Blogs

YOU can’t really go wrong with a Holiday Inn as a handy, cheaper alternative.

Read on to find out how to check-in for an easy stay.

Where is the Holiday Inn?

Just off the M11 motorway, but car this is an easy stop-off for the night. Plus there is a free car park.

Cambridge city centre is an easy drive, and Stansted Airport is just 40 minutes away if you need somewhere to stay before an early flight (although that is still quite far).

What is the hotel like?

A convenient 161-room hotel is what you expect, with a touch more. The Holiday inn has a modern, with a well-equipped gym with posh Peloton bikes, spa, pool, and outdoor play area.

What is there to do there?

There is lots to do on a rainy day enjoying the lobby bar or hitting up the hot tub and sauna. But other than that, there’s not much to do on a sunny day.

You can drive 20 minutes into Cambridge City Centre where there is plenty to do and lots of sightseeing. 

What is there to eat and drink there?

Breakfast is available until 11 am on weekends, which is a nice touch as you don’t need to choose between a fry-up and a well-earned lie-in.

The restaurant does heart British grub such as burgers, nachos, and salads, and these are just some of the options. 

Save room for the chocolate brownie and berry cheesecake desserts.

What are the rooms like?

A penny-saving price starts at £89, or £99 with breakfast for rooms – click here.

The rooms are very spacious, and the beds are huge, plus the mini bar and tea station which will ensure a good night’s sleep.

We slept on a roadside, ground-floor room and it was very quiet, thanks to the long driveway. 

Plus, perfect for all you business folks as there is a desk to set out your workstation for the evening.

Is the Holiday Inn family-friendly?

Yes. There are large enough rooms and beds.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

There are accessible guest rooms with grab bars and wheelchair compliant. It is available on request so feel free to contact the Holiday Inn.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

SUN Racing tackles Sunday’s action confident of finding some value winners at big prices.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

LONGSHOT

SEA LEGEND (3.30 Ayr) 

He was less than two lengths off the pace at Newcastle and has had a little nudge down the weights ahead of this return to turf action.

EACH-WAY THIEF

YORKSHIRE GLORY (2.55 Ayr) 

He has been placed on his past two runs and has no problem with this trip so should be right there. 

SPOT ON SOPH (3.10 Market Rasen) 

She was just touched off here last time out and has a fantastic record at this track.

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

CHELSEA are showing interest in Ethan Nwaneri, according to reports.

The Arsenal youngster has one year left on his contract at the Emirates.

Getty

Chelsea are interested in signing Ethan Nwaneri if he fails to agree new terms with Arsenal[/caption]

Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus
in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge

Nwaneri, 18, signed his first professional contract with the club when he turned 17 in 2024.

Talks are said to be at a “delicate” stage, with the two parties yet to find an agreement.

And the matter of keeping one of their brightest stars could soon become far more complicated for the Gunners.

That is because London rivals Chelsea are monitoring the situation, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues are poised to strike if Nwaneri fails to agree new terms with the north London club.

Nwaneri, part of England‘s winning Under-21 European Championship squad, is understood to want game time guaranteed.

He made his Premier League debut for Arsenal in 2022 against Brentford at the age of 15 years, five months and 28 days old.

But he enjoyed a real breakout season in 2024/25, making 37 appearances in all competitions.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

He scored nine goals in all comps and provided two assists.

Arsenal faced a similar prospect of losing Myles Lewis-Skelly for free amid interest from Real Madrid before the Hale End graduate put pen to paper on a new deal.

This potential deal does not impact Arsenal’s move to land Noni Madueke from Chelsea after it was claimed the Three Lions winger had agreed terms over a transfer.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have confirmed the £52m arrival of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW

RYAN MOORE showed just why he is considered the best jockey on the planet with an epic winning ride on Delacroix in the Coral-Eclipse.

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong during the race, but he somehow managed to run down the favourite Ombudsman in the final strides.

PA

Delacroix (right) wins a thriller in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown[/caption]

And, judged by the deafening noise that erupted from the stands as he flew home for a last-gasp win, plenty of bets were landed in the process.

Aidan O’Brien, who has just the eight Eclipse wins to his name, was just as dumbfounded as the rest of us as the well-punted 3-1 suddenly shot forward like a coiled spring to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it, they went hard and then they steadied it, and then they went again. Ryan kept calm and came with one go at the leader, it was a masterful ride, it was mind-blowing.

“He said his plan changed about four times during the race, I thought he’d try to lead but it didn’t work out and he ended up where he did.

“You leave it up to him, he knows the horses, there is always a Plan A, B and C, I’d say that was Plan Z.”

It was Plan Z because the original thought had been that Delacroix, who flopped as 2-1 favourite in the Derby last month, would try to grab the early lead in the six-runner field.

But he ended up being shuffled back through the pack as French horse Sosie and outsider Hotazhell took it up, and the winner was running up a blind alleyway as they rounded the bend for home.

And then, just as he was getting rolling, stablemate Camille Passarro nipped up on his outer and boxed him in, costing him precious momentum and room at a crucial point in the race.

Moore managed to angle him out, gather him together and unleash him with a sweeping run to catch 6-4 jolly Ombudsman was a ridiculously impressive win.

It was the sort of escape act that would have made Harry Houdini proud.

Moore said: “He began OK, nobody really wanted to make the running and it was a bit messy.

“William (Buick) wanted the same position as me and he was on a bigger, stronger, older horse so I had to give way.  

“Ombudsman got first run on me but Delacroix is a very good horse with a mighty turn of foot, and he quickened up really well.

“It was a steadily run race for that class of horse, but his change of gear made the difference, it got him out of trouble.

“He was the only horse in the race who hadn’t won a Group 1 but he has threatened to for a long time, he is a big, strong, beautiful horse so it is great to get this one.”

Usually the master of understatement, that’s about as effusive as Moore is going to get. This must be a good horse.

It was a brilliant race and the good news is he will likely meet Ombudsman again for round two at York in next month’s Juddmonte International.

That is very likely to be the runner-up’s target as a philosophical John Gosden took the defeat on the chin.

He said: “I did warn people beforehand it could be a messy race and that’s how it turned out, but he has run a brilliant race.

“We got caught a little bit wide and the winner has just come with one strong run and done us, but that’s racing.

“I don’t think we were helped out by the tight gap between this race and the Prince Of Wales’s at Ascot, it is only 17 days, so when you consider that he’s run a great race.”

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

A 105-YEAR-old Rolls Royce Silver Ghost stolen from a hotel in Essex has been recovered thanks to the power of the press.

The irreplaceable vehicle went missing along with a trailer on the eve of an epic vintage car expedition to Helsinki and the Baltic States.

STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY

A 105-year-old Rolls Royce Silver Ghost stolen from a hotel in Essex has been recovered[/caption]

STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY

The irreplaceable vehicle vanished at a hotel in Essex[/caption]

STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY

It has since been recovered after a schoolboy spotted the motor[/caption]

Rolls enthusiast Bryan Fitton, 82, was staying at Orsett Hall Hotel near Grays, Essex, when the theft happened in the early hours of June 29.

The £300,000-plus vehicle and another 25 Rolls Royces were due to be loaded on the ferry at Tilbury Docks later that day ahead of a trip to Helsinki, Finland for a European tour.

Bryan, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, said: “To have the vehicle stolen ahead of dropping it off at Tilbury Docks for the ferry to Helsinki is absolutely heartbreaking, but this is a happy ending.

“I was hoping someone would spot the car as it’s so rare and help me get the trip of a lifetime back on track – hence the reward and thankfully it worked.

“The car is full of irreplaceable parts – it’s an original and has even got the original Lady on the grill.

“The car has been all over the world and is an advert for British motors – it’s been everywhere and it was just appalling that it got stolen in Essex.”

The 82-year-old was “heartbroken” at the loss and offered a reward of £2,000 for the safe return of his pride and joy.

Orsett Hall Hotel declined to comment after the theft and said the matter was in the hands of Essex Police who had launched an investigation.

“It was thanks to the power of the press that the car has been recovered,” Bryan said.

“A schoolboy spotted it and told his father he’d seen a lovey vintage car – his dad had seen the publicity about the theft and got in touch to help with the recovery.

“Essex Police went to the area it was spotted in and recovered it intact on the trailer from a dirty old shed.

“The vehicle has survived Hitler and World War Two and now it’s survived a trip to Essex – I am delighted it has been recovered.

“I am hoping the reward is a small fortune for the young lad and hope that shows him that doing the right thing in life pays off.”

The Sun has reached out to Essex Police for comment.

The car came from a British Petroleum collection in Denmark decades ago via an auction at Bonhams.

Bryan has since spent years rebuilding the engine and exhibiting it round the planet.

The Silver Ghost has toured England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, Portugal and Spain.

But this was set to be retired company director Bryan’s first trip to the Baltic States in the Silver Ghost.

The 1920 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost’s registration number is U 5694 and chassis number 39EE.

Development of the Silver Ghost goes back to the start of the 20th century.

Around 7874 Silver Ghosts were produced between 1907 and 1926, with American President Woodrow Wilson even owning one of the cars.

It was named the best car in the world by Autocar in 1907.

STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY

Bryan Fitton had his Rolls stolen at Orsett Hall Hotel near Grays, Essex,[/caption]

STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY

Bryan Fitton has exhibited the motor around the planet[/caption]

STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY

It was due to go on to Helsinki for a European tour before it was stolen[/caption]

Kentish Town 1994. Earl’s Court 1995. Maine Road and Knebworth 1996.

Now add Cardiff Principality Stadium 2025 to that glimmering list.

Getty

The Oasis reunion gig in Cardiff will go down in legend[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

Fans from around the world gathered for the momentous occasion[/caption]

Supplied

Dominic with Liam during Oasis’ 90s heyday[/caption]

Friday night’s unveiling of the unforeseen Live ’25 tour is right up there in the pantheon of classic Oasis shows I’ve been privileged to witness over the past 31 years.

They were deafening, bombastic, supreme, commanding and unleashed, with that trademark brooding arrogance, delivering the tunes we wanted but feared we would never hear again, dispatched with no nonsense or histrionics.

This was the best I’ve seen Oasis since 1997.

I know it’s a big call but I’m making it.

Let’s analyse why.

There is no new material to promote so this was a brazen playlist of the Oasis anthems – the most recently penned track they performed was Noel’s Little By Little from 2002.

It was if 21st century Oasis had been erased from memory and we were treated to a raucous 90s set, largely served from the peerless 1994 album Definitely Maybe and 1995’s (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? The Gallaghers granted us our deepest wishes and, with those ticket prices, so they should.

The latter Oasis albums had some gems but their live shows declined as the years rolled by because they were laden with new tracks that didn’t measure up to their meteoric early canon.

Not on a balmy summer’s evening in Cardiff, where anticipation and exhilaration hung in the warm air.

One of the biggest worries ahead of these shows was Liam’s voice.

Fear not.

As he sang as if his life depended on it, his vocals sounded more honed than they have for many years and eclipsed recent solo shows.

Let’s hope it holds.

The outfits are the same and the swagger still there but his engagement with the audience more courteous and respectful, a contrast to the barrage of drunken abuse and gobbledegook audiences would often face.

We were treated with a classy, gleaming, professional and more mature set by brothers on their best behaviour.

I met fans from Japan, South Korea, Italy, Peru and Canada who had flown in to join us on this holy pilgrimage to hear Noel’s stirring council estate hymns, which defined our wild youth, and served as reminder of simpler and more colourful times when we were blissfully unaware of pandemics, iPhones and TikTok.

Outside, it felt like the build up to a World Cup knockout game, Cardiff’s pubs packed from lunchtime and communal singing echoing around the buzzing streets.

There’s something about Cardiff when a massive event like this is staged, the gargantuan stadium rising from the riverside and overshadowing a city centre stuffed with thronging bars and restaurants.

A logical choice for such an anticipated reunion, 16 years in the making.

Lager-swilling once-lads, clad in Stone Island, CP Company, football shirts and Adidas, dominated proceedings but there were also starry-eyed groups of young men and women present, being seduced by a Gallagher onslaught for the first time.

We mingled with football managers Sean Dyche and Steve Cooper, Noel’s ex-Meg Mathews and daughter Anais, Johnny Vaughan, Danny Dyer, Kasabian and Alan McGee.

It was like the glorious 90s were back.

Inside, Cast, who I first saw supporting Oasis in 1994, and The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft set the tone with engaging performances, again shunning new material and the latter delivering all the classics from his band’s creative highpoint Urban Hymns, closing with a peerless Bittersweet Symphony which felt like a headline act’s encore.

There was no messing about from any of the acts that night.

Instrumental F*****’ In The Bushes, from Standing On The Shoulder Off Giants, then exploded from the speakers, a video montage of newspaper and online headlines flashing on the gigantic screens, the first of many goosebump moments triggered by Noel’s masterful songwriting.

Witnessing the feuding brothers then stepping onto the sweeping stage, Liam’s left arm on his older sibling’s shoulder and his other aloft clutching maracas, is something that will live long in the memory, the Cardiff roar heralding the burying of the hatchet, the biblical brothers back together in front of their families and a worshipping congregation.

What a moment – and one I felt I had to witness after documenting the highs and lows of Oasis for The Sun, thirty years of mad encounters, unforgettable interviews, reviews, run-ins and joy, seeing them perform in Tokyo, California, Manchester, Oslo, Milan, Majorca and even Exeter. This was up there with the best.

We debated whether they would open with Hello, it seeming apt with a singalong chorus of It’s Good To Be Back, but concerned about its controversial association with Gary Glitter, who has a songwriting credit on it.

But it was impossible to resist, followed by that stirring anthem of brotherly love, Acquiesce, a song Noel tossed away as a b side, when his songwriting seemed unstoppable.

These spiritual paeans capture a moment in time and unleashed something within 74,500 souls, transfixed and on our stomping feet throughout a polished two hour set under the roof in this cavernous arena.

Yet it somehow felt intimate – there was hugging of strangers, arms held aloft with lifelong friends and the spilling of expensive drinks as we joined the thundering choruses of Slide Away, Don’t Look Back In Anger and Champagne Supernova.

It felt like this was a climax to sixteen years of soul-searching by the brothers, a coming to the senses about their relationship, their inimitable band and what the British public want, even giving a respectful on-screen nod to their former drummer Tony McCarroll and the Water Rats venue where they debuted in London, on Rock ’n’ Roll Star.

A realisation that life’s too precious and short for tantrums and feuding, this encapsulated touchingly on Live Forever, accompanied by a tribute to Liverpool ace Diogo Jota, killed in a car crash aged 28.

Noel’s fabled guitar solo pierced the mesmerised stadium and we were all 24 again.

At times, the crowd – particularly on the pitch – seemed a little passive and static particularly during Supersonic which was surprising, something I don’t anticipate being repeated in Manchester or at Wembley.

I’d rather have heard Shakermaker, Stop Crying Your Heart Out or Columbia, a fans’ favourite and setlist no-brainer over the years, than Fade Away but I’m maybe, no definitely, nitpicking here.

Andy Bell, Gem Archer and Joey Waronker were workmanlike and took care of business but our tired eyes were only on two people.

There was less prowling from Liam, with bouncer Bonehead a barrier separating the siblings, between whom there was little interaction during the set itself.

Noel dispatched Talk Tonight and Half The World Away with aplomb but the climax of Don’t Look Back In Anger, Wonderwall and Champagne Superova is one of the great closing trilogies in the history of modern music.

We were left spellbound after witnessing the biggest British rock reunion of all time, never likely to be eclipsed.

I’m confident that the Gallaghers’ professionalism, newly-found maturity and several hundred million other reasons, will see them sail through this tour, which will surely stretch into 2026.

That would mark the 30th anniversary of their pinnacle, celebrating an era where music, fashion and art was better, life was less complicated and the world was a more contented place.

That’s the story.

OASIS fans have been left angered after a gig-goer used Shazam to identify one of the ‘greatest songs of all time’.

Friday night saw Noel and Liam Gallagher finally reunite on stage for the first time in 16 years.

PA

Oasis fans have been left angered after a gig-goer used Shazam to identify one of the ‘greatest songs of all time’[/caption]

Tiktok/@liamnoelashcroft

One fan filmed another using the app on Friday night[/caption]

Getty

The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft was one of the support acts for Oasis[/caption]

Tiktok/@liamnoelashcroft

He performed the classic hit Bittersweet Symphony[/caption]

The brothers performed 23 of their biggest songs for delighted fans at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

But before they took to the stage, the audience were treated to sets by support acts Cast and The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft.

Richard, 53, performed a series of the bands hits, including Bittersweet Symphony.

The track – which was first released in 1997 – reached number two and went on to be described as “one of the defining songs of the Britpop era”, as well as being named in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

However, this seemed to be lost on one female concert-goer, who was caught using the Shazam app to identify the song.

In a video posted to TikTok, a fellow music fan shared footage of the woman checking the track and captioned it: “Imagine not knowing the greatest song of all time.”

The clip angered a number of others, with one commenting: “Seriously! I couldn’t get a ticket because of these people.”

Another added: “‘And there’s real fans from the 90’s that couldn’t get tickets.”

A third wrote: “If you don’t know bittersweet symphony we can’t be friends”.

Meanwhile a fourth was equally annoyed, saying: “nah there’s no way i lost tickets to someone shazaming one of the most popular songs of the britpop era”.

Later, when the moment came for Noel and Liam to come out on stage, the brothers clasped hands together, proving their years-long feud was well and truly behind them.

The two-and-a-quarter hour set was packed with big moments, including a tribute to tragic Liverpool football star Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash on Thursday in Spain.

The Sun understands lifelong Manchester City fans Noel and Liam made a late request following his sudden death aged 28 for their team to add him to the visuals used during their 1994 hit Live Forever.

Getty

The Gallagher brothers reunited for the first time in 16 years[/caption]

AFP

Liam and Noel played 23 of their biggest songs to the adoring crowd[/caption]

BRIAN Dowling has shared a hilarious snap of his husband Arthur as the pair stepped out for a glam evening.

The Dancing With The Stars judge and his Six O’Clock Show host hubby are doting parent to two little girls, Blake, two, and one-year-old Blu.

Instagram

Arthur and Brian stepped out for an evening with their celeb pals[/caption]

Instagram

The pair shared some snaps from their day[/caption]

The happy couple frequently keep fans up-to-date on their day-to-day lives while they raise their two little ones.

However, today they took to their Instagram to show off their childless night out as they stepped out for a glamorous evening.

The happy couple looked dapper for the glamorous evening they spent at Luttrellstown Castle.

For the event, Arthur looked very smart in a sleek black tuxedo that he paired with a white satin shirt and tie to match.

Brian, on the other hand, donned a beautiful green slim crewneck that featured a fringed hem.

While at the estate, Brian grabbed a cheeky snap of his husband Arthur, putting the couple’s celeb pal to work.

While on their evening out they were joined by influencer and entrepreneur Pippa O’Connor.

In the hilarious snap, Pippa was doing her best to capture all of Arthur’s good sides while he posed for a snap.

The dad-of-two stood tall as he acted up for the camera giving a small smile.

Sharing the photo with fans, Brian wrote: “Choose your friends wisely people. @pipsy_pie has all the angles for @gourounlian.”

Friends and fans raced to the presenter’s comment section to gush over the snap.

Pippa replied to the comment adding: “Can’t say I’m not committed.”

Elisabeth exclaimed: “Important details!”

‘DETAILS’

Another fan added: “Now that is dedication to the shot, fair play.”

In order for Brian and Arthur to enjoy their childless night out, the pair had Arthur’s mum Tati babysit.

Earlier in the week, Arthur went to France to help his mum on the journey to Dublin – however his trip didn’t go off without a hitch.

When Arthur arrived to Dublin Airport he was informed that his flight would be delayed by five and a half hours.

TO THE RESCUE

The 44-year-old took to Instagram to share updates with followers about his flight disaster.

The dad-of-two posted a frustrated looking selfie sitting on the plane as he wrote: “We will be delayed for an additional two and a half hours. YAY!”

But, in true Arthur style, he tried to see the bright side of the delay and captured a beautiful photo of the sunset outside the plane.

He gushed: “Whether delayed or not, my window view is breathtaking. I always try to see the beauty around me. If you don’t you would cry seriously.”

LOVE Island fans think they have worked out which pairing will be the next to be dumped from the show.

A surprise recoupling took the villa by surprise and saw new couples form on the ITV2 dating show.

ITV

Fans think that Harry and Helena will be dumped from the villa next[/caption]

Eroteme

One pairing who found themselves together after weeks of back-and-forth flirting, snogs and close bedroom moments were Harry and Helena.

There has been a bond between them since the start but they have never explored things beyond a few snogs with the both of them having each enjoyed flings with others inside the villa.

But now they are firmly in a couple – it seems like bad news when it comes to the next vote off.

Fans have become convinced they will be the next to be dumped after both having been branded the “real villains” of the series.

Writing on X, one fan said: “Harry re coupling with Helena, this is our time to dump them when the vote opens!!!!!”

Another echoed the same sentiment, writing: “Harry and Helena coupled up so we can finally dump them in one foul swoop.”

A third added: “Harry & Helena back together now let’s dump em NOW.”

Someone else stated: “Please allow Harry to couple up with Helena so we can dump them.”

Helena has caused much controversy in the villa.

In the heart-rate challenge, the star whispered into Harry Cooksley‘s ear that she cannot wait to “f***” him as fans thought she was the ‘real villain’.

This is despite the fact that he was happily coupled up with Shakira Khan, 22, for at least two weeks.

Later, she invited the semi-professional footballer to the hideaway in a shock move, leaving regular viewers in a frenzy.

However, some fans think she is only doing this to get a reaction from the islander she secretly interested in.

In a dedicated thread on social media fan forum platform Reddit, one fan suggested that Helena just wants to get ‘a rise’ from Shakira.

Writing on the site, the fan bizarrely suggested: “I fully think that Helena wants Shakira.

‘It’s like she’s intentionally trying to get a rise out of her, just to speak to her and get shouted at by her.

“She does so many calculated things to purposely p*** Shakira off.”

Eroteme

A LEAKED email has revealed how airport staff earn bonuses for catching out passengers travelling with oversized baggage.

Staff at Swissport are reportedly receiving bonuses for stopping tourists with large bags at gates in airports.

PA

easyJet charge customers at the gate to take bags deemed too large on board[/caption]

Will Ireland/PinPep

Customers are asked to fit their bags into small, metal boxes before boarding[/caption]

The email described how staff could receive £1.20 (£1 after tax) per bag they seize.

It was sent to Swissport employees at seven UK airports.

The firm runs passenger gates at airports across the world, including the UK.

Staff at Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Jersey, Liverpool and Newcastle airports received the email.

Seen by The Sunday Times the message encourages staff to stop holidaymakers at gates if they suspect their bag is too large.

Staff were incentivised with payments for every bag they flagged as too big.

The email described this as “the easyJet gate bag revenue incentive” and said it was intended to “reward agents doing the right thing.”

It went on to detail how payments would be made directly to employees who caught out travellers with large bags.

The Sun understands the email was sent in November 2023 with the policy still in force today.

Staff who were concerned with meeting their targets were told they would be provided with internal tracking to identify opportunities for training and support for individual agents.

It was signed by Dean Martin, a Swissport station manager at Glasgow airport and read: “Thank you for your ongoing contribution to the success of easyJet”

Staff members employed by another company, DHL Supply Chain, also have an incentive programme for identifying easyJet bags as too large.

Under DHL Supply Chain staff at Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester airports recieve a nominal fee for catching out unsuspecting easyJet travellers.

Passengers on easyJet flights are allowed by the airline to take one small bag on their plane for free.

Alamy

Holidaymakers have shared horror stories about trying to jam their bags into the boxes[/caption]

Alamy

Staff receive £1 per bag[/caption]

Larger bags can be placed in overhead lockers but customers are charged extra for this service.

The airline made an eye watering £9 billion in revenue last year.

The incentive for staff applies if they catch a passenger whose bag is deemed too big for them to take it onto the plane.

This is usually either because customers haven’t paid to take a larger suitcase on board or because their free hand luggage is too large.

Boarding gates are usually equipped with metal boxes that customers bags must fit into to be eligible to take on board.

If customers bags are too large to fit into the boxes they are charged an extra fee at the gate for their luggage.

EasyJet is said to charge £48 at the gate for this, £1.20 of that is paid to the ground handler.

Both Swissport and DHL Supply Chain decide how much their staff are paid for catching out unsuspecting holidaymakers.

Alamy

Swissport is a company operating airport gates globally[/caption]

Alamy

Customers have complained about being charged at gates to get their bags on board[/caption]

A spokesman for easyJet said: “EasyJet is focused on ensuring our ground handling partners apply our policies correctly and consistently in fairness to all our customers.

“Our bag policies and options are well understood and we remind customers of this when booking, before they travel and on their boarding pass, which means a very small proportion of customers who don’t comply will be charged at the airport.”

A spokesman for Swissport said: “We serve our airline customers and apply their policies under terms and conditions for managing their operation.

“We’re highly professional and our focus is on delivering safe and efficient operations, which we do day in and day out for four million flights per year.”

A spokeswoman for DHL Supply Chain said the company requires “all colleagues to consistently adhere to [the easyJet baggage policy] and this is recognised as part of their remuneration”.

She added: “Doing so ensures we provide a smooth travel experience for every passenger.”

The Sun has contacted Swissport and easyJet for comment.