**Siblings Arrive at Airport for easyJet Flight—Only to Discover They’re a Year Early**
A pair of holidaymakers found themselves with unexpected extra time at Gatwick Airport after discovering they had arrived for their easyJet flight a full year ahead of schedule. Rafael Karoulla, 28, and his sister Maggie, 30, made the journey to the airport on 29 June, ready for their onward connection to Barcelona. However, their anticipation turned to bemusement when attempts to check in online hit a brick wall.
The Manchester-based siblings were planning to end a multi-country trip with a few relaxing days in Barcelona, where Maggie currently resides. Having spent three weeks exploring Thailand and making a brief stopover in Rome, they had arranged for a final leg from London to Spain—at least, that was the plan.
Upon closer scrutiny at London Gatwick, the siblings realised that they had accidentally booked tickets for 2026 rather than the current year. Reflecting on the mishap, Rafael said, “I was sure I’d booked for 2025. Who thinks you could even buy tickets so far in advance?” The realisation dawned during their attempt to check in, forcing them to reconcile with the fact that the system would not allow them to proceed for nearly another twelve months.
Rafael, an advertising professional, explained that juggling several different bookings during their travels likely led to the error. “I was booking so many flights at the same time, I suppose I wasn’t as careful as I should have been. When we spotted it, I just started laughing,” he admitted. Maggie, who works as a flight attendant herself, was initially more flustered but soon joined in the humour of the situation.
Rather than let the surprise upend their holiday plans, Rafael and Maggie acted swiftly to rebook. Fortune smiled on them, and they secured new tickets on the same day, this time for just £70 each—slightly less than the £100 originally paid for the now-not-so-imminent 2026 journey. Rafael recounted, “It was lucky we found seats at all, especially at a lower price. Although we now have a pair of tickets for next year—chances are, we won’t be needing them!”
The siblings’ unexpected detour is a reminder of the pitfalls and unpredictabilities of modern travel. In an era where booking systems allow individuals to secure flights over a year in advance, it becomes more important than ever for travellers to double-check confirmation details. “This has made me a lot more careful when booking anything now,” Rafael said.
Although it certainly wasn’t the airport experience they had envisioned, both siblings were able to see the lighter side. The story has since gathered attention online, with many fellow travellers extending sympathy—and sharing their own tales of booking blunders. For Rafael and Maggie, the incident has become something of a family legend, etched into the annals of ‘holidays almost gone wrong’.
Industry commentators suggest that with travel companies streamlining online bookings and extending their booking windows, such mix-ups might become more common in the future. For now, this pair can at least enjoy the knowledge that they’re well ahead of schedule if a return trip to Barcelona in 2026 ever seems appealing.
Their story serves as a gentle warning for seasoned globe-trotters and occasional holidaymakers alike: next time you reach for the ‘confirm booking’ button, take a second glance at the year on your ticket. With any luck, Rafael and Maggie’s adventure will spare others from the same costly oversight—although it certainly gave them an unusual start to their Spanish getaway.