Letting the airline pick your seat might feel like the easiest option, but it often means ending up in less desirable spots-like middle seats, back rows, or areas near bathrooms and galleys.
A Booking.com customer reported that after paying £1,300 for a New Year's Eve apartment in Dubai, they found the property dirty and the door handle flimsy. Despite initial help from Booking.com, they were later denied a refund, leaving them scrambling for alternative accommodation.
KLM has cancelled more than 150 European flights as soaring jet fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions begin to hit airline operations. The Dutch carrier said it will suspend 80 return services from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport over the next month, citing a sharp rise in kerosene prices that has rendered some routes 'no longer financially viable.'
Selina Chadha, group director of consumer markets at the CAA, stated, 'Our primary duty is to protect consumers and at the heart of today's proposals is doing the right thing for passengers using Heathrow airport, while supporting sustainable growth, investment, and efficiency.'
Fraudsters are quick to exploit uncertainty and the travel disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East is no exception. We're already seeing criminals target people seeking refunds for booked travel and holidays, sending them a link to supposedly receive a refund but instead people's accounts are being charged.
Ryanair has been conducting a tireless crackdown on passengers who try to take bags larger than the stated maximum dimensions on to its aircraft for free. According to CEO Michael O'Leary, the number of passengers with oversized bags has gone way down since the implementation of these strict measures.
As part of a bill to strengthen rights for passengers, MEPs have swung behind proposals to allow passengers to take one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop, as well as a piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg (15lbs) and with combined dimensions of 100cm (39in). The case alone would be bigger than the current maximum permitted free cabin item on Ryanair and others.
United is raising first and second checked bag fees by $10 for customers traveling in the US, Mexico, and Canada and Latin America beginning with tickets purchased Friday, April 3.
A former flight attendant accused of posing as a pilot and working airline employee fooled three U.S. carriers into giving him hundreds of free tickets over a span of four years, federal authorities say. But precisely how he is alleged to have done it - and why the airlines wouldn't have caught on sooner - has industry insiders scratching their heads.
Basic economy fares typically mean no seat selection, last boarding, and limited-or no-checked baggage. The appeal, however, is clear. "Basic economy is a good option for frugal travelers who don't mind forgoing comfort to save on travel costs," Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, told Travel + Leisure. He noted that these tickets can cost 20 to 30 percent less than standard economy, making them financially tempting for travelers focused on price above all else.
Low-cost carriers have to earn money too, and they often do so with significant add-on fees, which can drive that seemingly low price to new heights. Just look at Spirit Airlines as a prime example. The carrier revealed in its 2024 earnings report that its average fare revenue was $45.02 per ticket; however, it also reported earning an additional $63.44 in 'non-ticket revenue,' aka fees.
When traveling by air, take a look at the type of aircraft you're expected to fly with, as it can make a difference in terms of overall flight experience. This can also help you get to know the different cabin classes so you can make the right seat selection for your comfort level and your wallet.
"Storing your bag behind you often means you'll be forced to wait for nearly every other passenger to deplane before you can reach it. That can turn what should be a swift exit into a slow, frustrating slog,"
Gate changes, especially those sprung on travellers at the last minute, are a real pain point in air travel. The primary drivers are usually a last-minute aircraft swap due to a mechanical issue or an unexpected delay on an inbound flight occupying the planned gate.