Latest news with #KarenYoung
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Travel + Leisure
30-05-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
Flight Attendants Share 5 Genius Ways to Make the Middle Seat the Comfiest Spot on the Plane
Just because the middle seat may seem like the least desirable spot on the plane (which is why it's often the only one left to book), it doesn't mean it has to be miserable. According to flight attendants, with the right mindset (and a few smart travel essentials), you can turn that dreaded middle seat into a surprisingly comfortable experience. 'I suggest reframing the way you view the middle seat,' flight attendant Aura E. Martinez shared. 'Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, try to embrace the opportunity for connection.' You never know who you'll end up next to, and even if you're not in the mood to chat, being prepared can make all the difference. That means bringing your own entertainment, staying comfortable, and making the most of your personal space. From noise-canceling headphones and supportive neck pillows to slim portable chargers, these flight attendant-approved picks will help make your next middle seat feel a lot more like an upgrade. Plus, prices start at just $13. Reclaim Your Armrest Space Tip: 'The middle seat gets both armrests—that's the rule,' Karen Young, a Delta flight attendant who's been in the industry for 47 years, said. The middle seat often feels like the wild west of the cabin, where everyone seems to spill into your space. But according to flight attendants, claiming your territory starts with the armrests. 'People overflow and morph into the middle seat,' Young shared. 'Those armrests define your space—don't feel pressured to raise them.' Fellow flight attendant Crista Treat agrees: 'Establish dominance first with the armrests, because those are yours.' A good strategy? Keep your elbows gently anchored and resist the urge to cave to your seatmates' spread. If one of them reclines, Carin, a seasoned flight attendant, suggested, 'Wiggle your elbow into the back edge of the armrest. They'll likely move, and you get your space back." What to pack: EverSnug Travel Blanket Amazon This lightweight, ultra-packable blanket can double as your personal barrier. Carin swears by wrapping yourself 'like swaddling an infant' to avoid armrest disputes. 'You'll likely wake up to find your neighbors have repositioned,' she added. Bonus: This one attaches easily to your carry-on and spares you from those scratchy airline blankets. Get Comfortable Enough to Sleep Tip: "A good neck pillow is key,' Treat suggested. 'Sleeping through half the flight helps you forget you're stuck in the middle.' The best way to make the middle seat disappear? Sleep through it. A supportive neck pillow and an eye mask not only help you drift off faster but also keep your head from bobbing onto your seatmate's shoulder (never a great first impression). What to pack: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow Amazon With memory foam construction and seat straps that anchor it in place, this Cabeau neck pillow is a game-changer. 'It comes with a small carry bag where you can put your cell phone, lip gloss, etc, in so you don't need to reach for your bag in the overhead bin,' Martinez shared after dubbing the Cabeau version as her go-to neck pillow. Now, you don't have to rummage through the overhead bin midflight. What to pack: Trtl Travel Pillow Amazon Carin, on the other hand, called Trtl's compact pick her go-to. 'I love the secure closure—it doesn't slide off while you're napping,' she explained. Its sleek, scarf-like design makes it perfect for middle seat naps, offering structured neck support without the bulk. Create a Personal Bubble Tip: 'It's about creating a little cocoon,' Martinez advised. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask can transform your seat into a private zone. The key to surviving the middle seat? Mentally checking out. Layering sound-blocking headphones with a good eye mask signals to your neighbors and your brain that you're off the clock. What to pack: JBL Noise-Canceling Headphones Amazon 'These fold up easily, last for 75 hours, and don't break your heart if you lose them,' Carin said of JBL's top-rated headphones. She added that they're preferred among her crew and way better than 'chasing them around on the dirty aircraft floor.' Plus, she noted the noise-canceling feature is one of her favorite assets and emphasized how effective they are. These headphones are also foldable, so they fit seamlessly into your carry-on. What to pack: Bose QuietComfort Noise-canceling Headphones Amazon Looking to invest in real peace and quiet? Martinez recommends this premium pair from Bose. 'They're a game changer in tight spaces,' she said, allowing you to zone out even when you're sandwiched between two strangers. What to pack: Mzoo Sleep Mask Amazon This memory foam blackout eye mask has air holes for breathability and an adjustable strap to fit every head. The best part? It contours to your eyes, so there's no pressure on your lids while you nap, even in the dreaded middle. Keep Your Circulation Flowing Tip: 'A foldable seat cushion improves circulation on long flights,' Martinez shared. Chiming in, Carin added, 'Compression sleeves are a must for anything over four hours.' Middle seats often mean less freedom to stretch, so it's extra important to keep your blood flowing. A supportive seat cushion can ease pressure points, while compression socks and sleeves help fend off swelling and fatigue. What to pack: ComfiLife Ergo-gel Travel Seat Cushion Amazon Say goodbye to numb legs. This traveler-loved cushion's gel grid relieves pressure and keeps things cool. 'I used this on two 8-hour flights,' one Amazon reviewer said, 'and it kept my sciatic pain from flaring up.' What to pack: Zensah Compression Sleeves Amazon Carin said she won't board a long-haul flight without Zensah's compression sleeves. 'They make a huge difference for circulation and fatigue,' she mentioned. Slide them on before takeoff and keep your legs feeling light, even after hours in the air. Stay Self-sufficient Tip: 'Bring your own water and snacks so you don't have to bug the aisle person,' Treat recommended. Being in the middle often means waiting until the beverage cart rolls by—or worse, asking your seatmate to get up. Avoid the awkwardness by having everything you need within reach. What to pack: Yctmall Collapsible Water Bottle Amazon This space-saving travel bottle folds down flat when empty and is lightweight enough to stash in any bag. Fill it up post-security and stay hydrated without shelling out for overpriced airport drinks. What to pack: Charmast Portable Charger Amazon With Charmast's best-selling portable charger, an outlet war between you and your seatmates isn't necessary. It works with all smartphones and saves you from digging around for cords. It's fast, reliable, and ideal for recharging on the go. Bring entertainment Tip: 'Just in case the entertainment system doesn't work, it's always best to be prepared,' Martinez said. There's nothing worse than settling into your middle seat only to find the in-flight screen frozen or, worse, not there at all. To avoid relying on glitchy airline tech, seasoned flight attendants recommend loading up your own content in advance. Whether you're bingeing a new series or catching up on your book list, coming equipped with your own screen can turn a frustrating flight into a productive or relaxing one. What to pack: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Amazon Amazon's popular Kindle e-reader is slim, lightweight, and built for battery longevity, lasting up to 10 weeks on a single charge. The glare-free screen feels like real paper (even in direct sunlight), and it won't strain your eyes during a long haul. Load it up with travel guides, thrillers, or that beach read you've been meaning to finish—no Wi-Fi required. What to pack: Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet Amazon This versatile Amazon Fire tablet has a 13-hour battery life, a vibrant 10-inch screen, and access to all your streaming apps—from Netflix to Prime Video. Download your shows before boarding, and you're set, even if the seatback screen lets you down. It also doubles as an entertainment hub for your next hotel night, too. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
L'Orient-Le Jour
07-05-2025
- Business
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Why Saudi Arabia isn't driving up oil prices
In a statement released Sunday after a virtual meeting of eight OPEC+ members, the expanded alliance of oil-exporting countries said it would increase its total daily output by 411,000 barrels. The number is a significant jump from the 137,000-barrel increase outlined in the initial plan released in March, which was set to take effect in news sent a jolt through global financial markets, marking a notable shift in OPEC+ policy. For years, Saudi Arabia, the group's de facto leader, has favored limited production to push prices upward. Now, Riyadh appears to be changing course.'I don't think anyone was expecting such an increase,' said Karen Young, a senior research scholar on energy policy at Columbia the announcement, the price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell 4.6 percent to $58 a barrel, while...
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Analysis-How the oil price plunge complicates Saudi Arabia's economic agenda
By Yousef Saba DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, with its wealth linked inextricably to oil revenue, faces mounting pressure to raise debt or cut spending after a plunge in crude prices, complicating plans to fund an ambitious agenda to diversify its economy. Oil prices have tumbled to near four-year lows on fears a trade war will hit global growth and after a surprise decision by some OPEC+ oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, to boost their output plans. The price decline threatens to erase tens of billions of dollars of Saudi revenue, along with a planned drop in dividends from state-controlled energy giant Saudi Aramco. The International Monetary Fund and economists estimate Riyadh needs oil prices of over $90 a barrel to balance its budget. Benchmark Brent prices slipped below $65 this week. VISION 2030While Saudi Arabia funds its Vision 2030 reform program off budget, the government needs to spend on mammoth infrastructure projects linked to the program, which aims to wean the economy off its self-declared "oil addiction." The $925 billion Public Investment Fund, which is steering Vision 2030, also partly relies on oil, including through its shares in Aramco. "Saudi Arabia is likely to rely on debt financing, and it will have to delay or scale back some planned contracting awards given 2024 was already in a twin deficit," said Karen Young, senior research scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, referring to fiscal and current account deficits. Before the U.S. tariffs announcement, she said analysts had expected Saudi public debt to surge by $100 billion in the next three years. It jumped 16% to over $324 billion in 2024, official figures show. Aramco's dividends are also expected to fall by a third this year, meaning the government and PIF will receive about $32 billion and $6 billion less, respectively, Reuters calculations generated 62% of government revenue last year. Riyadh has not forecast oil revenue this year but in its 2025 budget released in November, it projected a 3.7% fall in total revenue. RECALIBRATINGPIF is also likely to seek additional financing, analysts said. The fund's Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said last year it intends to boost annual investments to $70 billion between 2025 and 2030 from $40-50 billion. PIF declined to comment. Saudi Arabia was among the largest emerging market debt issuers last year and the government has already raised $14.4 billion in bonds this year. PIF, which borrowed $24.8 billion last year via bonds and loans, has already raised $11 billion in 2025. Several other state-linked entities have also raised billions. PIF has ploughed hundreds of billions of dollars into the local economy, in everything from a camel dairy firm to NEOM, a gargantuan futuristic city in the desert. Projects ahead include the 2029 Asian Winter Games, set to feature artificial snow and a man-made freshwater lake, and the 2034 World Cup, for which 11 new stadiums will be built and others renovated. The finance ministry is "recalibrating and prioritising" spending to ensure the economy, including the private sector, can "catch up" while avoiding "overheating the economy," a spokesperson said. "We are assessing the recent developments and stand ready to take whatever policy decisions needed to ensure that our fiscal position remains strong," the spokesperson said. "We remain confident that most of our vision targets are either achieved or on track and we will deliver on the key events we are hosting." The plunge in oil coincides with geopolitical realignments as U.S. President Donald Trump upends a global economic order in place since World World II. Trump has pressured OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia to cut oil prices and urged Riyadh to invest $1 trillion in the United States. He is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on his first foreign visit in May. Lower oil prices "will likely lead to additional re-prioritisation of major projects, further rationalisation, revision of delivery timelines and a reduction in project work forces," said Neil Quilliam, associate fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme of London-based think tank Chatham House. Yet, the government is likely to view the short-term risk of lower oil prices as worth the long-term benefit, Quilliam said, noting the kingdom enjoys a low debt-to-GDP ratio and confidence from lenders. S&P raised Saudi Arabia's rating to 'A+' from 'A' last month, but said unfavourable oil price movements and more debt-funded investments were among factors that could lower that rating. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Analysis: How the oil price plunge complicates Saudi Arabia's economic agenda
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia, with its wealth linked inextricably to oil revenue, faces mounting pressure to raise debt or cut spending after a plunge in crude prices, complicating plans to fund an ambitious agenda to diversify its economy. Oil prices have tumbled to near four-year lows on fears a trade war will hit global growth and after a surprise decision by some OPEC+ oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, to boost their output plans. The price decline threatens to erase tens of billions of dollars of Saudi revenue, along with a planned drop in dividends from state-controlled energy giant Saudi Aramco. The International Monetary Fund and economists estimate Riyadh needs oil prices of over $90 a barrel to balance its budget. Benchmark Brent prices slipped below $65 this week. VISION 2030 While Saudi Arabia funds its Vision 2030 reform program off budget, the government needs to spend on mammoth infrastructure projects linked to the program, which aims to wean the economy off its self-declared "oil addiction." The $925 billion Public Investment Fund, which is steering Vision 2030, also partly relies on oil, including through its shares in Aramco. "Saudi Arabia is likely to rely on debt financing, and it will have to delay or scale back some planned contracting awards given 2024 was already in a twin deficit," said Karen Young, senior research scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, referring to fiscal and current account deficits. Before the U.S. tariffs announcement, she said analysts had expected Saudi public debt to surge by $100 billion in the next three years. It jumped 16% to over $324 billion in 2024, official figures show. Aramco's dividends are also expected to fall by a third this year, meaning the government and PIF will receive about $32 billion and $6 billion less, respectively, Reuters calculations show. Oil generated 62% of government revenue last year. Riyadh has not forecast oil revenue this year but in its 2025 budget released in November, it projected a 3.7% fall in total revenue. RECALIBRATING PIF is also likely to seek additional financing, analysts said. The fund's Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said last year it intends to boost annual investments to $70 billion between 2025 and 2030 from $40-50 billion. PIF declined to comment. Saudi Arabia was among the largest emerging market debt issuers last year and the government has already raised $14.4 billion in bonds this year. PIF, which borrowed $24.8 billion last year via bonds and loans, has already raised $11 billion in 2025. Several other state-linked entities have also raised billions. PIF has ploughed hundreds of billions of dollars into the local economy, in everything from a camel dairy firm to NEOM, a gargantuan futuristic city in the desert. Projects ahead include the 2029 Asian Winter Games, set to feature artificial snow and a man-made freshwater lake, and the 2034 World Cup, for which 11 new stadiums will be built and others renovated. The finance ministry is "recalibrating and prioritising" spending to ensure the economy, including the private sector, can "catch up" while avoiding "overheating the economy," a spokesperson said. "We are assessing the recent developments and stand ready to take whatever policy decisions needed to ensure that our fiscal position remains strong," the spokesperson said. "We remain confident that most of our vision targets are either achieved or on track and we will deliver on the key events we are hosting." The plunge in oil coincides with geopolitical realignments as U.S. President Donald Trump upends a global economic order in place since World World II. Trump has pressured OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia to cut oil prices and urged Riyadh to invest $1 trillion in the United States. He is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on his first foreign visit in May. Lower oil prices "will likely lead to additional re-prioritisation of major projects, further rationalisation, revision of delivery timelines and a reduction in project work forces," said Neil Quilliam, associate fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme of London-based think tank Chatham House. Yet, the government is likely to view the short-term risk of lower oil prices as worth the long-term benefit, Quilliam said, noting the kingdom enjoys a low debt-to-GDP ratio and confidence from lenders. S&P raised Saudi Arabia's rating to 'A+' from 'A' last month, but said unfavourable oil price movements and more debt-funded investments were among factors that could lower that rating. (Reporting by Yousef Saba; Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Bernadette Baum)
Reuters
08-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
How the oil price plunge complicates Saudi Arabia's economic agenda
Summary Companies Benchmark Brent crude oil has neared four-year lows Oil revenue made up 62% of state budget last year Kingdom and sovereign fund need more debt, analysts say Oil giant Aramco, long-time cash cow, slashing 2025 dividends DUBAI, April 8 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, with its wealth linked inextricably to oil revenue, faces mounting pressure to raise debt or cut spending after a plunge in crude prices, complicating plans to fund an ambitious agenda to diversify its economy. Oil prices have tumbled to near four-year lows on fears a trade war will hit global growth and after a surprise decision by some OPEC+ oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, to boost their output plans. The price decline threatens to erase tens of billions of dollars of Saudi revenue, along with a planned drop in dividends from state-controlled energy giant Saudi Aramco. The International Monetary Fund and economists estimate Riyadh needs oil prices of over $90 a barrel to balance its budget. Benchmark Brent prices slipped below $65 this week. VISION 2030 While Saudi Arabia funds its Vision 2030 reform program off budget, the government needs to spend on mammoth infrastructure projects linked to the program, which aims to wean the economy off its self-declared " oil addiction." The $925 billion Public Investment Fund, which is steering Vision 2030, also partly relies on oil, including through its shares in Aramco. "Saudi Arabia is likely to rely on debt financing, and it will have to delay or scale back some planned contracting awards given 2024 was already in a twin deficit," said Karen Young, senior research scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, referring to fiscal and current account deficits. Before the U.S. tariffs announcement, she said analysts had expected Saudi public debt to surge by $100 billion in the next three years. It jumped 16% to over $324 billion in 2024, official figures show. Aramco's dividends are also expected to fall by a third this year, meaning the government and PIF will receive about $32 billion and $6 billion less, respectively, Reuters calculations show. Oil generated 62% of government revenue last year. Riyadh has not forecast oil revenue this year but in its 2025 budget released in November, it projected a 3.7% fall in total revenue. RECALIBRATING PIF is also likely to seek additional financing, analysts said. The fund's Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said last year it intends to boost annual investments to $70 billion between 2025 and 2030 from $40-50 billion. PIF declined to comment. Saudi Arabia was among the largest emerging market debt issuers last year and the government has already raised $14.4 billion in bonds this year. PIF, which borrowed $24.8 billion last year via bonds and loans, has already raised $11 billion in 2025. Several other state-linked entities have also raised billions. PIF has ploughed hundreds of billions of dollars into the local economy, in everything from a camel dairy firm to NEOM, a gargantuan futuristic city in the desert. Projects ahead include the 2029 Asian Winter Games, set to feature artificial snow and a man-made freshwater lake, and the 2034 World Cup, for which 11 new stadiums will be built and others renovated. The finance ministry is "recalibrating and prioritising" spending to ensure the economy, including the private sector, can "catch up" while avoiding "overheating the economy," a spokesperson said. "We are assessing the recent developments and stand ready to take whatever policy decisions needed to ensure that our fiscal position remains strong," the spokesperson said. "We remain confident that most of our vision targets are either achieved or on track and we will deliver on the key events we are hosting." The plunge in oil coincides with geopolitical realignments as U.S. President Donald Trump upends a global economic order in place since World World II. Trump has pressured OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia to cut oil prices and urged Riyadh to invest $1 trillion in the United States. He is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on his first foreign visit in May. Lower oil prices "will likely lead to additional re-prioritisation of major projects, further rationalisation, revision of delivery timelines and a reduction in project work forces," said Neil Quilliam, associate fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme of London-based think tank Chatham House. Yet, the government is likely to view the short-term risk of lower oil prices as worth the long-term benefit, Quilliam said, noting the kingdom enjoys a low debt-to-GDP ratio and confidence from lenders. S&P raised Saudi Arabia's rating to 'A+' from 'A' last month, but said unfavourable oil price movements and more debt-funded investments were among factors that could lower that rating.
