can feel disruptive to someone sitting inches away.

“Whether the distraction is visual, or noise related, when someone is intruding on another person’s public space, it’s not easy to look away and ignore,” said Diane Gottsman, the author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.

“Think of it this way: if a child was doing it in a public space, tight quarters or a restaurant, others would be annoyed and blame the parents for not adjusting the behaviour. When an adult does the same thing, it’s important for them to self adjust and be respectful of others in close proximity.”

Children might get grace for this behaviour because they aren’t as aware of social norms, but for adults who should know better, it’s simply rude. And depending on where you are, it might even be subject to legal penalties.

“Some people just aren’t mindful of how their behaviour affects others and simply have no idea how far phone speakers can carry sound,” Leighton said. “Spoiler alert: It’s way farther than you think.”

Are you guilty of "bare beating" in public? Here's what etiquette experts think of the "unequivocally rude" behavior. — Are you guilty of “bare beating” in public? Here’s what etiquette experts think of the “unequivocally rude” behavior.

Indeed, “bare beaters” don’t necessarily have negative intent and are sometimes blissfully unaware.

“The reason people are doing this is because they are trying to pass the time or may not even realise their volume is offensive,” Gottsman said. “But when you’re sitting inches away from another person, even lower noises are amplified.”

There may even sometimes be understandable reasons for the behaviour. Someone with hearing difficulties may not realise how loud their device is, or they may be experiencing technical issues. Still, Gottsman said, unless it’s an emergency, the courteous move is to wait to listen to the audio when you’re in private.

“Of course, using earbuds and utilising captions is a reasonable option,” she added.

And while bare beating feels like a modern behaviour, it’s not entirely new.

“Forcing strangers to become your unwilling audience has been an issue that’s plagued humanity since the dawn of time,” Leighton said.

Smith pointed out that methods and norms have shifted over the decades.

“Back in the ’80s, being a DJ to those in your surrounding area was actually considered the norm,” she said.

“The person with the giant boombox would play it so that everyone nearby could enjoy the sound,” she said.

“But times change and nearly everyone has the ability to listen to what they like almost anywhere – so long as they are wearing headphones or earbuds.”

For those who flout modern etiquette rules by bare beating, sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge.

Smith recalled a recent experience at an airport gate where a man was loudly streaming a soccer game on his phone as it was time to board.

“After a few minutes, I turned and asked him what he was watching,” she said. “He excitedly told me his favourite team was playing. I told him that I was having a hard time hearing the boarding announcements and asked if he could use earbuds. He gave his head a quick shake and looked around sheepishly.

“He had not realised how loud his phone was or how many people were giving him ‘the look.’ He apologised to me and the others around him as he put in his earbuds.”

Still, Gottsman emphasised that deciding whether to speak up is a judgment call.

“Is it rude to intrude on other people‘s personal space? The answer is yes,” she said. “But understand that we cannot determine another person‘s reaction, and if you can ignore it for a very short subway ride, it’s probably best to do so.”

Regardless of whether you choose to confront someone over this behaviour, the important thing is to avoid bare beating yourself. Remember: Just because you can press play doesn’t mean everyone else signed up to listen.

Six Things You Should Know Before Travelling Abroad For Surgery

Posted on 21/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Around 523,000 people from the UK travelled abroad for surgery in 2024, with the most popular destinations for ‘medical tourism’ being Turkey, Poland and Romania, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

People might travel abroad for treatments such as dental and cosmetic surgery, cancer treatment, weight loss surgery, fertility treatment, organ transplants and stem cell therapy, according to experts at TravelHealthPro.

“Transgender travellers may seek hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery abroad,” they added.

The growth in medical tourism appears to stem from a mixture of factors, including higher disposable incomes, increased readiness to travel for health care, low-cost air travel and the expansion of internet marketing, TravelHealthPro said.

NHS waiting lists have also been growing in recent years, though NHS England noted it delivered more elective activity in 2025 than any other year in its history, “helping cut the waiting list to its lowest level since February 2023”.

If you’re one of the many people tempted to go abroad for surgery or treatment, Qian Huang, international claims manager at William Russell, has shared some key considerations below.

What you need to know before travelling abroad for surgery

“The idea of having surgery abroad can be nerve-wracking, particularly when it comes to questions of safety,” Huang said.

“Many people considering surgery abroad decide not to go because of concerns about safety, the quality of the medical care, or not understanding the foreign healthcare system.

“However, in reality, many international hospitals and clinics follow standards of care that match or exceed those found in the UK, US, or Europe. The key is knowing what to look for.”

How to find an accredited hospital abroad

Medical accreditations are a key indicator of a hospital’s commitment to international standards.

One of the most widely recognised is the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, often considered the global gold standard, which evaluates hospitals on areas such as infection prevention, medication safety, staff training, patient communication, and emergency readiness.

To find an accredited hospital abroad, patients can check official accreditation bodies’ websites, verify information on hospital websites, contact the facility directly, or consult medical tourism networks and national health authorities.

What to check before booking surgery

To steer clear of issues, Huang shared six factors to be aware of before booking surgery abroad.

1. Lack of accreditation or vague claims

“Be wary of hospitals that mention ‘world-class standards’ without naming an actual accrediting body,” he said. “Reputable facilities will proudly display credentials from recognised organisations like JCI, ACHSI, or Temos.”

2. ‘Too good to be true’ pricing

Competitive pricing is probably one of the top reasons people consider surgery abroad, but Huang warned ultra-low prices should raise alarm bells.

Check the qualifications of the surgeon, what’s included in the cost, and whether the aftercare and follow-up appointments are covered, he added.

3. Poor communication or pressure tactics

If you’re struggling to get clear answers from the hospital or feel rushed into making a decision, consider taking a step back. Trustworthy providers are transparent, patient, and more than happy to talk you through the details.

4. No clear aftercare plan

Recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. A good hospital will give you a personalised aftercare plan, including advice on travel, medication, and any physical restrictions, before you agree to surgery.

5. Inconsistent or missing reviews

Take the time to search for independent reviews and testimonials before considering which hospital to have the surgery at. A complete lack of online feedback, or reviews that sound overly scripted, can be a red flag.

6. Limited information about the surgical team

When researching your hospital, you should be able to find the names, qualifications, and experience of the surgeons who’ll be treating you. If this information is unavailable or unclear, you need to proceed with caution.

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