Flight

A new supersonic aircraft that could travel from New York to London in just three hours and 40 minutes is being developed by a firm called Boom Supersonic, and early tests seem positive

Supersonic air travel could be making a triumphant return to the skies, nearly two decades after the iconic Concorde was grounded.

A company is currently developing a new supersonic aircraft that could whisk passengers from New York to London in a mere three hours and 40 minutes, taking the mantle of the long-mothballed Concorde. By 2029, it’s suggested that travellers could once again experience supersonic journeys, with flight times significantly shorter than those offered by current commercial airlines.

Concorde’s last flight was 22 years ago, on November 26, 2023, when it departed London’s Heathrow Airport and landing in Bristol, England, greeted by a cheering crowd gathered behind fences near the runway. When at its best, the plane could fly at 1,354 mph. That is more than double the top speed of a Boeing 747, which peaks at a miserly 614mph.

There are numerous reasons why no one has filled the void left by Concorde over the past few decades. We looked into some of those reasons in depth last year.

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A crucial development has now increased the odds of a supersonic company taking to the skies again, and making a business success of doing so. In June 2025, the United States passed a key piece of legislation lifting the longstanding ban on supersonic travel over land. That means the potential US market has increased hugely.

The new plane, dubbed the Overture by Boom Supersonic, is already undergoing testing. The Overture would fly at Mach 1.7 and twice as fast over water. Major airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have placed orders and preorders for the Overture to join their fleets, reports the Express.

The aircraft could accommodate between 60-80 passengers and would cruise at an altitude much higher than standard passenger jets, at 60,000 feet.

The original Concorde faced backlash due to its noise levels, but these updated models aim to tackle this issue with modern noise-reduction technology. By 2029, US airline United has announced plans to purchase 15 new supersonic airliners and “return supersonic speeds to aviation”.

The new Overture aircraft will be manufactured by a Denver-based company named Boom. According to Boom, the plane will operate on a minimum of 600 routes.

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Discussing supersonic flights, Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook and eSky online travel agency, told Express.co.uk: “While it’s thrilling to imagine this aviation icon back in the skies, it’s unlikely to appeal to the average holidaymaker from the UK jetting off to Benidorm for a week in the sun.

“We see the future of mainstream air travel heading towards larger, more efficient aircraft designed to carry more people, not fewer.

“That said, a modern relaunch focused on sustainability, digital innovation, and safety could carve out a niche for high-end, short-haul luxury routes – such as London to New York in under four hours. It’s not a mass-market solution, but for time-sensitive premium travellers, it could once again become the pinnacle of prestige flying.”

Travel times on routes such as London to New York or Los Angeles to Washington could be slashed to just two hours – a significant reduction from the current six to seven hours.

Andrea Owen, who has been TUI cabin crew since 2003, has shared her top tips for flying with children to boost your chances of as little going wrong as possible

A flight attendant has shared her top tip for boosting the chance that a flight with kids goes well.

Andrea Owen, who has been TUI cabin crew since 2003, has lifted the lid on some of the best tips for travelling with children that she’s learned in her 22 years of flying.

From short-haul to long-haul flights, Andrea has flown at least 3,000 times and sees hundreds of families take to the skies every week to some of TUI’s popular destinations, such as Majorca, the Canaries, Mexico, and Jamaica.

Andrea says: “After all these years of flying I have looked after thousands of families, I can tell you that the secret to stress-free family travel is preparation. I always tell parents to expect the unexpected, pack more snacks than you think you’ll need, and don’t be afraid to ask crew for help. A lot of us are parents too, and we genuinely want every family to have a great start to their holiday.”

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Andrea’s number one tip to having a successful flight is to choose the right boarding time. When, exactly, is a personal decision.

“This one really depends on your child’s personality, and you know them best. Some families find that boarding as soon as possible gives them that extra breathing space to get settled, stow the bags, and get the kids comfortable in their seats without feeling rushed. But I’ve also seen plenty of parents who swear by boarding last, especially if their little ones can’t sit still for long,” she said.

Below are Andrea’s other top tips:

Relieve ear pressure

“This is one of the most common concerns parents ask me about, and it’s really easy to solve. For babies and toddlers, feeding during take-off and landing is brilliant, whether that’s breastfeeding, a bottle, or even just a dummy – the sucking motion helps equalize ear pressure. For older children, give them chewy sweets or lollipops about 30 minutes before landing as that’s when the pressure really starts to build. I’ve seen many tears avoided with this simple trick.”

Always pack a variety of activities

“I recommend packing a small bag stuffed with variety – different toys, activities, and snacks. What works brilliantly is either letting them pack their own bag so they’re excited or pack some surprise toys they haven’t seen before. Keep everything small and compact with plenty of pencils, crayons, and paper. A surprise sticker book with a little bag of sweets is absolute gold. The games I see working best are Snap, Dobble, and colouring. And here’s a lovely tip – encourage your children to draw pictures for the cabin crew. We absolutely love receiving them and always have a stash of stickers at the ready for every flight.”

Help them to feel prepared

“Preparation is everything when it comes to keeping children calm. Before you leave for the airport, talk through exactly what’s going to happen. Checking in, going through security, boarding the plane, and what take-off and landing will feel like. Let them know about the noises they might hear and explain that their ears might feel different. This is particularly useful if your child is neurodiverse. The key is to make it sound like an exciting adventure rather than something to worry about.”

Bring your home comforts

“Packing home comforts like a small pillow, blanket or cuddly toys can help children of all ages feel more relaxed. If you’re travelling at times when your child would normally be having a nap or going to bed, I really encourage parents to try and stick to that routine as much as possible. Let them sleep if they want to, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling so much fresher and ready to enjoy your holiday. It’s also worth thinking about time zones if you’re flying long haul. Maybe start adjusting their sleep schedule a day or two before you travel. A well-rested child makes for a much happier holiday start!”

Dress in layers

“The temperature on board can vary throughout the flight. That’s why I always recommend dressing your child in layers so you can add or remove clothing to keep them comfortable. It’s always handy to pack a spare pair of clothes in your hand luggage just in case of a spill or accident. I’ve seen many parents caught out without a change of clothes, and it makes the rest of the flight uncomfortable for the both of you.”

Snack trays

“Those little snack trays with multiple compartments come in really handy. Kids absolutely love them and there’s something about having lots of different treats in separate sections that keeps them entertained for ages. You can fill each compartment with different snacks: fruit, crackers, cheese cubes, raisins, a couple of sweets. It turns snack time into something fun and interactive, and it means you’re not constantly rummaging through bags. We also have healthy snack boxes for kids available onboard which they love, so there will always be something they can eat. “

Don’t be afraid to ask cabin crew for help

“Don’t ever feel worried about asking us for help, that’s what we’re here for. Over my 22 years of flying, I’ve seen everything. We’ve warmed countless bottles, fetched extra sick bags, provided colouring sheets, and even entertained little ones while parents take a breather. Many of us are parents ourselves, so we completely understand how overwhelming it can feel. Whether you need extra wipes, help with the overhead locker, or just some reassurance, we’re here to make your journey smoother.”

“We know flying can feel overwhelming for families, whether it’s your first flight with kids or you have an anxious flyer in the family, there are lots of simple and easy tips you can put into place to make it seem that little bit less daunting.”

PLANS changed before you’ve even packed your case?

If you need to cancel a Jet2 flight, here’s how it works right now, plus what that means for refunds and fees.

How do you cancel a Jet2 flight?

It’s straightforward to cancel online.

Go to Manage My Booking, log in with your details and select Cancel flights.

Follow the on-screen steps to confirm your request.

You should receive confirmation once you’ve completed the process in Manage My Booking.

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Will I get my money back if I cancel?

Jet2 treats flight-only bookings as non-refundable in most cases.

If you choose to cancel, you should not expect a cash refund unless your fare type or specific circumstances state otherwise.

Always check your booking confirmation and fare conditions before you cancel, and consider whether your travel insurance covers you for your reason to cancel.

What are my options if I don’t want to lose the fare?

If you can still travel but need different dates or times, you can amend your booking instead of cancelling.

Jet2 lets you change flights in Manage My Booking, subject to a change fee and any fare difference.

Name changes are also permitted for a fee if someone else can take your place, which can be more cost-effective than cancelling outright.

How much does it cost to change a Jet2 flight?

Jet2 charges a fixed change fee per person per flight plus any difference between your original fare and the new fare available at the time you make the change.

Exact costs vary by route, season and availability, so you’ll see the total before you pay when you go through the change process in Manage My Booking.

Can I cancel a Jet2holidays package instead?

Flight-only bookings and Jet2holidays packages have different rules.

Package holidays follow Jet2holidays terms and conditions, including set cancellation charges on a sliding scale.

Check the Jet2holidays Manage My Booking FAQs and your booking documents for the latest charges before you decide.

If you booked a package through a third party or travel agent, speak to them first, as their terms may also apply.

What if Jet2 cancels my flight?

If Jet2 cancels your flight, you’ll be offered alternative arrangements or a refund according to Jet2’s policies.

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Manage this via Manage My Booking or follow the instructions Jet2 sends you at the time.

Keep an eye on your email and your booking dashboard for updates if disruption is expected.

A TikTok user has shared a ‘travel hack’ that shows how to get an açaí bowl through security – but experts have warned that it could result in a hefty fine

Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have become a hub for so-called “travel hacks.”

Holidaymakers often turn to these online content creators for tips on how to make the most of their flights and hotel stays.

However, much of the advice found online should be taken with a pinch of salt, especially if it doesn’t come from a qualified expert.

This has been the case with one passenger’s video, which has caught the attention of travellers worldwide and has now been viewed over a million times.

In the clip, she reveals how she manages to get her açaí bowl past security: by freezing it before packing it in her hand luggage, reports Chronicle Live.

The post sparked confusion in the comments section, with one viewer asking: “Wait, how did you get this through security?”, and another warning, “Pretty sure this is still considered a liquid.”

Now, travel experts are weighing in – and they have one clear warning.

According to Amanda Parker, spokesperson for Netflights, freezing açaí bowls or similar liquids to bypass security screening isn’t just ineffective – it could result in your snack being confiscated or, worse, a hefty fine.

“According to official government guidelines, you’re not allowed to carry frozen items in your hand luggage,” explained the travel specialist.

Even though this açaí bowl is frozen, it’s still considered a liquid and security will treat it as a liquid. “Your treat may start to thaw when you pass through airport security, and if it exceeds the 100 ml liquid limit, it’ll be going straight in the bin. Plus, the spillage while you carry it, not worth the hassle.”

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Furthermore, the risk continues beyond security, as the contents of the bowl could also cause issues at customs for those returning to the UK. Many popular toppings and ingredients, including dairy, seeds, and fresh fruit, breach UK border regulations.

“There are restrictions on bringing food back to the UK, too. Meat, dairy, fish, fruit, veg, nuts and seeds are all no-nos,” Amanda warned. “You could face a £5,000 fine if you break these rules. Since açaí bowls are typically topped with nuts, seeds, and dairy, it’s crucial not to freeze your açaí bowl for your flight back to the UK, as you could pay the price.”

York Knights and Toulouse Olympique will play in an expanded 14-team Super League next season after being selected to join rugby league’s top flight by an independent panel.

Bradford Bulls were promoted to Super League on Thursday having taken the place of financially troubled Salford Red Devils thanks to jumping from 16th to 10th in this year’s grading system, meaning three Championship teams will move up to the top flight from 2026.

Earlier this year, Super League’s 12 current clubs voted to expand the competition to 14 teams from next season – the first time the league will have operated with that number since 2014.

York will play in Super League for the first time while Toulouse will return to the top tier for the first time since their one-season stint in 2022.

Nine applications were submitted and considered by a panel which was chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine as well as two non-executive Rugby Football League (RFL) directors Abi Ekoku and Dermot Power, RFL chief executive Tony Sutton, interim head of legal Graeme Sarjeant, RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones and Super League (Europe) board member Peter Hutton.

The panel judged applications against each club’s financial performance in 2025, as well as their financial performance and sustainability forecasts for 2026 to 2028 and their ability to “field a competitive team in 2026 and beyond”.

ONE popular airline was forced to stop flights this week after a ‘freak’ maintenance issue.

Thousands of passengers have had their flights cancelled or delayed due to an unusual safety problem.

According to Finnair, the issue that caused the cancellation was aircraft seat covers being cleaned incorrectly.

A statement from the airline revealed that the “seat cover cleaning method (water washing) on fire protection has not been properly verified”.

It continued to add that safety is its “top priority” and it would be acting on the “manufacturers’ maintenance instructions as well as the guidelines and recommendations of the authorities”.

The airline said that it would make daily aircraft type changes to minimise the number of cancellations, but that this would likely “lead to overbookings”.

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It added that “several flights between 13 and 17 October 2025” had been cancelled and it would be likely that there would be more “flight cancellations, delays or changes in the operating airline”.

On October 13-14, the airline cancelled 40 services, with a further 18 more services grounded on October 15-16, according to FlightAware.

Today, four flights have been cancelled travelling from London Heathrow to Finland‘s capital, Helsinki.

Finnair is one of Europe‘s largest airlines and the cancellations have affected around 10,000 passengers.

Passengers caught up by these cancellation mishap may be due up to £520 in compensation for the inconvenience caused, as outlined by AirAdvisor.

Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “From a compensation perspective under UK and EU law passengers whose flights were cancelled as a result of this operational error could be due up to £520 in compensation.”

Anton continued: “It remains to be seen how Finnair will frame the cause of the cancellations, but the issue appears to have originated from a maintenance procedure rather than a regulatory safety order.

“If your flight is delayed by over two hours, airlines should offer affected passengers free food and drink vouchers to make the delay more comfortable.

“Equally, if your flight is moved to the following day, you can seek overnight accommodation from your airline.”

There were also problems in Belgium airports this week as thousands of passengers had their journeys interrupted due to strikes.

Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport on Tuesday cancelled all their flights on October 14, due to a national strike being held by several unions

Belgium has as many as 120 flights a day, according to finance experts at Dot Dot Loans.

This means as many as 72 flights to and from the UK saw disruption, affecting nearly 13,000 passengers.

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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.

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HAVE you booked with Qatar Airways and now realised you can’t make it? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered.

Well, here is what you need to know about cancelling flights with Qatar Airways.

How do you cancel a Qatar Airways flight?

You have many options on how you can cancel your Qatar Airways flight.

Qatar Airways has a mobile app that allows you to manage your booking and cancel it if you want to.

Or else, you can retrieve your booking through the Manage Trip page and cancel it through there.

You’ll have to insert your booking reference or e-ticket number and the last name of the lead passenger to find you booking.

They also offer you the option of contacting them yourself and speaking with a member of their team to assist you in the cancellation.

To get in touch, either call 330 912 7415 or log in to your account and use the Live chat to speak with one of their agents.

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Will I get my money back for the flight?

If the ticket you bought is refundable, you will receive the money back.

The cancellation charges, if you incur any, will be deducted from your refund.

Cancellation charges are applied to cover the transaction costs and to compensate the airline if they fail to resell your place.

If the fare you bought is non-refundable (such as Economy Lite), then you will not receive any money back, though you may be eligible for a refund on unutilised government taxes.

If you cancel within 24 hours of booking (and your flight is at least 7 days away), you are typically eligible for a full refund with no cancellation fee under the airline’s “24-Hour Risk-Free” policy.

How much does it cost to change a Qatar Airways flight?

The cost to change a Qatar Airways flight depends heavily on the type of fare class you bought and your Privilege Club status.

A fixed change fee will be applied to process the transaction, though this may be waived depending on your ticket.

Recent policy updates have introduced a low USD $25 change fee for changes made online for some fares.

However, for basic Economy Lite tickets, the fixed change fee can still be higher, ranging from USD $100 to USD $125.

Platinum and Gold members are often exempt from change fees when modifying their flight more than 24 hours before departure.

If the new flight you choose costs more than the one you had, you must pay the difference to even the amount up.

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You cannot choose a ticket that will cost less than the one you have now. If you do, you will not be refunded the difference in fare.

Just in case, we also thought about letting you know what to do if you ever have to cancel a flight with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic or Emirates.

The best city in the world to visit, according to a survey of global tourists, is just a three-hour flight from the UK and can be reached for as little as £20

A survey has revealed which city global travellers think is the very best to visit – and it’s a short flight from the UK.

Depending on who you ask, you might get a different answer as to which city in the world is the best to visit. But this location is the hottest European capital in October and has plenty of history for culture vultures to sink their teeth into.

The best city in the world for tourists, according to responses gathered by top tourism publication Condé Nast Traveller, is Valletta.

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The capital of Malta is only a three-hour flight from the UK, and journeys there can be nabbed on budget airlines for as little as £20. The survey asked tourists questions in several categories, combining responses to then come up with an overall satisfaction score for countries around the world. Valletta got an impressive 97.33 out of 100.

The travel publication recently released the results of its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, reports the Express. Tourists were asked about a range of things, including a city’s walkability, cultural gems, nightlife, hotels and more.

Condé Nast described the “sun-soaked capital” as feeling both “ancient and fresh” at the same time. They also praised the Maltese capital for having “one of Europe’s buzziest creative scenes bubbling above foundations built by knights”.

Valletta, a small but mighty city with just over 5,000 residents, attracts a multitude of visitors each year due to its splendid weather and captivating history.

There’s no shortage of attractions in this city. The top-rated tourist spot is St John’s Pro Cathedral, a magnificent structure dating back to the 1500s. The city’s military and maritime history are significant aspects of Valletta and Malta as a whole. Other popular attractions that delve into this aspect include Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery and the National War Museum.

Tourists also enjoy visiting Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Waterfront, Grand Master’s Palace and Barrakka Lift. Beyond Valletta, the wider area of Malta, which spans only 122 square miles, offers even more to explore.

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Malta’s best beaches include the renowned Blue Lagoon, Mellieha Beach, St Peter’s Pool, Romla Bay, Golden Bay, Golden Sands Beach and Armier Bay Beach.

If you’re after good weather, Valletta is the place to be. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures reaching around 32C. Even as the UK turns chilly and dark, Valletta continues to enjoy pleasant weather.

In October, you can expect highs of 25C, while November sees highs of 21C. Even in January and February, temperatures reach up to 16C and rarely drop below 9C.

Oct. 13 (UPI) — SpaceX is planning the 11th flight test on Monday of its Starship, its two-stage, heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to one day take humans back to the moon and eventually to Mars.

The launch window will open at 6:15 p.m. CT at the company’s Starbase compound in Texas near the Gulf of Mexico and about 20 miles from Brownsville.

A live-streamed broadcast of the test flight will begin about 30 minutes prior to liftoff.

In August, the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX succeeded in its third attempt to launch the 10th Starship test mission after SpaceX officials scrubbed two prior launches.

Monday’s flight is expected to build on the “successful demonstrations” from its 10th test in August, according to officials, but with flight experiments “gathering data for the next generation Super Heavy booster, stress-testing Starship’s heatshield, and demonstrating maneuvers that will mimic the upper stage’s final approach for a future return to launch site.”

But on Monday, the company reiterated that the flight schedule was a “dynamic” process and “likely to change” as is the case with all other developmental testing.

Josie North, who has a nut allergy, faced a “very scary situation” on a flight from Los Angeles, California, to Heathrow Airport and complained to the Virgin Atlantic team

A tourist with a severe nut allergy was left terrified after a pecan pie was primed to be served as a dessert on her flight.

Josie North alerted Virgin Atlantic attendants of her allergy and was assured no nuts would be served on the plane from Los Angeles to London Heathrow. However, just 15 minutes into the 10-hour journey Josie spotted the nutty dessert offering on the menu, and immediately called over an attendant.

The 28-year-old Brit, who is allergic to all types of nuts, said today: “I felt sick to my stomach. There was a chance I could die if that many people around me were eating nuts all at once.

“I told him [the attendant] there was just no way this pecan pie could be served. This was a very scary situation for me. If I was told they were serving actual nuts, and everyone around me is going to be eating nuts, I wouldn’t have got on the flight.”

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The issue has been topical in recent years following the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, on a British Airways flight. She had eaten a baguette – albeit bought at Pret a Manger – which contained sesame seeds, to which the teen was allergic.

But Virgin Atlantic staff had spoken to Josie to assure her flight attendants would accommodate her needs ahead of the flight last month. Josie, who runs a party card games business, was told Virgin is a peanut-free airline only, and so she insisted on speaking to another member of staff on the plane.

“I was very adamant that this was a very, very dangerous situation for me, especially as we were already in the air at this point,” Josie, from London, said. Eventually, the captain was involved and agreed the pie should be removed from the menu and replaced with Oreos and KitKats.

But Josie wants to raise awareness of her experience, and remind large organisations of the dire dangers of allergies. When she boarded the flight, the entrepreneur asked the attendant to make an announcement to let other passengers know someone on board had a nut allergy. She claims the employee only announced someone had a peanut allergy – while Josie is allergic to all nuts.

A “persistent” Josie insisted they do a second announcement, which they did, but shortly afterwards, she was horrified to see the nut dish on the menu.

Josie said: “I understand it might not be easy to eliminate anything that may have been contaminated by or made in the same factory as nuts.

“But to actively include food items that contain nuts on a flight is extremely dangerous and unnecessary. I’m sure most people go hours and if not days without having a single nut on land so why is it so necessary to have nuts mid-air with no access to emergency hospital treatment?

“I’m sure people would be equally as happy with a chocolate brownie or an apple crumble for their dessert! And there may even be children on the flight who don’t even know if they have nut allergies yet ” so what is the point in serving such a common allergen?”

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “We’d like to apologise to Ms North for any incorrect information she may have received prior to her recent flight with us.

“We would like to reassure her that a full investigation is taking place. The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority and for any special requirements including allergies we ask that customers inform our Accessible Travel Services teams in advance of their flight.

“For the safety of any customers travelling with an allergy we would strongly encourage customers to take all necessary precautions including bringing their own subsistence on board and to prepare for the possibility of inadvertent exposure.”

Past flights included Star Trek celebrity William Shatner, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and pop superstar Katy Perry. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo

Oct. 8 (UPI) — Space tourism company Blue Origin launched six people in Texas on its 15th mission in the growing orbital tourism industry.

Blue Origin’s mission NS-36, space flight saw liftoff at 8:40 a.m. CDT via its launch site in west Texas after a 9:30 a.m. launch window opened for its suborbital journey in the 36th flight for its reusable rocket-capsule New Shepard.

“Hugs all around,” an announcer said in a live-streamed broadcast as New Shepard landed in the Texas desert.

The six-person crews reached an orbital height of 346,791 feet in the capsule after its rocket detachment reached its apogee of roughly 346,426 feet.

Passengers aboard experienced a weightless environment for a few minutes above Earth’s Karman line, some 62 miles above the planet that scientists recognized as the boundary to outer space.

The flight time hit Blue Origin estimates. The mission’s elapsed time 10 minutes 21 seconds, and the reusable capsule land around 8:50 a.m. CDT.

New Shepard has had 21 uncrewed research flights but with 15 total passengers to date.

Aboard the voyage by the company created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos were Blue Origin veteran Clint Kelly III, a robotics researcher, who flew on Blue Origin’s August 2022 mission. In addition to an anonymous passenger, joining Kelly were franchise executive Jeff Elgin, media entrepreneur Danna Karagussova, software entrepreneur Aaron Newman and Ukrainian businessman Vitalii Ostrovsky.

But no live interviews were to be taken but videos will be posted later, according to company officials.

However, it’s unclear just how much it costs to book a seat on New Shepard but estimates suggest a minimum $150,000 deposit with its first space ticket that cost nearly $30 million.

In June, Blue Origin lifted six space tourists on its 13th passenger flight.

Past flights included Star Trek celebrity William Shatner, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and pop superstar Katy Perry.

Oct. 8 (UPI) — Flight delays have been reported throughout the United States for a second day due to staffing issues at airports as the government shutdown continues.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association called on its 20,000 members on Tuesday to remain on the job.

“We’re asking America’s air traffic controllers, who get 45,000 U.S. flights safely to their destinations every day, to work without pay,” it said in a statement on X.

“Congress must #EndtheShutdown.”

On its website, it is urging its members that “it is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high-level of public service we provide ever day.”

“We urge you to stand in solidarity with your brothers and sisters by continuing to exhibit the same unwavering professionalism that the aviation community and the American people deserve.”

A ground stop was issued for flights late Tuesday at Nashville International Airport while delays were announced throughout Tuesday evening and day at international airports in Chicago, Boston, Newark, Orlando and Denver.

The staffing shortages come amid a government shutdown that has continued into its second week and on a day when President Donald Trump threatened that some furloughed federal workers would not recieve back pay after Congress agrees to a resolution to fill the federal coffers.

Republicans are blaming Democrats and Democrats are blaming Republicans.

“The Democrats have put a lot of people in great risk and Jeopardy,” the American president said Tuesday. “For the most part, we’re going to take care of our people There are som people that really don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way.”

In turn, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said: “Thanks, @realDonaldTrump!”

“Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. today because of YOUR government shutdown.”

On Monday when delays were being announced amid a rising number of controllers calling out sick, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged to reporters at Newark that they had seen “a slight tick-up” in sick calls.

“If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people,” he said.

The government shutdown began Sept. 30 and will continue until Congress passes a stopgap bill.

Trump administration continues to send individuals to countries where they have no ties amid mass deportation push.

The United States has sent a second so-called “third-country” deportation flight to the tiny southern African nation of Eswatini, shrugging off human rights concerns.

Eswatini’s government confirmed on Monday it had received ten deportees from the US who were not nationals of the kingdom. That came after five other deportees from the US were sent to Eswatini in July.

The White House confirmed the deportations on Monday, saying the individuals had committed serious crimes.

Neither the US nor Eswatini confirmed the nationalities of the individuals who arrived on Monday. However, US-based immigration lawyer Tin Thanh Nguyen said they included three people from Vietnam, one from the Philippines, and one from Cambodia.

Rights groups have condemned the treatment of the first group of deportees sent to Eswatini — which included individuals from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba , and Yemen — saying they were kept in solitary confinement and not given access to lawyers.

Nguyen said he was representing two of those who arrived on Monday and two others previously sent to Eswatini, but he remained unable to speak with any of them.

“I cannot call them. I cannot email them. I cannot communicate through local counsel because the Eswatini government blocks all attorney access,” he said in a statement provided to Reuters news agency.

Amid its mass deportation push, the Trump administration has increasingly relied on sending deportees to third countries when they cannot legally send them to their homeland.

Rights advocates have challenged the practice, fearing it can leave those expelled stranded in countries where they do not speak the language and may not be afforded due process.

The Trump administration has also sent “third country” deportees to South Sudan, Ghana, and Rwanda.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the latest group of deportees sent to Eswatini had been convicted of “heinous crimes”, including murder and rape.

“They do not belong in the United States,” Jackson said.

Activists in Eswatini, a small mountain kingdom bordering South Africa, have also condemned the government’s secretive deal with the US. They have launched a legal challenge in hopes of scuttling the agreement.

For its part, the Eswatini department of correctional services has maintained that it is “committed to the humane treatment of all persons in its custody”.

The department said the individuals would be kept in correctional facilities until they could be repatriated to their home countries.

The airline said Andy would need to pay almost four times the price of his ticket if he wanted the bag on the plane

A man was charged over a thousand pounds – to take one extra suitcase on his Qatar Airways flight. Andy Donovan, 23, planned a trip to Kingsbury, Melbourne, for six months to play cricket over the Australian summer.

He booked a Cathay Pacific flight, which included a transfer in Hong Kong. But he switched his ticket that morning for a Qatar Airways flight to Melbourne, via Doha, Qatar, when he saw the ‘super typhoon Ragasa’ was headed for Hong Kong.

The flight, on September 22, cost him £312.28 to book. Andy’s bag allowance changed with his flights and was reduced to one bag of checked luggage, rather than two, as his Cathay Pacific flight had been. As Andy needed two suitcases – one for his possessions and a second for cricket kit – he attempted to buy an extra bag on the Qatar Airways website but claims it kept crashing.

So he resolved to pay at the airport – until, to his horror, he was charged £1,103.72 for his additional 25kg bag. Andy, a marketing executive, from Exeter, Devon, said: “I thought I could pay for the extra luggage in person – I knew it might be more, but I didn’t think it would be that much. It was several times the cost of the actual ticket, it didn’t make any sense.

“I was in shock. I had no choice but to pay it because I needed my kit. It’s personalised to me for my specifications so I couldn’t just replace it.

“They charge you per kilo you’re over the limit, and I had a whole extra 25kg bag. I wasn’t offered to buy a whole extra bag at the airport.”

Andy said it wasn’t explained to him how the charge was calculated but he paid it so he could still fly. Qatar Airways’ website states that within six hours of departure, per additional kg of luggage, there is a $60 (approx £44.60) charge. Andy plays for the Philippines national cricket team.

His younger sister, Katherine Donovan, 21, also plays for that team and he claims she had taken the same flight a week earlier, with two bags, with no issues. But ahead of Andy’s departure, dad Barry Donovan, 81, a retired pilot, was the one who spotted news of the typhoon near Hong Kong the day of the flight.

To avoid his son being stuck in Hong Kong airport, he advised Andy switch to a flight which transferred elsewhere, which he was allowed to do because Barry had privileges as an ex-employee of Cathay Pacific. On the day of the flight, Andy instead got a ticket for a Qatar Airways flight to Melbourne, via Doha, Qatar.

Andy had to call Barry for a loan to cover the costs – as he had no choice to pay if he still wanted to fly. Barry compared the policy to “extortion” and feels “someone should go to jail for this”. Barry said: “We got the tickets sorted for Andy, but nowhere on the tickets was the luggage restriction mentioned.

“He tried to book an extra bag online but couldn’t. When he rang me from the airport, I told him to just pay whatever they charged, and we’d sort the money later. But when he told me what that was, I couldn’t believe what they charged him.”

“£1,100 is totally unacceptable. It’s extortion – ‘give us the money, or you don’t travel at all’.”

Barry says both he and Andy have attempted to contact Qatar Airways but have not received a response. Barry added: “How many other people have they done this to? It’s just not right.”

Qatar Airways has been approached for comment.

Air Canada has announced it has begun serving complimentary beer, wine and snacks to economy passengers on every flight across its network, in a major win for those who love free stuff

“Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps please.”

No longer will this request be met with an eye-watering bill when made at 30,000 feet, at least on one airline.

Air Canada has announced it has begun serving free beer, wine and snacks to economy passengers on every flight across its network.

That is a significant change, as previously the airline only served free alcohol and food to economy passengers on long-haul flights.

As generous as it may sound, the policy is designed to be a cost-effective way to keep passengers flying with Air Canada. Scott O’Leary, vice president of loyalty and product, explained the rationale in a statement.

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“Food and beverage tend to have a disproportionate impact on customer satisfaction. As part of our commitment to elevating the onboard experience, we’re delighted to introduce even more exciting new options to our menus,” he said.

“These upgrades offer something for everyone and proudly showcase Canadian brands so that our customers can sit back, relax and kick-start their travels no matter where they’re going.”

What customers can expect to get for free on economy flights varies significantly.

Unsurprisingly, budget carriers such as Wizz Air, Ryanair and easyJet provide nothing for free.

Airlines offering free drinks on short-haul flights include KLM, which offers a free snack and drink on all European flights, and LOT Polish Airlines, providing free beer, wine, or juice on their short-haul routes.

Free water and snacks are also typically available with British Airways, though the extent of the service can vary by division and route. For other airlines like Lufthansa and Swiss, only a complimentary bottle of water and perhaps a small snack are provided.

For short and medium-haul flights within Europe, Lufthansa offers a paid “Onboard Delights” service where passengers can purchase food and drinks.

Air France offers free food on many of its flights. While a “buy on board” system is being tested on some routes, most flights still provide complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, depending on the flight duration and class. Passengers on short and medium-haul flights can expect a free sandwich, pastry, or snack, along with a drink.

On short and mid-haul TUI flights (less than seven hours), a variety of hot and cold snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard café.

Most full-service airlines do still include meals and drinks on long-haul routes. Think flights to the US, Asia, or the Caribbean.

• British Airways: Even on the cheapest economy fare, you can get complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Virgin Atlantic: Offers free meals and drinks, and they’re known for a decent veggie option.
• Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines: All offer full meal service in economy, and it’s usually good quality. You’ll get at least two meals plus snacks and unlimited drinks.
• Turkish Airlines: Generally provides free meals on their international flights, including both economy and business class. On longer flights, passengers are typically offered a choice of main courses, side dishes, bread, and dessert. Drinks are also complimentary on all flights.
• Air France: On long-haul flights, an extensive selection of meals is offered, including hot dishes, and passengers can also purchase a la carte meals in advance.
• American Airlines: Meals and drinks are typically included on international flights, including wine and beer
• United: United Airlines offers complimentary food on most flights, especially on longer distances and for higher class tickets.
• Air Canada: Generally offers complimentary meals and snacks on international flights. On flights longer than 2 hours, you’ll typically receive a complimentary meal and beverage service, including salad, warm bread, a hot entrée, and dessert.
• Tui: On long-haul flights (seven hours or more), a complimentary meal is included. Additional drinks and snacks can still be purchased on these flights as well
• Lufthansa: Lufthansa generally provides complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul flights
• KLM: Provides complimentary meals and drinks on most of its flights. The specific offerings vary depending on the flight duration and class of travel, but generally include snacks and drinks on shorter flights and more substantial meals on longer routes.

British Airways claims to serve more American cities than any other UK airline, with St. Louis set to become its 27th

British Airways is poised to grow its transatlantic network by launching new direct flights from London to the United States in 2026. The new flight route will connect London Heathrow to St. Louis, a prominent city in Missouri at the heart of the Midwest.

Famous for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant neighbourhoods, the UK airline believes St. Louis has something for every visitor. Its flights to the city are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026 and will operate four times a week throughout the summer.

In light of the announcement, Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “St. Louis is a fantastic addition to our US network – it’s a destination in itself as a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as a gateway to exciting destinations beyond this.

“As the only direct route from the UK, this service will open up exciting new opportunities for our customers and further strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest.”

British Airways claims to serve more American cities than any other UK airline, with St. Louis set to become its 27th. The launch will also make British Airways the only UK airline operating direct flights to St. Louis.

The St. Louis launch coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the famous highway that begins in Chicago, passes through St. Louis, and continues to Los Angeles.

A British Airways release about the launch adds: “The city’s stretch of the ‘Mother Road’ is packed with Americana charm, from vintage diners and neon signs to historic motels and roadside attractions, offering the perfect starting point for travellers seeking a classic US road trip experience.

“Beyond its Route 66 heritage, St. Louis is home to Forest Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US –, a range of free museums and a thriving craft beer scene, making it an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer adventures.

“The city also boasts a proud sporting legacy, with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals (Major League Baseball), Blues (National Hockey League) and City Soccer Club (Major League Soccer), earning the title of ‘Ultimate Sports City’ by ESPN The Magazine.”

Customers travelling to St. Louis can choose from three cabin options: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class). Return fares begin at £529 from October 1.

Passengers travelling in Club World may also enjoy the airline’s newest business class seat, the Club Suite, on selected flights. This offers a private space with direct aisle access, a fully flat bed, and a ’17-inch high-resolution entertainment screen’. Such travellers can indulge in a brasserie-style dining experience, with a selection of freshly prepared starters, mains, desserts, and cheeses.

Beginning next summer, the airline will resume its twice-daily flights to Miami and offer daily services to Dallas-Fort Worth, too. Meanwhile, flights to Las Vegas will increase from 10 to 13 per week, and the airline will operate to both San Diego and Austin 14 times a week as well.

New York (JFK) will now operate exclusively from London Heathrow, offering nine daily flights, including a new service with the airline’s 777-200 fleet.

For more information, head to ba.com.

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Travel firm Byway has mapped out a route to the Canaries solely by train and ferry. It takes 17 days and costs a pretty penny, but the journey takes passengers through some stunning parts of France and Spain at a leisurely pace

Travel insiders have revealed how to get to the Canary Islands without taking a flight.

The Spanish island chain is one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. In 2024, approximately 6.3 million British visitors traveled to the Canary Islands, making them the UK’s most significant tourism market and accounting for over 40% of international arrivals.

And for good reason. The islands’ location off the northwest coast of Africa means they enjoy incredible year-round weather. The sun is almost always shining, and the landscape is a rich, dramatic mix of woodland, beaches, and mountains.

Those who try to limit the amount they fly or simply enjoy traveling a little more slowly may be surprised to hear that it’s possible to get from the UK to the Canary Islands without taking to the air.

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Byway has mapped out a route to the Canaries solely by train and ferry:

London to Paris via train: Journey time: 2 hrs 21 mins Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Relax with a drink and a good book or film as you watch the British fields turn into the French countryside from your carriage window.

Paris to Nîmes via train: Journey time: 3 hrs 5 mins Take the train directly from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nîmes. Enjoy views of rolling French countryside as you make the journey south. Home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world, Nîmes is often dubbed “the most Roman city outside of Italy.” Wander the picturesque streets before sitting down for a drink in one of the city’s beautiful squares.

Visit Les Arènes, a twin-tiered amphitheatre which is the best preserved of its kind in France. Over 2,000 years old, the arena once seated 24,000 spectators. Grab an audio guide to provide you with context as you explore the arena before viewing replicas of gladiators’ armour in the museum. Stay one night.

Nîmes to Madrid via train: Journey time: 6 hrs 50 mins Spain’s capital, Madrid, sits strategically at the centre of Iberia and is home to Europe’s largest palace, sprawling city parks, and a wealth of world-renowned museums and galleries. As the sun sets, the lively paseo weaves its way through the streets, and the city keeps going until sunrise. Stay two nights.

Madrid to Cádiz via train: Journey time: 4 hrs 37 mins Cádiz is an Andalusian port city surrounded almost entirely by water. The city is a maze of cobbled streets with Roman ruins and a thriving local food scene. Stay one night.

Cádiz to Arrecife via ferry: Journey time: from 12:30 pm to 4pm the following day Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, combines maritime destination charm with a laid-back island spirit. Stroll along its palm-lined promenades and golden beaches before discovering the lively harbour, historic fortresses, and colourful markets. At night, the waterfront comes alive with tapas bars and ocean views.

Byway offers the route as a package, which also includes the return journey, which takes roughly the same amount of time. The trip does cost just shy of £3,000, however, for that price, all travel is included along with accommodation for the duration of the 17 day trip.

Check out the Byway website for more details.

Oct. 2 (UPI) — Two planes operated by Delta Air Lines subsidiary Endeavor Air collided Wednesday night on the tarmac of New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, according to reports, which said one person was injured.

Delta Air Lines described the incident in a statement as a “low-speed collision” between Endeavor Air Flight 5047 and Endeavor Flight 5155.

Flight 5047 was arriving from Charlotte, N.C., while Flight 5155 was to depart for Roanoke, Virginia.

Delta said preliminary information shows that the wing of Flight 5155 made contact with Flight 5047’s fuselage.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the collision occurred at a gate at 9:58 p.m. EDT.

Delta said a flight attendant suffered a minor injury in the collision, while the port authority said they had been transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

“Delta teams at our New York-LaGuardia hub are working to ensure our customers are taken care of after two Delta Connection aircraft operated by Endeavor Air were involved in a low-speed collision during taxi,” Delta said in the statement.

“Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred as safety of our customers and people comes before all else. We apologize to our customers for the experience.”

The incident is the first to occur during the government shutdown, which has shuttered programs and left federal workers furloughed.

Earlier Wednesday, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned that government shutdowns “reduce the safety and efficiency” of the National Airspace System and erode safety.

“During a shutdown, critical safety support staff are furloughed, and support programs are suspended, making it difficult for air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals to perform at optimum levels,” it said in a statement.

Sharp words were exchanged after a mother forced a seat swap aboard a flight so she could be situated closer to her kids. But the impacted passenger was not having it

A woman was shamed and insulted after refusing to give up her seat on a flight.

“Last month I took a flight back home after visiting my parents. Boarding time, I walked to my seat, 23A. There was already someone sitting there,” the woman explained on the subreddit Entitled People.

“I had to double-check to make sure it’s the 23rd row. Yep, I was right.”

Rather than accepting that she’d been dealt a bad hand and would be occupying another perch for the flight, the wrong passenger decided to speak up – for principle’s sake, and so she could sit in the seat she had reserved.

“So I told the lady sitting there, it’s my seat. Suddenly, a man on 23D offered me a 23E seat. It turns out they are a family, and the mother didn’t want to be separated from her children (who were in 23B and 23C), so she took my 23A,” the spurned aviator went on.

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“I was confused. It’s not like she will be long separated from her children. The children were in 23B-23C, and she and her husband were in 23D-23E—only separated by an aisle! Obviously, I refused. I specifically booked a window seat. It could help me feel at ease looking at the clouds and fall asleep.

“The seat they offered me to trade was a middle seat, 23E. Trapped between the dad (23D) and a random man (23F) in a narrow airplane seat? Nope. I feel suffocated already.”

When the woman explained that she would not accept the wrong seat, tense words erupted.

“I flatly replied, ‘No, I booked the window seat’. The mother immediately felt offended. She replied harshly ‘So you don’t mind we, a family, sitting separately?’ Well, why didn’t YOU book the right seats in the first place? Didn’t say this out loud though, I was only replaying my words ‘That’s my seat’. I was adamant with my answer.

“Finally she’s up, walking away from my seat with angry words she whispered silently towards me. I chose to not pay any attention to them. However, things changed afterwards. Her children were still sitting on the 23B and 23C seat, obviously I could not walk into my seat.

“I asked them politely to get out of their seat so I could get in. What did the mother do? She body shamed me. ‘Kids, get up. Her body is HUGE, she could not get in’.

“My height is above the women’s height average in my country, plus I gained like 10 kgs in the pandemic.”

The woman said the comments hurt her “feelings badly”. According to the passenger, the daughter apologies to her for her mother’s comments.

“The angry tirade stopped around five minutes later, when the mother told her kids to move seats a few rows away. Once more, the daughter pleaded for an apology to me. It’s crazy to think that a 12-year-old was way more emotionally mature than her entitled 40s mother. The whole time her mother spouted insults at me, the daughter looked pale and rigid. Her gaze was fixated on one spot. I assume she was very embarassed. Poor kid,” the woman concluded.

A man shared how he went through a horrifying flight experience, and it was all down to the piece of jewellery he had been constantly wearing since the start of this year

A man was left vowing to “never” wear a piece of jewellery again after he was denied boarding a plane thanks to it. Wearable smart rings have become all the rage as an alternative to the sometimes clunky smart watch. But when Daniel Rotar noticed his ring wouldn’t come off his finger just before he was meant to board a flight, he was left incredibly stressed.

Sharing a picture of the ring stuck on his finger, he wrote on X: “Ahhh…this is…not good. My Samsung Galaxy Ring’s battery started swelling. While it’s on my finger. And while I’m about to board a flight. Now I cannot take it off, and this thing hurts”.

He shared another picture, writing: “You can see the battery expanding. Not great for something that’s now stuck to my finger”.

Some asked how long he’d had the device, and Daniel explained he bought it in January 2025. Some Samsung rings retail for £399, depending on the model.

He wrote: “Had it since January 2025. No clue on the battery health (never checked it and not even sure if that’s visible in the app).

“I think it definitely had some battery issue before, as it stopped lasting for more than 1.5 days. When I first got it, it was close to the advertised seven days, so I even stopped charging it regularly because of this. When it swelled, it had no battery juice left in it”.

Somebody shared that the same thing happened to them with a smart ring, saying: “I cut it off with a Dremel. If you do this, be sure you do not cut the battery, and slide a file underneath so you don’t slice your finger. I just saved you four hours in urgent care! Good luck”.

Another urged: “Go up to the nearest restaurant and tell them you need a stick of butter warmed for 30 seconds. Finger the butter and then wiggle that thing off”.

One man seethed: “This is so messed up. It’s one thing for a battery in a phone or even smartwatch to expand like this (at least you can take it out of your pocket or off your wrist), but a ring…very glad to see you got it removed ok”.

Daniel then shared an update, saying: “I was denied boarding due to this (been travelling for 47 hours straight, so this is really nice). Need to pay for a hotel for the night now and get back home tomorrow”.

He also shared that he “was sent to the hospital, as an emergency,” and “the ring got removed”.

“You can see the battery all swollen. Won’t be wearing a smart ring ever again,” he fumed.

Someone wrote: “Dude, I’m sorry you had to go through this”. Daniel said he was just glad his finger was “fine”.

Another person suggested they should be designed with a gap in them instead to get on and off easier.

A spokesperson for Samsung said: “The safety of our customers is our top priority. This is an extremely rare case, and we are in direct contact with Mr Rotar to retrieve the product and learn about the concerns”.