Andrew Nuttall

easyJet’s Big Seat Release is scheduled to open on July 28, offering millions of seats across more than 130 destinations for travel from June 14 to September 26, 2027. Money expert Martin Lewis says the release is likely to be the cheapest predictable time to book because easyJet uses dynamic pricing and fares may rise as demand increases. Nearly 14 million seats across approximately 78,000 flights could be released, with prices potentially available from as early as 5am. Travellers are advised to prepare their accounts and payment details, compare rival airlines, and check both the app and website. Spring 2027 flights are already on sale.

Wirral father Christopher Capstick, 41, has been diagnosed with terminal stage-four melanoma after a back lump initially thought to be an insect bite or cyst spread to his brain and other parts of his body. While undergoing monthly immunotherapy, he is trying to preserve normal family life and create lasting memories for his three daughters. After the family struggled to explain his illness to the children, six-year-old Isabella helped write Daddy’s Little Monsters, a storybook that discusses serious illness without specifically mentioning cancer. The family is fundraising to distribute copies to cancer support centres and hospitals.

Airport security can flag tightly packed decks of playing cards, including UNO and trading cards, because dense stacks appear as solid masses on X‑ray scanners and may require manual inspection. The TSA says this can slow passengers down, and similar principles apply in UK airports, especially where older scanners remain in use. Travellers are advised to place decks in trays for quicker checks and avoid metal cases. Snow globes are also prohibited in UK hand luggage due to unverifiable liquid volume. UK airports continue rolling out newer 3D scanners that reduce false alarms but are not yet universal.

Manchester Airport offers new customers a 20% parking discount when they sign up for its newsletter, with codes valid for trips arriving through the end of 2027. Travellers can save significantly by booking parking early, as advance prices are lower than drive-up rates. Only one discount code can be used per signup, but additional travellers can register to obtain further codes. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions and is subject to availability.

Travellers flying from Manchester or Liverpool can reduce the cost of airport lounge access by signing up for mailing lists that provide 10% to 15% discount codes usable immediately. Manchester’s Escape Lounges and Liverpool’s Aspire lounges both offer first‑time customer reductions, with prices varying by season and booking timing. Additional savings may appear when bundling lounge access or FastTrack passes during airport parking reservations. Passengers from Liverpool are also reminded to arrive two hours before departure, in line with current airport guidance.