Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
04 July 2016 07:57
easyJet can boast Britain's youngest airline pilot
People who holiday abroad with easyJet might be forgiven for doing a double-take when they see one of its newest pilots entering the cockpit.
Luke Elsworth is 19 years young and is not only the UK's youngest qualified airline pilot, but also one of the most youthful since British aviation records began.
Luke's route to the top
The budget carrier offered the teenager a job in April after he finished an 18-month training course at the Southampton-based CTC Aviation centre.
The now First Officer Elsworth was only nine days past his 18th birthday when he enrolled and is now qualified to take passengers on easyJet routes.
The training programme included:
• flying light planes in the American state of Arizona
• half-a-year's worth of training on a simulator
Successful completion of the course secured him a licence as a multi-crew pilot.
Peace of mind, whoever the pilot is
Most airline passengers jetting off abroad might not care about a pilot's age, as long as they are fully trained.
But peace of mind can be left on the runway if holidaymakers leave without trusted travel insurance.
This is because it means they have to trust to luck as they are uncovered should the worst mishaps happen on holiday.
Insurance protection covers delayed or cancelled flights, stolen luggage and possessions, and mislaid travel documents, such as passports.
What the pilot says
Mr Elsworth believes that it does not matter to travellers how old a pilot is, as long as they are competent enough and fully trained.
He says he would have no problem in travelling in a train driven by an 18 year old and would trust him 100%.
Mr Elsworth told Press Association journalists that he has not yet received any squeamish looks from passengers on account of his lack of years.
He says aptitude and thorough training are more important than a pilot's age.
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
[more...]
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.