A new high-speed train is set to link Barcelona and Malaga in under six hours.

Launching this winter, the north-south route is an extension of Iryo’s Barcelona to Seville line, which debuted last December.

The new service from the low-cost private rail operator will compete with Renfe’s existing premier AVE service, expanding the timetable while reducing ticket prices.

With trains departing daily, travellers can easily take in Barcelona’s Gaudí architecture and Malaga’s beautiful south coast beaches in one trip.

How much will Iryo’s Barcelona-Malaga service cost?

Tickets for Iryo’s Barcelona-Madrid trains are already on sale, showing significant savings for passengers wanting to travel between Catalonia and Andalusia.

Currently, they start from as little as €24 for a single in December. A direct train on similar dates with AVE currently costs from €62.

AVE’s services take between six hours and six hours and 45 minutes, while Iryo’s will take five hours and 50 minutes.

The new service builds on a promising trend for sustainable travel in Spain and beyond, with low-cost rail operators bringing competition to the market.

Along with companies like France’s Ouigo and Spain’s Avlo, Iryo is helping trains compete with budget flights.

Return flights between the two cities in December are currently available for €42 with Ryanair. However, these only include an under-seat bag, with a cabin bag charged at an additional €6.60 or a large checked bag at €21 each way.

Iryo’s basic fare includes ​​a small carry-on bag and a cabin suitcase. Large suitcases can be added for €5 each way.

When will Iryo’s Barcelona-Malaga service be available?

Iryo’s service launches on 15 December, with one trip per day in each direction.

The service will depart from Barcelona at 11.50am, stopping in Zaragoza, Madrid for 20 minutes, and Cordoba along the way. In the opposite direction, trains will leave Malaga at 11.35am.

Tickets for 2025 are already on sale, making it easy to plan your travel ahead of time.

Since launching in November 2022, Iryo has established train services connecting  Albacete, Alicante, Antequera, Barcelona, Cuenca, Cordoba, Madrid, Malaga, Seville, Tarragona, Valencia and Zaragoza.

Travelling is turning into a nightmare for people with beauty enhancements like botox and filler.

The issue became public a year ago when TikTok influencer Joanne Prophet reported being pulled into a room for “about an hour” in Türkiye by six airport security officers.

This, she said, occurred after airport security told her her passport photo, valid for 10 years and taken before she underwent plastic surgery and cosmetic fillers, did not match her current appearance.

Since the photographs were taken, Joanne has had breast implants, dental veneers, chin and lip filler, a nose job and fat dissolving injections. Her hair has also transformed, from platinum blonde to long ash-blonde with extensions.

Botox and filler could lead to travel delays and added expenses

“You need to get this rectified because it looks nothing like you and is probably why you keep getting pulled,” Manchester Airport security staff told Joanne when she landed.

Even though her passport was due to expire a year later, Joanne had to pay for a new one.

Joanne’s testimony triggered several comments from other people, most of them women, who reported similar experiences at airports all over the world.

“The Turkish immigration cameras at passport control pick up the slightest change – I’ve only had my nose done and they constantly question,” one woman commented on TikTok.

“Considering it’s where a lot of people fly for surgery they need to fix that,” Joanne replied.

Other women also reported having had similar experiences in Cape Verde and Singapore, with one saying they “had to pull up pictures from before filler” while being interrogated.

Travel experts warn of problems with botox and facial recognition technology

Following this, travel experts have started tackling the subject head-on, warning travellers that they need to be careful before taking a plane.

Especially now with biometric technology and facial recognition increasingly used for passport control, significant facial changes may lead to questions about your identity.

According to holiday provider Travel Republic, facial recognition problems at airports are now relatively common and can result in delays and even cancellations.

“Airport computers use the distance between the pupils, ears, nose and mouth, the mouth and the eyes’ width, and many others,” Karolina Turowska, a biometric photography and travel expert for Passport-Photo online told Buzzfeed.

The holiday provider even issued a reminder to tourists who underwent facial enhancements that they need to have a passport photo resembling their current appearance.

When is it necessary to update your passport photo?

In Europe, both botox and filler are becoming increasingly popular, with their respective  markets expected to grow at 4.8 per cent and 6.3 per cent by 2030, according to market researcher Fortune Business Insights.

But people don’t always realise the consequences of these facial changes on their travel plans.

“Generally, minor changes like a new hairstyle, growing a beard, or slight weight fluctuations don’t require a new passport,” says Gemma Brown, head of product at Travel Republic. “However, when undergoing major facial reconstruction or cosmetic procedures that alter your core facial features, it’s recommended that you update your passport photo to ensure your identification remains accurate.”

If you had surgery recently and need to take a plane, your last resort option could also be asking your doctor to write a note explaining the reasons why you might look different than your passport photo, experts say.

France has introduced new rules regarding luggage on trains with fines for travellers who don’t comply.

Limits on the number and size of suitcases will become obligatory on France’s high-speed services in mid September.

Earlier this year, Italian operator Trenitalia also proposed stricter regulations on luggage that would have limited passengers to two items per person.

However, the proposal was contested by consumer rights groups and was withdrawn.

What are the new luggage rules on trains in France?

In February, French national operator SNCF announced new limits for the amount and size of luggage on high speed TGV InOui and Intercité trains.

Passengers are now limited to two large pieces of baggage measuring a maximum of 70cm x 90cm x 50cm per person plus a smaller item like a backpack or laptop case with dimensions of up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.

Passengers are also allowed to carry a handbag or purse. Items including pushchairs and buggies, sports equipment and musical instruments do not count towards the luggage limit.

The new regulations came into force on 15 February but without fines for noncompliance. Starting from 15 September, passengers now face a €50 fine for exceeding the allowance.

What are the existing luggage limits on French trains?

Those travelling on the TGV budget OuiGo services are already subjected to baggage regulations.

Passengers holding a standard ticket are permitted one piece of luggage measuring up to 36cm x 27cm x 15cm and one piece no bigger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm.

Passengers can pay an extra charge to bring additional items.

Local TER trains don’t impose a luggage limit but storage space can be limited and passengers must ensure baggage is stowed safely and does not become a hazard for other travellers.

Standard and Standard Premier ticket holders on the Eurostar travelling between London and Paris are permitted two items of baggage and one handbag.

There are no weight restrictions but passengers must be able to carry and lift their suitcases without requiring assistance.