Results for: Travel

Skiplagging, the practice of buying a plane ticket with a connecting flight and getting off at the connection rather than continuing to the final destination, is not a risk-free way to save money on air travel. While it’s not illegal, airlines can punish you for skiplagging if they catch you. The practice is prohibited in the contracts of carriage of all but one of the 10 major airlines in the United States. The only exception is Allegiant Air, but they don’t sell any tickets with connecting flights. Delta, American, United, Southwest, Alaska, and Frontier single out “hidden-city ticketing” as a prohibited ticketing practice. JetBlue, Hawaiian and Spirit don’t use the term “hidden-city ticketing,” but require passengers to complete the route on their ticket. Each airline can cancel your ticket and refuse to board you if they catch you skiplagging, according to their contracts of carriage. While the potential punishments vary between airlines, they could also include charging you the difference in fare for the correct ticket, canceling travel miles, charging additional fees for the costs of delivering your baggage and confiscating your unused travel coupons. United’s carriage contract goes as far as to say the airline can permanently ban you from its flights if it catches you.

In October, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented, requiring UK travelers to submit fingerprints and facial scans. However, a shocking 66% of UK adults are unaware of this new system, while 22% may avoid traveling to Europe due to it. The EES aims to replace manual passport stamping with a digital border, easing subsequent travel, but the image capture requirement has raised concerns, with 46% disapproving of their details being stored for up to three years. Travel experts warn of potential delays at ports and terminals due to the new process and urge travelers to be aware of the changes.

The Biden administration has issued new rules that will require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds for delayed or canceled flights, as well as to disclose fees for baggage and other services more clearly. The new rules, which will take effect over the next two years, are designed to protect consumers and make it easier for them to understand what they are paying for.

Leading tour operator and airline Jet2 suggests a potential slowdown in the surge of holiday prices witnessed post-pandemic. Despite a modest rise in costs for summer trips compared to 2022, competition in the sector is intensifying, resulting in more competitive deals, especially for April and May departures. The company experienced a 13% increase in package holiday bookings and an 18% rise in flight-only bookings year-over-year, indicating a healthy demand. Jet2 has purchased a significant portion of its fuel for the upcoming season, mitigating the impact of potential oil price fluctuations. The airline anticipates a pre-tax profit for the year ending March 2024 to be approximately one-third higher than the previous year.

A TikTok video reveals that American Airlines’ ‘preferred seat’ selection policy, which often requires passengers to pay for preferred seats, has led to more passengers opting for middle seats. The policy provides free seat selection only for the last 10 rows of the plane, leaving families and groups struggling to secure connected seating.

Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, Neelam Kothari, and Seema Sajdeh are living it up in Sydney, and their Instagram posts are proof. From posing in chic outfits against the Sydney Harbour Bridge to candid moments of laughter and fun, the Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives stars are having a blast. Maheep Kapoor shared a series of captivating pictures and videos that showcase their adventures down under.

Passengers are being warned to ensure their electronic devices are charged before arriving at the airport, as they could be banned from carrying them on board if they cannot be turned on. This applies to all types of devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, and e-books. The UK Foreign Office states that if a device does not switch on when requested, it will not be allowed on the aircraft. Airport security staff may also ask passengers to demonstrate that their devices are functioning correctly. British Airways has strict safety guidelines in place, stating that electronic items must be charged and turned on before being packed in hand or checked baggage. EasyJet also emphasizes the importance of keeping devices charged, as they may be required to scan boarding passes and batteries may run out during flights. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in passengers being unable to fly.

Tripadvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards have been announced, revealing the world’s top-rated hotels for 2024. The UK has emerged as a standout in the B&B category, with four properties in the top 10. Hotel Colline de France in Brazil has been crowned the world’s best hotel, while the Maldives, Vietnam, Bali, and Cuba also feature prominently in the top rankings. Other categories include the best hotels in the US, best luxury hotels, best pet-friendly hotels, and best sustainable hotels, offering a diverse range of options for travelers.

Our annual Hot List showcases the most exceptional travel experiences from around the globe. This year, we proudly present the 28th edition, featuring a diverse selection of extraordinary hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships. From a hotel suite once occupied by Winston Churchill to the world’s largest cruise vessel, this year’s honorees will captivate your senses. Join us as we unveil the crème de la crème of the travel industry, inspiring your next unforgettable adventure.

This exclusive list showcases the most exceptional new hotel openings in Australia and New Zealand for 2024, handpicked by Condé Nast Traveller’s esteemed editors. Our rigorous selection process ensures that each featured hotel meets the highest standards of design, amenities, and guest experience. From luxurious urban retreats to nature-immersive escapes, this curated edit offers discerning travelers a glimpse into the future of hospitality in the region. This list is part of the annual Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2024, showcasing the most exciting new hotels around the world.