Latest news with #RhysJones
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- Health
- The Independent
I've taken over 130 long-haul flights — here's how I beat jet lag
"How do you beat jet lag?" Aviation expert Rhys Jones, from frequent flier website reveals that this is the number one question he's asked when he reveals what he does for a living. Which is mainly flying in passenger planes and writing about the experiences. He reveals that after six years in the job, he's taken over 130 long-haul flights, sometimes circumnavigating the globe without leaving airports. And the answer to the jet lag question? Rhys admits that beating jet lag outright isn't possible, but there are several ways to soften the impact and he claims to "manage jet lag better than most". Here's how he does it. 1. Fly business class Rhys admits this tip "sounds facetious", but he stresses that not only could he not do his job as an aviation writer and hotel reviewer globetrotting in economy, but that "flying business class is the best way to reduce jet lag". Why? "Because with a flat bed you can actually get some decent sleep," he says, adding: "If you're someone who can get a proper eight hours' rest sitting upright cramped in economy, then congratulations. Unfortunately, I need to be at least vaguely horizontal to get some good rest and that's something you only get in business or first class, unfortunately. "I now actively avoid flying long-haul economy at all costs, even when travelling on my holidays." 2. Use melatonin Melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy — and it's produced in greater quantities at night. Fortunately, this sleep regulator is available over the counter in the US in pill form, with Rhys revealing that it helps him "maintain a regular sleeping schedule". He warns that taking melatonin too often can lead to dependency, but says: "I find it fantastic in dealing with those classic jet lag situations where you are lying in bed wide awake at 3am because your body is telling you it is morning." 3. Sunlight and exercise After he lands, Rhys gets outside for a spot of exercise. He reveals: "Being outside and soaking up some sunshine immediately boosts my alertness and makes me feel better, especially after being in a flying aluminium tube for many hours. "One of my routines, if I feel up to it, is to go for a run outside within a few hours of getting home in the morning." 4. Do not oversleep Don't give in to tiredness, says Rhys. The aviation writer explains: "Be strict with yourself and don't out-sleep an alarm. "There are few things as detrimental and counterproductive than staying in the 'wrong' timezone and oversleeping." 5. Embrace napping Rhys is a believer in the power of the power nap and even has the perfect number of minutes for one – 24. He says: "Personally, I've found 24 minutes to be the ideal amount of time between falling asleep and entering a deep sleep cycle. During such a nap, I'll often feel like I'm not sleeping, only to find my alarm waking me up from a short dream. "I'll then spend five minutes or so slowly re-energising myself before getting back to whatever it is I need to do, feeling better and more alert." 6. US flights to Europe Does Rhys have a trick up his sleeve for dealing with flying east from the US to Europe? Unfortunately not. He tells The Independent: "Flying east — particularly on the overnight red-eye flights from the East Coast to Europe — can be an absolute killer. "The relatively short flight time curtails your night and means you only realistically have a few hours to sleep. "For that reason, I often recommend the east-bound day flights from New York and Boston, operated by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue, United, American Airlines and Air France. "Instead of trying to cram some sleep, you can enjoy the flight instead and land in Europe in the evening, in time for a cocktail and proper night's sleep.'
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits flying this summer will want a 4 letter code on their boarding pass
There are heaps of codes on your boarding pass when you board a flight but it turns out there's one that frequent flyers say you'll want to try and get for your holiday When you get your boarding pass for a flight, most people will just check the basic details such as their destination, seat number and their name. However, boarding passes have heaps of codes on them - and they can give you plenty of further clues as to whether you'll be slowed down at security, or have a chance for a cheeky upgrade when you get to the gate. In fact, there's one code that most frequent flyers will keep an eye for so they can maximise their chance of getting the best seats on the plane. Of course some codes can vary depending on your airline, but generally there are a few common codes you'll likely see - we take a look at those below, including one code that you hopefully won't see on your next holiday! PNR: The 'Passenger Name Reference' is a six-number code that is unique to you, and identifies you to the airport and airline. BHMY: This usually shows that you're in that flight's most basic class, such as economy. Class codes: An 'E' on your ticket shows you're in the class between basic and business/First Class - usually this would appear if you've booked a Premium Economy flight. If you're travelling business class you may see a 'C' or 'J' on your ticket. These two can also appear if you are a frequent flyer with the airline. Q: Sadly, this one means you're not eligible for a free upgrade. This usually applies when you've booked one of the cheapest fares. S/O: If you have a layover on your flight, this code will likely appear. Sometimes for longer stopovers, you may see 'SPTC' instead. READ MORE: Beautiful UK beach 'rivals Spanish coastline' with white sands and clear waters SSSS: This is the code you won't want to see when you're travelling. For those who are flying to or from the USA, this code could mean you have a tougher time at the airport, because it means you'll need to undergo additional airport security checks by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), for example an extra bag search. The exact selection process for the SSSS code is unknown, but some travellers think it could be based on factors such as your travel history or if you've booked a one-way flight. SEQ XXX: This is the code you do want! Rhys Jones, of frequent flyer website told MailOnline: "One of the most interesting of the marks on a boarding pass is the 'SEQ XXX' number. This denotes the order in which the passenger checks in for the flight. Many frequent flyers go out of their way to gain the coveted SEQ 001. "With British Airways, for example, where check-in opens 24 hours before the flight, the 'fastest finger on the trigger' when check-in opens will usually get pole position! There can however, be a fly in the ointment. "When someone has a connecting flight, they can have their boarding pass issued in advance of check-in opening for their subsequent flight. If this is the case, no matter how fast you are when online check-in opens, you'll find the special number has already gone!"
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Daily Record
Over 9m UK holidaymakers risk being turned away from flights due to 4 passport issues
A YouGov survey found that a significant proportion of UK adults are unaware of some key passport rules - meaning they could be stopped from travelling this summer More than nine million Brits could be barred from boarding flights due to four critical passport problems, experts have warned. A recent YouGov poll has shown that an estimated 40 per cent of UK residents lack knowledge about key travel regulations. The figures imply that up to 9.6 million British holidaymakers might be caught out by passport validity issues, as calculated by GoCompare using projected traveller numbers for 2024. It's vital, according to UK Government advice, to replace passports bearing any signs of damage like rips, tears, holes or water exposure prior to travel. advises: "If your passport is damaged, you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it." It highlighting that an unreadable passport, or one with torn pages, detached covers or markings, is not acceptable for use. For those in need of a replacement passport, an online application costs £94.50, whereas the postal form has a fee of £107. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, results from the YouGov survey of 2,000 people expose that nearly half (45 per cent) of holders of otherwise valid passports do not realise that damage to the document's cover can cause travel difficulties; and astoundingly, 64 per cent of Britons are unaware that unofficial markings such as stamps or stickers might obstruct their airport journey. Only two-fifths of UK adults (41 per cent) are aware of the fact that a passport error could invalidate their travel insurance. And this could potentially cost them if they're unable to head off due to passport errors. GoCompare's experts have highlighted key passport rules as well, including the importance of ensuring your passport is valid for your travel's duration and destination. Astonishingly, fewer than half (44 per cent) of UK adults are aware that to enter Europe, passports must be no more than 10 years old at departure, and just 60 per cent know about the three-month validity rule after returning home. Moreover, only 42 per cent of holidaymakers know passports need six months' validity from entry into countries such as Australia, China, Thailand, UAE, India, and Indonesia. An even lower figure (24 per cent) realise that for New Zealand trips, a passport has to stay valid for three months beyond the intended leave date. Rhys Jones, travel insurance specialist at GoCompare, commented: "Unfortunately, you likely won't be covered under your travel insurance for any costs incurred from passport problems preventing your departure. That's why it's so important to know the rules for any destination you plan to visit and to check your passport well before you travel. "You can check passport validity requirements for different countries on the UK government's foreign travel advice page. If you're not sure if your passport will be in date, it's better to be on the safe side and renew it before you attempt to travel." The number of travellers potentially affected by the passport rule is extrapolated from the percentage of people who were unaware of the rule according to a YouGov survey; this figure is then applied to the predicted total of UK travellers in 2024, assuming the trend continues into 2025. For further details on passport renewal procedures, visit
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Urgent travel warning as 7 million Brits unaware of crucial passport rule
Travel experts are warning British holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with the passport mandates of the countries they visit, as new research shows many are uninformed Not being well-informed of the travel restrictions of the country you plan to visit could cost you your holiday, warns travel experts. And this oversight is all too common, as new research shows that one in four travellers is unaware of at least one passport rule for a country they plan to visit. The travel insurance comparison site, recently used ONS and survey data to conduct a travel study. As a result of the research uncovered, the comparison site is urging holidaymakers to watch out for some little-known mistakes before they jet off. The study estimates that as many as 6.9 million holidaymakers could be affected because they are not aware of the regulations for the country they plan to visit. This could lead to a hold up at security or, worst case, your plans being derailed altogether. Research showed that almost a quarter (24%) of travellers admitted they were unaware of one or more rules relating to a country they plan to visit. And one of the most notable knowledge gaps had to do with passports. To clarify, travellers are subject to certain passport rules when going abroad, which are enforced at the airport. These include making sure your passport is valid for the correct length of time for your stay - including departure. According to the study, only half of recent visitors to Europe knew that a passport must be issued less than 10 years before departure. In fact, this has been a growing oversight since Brexit - for both passengers and airline staffers. As dictated by the 10-year rule, British passport holders need to show that their passport has been issued less than 10 years before the day they enter the European Union. Similarly, under the three-month rule, British passports must be valid for at least three months after the day travellers plan to leave the European Union. However, confusion about passport requirements recently led easyJet staff to incorrectly identify a woman's passport as invalid for travel to the European Union. The incident was reminiscent of a similar story that took place in December 2024, which saw a couple's holiday plans completely derailed. According to the study, just under a third of travellers knew that a passport must be valid for at least three months after the return date. Put into perspective, this means around 13.9 million travellers could have made one of these mistakes on their trip. The comparison site also found that only two in five UK adults knew they wouldn't be covered by their insurance policy if they made one of these passport errors. Without cover, holidaymakers risk losing out on any money spent on their trip if they can't travel because of a problem with their passport. Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert at said: 'Unfortunately, you likely won't be covered under your travel insurance for any costs incurred from passport problems preventing your departure. That's why it's so important to know the rules for any destination you plan to visit and to check your passport well before you travel.' Jones continued: 'You can check passport validity requirements for different countries on the UK government's foreign travel advice page. If you're not sure if your passport will be in date, it's better to be on the safe side and renew it before you attempt to travel.'
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Digital Infrastructure Event Showcases Connectivity Progress in Swansea Bay City Region
An event hosted by Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme aimed to draw attention to the transformative potential of digital infrastructure in the region. The event that took place in Parc y Scarlets stadium, Llanelli as well as being live streamed online, brought together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the advancements in digital connectivity and innovation taking place, along with the challenges and many opportunities that being better connected brings. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive overview of the programme, which is in full delivery across all three workstreams, highlighting its critical role in driving economic growth and social inclusion across the region. Experts delved into topics such as 5G deployment, rural connectivity, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, offering valuable insights and practical solutions to further strengthen the region's digital ecosystem. Rhys Jones from Arwain DGC said: 'Being involved in this event has been important for gaining insights into the challenges faced to improve network connectivity across this region. 'Additionally, the golden thread which was voiced by everyone involved, is indicative of the proactive approach that the Digital Infrastructure Programme takes, which is collaboration for success. 'Personally, being able to share and discuss the levels of innovation on Welsh farms, hopefully inspired all the attendees in the room and online.' Prominent figures from the digital and technology sectors shared their visions for the future, emphasising the importance of robust digital infrastructure in fostering innovation and competitiveness. Richard Williams, Head of Acquisitions at Ontix, said: 'We know that digital connectivity has fundamentally changed our world forever but making sure we can maximise its potential in order to improve real people's lives needs creativity, visionary thinking and strong leadership. 'The fantastic work that The Swansea Bay City Deal region is doing to embrace and unlock the opportunities presented by better connectivity for South West Wales demonstrates all of those qualities, and Ontix look forward to continuing to work with colleagues to help deliver better 4G and 5G connectivity across the area.' Cllr, Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: 'The resounding success of the event underscores the vital role of digital infrastructure in our future and as a region we are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from these advancements. 'The digital infrastructure programme is not just about technology – it's about creating opportunities and improving lives. 'The event highlighted the incredible progress we've made so far as well as the continued collaborative work needed to maximise the exciting opportunities ahead.'
