2024 is set to be a game changer in the world of hotels, with new properties opening across the world that promise to be environmentally sustainable, aesthetically stunning, and culturally enriching. From a luxe new chimpanzee and gorilla ecotourism lodge in Uganda to a private island resort in Greece, these are seven of the most anticipated new hotels slated to open in 2024.

Fairmont Breakers – Long Beach, California

An iconic mainstay of this Southern California beach city, the historic Breakers Hotel is finally slated to reopen in March 2024. In an account of Charles Lindburgh’s notable Long Beach landing in 1928, he told reporters he was able to spot the port city by the hotel’s famous electric sign, which will soon be relit. Stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, and Clark Gable have all stayed at the historic property since it first opened in the 1920s. The hotel even survived an earthquake in 1933 before closing its doors in 1988. 

Restoration began 30 years later and has been ongoing since 2018. The revamped 185-room Fairmont Breakers hotel will feature the remodeled Sky Room, which was used for strategic planning during World War II, and its accompanying rooftop bar. Further additions will include an upscale Italian restaurant, a terrace pool, a two-story spa, and a live music venue. 

Kibale Lodge – Uganda

Since 1997, Volcanoes Safaris have been a pioneer of chimpanzee and gorilla ecotourism in Kibale National Park, located on the border of Uganda and Rwanda. In summer 2024, the tourism company will open a brand-new 150-acre lodge overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains (aka Mountains of the Moon).

Kibale Lodge will feature a spa, sauna, pool, eight deluxe rooms, and a villa surrounded by the lush vegetation, evergreen rainforest canopies, and grasslands of the stunning national park. With a population of about 1,500 chimpanzees, the park is one of the best places in Africa to view these amazing creatures. Fees from your stay go toward nonprofits promoting the conservation of the apes, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and restoring habitats.

Anantara Jaipur Hotel – Jaipur, India

Located in the bustling Indian city of Jaipur, the 150-room luxury Anantara Jaipur Hotel will be only a stone’s throw from UNESCO World Heritage-listed forts, Mughal palaces, bazaars, and temples. Offering spectacular views of this vibrant city from its rooftop bar, the hotel will also feature a signature Indian restaurant, luxury suites outfitted with traditional décor, private plunge pools, a grand banquet hall, and a luxe spa.

Mollie’s Manchester – Manchester, England

This cheeky British property will be housed inside the Old Granada Studios, an iconic recording studio in the northern English city of Manchester where the first television performance by the Beatles was broadcast on October 17, 1962. It’s also where British punk rock band the Sex Pistols had their TV debut in 1976. Mollie’s Hotel — dubbing itself as “budget-luxe” — will open in the refurbished office building and feature a pool and rooftop bar, as well as a two-story extension with an Americana-inspired diner and additional rooms. And rest assured, there will be plenty of neon signs and wood paneling to add to the artsy, funky vibe.

Graduate Princeton – Princeton, New Jersey

If you’ve ever wanted to live the Ivy League life, you’re in luck. Graduate Hotels — which operates a chain of boutique hotels in college towns — is launching its Princeton chapter in spring 2024. The 180-room property will approximately double the number of hotel rooms available in Princeton once it opens.

The Gothic-style building, originally constructed in 1918, will boast the Graduate chain’s signature maximalist interior with framed embroidered letterman jackets, trophies, and other objects with university insignia. The building once served as a dormitory and will soon also house a stunning library and 30-foot-long communal table. 

Gundari Resort – Folegandros, Greece

Only a lucky few travelers have explored the private Greek island of Folegandros, but it will soon be easier to join them. In May 2024, Gundari Resort will open its doors to guests, allowing them to experience a “raw and wild” escape, with breezy suites and villas perched on cliffs overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea.

The hotel is on track to become a zero-waste hotel, with a no single-use plastic policy, solar-powered water heating system, and a fleet of mini EV vehicles and electric bikes for exploring. Guests looking to get away from it all can also engage in the culture and nature of the island through intimate cooking classes, food tours, boat trips to nearby islands and beaches, and snorkeling excursions to Folegandros’ many sea caves and reefs. 

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr – Rabat, Morocco

The luxury Four Seasons hotel group is calling their latest Morocco addition — the Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr — a “palace by the sea,” where guests can experience what life was once like within this historic 12th-century walled city surrounding Kasbah des Oudaias fortress. Located on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic, the property was built at the end of the 18th century as the summer residence of Sultan Moulay Slimane.

Featuring Moorish architecture with elaborate archways and domed roofs, the hotel (opening spring 2024) exudes Arabian grandeur and features restaurants serving Moroccan cuisine, a luxurious spa, and thoughtful amenities to embrace modernity while staying true to Morocco’s treasured past and traditions. 

On a typical flight, passengers encounter pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, and many other customer-facing employees who are integral to the success of any airline. But what many passengers don’t realize is that, behind the scenes, there’s one specific job that helps ensure a smooth and safe flight: the flight dispatcher. Their role requires communicating with dozens of other employees who are in the air, on the ground, and even at other airports. Curious about how these important individuals work behind the scenes to make air travel possible? Discover below why the role of a flight dispatcher is so important.

What Is a Flight Dispatcher?

Flight dispatchers work in an airline’s operations center, which is sometimes miles away from the airport. Their day starts long before the flights they’re assigned to begin taking off, when they begin creating flight plans. Once it’s time for departure, flight dispatchers act as liaisons between anyone who may need to communicate vital information at a moment’s notice. 

On a typical day, dispatchers relay details about weather conditions, unexpected airspace restrictions, and other potential snags that might affect arrival and departure times. The average domestic flight dispatcher is responsible for overseeing 30 to 45 flights during a nine-hour shift, with around 15 to 20 aircraft in the air at any given moment. When it comes to international flight dispatchers, that number drops to anywhere from four to 20 flights. With that in mind, let’s dive further into a flight dispatcher’s fascinating job duties.

Constant Communication

With all the moving parts that come with the hundreds of airplanes at each airline flying around the country every day, it’s critical that flight dispatchers maintain a constant line of communication between each department. That includes the crew on the airplane itself, the ground crew, FAA officials, air traffic control officers, and others. 

This line of communication stays open throughout the flight, as pilots may need to contact the flight dispatcher in the event of changing weather patterns, unexpected security concerns, mechanical problems with the aircraft, or any other issues that may affect their route. If such problems occur, the flight dispatcher will determine and relay the best course of action to the pilots should they need to adjust their plan and divert to another airport.

Crew Oversight

If a crew has exceeded the legal number of hours they can work in a given period, they may become fatigued — and that puts the safety of the passengers at risk. Thankfully, flight dispatchers oversee each crew to determine if they’re capable of flying that day. They monitor both pilots and flight attendants to ensure they’re ready to work. If for any reason they cannot perform their duties, then the flight dispatcher will delay departure until they can find a suitable replacement.

Flight Planning

Flight departure and arrival times and routings depend entirely on the flight plan created by the dispatcher. As in any job, some days are smoother than others, when conditions are favorable enough that the schedule runs mostly on time. But on other days, there are unexpected snags related to maintenance, security, and weather. In these instances, the flight dispatcher must develop a new schedule that allows planes to depart as safely and quickly as possible. As part of these flight plans, the dispatcher also must determine how much fuel each airplane needs to reach its destination and ensure that the plane is adequately fueled prior to departure.

When developing a flight plan, dispatchers must take into account the conditions at both the airport that the plane is departing from, as well as the city where it’s set to arrive. Once a plan has been created, the dispatcher will present it to the pilot for approval, though the pilot rarely makes changes. If a flight is delayed for any reason, the flight dispatcher will remain in constant communication with the crew on each airplane to determine if a later departure is possible — or if the flight will ultimately be canceled.

Weather Monitoring

As frequent travelers are all too aware, weather can have an adverse impact on flights, preventing them from reaching their destinations on time. When poor weather conditions are present along a planned flight route, it’s up to the flight dispatcher to determine if it’s safe to travel — and if it is, the best course of action. 

A flight can be impacted by heavy wind, thunderstorms, and a wide variety of other factors that are out of the airline’s control. Should any of these issues arise before departure, then the flight may be grounded by the dispatcher until the bad weather passes. Or if weather conditions change for the worse mid-flight, then the flight dispatcher may determine that it’s best to divert the airplane to another airport for a safe landing. Though it might be an inconvenience to passengers, the responsibility of flight dispatchers is making sure everyone arrives safely — and for them, it’s all in a day’s work. 

As travelers, we love jetting off to new destinations, but before we even board our flight, we must first get through the hurdle of airport security. In 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record number of travelers in U.S. airports, and many travelers reported longer wait times than ever before. Standing in a long security line — or a lengthy customs line after a long international flight — can be one of the most frustrating parts of travel, but, fortunately, there are ways to reduce your wait time. Below, explore how you can speed through airport security by enrolling in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR. 

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is what’s known as a Trusted Traveler Program, which the government offers to eligible passengers who are deemed low-risk. It allows these travelers to bypass certain parts of the airport security process. The program, which is available on flights departing the U.S., offers a separate, exclusive line that’s often much shorter. (According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less.) Passengers with PreCheck can skip taking off their shoes, belts, and light jackets — and they don’t need to remove laptops or liquids from their carry-on bags.  

Those eligible for TSA PreCheck are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who do not have any of the disqualifying offenses, which include having previously committed treason, espionage, or murder, and being on the terrorist watch list. Of note, in order to use the line, travelers must add their Known Traveler Numbers (KTN) to their itinerary when booking (you’ll receive one after getting approved). 

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry is another Trusted Traveler Program that operates similarly to TSA PreCheck but is geared towards travelers who take frequent international trips. The program allows those returning to the U.S. from abroad to receive expedited reentry to the country after landing. In lieu of waiting in an often lengthy line at customs, those with Global Entry head to dedicated kiosks, which take photos of travelers to confirm their identity and allow them to head straight to a customs officer without waiting in a long line. 

Citizens of the U.S. and certain foreign countries are eligible for Global Entry, provided they are also deemed low-risk and do not have any customs violations or convictions on their record. Enrolling in Global Entry requires applicants to schedule an in-person interview and complete a lengthier application process than TSA PreCheck. Currently, application processing time is around four to six months, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you have an international trip on the horizon and want to take advantage of Global Entry.

How Much Do They Cost?

As of 2024, it costs $78 to apply for TSA PreCheck, while Global Entry will set you back $100. Once approved, enrollment in either program is good for five years. Additionally, certain credit cards will reimburse you for your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees.

If you’re interested in both programs, you should know that enrollment in Global Entry also includes the TSA PreCheck benefit as well as its expedited customs screening — so it may be worth it to pay the slightly higher fee if you have any international trips planned. All you have to do to get the TSA PreCheck perk is make sure you use your Known Traveler Number upon booking a flight.

What Is CLEAR?

If you’re looking to speed through the airport even more quickly, consider also signing up for CLEAR. While TSA PreCheck shortens the security screening process itself, CLEAR allows travelers to bypass the security lines. Instead of waiting in line for a TSA officer to inspect your physical ID, CLEAR has dedicated kiosks at select airports that use biometric technology to verify your identity. A CLEAR team member will then escort the traveler to the front of the security line to proceed through the scanning machines. 

Unlike TSA PreCheck, CLEAR is run by a private company. And it’s not as widely available — as of 2024, there are around 55 airports across the country with access to CLEAR. The cost is also steeper: $189 per year (versus $78 for five years with PreCheck). However, enrolling in both programs is often the fastest way to get through airport security. Like PreCheck, there are also several credit cards that come with CLEAR membership, so you can offset the additional cost.

What Do I Have to Do to Get TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR?

If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who does not have any of the disqualifying offenses on your record, you can apply online for TSA PreCheck. From there, you can find an enrollment center near you and schedule an appointment to meet an agent and finish the process. The TSA has also recently partnered with several new providers to offer increased enrollment options. 

The application process is similar for Global Entry. Travelers will fill out an application, pay a fee, and attend an interview. Provided their interview is successful, they’ll receive their Global Entry card. Meanwhile, CLEAR is available to travelers who are 18 years or older and who possess one of the following: a U.S. driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. state-issued I.D. Travelers can apply for this program online or at one of their kiosks in any participating airport. It takes five minutes to sign up, and there’s no interview required.

Can Kids Use Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR?

There is no age requirement for TSA PreCheck; however, depending on a child’s age, it may be worth getting them their own membership. Children under 12 who are traveling with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck can go through the expedited line with them. However, if the child is 13 or older, they must use the regular security line, even if their parents are using TSA PreCheck.

There is also no minimum age requirement for Global Entry. However, no matter the age of the person you are traveling with, every member of your party must also have Global Entry in order to benefit from the program. For CLEAR, children under 18 can use the lane for free when accompanied by a member, and they don’t have to enroll.

Maybe the flight was delayed or the taxi driver made a tour of the city, or checking in seemed to take years. Whatever your journey was like, when you finally get to your hotel room, it’s certainly tempting to raid the minibar and stretch out on the bed. While we certainly won’t stop you, you might want to wait just a minute. Here is a hotel safety checklist, so you can relax in your hotel room comfortably on your next getaway. 

Plan Your Route

Before you even get to your room, make a note of where the nearest two emergency exits and stairwells are located. Each year, there are almost 4,000 hotel and motel fires reported in the U.S. The U.S. Fire Administration advises studying the hotel’s evacuation plan carefully, and counting the number of doors between your room and the nearest exits, so that you can safely navigate an escape in the dark. 

Check Your Door

Open the door to your hotel room and let it close while you’re still in the hall. Is it locked? Not all doors automatically lock behind you when you walk into the room, and that’s definitely something you’ll want to know. Also make sure that the deadbolt or safety chain is in good working order, and make use of it while you’re in the room. For extra security, consider packing a portable lock that can prevent someone with a master card from entering your room.

Inspect for Pests

Even worse than waking up in a hotel room with bites from bed bugs is inadvertently bringing them back to your home. Unfortunately, even the cleanest five-star hotel can be plagued with these hard-to-eradicate insects, so it’s important to do some quick due diligence before you settle in and relax. 

Put your bags in the bathroom — bed bugs are unlikely to be in the tub or shower — and start your inspection. Fortunately, adults and eggs are visible to the naked eye, as are the molted casings and the rust-colored spots that they leave behind. Pull back the sheets and blankets (a process that has the added benefit of making sure they’re clean). Check the mattress, too, removing the cover and running a business card along the seams, which are a favorite hiding place. Repeat the process with any upholstered furniture. Many seasoned travelers avoid the dressers, keeping their clothes stored in their (zipped) suitcase atop the luggage rack.

Turn Off (or Unplug) The Alarm Clock

Many frequent travelers have been awakened at least once by an unwanted alarm blaring from a bedside table. While housekeeping is supposed to check for and turn off any alarm left by the previous hotel guests, they may miss it every now and then. Turn it off, or set it to your desired time if you want a backup to the alarm on your phone. Better still, unplug the entire clock to darken your room and make for a more restful night’s sleep.

Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize

Like airplanes, hotel rooms are heavily trafficked and are often not the cleanest places. Housekeepers are hurried, and hotels are filled with new strangers every night. If you’re going to touch the TV’s remote control — one of the germiest offenders — scrub it first with a sanitizing wipe. Ditto for wiping down light switches, the door handle, phone, bathroom faucets, and the toilet handle. And the last step? Wash your own hands: You’ve been traveling, after all.

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Flying first class on an international vacation is a bucket-list dream for many travelers. Or perhaps if you’re extremely lucky, you regularly fly at the pointy front end of the plane. But to many travelers’ surprise, in recent years, first class has become something of a rarity on long-haul international flights. In 2023, Qatar Airways — the Middle East carrier known for its uber-luxe in-flight offerings — became the latest airline to announce that it would stop installing first class seats on its newest airplanes. Does this really spell the end of first class? Find out why some airlines are getting rid of first class seats — and what that might mean for your next trip.

On U.S. Domestic Flights, First Class Isn’t Going Anywhere

First thing’s first: There’s a big distinction between what U.S. airlines have traditionally marketed as “first class” on domestic and short-haul international hops versus first class on long-haul intercontinental flights. 

When flying on carriers such as Delta Air Lines or American Airlines domestically or to Mexico and the Caribbean, buying a first class ticket gets you a roomier seat at the front of the cabin with a few extra inches of legroom and recline. You’ll receive perks such as priority boarding and complimentary in-flight meals and alcohol. But typically, business class isn’t offered on these routes — only first class and economy class (sometimes called “main cabin”).

U.S. airlines have noted on recent investor calls that demand for this type of premium product has actually grown since the pandemic and remains exceptionally strong. As a result, these airlines are investing heavily in expanding the first class footprint on many planes and updating their first class cabins to convince more travelers to splurge for the upgrade. 

What Is Flying Long-Haul First Class Like?

On intercontinental flights, it’s quite a different scenario. Let’s go back in time to find out why: As jet travel boomed in the 1960s, airlines pulled out all the stops for their most premium cabins, which were traditionally marketed as first class. Passengers willing to pay a hefty price tag could look forward to elevated service from fashionably dressed flight attendants, gourmet meals — lobster, caviar, leg of ham carved next to passengers’ seats — and even onboard cocktail lounges.

In the 1970s, airlines began introducing a cabin between first class and coach called business class. It featured with wider seats that offered about eight to ten extra inches of legroom, improved meals, and more personalized service over economy class. However, in the 1990s, airlines such as Continental (now part of United) and Virgin Atlantic opted to combine the traditional first class and business class products into a hybrid offering that was somewhere in between. (Continental called it BusinessFirst.)

Today, many global carriers still offer a dedicated first class cabin, with their roomiest seats and highest levels of service. But in the decades since, other airlines have followed the lead of Continental and Virgin Atlantic by dropping first class altogether in favor of a much-improved business class cabin. In 2000, British Airways upped the ante for business class by becoming the first major airline to introduce seats that converted into flat beds. As the competition between airlines has heated up, flat-bed seats have now become the standard for business class travel — and some airlines now even offer suites with sliding doors. 

Why Many Airlines Are Dropping International First Class Seats

Of the three major global U.S. carriers, both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have already dropped first class in favor of an elevated business class cabin. Delta calls theirs “Delta One,” while United introduced “Polaris” in 2016. American Airlines has remained the lone hold-out with a true first class cabin. But by the end of 2024, that will no longer be the case.

As reported by Business Insider, in late 2022 American Airlines announced that it would be completely removing its remaining first class cabins, which were already only configured on a small number of aircraft. The airline said first class would no longer exist “for the simple reason that our customers aren’t buying it.” Instead, American is investing in what it calls a new “Flagship Suite” business class. And despite removing first class, the airline is actually increasing the premium seats per plane. 

The reality is, with ever-improving business class cabins, airlines have a tough time selling traditional first class. According to Qatar Airways’ CEO, the business class product today “already gives you all the amenities that first class gives you.” He goes so far as to call first class “pointless.” For airlines, those first class seats — which are even roomier than business class — take up valuable real estate in airplane cabins and don’t allow airlines to maximize revenue potential on each flight.

Plus, with changing demand habits in the wake of the pandemic, there are now fewer corporate travelers spending large sums on last-minute first class tickets. Before the pandemic, large corporations were responsible for about half of premium cabin demand, according to Business Insider. These days, premium demand is now being driven by a blend of business and leisure travelers — the latter of whom are typically unwilling to shell out for the significant price difference between first and business class. 

The Premium Economy Factor

In the 1990s, airlines such as Eva Air and Virgin Atlantic introduced yet another new class of service that became known as “premium economy.” The product was aimed at travelers looking for an elevated experience over typically cramped economy cabins, but without the budget to upgrade to business or first class. Premium economy offered wider seats, a few extra inches of legroom, and typically better meals and service.

Sound familiar? Indeed, premium economy resembles what business class used to look like when it was first introduced. In a sense, business class has become the new first class, while premium economy is the new business class. Many airlines will also offer a dedicated set of economy class seats with extra legroom, offering travelers even more options to suit their budget.

Which Airlines Still Offer a True First Class Option?

While the trend points in the opposite direction, a handful of airlines remain dedicated to a “true” first class cabin on intercontinental flights. These airlines are typically already known for their high levels of service, and include the likes of Emirates, Air France, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and Korean Air. 

Many of these airlines have also introduced new, improved cabins in recent years. On Singapore Airlines, for instance, you’ll get a private suite so spacious that there’s enough room for both a reclining chair and a traditional bed. And if you’re traveling with someone, you can even lower the dividers between suites to create an extra-spacious double bed. So, while it’s true that first class is no longer an option on many airlines these days, for those travelers looking for the ultimate splurge, a select few airlines are keeping the tradition alive.