In short
- Necessary cookies keep you signed in and remember your language and choices.
- Our visitor statistics use no cookies at all.
- Google Analytics and advertising cookies are set only if you accept them.
- Change your mind at any time with "Cookie settings" at the bottom of every page.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files a website stores in your browser. Similar technologies, such as local storage, keep small pieces of information on your device. We use the word "cookies" for both.
Necessary cookies (always on)
These make the site work and can't be switched off in our banner. They don't track you across other sites.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| bk_session | Keeps you signed in to your account | 60 days, or until you sign out |
| NEXT_LOCALE | Remembers the language you chose | 1 year |
| bk_oauth | Protects sign-in with Google (only if you use it) | 10 minutes |
| bk_plan_unlock | Remembers that you unlocked trip plan downloads as a guest | 1 year |
| bk-consent (local storage) | Remembers your cookie choices | Until you change them |
| bk-theme (local storage) | Remembers light or dark mode | Until you change it |
Staff who sign in to our admin panel also receive bk_admin (7 days) and bk_admin_lang (1 year); readers never receive these.
Visitor statistics without cookies
We count visits with our own counter, which sets no cookies and stores nothing in your browser. It doesn't need your consent because it can't recognise you on another day; details are in our privacy policy.
Cookies that need your permission
Analytics
If you accept analytics, Google Analytics may set cookies such as _ga and _ga_* (up to 2 years) to count visits and understand how the site is used.
Advertising
If you accept advertising, Google AdSense and Google Ads may set cookies to show ads, limit how often you see them and measure them. Members on an ad-free plan don't see ads.
Until you decide, Google tags run in Consent Mode with storage denied: no analytics or advertising cookies are set.
Security checks
On sign-up, sign-in and some forms, Cloudflare Turnstile checks that you are a person. It may use its own cookies or browser storage only for that security check.
Other sites
When you pay, you do so on the payment provider's own page (for example Stripe or PayPal), which sets its own cookies under its own policy. The same applies if you sign in with Google or follow a link to another website.
Managing cookies
- Use "Cookie settings" at the bottom of any page to change your analytics and advertising choices at any time.
- You can also delete or block cookies in your browser settings. Blocking necessary cookies will sign you out and reset your language.