Latest news with #internationalflights
Condé Nast Traveler
28-05-2025
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
United Passengers Are Required to Check In Earlier Starting June 3
Running fifteen minutes late isn't the end of the world—unless you're on the way to board a flight, that is. Starting June 3, 2025, United Airlines will require passengers to check in for domestic flights at least 45 minutes before departure, replacing its previous 30-minute guideline. The new rule applies to passengers both with and without checked baggage. Travelers who don't need to check any bags can check in online 24 hours before their flight and get a digital boarding pass. For international flights, travelers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure. 'The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines,' a United spokesperson tells Condé Nast Traveler. 'Customers can review domestic and international airport check-in time limits here and use our lobby kiosks for self-service as needed." It's a small policy tweak, but travelers who unknowingly miss the new check in cutoff may not be allowed to board. 'If you don't meet your check-in time limits, we'll do our best to find another option," United's website says. "However, we have the right to deny service which may result in cancellation of your reservation, denied boarding or the option to check your bags.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Why Is Everyone Going To Be Traveling With A Pillowcase This Summer?
A trending travel hack uses a pillowcase stuffed with clothes to sneak an extra carry-on past airline baggage limits, disguised as a travel pillow. Flight attendants are aware of the trick and may flag oversized or oddly shaped pillows, especially on international flights or basic economy fares. Even without the hack, a pillowcase is a smart travel essential—doubling as a laundry bag, makeshift beach tote, packing cube, or even a backup you see someone boarding a plane with a pillow in hand this summer… take a closer look. Thanks to a viral TikTok trend, travelers are discovering a clever way to get around stingy baggage policies, and as it turns out, a pillowcase is more useful than it might seem at first. The hack: Instead of paying for a second carry-on or overstuffing your personal item, you fill a pillowcase with soft clothing (think T-shirts, swimsuits, or leggings) and bring it aboard disguised as a travel pillow. Most airlines don't count pillows toward your baggage allowance, so a well-stuffed pillowcase can sneak on as a bonus bag, no extra fee required. But while this trick might work in some cases, don't assume it will go unnoticed. Flight attendants are paying attention—and they're well aware of trending 'hacks' like this one. According to John Paul "JP" Deveraux, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant with 10 years of experience, TikTok and other social media platforms have introduced a wave of behavior that can create conflict onboard, from this pillowcase hack to other antics like passengers booking the last row and sprinting off the plane before others when the seatbelt sign turns off. Deveraux explains that while flight attendants are trained to be friendly and welcoming, they're also constantly scanning passengers and their carry-on items during boarding. That includes noting whether bags look too big for the overhead bins, whether someone has more than their allotted two items, or if something—like a suspiciously bulky pillowcase—raises questions about what's really inside. While neck pillows are generally approved, Deveraux says full-sized pillows can be flagged as an additional item. 'A pillowcase stuffed with clothing takes a shape of its own, and can draw unwanted attention with its awkward shape,' he says. Even if you make it past the gate agent and the first crew member at the door, there are still other flight attendants onboard who may spot the extra item and intervene. Still, even if you're never planning to sneak anything onboard, there's a strong case for packing an empty pillowcase. It takes up virtually no space, weighs next to nothing, and comes in handy in all kinds of situations, especially during summer travel. Here are just a few of the ways seasoned travelers use a pillowcase on the go: Laundry bag: Keep sweaty clothes or dirty socks separate from the rest of your stuff—no need for plastic grocery bags or hotel laundry sacks. Beach tote liner: Toss it inside a straw bag to catch wet swimsuits, sandy sandals, or sunscreen bottles that might leak. Neck pillow stand-in: Stuff it with a hoodie or scarf and use it as a softer, more hygienic pillow on long flights or road trips. Packing cube alternative: Use it to corral small clothing items inside your suitcase for better organization. Shoe bag: Slip your sneakers or sandals inside to protect your clean clothes from dirt. Extra layer: In a pinch, it works as a head wrap, sun cover, or even a towel if you're at the beach or pool and need something to dry off with. Some travelers even pack their own pillowcases for peace of mind at hotels or vacation rentals—a soft, familiar fabric from home can make unfamiliar bedding feel a little more comfortable. If you're still tempted to try the hack, know that it might go over better on some airlines than others. Deveraux notes that U.S. carriers are generally more lenient with these kinds of items, but international carriers are likely to spot a misshapen pillowcase from a mile away. And even if they let you bring it on, there's still a chance they'll charge you for it at the gate. You also run a bigger risk of having that pillowcase flagged if you're flying on a basic economy fare and boarding late in the process. Once the overhead bins are full, gate agents start checking all remaining bags—and if your pillowcase raises any red flags, it could be taken and checked to your final destination. That's not ideal if your clothes are just loosely tucked inside. Deveraux's take: He'd much rather have his clothing safely enclosed in a suitcase than stuffed in an open pillowcase, especially if there's a chance it could be checked. A better bet for budget-conscious travelers is to look for a credit card that includes a free checked or carry-on bag, or to sign up for the airline's frequent flier program to unlock perks that help with baggage allowance. Still, a spare pillowcase has tons of versatile uses for travel. And once you're onto the idea—even if you're not trying anything sneaky—you may never travel without one again. Read the original article on Southern Living
Reuters
13-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Southwest Airlines seeks permission to expand international network
May 13 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines (LUV.N), opens new tab on Tuesday filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to fly to any country with which the U.S. has an Open Skies aviation agreement. The carrier currently flies within the U.S. and to some nearby destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The United States has open skies agreements with countries across Europe, Latin America and parts of Asia and Europe. The filing was "not necessarily indicative of anything forthcoming", Southwest said in a statement. The carrier said it was taking advantage of the DOT's streamlined regulatory procedures for international authority. Bloomberg News first reported on the filing earlier in the day.
Bloomberg
13-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Southwest Air Hints at International Expansion in DOT Request
Southwest Airlines Co. has filed with the US Transportation Department for authority to fly to any country with which the US has an Open Skies aviation agreement, signaling the carrier intends to expand its small international route network. Approval of the request could allow Southwest to fly to countries in Europe, the UK, much of Latin America and parts of Asia and Africa. The Dallas-based airline also sought the ability to transport 'persons, property and mail' to countries that enter aviation agreements with the US in the future, according to the document.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Qantas launches huge sale for international flights with tickets as low as $519 - but you have to be quick
Qantas has launched a huge sale on international flights and slashed ticket prices to as low as $519. The national carrier has offered more than 100,000 seats at discount prices to popular destinations including Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The cheapest tickets start from under $520 with the fire sale to end on Monday. The sale applies to fares between June 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, with selected blackout dates. Economy return fares begin at $519 from Perth or Darwin to Singapore; $599 from Melbourne to Bali, in Indonesia; or $679 from Sydney to Bali. The airline also has discounted flights to more far-flung destinations. Passengers can fly from Brisbane to Manila, in the Philippines, for $829; or from Sydney to Manila for $899. Flights between Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Tokyo, in Japan, are advertised at $949. For $929, the carrier will connect those same cities with Bangkok, in Thailand. 'We know how much our customers love our international sales, and we're excited to be offering some great deals today across almost our entire Asia network,' Qantas International and Freight CEO Cam Wallace said. 'Whether it's chasing the sun in Bali, exploring the street food scene in Hong Kong or visiting friends and family, there's something here for everyone. 'These travel dates also line up with some great events and festivals across Asia, making it the perfect time to start planning a getaway.' The fares also include checked baggage, meals, beverages and entertainment. The sale follows Jetstar's massive 21st birthday sale. The sale offered more than 225,000 discounted seats on more than 100 domestic and international travel destinations. Their sale ends at 11.59pm on Tuesday, unless sold out prior. The domestic options include flights between Sydney and Ballina (Byron Bay) from $38. Flights between Sydney and Melbourne are offered at $42. The carrier will also link and Melbourne to Gold Coast from $64 under the sale. International options include routes between Melbourne and Nadi, Fiji from $189; Cairns and Christchurch from $199; and Sydney to Rarotonga from $279. Travel dates vary per route. Qantas Economy Fares Economy return sale fares: Melbourne to Bali $599 Sydney to Bali $679 Brisbane to Manila $829 Sydney to Manila $899 Sydney to Hong Kong $929 Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Tokyo $949 Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Bengaluru $949 Sydney to Hong Kong $929 Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Bangkok $929 Melbourne or Brisbane to Hong Kong $979 Premium Economy return sale fares: Sydney to Bangkok $2,749 Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide to Bangkok $2,799 Business return sale fares: Brisbane to Manila $3,799 Sydney or Melbourne to Manila $3,899 Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide to Hong Kong $4,899 Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide to Bengaluru $5,399
