However, it won’t hold the record for long, as Qantas is set to launch a new non-stop route in 2027. It is planning a nonstop flight from Sydney, Australia, to London.
Thanks to a 20,000-litre fuel tank, the plane wouldn’t need to stop to refuel. It will travel 10,573 miles and has been labelled “the final frontier of long-haul travel” by Qantas.
Travel expert Simon Calder has revealed more details of the flight after visiting the home of Airbus, which is making the plane.
He said of the plane: “This is a specially modified Airbus A350 Twin Jet that is being built for Qantas so they can, in October 2027, fly you nonstop from London Heathrow 10, 573 miles to Sydney.
“It is going to take a long time, over 20 hours in the air. But, achieving something no airline has done before.”
Typically, passengers flying to Australia have a stopover in the Middle East, yet there is demand for a long-haul direct flight.
Simon said Qantas believes there is a “premium customer base” that is prepared to pay a 20% surcharge on the one-stop flight to get to Sydney directly.
He added: “On top of that, there’s lots of passengers that do not want the faff of changing planes in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai or Abu Dhabi along the way. They just want to get there, and Qantas believes they will be able to sell those seats.”
Simon explained on his Travel Expert podcast that he asked Qantas if the rise in fuel prices would affect the flight.
But the airline says it has seen increased demand for direct flights to Australia, so it doesn’t need to stop in the Middle East along the way.
Due to the flight’s length, Qantas is making changes to the plane to make it more comfortable for passengers.
There will be a reduced passenger count to 238, which Simon said is almost 100 fewer than British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have on identical flights.
The first record-breaking flight almost took a different route, as it was scheduled to depart from New York rather than London. New York will get its own direct flight, and the route will take slightly less time to fly.
THERE’S enough going on this summer with EES checks and extreme heat – and your passport could cause problems as well.
Affecting millions, we’ve explained the two things you need to check before your next holiday.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Don’t get caught out by these two passport rules this summerCredit: Getty
Expiry Dates
You might think that expiry dates have been spoken about enough – but it is still catching people out.
Old rules let passports have more than 10 years on them, but these rules have since been scrapped.
To find the true expiry date, you need to check the start date rather than the expiry listed in the passport.
If your passport was issued in April 2016, but has an expiry of December 2026, your passport is out of date as it’s over 10 years old. The REAL expiry date is actually April 2026.
Colette and her two children were unable to fly from the UK to Copenhagen
Colette Bjorn-Alderson has lived in the UK for 28 years, but was trying to return to the UK with her two young children – both of which only had Danish passports.
She told The Times that she felt “unwelcome in my own country” after being turned away from the flight.
She added that her only two options were getting a new UK passport from Denmark – which can take three months – or the certificates, which can take up to eight weeks.
NO ONE wants to start their holiday with delays, but with hotter weather and new travel rules, it’s becoming all the more common.
New research from AirAdvisor has found the top airports around Europe where you are most likely to be delayed this summer.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Airports on the Greek Islands are some of the worse when it comes to delaysCredit: Alamy
The study looked at flights between June and September 2025, to see where flights either to or from the UK were likely to be delayed for over an hour.
The top of the list was Milan Bergamo, an airport which sits just outside of Milan in Italy which had 11.96 per cent of its flights delayed by one hour or more.
Also in Italy, Pisa came fourth on the list which had 10.58 per cent of its flights affected by delays last summer.
For anyone heading to the Greek islands this summer, some of these destinations experience hold-ups too.
The pretty island of Kefalonia is third on the list where 11.79 per cent of flights being delayed by an hour or more last year.
Also in the top 20 is Corfu, Zante, Paphos in Cyprus, Kos, Rhodes and Mykonos.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor explained why the airports at Greek islands are badly affected.
He explained: “They tend to be much smaller than hubs in major metropolitan centres and are incredibly popular with holidaymakers from across the world.
“During the summer period, they frequently operate at maximum capacity, so that means that when a mass disruption event occurs, there are implications for other services.”
He continued: “Similarly, the sheer volume of flights between popular Spanish holiday hubs in Palma and Reus can result in full days of travel chaos when multiple services are delayed.”
Flights at these 20 airports are sometimes delayed by over an hourCredit: Alamy Last summer, 9.33 per cent of flights in and out of Palma Mallorca to the UK were delayedCredit: Alamy
Anton Radchenko added that these delays often result in a “domino effect” where flights across a single day are then pushed back, especially during peak times.
Spain is a popular getaway destination for Brits as it’s just a few hours from the UK.
But there are some airports here that have experienced issues too.
Of course, last summer EES checks at passport control hadn’t been enforced yet.
But these have had a big impact in some airports around Europe – so there could be even more delays at certain destinations.
If you are delayed for more than three hours or have a flight cancelled then under the UK261 regulation you could be eligible for compensation.
For more information on this, check out the rules on AirAdvisor.
Here are the top 20 European airports where you’re most likely to be delayed this summer…
According to AirAdvisor these airports this is the percentage of flights delayed by 60 minutes or more either heading too or from the UK between June and September 2025…
Egypt’s team will return to their training base in Spokane, about 450km east of Seattle, after rejected flight.
Published On 22 Jun 202622 Jun 2026
The Egyptian FIFA World Cup team’s plan to fly directly from Vancouver to Seattle ahead of their final group match against Iran was declined by local security officials, coach Hossam Hassan has said.
“The security authorities refused the team’s request to stay in the city of Seattle as planned after the New Zealand match in the World Cup, and therefore the team’s delegation will return to the city of Spokane,” Hossam said in a statement released by the Egyptian Football Association on Monday.
The Egyptian team had submitted a request to remain in Seattle this week, but will now return to their training base in Spokane, about 450km (280 miles) east of Seattle, according to a report by the Daily Mail.
Egypt posted their first-ever World Cup victory on Sunday over New Zealand in Vancouver. Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt rallied from a goal down to win 3-1.
A savvy traveller has shared a clever packing hack to beat Ryanair’s baggage allowance fees on a £15 flight — but it comes with risks if you’re caught at the airport
10:25, 22 Jun 2026Updated 10:25, 22 Jun 2026
You may not get away with it at the airport (Stock Image)(Image: Dmitri Zelenevski via Getty Images)
A clever traveller has taken the internet by storm after unveiling his ingenious trick to outsmart Ryanair’s notoriously rigid baggage rules, which frequently leave holidaymakers shelling out extra cash at the airport.
Rob Adcock, from Stoke-on-Trent, who regularly dishes out budget-conscious travel tips to his online following, has gone viral with his latest scheme to dodge luggage charges on a £15 Ryanair flight — a move that could save passengers a tidy sum given the airline’s hefty fees for additional bags.
In a clip that which now racked up over 2.4 million views from cost-conscious travellers, Rob shows how he managed to squeeze 20kg of luggage aboard without spending a single penny extra, by using a vacuum pack machine to compress his clothes down to a fraction of their original size.
With a laugh, he holds up his squashed clothing and quips: “Look at it.”
He then carefully stuffs the vacuum-packed bundles into his rucksack, which is allowed on board as a complimentary carry-on item, and breezes onto the plane without forking out a penny in hold luggage fees.
The video is captioned “POV: You’ve vacuum-packed all your suitcase to fit into a free Ryanair bag so you don’t have to pay for the hold luggage.”
As well as being a crafty way to sidestep additional costs, it carries the welcome bonus of avoiding the often frustratingly long wait at the baggage carousel on arrival.
Scores of fellow travellers found the cheeky wheeze hilarious, with one crowning it the “packing cube final boss”. However, sceptics pointed out potential drawbacks.
One baffled commenter questioned: “How are you supposed to vacuum it back up before going back on the plane when going home?”
A second chipped in with a laugh: “Vacuum packed stuff is HEAVY,” alongside a pair of laughing emojis.
Meanwhile, one female traveller highlighted the disadvantage that this approach would leave garments “creased” — hardly perfect for anyone wanting to look presentable on their break.
What’s more, you do risk being spotted by Ryanair staff at the airport.
One TikTok user shared: “Literally saw someone get caught doing this in Budapest today. It didn’t end well.”
Ryanair imposes a 10kg restriction on cabin luggage, and being caught out at the weighing scales could result in forking out additional charges for your trip.
It’s a risk that might not always work out — but for this passenger, it proved a success!
An unruly airline passenger allegedly bit a fellow flyer aboard a flight from Charlotte, N.C., to Philadelphia on Sunday, according to pilot audio. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
June 21 (UPI) — An unruly passenger bit a fellow flyer and started throwing punches aboard an American Airlines flight on Sunday, according to audio of a pilot’s conversation with air traffic controllers.
A recording first obtained by CBS News and then posted online by aviation industry monitors shows the incident happened aboard American Airlines flight AA3046 from Charlotte, N.C., to Philadelphia.
In it, the pilot of the Airbus A320 tells controllers to have emergency medics and law enforcement personnel ready meet the aircraft on arrival at Philadelphia International Airport due to a disturbance onboard allegedly created by a male passenger in his 70s.
“I don’t know… if he’s hallucinating or whatever, but he just bit a passenger and he’s trying to fight everybody,” the pilot is heard saying.
The crew of American Airlines A320 N111US, operating flight AA3046 from Charlotte to Philadelphia, requested law enforcement and EMTs to meet the aircraft on arrival after a passenger in his 70s reportedly bit another passenger and began “trying to fight everybody.”
After getting confirmation from the control tower, the pilot adds, “What a day, huh?”
The controller responds, “Happy Father’s Day!”
American Airlines told CBS the passenger was experiencing a medical emergency and that he was “assisted” before the flight landed but did not confirm if police were present upon arrival.
Brits who find themselves stranded in Europe due to a cancelled flights could soon have new rights to claim back travel replacement costs, amid a shake-up of the EU’s air travel rules
08:22, 19 Jun 2026Updated 08:22, 19 Jun 2026
Passengers whose flights are cancelled could have the option to arrange their own transport(Image: Getty Images)
Cancelled flights could soon come with a more costly penalty for airlines, as a landmark air passenger rights agreement was reached between the EU Council and the European Parliament in good news for holidaymakers.
The ruling means that Brits who find themselves stranded in Europe due to their flight being cancelled could soon claim back replacement travel costs worth up to four times the price of their original ticket. It comes amid a raft of changes around airline charges for cabin bags and family seating, which could see Brits getting a fairer deal when they visit destinations such as Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, or France.
The law states that, after a flight cancellation, “if an airline fails to offer rerouting within three hours, passengers may organise their own rerouting and claim reimbursement of up to 400% of the original ticket price.” According to AirAdvisor, which specialise in claims for disrupted flights and mishandled baggage, this means passengers will no longer need to wait around for the airline to sort out a journey home for them.
AirAdvisor also said in a statement that this rerouting reimbursement will be separate from the standard compensation that some passengers are entitled to for cancelled flights. It explained: “The Council statement confirms that even when a passenger is rerouted, “airlines remain responsible for compensation for delays at arrival.”
This means passengers could potentially reclaim the cost of replacement flights, as well as claiming for standard cancellation compensation, which can be up to £350 per passenger for a UK to Spain flight, and higher for long-haul journeys.
“However, the standard compensation would still depend on the usual qualifying conditions, including whether the disruption was within the airline’s control. If extraordinary circumstances apply, airlines may not be required to pay financial compensation,” the statement continued.
EU rights aren’t based on nationality, but rather the route and the airline operating the flight. So even post-Brexit, Brits are protected on journeys departing from an EU airport to the UK, or any flights from the UK to the EU that are operated by an EU airline. For example, Brits taking a Ryanair flight from Malaga to the EU would be covered by the legislation.
However, flights from the UK to the EU on non-EU airlines wouldn’t be covered. So, the outbound leg of a London to Madrid flight on a carrier such as British Airways would not follow these rules because it is arriving in the EU from a non-EU country on a non-EU airline.
The UK has its own UK261 framework, which includes the Right to Care for journeys delayed over two hours, but it’s not known whether this legislation will be updated in light of the changes in the EU.
Anton Radchenko, aviation lawyer and CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “For the passengers who are genuinely in trouble, the ones standing at a desk in a European airport being told the next available flight is days away, this is the change that actually matters. A reimbursement cap of up to four times the original ticket price could make a real difference to families who suddenly have to buy last-minute flights home, and it is a part of the reform I would want every British holidaymaker to know about.”
He added: “The importance of this rule is that it gives people a clearer point at which they can act. The harder part, as with every passenger right, will be making sure travellers know it exists before they are stuck at the airport, rather than finding out months later.
“My practical advice to any traveller is straightforward. If your covered flight is cancelled, give the airline its three-hour window to offer a suitable reroute, and then keep everything: your original booking, the cancellation notice, proof of what the airline offered or failed to offer, and every receipt for the travel you arrange yourself.
“In my experience, the passengers who successfully recover what they are owed are almost always the ones who documented the situation as it happened, not the ones who tried to piece it back together weeks later. A right is only ever as useful as the evidence you keep to support it.”
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
EasyJet is launching 13 new flights from the UKCredit: Alamy
EasyJet will launch a route between Newquay Airport in Cornwall and Geneva in Switzerland – which will be its first international route from the airport.
The route will launch on January 16, 2027 and operate once a week on Saturdays until February 27, 2027.
Among the 12 other routes being launched are new routes from London Luton to Kittila in Finland launching on November 24 and Strasbourg in France launching on November 29.
Flights to Kittila will operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays whereas flights to Strasbourg will operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
London Southend will get new flights to Edinburgh, Scotland operating twice a week from October 25 on Thursdays and Sundays from £23.99 per person.
From Birmingham you will be able to fly to Copenhagen in Denmark, twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, launching on November 16 and costing from £31.99 per person.
Or if you live near Manchester, you can head to Cairo in Egypt from November 9 – the only direct route from Manchester to the ‘Sphinx’ airport.
The route will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, with flights costing from £131.99 per person.
Liverpool will get two new routes including to Kittilä in Finland and Reykjavik in Iceland.
Flights to Kittila will start on November 25, departing twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays with tickets costing from £30.99 per person.
On the other hand, flights will head to Reykjavik from November 2, taking off on Mondays and Fridays, with flights costing from £43.99 per person.
And Newcastle will get several new destinations including Barcelona in Spain, Berlin in Germany, Copenhagen in Denmark, Hurghada in Egypt and Rovaniemi in Finland.
Flights to Barcelona will be the first to launch on October 25, operating twice a week on Fridays and Sundays and costing from £28.99 per person.
Hurghada flights will then start on October 27 twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, costing from £121.99 per person.
Copenhagen flights will launch on November 5, followed by Berlin on November 20 and then Rovaniemi on November 25.
At the moment, the current longest flight in the world is Singapore Airlines’ Singapore to New York route, which takes around 19 hours.
UK tourism minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Qantas’s decision to make London the first destination for Project Sunrise is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK as a hub for global tourism, and a reflection of the deep ties between our two countries.
“This is a historic moment, not just for British aviation and tourism, but for the millions of passengers who will experience flying from Sydney to London non-stop for the first time.”
VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said: “Australia is one of our most valuable inbound markets, set to reach £1.8 billion this year in visitor spending, and expanding airline connectivity and seat capacity is fantastic news for our competitive tourism offer and our welcome.”
Onboard the plane, there will be 238 seats as well as a wellbeing zoneCredit: Qantas
Onboard the plane, passengers can expect 238 seats across First Class suites, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy seats.
The cabins will prevent jet lag through different light settings, to help passengers to adapt to the time zone of their destination.
All passengers will also be able to use a Wellbeing Zone onboard, with space to move about, listen to guided wellbeing content and grab a healthy snack or drink.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity will also be available onboard.
Eventually there will be 12 aircraft as part of Project Sunrise.
Back in April the airline was hoping for an early 2027 launch, however this has now been pushed back to October 2027 with tickets for the first flights expected to go on sale in February 2027.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
A newly emerged video offers what appears to be a first look at China’s R6000 uncrewed tiltrotor aircraft in free flight, marking a significant step beyond the tethered hover tests that had been seen previously. The design has attracted interest on account of its similarities to Bell’s MV-75A Cheyenne II, America’s crewed second-generation tiltrotor. More broadly, the development of this aircraft could have very significant implications for the People’s Liberation Army as well as civilian operators.
The footage, which first appeared on Chinese social media, shows the large drone in vertical flight, making a pedal turn (rotating around its vertical axis in the hover), and in sustained forward flight with its twin proprotors fully tilted. Previous imagery was limited to tethered evaluations that demonstrated basic hover capability. Now, with flight testing advancing, more could be revealed about the aircraft’s performance envelope.
As in the previous imagery, the aircraft’s engines are unshrouded, with their streamlined fairings removed. Like the MV-75, the R6000 features fixed engine nacelles with hinged proprotors, in contrast to the first-generation tiltrotor design found on the V-22 Osprey, in which the entire nacelle pivots up and down as a complete unit.
Previous imagery showing the R6000 conducting a tethered hover test had begun to circulate last November, as we discussed at the time.
An R6000 prototype seen undergoing tethered hover testing. United Aircraft via Chinese internet
While no details have been released about the scope of the current trials, the ability to conduct sustained untethered flight is a key milestone for any tiltrotor program, given the complexity of the aircraft’s aerodynamics and flight-control systems. Tiltrotor designs are especially challenging, as evidenced by the V-22’s checkered record through the years.
In October 2024, a photo emerged showing the first completed prototype of the R6000 at the Wuhu United Aircraft Production Workshop in China’s eastern Anhui province. United Aircraft had unveiled the design, also referred to as the UR6000 and Zhang Ying (or Steel Shadow), at the 2024 Singapore Airshow.
A photo shows what is said to be the first completed UR6000 prototype on the production line at the Wuhu United Aircraft Production Workshop in the Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park in China’s eastern Anhui province. United Aircraft
Developed by the Chinese firm United Aircraft, the R6000 is one of the largest uncrewed tiltrotor designs currently in development anywhere in the world. Combining the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range advantages of a fixed-wing aircraft, it is — officially, at least — aimed at logistics, disaster relief, offshore support, and other missions requiring access to areas without prepared runways. United Aircraft has presented both crewed and uncrewed versions of the R6000 in the past.
As we have outlined previously, a crewed or uncrewed tiltrotor in the R6000 class could fulfill various military applications for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Concept artwork of an apparent crewed version of the UR6000 in a generic civil-type color scheme. United Aircraft
This kind of aircraft could support overseas deployments and regional contingencies, including a potential operation against Taiwan, by moving troops, supplies, and equipment between dispersed locations without relying on prepared runways.
In particular, the R6000 would be well suited to operating from the Type 076 amphibious assault ship and other large People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) amphibious ships, greatly extending their reach for logistics, reconnaissance, and other missions.
China’s first super-sized Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan.
As well as logistics, a fully developed R6000 has clear potential as a multi-mission platform. Its payload capacity could also accommodate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment, electronic warfare payloads, communications relay systems, or potentially even precision-strike weapons. It is worth noting at this point that a special operations version of the MV-75 is already in the works, with a gunship variant likely, and a sea control concept has been displayed, too. China is likely to at least explore similar development paths for its tiltrotors.
A view of Bell’s MV-75 sea control concept model at this year’s Modern Day Marine exhibition. Eric Tegler
In this respect, the R6000 also makes for an interesting comparison with Bell’s V-247 Vigilant, which was originally pitched to meet the U.S. Marine Corps multirole, VTOL-capable drone program, known as MUX. The V-247 has also been pitched to the U.S. Navy, while Bell has presented renderings showing V-247s operating together with the crewed V-280 Valor tiltrotor design, which the U.S. Army’s MV-75 is based on.
Concept artwork depicting V-247s operating together with a version of the V-280 Valor tiltrotor. Bell
At least one picture on United Aircraft’s website shows the UR6000 in People’s Liberation Army markings. United Aircraft
In the vertical-lift segment, China is also busily exploring crewed tiltrotor designs.
Earlier this month, new footage emerged showing what is understood to be China’s first crewed tiltrotor aircraft during flight trials. That aircraft had first broken cover in August of last year, as we wrote about at the time.
A photo that appeared on June 1, showing the crewed tiltrotor aircraft while in flight. Chinese internet via X
Although the R6000 has, in the past, been pitched primarily for civilian applications, the technology has obvious military relevance. Large autonomous tiltrotors could provide rapid resupply to dispersed forces, support operations in remote regions, or deliver cargo to ships and austere bases without the need for conventional runways. Tiltrotors have huge potential for the PLA, which has major littoral mission demands and a growing fleet of amphibious warships to which these kinds of aircraft are especially well suited.
As such, the R6000 is worth watching as another indicator of the Chinese military’s increasingly ambitious vertical-lift programs, as well as its diverse and growing series of uncrewed aircraft.
THE EU is in the midst of making huge changes when it comes to air travel and all of them will greatly benefit passengers.
These include no extra fees, better compensation rights and families heading on holiday can sit together at no extra charge – but now we’re out of the EU, the new rights will only carry weight for Brits on certain flights.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Changes to travel rules in the EU means families no longer have to pay to sit togetherCredit: Alamy
The new regulations were agreed by the EU Council and Parliament yesterday, making it the first overhaul in over 20 years and will come into play in 2027.
Some of the biggest changes include allowing families to sit together at no extra cost, as well as passengers having a free personal item to take onboard.
It will be easier for passengers to get money back for delays or cancellations too.
Airlines will need to immediately acknowledge a claim and then reply within 30 days.
For those who experience delays, there is a right to assistance which includes refreshments every two hours of waiting time, a meal after three hours, internet access and phone calls.
When passengers need overnight stays, they should be given the hotel free of charge and get free transport from the airport to the accommodation and back.
After a cancelled flight or denied boarding, passengers who choose to reroute must be given an alternative journey within three hours.
This all sounds great doesn’t it? Well, there is some bad news – this won’t count for all British travellers leaving the UK.
The new rules will only count on certain flights leaving the UKCredit: Alamy
As a result of Brexit, British holidaymakers won’t necessarily benefit from this as in some cases their flights will fall under passenger rights called UK261.
Whereas for those living in the EU, the new regulations count for all.
For Brits heading on holiday, taking advantage of these EU changes will depend on the route and the airline.
For example, a flight leaving the UK for Malaga with Ryanair will fall under EU rules as Ryanair is an EU airline.
The Malaga to UK return leg will also be under the EU rules – on the return journey, it doesn’t matter if the airline is EU or non-EU, because the flight departs from the EU.
Along with Ryanair, the likes of Wizz Air, easyJet and Lufthansa are all EU-airlines so the new rules automatically count for Brits on both journeys to EU countries.
There will however, be a gap on flights leaving the UK on a non-EU airline.
On EU operated airlines like Ryanair – the new EU rules will apply to Brits on both legsCredit: MoreISO
For example, if a British passenger flies from London to Madrid on a UK airline like British Airways, that outbound leg would remain under UK261 rules rather than the new EU regulations.
But the return would fall under the EU rules because it departs from Madrid in the EU.
So Brits heading on holiday will only get the new benefits if they are travelling on EU-covered flights.
They will not get them automatically on all flights from UK airports.
UK-airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet2 won’t fall under the new EU rules.
But these do have their own guidelines and policies regarding families sitting together and luggage costs.
AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko, a renowned aviation lawyer, added: “This agreement is a meaningful step forward for European passengers, and it throws the position of UK travellers into sharp relief.
“For the first time since Brexit, we are looking at a real divergence in the everyday rights of passengers flying from the UK versus those flying from the EU.
“The headline compensation amounts remain broadly aligned, but on the things passengers deal with on every single trip, being penalised for a missed leg, paying to sit next to your own child, comparing fares that hide the cost of a bag, EU travellers are about to pull ahead, and UK travellers are at risk of being left behind.”
Uruguay will reportedly arrive in the US less than 24 hours before the kickoff time for their game against Saudi Arabia.
Published On 15 Jun 202615 Jun 2026
Uruguay’s national team have arrived in Miami after enduring a travel ordeal ahead of their opening World Cup match in the United States.
The squad and support staff landed in Miami on Sunday, less than 24 hours before kickoff in their Group H match against Saudi Arabia.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Uruguay pinned the blame for their troubles flying from Mexico to the US on FIFA. They also reportedly faced the threat of sanction if their head coach and captain could not make it to a mandatory news conference on the eve of the match.
The original flight was reportedly not allowed to depart due to administrative issues, including some missing paperwork, and officials had to scramble to line up a new flight.
FIFA is in charge of all travel related to the 48-team World Cup.
Uruguay are training in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and held a practice there on Sunday. When the traveling delegation reached the airport in Cancun, approximately 72km (45 miles) away, they learned that the group was not authorised to enter the US.
The Uruguay Football Association (AUF) said that a second plane from South Florida was en route to pick up the squad, while the players waited at a resort outside Cancun until its arrival.
“Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed,” the association said in a statement. “The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4:15pm [21:15 GMT].”
FIFA later released a statement, saying: “Due to an airline permitting error in Mexico, the Uruguay national team’s departure from Cancun to Miami was delayed.
“The airline has apologised for the inconvenience caused. FIFA remained in close contact with the Uruguay national team throughout their delay and worked alongside airport and operational partners to help expedite the process and minimize disruption to the team’s travel arrangements.”
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa and team captain Jose Maria Gimenez missed Sunday’s originally scheduled news conference in South Florida due to the issue. The news conference was pushed back to 8pm Eastern Time (00:00 GMT), and the coach and captain were in attendance.
“The trip went well; we made the most of it and saw it in a positive light,” Gimenez said in Spanish. “We took the chance to rest at the hotel [in Cancun].”
Bielsa was asked what sort of disruption the flight snafu caused his team.
“No, the flight doesn’t cause any complications,” Bielsa said, before changing the subject to his team’s preparation in both the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo and Mexico’s Playa del Carmen.
“In Montevideo, the players had constant obligations, but they also had family time, which I felt was necessary.”
Uruguay and Saudi Arabia will play their first match of Group H at Miami Gardens at 6pm (22:00 GMT), giving them less than 24 hours to settle in before kickoff.
The other members of the group, Spain and Cape Verde, will play in Atlanta on Monday.
Uruguay were the latest to face travel issues at the World Cup.
Top Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the US this week after he was “determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns”.
Meanwhile, the Iranian team were granted US visas just 10 days before their first match in Los Angeles. And Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was interrogated for hours at Chicago’s airport before eventually being allowed entry. The team’s photographer, however, was denied.
Watch out for blue, red or dark patches on your skin
A doctor has explained the red flag warning signs that should never be ignored after a flight. Millions of people will jet off on their summer holidays in the coming months and a vascular consultant says holidaymakers should be aware of tell-tale signs before they become a medical emergency.
Dr Mark Regi, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at VeinCentre, said: “Air travel, particularly long-haul flights, can put extra strain on your circulatory system as most people will have limited movement for a long period of time. People with poor circulation or varicose veins can be at greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot usually found in the leg.
“For most people, a walk around the cabin and some compression socks will do the trick, but it’s always worth knowing the signs to look out for that something potentially serious could be happening.”
Last year influencer Molly-Mae Hague told how she feared she had suffered a blood clot after experiencing severe pain in her leg following a flight home from Dubai. After rushing to hospital doctors gave the former Love Island star the all clear. She told fans: “It needs to be taken so much more seriously because it can happen to anyone at any age.”
Symptoms of DVT include a throbbing pain in the calf or thigh, swelling in one leg, swollen veins and the skin around the leg becoming red, blue or darkened. Dr Regi said: “If any swelling doesn’t ease after a flight and you experience a dull ache or heavy cramping then it’s always worth speaking to a doctor.
“DVT can be serious so keep a close eye on any changes that don’t settle down. If you experience shortness of breath or chest pain, together with these symptoms, seek medical advice straight away as this could be a sign a clot has travelled to the lung.”
Dr Regi continued: “People who already know they have poor circulation, for example if they have varicose veins, should try and move around as much as is practical during any long-haul flights. That’s because twisted or bulging veins can struggle to circulate blood effectively during extended periods of immobility.
“I always recommend investing in medical-grade compression stockings if you have varicose veins. You should also keep hydrated and keep alcohol and caffeinated drinks to a minimum. Exercises such as calf raises and ankle pumps can also keep blood pumping around your legs when you can’t get up for a wander.”
Dr Regi says varicose veins are often seen as purely a cosmetic issue, but they should be taken seriously and treatment is available. He said: “Varicose veins mean they are not working as they should. Treatments are available which focus on the underlying venous insufficiency to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to close off affected veins, treating the root cause of varicose veins.”
What should have been the start of an exciting family holiday to Greece turned into a nightmare, after a mother of three was unable to board the plane due to a passport mistake
Jam Press Reporter and Amy Jones Senior Travel Journalist
10:58, 11 Jun 2026
Bolaji Omisade was told at the airport that she wouldn’t be able to board her easyJet flight(Image: Jam Press/@beejayomi)
A mum was banned from boarding an easyJet flight with her family and was left £700 out of pocket after being caught out by a crucial passport rule.
Bolaji Omisade, 35, was filled with excitement as she headed to London Gatwick Airport with her husband and three sons ahead of their family holiday to Greece. But on arrival at the airport, she was told by easyJet staff that she wouldn’t be allowed to board the plane.
Confused by the situation, the social worker and content creator from Rainham in Essex was told at check-in that while her passport had not expired, it had been issued more than 10 years earlier, meaning it did not meet EU entry requirements. “Until that moment, I had absolutely no idea this rule existed,” Bolaji told creatorzine.com.
All UK passports must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry when travelling to most European countries under post-Brexit travel rules. Bolaji checked that her passport hadn’t expired before heading to the airport, but wasn’t aware of the crucial rule regarding the issue date.
It was a devastating moment for Bolaji as the reality of not being able to go on holiday with her husband and their three sons hit home. “I had to hold back my emotions because my children were watching everything unfold,” she said. “As a parent, that was one of the hardest parts. They were so disappointed.”
With no refund option and their planned departure time approaching, the family decided that Bolaji would return home with their youngest son, while her husband and two older boys would board the easyJet flight to Greece. Amid the holiday nightmare, Bolaji said she saw another holidaymaker being turned away at the airport for the same reason. “That was the moment I realised this wasn’t an isolated incident,” she said.
In an attempt to salvage the holiday, Bolaji swiftly booked an appointment to secure a new passport by using the one-day premium service through His Majesty’s Passport Office. While there were no suitable appointments available in London due to the bank holiday weekend, the mum managed to secure a 9.30am slot in Newport, Wales, and travelled up the night before.
After waiting several hours, Bolaji was finally issued a fresh passport, and she booked new flights. Bolaji and her youngest son joined the rest of the family in Greece on Thursday, but it meant they had only two days left of the holiday before flying home on Saturday.
While it was a stressful time for the family, it also resulted in an expensive mistake. With the cost of the emergency passport, hotel stay in Wales, travel expenses, and extra flights, the family ended up spending an additional £700 on top of their already prebooked getaway.
Since the ordeal, Bolaji has shared her experience on social media, warning other travellers and urging booking platforms to clarify the rule. “I believe airlines and booking platforms could do much more to highlight this rule,” she said. “If sharing my story helps even one family avoid being turned away at the airport, then something positive will have come from what was a very upsetting experience.”
To renew or replace your passport, online or at the HM Passport Office, visit the government website.
EasyJet has a dedicated page on its website to warn passengers of passport rules and requirements, including for the EU. As part of these warnings it explains: “Please check your passport’s expiry and issue date before you travel. If you’re a UK passport holder travelling to the EU (except Ireland), or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican City or Switzerland, your passport will need to meet the following criteria:
It must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to depart from the EU or above countries*
It must be no more than 10 years’ old on the date of travel to the EU or above countries.
“Visit the UK government’s advice page for more information.
“Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland may travel within Europe using a valid EU/EEA/Swiss National Identity Card or Passport Card.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
A MUM was forced to cancel her flight after discovering her son doodled a dinosaur in her passport just hours before a work trip abroad.
The distraught parent shared the stressful experience online, along with photos of the ballpoint scribbles, captioned: “I hate dinosaurs!”
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
A mum in Malaysia was forced to change her flight after her son drew dinosaurs in her passportCredit: Jam PressOfficials declared the passport damaged and not valid for travelCredit: Jam Press
“I feel like crying. My flight is tonight,” she said.
“I was packing, and my little one was busy scribbling on my passport. I didn’t notice when he got hold of it.
“This morning I was running around queuing at immigration.
“I’m hoping I don’t have to declare the passport as damaged.”
The woman then went to the Immigration Department in Kajang, Malaysia before being sent to Putrajaya.
Unfortunately, her worst fears were realised.
Officials told her her passport was damaged and not valid for travel.
To make matters worse, as it was a weekend, she could not get a replacement until Monday.
She said: “I’m now on the way to Kuala Lumpur International Airport to ask Qatar Airways if I can change my ticket to Monday night.
“Please pray that everything is made easier.”
Fortunately, she was able to change her flight to Monday – though at a not insignificant price of £114.
Accepting the outcome, she wrote: “To those asking about the little one who scribbled on the passport, he’s still smiling without any sense of guilt and still saying, ‘Let’s go to the airport!’
“Please pray that our affairs are made easier as we continue our 11,977km journey soon… amen.
“Also, thank you to the immigration officer in Putrajaya who was on duty this morning and helped us accept fate with more calmness.
“God willing, there is a blessing in it.”
This is not the first time passport issues have caused last-minute travel chaos.
BOARDING gates are usually good for people spotting, but I don’t usually see famous faces among the frazzled families, loved-up couples and hen parties.
British Airways’ newest route isn’t your average flight though.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Toulon Airport is a cab ride or a 2.50 euro bus ride from the famous seaside town of St TropezCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Head Of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire flew the new route for her stay at Prairie De La Mer campsite with Eurocamp
The 2-hour journey from London City airport (best airport in the UK in my opinion) is taking passengers to Toulon-Hyeres airport in the south of France twice-weekly until September.
The seaside city is a taxi ride away from A-List heavy holiday destinations like St Tropez, Grimaud and Sainte Maxime.
Which is why my plane featured not one, not two, but three celebrities queueing to board.
London City is a dream airport, with non-existent security queues, almost non-existent check-in queues and very short walks to boarding gates.
I kicked myself for arriving a keen two hours before the flight, because we did everything so quickly that we had masses of time to kill.
The planes are small by BA standards but as they’re part of the BA CityFlyer brand that operates out of London City, Economy passengers get a free drink and a light snack on the two-hour trip, with flights costing from £130 one-way.
Business Class passengers get a full meal and car service, which includes fried breakfasts, salads and a hot main, plus pudding and bread roll, depending on the time of day you travel.
Despite this, flights cost from £130 one-way.
The flight is aiming itself at passengers who want relaxed and luxurious travel to the famous French Riviera, and Toulon airport is so tiny that arrivals at the other end are similarly breezy.
The dreaded lengthy passport control queues were perfectly manageable as the airport only serves seven destinations.
Because it’s so small, there is only a tiny cafe at Toulon after check-in though, so it’s worth coming armed with your own food if you have specific tastes.
The French Riviera isn’t known for being cheap, but you don’t have to splash 100 euros on a taxi to St Tropez.
There is a coach that leaves twice daily from the airport and costs 2.50 euros per person and travels all the way to St Tropez, stopping at a number of holiday destinations en route.
I was staying at the Eurocamp in nearby Port Grimaud and it took me nearly all the way, with just a 10 euro Uber at the end to get me to my campsite.
St Tropez is in the spotlight even more than usual this summer, as the new series of HBO’s The White Lotus will be set on the French Riviera, with the posh Chateau de la Messadiere in St Tropez being used as the main filming location.
So if you fancy checking out the real-life location that’ll be beaming onto our screens next summer ahead of the crowds, this is one of the easiest and most comfortable flights to get you there.
Plus you might even spot a celeb or two on your way.
As the route is part of the BA CityFlyer brand that operates out of London City, Economy passengers get a free drink and a light snack on the two-hour tripCredit: Alamy
A flight attendant has shared the piece of advice she would give plus-size passengers who are boarding the plane, especially if they’re feeling anxious about the journey
Follow this flight attendant’s advice and you’ll be fine (Stock Image)(Image: South_agency via Getty Images)
A flight attendant has urged plus-size passengers to follow her simple advice when boarding a plane, especially if they’re feeling anxious about what’s ahead.
Flying when plus-size can feel daunting. You may be worried about whether people will be kind to you, or if they’ll cause a scene about sitting next to someone in a bigger body, rather than questioning why plane seats are so small in the first place. But there’s something you can do before you even make it to your seat to ensure the flight is comfortable for you, and you’re not stressing or feeling embarrassed.
Jeenie Weenie, who shares videos about her life as a flight attendant, said she was making content for “all the beautiful plus-size passengers”.
Someone said they feel uncomfortable and have “anxiety” about asking for a seatbelt extender in front of their seatmate.
Of course, in an ideal world, seatbelt extenders wouldn’t be necessary, as belts would be longer and more accommodating for all, but alas, this isn’t the case right now.
However, Jeanie said: “When you’re boarding the plane, ask a crew member at this time for a seatbelt extender. Some airlines keep the extenders at the boarding area, so they’ll give them to you right away.
“And if they don’t have it there, you can give them your seat number, and once boarding is complete, they will give you the extender without you having to ask for it.”
This means the only person who will hear you asking for a seatbelt extender is the crew member, because everyone else “will be busy boarding”.
In the comments, someone praised the professionalism of all the cabin crew members they’d ever dealt with, as one wrote: “I no longer need a seat extender, but when I did, I’d ask when boarding. The flight attendants were always so nice about it and never made me feel ashamed.”
Another shared: “I remember struggling with my weight (still do) after my car accident, and I put on a lot of pounds. As soon as I was given the okay to work out, I went to the pool daily, ate better, etc. I did lose weight, but not enough.
“My first flight since the accident, I could alllllmost click the buckle. I remember being so upset and having to stop myself from crying, as I already hate walking with a limp.
“An attendant -I assume was off the clock- sat down next to me, and as she saw me quietly losing my mind and feeling desperate, she passed me an extender like a ninja and told me ‘it’s okay’ with such a reassuring smile. It was so nice to be treated with genuine care and human respect. I hope she is doing well.”
Someone else commented: “I always ask as I’m boarding. I don’t always need it since seat belt lengths aren’t the same, but I always ask just in case I need it.”
Currently there are only two more flights set to depart from Leeds Bradford for the city on the Turquoise Coast with the last being on June 7.
Flights between Manchester and Bodrum have also been axed – this has been done immediately as there are no tickets on sale or further routes planned on its website.
The Manchester to Bodrum route was only launched a month ago on May 4.
Routes from Glasgow to Dalaman and Antalya have also been axed.
The final flight from Glasgow to Dalaman will be on June 9.
There are no more flights between the Scottish airport and Antalya.
A spokesperson from SunExpress told Travel Gossip that the reasons for the routes being axed were “geopolitical developments” and a “highly volatile environment”.
Another was the increasing price of jet fuel and as a result of this it is also reducing the number of flights on other services.
They added: “We regret any inconvenience caused, and will continue to provide UK travellers with a wide range of flights and routes to Türkiye from airports across the UK.”
The route cancellations will affect Brits heading to destinations like AntalyaCredit: AlamyIt has cancelled one route to Bodrum just a month after it startedCredit: Alamy
“At this stage, we’re not in a position to confirm when the suspended services may be reinstated. We will provide further updates as soon as more information is available.”
SunExpress – a budget airline – will continue other routes to Antalya.
These go from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and Newcastle.
The airline will also continue to fly to Antalya from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Manchester, and Newcastle.
A couple who were flying out of Manchester Airport were furious after realising a major downside to spending £150 each on seats with extra legroom – with the couple vowing ‘never again’
The couple were furious after realising they made a mistake when paying for extra legroom (stock)(Image: Nasir Kachroo/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A passenger on a plane was furious after paying £150 for extra legroom on a flight, before realising one major downside. Being comfortable when travelling is one of the most important things for passengers.
Depending on where you are travelling to, you could be on a plane for up to 19 hours, so being somewhat comfortable is important if you’re planning to sleep while onboard. There are a number of ways people can ensure comfort on a flight including upgrading seats to extra legroom or buying a first-class ticket for the duration of the flight.
Upgrades, however, do come at a cost which can be thousands of pounds on top of the initial flight price – which can already be pricy enough.
But if you’re travelling on a smaller plane, the only upgrade available can be a seat with extra legroom, also known as exit row seats.
Sitting in this row means that you must both be physically and mentally able, and willing, to help cabin crew open the heavy exit door and assist them in the event of an evacuation.
They were initially happy with their seats, until the flight took of and the seatbelt signs were turned off, and they instantly realised the downside to paying extra money for their flight.
The couple said: “You pay £150 for extra legroom seats just to have people queuing for the toilet right in front of you. The British people see a queue and love to join it. There was a free toilet approx 10 rows back but here they are.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
They shared a video on TikTok showing the situation, where a crowd of people were seen standing waiting for the toilet right in front of them.
The couple were unable to extend their legs and were forced to be sat the same as anyone else on the flight due to the amount of people in front of them.
Other people commented on the video to explain how they had also learned the hard way after purchasing seats with extra legroom.
One person said: “This always happens and exactly why I’d never choose those seats! Plus the smell.”
The couple replied: “Literally never again! we had the ones in the middle on the way to Mexico which weren’t as bad, but these seats were the worst!!”
Another person said: “I just leave my feet out and they have to move around them. I’ve never been stood on …yet.”
A third person said: “I did this when I had a cast on my leg and some pensioner stepped over my leg and tripped then had the cheek to look at me like it was my fault.”
A flight attendant has said she can’t stand it when passengers break one common phone rule, as it could actually be quite dangerous for the pilot and other passengers
The flight attendant shared her biggest pet peeve with rule breakers (stock photo)(Image: Tunvarat Pruksachat via Getty Images)
When boarding a plane, there are several things passengers are required to do to ensure their own safety and that of fellow travellers. Once everyone has taken their seats, cabin crew will deliver safety information that must be listened to, and it’s frequently essential that you take their warnings seriously.
If you’re someone who flies regularly, you may believe you no longer need to absorb this safety information as you’ve encountered it numerous times before. But one cabin crew member on social media has insisted it’s always crucial that you remain attentive, as flouting the rules could result in injury, disruption to the aircraft, and possibly harm to your own possessions.
Yasmeen, a flight attendant working out of Los Angeles, posted a video on TikTok from a recent flight, revealing she was left stunned by what one passenger was doing while the aircraft was airborne.
The cabin crew member was travelling as a passenger on this occasion, but explained that her professional experience means she understands just how risky it can be to disregard the rule that the other traveller was so openly flouting.
In the footage, Yasmeen revealed that another passenger seated across the aisle had received a phone call mid-flight and proceeded to answer it with the phone on loudspeaker, allowing everyone within earshot to listen in on their conversation.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Not only is blaring your phone on speaker thoughtless when crammed into a confined space with dozens of other passengers, but you’re meant to switch your mobile to aeroplane mode upon boarding, which blocks all signal and prevents you from making or taking calls.
Yasmeen said: “As a flight attendant, I’m actually about to jump out of my skin.”
Viewers of her clip were split, though. Some insisted they’d never dream of leaving their phone on during a flight, while others claimed they’ve “taken full Zoom calls” on planes previously, suggesting it shouldn’t be a problem.
One person said: “I just don’t understand. With all this technology, and supposedly we went to the moon, but we can’t use our phones on the plane?”
Another added: “I don’t understand what some of y’all don’t understand. You are NOT supposed to be making phone calls while in the air!”
A third wrote: “I’ve taken full Zoom calls on the plane. It’s not against the rules to be on a call.”
Why do phones need to be on aeroplane mode when flying?
Phones, tablets, and other wireless-enabled devices should be switched to aeroplane mode as a safety measure. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), any device that emits radio waves has the potential to interfere with navigation and radar systems, as well as disrupt pilots’ headsets.
The extent to which mobile phones impact aviation technology hasn’t been thoroughly researched, but pilots have reported hearing background noise and interference from handsets while in the air, particularly during landing. This could prove distracting to pilots at a critical stage of the flight, so it’s advisable to simply keep your phone on aeroplane mode throughout.
Failing to switch your phone to aeroplane mode is unlikely to bring the plane down, but even if it doesn’t irritate your pilot, it could also result in unnecessary strain on your own device.
Ways not putting your phone on aeroplane mode can affect you include:
Severe battery drain: Your phone will be working overtime to try and find a signal in the air by attempting to connect to towers on the ground, which can drain your battery.
Costly roaming charges: On international flights, flying over multiple countries and having your phone connect to their towers could land you with hefty roaming fees that you weren’t prepared to pay.
One stunning beach has been crowned the world’s most beautiful by TUI
This beach has been named the most beautiful in the world (Image: gianliguori via Getty Images)
Just a three-hour flight from the UK lies Tunisia‘s breathtaking Yasmine Hammamet Beach, which has just been crowned the most beautiful beach in the world. Travel specialists at TUI assessed countless beaches across the globe, with this stunning coastal gem coming out on top.
The beach scored exceptionally well for its perfect blend of turquoise waters, golden sand and unspoilt coastal scenery, making it an ideal destination for all manner of holidaymakers, from families to watersports fans. Coming in second place was Içmeler Bay Beach in Türkiye, which wasn’t the only Turkish beach to feature, with the country claiming four of the top ten spots. Third place, meanwhile, went to Reduit Beach in Saint Lucia.
A recent visitor to Yasmine Hammamet Beach took to TripAdvisor to rave about the experience, writing: “We travelled with Senior Discovery Tours for 16 days and loved every minute of Tunisia!
“Can’t say enough about how beautiful this country is and especially Hammammet Beach! Beautiful sand and can walk for miles! Would highly recommend!”
Another holidaymaker enthused: “Warm clear blue water and golden sand, lovely clean and safe. Beach cafes and hot sun. I could stay here forever!”
A third visitor added: “Beautiful golden sands – camels seen walking near to water’s edge. Very tranquil. transport available from hotel to beach for guests – Hotel staff accompanying guests – bar available on beach for cold drinks.”
Revealing the findings of their research, Abbigail Head, a TUI retail agent, said: “Beautiful beaches continue to be one of the biggest drivers when people choose a holiday destination, because they represent the ultimate sense of escape.
“We find that travellers are naturally drawn to clear blue water, soft golden sand and bright coastal scenery because these landscapes instantly create feelings of relaxation.
“Whether families are looking for long beach days, couples want romantic sunset walks, or holidaymakers simply want somewhere to completely switch off, visually stunning beaches remain at the heart of the perfect getaway experience.”
The most beautiful beaches in the world, according to TUI
A major airline is cutting complimentary meals offered to passengers on flights with the introduction of a chef curated menu that has to be pre ordered ahead of takeoff
The major airline will be cutting complimentary meals (Image: Getty )
A major airline has announced a new in flight charge that will impact passengers from July, with meals no longer being complimentary.
Hawaiian Airlines services included the free perk of meals when flying between Hawaii and the US mainland.
However, in a recent announcement the airline stated that passengers will not longer automatically receive complimentary meals.
Travellers will now have to purchase pre-ordered dishes from a new menu, between two weeks before departure and 20 hours ahead of takeoff.
Prices are expected to range from about $10 (£7.45) to $17 (approx £12.66) per meal.
However, according to the airline, flights between Honolulu and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, will continue to include a complimentary meal for Main Cabin passengers.
The menu has been curated by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon, who developed a menu featuring elevated local favourites including crispy mochiko chicken with garlic noodles, barbecue teriyaki chicken bento, and corned beef hash with eggs.
Passengers will also be able to try signature dishes inspired by Simeon’s restaurants including his popular K mayo, teriyaki sauce, and banana bread syrup.
“At the heart of this transformation is what has always defined Hawaiian Airlines: authentic Hawaiian hospitality,” Alisa Onishi, the Managing Director of Hawai‘i Marketing at Hawaiian Airlines, said in a statement.
“We’re still going to keep the authentic parts of our hospitality, free beverages, free local snacks, (and) the sweet treat at the end of the flight. We’re really proud to offer this new option in our main cabin for our guests to explore and enjoy a little more from our island home.”
The airline added: “By moving to a pre-order model, we’re expanding beyond a single standard meal to offer a broader menu that reflects how our guests want to dine today.”
Business Class and First Class menus are also being revamped, with complimentary snacks remaining available on flights.