Singapore Airlines

You don’t have to take our word for it. Singapore Airlines was officially voted the best airline of 2023 in the Annual Air Transport World (ATW) Airline Industry Achievement Awards. It’s a top choice for those heading to East Asia and Oceania via their Singaporean hub.

Comfort is king for Singapore Airlines. The seats are designed to provide more personal space, with Extra Legroom seats available in Economy. The business class seats are handcrafted from Scottish leather, offering reclined positions like Lazy Z and Sundeck for the epitome of relaxation. On the fleet’s A380 superjumbo aircraft, passengers can even book a private suite.

Why We Think They’re Winners: One of the main reasons they earn bragging rights as one of the best airlines in the world is that they truly invest in their crew. Their flight teams undergo intensive training, mastering everything from pouring drinks with finesse to becoming cultural experts. 

Bonus for Family Travelers: Picky eaters aren’t a problem, as Singapore Airlines offers a range of child and infant meals. For young travelers in Suites, First, or Business Class, they can even select their main course from the Book the Cook child menu, which features 15 dishes to choose from.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways stands out with its ultra-modern fleet. You can expect spotless cabins and elegant touches, like tray tables that resemble luxurious marble. The airline’s extensive network of over 100 destinations across six continents means you’re likely to find the perfect flight for wherever you’re headed. This makes earning your Avios loyalty rewards—your passport to earning perks like bigger baggage allowances—even easier. 

It’s the little things that truly make the journey with Qatar Airways exceptional. Take the A350-1000, for instance, where passengers are eased into and out of sleep by the advanced LED lighting system, meant to emulate sunrise and sunset and help passengers adapt to different time zones. 

Why We Think They’re Winners: From movies and TV shows to video games and music, boredom doesn’t stand a chance on Qatar Airways. Every seat is equipped with the Oryx system, offering thousands of entertainment options. You also have to love an airline that offers food on demand, including buttered popcorn for watching movies.

Bonus for Business Travelers: Business class passengers on long-haul flights are in for a treat with soft, high-quality cotton sleeper suits. Slip into cozy, no-slip socks and an eye mask, and get ready for a night of restful sleep. The best part? You can keep the Qatar pajamas as a bonus souvenir from your trip.

Emirates

With a vast network covering over 150 destinations from its hub in Dubai, booking with Emirates Airlines is like having the world at your fingertips. The convenience and ease of flying to almost any major city across the globe make Emirates a go-to choice for wanderlust-filled adventurers.

If you’re lucky enough to have a layover in Dubai, get ready for a little extra excitement. You can enjoy their comfortable airport lounges, indulge in some retail therapy, or step out for a quick exploration of Dubai’s attractions. It’s like adding a bonus adventure to your journey.

Why We Think They’re Winners: Can you imagine indulging in a luxurious shower high up in the sky? Emirates offers its first-class passengers a unique spa-like shower experience on their Airbus A380 aircraft. The airline goes the extra mile by providing complimentary amenity kits to all passengers, and yes, that includes economy class too.

Bonus for Family Travelers: Emirates provides discounts for infants and children, making it more affordable for families to fly together. They also offer complimentary strollers at Dubai International Airport, making it easier for parents to navigate the airport with their little ones. For the littlest flyers, Emirates offers the full range of organic Ella’s Kitchen baby food onboard.

Turkish Airlines 

Turkish Airlines might not be as famous as Emirates or Qatar Airways, but over the past 88 years they’ve quietly grown into a significant global player.

They have an impressive route network, good food, and fantastic lounges with their homebase at Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the largest aviation hubs worldwide. Turkish Airlines stands out for flying to more countries than any other airline—over 120 countries, to be precise.

Why We Think They’re Winners: When it comes to value, Turkish Airlines offers a decent deal with their points and miles system. As part of the Star Alliance, passengers on Turkish Airlines flights can earn miles for programs like United Mileage Plus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Lufthansa Miles, and more.

A Bonus for Remote Workers: Turkish Airlines has internet on board, so you can stay connected throughout the flight. 

Air France

Spreading French excellence around the world since 1933, Air France understands that traveling should be a stylish affair. Their airport lounges are chic havens designed by some of the best architects and their uniforms are on trend too, thanks to top couturiers. Onboard, passengers are treated like royalty, with access to a sommelier-curated wine list and out-of-this-world meals whipped up by top chefs.

Why We Think They’re Winners: The business cabin is all about helping passengers get things done efficiently and comfortably, featuring individual power outlets to charge your phone or computer, an adjustable reading light that won’t bother your neighbor, noise-reducing headphones, and dedicated storage spaces for your gear.

A Bonus Treat for Travelers: What’s a flight without a little bubbly? Air France has got your back with free champagne in all cabins.

Japan Airlines

Step aboard Japan Airlines (JAL) and you’ll find yourself in a world of genuine hospitality. With a soaring legacy since 1951 and a fleet of over 230 modern aircraft, JAL is a major player on the global scene. Japan Airlines expanded its reach by joining the Oneworld Alliance in 2007, and now connects travelers to 95 destinations across 20 territories through their major hubs in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Okinawa.

But what truly sets JAL apart is their economy class experience, where they’ve cracked the code for ultimate comfort. With increased pitch and slim seatbacks, passengers get more legroom than ever before. And it’s not just about your legs; the generous space between armrests lets you spread out in comfort.

Why We Think They’re Winners: You’re in for a treat with tantalizing menus inspired by Japan’s iconic food culture, and ever-changing collaborations and innovations. 

A Bonus for Budget-Conscious Travelers: If you’ve booked an economy or premium economy ticket through the JAL website, you have a chance to secure a better deal and enjoy an upgraded experience without breaking the bank. Simply enter your bid, and they’ll let you know seven days before your flight if you’re eligible.

SWISS

Watch this space—this airline is on our list for the next best international airline. They’ve got major a refurbishment planned.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is Switzerland’s national airline. Even though they might not be the biggest airline around, they make up for it with that incredible Swiss attention to detail and high service standards.

As part of the Lufthansa family, along with Austrian and Brussels Airlines, SWISS has you covered with flights from their Zurich hub to major US cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Newark, and San Francisco.

Why We Think They’re Winners: Passengers traveling in all classes on SWISS flights can send text and photo messages through messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Telegram. 

A Bonus Treat for Travelers: The airline teamed up with Victorinox, the brand behind the famous Swiss army knives, to bring first and business class passengers next-level amenity kits. 

The post The Best International Airlines for 2023 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

For now, switching to airplane mode is a federal requirement on U.S. domestic flights. You must disable wireless transmission functions such as cellular voice and data.

But why?

Here’s the answer: Cell phones are designed to send out signals strong enough to reach great distances. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which originally put the ban in place back in the early 1990s, the radio frequency emitted by these and other electronic devices could interfere with cell tower networks on the ground.

What Happens If You Forget to Turn On Airplane Mode?

If you don’t switch into airplane mode then your cell phone or cellular-enabled tablet will keep attempting to make connections with every cell tower on the ground that the airplane passes.

Not only will the signals cause interference with airplane navigation, but the effort it takes your cell phone to keep scanning and tower hopping at fly-by speeds will also drain your battery and still not maintain a constant signal.

“Cellular does not function as well with the speed and altitude of the plane and so needs an alternate off-aircraft connectivity solution to make it work,” says John Wade, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Gogo, a technology company that provides in-flight connectivity and wireless entertainment services for Delta, United, and others.

“Wi-Fi usage takes advantage of the aircraft’s off-aircraft connectivity, enabling a better connection and functionality.”

Accessing In-Flight Wi-Fi

Almost all airlines nowadays offer in-flight Wi-Fi, which is made possible because it’s satellite-based and not dependent on cellular tower connections. Almost every domestic airline offers in-flight Wi-Fi but there are only two airlines that offer it for free, JetBlue and Delta.

Through this network, you can surf online, read emails, check social media, or chat using Internet-based messaging apps like iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. Although you can’t now text with SMS over cellular, you can use Wi-Fi.

And although you can’t now make in-flight voice calls over cellular, you could use Wi-Fi. But U.S. airlines won’t allow it. All domestic carriers prohibit VoIP calls even though many international carriers do not. And what happens to that plane when it enters U.S. airspace? The technology that allows in-flight calling is turned off.

Today, there is more extensive bandwidth and upgraded satellite technology on most airlines around the world, with Qantas and JetBlue among the first to adopt.

In February 2017, Qantas introduced its new in-flight Wi-Fi network using the upgraded technology. Connection speeds increased up to 10 times faster than conventional in-flight Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stream Netflix, Spotify, and other online content to their personal devices. In following years, more airlines have come out with gate-to-gate connectivity like Southwest, Norwegian, and JetBlue (which also supports streaming services).

And if airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, they most likely also allow you to stream video and other media in-flight, but it’ll cost you. Similar to the tiered Wi-Fi plans that you’ll find at hotels, you now see passengers having the option to select a certain speed of Wi-Fi for their inflight plans. The only exception to this is when the airline offers in-flight entertainment on your own device via its app, which is free to stream.

Stay Entertained with Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Whether your flight is one hour or ten, the best way to make the time soar by is by watching pre-downloaded movies, audiobooks, or music with noise-canceling headphones.

The Future of In-Flight Cellular

Over a decade ago the European Commission began allowing in-flight cellular service throughout the EU. Several airlines offer onboard voice calling, data, and texting, while others allow only data and texting. Beginning this past June, flights in the EU have adopted 5G capability, allowing for full albeit slower mobile usage in-flight.

Technically speaking, the service requires that each plane be fitted with its own mobile base station, a network control unit that prevents onboard phone signals from reaching land-based networks and a satellite link to terrestrial phone networks.

The technology has been deployed successfully in Europe and around the world without incident, according to the FCC. It’s available in the United States, too. Some of Gogo’s business aviation customers are already using it, but none of the technology company’s 16 commercial airline customers have requested it.

Over the past several years the FCC collected consumer and technical input as it considered new proposed rules that would give airlines the freedom to allow cellular service if the aircraft is outfitted with the proper onboard equipment. However, it ultimately decided against the proposal in 2020 after strong opposition from flight crew, passengers, and members of Congress.

Do Americans Even Want Voice Calling?

The FCC’s decision seemingly reflects the sentiment of the majority of Americans. A 2018 study commissioned by Turkish Airlines showed that 89% of U.S. respondents were against in-flight voice calls.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

No matter where you’re flying, find your hotel for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels.

Book Now

Editor’s Note: This story has been corrected to note that the ban on in-flight cellular data use originated with the FCC, not the FAA, and to clarify the reasons behind this ban. This article was written in 2017 and has been updated with the latest information. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post What Happens If You Don’t Switch Your Phone to Airplane Mode When You Fly? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport – Atlanta, Georgia 

ATL can feel like navigating an obstacle course as one of the world’s busiest airports. On your way to one of ATL’s 192 gates, enjoy some delectable fried chicken and black-eyed peas at Paschal’s. If you’re looking for a quick treat, you’ll love indulging your sweet tooth at Piece of Cake. If you’ve got enough time, savor the sushi or Salmon Benedict at this Southern-inspired restaurant.

2. Dallas-Fort Worth International – Fort Worth, Texas 

This airport is truly a “tale of two cities.” Sample one of the craft beers at Flying Saucer. Since you’re in Texas, it would be a shame to miss the mouth-watering Texas barbecue ribs or sandwiches at Sonny Bryan’s Steakhouse. A layover would be the perfect time to enjoy Cantina Laredo’s Tex-Mex food – especially artichoke heart enchiladas. 

3. Denver International – Denver, Colorado

When you land at the Mile High City, relax and enjoy a full menu from juicy burgers to a raw vegan menu at Root Down. If you’d like a glass of wine, try Denver’s favorite drinking spot: the Great Divide. Lunch seekers will find an extensive list of sandwiches at Snarf’s Sandwiches.

4. O’Hare International – Chicago, Illinois

At the heart of the Midwest, you’ll find plenty of choices for snacks or full meals. Since you’re in Chicago, you should enjoy a Chicago hot dog at Gold Coast Dogs. Stop at Tortas Frontera for lunch – and try one of their irresistible tortas. With time, visitors can savor hand-carved pastrami sandwiches at Berghoff Café. 

5. Los Angeles International Airport

LAX is a busy hub for international travelers, but take a deep breath, and you’ll find some fantastic fare. Take your time and savor the Oaxaca-inspired quesadillas at the Border Grill. Snack seekers will enjoy the avocado toast or German pretzels at Santa Monica Brew Works. Lobster rolls at Slapfish are not to be missed for seafood lovers.

6. JFK (John F Kennedy) International -Queens, NYC, New York

Coming into New York City is a thrilling experience, and this busy airport is a fitting introduction to the City’s hustling streets. Treat yourself to the honey-laden baklava at Eat & Go. Spend a layover afternoon in the Paris Cafe, celebrating the poppy seed-crusted salmon. Don’t miss the Shake Shack for iconic world-class burgers and thick shakes for an upscale fast-food lunch.

7. Harry Reid International-Las Vegas, Nevada

Visitors to Vegas may be in the mood to gamble, but it’s no gamble to enjoy the woodfire pizza at Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza. If you want a unique type of Pizza, try their LeDou barbecue chicken pizza. If you’re looking for another choice for pizza, try Metro Pizza. Did you forget a gift for someone special? Just pay a visit to Ethel M. Chocolates. When you get into town, stop by its factory for a tour and take a side trip to its cactus garden.

8. Phoenix Sky Harbor – Phoenix, Arizona 

Breakfast lovers will love the all-day morning food at Matt’s Big Breakfast. Whether you crave waffles or omelets, this is the place for you. Are you only looking for coffee or tea? Grab the best cup of coffee or tea at Cartel Roasting Company.

Airport Food Apps

If you aren’t at one of those airports, you may be looking for a way to find the best food at your current airport. Some apps allow you to pre-order your food. Installing these apps before you leave will prepare you for food anywhere you land. 

Grab (for iPhone or Android -free) 

With this app, you can pre-order food in over 2,000 destinations. The app allows you to search for restaurants. If you securely provide your credit card info, you can also pre-pay for your order. From kiosks to fine dining, you’ll be good to go. 

Lounge Buddy (for iPhone or Android -free)

Rather than locating diners or food kiosks, this app will search out the nearest airport lounges. The app will store the information about your airline loyalty memberships. With that information, the app can specify lounges for your airline. It will also provide a review- plus alerts about loyalty perks available at your destination. 

The post The Best Domestic Airport Foods appeared first on SmarterTravel.

To help you decide which domestic airlines to fly (and which ones to avoid), the travel experts at Bounce analyzed data and awarded scores across 11 categories: 

• Percentage of on-time arrivals
• Percentage of cancellations
• Number of flights
• Meals
• In-flight entertainment 
• Seat comfort
• Staff service
• Free carry-on allowance
• Free checked bag allowance (domestic)
• Complaints per 100 passengers

Those scores were used to calculate how domestic airlines compared. In 2022, Bounce rated Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines as the top three domestic airlines. Alaska has fallen to number four this year, and Delta has risen to the number one spot.

The Best Domestic Airlines for 2023

1. Delta Airlines
2. Southwest Airlines
3. Hawaiian Airlines
4. Alaska Airlines
5. United Airlines
6. American Airlines
7. JetBlue Airway Corporation
8. Spirit Airlines
9. Frontier Airlines
10. Allegiant Air

The post The Best Domestic Airlines for 2023, Ranked appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Today the process is more complicated, and for good reason; the old approach was not only challenging and a bit scary, but also frequently unsafe. Further, service and emotional support pets are now far more common on airplanes, introducing another layer of complexity to the rules surrounding pet air travel. Airline policies vary considerably by dog size, breed, temperament, and cabin vs. cargo rules, so there is a lot to know before you attempt to bring your dog on a plane with you.

General Considerations for Flying with a Dog

The choice to take your dog in the cabin with you versus traveling in the cargo hold will often be decided for you by the size of the animal and the airline’s policy; see the next section for airline policies in this regard. In general, carrying your pet into the cabin with you is safer than putting it into the cargo hold.

Some airlines restrict the total number of pets allowed on any given flight, and these spots are usually parceled out on a first-come, first-served basis—so you will want to book early.

Expect to pay a fee to fly with your dog. Current standard fees range from around $75 to $200 each way, and can go up to several hundred dollars for larger dogs that must be transported on cargo planes.

If at all possible, choose a direct flight. As tough as flying is on a dog, especially in the cargo hold, submitting them to even longer travel times plus multiple encounters with baggage handling can easily go sideways. My family flew cross-country with our dog several years ago, and had purchased direct flights, but due to aircraft problems on the way home had to switch to a connecting itinerary. During our connection in St. Louis, we watched helplessly through the airport windows as a baggage hander in St. Louis let our dog’s travel crate nearly free-fall onto the tarmac. When we picked her up at our home airport, the crate was shattered and the dog significantly traumatized.

Most airlines do not allow pets to travel in the exit row.

Consider the weather. In winter, fly during the day to ensure the warmest possible temperatures for your dog in the cargo hold. In summer, fly early or late to avoid the midday heat.

Get to the airport early enough to exercise your dog without creating a lot of time pressure.

Federal regulations require pets to be at least eight weeks old to fly.

If you have a young, senior, or fragile pet, consult with your vet as to whether they are up for the rigors of air travel.

Airline Policies for Flying with a Dog

Airline policies are all over the place; some carriers do not accept dogs for travel in the cargo hold, while others do not allow dogs in the cabin. Some have weight restrictions for travel in the cabin, others for the cabin and/or cargo hold, and they can vary tremendously; Air France currently allows the combined weight of dogs and their carriers to be up to 75 kilograms/165 pounds(!), while others top out at 32 kilograms/70 pounds.

Other restrictions include the length of the flight, destination, and even whether a codeshare is involved. Still others will only transport dogs as official cargo—that is, on an actual cargo plane. Expect to be charged an additional fee for transporting pets.

You can see comprehensive lists of airline policies at PetFriendlyTravel.com and BringFido.com. As useful as these lists are, however, you should always double-check your specific airline’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Breeds

The breed and/or physiognomy of your dog may determine whether they can fly with you; in particular, short-nosed breeds are not allowed by many airlines, and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation recommends that they not fly due to breathing difficulties and a higher rate of fatalities.

Contrary to some assumptions, it is not only smaller dogs that are of concern. The AVMA mentions the following dogs among those at risk: pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, some mastiffs, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, shih tzus, and bulldogs. Restricted dogs will often include mixed breeds, according to Tracey Thompson of PetFriendlyTravel.com.

“Most airlines include dogs that a mix of any of these ‘short-nosed’ breeds,” Thompson says. “The airlines are very strict about not allowing any of these dog breeds, so I would be surprised if there is any leeway. There is simply too much risk for the airlines to transport these breeds of dogs.”

Even with airlines that do allow short-nosed breeds, there can be certain limitations. Japan Airlines does not allow certain types of bulldogs due to their inability to regulate body temperature, while Lufthansa no longer allows short-nose breeds in the cargo hold.

Destination Considerations

If you are traveling outside the Continental U.S., you will want to make sure dogs are allowed to be brought along at all, and be prepared for surprises. For example, pets traveling to Hawaii are subject to quarantine because it’s the only rabies-free state. For foreign countries, you can usually find information on embassy websites.

Preparing Your Dog to Fly

A checkup from your vet is usually a good idea before flying with your dog. You might need a certificate of veterinary inspection to fly, in most cases signed within 10 days of travel.

On feeding, Nicole Ellis, a trainer with the pet-walking site Rover.com, advises the following: “Feed your pet lightly the day of travel and no sooner than four hours ahead of time. You don’t want to have any potty mishaps in the car, train, or airport! Dogs can go anywhere from 6 to 10 hours without food. Don’t change your pet’s food prior to a flight or give any treats he or she may not have had before, as it can cause an upset tummy on the flight.”

Exercise your dog as best you can on the day of travel, and then, as close to flight time as possible, find a place for your dog to take a walk, relieve itself, and get some fresh air. Options might include a walk around the hotel parking lot, finding a park on the way to the airport, or using dog-friendly facilities at many airports. PetFriendlyTravel.com also maintains a list of these by airport for both the U.S. and Canada.

Ellis notes that the once-common practice of sedating your dog is no longer advised: “The Humane Society does not recommend giving sedatives to pets to travel, but check with your vet if you have questions.” There can be a number of problems with sedation, including breathing issues, the dog’s inability to react if the crate is moved around, and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. In fact, some airlines may ask you to sign a statement that your dog has not been sedated before flight.

Inside the Airport

Consider checking in on the later side to shorten the time your pet has no access to the outdoors.

Understand that busy airports are not naturally calming environments for many dogs, and do what you can to comfort your dog and help them avoid overstimulation.

Try to reserve a seat near the front of the plane if your dog is flying in the cargo hold, as this can get you off the plane a little more quickly.

At Your Destination

Upon arrival, the first thing you’ll want to do is find a place to get your dog outside. If you are traveling with a companion, consider having one person care for the dog immediately while the other collects luggage and arranges for a ride from the airport.

Speaking of arranging for a ride, make sure your car rental company, taxi, or rideshare driver allows dogs. Both Lyft and Uber leave the decision to allow non-service animals up to the individual driver, with Uber now letting passengers reserve a Pet-Friendly ride for an additional fee.

If you are going to be busy at your destination, consider setting up a dog walker to make sure your pet is getting enough exercise while you are out and about in places that don’t allow animals. Rover.com can work really well for this, as well as general caregiver sites like Care.com.

Ellis advises pet owners to check whether they can get their dog’s regular food at their destination: “Make sure your pet food is available at a pet store in your destination city, and if not, be sure to pack [some] or order some online and ship to your destination prior to arriving.”

Tools for Flying with a Dog

A comfortable and reliable carrier or crate is absolutely essential, and these have greatly improved since the old “plastic box” days; many come with wheels, backpack straps, and purse designs. Note that crates and carriers should be in good condition upon arrival at the airport. Airlines can reject your carrier if it has cracks or shows other signs of wear that might allow the dog to escape or be injured.

Make sure that your carrier is “airline approved.” Some of the best-reviewed carriers for the main cabin include the following:

• Petsfit Expandable Travel Dog Carrier
• Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Carrier for Cats, Puppies, and Small Dogs
• Snoozer Wheel Around 4-in-1 Pet Travel Carrier

And the following are well-reviewed larger crates/kennels for when your dog needs to go in the cargo hold. Again, make sure to double-check your airline’s requirements before traveling.

• Petmate Sky Kennel
• Gunner Kennels
• Petmate Compass Kennel

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trends—and how they could affect your travel plans.

The post Flying with a Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The airport will still sell water in sustainably packaged alternatives, including recyclable aluminum or glass bottle containers. The ban applies to water sold at all restaurants, concessions, lounges, and vending machines but will not prohibit passengers from bringing their own plastic bottles into the airport. (Remember, the bottle must be empty to bring it through security.) 

Only non-carbonated, unflavored, or electrolyte-enhanced water is subject to the new policy—sparkling water, juices, sodas, and other beverages may still be sold in plastic bottles. 

“The climate crisis is a great challenge facing our city, and phasing out single-use plastic water bottles at Los Angeles World Airports facilities is an important step to reducing our environmental footprint and protecting the health and livelihood of all Angelenos,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a statement.

Los Angeles isn’t the first airport to ban plastic water bottles—San Francisco Airport no longer allows sales of any beverages (including soda, teas, and juices) in plastic or aseptic paper packaging.
No matter where you’re flying, packing a refillable water bottle is a smart way to save money. Check out our list of the best filtered water bottles for your next trip.

The post LAX Just Banned This Common Travel Necessity appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The fall and winter pass allows unlimited flights to wherever Frontier flies and is valid from September 2, 2023 through February 29, 2024. According to Frontier, the deal is available “while supplies last.”

So what’s the catch? Flyers must pay one cent in airfare per flight, along with any applicable taxes and fees. Bags (even carry-ons) are not included in the fares, so you’ll have to pay additional if you want to bring on more than a personal item. Seat selection and priority boarding will also cost extra. Passholders will not earn miles for flights booked using the pass.

The All-You-Can-Fly pass is not good for people who like to plan their trips in advance—it can only be redeemed to book flights the day before departure for domestic travel and 10 days or less before international flight departures. 

Flights are subject to blackout dates, which include the most popular travel days around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

Interested in the pass? Check Frontier’s route map to see where the airline flies from your home airport before committing. 

If you buy the pass, make sure you set a reminder to cancel at the end of the period, as the pass will automatically renew otherwise. 

The post Frontier Just Discounted Its Unlimited Flight Pass to $299 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If a flight is delayed due to weather at your departure or arrival airport, trying to get on a new flight likely won’t work, especially if a ground stop has been issued (meaning no flights are allowed to take off or land.) 

However, if a flight is delayed due to a mechanical issue with an aircraft, crew shortage, or delay of incoming aircraft, you may want to try to swap to a different flight if you can. 

The compensation rules around delayed flights hinge on the reason for the delay. If a flight is delayed or canceled due to a “controllable issue,” an airline is generally required to compensate passengers by providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or even refunds. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), “A controllable flight cancellation or delay is essentially a delay or cancellation caused by the airline. Examples include maintenance or crew problems; cabin cleaning; baggage loading; and fueling.”

Delays due to bad weather or unexpected mechanical issues are generally considered to be out of an airline’s control and, therefore, do not require reimbursement. 

To see what your airline is required to provide in the event of a controllable cancellation or delay, visit the DOT’s Airline Cancellation and Delays Dashboard.

How to Find Out the Reason for a Flight Delay

If you’re already at the airport when the delay is announced, a gate agent will usually be able to tell you why your flight is running late. Here are some other good ways to find out the reason for a flight delay.

Check Airport Alerts

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has a webpage that shows “active airport events” like ground delays, ground stops, and delays in real-time.

This site will also show how long delays are likely to last along with other helpful information, including:

• The timeframe a ground stop/delay is issued for
• The probability a ground stop/delay would be extended
• What departure airports the ground stop/delay is relevant for
• The average length of delay

Track the Inbound Flight

If your flight is scheduled to take off at 3 pm and the aircraft is still on the ground in another city at 2:30 pm, it’s unlikely your flight will depart on time. Find out where your plane is by checking your flight on FlightAware. This site has an option for “track inbound plane” that will show you where your aircraft is coming from and the status of that flight. 

Check With the Airline

Although most airlines won’t show an explanation for a delayed flight on their website, some will offer the reason for the delay in their app. Calling the airline’s customer service number can also help you find out why your flight is delayed.

The post Why Is My Flight Delayed? How to Find Out the Reason for Your Delayed Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Japan Airlines is trialing a new program called Any Wear, Anywhere that allows passengers traveling to Japan from abroad to rent clothing for their trip. According to Japan Airlines, the aim of the program is to “create an environment where travelers can use local options for all aspects of their clothing, food, and accommodation, transforming travel and business trips into more sustainable experiences.”

Japan Airlines will monitor changes to baggage weight on flights during the trial period to determine the impact of the program on the environment. 

How to Use the Program

The Any Wear, Anywhere program will run from July 5, 2023 through August 31, 2024, and is open to all passengers on Japan Airlines flights to Japan. 

To sign up, go to the Any Wear, Anywhere website and pick out your clothing options. There are packages available for both men and women, as well as different options for spring/fall, summer, and winter. Choose from “casual” or “smart casual” style options depending on how dressy you want to look. You’ll be able to select the sizes, as well as the mix of clothing you want included (such as five tops, three bottoms, and one jacket.) Clothes are sourced from excess retail stock as well as secondhand shops.

Rental packages start at $28 and include laundry and dry cleaning. Passengers will still need to pack other essentials, such as socks, underwear, and toiletries, which are not included. 

Reserve the clothes a month in advance for a rental period of two weeks, and the items will be dropped off and picked up at your accommodation. 

The post This Airline Is Renting Clothing to Passengers Who Want to Travel Light appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Are you in agreement or are you misaligned with most of the traveling public? Travel site Kayak conducted a poll of the most hotly debated travel opinions to determine the Unspoken Rules of Air Travel.

Here’s what the survey found:

Cutting the Line Is Ok

About to miss your flight? According to Kayak’s survey, 57 percent of travelers will have sympathy for you (and will let you cut the line) if it’s the difference between making it to the gate in time or being left stranded.

Unattended Children Should Be Banned

Letting your kids run around the airport (or plane) freely in the hopes they’ll burn off some energy? 90 percent of respondents ask that you rein them in, voting that children shouldn’t be left unattended during travel.

Don’t Stand on the Moving Sidewalk

If your personal pet peeve is people who ride the moving sidewalks at the airport (rather than walking on it), you’re not alone—57 percent of travelers feel the same way. 

Just remember, moving sidewalks are a huge help to people with mobility issues—so try to extend some grace and patience when travelers aren’t walking on them. 

Clapping When the Plane Lands Is Annoying

Your fellow passengers ask you to hold your applause when the plane touches down. A close margin of 51 percent of flyers thinks this measure of appreciation is “pointless” because the pilots can’t hear you.

The Middle Seat Doesn’t Get Both Armrests

A surprising 57 percent of passengers have no sympathy for the person stuck in the middle seat, saying the armrests are up for anyone to grab. 

Reclining Your Seat is Acceptable

Go ahead and lean back (just please, do it the right way) next time you fly. A vast majority (88 percent) believe that the recline button is offered for a reason.

Leave Your Socks On

Fellow flyers don’t want to see (or smell) your bare feet. Seventy-six percent of passengers voted that people should keep their socks on during a flight.

The post The 7 Most Controversial Travel Opinions appeared first on SmarterTravel.