People heading abroad this summer should make sure they're aware with a number of key travel changes before they set off.
After the pandemic made travel almost impossible, holiday firms are now seeing record bookings as people leave their worries behind in search of a change of scenery and some sunshine.
But there have been plenty of changes in recent years, from changes to passport rules following Brexit, travel restrictions in place in some countries, airlines updating their hand luggage policies and navigating the world of travel insurance.
READ MORE: Portugal travel warning and another covid rule change
Here are all the travel changes you need to know about, as reported in the Mirror.
Passports
Since the UK left the EU, new rules have been in place regarding passports. One family of four was turned away from their flight to Spain after falling foul of the rules.
A number of EU countries in the Schengen Area require your passport to be no more than 10 years old from the point of issue when you're travelling there. However, most countries also require your passport to be valid for at least three (sometimes six) months after your dates of travel.
For example, if you were heading to Portugal which requires your passport to be valid three months after travel, to meet both sets of criteria your passport will need to have been issued nine years and nine months before your travel date. Make sure you check the requirements for the country you're travelling to on the government's website to see if your passport is valid.
Hand luggage
In the past three years many of the UK's airlines have changed their hand and checked-luggage policies. Turning up at the airport with a bag that's too big or too heavy can end up costing you a sizeable amount.
It's always worth checking what your airlines' policy is and, if needs be, booking in advance rather than just before the flight takes off.
Last week we rounded up four of the biggest airlines' cabin baggage policies.
Airport security
Airport security rules remain in place, including the restriction on liquids. Under the current rules, containers must hold no more than 100ml of liquid, and any liquids must be placed in a clear plastic bag.
However, it's worth noting that over the next two years, most major airports will introduce new systems into their security checkpoints that will stop passengers having to spend time taking items out of their bags.
London City Airport became the first in the UK to start using the scanners full time last week, with travel hubs including Heathrow and Gatwick due to follow. Once they are up and running, the new liquid limit will be two litres, meaning passengers can bring big bottles of sun cream and plenty of drink for the flight.
They will also not have to put their creams and cosmetics in separate clear plastic bags.
Travel health insurance
A new health insurance scheme has been in place for the past two years. UK passport holders can now apply for a UK GHIC, which has replaced the EHIC for those without an EU passport.
The GHIC covers healthcare which is covered by a statutory health care system in the visited country, meaning you can access some hospitals and doctors for free. New applications for the card are also free to make and can be done through the UK's government's website.
When applying you should be aware of unofficial websites, as some try to charge you a fee to get a new card.
Strikes and disruption
Another aspect of travel which has changed significantly in the past three years is the likelihood of disruption. Last year airports across the country and the Port of Dover were the scene of widespread chaos and lengthy queues.
While it remains to be seen how badly impacted travel is this summer, early signs suggest operations will not be smooth. Another added complication are the strikes currently ongoing at airports, in air traffic controller towers, on railways and beyond.
Make sure you check with your airline, train company or ferry firm ahead of journey for advice on how early you should arrive and what you can do to mitigate any possible chaos.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Ofgem announces new lower energy prices and here's what you'll pay
Loose Women's Stacey Solomon says 'it's not true' as she shares emotional update
A Place in the Sun's Jonnie Irwin 'thrown on scrap heap' after cancer diagnosis
People could pay mortgages before wages are taxed under new plan
Woman who bought £1 engagement ring in charity shop learns its true value