air travel

At least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured after an A320 aircraft suddenly dropped in altitude and was forced to make an emergency landing

Some air travel across the United Kingdom will be disrupted over the coming days as several airlines carry out software updates on some Airbus 320 aircrafts, an aviation agency said.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued the instruction on Friday, November 29, as a “precautionary action”, impacting travel across the UK.

The Associated Press news agency reported that at least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured in last month after an A320 aircraft suddenly dropped in altitude and was forced to make an emergency landing in Florida. The plane had experienced a “flight control issue” which could be linked to its software system, AP reported.

“The requirement will mean the airlines flying these aircraft will in some cases have to change software over the days ahead or remain on the ground from Sunday onwards until the software has been changed,” EASA, the main certifying authority for the A320 aircraft, said.

“This action is likely to mean that unfortunately there may be some disruption and cancellations to flights.”

Several UK airlines have these aircrafts in their fleet and could be impacted.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the impact on UK airlines should remain “limited”.

“The good news is it seems the impact on UK airlines seems limited, with a smaller number of aircraft requiring more complex software and hardware changes,” Alexander said.

Low-cost airline Wizz Air warned that their passengers may face disruption over the weekend as a result of the update. The airline said it has already immediately scheduled the necessary maintenance to ensure full compliance with the identified mitigation and as a result, some flights will be affected over the weekend.

The UK’s EasyJet said in a statement that there may be changes to their flying schedule as a result of the update and passengers will be informed.

Three British Airways aircrafts require the update, limiting any significant disruption to passengers.

Irish airline Aer Lingus said it was not expecting major operational disruption due to the limited number of its aircrafts impacted.

Jet2.com also said will be no impact to its flying programme as the software updates were on a small number of aircrafts.

“We have been made aware of an issue that may affect some of the A320 family of aircraft and the precautionary action that EASA has taken,” said Giancarlo Buono, director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

“We appreciate the disruption this may cause to some people flying over the coming days… Airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers when a flight is delayed,” Buono added.

Gatwick Airport also warned passengers may face some disruption over the coming days, but a spokesperson for the airport said the software update will only impact a small number of airlines at the airport.

Both Heathrow and Luton Airports are expected to run their flying schedule as normal.

One Reddit user recently posted six travel hacks they said “made my trips way cheaper and smoother”. The tips covered topics ranging from booking flights, to finding your way around and eating

Travel, whether it’s a relaxed few days on the beach with a cocktail, a fast-paced city break, or an exciting adventure exploring a foreign land, can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience – but it can also be very stressful. Whether it’s making sure you’ve packed everything you need, sorting out travel to and from your destination, and of course, remembering your passport, there are a lot of things to think about before setting off.

Thankfully there’s a wealth of handy tips online to help make any trip easier. One Reddit user recently posted six travel hacks they said “made my trips way cheaper and smoother”.

The first of these is to book flights online using your internet browser’s incognito mode. This allows you to browse the internet without storing history or data, meaning sites you visit won’t have any information about you and adjust prices accordingly.

The Reddit user said: “Check the same route on your phone’s browser, prices sometimes differ.” To access incognito mode on Google Chrome, click the three dots in the top right and click New Incognito Window. Others browsers operate in a similar way.

The second tip was: “Save the offline version of your Google Maps area before you even leave home.” This will allow you to navigate using your phone without relying on having internet access, and without using data abroad, which can be costly.

The next was: “Carry a cheap carabiner, hangs bags, locks zips together, secures stuff in hostels.” And the fourth tip concerned one of the most important parts of travelling. The user said: “Eat your big meal at lunch – same food, half the price in most cities.”

Something leaking in your bag can be a nightmare, and this can be doubly frustrating while travelling as you might not have a way of containing it or cleaning it up. The Reddit user has a solution for this. They said: “Always pack a ziplock bag: wet clothes, snacks, leaking toiletries, you name it.”

The final tip read: “Last one: When you arrive somewhere new, take the first hour slow, no rushing, just orienting. Saves mistakes and money.”

Reddit users added their own tips in the comments. One said: “Always bring safety pins! They can fix so many different problems and/or help other travellers.”

Another wrote: “My essentials case is small sewing kit (I collect the ones from hotel rooms), 5cm wide cotton adhesive tape (find it more versatile than duct tape), and superglue. Can fix almost anything with that.”

Someone else said: “Keep all important information in a small notebook. Key addresses, directions, passwords, etc, in case your phone battery goes dead, or your phone is lost or stolen. Have heard so many stories of people having major travel problems due to a dead or missing phone.

“Saves a lot of time, money, and stress. If traveling with a partner, never keep all wallets and phones in one bag in case one is lost or stolen. I’m a huge fan of traveling with Ziploc bags, packing blocks, bandannas, small fabric shopping bags.”

And a different user added: “Book hotels that offer breakfast if you are in an expensive city such as Reykjavik, Iceland. I stuff myself with good, delicious food that last me for the day.

“In between, I have tasting samples of baked goods or something very light to snack on. It’s well worth it since breakfast can easily cost about £22 ($30) per person anyway.”

Music fans at Stockholm airport couldn’t believe their eyes when the popstar they were travelling to see boarded the same flight to Helsinki, and she wasn’t even flying first class

Music enthusiasts in Stockholm, Sweden, were left stunned whilst awaiting their flight to Finland after discovering a very special passenger was also waiting to board the same flight.

It’s hardly uncommon for music lovers to journey far and wide to catch their beloved bands and artists performing live. Whether it’s a trip to a neighbouring city, across the country, or to an entirely different country, no distance appears too far for devoted fans, who frequently use concerts as an opportunity to explore new destinations. What they certainly wouldn’t anticipate, though, is bumping into the very artist they’re travelling to see aboard their aircraft.

However this extraordinary scenario unfolded for a group of admirers who were preparing to board their flight from Stockholm, Sweden, travelling across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki in Finland to see Zara Larsson at her upcoming concert.

Sharing on TikTok, one fan posted the clip which captured the incredible moment she was lingering by the departure gate at Arlanda airport in Sweden, only to glance up and spot the pop sensation approaching the very same gate, instantly drawing the focus of numerous fans present, all travelling to attend her performance the next evening.

“Pov you’re flying from Sweden to Finland to see Zara Larsson and Zara Larsson shows up,” the fan wrote in the video’s caption.

The brief footage showed Zara chatting casually with several supporters at the gate, including one fan who spun around in amazement upon hearing the superstar’s distinctive voice behind her.

The TikTok creator then posted some snaps with Zara, who looked stylish in a black fur coat and vibrant pink nails. She chose to travel makeup-free as she was en route to her Helsinki gig scheduled for 26 November.

The video quickly attracted comments from other fans and has been viewed over 478,000 times within the first day of being uploaded on the platform.

“Crazy how she just flies in economy,” one fan commented, while another exclaimed: “Imagine sitting next to Zara on a plane omggg.”

A third fan chimed in: “Personally i wouldve started dancing lush life to get my lush life girl moment.

“How does it feel… to live our dream?” another asked.

Zara Larsson is currently wrapping up the European leg of her Midnight Sun tour, which kicked off in Munich on 28 October, before hitting London on 5 November, followed by Dublin and Manchester. She will then take the tour to the USA and Canada in February 2026.

With searches for ‘avoid jet lag’ soaring, travel experts have revealed the perfect time to fly

Anyone heading off for some winter sunshine this festive period might find themselves fretting about jet lag – particularly if you’re travelling somewhere quite distant. According to Google Trends data, searches for ‘avoid jet lag’ have rocketed by 9,900% over the past month, with holidaymakers worried this could ruin their break.

But dodging jet lag could be as straightforward as picking the ideal departure time, according to specialists at Go2Africa. They recommend booking your flight to arrive at a local time between 2pm-5pm, which means you’ll touch down in optimal conditions with plenty of daylight exposure and the chance to remain alert until bedtime. This sets you up for a properly synchronised body clock throughout your getaway.

Circadian rhythm alignment

One explanation for why your arrival time can help prevent jet lag is that it allows your body’s circadian rhythm sufficient time to adjust to external signals like light and darkness.

Any sudden shift, such as crossing time zones during air travel, can throw this alignment off balance and trigger jet lag symptoms.

Strong reset signal

“Light is the strongest signal to the body that it needs to reset”, the specialists explain. “Strategic exposure or, of course, avoidance, changes your circadian phase, supercharging the reset of your internal body clock.”

Daylight and wakefulness

The experts add: “Getting to your destination between the hours of 2pm and 5pm local time is perfect as you have enough daylight to reset your body clock, but it’s not so late that you will struggle to stay awake until bedtime. Arriving too early (morning) risks falling asleep prematurely or being awake for too many hours before night, confusing your clock.”

Other ways to beat jet lag

If you can’t manage to touch down at the ideal time, there are still plenty of methods to reduce your chances of suffering from jet lag.

The first approach is to slowly modify your sleep pattern at least three days before you travel. Achieve this by hitting the hay 30 to 60 minutes earlier each evening.

Another suggestion is to maximise your light exposure by stepping outdoors into natural sunlight as quickly as possible once you’ve landed.

Though if you touch down during the evening hours, experts recommend steering clear of harsh lighting (particularly screens) for an hour or two before your local bedtime.

During your first complete day at your destination, synchronise your meals, wake-up time and sleep schedule with the local timezone, as your body’s digestive rhythm also plays a crucial part in your circadian system.

Travel experts are warning Brits about an airport security rule that could see you denied boarding if you don’t follow it.

Thousands of Brits are jetting off for some winter sunshine, with most travellers clued up on airport security protocols.

Your liquids are sorted in your carry-on, passport at the ready, and necessary visas obtained.

But there’s one obscure airport security regulation that could see you refused boarding – and it’s got nothing to do with what’s in your luggage.

Experts at WildPack American Summer Camps are urging holidaymakers to take note of this lesser-known requirement, which if violated could mean being barred from your flight.

If you’ve been rushing around getting ready for departure and allowed your mobile to run out of battery, you could face serious complications.

Travel specialist Jamie Fraser explained: “Many travellers are unaware that airport security now operates under stricter guidelines regarding electronic devices.

“If security personnel cannot switch on your phone to conduct necessary checks, they have the authority to deem the device, or you, a security risk.”

Airport personnel may request you power up your device to demonstrate it’s functioning properly, reports the Express.

Should your battery be flat, the gadget be faulty or fail to power on, you’ll be prohibited from taking it aboard the aircraft.

Official guidance on GOV.UK states: “Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel.

“If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft.”

Whilst most passengers won’t face this request, it remains a possibility, making preparation vital.

Jamie said: “While it might seem extreme, these regulations are in place for everyone’s safety.

“A non-functioning device raises suspicion and can lead to significant delays and potential denial of boarding. In some cases, security might even confiscate the device for further inspection.”

Nobody likes waiting for their luggage to come off the carousel, but according to one travel specialist, using a certain sticker will mean your bags will be heading to the belt that much faster

Many of us will be heading to the airport soon, whether it’s to visit family for Christmas or to go after some winter sun, and that means terminals will be much busier than usual.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of waiting around when you visit an airport, from getting through security to passport control, but one travel specialist claims there’s a trick to help you save time. Best of all, it’s completely free.

Hadleigh Diamond, commercial director at SCS Chauffeurs, claims that if you add a fragile sticker to your checked bag, it’s likely it’ll be loaded last onto the aircraft, meaning that it’ll come out first onto the carousel at the other end.

Fragile stickers can be requested free of charge from staff at check-in and are intended for passengers carrying delicate items, such as glassware or ceramics. However, anyone can request one of these labels for their bag.

Hadleigh said: “Clients regularly tell us that the difference between a good travel day and a stressful one often starts with baggage reclaim. If you’re standing waiting for 30 minutes while the carousel clunks out someone else’s bags, your trip can feel so much longer.

“But the fragile sticker trick is a game-changer — and it often works. We’ve heard this tip from both airport ground staff and frequent flyers. You don’t need to lie or explain — just politely ask the check-in agent to add a ‘fragile’ sticker to your suitcase. It’s not guaranteed, but more often than not, your bag is among the first out. We’ve seen it work time and time again.”

While baggage handling varies at every airport, as a general rule, items marked as ‘fragile’ are placed last in the airport’s hold, as this helps prevent them from being crushed or being placed under heavier loads. So, no matter where you end up sitting on the plane, if your bag is marked as fragile, it’s more likely to be one of the first items taken out of the hold and could even be among the first to arrive at the carousel.

And this trick isn’t just for people who are impatient. If you have scheduled transfers or a tight connection, the last thing you want to do is be stuck waiting around the luggage carousel. Baggage reclaim delays can see you held up for over 40 minutes during peak times, so this trick could help you avoid the stress of a missed connection.

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Recently, travellers were warned against using another luggage hack, which many people utilise to help identify their suitcase at the conveyor belt. Passengers were warned never to tie a ribbon onto their suitcase, as according to baggage handlers, any loose items can get caught in the carousel machinery, potentially delaying luggage for other airline travellers as well.

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The World Airline Awards rank the best airlines for each continent, and its top list for Europe includes a number of surprises, including a strong ranking for British Airways and a winner that few have heard of

The World Airline Awards have published its list of the Best Airlines in Europe, which includes a number of big names. However, popular budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet failed to make the top 10.

Skytrax, whose site allows users to post airline and airport reviews, put together the list based on customer surveys that included rankings for a number of factors from staff friendliness to cabin cleanliness, seat comfort, and even the quality of the airline’s website.

At number one is Turkish Airlines, which is the flag carrier for Turkey. This airline offers several routes from the UK to Turkish destinations including Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya from bases in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

Certifying it as a four-star airline, according to its own ranking system, Skytrax said: “Turkish Airlines delivers a good experience to customers, and for short-haul travel the airlines provides a superior experience versus many other legacy carriers in Europe, and benchmarks well against Middle Eastern competitors.”

Another winner was Air France, which operates from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, with destinations including Paris and other major cities.

UK-based British Airways managed to clinch fourth place, while Virgin Atlantic was the next UK airline on the list, taking sixth place. The latter flies from London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh, and offers services to far-flung destinations such as the USA, Canada, Korea, and India.

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Recently, a study revealed the airline with the worst legroom, and the results were surprising. Which? looked at 12 popular airline and worked out how many inches passengers got for their money.

At the top of the list was Aer Lingus offering 31-32 inches of space, and in second place, British Airways offered a decent 29-31 inches. But in third place was easyJet with 29 inches, showing that budget airlines aren’t necessarily more cramped than their premium counterparts.

At the bottom of the list were TUI and Wizz Air who offered seat pitches of 28 inches, so there’s not a huge amount of difference between the best and worst legroom when it comes to economy class.

10 best airlines in Europe according to Skytrax

1. Turkish Airlines
2. Air France
3. Swiss International Air Lines
4. British Airways
5. Lufthansa
6. Virgin Atlantic
7. Iberia
8. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
9. Austrian Airlines
10. Finnair

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Budget airline Wizz Air plans to reduce the number of flights from Gatwick Airport, instead shifting its fleet to Luton, due to operating costs and ‘inferior slots’

Budget airline Wizz Air is set to cut the number of flights it operates from Gatwick Airport.

József Váradi, chief executive of Hungarian firm Wizz Air, said his airline is losing money in its operations at the UK’s second busiest airport. The carrier is instead set to shift towards operating more flights out of Luton due to lower costs.

This process will start with Wizz Air moving a single plane from Gatwick to Luton, Mr Váradi said. This will kickstart an “ongoing process” to slowly shift the fleet.

This follows the closure of an Abu Dhabi-based offshoot of Wizz Air, announced in July, as well as the scrapping of its base in Vienna due to “airport costs and taxes”.

Mr Váradi told The Telegraph: “Gatwick is expensive and we have been operating an inferior set of slots there. We think that we can enhance financial performance by operating that capacity from Luton.”

“Circumstances change and you have to take action. Whichever bases give you the most profitability, you should be biased toward them. That includes moving aircraft over from Gatwick to Luton.”

Mr Váradi added that the airline doesn’t plan on leaving Gatwick entirely, but instead aims to “optimise” its base there. He added: “You have to churn your network for profit. We are simply more efficient financially in Luton.”

This comes after Wizz Air revealed ‘Wizz Class’, which will allow passengers to pay extra to sit on a row with an unoccupied middle seat – giving them a little extra room in the process.

Other perks include priority boarding, a carry-on bag allowance and guaranteed space in overhead bins. The airline said Wizz Class is “designed to meet the demand of travellers seeking more space, comfort and a quicker exit from the aircraft”.

Commercial officer Silvia Mosquera said: “The roll-out of Wizz Class follows feedback from our growing number of business travellers who value low-cost travel options and prefer additional space during the flight.”

The new seating option will appear on selected flights departing from London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest and Budapest in December.

Dan Bowes had no known allergies when he boarded his outbound flight to Turkey. But he suddenly experienced a “severe” allergic reaction – and it meant he was prevented from boarding the aircraft at the end of his holiday

A holiday-maker has claimed he was left stranded after he was refused boarding on his return flight because of an allergic reaction.

Dan Bowes had no known allergies when boarding the outbound flight to Dalaman, Turkey. But he says he suddenly experienced a “severe” allergic reaction, with his throat swelling, breathing difficulties and itchy, puffy eyes. The cabin crew were “fantastic” and acted swiftly to get the 32-year-old the care he needed. But, on the way home, he claims he was “refused” boarding by the same airline, Jet2, over a missing piece of paperwork.

“I instantly panicked,” the business owner, from Consett, County Durham, told NeedToKnow . “I made over 18 calls to Jet2’s emergency line, following different and conflicting advice each time. “I rushed to the local hospital, had the form completed and it was sent to the airline that afternoon.

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“At the airport, staff accepted the paperwork, checked me in and took photos of the form. But just five minutes before boarding, I received a call saying the form had been rejected.”

Dan claims the paperwork, a medical information form (MEDIF), was refused since the doctor had missed his name on the second page and wrote ‘N/A’ in medical history. As a result, Dan was escorted out of Dalaman Airport on 17 July 2025 and his luggage was removed. He said: “I was dumped outside the airport main entrance at midnight with no help, no hotel and no guidance.

“I was later told I could’ve flown with another airline without the form, despite being told all day it was mandatory across all carriers. By that point, though, every flight to the UK had gone.”

Dan, and his friend Clair Maskery, 33, were left having to fork out £400 for emergency accommodation, food, and transport back to Marmaris. Thankfully, the next day, they were allowed home on the last Jet2 flight that night after resending a new MEDIF form through.

But Dan said it was the conflicting information from the airline that turned his enjoyable holiday into a “nightmare”. He explained: “After we arrived, a letter was left under my hotel room door asking me to meet a Jet2 rep. She handed me a MEDIF form and said I needed to see the hotel doctor, as well as obtain a Fit to Fly certificate.

“I immediately went to the doctor, though he said I had a throat infection. I was issued the Fit to Fly, though I was told the MEDIF form wasn’t required.

“I returned to the rep, handed her my certificate and she reassured me that would be enough. So, naturally, I assumed I was cleared to travel. But when checking out of the hotel, she told me I couldn’t fly.”

Dan filed a formal complaint and later obtained their internal records. He claims there were multiple errors, including different medications administered and false information, such as him “refusing” to fill in a MEDIF.

READ MORE: Critically ill Brit nan stuck in Turkey as there’s ‘no hospital beds’ back home

He also alleges that the airline hasn’t yet provided a full list of onboard meals and ingredients – despite repeated requests -since his doctors need this information to determine his allergy, which could be life-threatening.

Dan added: “I did everything Jet2’s own rep and doctor advised. I followed every instruction I was given, double-checked twice and was told everything was fine.

“Their failure to communicate properly and process information correctly led to me being stranded abroad, financially out of pocket and mentally exhausted.

“This isn’t about me refusing paperwork, it’s about a company failing in its duty of care, giving contradictory information and abandoning paying customers in a foreign country.”

A spokesperson for Jet2 said: “Due to Mr Bowes falling ill on his outbound flight, our team followed standard procedure and advised him that he would need a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) to be completed by a doctor for his return flight home.

“As the form was not completed, Mr Bowes was regrettably informed that he would not be able to travel on his inbound flight. The health and safety of our customers will always be our number one priority. Following receipt of Mr Bowes’ completed form, we are pleased to confirm he was able to travel with us the following day.”

When it comes to packing for a winter getaway, it can be tough to fit all of your bulky clothes into a small suitcase – but there’s a simple hack that will help you maximise space.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a winter city break. Cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen and Vienna truly come to life during the festive season, and many of these destinations offer affordable flights too.

If you’re only jetting off for a long weekend, you likely won’t need a large suitcase. However, packing bulky winter clothes into a small bag can be a challenge.

To help travellers, experts have shared a simple technique that allows you to fit much more into your luggage – and it’s not the rolling packing method.

Essentials like coats, knitted jumpers and chunky boots are all must-haves for a winter getaway, but with limited packing space, it’s not always feasible to bring everything you desire.

However, travel PR gurus at Pure Digital PR have shared some of their top packing hacks that they swear by to maximise space and minimise stress – and topping the list is vacuum packing, reports the Express.

This straightforward trick removes the air from clothes, significantly reducing their size and creating extra room for those essential winter items.

The method can shrink the volume of bulky items like fleeces and padded jackets by up to 50 per cent, meaning you can pack twice the amount without forking out for additional charges for checked baggage.

Another game-changer is investing in packing cubes, which help organise your luggage into tidy, compressed sections.

The travel expert said: “We recommend colour-coding your cubes, one for tops, another for bottoms, and a separate one for accessories, making it easy to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase.”

This approach works particularly well for families travelling together, as each member can have their own colour-coded system.

The experts also highlighted the importance of selecting versatile items you pack, choosing clothes with multiple functions that can be mixed and matched.

The expert added: “A versatile black jumper can be dressed up for dinner or worn casually during the day, while a quality jacket that’s both waterproof and warm eliminates the need for multiple coats.

“Choosing a neutral colour palette also means fewer items overall, as everything coordinates seamlessly.”

Finally, wearing your bulkiest clothing during travel rather than packing them can free up considerable suitcase space. Make sure to wear your heaviest boots and thickest coat for the flight or journey, even if you feel slightly warm at the airport.

By 2027 passengers will be able to fly non-stop to Australia from the UK

Australia’s national carrier Qantas has revealed the first images of its ultra-long-range Airbus — the aircraft that will make aviation history by flying non-stop for 22 hours. The groundbreaking jet will connect Sydney directly to London and New York by 2027, setting a new global record for the longest commercial flight ever operated.

Currently being assembled in Toulouse, France, the aircraft’s major components — including the fuselage, wings and landing gear — have already been joined. Qantas showcased the milestone at its annual general meeting in Brisbane, describing the next-generation aircraft as a “game-changer” for international travel.

The A350-1000ULR will serve as the backbone of Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, designed to link Australia’s east coast with the world’s major cities without stopovers. Each flight will last up to 22 hours — saving travellers as much as four hours compared to current one-stop journeys.

The jet will soon move into a dedicated hangar for the installation of its engines and flight instruments, before beginning a rigorous testing programme in 2026. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson hailed the milestone as a defining moment for the airline’s global ambitions.

“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” she said.

“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science-backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”

The aircraft’s record-breaking range is made possible by an extra 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and state-of-the-art onboard systems, ensuring maximum endurance, comfort and safety. When Project Sunrise launches in 2027, it will make possible what once seemed unthinkable — non-stop flights halfway around the world.

To address the physical challenges of such long-haul travel, Qantas has partnered with Australian designer David Caon and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. Their team, which includes sleep scientists, developed tailored lighting patterns and meal timing strategies to help reduce jet lag.

Unlike the standard A350-1000 aircraft, which seat more than 300 passengers, Qantas’s version will carry just 238, providing travellers with more personal space and introducing a new “Wellbeing Zone” between Premium Economy and Economy. The area will feature stretch handles, guided exercise screens, a hydration station and light refreshments to keep passengers feeling fresh throughout the flight.

Project Sunrise takes its name from Qantas’s legendary “Double Sunrise” flights during World War II, which stayed airborne long enough to witness two sunrises in a single journey. With the new generation of aircraft, Qantas is rekindling that pioneering spirit — once again pushing the limits of air travel.

The airline also announced the launch of a new domestic travel class, Economy Plus, which will include extra legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space. The upgrade will be available for purchase from February, with complimentary access for top-tier frequent flyers.

The first of 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft is expected to be delivered in late 2026, paving the way for commercial operations in early 2027. Qantas said its teams are “incredibly excited” about the project, calling it a “landmark moment for international aviation.”

A frequent traveller has shared his top tips for anyone heading off on a city break – and it’s all about the luggage you use

When you’re jetting off on an autumn city break, there’s one crucial travel hack you absolutely must know about. If you’re not a regular flyer, you might assume the smartest way to pack is with a suitcase – but you’d be completely wrong.

Actually, one seasoned traveller is encouraging everyone to abandon their suitcases in favour of backpacks. Netflights chatted with Karl Loudon from PR firm Rise at Seven about his essential travel advice.

Karl jets off at least twice monthly for business and knows airports like the back of his hand, reports the Express.

His number one suggestion was that anyone embarking on a city adventure should opt for a backpack instead of a suitcase.

He said: “A wheelie trolley case always feels like a clever idea, but they end up being a pain when travelling in cities.

“Travelling with a backpack that complies with the airline’s luggage allowance allows you to pack plenty inside it, and it is much more practical to travel with.

“Find backpacks online titled ‘MLC’ (maximum legal carry on), which are the best luggage to use.”

For those with both hand luggage and checked baggage, Karl also suggests always stashing an extra T-shirt in your carry-on.

Aircraft seats can be tight, accidents occur and you don’t want to arrive at your destination looking dishevelled and feeling uncomfortable.

If you’re jetting off for work, don’t forget that your laptop can double up as a power bank, saving you precious luggage space.

Karl said: “When travelling, organise your cables prior to flying. Remember, you might not need a power bank when travelling, as your laptop is one giant power bank, which many travellers forget about.”

Resist the urge to flop onto your hotel bed as soon as you arrive at your destination. Instead, stretch your legs with a brisk walk to shake off the travel fatigue and get your bearings.

If you’ve been on a long-haul flight, this simple trick can help alleviate jetlag and reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Frequent flyers should be aware of the risk of deep vein thrombosis, but regular stretching and exercise can help keep it at bay.

There are a few places on a plane that are best avoided, and if you’re looking for a few ideas, some experts have shared their top tips for finding a seat that’ll make your trip more comfortable.

Jetting off on holiday is always exciting, especially during the chillier months when the idea of swapping the UK for somewhere warm and sunny is enough to lift anyone’s spirits. However, even if you’re simply heading to a European destination, the journey there isn’t always plain sailing.

We’ve all endured the horror of a dreadful flight before. Whether it’s down to discomfort, fellow passengers’ antics, or something else entirely, it can cast a shadow over your holiday before it’s even started.

So, to help travellers kick off their trips on the right foot, I decided to consult some experts about the worst spot on the aircraft to reserve your seat – and they all had very similar answers.

Nearly all of the specialists I spoke to agreed that the very last row of the aircraft might not be your best bet if you’re after a peaceful journey, reports the Express.

Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, warned that anyone who struggles with turbulence will want to steer clear of this section. He explained: “Seats at the very back are typically less desirable. They are close to the galley and restrooms, service can be slower, food choices may be limited, and it is also the area where movement during turbulence feels strongest.”

He also emphasised the importance of being organised when reserving aircraft seats. This often comes at an extra charge, but if you’re anxious about securing a decent seat, then there’s a good chance it’ll be money well spent.

The expert continued: “Thinking about your priorities in advance also makes a difference – nervous flyers will be more comfortable over the wings, those with a tight connection should choose an aisle near the front, while couples booking a row of three might secure the window and aisle, leaving the middle free for a chance at extra space.”

Izzy Nicholls, a travel expert and founder of road trip blog The Gap Decaders, agreed, saying: “Seats at the back are best avoided. They’re typically noisier because of engine proximity and galley activity, and you’ll be among the last to board and leave the plane.”

Unsurprisingly, the front of the aircraft proved to be the best location for the smoothest experience. Izzy explained: “Travellers who want a calmer journey should book seats at the front of the plane. This area is away from restrooms and heavy foot traffic, so you’ll experience fewer interruptions.

“Choosing an aisle seat here also gives you the freedom to stretch your legs and get up easily without disturbing others. Select these placements to make long flights more comfortable and reduce the effects of motion.”

The rear section of the aircraft isn’t just problematic for comfort – it’s also less ideal when it comes to storage space, particularly if you’re late boarding. Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO and Co-Founder of luggage storage firm Stasher said: “Avoid sitting near galleys and toilets, where staff members often store their things in overhead bins, leaving less space for passenger baggage.

“The last few rows are a concern because if you board late, the bins above you may be filled, which means you may have to store your luggage several rows away. Also, stay away from seats that are located behind bulkheads, as these spaces often have limited storage.”

Travel expert Andrea Platania from Transfeero also warned passengers to avoid the back row when flying, explaining: “The very last row is typically the least desirable: limited recline, proximity to bathrooms, and more cabin noise. Middle seats anywhere are usually least popular unless you’re traveling in a group.”

However, for those seeking maximum legroom, there are two areas offering the most space. Andrea said: “Exit-row and bulkhead seats offer more space, but they come with trade-offs: fixed armrests, limited recline, or restrictions for passengers traveling with children.”

And for travellers prone to airsickness during turbulence, one specific location is recommended. The expert added: “Sit over the wings. This area is closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, so you’ll feel less turbulence compared to the back, where bumps are magnified.”

An easyJet flight attendant has revealed the ‘secret language’ that cabin crew use to communicate with each other while on board a flight

An easyJet flight attendant has spilled the beans on the covert language they use to communicate while onboard. An anonymous member of the budget airline’s cabin crew popped up on their Instagram feed to spill the secrets.

She clarified that, due to the sheer number of passengers on a plane and the length of an aircraft’s fuselage, cabin crew can’t always communicate verbally with each other. This means they have devised a ‘secret language’ for communication.

Interestingly, it is not a spoken language, but more akin to sign language, with various gestures signifying different things. She revealed: “While I’m here on my own I’ll let you into a little secret.

“As cabin crew you may be aware but we do have a secret language on board, a way of communicating to each other when we want food items and with over 200 passengers on board the plane is very long so you may have noticed that if you would like a ham and cheese sandwich we do a croque monsieur, a chicken wrap, and a calzone pizza but don’t tell anyone I told you.”

Whilst mentioning the croque monsieur, she mimicked a crocodile with her hand. For the chicken wrap, she extended an arm out like a chicken wing before rolling her hands together to signify a wrap. Lastly, for the calzone, she placed the heel of her hands together before bringing her palms and fingers together, presumably to illustrate the folding together of a calzone.

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People in the comments section were impressed, with one saying: “Absolutely iconic!”

“We were just talking about this after our flight last month,” said another, while one person said: “I saw a crew member do this to another crew member, I realised it was internal sign language!”

“I often watch the crew doing this trying to work out what they’re on about lol,” one person said. Another said: “Ha ha my Mrs worked a few out on our flight back to MAN from AGP last week.”

Kelsie Stonya, from Southend-on-Sea, recently took on the ultimate ‘extreme day trip’ – travelling to Palma, Mallorca, and returning to the UK in the same day – all for just £143

A woman who jetted off to Spain for just a few hours – and still managed to squeeze in sightseeing, shopping, and sunbathing – says it cost her less than a night out in the UK.

Kelsie Stonya, from Southend-on-Sea, recently took on the ultimate “extreme day trip” – battling a storm while trying for a quick getaway. She hopped on a delayed plane to Palma, Mallorca, and returned to Britain in the same day – all for just £143.

The 25-year-old hit the beach, tucked into paella for one, and even ended up in the cockpit chatting to the pilot after a delayed flight. Her whirlwind day out proved a hit online too – with a TikTok video of her experience racking up 42,600 views from viewers loving the spontaneous adventure.

“It was so hot, so sunny – it was absolutely dreamy,” she told What’s The Jam. “The whole trip cost £143.08 including flights, transfers, food and everything – definitely cheaper than some nights out I’ve had before.

“By the end of it, with all the walking and being hot, I was so, so tired. I’d definitely do it again, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for no delayed flights next time.”

The communications manager started her day at the airport, but things didn’t exactly go to plan when she arrived to find every flight delayed due to Storm Amy battering parts of Europe. Thankfully, her flight did eventually take off.

Once she landed, Kelsie jumped on a 20-minute bus into Palma’s city centre where she admired the cathedral, wandered the streets, and hunted down a restaurant. After lunch, she strolled to the beach to soak up the sun, calling the weather “absolutely dreamy”, before hitting the shops.

By the end of the day, exhausted but happy, she splurged on an Uber back to the airport – putting her Spanish skills to the test with the driver.

The return leg didn’t go smoothly either, with the flight delayed by two hours – but things took a turn for the better when the friendly pilot invited passengers into the cockpit for a peek.

Kelsie says she’d “absolutely do it again”, but is hoping for smoother skies next time.

She said: “I just had a really nice lunch and then headed over to the beach. I walked about 20 minutes and then sat down for a good hour. The thought of getting back on the bus to the airport was honestly upsetting me, so I just jumped in an Uber.”

Viewers were quick to praise Kelsie for making the most of her mini break. “That’s an impressive day Kels,” said one person.

Someone else said: “I do it all the time; great way to spend the day.”

Another viewer added: “I love doing these! So far I’ve done Belfast, Wroclaw, Alicante, Copenhagen and now have Barcelona booked for the end of this month.”

As a former airport employee, I attempted the viral travel hack that allows passengers to successfully get on the plane by showing up 35 minutes before boarding starts

Everyone loves a holiday, but going two to three hours early to the airport can lead to you waiting for hours until the departure time – and that’s not fun.

According to Hoppa, airlines advise passengers to show up at the airport at least three hours before their departing time for international flights or two hours before any domestic flights, to ensure a smooth check-in process, such as dropping off your luggage, and avoiding any potential queues in security.

Working at the airport made me realise that there’s no need to show up hours earlier at the airport. As excited as one can get to begin their holidays, the airport isn’t a place to hang out. If I can give you a tip now, it’s to make sure your electronics and liquids are packed accordingly.

But there’s a trick for those who want to skip the long waiting hours, and it’s called the ‘airport theory’ – but there’s a catch.

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What is the ‘airport theory’?

Earlier this year, a so-called ‘airport theory’ went viral on social media, where passengers showed up to the airport 35 minutes (or even 15 minutes on some occasions) before their flight started boarding. Yes, it works, but there’s a catch that a lot of people miss.

During my holidays in Spain, I showed up at the airport less than an hour before the flight departed. No bags to check in and a digital boarding pass, I went through security in under five minutes. Lucky me, I was familiar with the layout of the airport, and I had minutes to spare to grab a coffee before heading to the departure gate.

The catch is that this only works for those travellers who don’t have to check in any luggage. If you have a big-sized bag to send off, you must show up at the check-in counters before they close, which is usually an hour before the flight departure time.

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It’s also important to note that the waiting times at the airport can vary depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s worth double-checking the status of your flight, as well as the distance between the security checkpoint and the gate.

Another secret from me is that if you ever show up late to the check-in counter and have a bag to drop, speak to an airline agent. In the majority of cases, the check-in agent will charge you a late drop-off fee to take your bag, which is better than leaving it behind!

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