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The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
The incredible train journey that'll ‘ruin every other railway trip you take'
WHAT is your idea of a great rail journey? Perhaps managing to bag a seat in rush hour... or even that it turns up on time. Well, there's once fancy train that is so posh, it even has its own spa and an open-air 'sightseeing carriage'. 4 4 Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here The Eastern & Oriental Express is a luxury train with five routes in Malaysia and Singapore, with views of jungles, ancient temples and mountains - think Agatha Christie's Orient Express, without the murder. The experience is so mind-blowing that travel blog Hand Luggage Only said: "It's easily one of the best train journeys in the whole world! "[It] might just ruin every other train experience you'll take." The outside views are stunning but so are the interiors, with carriages featuring wood panelling, silk furniture and velvet walls. One of the best-looking cars is the Piano Bar Car, which has a jazz club atmosphere and features with vibrant yellows and luxury fabrics that are inspired by the exotic Tiger Orchid flower. Lunch and evening meals are served up two different dining carriages, with Michelin-starred chef Andre Chiang offering dishes with typical Malaysian flavours, like beef salad, duck curry and spicy 'tom yam cappuccinos'. Meanwhile, breakfast and afternoon tea is served to guests in their cabins each day. European sleeper train with private cabins Away from the dining, there is also a Wellness Car with a "moving spa", with a choice of five different treatments that passengers can enjoy whilst on the move. For those looking to really soak up the sights, the rear carriage of the train offers an open-air observation deck, where guests can take in the views while enjoying a cocktail. There are five different three-night experiences travellers can book, on the Eastern & Oriental Express. The first journey allows passengers to join Chef André Chiang for amazing food experiences, alongside Michelin-starred Vicky Cheng, Jason Liu, Jungsik Yim and expert mixologist Shelley Tai. Alternatively, the Wild Malaysia journey takes guests through the Taman Negara National Park and into Penang. Then the Essence of Malaysia route goes to Southeast Asia. And there is a Malaysia Celebration which departs from Singapore for a festive voyage. 4 All of the journeys last three nights in total. Passengers can also choose from three different accommodation types including the Presidential Suite, then there is also the State Cabin and the Pullman Cabin. In the Presidential Suite, guests can enjoy free-flowing champagne, caviar, a fruit basket and flowers upon boarding, a complimentary spa treatment and 24-hour service. Depending on what journey you choose, there are different stopping locations and points of interest, but some include Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. However, all of this luxury doesn't come cheap. Prices start from $4,650 (£3,455.51) per person. Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences. Davos to Geneva, Switzerland "After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen "Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey London to Paris by Eurostar "Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what's so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won't have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail "From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton Beijing to Ulaanbatar "The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray Looking for something a bit cheaper? One man who travelled 4,000 miles across the UK by rail says the country's most beautiful train journey takes just 10 minutes and costs £3. Plus, the UK train line 'that time forgot' is crowned one of the best in the world by National Geographic.
Globe and Mail
25-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Toronto Pearson celebrates second annual Airport Workers Day
TORONTO, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Toronto Pearson is proud to host a celebration for the second annual Airport Workers Day – a day dedicated to recognizing people across the airport community whose work is essential to delivering an exceptional travel experience, keeping Canada connected and powering our economy forward.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Toronto Pearson celebrates second annual Airport Workers Day
TORONTO, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Toronto Pearson is proud to host a celebration for the second annual Airport Workers Day – a day dedicated to recognizing people across the airport community whose work is essential to delivering an exceptional travel experience, keeping Canada connected and powering our economy forward. Coordinated nationally by the Canadian Airports Council, Airport Workers Day is also an important opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of the 52,000-plus people who make up the Toronto Pearson community. Toronto Pearson is more than a gateway for travel – it's an economic powerhouse for all of Canada. The airport supports more than 133,000 jobs across Canada, contributes $19.6 billion to GDP and anchors the Pearson Economic Zone, where 1 in 7 Toronto-region workers are employed. The celebration took place at the airport on Wednesday, and included remarks from Toronto Pearson President and CEO Deborah Flint, as well as Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and other elected officials. "Airport Workers Day celebrates the dedication of the people who keep Toronto Pearson – and airports across Canada – moving," said Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Toronto Pearson. "In hot summer or cold winters, day and night, airport workers are essential to delivering a safe travel experience. Airport workers stimulate the economy and work to bring joy to travel for each and every passenger. The airport workers at Toronto Pearson are simply incredible." "I want to thank the thousands of Ontario workers who help keep Toronto Pearson, Canada's busiest airport and an economic engine for Ontario's economy, running smoothly," said Premier Doug Ford. "Our government will always have your backs, including in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty. That's why I was so pleased to announce $2 million in support of Pearson Works which will help train 450 airport workers through our $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund. Once again, to all the workers here at Toronto Pearson: Thank you for all that you do to support and protect Ontario!" "Airport workers aren't just technicians, agents and drivers; they're community-connectors, family bridges and last-mile heroes - getting people where they need to be against improbable odds. More than that, they're the beating heart of our economy, and for that they deserve our thanks and gratitude," said John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour). To learn more about Airport Workers Day, please visit our website. About Toronto Pearson The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses, and goods. Toronto Pearson has been named "Best Large Airport in North America serving more than 40 million passengers" seven times in the last eight years by Airports Council International, the global trade representative of the world's airports. Toronto Pearson was also recognized in 2025 as one of "Canada's Best Employers" by Forbes. For our corporate X channel, please visit @PearsonComms. For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on X. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram. SOURCE Toronto Pearson View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
19-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
These are the top airlines in the U.S., according to The Points Guy
Looking to travel this summer but not sure which airline to fly for the best experience? The Points Guy (TPG), an online site dedicated to improving consumers' travel experiences while helping them save money, has revealed its annual ranking of the best airlines in the U.S. Founder and CEO Brian Kelly said the site ranks airlines based on four criteria: a carrier's reliability and performance; passenger experience; its cost and reach; and the quality of its loyalty or rewards program. Recent carrier meltdowns have travelers thinking more carefully about which airline — and through which airports — they want to fly. "This is not just my personal decision," Kelly told CBS Mornings. He also explained how the company weighs each metric. "We have a formula. We use lots of data. This isn't us just sticking our finger up in the air and kind of playing favorites. We look at reliability, first and foremost." "When you buy airfare, you need to get to where you're going, so we give a huge amount — 30% — to reliability," Kelly explained. Some airlines are going the extra mile to make flying more enjoyable for customers, from the minute they step foot in an airport through touchdown. For that reason, TPG assigned a 25% weight to an airline passenger's experience score to determine its overall ranking. An airline's cost and reach — including how expansive its network of destinations is — was assigned a 20% weight. And one-quarter of an airline's score was determined by the quality of its loyalty of rewards program. How the airlines stack up Delta Air Lines topped the list for the seventh year in a row, with its relative strength across all categories earning it the highest ranking, according to TPG. It is the most reliable on-time airline in America. It also provides passengers with free wi-fi, a wide selection of inflight entertainment options and meals from Shake Shack. United came in second place, rising from third place last year, aided by an improved onboard experience. It could continue to climb the rankings next year after announcing a partnership with JetBlue that will expand the airline's reach and improve perks for its loyalty members, TPG said. Weighing on the airline, though, is United's outsized presence at Newark Airport, which is suffering from persistent equipment and staffing issues. Southwest Airlines moved up two spots to earn the No. 3 position. Working in the airline's favor is its low flight cancellation rate, which is the best of any of its competitors. While it scored points in the cost and reach category, recent changes in fee structures could end its reign. It recently ended its popular "bags fly free" policy and offers a new, basic economy fare. Here are the full rankings, according to TPG: Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines Alaska Airlines Hawaiian Airlines JetBlue American Airlines Allegiant Air Spirit Airlines Frontier Airlines
News.com.au
08-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
The best thing that's ever happened in a business class cabin
Not since the advent of the lie-flat bed, has a business class offering been more of a gamechanger. OK, this might only be true if you've got as much of a sweet tooth as I do, but hear me out – you're cruising along at 38,000 feet, feet up on your glorious recliner, full of your gourmet dinner, when something absolutely glorious, and unexpected, comes rattling down the aisle. An ice cream sundae cart! With all the trimmings! On a plane! I rest my case. United Airlines is famous for this particular in-flight miracle, which has reached icon status among its passengers. After your meal, the cart comes along, offering to adorn your vanilla or chocolate ice cream scoop with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, slivered toasted almonds, M & Ms and a cherry on top. If there's a better food experience on a plane, I haven't had it. New cabins Last month, United Airlines unveiled its new United Elevated interior, which includes sliding privacy doors for all business class seats, and a brand new studio suite experience. There are eight of the new seats in each upgraded cabin, located at the front of each business class section. They are 25 per cent larger than the standard business offering and offer even more privacy. I flew from Sydney to LA on the standard Polaris service, here's how it went down. Baggage Like most business class offerings, your ticket includes two free checked bags, up to 32kg each, which is a challenge I was unable to meet, with my puny 22kg offering. You're also entitled to Premier Access, which is essentially a priority check-in lane, and the promise of seeing your bags faster on the other side with priority bag handling. Lounge Polaris customers also get access to United Polaris lounges, where they are available (currently there are six, Chicago O'Hare, Houston Intercontinental, LAX, New York Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles). Don't worry, if there's no Polaris Lounge at your departure airport, you will get access to a partner lounge of your choice. I used the Polaris Lounge at LAX. It features deluxe shower rooms with Therabody products, an a la carte restaurant (order the famous burger and the skillet cookie, even if you're not hungry, trust me on this) as well as a buffet for lighter meal options. If you're already tired, there's a private rest area with daybeds, soft lighting and white noise to help you rest and relax The seats Like many business class offerings, the staggered 1-2-1 seat configuration means every seat is an aisle seat, but window seats are definitely the pick of the bunch. But not all window seats are created equal – to enable a full lie-flat experience, the seats are offset, with one being right next to the window, the next being closer to the aisle and so forth. This makes seats 1L or 9L superior choices, as they are both front of their respective parts of the cabin, closest to the windows and with the most privacy and least disturbance from the aisle. There was lots of legroom, as expected, and top notch extras, including noise-reducing headphones, bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, premium toiletries and premium mattress toppers available on request (please, tell me, who is not requesting a complimentary 'mattress cloud'?). Food In addition to the expected champagne on arrival, the meals were excellent on my flight. The main meal is an event, with warmed mixed nuts, a main you can pre-order before you fly (I chose roasted salmon with hollandaise and pearl couscous) salad, bread and the aforementioned sundae. Still hungry after your movie is over? They offer midnight snacks, including an extremely melty grilled cheese sandwich, available anytime, and a snack bar you can help yourself to. The app It can be hard to stand out in a saturated airline market where most offerings are variations on the same thing, but United's app is where it truly shines. I've never come across such an efficient and user-friendly airline app experience. You can obviously plan and book using it, but it's once you arrive at the airport that it comes into its own. My gate changed, no worries, I got a notification. Boarding about to start? told me that too. In-flight I was updated about changes to our arrival time and upon landing, it knew my bag was about to come out onto the carousel before it was visible. There's also a terminal guide, meal and seat choices and delay and cancellation options but it's the real-time notifications, taking some of the stress and uncertainty out of travel, that gets my vote.
