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Travel Weekly
25 minutes ago
- Travel Weekly
American reveals winter deployment for new 787s with Flagship Suites
American Airlines has announced winter deployments for its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which feature its upgraded business class product called Flagship Suite. American began taking delivery of the 787s in May and expects to have 30 in service by 2029. The aircraft is currently flying from Chicago O'Hare to London Heathrow and will continue that route. American will also use it between Philadelphia and London between early August and Jan. 5, extending the announced service lasting until late October. American will also serve London with the aircraft from its Dallas home base; it plans a daily flight from Oct. 26 to Jan. 5, and two daily between Dec. 3. and Jan. 5. Previously announced service with the 787s is also on sale for the winter season on flights from Dallas to Brisbane, Australia, and Dallas to Auckland, New Zealand. Finally, the aircraft will be placed on flights from Dallas to Buenos Aires. Flagship Suites feature a sliding privacy door, a unique chaise lounge seating option, a wireless charging pad and more personal storage space than other American business class configurations. The sliding privacy doors have had to remain open since American flew the first of its new 787s on June 5. But flyers will be able to begin using the doors this weekend, after they received certification from the FAA. American also introduced a new premium economy seat on its reconfigured 787s.
CNN
29 minutes ago
- CNN
American food trivia, four-day workweek, how much to exercise: Catch up on the day's stories
5 Things Work lifeFacebookTweetLink Follow 👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! The Fourth of July is officially upon us, and no country knows how to celebrate its birthday quite like the US. Whether you're feasting on barbecue fixings, watching fireworks by the lake or taking a road trip, find out just how much — or little — your holiday weekend could cost. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day. Switching to a four-day workweek can be good for the bottom line — and it isn't only workers who reap the benefits, according to the results of a new trial in the UK. Some organizations recorded an increase in revenue and fewer sick days compared with the same year-ago period. Mass evacuations are underway after an out-of-control wildfire in Crete — Greece's largest island and a popular tourist spot — broke out following high temperatures and strong winds. More than 200 firefighters, along with 46 vehicles and 10 helicopters, have been deployed to fight the blaze, according to officials. The US job market continues to strengthen despite heightened uncertainty following President Donald Trump's tariff policies. 147,000 jobs were added in June, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%. But this job growth is only within a few industries. Regular exercise has long been known to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease — and a new study suggests working out could help people fighting cancer. CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen explains what you need to know. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country's diversity of people, perspectives and palettes — but how well do Americans know their food? Put your knowledge to the test by matching these 50 regional dishes with the US states that love them. Get '5 things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter.☕ A new 'third place': Starbucks is trying to win back customers looking to sit down for a cup of coffee by renovating select stores with comfy chairs, couches, tables and power outlets in the next year — a stark change from its grab-and-go concept. Will it work? Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies at 28 in car crash in Spain A tropical storm is brewing just in time to ruin July 4th weekend Congress passes Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill 🪖 That's how many troops North Korea may be sending to Russia in the coming months to bolster its front line with Ukraine, adding to the 11,000 deployed last November in a shroud of secrecy. 🏭 Finding surreal beauty: The same photographer who captured China's factories with seemingly inexhaustible human labor revisited the country 20 years later to an eerily different workplace: no people. 'Ultimately, I knew that I didn't want to say on my deathbed, 'I always wanted to move to France but didn't.'' Mary Jane Wilkie, an octogenarian expat 🥐 Oui can do it: George Gershwin's score is the only thing that's missing from this modern fairytale. After falling in love with Paris in her 20s, the American finally relocated to the French capital at the age of 79 — and has absolutely no regrets. 🍕 New York may have America's top pizza, but which city is at its heels, according to Italian judges?A. ChicagoB. NewarkC. Los AngelesD. New Orleans⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🌭 Relishing tradition: Champion eater Joey Chestnut will soon grace the Coney Island stage again at its annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The quintessential American tradition is expected to attract thousands, as Chestnut works to break his world record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. 🧠 Quiz answer: C. Pizzeria Sei, the No. 2 pizzeria in the US, is run by William Joo in Los Angeles.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. Today's edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN's Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good.
Forbes
32 minutes ago
- Forbes
Away Vs. Monos: Which Popular Luggage Brand Is Right For You?
Away versus Monos has become a popular topic when shopping for new luggage, and it's not hard to understand why. These two luggage brands are among the most sought after on the market today, with suitcases that feature sturdy construction, stylish design and smooth-rolling wheels. But while Monos and Away luggage might look similar at first glance, their products have distinct differences. As a travel editor who has visited over 40 countries using both brands to tote my stuff, I have noticed several key differences. Monos versus Away is a popular debate among travelers, as both suitcases feature sturdy ... More construction, stylish design and smooth-rolling wheels. Astrid Taran For Forbes Vetted To inform this story, I used insights from my own extensive travel as well as tapping Forbes Vetted editors who have journeyed with products from both lines to share their opinions on which luggage brand is worth your money. I also spoke to travel content creators and luggage experts Jessica Morrobel, of Traveling With Jessica, and Ciara Johnson, of Hey Ciara, for their input. Read on as I break down the standout features of both the best Away luggage and the best Monos luggage, covering everything from design to value. Whether you're a frequent flier or casual traveler, understanding the strengths of each luggage brand can help you choose the perfect travel companion for your next trip. Here are the key differences to know. Founded in 2015 in New York City by former Warby Parker employees Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, Away has gained a cult following for sleek, durable luggage that comes with practical extras, like a laundry bag and a melamine sponge to scrub away scuffs. The hardside suitcases have become a favorite among travelers looking for style, functionality and longevity, and in 2024, the brand expanded its line to include softside luggage. Away offers a lifetime limited warranty that covers cracks or breaks in its shells, as well as fabric tears and broken zippers, wheels and handles. Pros: Durable hardshell and water-resistant nylon materials Wide range of colors and the ability to personalize products with monogramming Hardside and softside options Cons: With its popularity, it's easy to mistake your bag for someone else's (unless you opt for one of their limited edition colors or a unique luggage tag) The hardside suitcases' polycarbonate shell can scuff easily, especially in lighter colors, and its softside luggage tends to be on the heavier side After rigorously testing the best luggage on the market, I selected Away's The Bigger Carry-On as my top pick in its category. It features ample packing space while still fitting into most overhead bins, and it has a sturdy zipper that has given me no issues when I've packed the bag to the brim. It has a durable polycarbonate shell, multiple handles and robust 360-degree rotating wheels that have held up well in the five years that I've owned it. Monos was founded in 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with a mission to create high-quality luggage that prioritizes aesthetics and sustainability. The brand has gained recognition for its emphasis on eco-friendly craftsmanship, making it an increasingly popular choice among those who value ethical manufacturing. Monos luggage features a streamlined, modern design and comes in a wide range of muted jewel tone colors as well as seasonal pastels. The brand also offers a lifetime warranty that covers broken shells, zippers, wheels and handles. Pros: Eco-friendly construction using vegan materials Minimalist aesthetic in an array of pastel colors Interior lining is treated with anti-microbial coating to inhibit bacteria growth Cons: No softside luggage options The polycarbonate shell can scuff easily, especially in lighter colors Customers are charged a fee (typically between $20 to $45) to return an item The Monos Carry On-Pro comes highly recommended by Forbes Vetted kids and baby editor Esther Carlstone. 'It's surprisingly roomy and can easily fit a weeks' worth of clothes,' she says. 'I especially love the exterior pocket for my laptop or iPad.' Made from aerospace-grade polycarbonate, 'it's super durable,' says Carlstone. 'I've taken it on dozens of flights and it always fits in the overhead bin.' Away Vs. Monos: Construction And Design Both Away and Monos suitcases have spacious interior compartments, mesh pockets, compression systems and whisper-quiet wheels. They also feature telescopic trolley handles that are solidly built—just take note that while Monos' handles have four height settings, Away's handles only have two. A wide range of fun colors can be found across both brands: Away's recent release of Sunshine Yellow color has been one of my favorites, while Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla is a fan of Monos' Desert Taupe palette, calling it a 'nice muted gold.' Away is known for its streamlined and sturdy construction using resilient materials like polycarbonate, aluminum alloy or water-resistant nylon. Monos suitcases focus on sustainable materials, such as polycarbonate made from partially recycled materials, 100% recycled polyester and vegan leather. Away introduced expandable luggage to its collection in 2021, while Monos announced its first foray into expandable luggage in 2024. I have traveled with both—check out my top expandable picks below. The Carry-On Flex is a particularly great option for overpackers. It expands by over two inches, making it ideal for travelers who don't want to check a bag but also want the flexibility to have more packing space. The tough-as-nails polycarbonate suitcase hold nearly 40 liters; I traveled with it on a five-day trip to Ireland and only expanded it on the way back to squeeze in some extra souvenirs. When not expanded, it's compact enough to fit into all or most overhead bins. With an expander zipper that adds 1.6 inches of depth to your luggage (for an impressive total volume of 53 liters), the Monos Expandable Check-In Medium is a great checked option for travelers who want a sturdy suitcase made with premium materials. I traveled with this on a three-week trip to Greece, Albania and Slovenia, and found it to be incredibly durable and easy to organize. I only wish it came in more color options—Monos' expandable line is currently only available in three colors. Away Vs. Monos: Extra Features Away's suitcases were some of the first to have extra features like a water-resistant laundry bag made from recycled polyester, a melamine sponge to scrub down scuffs and a leather luggage tag. Monos suitcases also come with a laundry bag, two shoe bags, a sponge and a vegan leather luggage tag. Both brands' luggage include integrated TSA-approved locks. Ultimately, the choice may come down to personal preference on which additional details are most useful to you. It's important to note that Monos' suitcases feature interior fabrics coated with an anti-microbial, silver-ion coating that's meant to prevents bacterial growth—the brand's two shoe bags are also made from this material. 'The anti-microbial lining is huge for beauty enthusiasts,' says Morrobel, who often packs her suitcase full of skincare and makeup products. With the exception of some travel accessories like the brand's racket bag that's made from an anti-microbial performance fabric, Away currently does not have anti-microbial linings in its suitcases. Roomy without feeling too clunky, Away's The Medium has a capacity of nearly 70 liters, with enough space to accommodate up to two weeks of travel (or more if you're doing laundry along the way). I took this suitcase on a two-week trip to New Zealand, and it provided enough space for a wide variety of clothes that I needed across different climates. Its water-resistant laundry bag was ideal for storing dirty clothing or damp swimsuits during my travels. The Monos Check-In Medium comes recommended by Favilla, who praises its generously sized and smartly designed interior. With two zippered pockets, it features a large zippered compartment for toiletries and shoes, which can be neatly stowed in the provided matching shoe bags. 'The shoe bags are really handy for keeping shoes away from clean clothing,' says Favilla. 'I also love using the laundry bag for my dirty clothing, since it's much more convenient—and eco-friendly—than bringing my own plastic bag." Away Vs. Monos: Value For Price Monos and Away are priced very similarly, appealing to those willing to invest in quality luggage, but perhaps not looking for an over-the-top luxury bag. Both brands deliver solid performance with durable construction and functional designs, and both come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the shell, fabric, wheels, zippers and handles, although these warranties do not cover cosmetic damage like dents, scuffs, scratches or everyday wear and tear. Regardless, these warranties can be valuable. 'A few years ago, my luggage cracked on a long flight, so I walked it into the Away store in Houston and showed them the scratch,' says Johnson. 'After taking a look, they immediately replaced my suitcase—zero questions asked. That sealed the deal for me.' Take note that Monos charges customers a fee of around $20 to return items (deducted from the refund), which may be a deterring factor for some budget-conscious customers. While Monos hardshell carry-ons and checked suitcases are slightly less expensive than Away's comparable products, it's not a significant amount (the Away The Carry On is $275 while the Monos Carry-On is $255). And if you're on the market for an aluminum suitcase, both brands make aluminum models that are significantly less expensive than options from other popular brands, like Rimowa. Monos' Aluminum Carry-On Plus ($665) does cost more than its Away counterpart, theThe Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition ($645). Again, the difference in price is not significant, so your purchase choice would ultimately come down to which specific style resonates with you more. Morrobel is a fan of Away's The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition and has traveled with it on trips to Italy, Cairo and through multiple domestic state parks. 'It's a statement piece,' she says. 'It feels sturdy and elevated, and the dual TSA locks and compression system come in handy on packed trips. It's heavier than your average carry-on and does scuff easily, but it's held up impressively given how hard I've traveled with it.' Along with Silver and Black, the suitcase is also available in a chic Rose Gold color. Monos' Aluminum Check-In Medium is constructed with an anodized and electroplated aluminum that is designed for extra durability. It features elevated interiors, like a black quilted taffeta lining, and can hold up to 70 liters of items. At 14.7 pounds, it's a bit heavier than Away's The Medium: Aluminum Edition (which clocks in at 13.3 pounds). And while it doesn't come in a Rose Gold hue, like the Away line does, it does feature a chic Champagne color for those who want an alternative to black or silver. Final Thoughts Whether you prefer Away or Monos ultimately comes down to personal preference and the features you prioritize. If durability is your primary concern, Away is your best option, as its hardshell suitcases are less prone to visible scuffs and scratches. Many travelers will also appreciate Away's extra underside handle, streamlined construction and smooth-gliding wheels. Monos, on the other hand, will appeal to travelers who seek products crafted from ethically sourced, vegan materials. Its ultra-sturdy telescoping handles and multiple pockets for intuitive organization also stand out. Due to the popularity of both luggage brands, it's important to keep in mind that many other travelers could be using the same suitcase as you the next time you're at the airport. 'Because everyone seems to have an Away suitcase, I'm less worried about someone accidentally taking my Monos luggage at the carousel,' says Favilla. If you're purchasing a popular style, consider going with a non-neutral color that will really stand out from the pack. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage, including the best luggage, best carry-on luggage, best lightweight luggage and more. This story was written by Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who's visited over 40 countries and has traveled with both Away and Monos suitcases. This story was edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel section and has relied on Away and Monos luggage in various sizes for transporting her belongings on trips. For this story, Taran spoke to Jessica Morrobel, a travel content creator who shares her adventures at Traveling With Jessica, and Ciara Johnson, a travel content creator at Hey Ciara. Morrobel owns both Away and Monos luggage and has traveled the world with both, while Johnson has traveled extensively with Away luggage. Which Brand Is Better, Monos or Away? Both Monos and Away are popular luggage brands with products that differ slightly. Some travelers might value the durability and sleek design of Away's suitcases, which tend to be more resistant to scuffs and scratches. Others may prefer Monos' thoughtfully designed interiors and focus on eco-friendly craftsmanship. Both brands embrace sustainability, but Monos uses vegan or recycled materials. Away suitcases can have a slightly higher price point, and also have a broader range of softside and hardside luggage to suit a variety of travel needs. Do Monos Suitcases Scratch Easily? Monos suitcases feature durable polycarbonate shells, but that doesn't mean they are scratch-resistant. Scuffs or scratches on Monos luggage may become visible after several trips, especially if you usually check your suitcase. If this is a dealbreaker for you, we recommend purchasing a darker color, which hides wear and tear much better than lighter colors. Is Monos A Japanese Brand? Monos is a Canadian brand that was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2018. More Luggage Stories To Shop:
