Every time a plane takes off, a carefully choreographed process takes place behind the scenes to make sure everything goes smoothly. The amount of fuel that an aircraft takes on before beginning its journey is no exception. A number of factors must be taken into account: the estimated weight of the loaded plane, the fuel it will need to taxi on the ground, the speed it will fly once airborne, and the distance it will travel. On top of that, extra fuel is added for unexpected situations such as the need to divert because of bad weather. But on rare occasions, planes may need to dump fuel mid-flight. Here’s why it happens — and where all that fuel ends up.

Weight Considerations

Each aircraft type is designed with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and a maximum landing weight (MLW). The MTOW and MLW for a single plane are not equal, however. Because of the landing gear’s capabilities, the plane needs to be lighter to land than it does to become airborne. 

Normally, fuel is burned during the flight so the plane can safely land; however, if a plane develops a technical problem or a medical emergency occurs soon after takeoff, a pilot may determine that turning back is in the interest of everyone’s safety. In this case, the plane would be over its permitted maximum landing weight and would need to burn off — or jettison — fuel before it could begin its final approach. 

Avoiding a Hard Landing

A hard landing is when the aircraft hits the ground in a way that involves more vertical speed and force than would normally be experienced. Though planes are engineered to withstand such landings, they can cause passenger discomfort and anxiety because of the need for heavy braking, and they can increase the chance of damage to the aircraft.

As a consequence, they are avoided if at all possible. If a pilot knows that the plane’s weight is likely to create a hard landing situation, they may request permission to jettison fuel in order to lighten their load. In doing so, they can ensure that the plane is better equipped to perform normally when its landing gear makes contact with the runway.

What Happens to the Fuel?

The process of vaporization is a crucial element of the fuel dumping procedure. If a plane has to eject fuel, it does so at a rapid rate through carefully designed nozzles on the aircraft. These turn the liquid into a fine mist, which dissipates quickly, aided by the low atmospheric pressure and the high speeds of the plane itself.

This is also why it is important for the process to occur at a high altitude, typically at least 5,000 to 6,000 feet above the ground. The vaporized fuel will therefore be long gone before it gets anywhere near the ground, especially on warmer days, which speed up the vaporization process. 

However, not every type of commercial airliner is able to dump fuel. Two prominent examples without this capability include the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320, the most popular narrow-body planes on the market. If these planes need to lighten their load, they have to burn off excess fuel while still in the air. 

On those aircraft, it is less of a concern because the takeoff and landing weights of smaller planes are much closer, and they carry less fuel overall compared to long-range aircraft like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A380. If an emergency doesn’t permit circling to burn off excess fuel, planes like the Boeing 737 are built to handle heavy touchdowns and can safely land overweight.

Where Fuel Dumping Is Permitted

The FAA issues clear guidelines concerning the separation between aircraft that need to dump fuel and those that may be in the vicinity. In most situations, a pilot must be a minimum of 2,000 feet above and 5 miles apart laterally from the nearest obstacle. This FAA report states that “under Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidance, such fuel dumps are to be performed over remote or oceanic areas, or at an altitude at which the jettisoned fuel can atomize before reaching the ground.” 

However, in emergency situations, permission may be given to dump fuel over populated areas. For instance, this was the case when a Delta aircraft experienced engine thrust loss immediately after takeoff from LAX and had to dump fuel 15,000 pounds over Los Angeles in early 2020.

Because the aircraft dumped fuel at a low altitude, the fuel didn’t have time to dissipate before it reached the homes, businesses, and people below. This resulted in damage to property, and several people were treated for minor injuries as a result of the incident. Though the FAA cleared Delta of any wrongdoing, the airline settled with claimants to avoid prolonged litigation.

Age has its privileges, and that can certainly be the case with travel. Hotels are keen to attract retirees and older travelers, a fast-growing demographic with high disposable incomes, a propensity to take longer trips, and the ability to fill rooms during less busy periods. To attract seniors, hotels often tout a range of benefits and discounts. Here’s how to find them. 

Discounts Offered by Major Hotel Chains

According to Hilton’s website, travelers 65 and older and their families can save up to 6% on the published best available rate. The offer applies to participating Hilton properties, so you’ll need to check online to see whether the one you had in mind is included in the promotion. You can book up to two rooms but will need to prove you are eligible with a valid ID when you check in to the hotel.

Hyatt’s collection of all-inclusive resorts also looks after senior guests. Those 62 years of age and older can take advantage of 7% off the standard resort-only rate by using the promo code “SENIOR” when selecting their room from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. However, depending on how far ahead you book, you can sometimes save more by signing up for Hyatt’s loyalty program to booking their member-exclusive rate instead. 

Like Hyatt, IHG offers senior rates to anyone who is at least 62 or holds valid membership to a retired persons’ organization. According to IHG’s website, “discounts from these rates vary by hotel, length of stay, and time of booking. IHG One Rewards members can save more when booking three-plus days in advance with the Member Senior Advance Purchase Discount rate.”   

Marriott also sets the qualifying age for senior discounts at 62, offering reduced rates on up to two rooms as long as the person booking the reservation is eligible. (Other guests sharing the rooms do not need to meet this requirement.) At check-in, reception staff will ask to see a government-issued ID or driver’s license for proof of age. Discounts differ according to the property booked.

Senior citizens also save at Wyndham hotels, which include affordable brands such as La Quinta, Ramada, Days Inn, and Super 8. Guests 60 and older can get a discount of around 10% off the standard rate. 

As with any travel purchase, it’s worth shopping around before settling on a particular hotel. Don’t assume that the senior discount is automatically the best one available to you. In many cases, you can save even more with advance-purchase rates (though these are typically nonrefundable and nonchangeable), special promotions, or seasonal deals. 

Perks for Seniors at Hotels

Some hotels offer perks for seniors to make their stay more comfortable and attract business. Depending on the property, you might be offered a complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late check-out, free parking, or a free glass of wine with dinner. It’s usually best to call the hotel directly or use the hotel’s online chat option to see if such benefits might be available to senior travelers at the time of booking.

It’s also worth considering signing up for an AARP membership, which has plans starting at $15 for one year and $10 per year for a five-year commitment. Using the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, travelers who spend more than $500 on a hotel stay (or car rental) are able to claim a $50 gift card per booking (not per person), with a choice of Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards or cards for select retailers. Terms and conditions apply, so before signing up, be sure to shop around.

Retired travelers can also take advantage of no longer being tied to working hours to book off-peak or “shoulder season” trips. Since weekend nights tend to be more expensive than the rest of the week, shifting your dates to midweek can result in significant savings on the standard room rates in many destinations.

Featured image credit: © alexsalcedo—iStock/Getty Images 

Whether it’s your electric toothbrush, a curling iron, or your phone, keeping your electronics running smoothly when you’re traveling overseas might seem straightforward. However, the wrong setup can lead to a blown fuse or, worse, a damaged device you can’t use for the rest of your trip. To help keep everything charged, functional, and in one piece, travelers should follow these important steps for powering your devices safely.

Step 1: Get a Plug Adapter

To begin with, the shape of a plug outlet in the U.S. is different from that of outlets in most countries outside of North America. A plug adapter can help with this.

This small device allows you to connect your electronics to wall outlets in other countries by altering the configuration of the prongs. It’s important to note, though, that a plug adapter doesn’t change the voltage; it changes only the shape of the plug so your charger can fit into the outlet. Voltage is a separate issue — more on that in a minute.

If you travel often, a universal adapter is your best bet since it comes with multiple built-in plug types, making it compatible with outlets around the world.

Step 2: See if You Need a Voltage Converter

A plug adapter is only one piece of the puzzle. In some cases, to safely charge your device abroad, you may also require a voltage converter. 

Have you ever plugged in your personal hair dryer abroad, only to find that it stopped working instantly? This usually happens when the voltage supplied by the outlet doesn’t match the voltage your appliance is designed to use. When the voltage is too high, the electrical components inside the device receive more power than they can safely handle. Motors may spin too fast, components can overheat, and the appliance can burn out within seconds. In some cases, you might even see sparks or smell smoke.

The United States runs on a standard voltage of 110V to 120V, so if you bought your device in the U.S., that’s the voltage it’s designed for. If you’re not sure, check the small print on the device itself, the charger, or the user manual. Look for words like “input” or “output” followed by a number and “V” (which stands for volts — for example, 120V).

In many places — like Canada, Mexico, and much of the Caribbean — the voltage is similar to the voltage in the U.S., so your devices will typically work without any extra gadgets. But in Europe, most of Africa, and many parts of Asia, outlets usually run at a much higher voltage of around 220V to 240V. In those cases, you may also need a converter, not just a plug adapter. 

As a general rule, anything with a motor, a heating element, or a fixed power cord that runs straight into the device isn’t safe to plug in without the right voltage support. It can cause your device to malfunction or even blow up.

The good news is that most modern electronics are already designed to handle different voltages. Phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras usually fall into this category because they charge through removable power bricks that manage the voltage conversion for you. Many modern chargers are labeled “100V to 240V.” If you see that label on your device, you’re usually good to use and charge it abroad with just a plug adapter. USB charging is even simpler, since the standard output is consistent worldwide, which is why it tends to be the most travel-friendly option. 

Other Tips for Charging Your Devices Abroad

• Don’t assume every outlet is safe for fast charging: Some older hotels or airports may not support high-wattage charging. Overloading an outlet can lead to overheating; plus, your device may charge more slowly than at home.
• Be careful with shared or public USB ports: They can be convenient, but according to the TSA, using your own wall adapter or power bank is generally more secure.
• Carry a backup power bank: Flight delays and long travel days drain your battery faster than expected, and a power bank can save you in a pinch.

There are many kinds of bad seatmates on planes, some worse than others. Loud? Far from ideal, but noise-canceling headphones exist for a reason. Fidgety and constantly getting up to walk the aisles? Disruptive but understandable, particularly on a long flight. Smelly? Now, that’s something most passengers would agree is a problem. Unfortunately, with flights fuller than ever, changing seats may not be an option, and many would rather grin and bear it than have an awkward conversation with the stranger we’re sitting next to for the next several hours. So, is there a better solution? According to the experts, yes.

Ask a Professional

However many times you may have had to deal with this issue, chances are cabin crew have encountered it far more often. Laura Einsetler, a commercial airline pilot with more than three decades of experience who writes the Captain Laura blog, offers one solution: “When you have a situation where you’re in your seat and it’s a nuisance smell, for lack of a better term, due to hygiene issues, what I would highly recommend is you open the eyeball vent above you and point the airflow vent straight down in front of you,” she suggested to USA Today. 

Susannah Carr, a representative for the Association of Flight Attendants who works as a flight attendant for a major airline, had another suggestion: Wear a mask. “Throw one of those disposable masks in your bag. Even if you’re not afraid of germs, that can be a barrier to one of those smells,” she told USA Today. “I still have an N95 mask in my backpack. I don’t wear it anymore on planes, but I’d probably put it on to see if it helped.”

You can also try one of Carr’s tricks of the trade; it’s a favorite among flight attendants. Place a dab of Vicks VapoRub under each of your nostrils, which flight attendants sometimes do while collecting trash. Thanks to ingredients such as eucalyptus oil and menthol, the ointment is highly effective at blocking odors — it’s even a trick used by other professionals such as paramedics and animal trainers. Essential oils such as peppermint oil can also do the trick. If you’d prefer not to make what you’re doing obvious to your malodorous seatmate, you can apply it during a covert trip to the lavatory.

If All Else Fails

If you don’t have a mask or Vicks on hand, your best bet is probably to wait until your flight has reached cruising altitude, get up from your seat, and speak to a flight attendant about changing seats. If there are any available, they’ll likely accommodate you. Though it might mean moving to the dreaded middle seat, moving may make for a better in-flight experience than staying where you were. 

Some airlines even have clauses in their contracts of carriage stating that passengers can be removed from the flight if they have extreme body odor that isn’t caused by a medical condition. Delta Air Lines, for example, states that a passenger can be refused “when the passenger’s conduct, attire, hygiene, or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers.” But if you want to speak with cabin crew about a smelly situation, you’ll have to do so before departure, as there’s little that can be done once you’re in the air.

Featured image credit: © Angelov/stock.adobe.com

For travelers, safety is a top priority, especially when choosing a new place to visit. This is especially true among solo travelers and groups who tend to experience more crime, including women, LGBTQ+ travelers, and people of color. To uncover which popular destinations are the safest for visitors, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection surveyed 1,500 people who had personally visited some of the most popular cities frequented by world travelers. Participants were asked to provide their firsthand perceptions of safety in each city. Check out the top six safest cities below.

6. Sydney, Australia

Not only is Sydney in particular a safe haven for travelers, but Australia in general is also considered one of the safest international travel destinations. Sydney boasts a lower rate of violent crime, especially when compared to other cities of its size, with a gun murder rate that’s 6,000% lower than that of the U.S. The city’s vast public transportation system is reliable and safe, and public spaces, including parks, promenades, and beaches, are generally clean and well maintained. As with any large metropolis, visitors should be careful with their belongings, as theft can occur in busy areas, but on the whole, Sydney is recognized as a safe bet for tourists.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii

Located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s capital city offers visitors beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and, best of all, a safe environment. Hawaii has a lower crime rate than the national average, with popular Honolulu attractions like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head considered very safe for tourists. The city’s biggest threat happens to be seismic — although such events are rare, visitors to any island in Hawaii should always be aware of the potential of earthquakes or tsunamis.

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is not only one of the world’s safest cities to visit, but also one of the most inclusive. As a diverse and welcoming city, Amsterdam is an excellent choice for female travelers, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color, all of whom have reported feeling safe as visitors. The city’s secure infrastructure and well-maintained public transportation help tourists move about the city safely, without relying on taxis or rideshares. It should be noted, however, that pickpocketing is a common petty crime in Amsterdam, and pedestrians should be prepared for heavy bike traffic, which requires staying alert.

3. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich’s exceptionally low crime rates are among its many draws for tourists. It’s charming and serene, with picturesque streets that are well maintained, clean, and easy to navigate. Visitors can either walk through the city or use the excellent train or tram systems, which are both dependable and punctual, to explore the city or visit nearby regions. Even the mountain trails outside Zurich are orderly, with an extensive online map system and plentiful signs to ensure people don’t get lost. Plus, English is widely spoken, and the Swiss are generally happy to welcome visitors.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen earns the No. 2 spot on the survey’s ranking of the safest cities in the world to visit in 2026. The Danish capital’s well-maintained streets, public spaces, and infrastructure all contribute to the city’s high position, creating a comfortable urban environment for residents and visitors alike. With an efficient public transportation system, a low crime index, and streets that are friendly to pedestrians and bikers, visitors can easily navigate the city on their own, even in the dark.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

For the second year in a row, Reykjavik ranks as the survey’s safest city in the world for visitors. The Icelandic capital is known for its low crime rates, with virtually all of its neighborhoods considered safe according to safety index provider GeoSure. Violent crime is a rare occurrence, with very low reports of criminal offenses such as robbery and assault. 

Since Reykjavik is small by European capital standards, with approximately 249,000 residents, the city’s safety also relies on community welfare, with many locals agreeing that trust is embedded into the culture. When you combine Iceland’s majestic beauty with its pristine safety record, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular destination for travelers, particularly solo and female adventurers, who tend to agree that the city feels safe enough to explore on your own.

In an age where airlines charge for every possible extra, seat assignments have become an increasingly common frustration. Even if you’ve reserved in advance, booked rows together as a family, or forked over extra for a window seat, the airline could still switch your seat at the last minute. While seat selection is a major source of revenue for airlines, most carriers stop short of guaranteeing your choice. This doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck, though. Here’s what to do if your airline switches your seats. 

Why Do Airlines Change Seat Assignments?

From a passenger’s perspective, seat changes often feel arbitrary. However, they are usually the result of behind-the-scenes operational decisions. Among the most common reasons is an aircraft swap. If a replacement plane is required, the new one might have a different seat configuration. This can make it impossible to honor every original assignment. 

Safety and accessibility requirements can trigger changes, too. This can include moving passengers to meet an aircraft’s weight-and-balance requirements, accommodating travelers with disabilities, or providing seating for crew members. Most carriers also prioritize seating young travelers with a parent or accompanying adult. 

Schedule disruptions are another reason. Delays, missed connections, and rebookings can sometimes force seating reshuffles. While frustrating, these changes are typically made with the goal of getting a flight out on time, without leaving passengers behind. 

Are Seat Assignments Guaranteed?

While you might think the answer is “yes,” especially after paying for more legroom or a coveted window or aisle seat, for example, the reality is the opposite. Booking a flight means you purchase transit from one destination to another, not a guaranteed seat in a specific spot. Airlines stipulate in their contracts of carriage — the terms and conditions passengers agree to but rarely read — that they reserve the right to change seat assignments for operational needs, security reasons, or aircraft swaps.

Because of this, there may be times when you preselect a seat, only to receive a different assignment at check-in. As a general rule, the seat number displayed on your boarding pass when you board is your official assignment, and cabin crew will treat it as the final authority. 

How To Deal With Seat Changes

If you ever face the inconvenience of a seat change, acting quickly is crucial. The sooner you spot a discrepancy, the better the chance of recovering your original seat or a comparable alternative. Before heading to the airport, contact the airline via its customer service channels, app, or website. Earlier is better: More options are likely to be available before check-in closes.

If you’re already at the airport, speak with gate agents as soon as you can. Once boarding starts, the chances of recovering your seat (or obtaining a similar one) diminish. Whether you’re trying to keep your family seated together or addressing accessibility requirements, explain your situation clearly and politely — a friendly conversation will be more effective than quoting regulations in a raised voice. After all, staff are working within the constraints of seat availability. 

In the event that you can’t resolve your situation before you board, don’t panic: Cabin crew can sometimes rearrange passengers and allocate empty seats once boarding is complete. 

Helpful Tips

While no traveler can completely remove the risk of a seat reassignment, there are a few ways to reduce the chances of it happening.

• Avoid seats that may be needed for special circumstances: Bulkhead rows are typically reserved for bassinets; these seats could also be needed for passengers with reduced mobility. 
• Save a record of your booking: This can include your receipt, confirmation email, or even a screenshot displaying your seat selection. This evidence can help if your seat gets moved and you request to be put back in your original seat.
• Check your reservation frequently: Seat changes can happen anywhere from weeks to hours before departure, and without much notice, so keep a regular eye on your itinerary on the airline’s website or app. 
• Check in early and arrive with time to spare: Early check-in can give you a wider selection of available seats, and arriving early to the airport gives gate agents more time to resolve issues. 
• Use seat-tracking apps: Services like ExpertFlyer let you monitor flight seat maps and receive notifications when a specific seat becomes available. 

Can You Get a Refund or Compensation for Seat Changes? 

Your passenger rights vary depending upon where you’re flying and with which airline. In the U.S., as covered above, airlines do not guarantee the right to a specific seat, even if you’ve chosen one in advance. However, if you paid an additional fee and didn’t receive your choice, or were moved to a less desirable seat, you could be entitled to a refund. For example, this applies if you lose an extra-legroom seat that carries additional charges and are moved to a regular economy seat. 

When it comes to downgrades, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to refund any passengers who are moved to a lower class of service (for example, first class to economy class). If you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund instead of only vouchers or travel credits. If you choose to still fly and accept the class change, you’ll get a cash refund for the difference in fare between the original cabin and the one you actually fly in. Lucky passengers might be offered frequent flyer miles as an additional customer service gesture, but don’t count on it. 

For flights throughout the European Union and United Kingdom, however, the protections are stronger. Passengers who are involuntarily downgraded can claim compensation ranging from 30% to 75% of the ticket price. The exact amount is determined by the flight distance. On longer flights, this can amount to a substantial refund for passengers who still travel in the lower fare cabin. It’s part of the EU 261 regulations, which also cover cancellations, delays, and denied boarding. 

Most hotel carpets aren’t designed to be deliberately eye-catching, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot going on from a visual standpoint. The role of resort floor coverings is to move guests from the elevator to their room in cushioned comfort, and to soften the noise from footsteps and suitcases. However, in many hotels, a lot more thought goes into those seemingly random juxtapositions of patterns and clashes of color. The rationale behind such gaudy rugs usually comes down to two factors: psychology and practicality. Here’s the real reason you frequently see such busy and colorful carpets in hotels.

Color Covers Up

A plain, cream-colored carpet may shout “quiet luxury,” but it also broadcasts every spilled coffee, sloshed cocktail, and tracked-in trail of mud that comes its way. By contrast, a busy pattern of bold colors will help disguise the majority of spills and stains. 

Patterns Hide Patches

Stains are only the beginning. Hotel flooring sees a lot of foot traffic, and heavy wear shows up sooner on plain surfaces than on patterned ones. Valets lugging roller bags and wheeling heavy trolleys — not to mention hundreds or thousands of guests taking the same short path to the pool — can leave even newly installed carpeting looking tired and threadbare. Flashy colors and patterns help hide this, extending the life of the flooring.

Setting the Scene

Carpeting has a psychological impact on guests as well. Soft colors and simple patterns encourage relaxation, while warm tones (reds, oranges, and yellows) create an inviting atmosphere. A mix of bright hues and hectic designs — like the kind you often see in casinos — keeps guests stimulated and energized, encouraging gamblers to keep going, going, going.

Some properties also use flooring to tell a story as a continuation of their brand.The newly opened Kindred Resort in Keystone, Colorado, for example, opted for a custom carpet (pictured above) whose pattern draws directly from an aerial view of the surrounding mountains. “We embraced a design that tells a story,” Raya Roll, the resort’s director of marketing, shared. “Our carpeting draws inspiration from the topography of Keystone and the historic Argentine Mine, inviting our guests to discover the rich heritage of the area.”

The Press Hotel in Portland, Maine, also uses its carpeting as an extension of its story. Set in the 1923 building that once housed the Portland Press Herald, the Press Hotel now runs old headlines across its corridor walls. The type tumbles downward and spills onto the carpet, where a scatter of loose letters covers the floor. (The designers pulled the content straight from the newspaper’s own archives.)

But perhaps no hotel has committed to the floor-as-personality concept more than the historic Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. A post-World War II refresh by designer and interior decorator Dorothy Draper built the resort’s entire look around roughly 30 miles of carpeting, featuring oversized florals, saturated colors, and bold contrasts. The rhododendron and cabbage-rose motifs are even sold as wallpaper and fabric in the resort’s shop. (The former is the state flower of West Virginia, while the latter was a trademark of the designer.)  

And proving that crazy carpets aren’t just the provenance of hotels, Portland International Airport in Oregon produced a floor that became famous for being a floor. The airport’s teal carpet, designed in 1987, abstractly rendered the airport’s intersecting runways as viewed at night by air traffic controllers in the tower. Travelers began photographing their feet on it, the #pdxcarpet hashtag drew more than 20,000 posts, and the pattern was added to socks, coasters, T-shirts, and bike helmets — becoming a beloved symbol of hometown pride. When the worn carpet was finally pulled up, businesses salvaged sections to sell as framed squares, floor mats, and more. 

Let’s face it: No one looks forward to a long-haul flight in economy class, especially in the dreaded middle seat. Even a cocktail or two, a $10 bag of snack mix, and the latest neck pillow technology can’t save you from the battle for the armrest or the age-old debate — to recline or not to recline? A first- or business-class fare undoubtedly solves many of those problems, but most travelers likely assume it’s beyond their price point. Don’t let the sticker shock deter you, though: There may be a way to score that lie-flat seat on a budget after all. 

Fly Out of a Bigger Airport

On long-haul flights, most major carriers — such as Delta, American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, United, JetBlue, Japan Airlines, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa — offer fully reclinable seats that transform into a 180-degree horizontal bed for a true lie-flat experience. Before you do anything, be sure to research the flight you plan to take to see if the plane model has lie-flat seats available, as many smaller planes meant for shorter flights do not.

These seats often go for thousands of dollars more than a standard economy-class fare. Thankfully, however, there are a few strategies to help you save.

If you live in a small city or are looking to fly into a smaller airport off the beaten tourist path, consider a positioning flight to a major airport, where there are more airlines available and opportunities for discounted fares thanks to competition. For example, a business-class ticket from Burlington, Vermont, to Paris can cost much more than booking a regular economy seat on a short flight from Burlington to New York and then a business-class seat from New York to Paris. When booking separate tickets, just make sure to give yourself enough time to check in with the second airline and clear security again at your layover airport. 

Make a Bid for an Upgrade

If you’ve already booked an economy ticket and want to take your chances at scoring a heavily discounted business-class seat, many airlines (though none based in the U.S.) offer bidding programs hosted by third-party travel technology companies such as Plusgrade. 

Airlines set a certain minimum bid (say $300) for each leg, and prospective bidders enter their credit card information on the airline’s bidding page in order to be considered. If you are selected and the airline accepts your bid, you will find out in the days leading up to departure, and your card will be automatically charged. (If the airline doesn’t accept your bid, you’ll keep your original seat.) 

Use Points, Miles, or Elite Status Perks

If you’ve got a stockpile of points or miles with an airline (or a credit card program that lets you transfer points to airline programs), consider using them toward an upgrade. Often, you can find great deals with points, either by booking business-class outright or by keeping an eye on the airline’s website or app for last-minute upgrade offers. For example, with Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue Program (a transfer partner with several travel credit cards), you can book a one-way business-class flight from the East Coast to Europe for as little as 45,000 miles — a ticket that can easily go for several thousands of dollars in cash.

And if you’re enrolled in an airline’s loyalty program and have achieved top-tier status, you may already be in the running for an upgrade if the flight has space available in business class. Rack up enough spend with a single airline, and you may earn elite perks such as priority check-in, free checked bags, lounge access, and eligibility for complimentary upgrades. Often, complimentary upgrades are limited to domestic or short international flights. For long-haul flights with lie-flat seats, however, members in higher-status tiers may earn certificates that can be exchanged for free upgrades, pending availability. 

Sign Up for a Flight Deal Newsletter

Leave it to the experts to scour the skies for the best bang for your buck. Flight deal newsletters such as Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), Thrifty Traveler, Straight to the Points, Travelzoo, Secret Flying, Jack’s Flight Club, and Premium Flights send subscribers top flight deal newsletters, which feature “secret” premium economy, business, and first-class fares not advertised to the public. These flight deal newsletters may cost a monthly fee, but subscribers have reported saving 40% to 90% on regular ticket prices by taking advantage of fare drops, mistake fares, and flash sales. 

Volunteer for a Later Flight

Since a certain percentage of passengers no-show for any given flight, oftentimes airlines sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane. This presents an opportunity to use the system to your advantage. If airlines are looking for volunteers to take a later flight in order to accommodate all ticketed passengers and you agree to assist, you may be eligible to receive cash or a travel voucher to use toward a future flight. But if you are interested in obtaining a premium seat on your new flight, it doesn’t hurt to ask — it may be something airline employees are willing to provide if they can’t get enough volunteers (assuming there are business-class seats available).

Fly an All-Business-Class Airline

Some airlines don’t even bother with economy class. La Compagnie, a French boutique airline, offers just 76 business-class seats in a two-by-two configuration. All seats convert into fully flat beds and come with amenities such as a thick, plush mattress pad. 

Better yet: You may be likely to find a deal. With so many business-class seats to fill, travelers can often find fares that are 30% to 50% cheaper than those of legacy airlines such as Air France. Beond, another business-class-only airline based out of Dubai, transports passengers to the Maldives in fully lie-flat seats upholstered in Italian Poltrona Frau leather across its entire narrow-body fleet. 

If business class still isn’t in the budget, some major airlines are beginning to offer lie-flat accommodations in economy class. Lufthansa provides a Sleeper’s Row option on select long-haul flights (11-plus hours), which allows passengers to book a row of three to four seats for themselves and receive a mattress pad, pillow, and blanket. Air New Zealand, meanwhile, was the pioneer of the Skycouch, which converts a row of three economy seats into a flat, couch-like bed. Later this year, the airline will also debut bunk beds, which economy passengers can reserve for a few hours at a time. And stateside, United will be the first U.S. airline to roll out a couch-style seating option called Relax Row, to convert a block of three seats into a mattress-like space for long-haul flights, in 2027. 

A great hotel doesn’t always guarantee a great night’s sleep. Even in a comfortable room, being away from home can make it harder to settle in and get the rest you need. Fortunately, a few small, travel-friendly items can make a big difference. From products that block out noise and light to small touches that create a more familiar sleep environment, these are some of the best gadgets and accessories to help you sleep better in almost any hotel room.

Sleep Mask

If your hotel room doesn’t get as dark as you’d like, a sleep mask fixes that instantly by blocking out light from hallways, street lamps, or an early sunrise peeking through curtains. Some versions are shaped to avoid pressure on the eyes, which makes them more comfortable for side sleepers in particular. A sleep mask is also easy to pack since it weighs almost nothing and takes up barely any space. For a calming effect, a weighted sleep mask adds gentle pressure that helps some people relax even more deeply. 

Our pick: Nodpod’s Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask evenly distributes lightweight pressure with its unique strap-free design.

Earplugs

If you’re sensitive to noise, earplugs can be a life — or rather, sleep — saver by blocking out hallway conversations, slamming doors, traffic, and snoring travel companions. Foam options offer the highest level of noise reduction, while silicone and reusable models provide comfort for frequent travelers. Ear plugs are inexpensive, lightweight, and can easily fit into a pocket or toiletry kit. They’re particularly useful in busy city hotels or on overnight flights. 

Our pick: Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs from SnoozePlugs are praised for their comfort and strong noise reduction.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Another way to block out sound is with noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Many people use them at night with calming music, white noise, or sleep meditations to help them wind down in a new place. The noise-canceling technology helps reduce sounds like air conditioners, street noise, and distant conversations. They’re also handy on flights, helping you feel less drained before you land. 

Our pick: Ozlo Sleepbuds are compact and comfortable, even for side sleepers, and they stay in all night. They’re designed to mask noise, and you can also stream calming sounds through the app.

Mini Sound Machine

A sound machine drowns out the sounds of a noisy hotel by playing a steady hum of white noise in the background, like rain, ocean waves, or a soft fan. Most travel versions are small enough to toss in a carry-on bag. They usually run all night on a single charge, and unlike a phone app, they won’t drain your battery or get interrupted by notifications. 

Our pick: Yogasleep’s Travel Mini Sound Machine is a compact favorite thanks to its portability and variety of sound options.

Travel-Size Humidifer

The air in hotel rooms can often be dry, particularly in winter or in heavily air-conditioned climates. A travel humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping prevent dry skin, sore throats, nasal congestion, and irritated eyes. This can be especially beneficial after long flights, which are already dehydrating. Most travel humidifiers are small enough to pack and usually run on USB power, so they’re easy to use anywhere. Some even screw right onto a regular water bottle, which makes them extra convenient. 

Our pick: The Pure Enrichment MistAire Travel Humidifier is compact enough to fit in a carry-on and is designed to work with a standard water bottle for easy use on the go.

Sleep Spray

A sleep spray curates a calming bedtime routine when you’re traveling. Most use soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, or cedarwood — a quick spritz on your pillow can make a hotel room feel a bit more like home. They come in travel-sized bottles that are TSA-friendly and small enough to pack on any trip without taking up valuable space in your carry-on.

Our pick: The Deep Sleep Pillow Spray from This Works is one of the most frequently recommended sleep sprays.

Portable Fan

A mini portable fan is an overlooked item that can make a hotel room more comfortable when the air feels stuffy or the temperature isn’t quite right. It creates a steady breeze and a soft background hum at the same time, which can help you feel a bit more settled. Most are rechargeable, USB-compatible, and small enough to fit in your luggage.

Our pick: The JISULIFE Portable Fan is consistently praised by travelers for its long battery life, compact size, and quiet operation.

Featured image credit: © Iuliia Pilipeichenko—iStock/Getty Images 

A record 5 billion passengers took to the skies globally in 2025, and there’s good news for those who checked bags: The rate of mishandled luggage actually declined by 8.7% year over year, according to a report published by SITA, a baggage handling specialist that operates in more than 2,800 airports. While cases of lost, delayed, or damaged luggage are overall rare, passengers were more likely to experience baggage mishandling at some airports over others. To pinpoint those, we turned to a recent study from the travel experts at Upgraded Points, who analyzed TSA baggage complaint data to find the best (and worst) U.S. airports for luggage mishaps. 

Airports With the Most Baggage Complaints

The study looked at baggage complaint data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the 60 busiest U.S. airports from 2015 to 2023, adjusting the total number of property-related complaints to annual passenger volumes during the same period to ensure a fair comparison.

As you can see, the vast majority of travelers checked their bags without a hitch, but a few airports stood out with a higher-than-average number of complaints. Interestingly, the list was dominated by airports in Florida, which had six showings in the top 10 worst airports for mishandled baggage. Travelers to the Sunshine State may want to travel with just a carry-on instead — or take some extra precautions (more on that below) when checking a bag. Orlando, which topped the list, had 63% more baggage complaints than the study average.

Here are the 10 airports with the highest complaint rates: 

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) — 1.81 baggage complaints (per 100,000 passengers)
• New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) — 1.72 complaints
• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) — 1.71 complaints
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) — 1.69 complaints
• Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) — 1.68 complaints
• Miami International Airport (MIA) — 1.59 complaints
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) — 1.54 complaints
• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) — 1.51 complaints
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — 1.49 complaints
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — 1.41 complaints

Airports With the Fewest Baggage Complaints

At other airports, even some busy international hubs, baggage operations run much more smoothly. (Flight delays are often a different story, though.) The following airports had the lowest rates of complaints in the study:

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — 0.31 baggage complaints (per 100,000 passengers)
• Kansas City International Airport (SFO) — 0.42 complaints
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — 0.58 complaints
• Tie: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — 0.59 complaints

Airlines With the Most Mishandled Bags

Of course, the airline you fly matters, too. The Upgraded Points study analyzed which airlines were responsible for the most mishandled bags in 2024, but we took a look at the 2025 data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The five worst offenders were:

• United Airlines — 0.72 bags mishandled per 100 enplaned
• American Airlines — 0.66 bags
• Hawaiian Airlines — 0.54 bags
• Alaska Airlines — 0.52 bags
• Delta Air Lines — 0.43 bags 

What Passengers Can (and Should) Do

The first tip, if you can swing it, is obvious: Ditch the checked bag (and high fees) and travel with only a carry-on. That’s not always possible, particularly for long trips, but we’ve assembled a few helpful tips to squeeze more into your bag, and a few strategies to avoid overpacking, too. 

If you still need to check a bag, there’s one gadget you should always slip inside your luggage: an Apple AirTag. The quarter-sized device allows you to keep tabs on your bag throughout its journey, and Apple now even allows you to share its real-time location directly with airlines. If you have an Android device, there are plenty of worthy alternatives. Another tip? Make sure you remove any old bag tags from previous journeys, as experts say this can increase the chance of your bag getting misrouted.