Flight

This island has delicious food, rich history and plenty to explore

Summer has well and truly drawn to a close, with UK temperatures dropping steadily by the day amid concerns that the Polar Vortex could bring an even colder snap soon. Yet within easy and affordable reach of Britain, there are destinations where the weather remains mild and the sun continues to shine.

One such gem is a breathtaking Mediterranean island celebrated for its spectacular landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine.

While summer daytime temperatures on this island can soar to 35C, the autumn shoulder season offers the ideal window to visit. Currently, the island of Sicily is enjoying impressive highs of 25C – perfect for soaking up some late-season sunshine.

Major cities such as Palermo and Catania remain vibrant throughout the year, but autumn brings fewer crowds, allowing you to wander the bustling street markets without being hemmed in by fellow tourists.

November also marks the height of olive-picking season across the countryside. This means numerous beautiful rural estates will be offering olive grove tours, tastings and cookery classes – an ideal way to spend the day.

One of the best estates you can tour is Serafica on the slopes of Mount Etna. You can enjoy a two hour tour of the groves and the olive mill, then a delicious tasting of three of their home-made olive oils with local cheese and bruschetta.

And with daytime temperatures being more moderate, it’s also the perfect opportunity to tackle Mount Etna, the imposing volcano that dominates the island’s skyline. Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and there are numerous walking routes up it depending on your fitness level – however, by law you are not permitted to climb beyond 2,800 metres without a licensed volcanological or alpine guide.

During the autumn months, the views across the island are truly breathtaking.

If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, November is also an ideal time to discover some of the island’s well-known archaeological sites that are typically packed with visitors throughout the summer.

Among the most remarkable is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento – widely regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Greek art and architecture. It features the remains of seven temples alongside the Tomb of Theron, a large pyramid-shaped monument that historians believe was built to honour Romans who fell during the second Punic War.

Entry tickets to the Valley start from just £11, and those who have made the trip were left speechless by the ruins. One visitor wrote on Google: “An extraordinary place where more than 2,500 years of history come to life. The Valley of the Temples is a highlight of any trip to Sicily, with magnificent ancient buildings set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape.”

Another commented: “A beautiful and impressive place with remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins. With some reconstruction, it’s easy to imagine the original size and scale of the buildings.”

Sicily, much like the rest of Italy, is famous for its mouth-watering fresh cuisine including traditional pasta dishes, arancini and chargrilled vegetables. Dining options span from budget-friendly and casual trattorias through to upscale Michelin-starred restaurants.

The slopes of Mount Etna offer lush, fertile soil perfect for farm-to-table eateries such as Zafferana Etnea on the mountain’s eastern slopes.

This upscale, fine dining restaurant offers ingredients from their own organic gardens and orchards, paired with estate wines.

Flights to Sicily from the UK

Skyscanner is displaying numerous bargain flights direct to Sicily in November. These include Stansted to Palermo with Ryanair for £28 and Stansted to Catania with Ryanair for £32.

Frontier Airlines is trying first class.

Even in an industry that’s constantly in motion, this is a departure not many would have predicted. Frontier has made its reputation as a low-fare carrier that relies heavily on extra charges for items including carry-on bags, boarding priority and airport agent assistance.

Yet for flights beginning March 5, 2027, the carrier will be offering a first class section in the first two rows of seating, with a seat-to-seat distance (known as seat pitch) of 37 inches. Frontier’s usual seat pitch is 28-31 inches. In addition, first class seating will be in 2-by-2 formation, eliminating the middle seat, and eventually, each passenger will have a USB-C power port.

A rendering of Frontier’s first class seats.

(Frontier)

In announcing the changes, Frontier said that the individual power ports and Starlink Wi-Fi — an addition the carrier announced in July — “will begin rolling out in 2027, with enhancements becoming available aircraft by aircraft throughout the year.” The idea, Frontier said, is to boost passenger comfort, choice and connectivity.

The airline is changing life in rows 3-8, too, charging extra-legroom prices while increasing the seat pitch there to 34 inches. Those seats, too, will have individual USB-C ports. Neither the first class not the extra-legroom seats include meals or snacks, unless you pay extra. Also, travel advice site the Points Guy points out that Frontier’s new first-class seats “don’t actually recline.” The airline says the seats “are pre-reclined for a relaxing experience throughout your journey.”

Frontier’s announcement comes about six weeks after Jetblue’s announcement that it would create a high-end category on domestic flights, Bluefirst, which will include wider reclining seats, an included meal, snacks, drinks and curb-to-carousel priority for baggage. Depending on the route, Jetblue’s flights with that new class will begin in December, January and February.

Frontier, founded in 1994 and based in Denver, flies about 170 aircraft to about 120 destinations in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The company has survived a bankruptcy reorganization (in 2008) and performance reports that ranked Frontier last among the 10 major U.S. airlines in 2022, 2023 and 2024. (Factors in those rankings included on-time arrivals, passengers denied boarding and customer complaints.)

To promote the new seating classes, Frontier is offering introductory prices for flights booked before Nov. 17 for travel from March 5 through April 5, with first-class, one-way fares starting at $129. As part of that promotion, one-way extra-legroom seats will start at $90.

BRITISH Airways has announced its line-up for summer 2027 including flights to a breathtaking destination with towering mountains.

The airline has announced that it will be launching flights to the ‘City of Seven Mountains’ – Bergen in Norway – as part of its summer 2027 schedule.

The flight – which takes just under two hours – will head off from London Heathrow five times a week to the destination, between April 15 and October 30, 2027.

Bergen earns its nickname from the seven mountains that frame the city and it is the ideal base for exploring coastal fjords such as the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord.

While it is known as one of Europe’s rainiest cities, it means that lush greenery surrounds the city.

For example, there is Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken, which are reached via the Fløibanen Funicular or hiking trails with panoramic views of the city below.

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Also check out Bryggen Wharf – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where there are brightly painted wooden Hanseatic buildings, lining the edges of the harbour.

British Airways offers a fly-drive holiday package to Bergen from £349 per person between May 1 and 31, 2027, including return flights.

The airline is also moving around a couple of its flights.

Flights to Perugia, Italy will be moved from London Heathrow Airport to London City Airport and will operate five times a week between May 1 and September 28, 2027.

Skiathos, Greece, flights will move from London City Airport to London Heathrow Terminal 5 and will operate three times a week between May 20 and September 11, 2027.

BA Cityflyer will also launch new weekly services from Glasgow to Nice, France and Edinburgh to Split, Croatia.

Flights between Glasgow and Nice will take off once a week between May 15 and October 3, 2027.

And flights from Edinburgh to Split in Croatia, will operate once a week between May 15 and June 19, 2027 and then again from September 4 to October 2, 2027.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our European network with new routes and convenient airport moves, offering customers even more ways to explore some of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

“From Norway’s spectacular fjords and the beaches of Skiathos to the rolling countryside of Umbria, the glamour of the French Riviera and Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, these additions provide greater choice and connectivity for customers planning their next summer trip.”

LOS ANGELES — A U.S. deportation flight of Iranian nationals bound for Iran by way of Pakistan was abruptly canceled Sunday morning, according to an attorney who spoke to some of the detainees scheduled for repatriation.

At least eight Iranians were loaded onto a plane Sunday morning in Mesa, Ariz., for a deportation flight headed to the Caucasus nation of Georgia, then on to Pakistan, according to Ali Rahnama, an attorney with the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund who filed emergency motions on behalf of some of the Iranian detainees. The flight was canceled without explanation, he said.

Court documents unsealed days ago in a civil lawsuit filed by the fund showed the Trump administration as recently as mid-October said it had plans to deport the Iranians to Iran, even as the war there drags on, via an unnamed third country. The lawsuit was filed in July and alleges that the U.S. government illegally shared confidential information with Iranian officials about Iranians seeking asylum in the U.S.

There were three deportation flights to Iran between September 2025 and January 2026, with more than 100 Iranian nationals deported. But the administration’s confirmation of the new plans amid the war that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February highlights its resolve in carrying out its hard-line immigration crackdown, which has involved ramping up removals, including to places that critics say could endanger the lives of the returnees.

Homeland Security response

In response to questions Sunday from the Associated Press, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement does not comment on “prospective removal operations, including flight schedules, passenger manifests, destinations, or individual case details,” nor would the agency confirm future removal operations.

“As promised, the Trump Administration is employing all lawful options to carry out the largest deportation operation in history,” the statement said.

The administration did not specify in the October court records when the deportations would be carried out. But in the last week, roughly a dozen Iranian nationals in immigration detention said they were notified that they were scheduled for an upcoming deportation flight to Pakistan and then to Iran, according to numerous attorneys who have since confirmed those plans with Homeland Security.

Iranian government contacts reported

According to Rahnama, the eight detainees who boarded the flight on Sunday were visited by a senior official with the Iranian Interests Section — an Iranian representative office in the Pakistani Embassy in Washington that handles consular affairs — and were told that the Iranian government would transport them from Pakistan to Iran.

In the litigation brought by the Iranian immigrant advocacy group, at least a dozen Iranian detainees have said they’ve been contacted by Iranian officials who had knowledge of sensitive information on their asylum claims.

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes, a nominee of President Biden, has not ruled on the claims but ordered the U.S. government to give the court 24-hour notice of any finalized plans to deport Iranians to Iran or to any other country, and five days’ written notice before any such deportation is carried out.

In a court filing Sunday, the defense fund laid out what it had learned about plans for a removal flight Sunday and argued that the administration may have violated the judge’s directive to give advance notice of deportation plans.

Later Sunday, the government filed court documents in the case, but they were sealed and inaccessible to the public.

Group says individuals could face persecution

The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund has called for a halt to the removal flights, saying in a news release that they would “reportedly mark the first deportation of Iranians to Iran since the U.S.-Iran war began.”

The group’s executive director, Yasmine Chubin, said in a statement Sunday that it was difficult to comprehend why the U.S. would forcibly deport Iranians, including asylum seekers, to Iran, amid ongoing military hostilities.

The consequences of removal, Chubin said, “could be irreversible and individuals may face persecution, torture, or death.”

At least one person who had been part of the scuttled flight volunteered to go back to Iran after nearly two years of detention, Rahnama said, out of desperation to leave what he described as inhumane imprisonment. It’s not clear how many other of the deportees may have volunteered to leave.

Riddle writes for the Associated Press. AP reporter Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Va., contributed to this report.

Few of us living in Southern California fully grasp the pivotal role the area has played in the history of flight and space travel. It boasted about two-thirds of the nation’s aircraft companies by the end of World War II and later birthed moon-bound Apollo spacecraft and the Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour space shuttles. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge is still where many of NASA’s robotic space missions are built and operated, and SpaceX has forged most of its rockets and spacecraft in Hawthorne.

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Take a tour of Endeavour’s new home at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which features an awe-inspiring elevator ride, 115-foot slide and dozens of fun and educational exhibits.

Our region specializes in another kind of escape too: entertainment. At the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the $450-million, 200,000-square-foot expansion of the California Science Center, which opens to the public on Nov. 13, our expertise in cosmonautics and creativity converge to produce a blockbuster — a people-pleasing, action-packed popcorn flick that’s a foil to the city’s newest museums such as LACMA’s indie art house and Lucas’ sci-fi saga.

The center, with its galleries dedicated to aviation, space exploration and the shuttle program, turns the miracle of flight into theater, building to a dazzling denouement: the space shuttle Endeavour, with its solid rocket boosters and enormous external tank displayed in launch-ready position for the first time.

The drama begins in a darkened room, where a film created by J.J. Abrams’ production company, Bad Robot, transports you into the rousing, aggressively optimistic world of space travel, with its grainy footage, scratchy voices and real-life heroes. Then the shuttle appears on screen, the music swells and the room shakes with the tearing, rumbling force of a launch. The music resolves and smoke rolls into the gallery before the screen opens up and the real Endeavour gleams in the distance, spotlighted like a mirage in the dark.

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The cone-like top houses the Endeavour space shuttle in launch position.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

It’s all a bit much. But I defy you to experience this reveal without getting goosebumps, or even (like a few people I know) shedding a tear.

You may think you experienced the shuttle a few years ago, parked in a hangar-like building at the west edge of the Science Center. But witnessing the shuttle upright — an idea that emerged out of a Science Center master plan over 30 years ago — is an entirely different thing. The 20-story-tall Endeavour stack is, simply put, one of the greatest artifacts ever installed in a museum. Anchored, via just eight bolts, to a concrete pad a floor below the ground, it’s a mesmerizing monument that feels as if it’s emerging from the earth to burst into space.

Space is the key word. To its credit, Oschin architect ZGF has done its best to keep the shuttle gallery’s dark, cavernous architecture in the background; focusing attention on the Endeavour while transporting visitors to another realm. Above its three-story concrete lower walls the gallery’s structure becomes a lean, self-supporting steel diagrid (think of a giant Erector Set) that wraps around the orbiter without interior walls or columns. Its web of steel connectors reads like a constellation. Its cone-shaped surface consists of thousands of panels, merging support and weather protection, and serving, via steel clips, as a frame for the building’s outer stainless-steel tiles. Each panel is different, their subtly shifting shapes recalling those of the shuttle’s heat-shield tiles.

Former NASA astronaut John “Danny” Olivas watches a J.J. Abrams-produced film about the space shuttle program before entering the shuttle display area at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

From the upper deck, visitors can get a close-up view of the cockpit of space shuttle Endeavour inside the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The building choreographs a series of changing paths and perspectives within this vast armature. From wrapping overlooks, anchored by a central stepped terrace, you can take in the Endeavour’s full presence, set against the ethereal diagrid, from all sides. Walk to the far end to get closer to the shuttle: Its open cargo bay, which shows off its 50-foot-long mechanical arm designed to launch satellites and snag spacecraft, looks enormous compared with the tiny cockpit and living quarters where floating astronauts somehow squeezed in together, literally sleeping against walls and ceilings.

You can descend stairs from here, or opt for a (very) fast ride down one of the gallery’s 115-foot-long tubular metal slides, which dive through the floor and curve, as if hurtling through the atmosphere, to the base of the shuttle. Looking up from the ground floor gives you a true sense of the scale of the behemoth orbiter, boosters and tank, which shoot up like skyscrapers.

The super-fast 115-foot-long Shuttle Descent Slides inside the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The “Launch Tower,” a 16-story-tall re-creation of the shuttle launchpad’s gantry, gets you even closer to the stack. You ascend quickly via its glass elevator, and the Endeavour and its components shift in size and sensation as you climb. Viewing decks at multiple levels help you draw alongside. At one moment the orbiter looks alive — with its black, doglike cone nose and deep nostrils. Then it resembles an alien probe, filled with weird nozzles and mysterious hatches. It may dawn on you that this heroic artifact is a vulnerable, handmade thing. Ceramic tiles closer to the front are darker, stained with the unreal heat of piercing the atmosphere. Some of the shielding consists of white, quilted silica fabric; literally handwoven.

At the top level, 140 feet up, you walk out onto a structural glass-floor ledge and stare down into the shuttle’s cockpit, through your feet. You, the tiny David, have eclipsed the Goliath and conquered space! Or you peer over a railing to study the external tank — literally the last of its kind — tracked down for this exhibit at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana. It’s fluted in places, like a colossal, Space Age column. Elsewhere it’s mottled and reddish, as if made of clay.

The experience is profound for reasons other than pure spatial and tactical wonder. The shuttle is a machine for nostalgia, embodying a space program that brought us miraculously closer to the heavens and distilled the promise — deeply American, for better or worse — that ingenuity and persistence could take us beyond what seemed possible. Visiting it brings back childhood memories of watching a launch in awe. It transports us to a simpler time when spaceflight felt like a shared public undertaking, led by NASA in pursuit of knowledge, not by billionaires in pursuit of ego.

Part science exhibit, part thrill ride, the shuttle gallery teaches most effectively via emotion. While it’s hard to pull your attention from the shuttle, the area is layered with dozens more evocative exhibits and artifacts, including a replica of the shuttle’s flight deck — housing more than 1,000 densely packed switches, dials and displays — and a simulator that allows you to move, weightlessly, through the International Space Station. A line of graphics along one wall outlines the details of each shuttle mission — 135 in all — as vertical stripes of information.

The Oschin’s Aviation and Space galleries, bridging the shuttle gallery and the Science Center’s towering lobby, share the same broad idea: let extraordinary artifacts lead, and use architecture to shape the views and journeys around them. They’re excellently executed, but they feel familiar — planes and spacecraft spread across several levels accompanied by oversize graphics and hands-on displays. They rarely reach the singular intensity of the shuttle gallery.

Several planes and jets, including an inverted Grumman F11F-1 Tiger, are on display inside the Korean Air Aviation Gallery at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The three-story aviation hall makes room for almost two dozen aircraft — including a replica Wright Brothers glider, a Grumman F11F-1 Tiger, inverted as if a Navy Blue Angel were still steering, and a Joby S4 Air Taxi — suspended via steel wires from extra-thick concrete beams. Large openings cut through each level’s floor plates help accommodate the impressive craft while providing perspectives from all angles, even above. Exposed structure and lighting give the area the spare feeling of a hangar, with upper-level clerestory windows and skylights providing natural light. The “Concourse,” a central bank of bleacher seating linking the first and second floors, provides a place to take it all in, or to watch occasional presentations and shows.

Dozens of exhibits, which don’t have to compete with a looming space shuttle, will make it hard for you to get your children to leave. You can explore the interior of a 747, embarking on a simulated flight to South Korea, learn the mechanics of flight through several manually controlled displays, or send drones on missions above a miniature model of Los Angeles.

The space galleries capture more of the shuttle exhibit’s sense of otherworldly drama: dark, amorphous, windowless spaces with graphics of glittering stars and planets on the walls and spotlights lending pop to each surreal artifact. You can gape at gargantuan rocket components and space vehicles — the Rocket Lab Electron Rocket, for instance, juts through multiple floors — or ogle space suits, shuttle thrusters and moon rocks. There’s the diminutive Mercury-Redstone 2 capsule, which carried a chimpanzee on a suborbital spaceflight; the scruffy Apollo-ASTP Command Module, which orbited the Earth; and a model of Mariner IV, the probe that took the first close-up pictures of Mars. The best interactive exhibits turn curiosity and fun into stealth learning, like a chance to control a Mars rover or practice repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.

A section of a Boeing 747 is displayed inside the Korean Air Aviation Gallery at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Guests can take a simulated flight to Seoul.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Outside, the addition has its strengths, but it makes an uneven case architecturally. I don’t mind that it doesn’t rhyme with the rest of the center: Oschin is one of a kind, especially its shuttle gallery. Besides, I’ve never been a big fan of the main building’s postmodern agglomeration. The new wing’s irregular, mysterious form and overlapping stainless-steel panels catch unique swathes of glowing sunlight. Its tight curves and angled seams recall aeronautic skins, giving the surface a sense of buzzing movement — an appropriate preview for what’s inside. When the building wraps around the shuttle itself it reads as a gleaming, cone-shaped beacon, visible from far away; tracing the shuttle’s dimensions and anchoring the museum in Expo Park. But the remainder feels leftover — formless and aimless — like tinfoil stretched around a clunky, conventional mass. It’s an outgrowth of merging an entirely new kind of exhibit with a more traditional one.

Oschin’s scalelike steel panels, albeit part of a smart, efficient structural solution, inevitably read as a watered-down redux of Frank Gehry’s Bilbao-era work. The echo is especially ironic given the presence, just a few feet away, of Gehry’s 1984 Science Center Air and Space Gallery (which closed in 2011), now empty and deteriorating. That canted, seven-sided building boldly incorporated a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jet into its sheet metal and stucco-clad architecture. Its neglected husk is a missed opportunity: Why echo Gehry from across the street when you could engage the work already there? Science Center President and Chief Executive Jeffrey N. Rudolph says there is hope to someday bring the building back into service, but that its small spaces, awkward circulation and constant leaking have made that difficult.

A drone view at sunset of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The larger missed opportunity is Expo Park itself. With the recent additions of Oschin, the Lucas Museum and BMO Stadium, two expansions to the Natural History Museum and the renovation of the California African American Museum, the area now arguably contains Los Angeles’ most impressive collection of cultural institutions. But despite decades of visioning, the buildings are still not connected in a meaningful, humane way. State Drive, an ugly black roadway, separates the Science Center and its new addition from the park’s Rose Garden, and serves as a sad connector to the rest of the park.

Expo’s most recent master plan, approved in 2020, called for, among many other unexecuted improvements, replacing State Drive with a soft, shaded pedestrian route called Museum Walk. Plans for such a connector date back as far as the 1984 Olympics. “If there was funding (and significant effort toward its delivery) we would indeed explore creating a green promenade,” Andrea Ambriz, general manager of the state-run Office of Exposition Park Management, wrote in an email. “We’d love to see it developed,” echoed Rudolph.

The state contributed $80 million to the Oschin Center’s creation, and it is spending another $450 million on Expo’s deferred maintenance, accessibility and a new park along the complex’s south edge. Why not a few million more to better connect its facilities? And why can’t the institutions themselves chip in? The park’s museums should no longer be treated as isolated islands — the spaces between them urban leftovers.

Ironically, while Expo Park desperately needs to connect, Oschin’s galleries succeed most when they disengage from the world. And that’s OK. Their darkness and surreality narrow your attention and enhance your connection to their stunning, futuristic artifacts, turning a familiar experience into a thrilling journey. These spaces are about wonder, perfect for a museum that, at its core, is about teaching and inspiring children.

Los Angeles has long known how to produce this kind of wonder, in its aerospace workshops, soundstages and sometimes, its architecture. Oschin reveals the power of uniting these strengths. But the reality outside shows how much work remains to bridge the gap between the remarkable things this city builds and the often neglected spaces between.

A LONG haul holiday to somewhere hot and sunny might be tempting – until you have to sit on a plane in economy for 20 hours.

Yet with so many ‘hacks’ and tricks to surviving a long flight, which of them actually work?

So on a recent flight to Australia, I decided to try them all out to see which ones were actually worth it.

While mentally prepared to be uncomfortable for the duration, I was surprised by some that really made the difference.

Of course, some where absolutely no help at all either.

Here’s my verdict on 13 item hacks I’d heard about and whether they are actually worth it.

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Scarf hack

You’ve probably seen the famous scarf hack lingering around on social media – where you tie it to your head rest to make, well, a head rest.

Now, when I saw it, I was skeptical. To me it looked more like something that would hurt my neck, rather than aid it.

You essentially tuck it in behind your seat head rest and then tie it in front of your neck, you then untuck one side and it creates a hammock for your head.

I hated this hack and sacked it off within a couple of minutes.

My scarf slipped too much, turbulence mean I kept getting choked and I felt overwhelmingly like I would be suffocated.

My verdict: Bin this off – you look stupid and it hurts your neck and ear.

Cheap vs high-tech airport neck pillows

Neck pillows seem to be the number one travel item to take on a plane.

But I’ve never used one.

Yes, you heard that right – I travel on dozens of flights each year and have never purchased a neck pillow.

On my 20-hour flight I decided to try out two – one from the airport that cost me an arm and a leg and another high-tech one I bought online.

I used neither on my flight, scrapping them both after about 10 minutes.

I find that they make my neck, head and ears hurt instead of feel comfortable, as well as getting too warm and feeling like I have something suffocating me.

Instead, I just opted for the pillow (which admittedly isn’t given out with all airlines) and was far more comfortable.

My verdict: If you like a neck pillow, obviously take one. But don’t feel like it is a tragedy if you don’t have one, you can often sleep much better with a bundled-up fluffy jumper or a pillow given onboard your flight.

Nasal strips

When you think of nasal strips, you probably either think of elite runners or people snoring.

Nasal strips help with getting more air through your nose when you breath in.

And let’s be honest, with all that stagnant air on a plane bunging you up you want to be able to get as much air as possible.

I tried out SleepyDeepy’s nasal strips and out of all items on this list, this is the one I now swear by.

You simply stick it onto your nose and you will feel the relief with the amount of air you can now breath in through your nose.

And it isn’t just good for getting better sleep.

For those of us who do snore or are worried about snoring on a plane, it helps to stop this.

My verdict: I was so impressed with how much more air I could breathe in when wearing the strip and it is definitely something I’d use on all my long-haul flights going forward.

Mouth tape

Mouth tape is another product I have always been skeptical of, but after getting a sore throat after every flight, on this flight I wanted to try something that would stop that.

SleepyDeepy’s mouth tape looks like a black cloud and you just stick it over you mouth.

It has a small air/vapour hole in the middle.

I slept like a baby with it on and it stopped me snoring or drooling on the plane.

Even better, I got off my flight without a sore throat for once.

My verdict: This is not something I ever thought I would like but it definitely made me feel like I wasn’t snoring or drooling… and that of course, is an instant win.

Ear plugs

A lot of people will skip earplugs when it comes to their flights but they are wrong.

Planes are loud, and while that constant droning fades into the background after a while, all that loud noise is not good for our ears.

I swear by Loop Earplugs and for the times on the flight when you don’t want to listen to music, but also don’t want to hear the plane they are ideal.

They are super comfortable and come in a load of different colours.

I then swapped to SleepyDeepy’s regular foam earplugs when I wanted to sleep as I found that these don’t stick out, making resting your head more comfortable.

My verdict: I love Loop Earplugs and think they are super practical – but they are great for sleeping. I would deffo opt for both and switch between them for when you are reading or having a snooze.

A good eye mask

For 20 hours I wanted to do everything I could to get good sleep, so I opted to take a SleepyDeepy silk eye mask on board.

The soft eye mask wraps around your head with a Velcro close, no tight strap and soft cushioning around the eyes to stop getting marks around your eyes.

It was so comfortable and cosy, I slept like a baby for my flight.

My verdict: This is a lovely eyemask that doubles up as a little bit of a cushion. But if like me and you don’t struggle sleeping with the lights on, then make just opt out of this one.

Silicone suction phone mount

If one item has changed my life (no exaggeration) for the better, it is a silicone suction phone mount.

These little items cost a few quid on Amazon and stick to the back of your phone or phone case and then the other side will suction on to smooth surfaces, such as a window or screen.

This means if you have downloaded films or TV shows onto your phone then you can watch them without having to hold your phone in your hand.

My verdict: A cheap must have item that will help you watch things on your phone but also take pictures without the need for a phone tripod.

AirFly

An AirFly is a brilliant piece of tech and means you can use your own headphones and ditch the annoying, cheap inflight headphones given out.

The Airfly gets plugged into your headphone socket and it connects to your own headphones or earphones wirelessly.

This means you don’t have to battle with an annoying cable or have poor sound quality.

My verdict: An absolute must travel item which means no more dodgy airplane earphones and input holes.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes aren’t just for marathon runners as they can help to counteract the harsh environment of a plane cabin and also help the impacts of jet lag.

I love Good Flyte electrolytes which come in a handy tube, you can snap them in half if you wish and all you need to do is drop it into your water and it will dissolve.

The taste is a nice orange flavour so it is enjoyable to drink as well.

My verdict: I love electrolytes and really do think they help me stay energised after a flight. If anything, they make your drink taste nice. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

A small bottle of your fave fragrance

I love a Lavender pillow spray and genuinely think it helps to calm me down and get a good night sleep.

Taking one on a plane didn’t occur to me before this flight.

But spraying the pillows given to you on the flight and the blanket allowed me to feel at ease with 20 hours of travelling ahead of me.

My verdict: There is nothing quite like something that makes you think of home and a small bottle of fragrance is the ideal way of doing that – perhaps just spraying before your flight or subtly to not annoy other passengers.

Backpack footrest

If you are short like me (5’1 for reference), your feet often don’t comfortably reach the floor of the plane cabin.

For me, this makes me fidget and leaves me unable to get comfortable so now, I am strategic with not only which under seat bag I use but how I pack it.

I will use a large duffle bag and place a couple of jumpers or items of clothing at the top to bulk it up a bit but also make it squishy – this think makes the idea footrest and stops me from getting uncomfortable.

My verdict: This is the easiest way to ensure you have a comfortable foot rest without splurging the cash – it is an easy fix.

Compression socks

For long haul flights, you should always wear compression socks.

Compression socks help to improve blood circulation and prevent fluid from pooling in your lower legs while you are sat for long periods of time.

I picked up a pair from Boots a while back for around a tenner, and while they are not anything glamourous they definitely do the job. The added benefit is they help to keep your legs warm!

My verdict: These are a must to help blood circulation and prevent nasty blood clots – they might not be the sexiest, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Slippers

Don’t be that person wonder around the cabin or plane bathroom with just socks on, so I was told to take a pair of slippers with me onboard.

These are easy to slip on and off for when you do get up and wonder around the cabin or head to the toilet (and keep your feet warm when they ramp up the air con).

If you forget a pair of slippers, don’t stress – nick them from the hotel you are staying at (they always throw them away anyways).

My verdict: Slippers are great if you want to get comfy and if they have rubber bottoms even better as it means you aren’t stepping in anything suspicious when you nip to the loo onboard.

Flights across Europe have been diverted, grounded and escorted by fighter jets in response to a wave of bomb threats, marking a second major outbreak of false alerts in less than a week.

On Thursday, planes departing from 16 countries, including Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain and Denmark, were affected. Flights have either been forced to divert to alternate locations or undergo additional security checks. On Friday, the threats continued.

Authorities have deployed bomb disposal teams and military fighter jets in several countries. So far, security inspections following threats have yielded no evidence of explosives or suspicious materials on board aircraft, and no passenger has reported being harmed.

What happened?

On Friday, a Ryanair flight landed in Lisbon, Portugal at 8am after a bomb threat was made by phone to the authorities, Italian media has reported. A security operation was mounted as soon as the plane landed. Separately, the control tower in Fiumicino, Italy, received an alert about a device aboard a Wizzair flight to Rome from Paris. The Wizzair flight was diverted to Venice where police were clearing the area around the plane.

On Thursday, there were numerous threats, including the following:

• In Poland, authorities received a warning about a potentially dangerous object on board a Polish Airlines flight already taxiing on the runway at Warsaw Chopin Airport. The flight to Paris was prevented from taking off and passengers disembarked, but a search by security services found nothing dangerous on board, an airline spokesman told local media.
• In Warsaw, a LOT flight to Paris was also halted and passengers were transferred to another ‌aircraft.
• A LOT flight from London Heathrow to Warsaw-Chopin Airport was forced to land at the Polish capital’s other airport, Warsaw-Modlin, following a threat. Nothing was found on board.
• The Italian Air Force escorted a Finnair plane into Rome after an anonymous bomb-threat email was sent to Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) and other companies at Fiumicino. The plane arrived safely.
• In Bulgaria, a Ryanair flight from London to Sofia was diverted to make an emergency landing in Plovdiv, the country’s second city, following a bomb threat.
• In the space of just 20 minutes, Spanish authorities reported receiving three emailed bomb threats regarding two Air Europa departures from Madrid to Paris and four inbound Iberia flights from Rome and Milan, Spain’s Guardia Civil said.
• A flight ⁠from Cork in Ireland was delayed for 90 minutes when the airport received a threat, the airport operator said.
• A Ryanair flight from Pescara in Italy to Charleroi in Belgium was subject to a false bomb alarm, state news agency Ansa reported. Local media in Belgium reported that security protocols were triggered after the word “bomb” was found written in one of the aircraft’s restrooms.

What happens when a threat is received?

When an airline is notified of a threat to an aircraft, it is passed to a team of assessors, said Joji Waites, director of flight safety, policy and regulation at BALPA, the British Airlines Pilots’ Association.

“These assessors use standard processes to grade the threat and decide whether the threat is red (credible), amber (partially credible) or green (not credible). Amber is not considered an appropriate assessment if the plane is airborne,” said Waites.

After receiving a threat, an aircraft is directed to an area well away from the airport buildings. Passengers are disembarked and screened while border police with sniffer dogs inspect the plane, according to an airport official.

Is this the first time threats like this have been made?

No.

The incidents follow a series of hoax bomb threats earlier this week. On Monday, a flight from the UK to Bulgaria was diverted after a threat that turned out to be without substance. On Tuesday, seven planes across Europe were searched or diverted because of malicious hoax bomb alerts.

And also this week, there have also been cyberattacks on supermarkets in several European cities, with hackers changing the temperature on refrigeration in an apparent attempt to spoil food.

How unusual is this?

Philip Baum, a visiting professor of aviation security at Coventry University, said the scale and coordinated nature of these latest incidents are unusual.

“There are indeed individual airlines that experience a bomb threat every day, but most of those are very quickly evaluated and determined to be non-specific, and the aircraft do not divert,” said Baum.

What sets the latest incidents apart, he said, is that authorities across several European countries appear to be treating the threats as credible enough to require planes to land and undergo security inspections. Baum noted that each flight disruption could cost airlines as much as $250,000.

The UK’s government called the latest disruption “malicious hoax threats”. London Heathrow, the busiest airport for passenger traffic in Europe, was also targeted. It says it has one of the most robust aviation safety systems in the world, but countries still have to take the threats seriously and figure out how to stop any actors from creating further disruptions to air travel across Europe.

Who is behind this?

The European Commissioner for Transport said it is too early to say who’s behind these attacks or whether the incidents are even connected.

European governments have so far refrained from blaming anyone. But those which have supported Ukraine are wary of hybrid attacks. Germany has directly pointed the finger at Russia for recent drone incursions at Leipzig-Halle Airport. Moscow rejected the accusations.

EU officials are aware of the possibility that Russia would step up its hybrid campaign. In September, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service warned that this could happen to pressure adversaries in the West and NATO.

However, Moscow has denied being involved in the threats to aviation in Europe and there is no evidence of any involvement by Russia, Iran or any proxy groups linked to them.

A TUI flight attendant has shared three things you should never do on a plane – and some travellers were surprised to learn they’d been making these mistakes

Jetting off on holiday should be a relaxing experience, but even the most seasoned globetrotters could be making some major hygiene and safety blunders as soon as they set foot on an aeroplane. Whether you’re a nervous flier or a frequent traveller who knows the safety briefing off by heart, navigating the unspoken rules of the cabin can be a minefield.

Now, a TUI flight attendant has lifted the lid on the common passenger habits that secretly drive cabin crew mad – and some of them are genuinely stomach-churning.

German air hostess Mrs Miva took to TikTok to reveal the “three things you should never do” while airborne, leaving plenty of holidaymakers stunned.

From triggering false emergencies to risking some serious hygiene hazards, her viral video had hundreds of viewers sheepishly admitting they were guilty as charged. So, are you committing any of these ultimate travel sins that cabin crew hate?

1. Ditch the deodorant and hairspray

If you want to freshen up before landing, stick to a roll-on. Mrs Miva warned that spraying aerosols like deodorant or hairspray in the confined space of a plane toilet “could trigger the smoke detector”, instantly sparking a mid-air panic.

Aircraft smoke detectors are incredibly sensitive and designed to pick up tiny particles in the air. While they are usually smart enough to distinguish actual smoke from other substances, a heavy aerosol cloud in a tiny lavatory is a surefire way to set off a false alarm.

To save the crew from rushing to your door expecting a fire, leave the sprays securely in your hand luggage.

2. Don’t fall asleep against the window

We all love securing a window seat so we can rest our heads and catch a few winks, but Mrs Miva urged passengers to think twice.

“Don’t lean your head against the window. They are very rarely cleaned,” she claimed.

While tray tables and high-touch areas are usually given a quick wipe-down between flights, deep cleans are much less frequent – especially when planes are operating tight, back-to-back turnaround journeys.

As a result, those acrylic windows can harbour a massive accumulation of germs. If you absolutely have to lean against the wall to sleep, make sure you give the area a thorough wipe down with antibacterial spray first.

3. Never go to the toilet without shoes on

This one should be common sense, but you would be surprised how many people wander down the aisle in their socks or even completely barefoot.

While cabin crew do their best to tidy the lavatories and restock supplies during long-haul flights, the sheer volume of passengers using such a tiny space means the room isn’t always pristine.

If you spot a suspicious puddle on the floor, do not assume it has just splashed out of the sink. As Mrs Miva bluntly warned: “Don’t go to the lavatory with socks or barefoot. The water on the floor was not used for cleaning.”

So do yourself a massive favour – keep your shoes on!

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A plane travelling from Dublin to Rome has been diverted to an airbase in France after a bomb threat, the French prime minister’s office said.

The Aer Lingus Airbus A320 plane departed Ireland on Thursday morning but it issued an emergency alert and landed at the Evreux air base in northern France.

Meanwhile, a Wizz Air flight travelling from Milan to Warsaw also issued an emergency alert before diverting to Vienna, Austria – though there has been no report of a bomb threat and the reason is unclear.

It comes just days after eight European flights, including two departing from the UK, were targeted by suspected bomb threats. No explosives were found on any of the planes after searches.

A statement from Aer Lingus confirmed that flight EI402 from Dublin to Rome “diverted to Normandy this morning as a security precaution.”

It added: “The flight landed safely and Aer Lingus will work to re-accommodate customers to their final destination as soon as possible.”

On Tuesday, seven planes were searched after bomb threats were made.

Two were from the UK – one travelling from Manchester which landed in Murcia, Spain, the other from London Heathrow to Warsaw, Poland.

Two Ryanair flights – one leaving Dublin and the other from Lisbon – were searched after landing in Rome following anonymous tips but no explosives were found, sources at the city’s Fiumicino airport told the BBC.

The sources added that police bomb disposal experts carried out standard security protocols to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew, and the alert was then cleared.

The UK government described the incidents as “malicious hoax threats”.

ILULISSAT, Greenland — Greenland has opened a new international airport, seeking to lure visitors from around the world as the Arctic island looks toward eventual independence from Denmark.

The inaugural international flight between Copenhagen, Denmark, and Ilulissat, Greenland Thursday was part of the island government’s efforts to grow its tourism industry to boost and diversify an economy still reliant on fishing.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the new airport as “one of the biggest investments” in the island’s history. Nielsen was one of 169 passengers on Thursday’s 4.5-hour flight on an Airbus A330neo. An Associated Press journalist also took the flight, operated by government-owned Air Greenland, as part of a trip organized by tourism agency Visit Greenland, for this story.

“If Greenland wants to be independent, we need to have a strong foundation, both economically and in terms of industry and business,” Nielsen told the AP before the plane departed.

The strategic island, home to roughly 56,000 people, has been a focus of President Trump since his first term, when he initially expressed his desire to acquire Greenland. His repeated threats to seize the territory from Denmark, a NATO ally, during his second term prompted months of tensions with other NATO allies. In September, Trump signed an agreement with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

“There’s no doubt that it has been a shadow over the entire Kingdom of Denmark, but especially Greenland,” said Danish Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard, who also took the inaugural flight. “The opening of this new international airport marks, I think, hope and optimism.”

New international airports seek to lure new visitors

Ilulissat, known as the “City of Icebergs,” sits along the island’s western coast and is home to some 5,000 people. Greenland’s third-largest city is also one of the island’s most-visited destinations. More than 342 miles north of the capital, Nuuk, its tourism offerings range from sled dog tours to icefjord cruises in picturesque Disko Bay, known for its towering icebergs.

Previously, travelers reaching Ilulissat had to arrive by cruise ship, take a small plane from Iceland or fly to one of Greenland’s international hubs and connect to smaller aircraft. There are no road connections from other big towns.

For decades, Greenland’s main international aviation gateways were former U.S. military air bases, distant echoes of World War II, in Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq. Locals and international visitors had to land there before catching smaller aircraft to the island’s major towns, including Ilulissat and Nuuk. That changed in late 2024, when an international airport opened in Nuuk.

United Airlines last year began a new seasonal route between Nuuk and Newark, New Jersey. The inaugural flight was the first direct from the U.S. to Greenland by an American airline.

The Ilulissat airport, meanwhile, has a 53,820 square feet terminal and a new 1.37-mile runway, long enough to accommodate larger passenger aircraft. Air Greenland has committed to as many as six weekly flights between Copenhagen and Ilulissat during next year’s peak summer months, and Icelandair will also fly large jets from its Keflavik hub. Jens R. Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, said the company is also hoping to lure airlines in the U.S. and mainland Europe to serve Ilulissat.

“It’s quite wonderful that you can go directly right now,” said Kirsten Berthelsen, a 35-year-old Ilulissat resident and student who booked a ticket for Thursday’s flight without realizing it was the inaugural service. “Sometimes it’s quite difficult to travel from Nuuk and to other countries.”

Tourism boom remains elusive

While the number of international visitors to Greenland has grown by at least 65% since 2018, reaching almost 150,000 in 2024, the expected travel boom has yet to materialize. In 2024, tourism accounted for less than 5% of the territory’s GDP. Infrastructure, including hotel capacity, remains limited.

Aalborg University associate professor Carina Ren, who specializes in Arctic tourism, said some U.S. tourists were even deterred from visiting the island because of the recent Trump standoff, with a few canceling their flights.

“I’ve heard of people canceling their bookings, but also others canceling because they were afraid that perhaps they would not be welcomed,” she said, adding that many Americans still visit, particularly on cruise ships.

Even so, there are some local concerns about mass tourism and potential damage to Greenland’s fragile nature.

Palle Jerimiassen, a former regional mayor, said he fears the city’s environment, population and infrastructure may be overwhelmed by too many visitors.

“How many can we invite?” he said. “We are welcoming all the tourists, it’s a possibility to earn some new money.”

He added: “But we have to be careful.”

Brooks writes for the Associated Press.

Selma Blair is apologizing following an alleged violent medical episode that unfolded on a Delta airlines flight earlier this month.

The “Cruel Intentions” star posted a video on Instagram on Friday acknowledging that she has “been quiet for a couple of weeks since October 11th.”

“You deserve to hear from me directly, and I’m sorry that it’s taken this long,” Blair said. “There is a legal matter going on, and my lawyers have asked me to not say anything about that day, and I’m listening to them, and I take this very seriously.”

Blair was arrested and taken to a hospital for evaluation late on Oct. 11 after allegedly becoming violent with a Delta flight staff, according to the New York Port Authority. The Port Authority Police Department responded to a call from Blair’s flight, traveling from Los Angeles International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Two flight attendants needed medical assistance after an alleged altercation that unfolded mid-flight and one was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

According to dispatch audio, obtained by TMZ, a flight attendant suffered a bloody nose, and Blair is alleged to have “bashed her head” against an overhead compartment. Representatives for Blair told The Times that “Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct.”

The star has been candid about her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disorder and autoimmune disease, since 2018.

In Blair’s social media mea culpa, she said her intention wasn’t to harm anyone. “What I can tell you, though, is very simple and the truest thing I know about myself, and that not one day ever have I intended to hurt or frighten anyone a day in my life, and so to the people that I disappointed, that I hurt, that I frightened, alarmed, I am so sorry,” she continued.

“And to the people that have written, or called, or sent wishes of love or caring, it has meant everything to me and my son, who is my world. . . So right now, I’m going to be taking care of my health and my son, and thinking of you all with gratitude and love.”

The FBI is investigating the incident, and the agency issued the “Legally Blonde” star a notice charging her with assault, per a federal law enforcement official who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Additionally, the Queens district attorney swiftly filed charges against Blair, which included two counts of second-degree assault. According to an affidavit obtained by The Times, Blair wiggled a leg free and repeatedly kicked a police officer who was attempting to secure her to a stretcher.

Hours later, Blair allegedly kicked a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center nurse in the chest, according to the affidavit.

Representatives for Blair emailed a statement to The Times, writing that “the public account of what happened to Selma aboard a flight to New York has been built almost entirely on a police statement and a decade-old headline.”

Blair’s rep decried reports that have circulated regarding the details of the mid-flight episode, writing to “correct the record.”

“There was no attempt to open the door of the aircraft,” the statement continued. “The suggestion by anyone, that Selma does not have multiple sclerosis is outrageous. Her diagnosis has been public since 2018. What Selma has been able to do physically in the years since is nothing short of a miracle. She still has bad days, and she lives with pain daily. Selma also has pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition secondary to her MS, which bears directly on how a medical episode presents to people who do not know her. For the same reason, she travels with a service dog who doesn’t leave her side, and the authorities took her dog from her.”

Times staff writer Alexandra Del Rosario contributed to this report.

Brazil has summoned Argentina’s top diplomat in the country to answer questions about right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, who fled first to Argentina, then to the United States, after losing Sunday’s presidential election.

On Thursday, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry called in Argentina’s charge d’affaires, Maria Emilia Cortes, sources inside the government told the news agency Reuters.

Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, however, has denied on social media that his government received a formal request for explanations regarding Bolsonaro’s decision to flee into Argentina late on Tuesday.

The circumstances surrounding Bolsonaro’s departure threaten to further strain relations between Brazil’s recently re-elected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his Argentinian counterpart, libertarian Javier Milei.

After Sunday’s election, Bolsonaro was given a deadline to surrender his passports. Officials ordered him to remain in the country as part of an ongoing legal case.

He is part of an ongoing investigation into a money-laundering scheme, known as the Banco Master scandal.

Investigators are probing a multimillion-dollar payment Bolsonaro received from Banco Master’s former head, Daniel Vorcaro, allegedly to finance a film about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The younger Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing and called the case politically motivated.

A senator since 2019, Bolsonaro ran this year as the right-wing presidential candidate for his father’s political movement, the Liberal Party.

But after advancing to the run-off, the senator fell short by more than 4 million votes. Lula won Sunday’s race with 51.8 percent of the vote, securing a historic fourth non-consecutive term.

Bolsonaro, however, has refused to concede, though the Liberal Party has acknowledged Lula’s victory.

Instead, he made an unsubstantiated allegation of electoral malfeasance, pointing to a Supreme Court decision to extend voting hours on Sunday.

Both candidates’ campaigns had requested extensions, though for different reasons: Bolsonaro’s camp pointed to inclement weather delaying voters in parts of Brazil, while Lula’s party raised concerns about efforts to restrict public transport on election day.

But Bolsonaro argued that the last-minute extension had disadvantaged voters in regions considered right-wing strongholds.

After arriving in Miami on Wednesday, he declared himself the “legitimate president-elect” of Brazil.

He, his wife and two daughters had travelled from Brazil through northern Argentina, before boarding a chartered aircraft that passed through Ecuador to reach the US.

US President Donald Trump and Milei, both right-wing leaders, have been openly supportive of the Bolsonaro family.

The Brazilian senator later thanked Milei for his assistance, although he did not provide details about the nature of the help. A spokesperson for the Argentinian president described the journey as a rescue.

Bolsonaro, the spokesperson said, had escaped “from the claws of communism, which seeks to imprison all opposition figures”.

Trump, too, has suggested that Sunday’s election was “rigged”, though he declined to “take sides” after the result was announced.

The US president has previously issued sanctions and tariffs in response to the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, after the former Brazilian president denied his defeat in the 2022 election. He was convicted in 2024 of plotting a coup to prevent Lula from taking power and sentenced to 27 years in prison.

Relations between Lula and Milei have been strained since the Argentinian leader took office in 2023. Milei has repeatedly criticised Lula.

The diplomatic dispute follows an earlier deterioration in relations, with the South American countries each recalling their ambassadors in August after a series of public disagreements.

STRIKES are hitting Portugal as soon as next month with disruption across the country – and it includes flights.

It comes after widespread demonstrations have swept across Europe over cost of living concerns.

One of the most major strikes when it comes to flights is by easyJet staff in December.

The airline’s cabin crew in Portugal will strike for the second time from December 19–23, with the last similar strike causing more than 400 flights cancelled.

The industrial action is set to affect flights from busy airports including Lisbon, Porto and Faro.

From the UK, easyJet operates flights to Portugal from the likes of Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Manchester and Newcastle.

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In October, the airline’s cabin crew in Portugal held another strike which disrupted hundreds of flights.

A spokesperson from the airline said: “We are extremely disappointed that SNPVAC is planning strike actions despite our willingness to continue a constructive dialogue.

“We had just started a conciliation process through the mediation of DGERT with the aim to reach an agreement to meet our employees’ requests and protect the sustainability of easyJet business in Portugal.

“The current union demands are unworkable especially given that our crew are already paid significantly above the Portuguese national average.”

Portugal could also face a general strike on 11 November which would coincide with a planned strike in Spain.

If the demonstrations go ahead at the same time it will be called an ‘Iberian general strike’.

It’s still under discussion who would take part but reports say it could be a ‘nationwide stoppage’.

A few weeks later, a nationwide strike in Portugal has been announced by the Frente Comum of Public Administration Unions.

It is in protest against the proposed 2027 State Budget and is set to disrupt the country.

It could particularly affect sectors in public administration which includes schools, healthcare and admin services.

Hands-on experiences dominate the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, where encountering artifacts that highlight aerospace history is on equal footing with learning about its future.

The many interactive exhibits that dot the new building’s 200,000 square feet of gallery space are geared to entice and educate people of all ages. But kids will be especially intrigued. The center’s leaders, including Science Center President and Chief Executive Jeffrey Rudolph and Ken Phillips, curator of aerospace science, said during a recent tour that in many ways the museum is meant for kids. It’s not a childish place, but it does produce childlike wonder. It’s hard to remain cynical when you’re surrounded by physical evidence of the vast nature of the universe.

The sheer scale of it hits you all at once. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you step into the museum, with its planes hanging from the ceiling and its rockets jutting through the floors. This list of the best interactive exhibits on offer will help you plan a successful visit in advance. Just be sure to brace yourself for your children’s inevitable wails when you try to pull them away.

And expect lines — these experiences are likely to be in high demand.

IF YOU are thinking about where to head off to this winter, then you won’t be short for choice as several airlines are launching new flights from the UK to warm and sunny destinations.

Whether you fancy a city break in the sun or a beach trip to soak up rays, across October, November and December airlines are launching new flights.

And there are both short haul and long haul destinations.

Here’s a roundup of the newest flight routes coming this season from the UK, ideal for a winter sun holiday:

British Airways

British Airways has a number of new winter sun routes, with a couple already launched.

On October 23, the airline launched flights between London Gatwick and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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The city of Colombo is known for its vibrant temples, such as the Buddhist Gangarama Temple.

Visitors can also visit bustling markets, such as Pettah Market, with local spices and handmade textiles.

Then on October 25, flights were launched between London Gatwick and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Bridgetown is the largest city of Barbados and has heaps of history to explore including the central area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During December, temperatures reach around 29C.

The same day, flights launched between London Heathrow and San Jose, Costa Rica after being moved from Gatwick Airport.

San Jose is home to a mix of neoclassical architecture as well as sprawling markets and even active volcanoes.

Make sure to have a walk through Mercado Central (Central Market), which is an indoor market dating back to 1880 selling local produce and gifts.

Virgin Atlantic

Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic launched flights between London Heathrow and Phuket, Thailand.

Phuket is a great destination for beach hopping, with white sand spots and beaches ideal for surfing.

Make sure to visit Phuket Old Town as well where you can spot colourful 19th century houses, as well as shops, cafes and local galleries.

It is also nice and warm in December, with temperatures reaching up to 32C.

EasyJet

Despite being an airline that mainly serves Europe, easyJet is launching three new winter sun routes over the coming weeks.

The first will be between Newcastle and Hurghada, Egypt, with flights taking off on October 27.

Hurghada is surrounded by the Red Sea that is full of coral reefs and colourful fish where you can head snorkelling.

Make sure to visit the Marina too at sunset where you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.

This route will be followed by flights between London Luton and Rabat, Morocco, launching on November 5.

The capital of Morocco is known for its historic architecture and has up to just eight days of rain in December.

Then on November 9, Manchester will get a route to Giza Sphinx/Cairo, Egypt.

In Cairo, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world with daytime highs of 21C.

Ryanair

Budget airline Ryanair will be launching flights from Birmingham to Marrakech, Morocco in late October.

The city is home to an abundance of souks selling spices and locally crafted items as well as a medieval Medina with hidden courtyards.

Around the same time, the airline will also start flights between Liverpool and Porto, Portugal.

The coastal city of Porto is known for its wine but also has a UNESCO-listed medieval riverfront, where you can stop by an outdoor cafe.

TUI

On October 25, TUI launched flights between the East Midlands and Antalya, Turkey.

The Turkish city is full of narrow cobblestone streets in its Old Town to get lost exploring, with Ottoman-era houses and artisan shops.

You’ll also be able to pick up a cheap pint, with beers costing as little as £3 a pint.

The airline will follow this by also launching flights to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from the airport in early November.

Sharm El Sheikh is great for an adventure holiday with snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea as well as desert activities such as quad biking, dune buggies and camel rides.

Later, in mid-December, TUI is then also set to start flights between Belfast International and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana is known for its world-famous, all-inclusive resorts but also jungle adventures and vibrant nightlife.

Temperatures can reach up to 32C in December, which is the ideal weather for sinking a cool pint that will set you back as little as £1.80.

HUGE walkouts are set to affect both Italy and Spain this week with both flight and train journeys disrupted.

The biggest strike will be held in Italy where staff who work in public and private sectors are staging demonstrations across the whole country.

The nationwide strike is scheduled for October 30 from 12am to 12.59pm.

The 24-hour walkout includes some who work in airports, however it’s unclear how many will take part in this general strike and which airline workers will join.

However, there’s a separate strike set to take place in Tuscany on October 30.

Ground-handling companies at Toscana Aeroporti, which runs Pisa and Florence airports are planning their own 24-hour strike.

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These staff are essential to the running of the airport – they load bags, check in passengers and turn planes around between flights.

A walkout here could mean delays and cancellations even if pilots and airline crews are working normally.

However, it’s possible that this will be called off as the day of the strike falls within Italy’s protected period.

Between October 30 and November 5, strikes that affect flights and airports are normally prohibited as it is a busy holiday period in Italy with All Saints’ Day falling on November 1.

Even if airport workers don’t join the strike action, the walkout will have an impact on Metro services, and on motorways, staff and toll services are set to strike.

Dockworkers and port staff are also set to strike and on the day there could be closures at attractions like museums.

The walkout follows widespread protests across the county about the rising costs of living, a new government budget plan and students are protesting over school conditions.

Over in Spain, a rail strike is set to take place on October 29 between 12.01am and 23.39pm.

The train drivers’ union SEMAF is calling for members who work for train operator Renfe to walk out.

This is over an ongoing dispute over safety standards on the country’s rail network.

It could cause major disruption across the country as Renfe operates across the entire network of Spain connecting major cities like Barcelona, Seville, Zaragoza and Alicante.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

PROTESTS have spread across Europe with cities like Milan and Rome affected – and with more strikes on the horizon, is it still safe to travel to?

Here’s everything you need to know right now about travelling to Italy right now.

Where are the demonstrations and strikes in Italy?

Following the unrest in France, around 100,000 people in more than 40 cities across Italy took part in a demonstration called “No Meloni Day” last Friday.

Some of the destinations most affected include Rome, Bologna, Milan and Turin.

The strikes have been around the rising costs of living, a new government budget plan and students are protesting over school conditions.

Over the weekend, protests in Milan descended into violence with clashes with police, vandalism and looting.

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Italy has said as a result, it will introduce stricter anti-riot laws. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “Demonstrating is a right, but destroying our cities is not.”

The new law will impact anyone joining a group of at least five people and will endanger public safety during protests with penalties up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of €20,000 (£16,759).

It’s not just demonstrations – there are strikes across the country for the next few months affecting public transport and air travel.

Ground handling staff at Bologna Airport have confirmed a four-hour walkout listed for October 29 between 12pm to 16pm, according to Italy’s transport ministry strike register.

The largest strike however is scheduled for October 30 which is a 24-hour walkout by workers in many public sectors across the country.

This includes ENIT/ENAV air traffic control and local aviation services at airports such as in Tuscany, Pisa and Florence.

Rail staff will also walkout affecting services on the Metro, on the motorways, staff and toll services are set to strike too.

Dockworkers and port staff are also set to strike and on the day there could be closures at attractions like museums.

Is it safe to travel to Italy right now?

The FCDO recently updated its advice: “Recent demonstrations across northern Italian cities have led to violent riots and looting.

“There is an increased presence of police and military personnel in Milan. Further demonstrations may take place in major cities. See Political demonstrations.

“A national strike is planned for 30 October and is expected to affect transport systems. Check with your travel provider for the latest information.”

However, Italy still remains a safe place to travel.

Are flights still going to Italy?

Currently flights are still going to and from Italy. But there could be problems in the coming days.

Wizz Air has warned its customers that flights to or from Italian airports could face delays because protests and road blockades are disrupting fuel supplies for several airports.

The airline added: “Our operational teams are closely coordinating with airports and fuel suppliers and reviewing alternative arrangements to minimize the impact on our customers, while maintaining safety as our highest priority.”

It’s advising customers to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.

On October 30, the planned strikes are scheduled to start at 12am until 11.59pm.

Passengers flying to or from Italy should check their airline’s flight status and monitor updates before travelling.

What if I have a holiday to Italy booked?

The FCDO has advised caution for anyone travelling to Italy, but a ‘do not travel’ warning has not been issued.

Holidaymakers can still visit Italy, and travel insurance should remain valid, but check your policy details.

If you decide not to go on a booked holiday, operators won’t have to give a refund because travel advice says it is still safe for travel.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

A British Airways flight from a tourist hotspot was forced to divert in the early hours to land at Gatwick rather than Heathrow

A British Airways flight has been forced to divert from Heathrow to Gatwick after falling foul of strict rules over its landing time.

The BA707 flight from holiday hotspot Larnaca was diverted to the London airport after the four hour journey, according to AirNav Radar.

The flight had to be diverted to Gatwick after missing the curfew at Heathrow.

The plane left the Cyprus airport at 9.32pm, over three hours after scheduled take off.

It then landed at Gatwick at 12.12am on Tuesday.

Flights heading to Heathrow are often diverted to Gatwick or other regional hubs if they miss Heathrow’s strict nighttime curfew.

Heathrow enforces rigorous restrictions on movements late at night in order to reduce noice pollution for the millions of residents that live under its flight paths.

The core curfew means that scheduled flights are heavily restricted to land and take off between 11pm and 6am.

The airport operates under a strict ‘night quota’ system between 11pm and 6am which limits both the absolute number of flights allowed to land and the total amount of aircraft noise allowed.

Unless an official emergency is declared then air traffic control will deny landing rights past the curfew, forcing a diversion.

Barbara Bacilieri, who served as a flight attendant for 14 years, shares travel guidance and knowledge with her 5.1m TikTok followers and 2.9m YouTube subscribers

A flight attendant has disclosed why holidaymakers should position their suitcase in the hotel bathtub and place a shoe on top of the safe upon checking into a room. Barbara Bacilieri, who served as a flight attendant for 14 years, shares guidance and insider knowledge with her 5.1m TikTok followers and 2.9m YouTube subscribers.

She recently urged tourists to leave their luggage in the bathtub immediately upon arrival, instead of setting it down on the bed or carpet. She told creatorzine.com: “Place your suitcase in the hotel bathtub before opening it. Leave it there, closed, while you inspect the room.”

While it may appear an odd location to keep a suitcase, the guidance aims to minimise the risk of transporting unwanted stowaways back home.

“Bed bugs are a very serious problem, and they can sneak into your luggage and come back home with you,” Barbara warned. Bedbugs can lurk in mattresses, bed frames and upholstered furniture, and may crawl into luggage positioned close by.

Placing a suitcase in the bathtub allows travellers sufficient time to examine the room before unpacking their possessions. The hard surface also prevents luggage from being placed directly on fabric-covered spots where the insects might be concealed.

Barbara, 34, recognised online as Barbie Bac, advised: “Look at the mattress seams, headboard and luggage rack. “If you find insects or suspicious signs, keep your bag closed and inform reception to request a room change.”

Another tip concerns the hotel safe, where guests typically store passports, cash, jewellery and other valuables throughout their stay. Barbara’s suggestion is to use a shoe as a prompt to remember to check the safe before departing.

“If you put your passport in the safe, put one shoe inside and leave the other right by the door. This shoe will remind you to check the safe,” she said.

The concept is to create a visual cue that’s virtually impossible to miss when it’s time to leave. A guest preparing to check out will require both shoes before exiting the room, prompting them to collect the one stashed inside the safe.

This should encourage them to open the safe and verify they’ve retrieved everything inside before heading off. Barbara also outlined a range of packing and travel tips gained from her years working as a flight attendant.

Before handing over a bag for check-in, she advises photographing it from multiple angles. “Take pictures of your bag before handing it in. A full picture of the bag, and another of the wheels, handles and corners.

“This way you will have a reference for its condition if they return it damaged,” she said. She also recommended photographing the baggage claim tag and storing the original alongside your passport.

“Upon receiving your bag, inspect it before leaving the airport. If it appears broken, take pictures, notify the airline and keep the report number,” Barbara explained.

She added that photographs can assist with documentation but offer no guarantee of compensation, and advised verifying what travel insurance covers in relation to luggage.

She emphasised the importance of identification inside the bag itself. “The outer card may tear and get lost. Leave another identification card inside the bag where it is easy to see when it is opened.

“Name, phone number with country code, and email address. A contact person you can get in touch with during the trip,” she said. When packing liquids, she advised taking extra precautions.

“Shampoo may leak even if the cap is closed, so keep it in a tightly sealed bag away from clothes. Do the same with other products that may spill. If anything leaks, the bag can contain it and save you from having to wash half the bag,” she explained.

She also proposed making use of the space inside shoes: “Put the socks inside the shoe. If you are carrying perfume, keep it tightly closed and protected inside a bag before putting it away.”

Slippers, she noted, ought to be covered with a transparent plastic cover or shower cap so they don’t come into contact with clean clothing. She takes an empty bag for practical purposes.

“This may be helpful if you encounter a problem when checking in. You may have to rearrange your bag because it is overweight. Upon returning, use it for dirty clothes,” she said.

She reuses her packing list when departing the hotel and sets a particular alarm. “Set an alarm to remind you what needs to be checked. The charger, the safe, the documents. This name is more useful to you than an alarm clock that rings but says nothing.

“Set it a few minutes before leaving the hotel. When it rings, check everything before turning it off,” she said.

Barbara, who hails from Argentina and is based in Spain, has amassed a substantial online following by sharing travel tips and offering insights into life as cabin crew.

Her videos span everything from the day-to-day realities of working aboard an aircraft to practical methods passengers can use to make their journeys smoother.

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Crew of Austrian Airlines flight OS82 decides to land in Sofia after receiving bomb threat, Bulgarian authorities say.

An Airbus A320 flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna has made an emergency landing in Bulgaria following a reported bomb threat, according to the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport.

Austrian Airlines flight OS82 was near the border with Romania when the crew received a bomb threat and decided to land in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, the Transport Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence said an air force MiG-29 fighter jet escorted the plane to Sofia airport.

Initial information showed the aircraft carried six crew members and 51 passengers, all of whom have all since disembarked, according to the Transport Ministry’s statement.

The airline told the AFP news agency that a security search of the aircraft was conducted.

“Once the search of the aircraft is complete, the passengers will be rebooked onto alternative flights as quickly as possible,” the airline said.

A crisis response team has been set up, and relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, the Bulgarian Transport Ministry said.

According to aviation and flight tracking site FlightAware, Austrian Airlines 82 left the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday at 6:46pm local time (15:46 GMT) and landed about three hours later at Vasil Levski airport in Sofia at 9:43pm (18:43 GMT).

Flightradar24 data showed it entered Romanian airspace at about 9:10pm (18:10 GMT) before turning south and heading back towards Bulgaria.

Information from the flight-tracking platform ADS-B Exchange indicates the aircraft was transmitting squawk code 7700 – a signal for a general emergency – at around the same time.

Flydubai incident

Last month, a Flydubai plane carrying 174 passengers was on its way from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv when a co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot with an axe in an attempt to crash the plane.

The aircraft plunged about 17,000 feet (5,180 metres) before it was brought back under control by other Flydubai pilots after passengers and other crew subdued the alleged attacker.

The flight was diverted and forced to make an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Authorities in the UAE said the co-pilot was on a “suicide” mission to crash the plane at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.

The co-pilot, Hamam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, has since been charged with terrorism offences in the UAE.

The Israeli government responded to the incident by ordering checks on the identities of all pilots flying into the country.

Selma Blair’s team has released a lengthy statement regarding the actor’s recent arrest following an incident while aboard a flight.

“Selma Blair experienced a medical emergency on the flight,” said the statement provided to People on Friday. “There was no attempt to open the door of the aircraft. Selma did not intend to harm anyone.”

The statement is intended to “correct the record on a few points already in public circulation” regarding Blair’s alleged violent conduct aboard a Delta Airlines flight. The Times has reached out to Blair’s reps for comment.

The “Cruel Intentions” star was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport late Sunday after an alleged altercation with staff during a flight from Los Angeles. Upon landing, Blair, 54, was taken into custody, then transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. In addition to her alleged actions aboard the flight, the “Legally Blonde” star has been accused of kicking a Port Authority Police Department officer as she was being transported to the hospital, as well as kicking a nurse.

“Since Sunday night, the public account of what happened to Selma aboard a flight to New York has been built almost entirely on a police statement and a decade-old headline,” Blair’s spokesperson said in the Friday statement to People.

The spokesperson called out the lack of “fair reporting” around the situation, adding that they are grateful for the “handful of journalists [who] have taken the time to report on Selma as a human being rather than a headline.”

Blair was charged with two counts of second-degree assault on Monday for her alleged actions involving the police officer and nurse. Blair pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the hearing, her attorney, Shawn Barnes, reportedly told the judge that “this was not an intentional assault” and that the actor had “missed several doses of … a powerful medication that controls severe neurological symptoms,” per the New York Post.

Blair lives with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological disorder and autoimmune disease, which she has been open about since 2018.

The statement also addressed Blair’s medical condition — denouncing any who suggest the actor does not have multiple sclerosis — how and why she travels with a service dog, her activism and her busy schedule as an actor and entrepreneur.

“Selma had never been arrested before Sunday night,” the statement said. “There is much more to this story than has been reported, and we ask to consider the entirety of the facts before rushing to judgment, whether in the courtroom or in the court of public opinion.”