GEAR MAG

Top travel firms vow not to apply ‘war’ surcharges to summer holidays

The first casualty of war is truth, but travel is never far behind. And this week, European officials have been talking about travel in soundbites of questionable veracity. Both the boss of the International Energy Agency and the EU energy commissioner have made pronouncements of imminent aviation fuel shortages that are not borne out by my study of the available data.

Pricier plage? Not with Brittany Ferries, easyJet or Jet2 (Simon Calder)

Careless talk costs holidays. “Every other question is about fuel,” one leading independent travel agent tells me. I can be quite certain that, two months ago, the number of customers wondering about whether their holiday flight would take off due to a lack of fuel was zero.

It is eight weeks since we woke up to the news that Iran had retaliated against attacks by the US and Israel, and that a large swathe of the Middle East was off-limits to civil aviation. The big airports of the Gulf are still on the Foreign Office no-go list, with Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways still struggling to repair their schedules.

As I have written, though, bargains abound: this is a real buyers’ summer. Buy now, and you are covered by strong consumer protection. If, for any reason, the flight fails to go ahead, the airline must find you an acceptable alternative.

But some travellers, looking at the soaring price of aviation fuel, are still concerned: “Won’t they ask for more money?”

No. Plenty of airlines have introduced surcharges for new bookings, from £2 (Aurigny) to £260 (Japan Airlines). But they do not apply to people holding tickets.

Most airlines and holiday companies “hedge” the majority of their forecast energy requirements: they enter into financial deals to lock into a fixed price for a certain quantity of fuel. So holidaymakers this summer will be flying on planes powered at pre-crisis prices.

One caveat is that, under the Package Travel Regulations, the tour operator (the company that organises the holiday) is allowed to ask for more money if “the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from the cost of fuel” has risen. But this can only happen if the firm shows its working. And if the proposed surcharge is above 8 per cent, then you have the right to cancel for a full refund. Unsurprisingly, surcharges often turn out to be exactly 8 per cent, representing an extra £80 on a £1,000 holiday.

If you have (wisely) booked a package holiday, you may be concerned. Happily, two out of three of the UK’s biggest tour operators have vowed not to surcharge summer holidaymakers.First was Jet2, Britain's biggest holiday company.

Speaking on Friday, chief executive Steve Heapy said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday withJet2. Customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later.”

Across ateasyJetHolidays, CEO Garry Wilson said on Saturday: “We know that holidaymakers may have questions about what recent global events might mean for their travel plans this summer, so we are giving our customers absolute peace of mind that no surcharges will be added to their flights or package holidays.” He added that customers can be confident their holidays will “go ahead as planned”.

I predictTui, the third giant company, will follow suit.

ButIAG– which ownsBritish Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia of Spain – is talking of “pricing adjustments to reflect these higher fuel costs”. A spokesperson said: “We are not seeing jet fuel supply interruptions, but fuel prices have risen sharply and, despite our hedging strategy, which gives some shorter-term mitigation, we are not immune to the impact.”

Don’t fret about this: BA will not come after you for more cash, and the airlines can charge only what the market will bear. Andjudging from some of the prices on offer, that isn’t a lot.

Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue – and what it means for you.

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April 27, 2026

Top travel firms vow not to apply ‘war’ surcharges to summer holidays

The first casualty of war is truth, but travel is never far behind. And this week, European officials have been talking about travel in...

What we know about the suspect in shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner

Trump addresses WHCA shooting, suspect identified, charges announced | Special Report 01:31:07

Cole Tomas Allen, the suspected gunman whotried to attackthe White House Correspondents' Dinner Saturday night, left behind what officials are callinga written "manifesto"in which he clearly stated he wanted to target officials in the Trump administration, a senior U.S. official told CBS News.

The president and first lady Melania Trump weresafely evacuatedfrom the dinner, and none of the attendees were seriously injured, authorities said.

A Secret Service agent was struck by at least one round, believed to have been fired by the shooter, but the agent was protected by a bulletproof vest and is expected to be OK, officials said.

The suspect was apprehended at the scene. Allen, 31, was an educator from Torrance, California, with an engineering degree from a prestigious university.

Authorities found anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric on the suspect's social media accounts, the senior official said.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" Sunday morning that investigators believehe was targetingmembers of the Trump administration.

The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation, and the Secret Service is investigating the suspect's background to shed light on what precipitated the shooting.

What we know so far about the shooting

A total of at least five to eight gunshots were fired during the incident, two law enforcement sources told CBS News.

In a late-night news conference, Jeff Carroll, interim chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, said the suspect was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives when he attempted to charge a security checkpoint outside the dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel.

President Trump posted a photo to social media showing the shirtless suspect on the floor of the hotel with his arms tied behind his back after being detained.

President Trump posted a photo of a suspect in custody after the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026. / Credit: @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social

The suspect was not struck by gunfire, but was taken to a hospital for evaluation, Carroll said.

He said the suspect was a guest at the hotel. Law enforcement sources told CBS News he checked in on Friday, the day before the event. They said he traveled there via train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then Chicago to D.C.

Law enforcement sources also said investigators have retrieved his cellphone and additional electronics and are now obtaining search warrants for them. The sources said he is not cooperating but that people who knew him are speaking with investigators.

Investigators are reviewing the suspect's writings as part of the ongoing investigation into his motive for the attack, three federal law enforcement officials told CBS News. The materials were written on paper and were found in the hotel, the officials said.

Allen sent some of his writings to members of his family before the attempted attack on Saturday, and one of them alerted police about the writings, a senior U.S. official told CBS News. The writings sent to family members apparently did not specifically mention the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

"At this point, it does appear he is a lone actor, a lone gunman," Carroll said Saturday night, adding that the investigation is continuing.

President Trump alsotold reportersin a separate news conference at the White House that it was believed the suspect acted as a "lone wolf."

What we know about the suspect's background

Allen — who wasseen on surveillance videocharging through metal detectors outside the ballroom where the dinner was taking place — had a record of firearm ownership. He purchased the shotgun used in Saturday's shooting in August 2025, according to two law enforcement sources. He also owned another semiautomatic pistol, purchased in 2023, they said.

The suspect had lived at multiple residences in the Los Angeles area from November 2010 to March 2026, according to the sources. He spent most of those years in Torrance, but also had an address in the city of San Gabriel between early 2018 and late 2019.

Driver's license photo of Cole Tomas Allen / Credit: Obtained by CBS News

Allen earned a degree in mechanical engineering at Caltech, the California Institute of Technology, in 2017, before going on to receive a master's in computer science at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in 2025, the sources said. Caltech confirmed to CBS News in an email that Allen graduated from the university in 2017.

A LinkedIn profile linked to suspect identifies him as a self-employed video game developer and part-time teacher.

He worked for a tutoring firm in Torrance called C2 Education, two law enforcement sources told CBS News. Hereceiveda "Teacher of the Month" award from the company in December 2024.

It was unclear if he was still employed by the company. The Torrance Unified School District told CBS News in a statement that Allen has never been an employee of their district.

Another family member who was interviewed by investigators after the attack said Allen made radical statements and that he constantly referenced a plan to do "something" to fix the issues with today's world.

Family members told investigators Allen would regularly go to the shooting range to train with his firearms.

They said was part of a group called "The Wide Awakes" and attended a "No Kings" protest in California.

According to federal campaign finance records, Allen donated $25 to Democratic Party PAC ActBlue for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign in 2024.

CBS News has obtained a copy of Allen's drivers license photo, which was taken in October 2024.

Federal and local authorities were also seen late Saturday night at the suspect's home in Torrance. At about 10:30 p.m. Pacific Time, aerial video from CBS News Los Angeles showed federal agents entering the home.

FBI agents are seen outside the home of the alleged White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect in Torrance, California, on April 25, 2026. / Credit: Patrick T. Fallon /AFP via Getty Images

What charges will Cole Allen face?

Allen will be charged with one count each of using a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro announced Saturday night. Pirro said she expects him to face more charges as the investigation unfolds.

"It is clear, based upon what we know so far, that this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could," Pirro said.

Blanche said that whether the suspect faces additional charges will depend on what investigators find as they continue gathering evidence, especially as it pertains to his possible motive.

"There's a lot of federal charges that could be in play beyond those two charges, but it depends on us understanding his motive, his intent, his premeditation of what led into him deciding he was going to do what he did," Blanche said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."

Pirro said Allen will be arraigned Monday in federal court, and Blanche said he expects an indictment to follow.

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April 27, 2026

What we know about the suspect in shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner

Trump addresses WHCA shooting, suspect identified, charges announced | Special Report 01:31:07 Cole Tomas Allen, the suspected gu...

Death toll from bus bombing in southwest Colombia rises to 20 during a wave of violence

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The number of people killed in abombing in a volatile regionin southwestColombiarose to 20, officials said Sunday.

Relatives of victims pay respects at the site of an attack on the Pan-American Highway in Cajibio, Colombia, Sunday, April 26, 2026, where at least a dozen people were killed in an attack authorities blamed on dissident groups of the former FARC rebels. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

People stand at the site of an attack on the Pan-American Highway in Cajibio, Colombia, Sunday, April 26, 2026, where at least a dozen people were killed in an attack authorities blamed on dissident groups of the former FARC rebels. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

A man walks past vehicles damaged in an attack on the Pan-American Highway in Cajibio, Colombia, Sunday, April 26, 2026, where at least a dozen people were killed in an attack authorities blamed on dissident groups of the former FARC rebels. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

Travelers walk past vehicles damaged in an attack on the Pan-American Highway in Cajibio, Colombia, Sunday, April 26, 2026, where at least a dozen people were killed in an attack authorities blamed on dissident groups of the former FARC rebels. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

A man looks at vehicles damaged in an attack on the Pan-American Highway that killed at least a dozen people and authorities blamed on dissident groups of the former FARC rebels in Cajibio, Colombia, Sunday, April 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

APTOPIX Colombia Attack

The attack happened Saturday when an explosive device was detonated on a bus traveling along the Pan-American Highway in the municipality of Cajibio. So far, 15 women and five men are among the victims, according to Octavio Guzmán, governor of the region of Cauca.

He wrote on X that the attack injured 36 others, three of whom are in intensive care. Guzmán noted that five of the injured are minors who are expected to recover.

Colombia’s Institute of Legal Medicine said that specialists including dentists, anthropologists and forensic doctors are identifying the victims.

The bombing is the latest attack in the region, with more than two dozen incidents reported in the past three days in southwestern Colombia. The region is home to illegal armed groups who vie for control of coca leaf cultivation areas and for sea and river access routes to run drug trafficking operations to Central America and Europe.

Gen. Hugo López, commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces, has described the incident as a “terrorist act.” He blamed it on the network of a man known as “Iván Mordisco” — one of Colombia’s most wanted figures — and the Jaime Martínez faction. Both are dissidents of the now-defunctRevolutionary Armed Forces of Colombiathat operate in the region.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the attacks against the civilian population and called on authorities to investigate the incidents and “guarantee justice for the victims.”

Guzmán declared three days of mourning on Sunday in memory of the victims.

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April 27, 2026

Death toll from bus bombing in southwest Colombia rises to 20 during a wave of violence

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The number of people killed in abombing in a volatile regionin southwestColombiarose to 20, officials said Sund...

Blue Jays put OF Nathan Lukes on injured list with hamstring strain, promote Yohendrick Piñango

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays put outfielder Nathan Lukes on the 10-day injured list Saturday because of a strained left hamstring and selected outfielder Yohendrick Piñango from Triple-A Buffalo.

Lukes exited Friday’s game against Cleveland in the bottom of the first inning. He led off with a double but walked off following a brief discussion with the trainer and manager John Schneider.

Lukes’ double was his 11th hit in 21 at-bats. He previously had been struggling with dizziness and vision problems caused by vertigo. Lukes started the season 2 for 31 and was hitless in 23 at-bats in April before his recent surge.

Lukes becomes the 12th player on Toronto’s injured list, a group that also includes designated hitter George Springer (fractured left big toe), outfielder Addison Barger (sprained left ankle), catcher Alejandro Kirk (fractured left thumb) and outfielder Anthony Santander (left shoulder).

Piñango hit .288 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 22 games at Buffalo this season. He has yet to play in the majors.

To make room for Piñango on the 40-man roster, Toronto moved right-hander Yimi García (elbow) to the 60-day injured list.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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April 26, 2026

Blue Jays put OF Nathan Lukes on injured list with hamstring strain, promote Yohendrick Piñango

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays put outfielder Nathan Lukes on the 10-day injured list Saturday because of a strained left hamstri...

Spain star Lamine Yamal's World Cup status unclear after injury with Barcelona

The consensus World Cup favorite could be in danger of missing its top attacking option after Spanish forward Lamine Yamal sustained an injury while playing for Barcelona on Wednesday in a La Liga match.

According to ESPN, club officials believe Yamal sustained a torn hamstring, though a full prognosis won't be known until he undergoes scans on Thursday.

The 18-year-old superstar drew a foul that led to a penalty kick, which Yamal stepped up and scored in the 40th minute against visiting Celta Vigo. However, once the ball hit the net, Yamal didn't celebrate. Instead he went down injured. He clutched at his left hamstring ahead of exiting.

"We have to wait," Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said postgame. "We have to see what it is. There is something. He felt it. After the goal, he would not leave the pitch without reason.

"So it's something. Something happened. Hopefully it's not so bad, but we have to wait until tomorrow."

Midfielder Pedri, Yamal's teammate with both Barca and the Spanish national team, said according to ESPN, "Hopefully Lamine will only miss a few weeks. I wish him the best of luck. He needs to remain calm because he's young and will surely recover well."

The goal was Yamal's 16th in 28 La Liga matches this season (his 24th in 45 games in all competitions), and it led Barcelona to a 1-0 win. The result leaves Barcelona with a nine-point lead on second-place Real Madrid in the league standings, so Barca are comfortably on course to claim the league title regardless of Yamal's health.

The bigger question is whether the injury could impact Spain's chances at the World Cup this summer in North America.

Spain is scheduled for Group H matches on June 15 against Cape Verde and on June 21 against Saudi Arabia, both in Atlanta, then against Uruguay on June 26 in Zapopan, Mexico.

Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 in part due to contributions from a then-16-year-old Yamal. A sublime playmaker and finisher, Yamal has six goals in 25 career appearances for the Spanish national team.

--Field Level Media

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April 26, 2026

Spain star Lamine Yamal's World Cup status unclear after injury with Barcelona

The consensus World Cup favorite could be in danger of missing its top attacking option after Spanish forward Lamine Yamal sustained an...

Moment Donald Trump is rushed off the stage after shots at White House Correspondents Dinner

This is the shocking moment that PresidentDonald Trumpwasrushed off stage after shots werefired at theWhite House Correspondents’ Dinneron Saturday evening.

Trump and first ladyMelania Trumpwereevacuated from the event after a series of shotswere heard inside the Washington Hilton, where the event was taking place.

Secret Service agents got Trump and others off the stage, while guests dived for safety as the chaotic scenes unfolded inside the hotel’s ballroom.

Shouts of “stay down” could be heard as attendees hit the floor and hid under tables for cover.

The president took to social media afterward, saying that a shooter had been apprehended, and that he had experienced “quite an evening.”

It was the first time Trump had attended the event as president, and the first time he had been in a decade.

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April 26, 2026

Moment Donald Trump is rushed off the stage after shots at White House Correspondents Dinner

This is the shocking moment that PresidentDonald Trumpwasrushed off stage after shots werefired at theWhite House Correspondents’ Dinne...

Drew Allar drafted by Steelers: QB added as team awaits Aaron Rodgers decision

Is Drew Allar the NFL's next big thing? Well, one fanbase certainly hopes so.

The Penn State quarterback has been selected by thePittsburgh Steelerswith the No. 76 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's one of the more exciting picks from the class, considering where Allar was rated ahead of the 2025 season. The formerNittany Lionsquarterback didn't do himself any favors last season, but there's no question he possesses all the tools for success.

After all, there's a reason why many like to throw the Josh Allen comparison around.

Ranked as the fifth-best quarterback on USA TODAY Sports' big board, Allar possesses the size (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) and arm talent to become a superstar, but it all comes down to fit. If the quarterback meshes well with the coaching staff and collection of weapons, he is in line for great success at the next level.

Any great collection of tools can build something breathtaking, but it can also be dangerous. The focus will be on the coaching staff, but much of that also comes down to the user.

If Allar puts it all together, he'll have one happy group of fans and the wins to back it up. Time will tell where he falls on the list, but the story begins in Pittsburgh.

Here's what to know about where Allar lands on the team's depth chart and his overall fit with the Steelers.

Quarterbacks headline early evaluations for the 2026 NFL Draft as teams begin sorting the best available prospects at the position.

See the college quarterbacks drawing attention as draft boards take shape ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Above, Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.