Taking photos while traveling is an opportunity to create a lasting record of memorable experiences. But while in most cases there’s no harm in doing so, there are certain circumstances where snapping a photo can land you in hot water. Here are 12 places where it’s banned or illegal to take photos while traveling.

The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City

Though it’s tempting to try to capture some of the detail in Michelangelo’s famously frescoed ceiling, you’ll be breaking the rules if you try. Taking pictures or videos of the Sistine Chapel is explicitly banned. The rule is designed to protect the colors of the elaborate work, completed in the 16th century, from the harmful effects of flash photography.

However, some sources report that the ban was put in place during an extensive restoration in 1980, which was funded by the Nippon Television Network Corporation in Japan in exchange for exclusive image rights. Though the deal has expired, the ban on photography is still in place.

Inside the Taj Mahal

In the 17th century, Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of a mausoleum in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Today, the Taj Mahal in Agra is India’s most famous tourist attraction, receiving 7 million to 8 million visitors each year. When visiting, there are a number of important rules and regulations to follow. Drone photography isn’t permitted anywhere on site, and you’re also not allowed to photograph the Taj Mahal’s interior.

The Tower of London in England

From Big Ben to the buzz of Leicester Square and postcard-perfect views along the River Thames, it’s nearly impossible to not reach for your camera or phone in London. But not every place around England’s capital city is so welcoming when it comes to photos. Inside the Tower of London, photography is banned in the Jewel House, where you’ll find the Crown Jewels exhibition. This means you won’t get any snaps of yourself standing next to the royal treasures, though photos are permitted in other areas of the Tower. 

The logic behind the decision is to maintain the safety of this priceless collection of working regalia, which is still used today for coronations and state ceremonies. Staff may even ask about the purpose of your photography and can request that you stop if they suspect you are breaching site policy.

Mosques in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina welcome millions of visitors each year, especially during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. At the heart of these holy cities are the Great Mosque in Mecca, featuring the sacred Kaaba, and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. As they both boast vast marble courtyards, towering minarets, and ornate archways, it’s little wonder visitors find themselves entranced by the architectural beauty. 

However, Saudi authorities have increasingly felt that smartphones and selfies distract from the spiritual purpose of a pilgrimage. As far back as 2014, Islamic clerics began criticizing the trend of selfie-taking and tourist-like behavior, commenting that such actions go against the Prophet Muhammad’s wish. Consequently, in 2017, authorities banned all photography and videography in and around both mosques. Today, violations can result in device confiscation and possible legal action. 

Parts of Australia’s Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The Anangu peoples are custodians of Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock. To them, this famous sandstone monolith in the Australian Outback is a sacred site, and, as such, taking photographs is off-limits in certain places. According to the oral tradition of Tjukurpa, “certain elements of the landscape may only be viewed or understood by certain people.” Signage clearly identifies the culturally sensitive areas where the rocks and their markings shouldn’t be photographed.  

Photos of People in the United Arab Emirates

The law in United Arab Emirates prohibits photography of people without their explicit consent. Taking unauthorized images of people, even in public spaces, can land you with a fine of up to Dh500,000 (about $135,000 USD) and potentially lead to jail time. Taking pictures of people without their written permission is considered a violation of their privacy. In 2023, the Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department (ADJD) published a set of guidelines that visitors should adhere to.

Museums in New York, New York

While selfies are practically part of the urban landscape in New York City, most major museums in the Big Apple have taken a stand against the selfie sticks so often seen around Times Square and other city hot spots. Institutions such as the Met, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum have banned the devices due to concerns over safety and visitor experiences. After all, nobody wants to admire Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” while other patrons wave selfie sticks around in front of it. However, personal photos or videos taken with your handheld camera are allowed in most museums in the Big Apple. 

Pedestrian Bridges on the Las Vegas Strip

The bright lights and clashing colors of the Las Vegas Strip often have vacationers reaching for their cameras. In an attempt to get a wider view, you might be tempted to pause for a picture while crossing the road on one of its pedestrian bridges. However, doing so can land you in hot water. As of January 2024, it’s now considered unlawful to stop or stand while on such crossings. The new measure was voted into effect for safety reasons, to ensure that pedestrian traffic keeps moving on the bridges.

The Eiffel Tower at Night

Paris’ most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower, shines brightly at night — and for the first five minutes of every hour after dusk, it sparkles, too. There’s a common misconception that it is illegal to snap a picture of the Eiffel Tower at night, but as long as the images are only intended for personal use, it’s permissible to do so. Professionals, however, should obtain the required permissions (which may involve paying a fee) because photographing the illuminations and using the images or video footage for monetary gain is considered a breach of copyright. 

Certain Japanese Temples

While photography isn’t universally prohibited at Japanese temples, individual temple policies vary. As a mark of respect to those who come for quiet contemplation and to enhance their spiritual well-being, the use of cameras and other recording devices is sometimes banned. Interiors, pathways, bridges, and formal gardens also may be off-limits to photographers.

Rules can be implemented in an attempt to manage congestion, as was the case in Kyoto. Restrictions were introduced in this popular tourist destination in November 2016, halting photography of Tofukuji Temple’s gardens from the Tsutenkyo Bridge when fall foliage was at its most colorful. Bans have also been implemented at the city’s Genko-an, Hosen-in, and Daigo-ji temples.

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain

Every July, Pamplona erupts into the color and chaos of the San Fermin festival, best known for the running of the bulls (encierro). The main event attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike, who sprint through narrow medieval streets alongside charging bulls. It’s dangerous from the outset, but some participants have taken it to new levels of extremes by snapping photos as they run. 

As a result, ahead of the 2014 festival, event organizers outlawed the use of all photography and videography equipment. The goal was to reduce distractions and accidents during an event that requires the utmost concentration, as well as a certain degree of fortune. However, the ban didn’t deter everyone: In 2014, police launched a public search for a runner caught capturing a souvenir selfie mid-race, who faced a fine of several thousand dollars. 

No-Waiting Zones in Portofino, Italy

This Italian Riviera village was once the vacation haunt of celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, and Sophia Loren. But popularity comes with a price, and the village has long struggled with overtourism. To crack down on crowding issues and control the flow of visitors, in 2023, Portofino introduced seasonal “no-waiting zones.” 

Now, loitering in areas around Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, the Calata Marconi quay, and Umberto I pier is banned, with fines of $300 if caught. Though the official reasoning for the no-waiting zones was to prevent pedestrian jams, many saw it as an unofficial selfie ban, as tourists stopping to take selfies was one of the biggest culprits in the clog-ups. 

Additional measures were later included to further crack down on poor tourist behaviors. Visitors can now be fined for wandering around barefoot or shirtless, drinking alcohol in the streets, picnicking in the piazza, or blocking walkways with luggage. The laws are enforced during daytime hours throughout the peak summer tourist season.

Ever heard of sleep tourism? What about blue mind travel? All the noise surrounding the latest travel trends is enough to make your head spin, but some buzzwords describe trends that offer up real value. Adopting these approaches can open us up to new experiences and impart greater meaning on our travels. With that in mind, here are seven travel trends we think you should know.

Slow Travel

Many travelers are eager to check off as many bucket-list attractions as possible on their vacations. It’s easy to understand the motivation, especially if you don’t travel often, have limited vacation days to use, or are jetting off to a faraway destination. But there are some pros to taking your time instead. The increasingly popular practice of “slow travel” encourages you to savor every minute of the journey, making sure you’re present in every place.

Slow travel means connecting mindfully, respectfully, and responsibly with the environment and the people you encounter on your journey. It’s about making memories instead of barreling through bucket lists. It is, ultimately, about genuine discovery.

Forest Bathing

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which literally translates to “forest bath,” was first developed in the 1980s. Created as a way to combat urban stressors and city life, forest bathing is a practice that asks you to observe your surroundings using your five senses. By paying close attention to the natural world, forest bathing encourages people to slow down in order to foster a connection to something outside of themselves.

This might mean taking some deep breaths and centering yourself before you observe your surroundings. Next, spend time noticing the colors of the leaves, the smell of the forest floor, or the texture of tree bark. Another helpful tip for forest bathing is to pretend that you’re seeing the woods for the first time and to use this curiosity to consciously connect with nature. 

Blue Mind Travel

It’s not just your imagination: The feeling of calm that washes over us when we’re sunbathing at the beach, enjoying lake life on a boat, or soaking our muscles in a natural hot spring may actually be a semimeditative state affecting our bodies. Late marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols’ “Blue Mind Theory” suggests that being in or near water can impact overall quality of life by improving focus and creativity, bridging a connection to nature, reducing stress and anxiety, and elevating mood.

Water’s ability to both energize and calm is why many tourists are hopping on the “blue mind travel” trend, seeking vacations near a river, stream, lake, waterfall, or ocean. Many properties around the world specialize in unique water access or treatments so that guests can experience the benefits of blue mind travel.

Noctourism

Nocturnal tourism or noctourism (sometimes called “night tourism”) is a growing travel trend focused on experiences that specifically take place at night. This type of light spectrum-specific travel has gained popularity as travelers search for unique experiences beyond traditional daytime sightseeing. Reasons for noctourism’s growing popularity include avoiding crowds, sheltering from sweltering daytime temperatures, and reveling in the magic of illumination — be it natural or human-made. 

Post-pandemic “revenge travel” led to overcrowding of previously alluring destinations, causing tourists to seek out other destinations with fewer visitors. But hidden gems rarely remain hidden for long, and noctourism can offer travelers a way to see the same sites, at a different time, along with celestial sights that are impossible to view in more populated areas or extravaganzas created specifically to be experienced when the lights are low.

Sleep Tourism

How far would you travel for a good night’s rest? For sleep tourists, the answer is a no-brainer: They’ll go anywhere to catch some z’s — and that’s part of the appeal. “Sleep tourism” is a relatively new facet of the travel industry, but its market value is already estimated at over $640 billion. Hotels in every price range are offering sleep-oriented amenities and services — from handmade Swedish beds to infrared spa treatments, sleep-inducing meals, and even sessions with sleep scientists.

Mystery Tours

Before you visit a new destination, it’s likely that you spend a significant amount of time researching it. You plan which famous landmarks to visit, uncover the coolest secret gems, and book reservations at the best places to eat and sleep. But what if you threw all that out the window and embraced your spontaneous side? That’s exactly the appeal of mystery tours, which are growing in popularity among some travelers.

One high-profile mystery tour was “Destination Unknown,” a unique concept introduced by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) in February 2024. The airline invited members of its loyalty program the chance to book a mystery flight in April to a secret destination. In the end, 180 lucky passengers were randomly chosen to score tickets for the mystery trip. Even the airline’s CEO didn’t know where the plane was headed (fortunately, the pilots did) — and passengers didn’t find out until about two hours into the journey. (The mysterious destination turned out to be Athens, Greece.)

There are several other travel companies that specialize in surprise vacations. With Pack Up + Go, for example, you provide a budget and a few other parameters, and the company plans the entire trip for you — all the details are sealed in an envelope you open right before you depart.

Townsizing

According to Priceline’s 2025 travel trends report, townsizing is all about the search for, or return to, simplicity. Forget the agendas and alarm clocks — townsizing destinations are places that invite you to linger over breakfast, wander without maps and apps, and allow days to unfold naturally. It’s less about checking the boxes of visiting big tourist destinations and popular cities and more about discovering places that are off the tourist radar. 

Townsizing destinations often sit just outside major cities, offering a fresh perspective without the hassle and logistics of a full-blown vacation. You’ll typically find fewer crowds and lower price tags, perfect for budget-friendly and spontaneous trips. That could be a coastal village with a historic lighthouse and a gentle sea breeze or a mountain retreat close to hiking trails and fishing spots. It’s all about local businesses, traffic-free roads, and easy access to the countryside. 

While big cities never sleep, an increasing number of travelers are choosing to hit the snooze button instead. Some of the most in-demand getaways are now the quietest ones — think laid-back small towns with walkable main streets, idyllic countrysides, and unhurried afternoons. Dubbed “townsizing,” this growing travel trend is not only about where you travel, but also about how you feel when you’re there. Find out more and our top places to try it below.

Why Are People Turning to Townsizing?

According to Priceline’s 2025 travel trends report, townsizing is all about the search for, or return to, simplicity. For some travelers, it’s the rediscovery of something that feels familiar and relaxing. For others, it can be an opportunity to step into the storybook charm of their favorite TV movies or series. In fact, the Priceline report found that 89% of Gen Zers are leaning toward this latter preference, with 67% of those surveyed craving a small-town feel. Here’s what’s fueling the shift:

• Slower Way of Life: Forget the agendas and alarm clocks — townsizing destinations are places that invite you to linger over breakfast, wander without maps and apps, and allow days to unfold naturally. It’s less about checking the boxes of visiting big tourist destinations and popular cities and more about discovering places that are off the tourist radar. 

• More Personal Local Experiences: Whether it’s a farmers market, a mom-and-pop diner, or a community-run gallery, you’ll be face-to-face with the actual people who bring them to life. Townsizing encourages travelers to skip the chain stores and focus on who and what really make a place special. 

• Affordability and Accessibility: Many of these towns sit just outside major cities, offering a fresh perspective without the hassle and logistics of a full-blown vacation. You’ll typically find fewer crowds and lower price tags, perfect for budget-friendly and spontaneous trips. 

• Peace and Quiet: In a world seemingly wired for noise, townsizing offers something radical: stillness. Think streets free from honking horns, nights without sirens, and mornings with a soundtrack of birdsong. 

• Connection With Nature: Going completely off-grid isn’t the only way to feel connected with nature. Townsizing destinations combine the best of both worlds and often have farmland, forests, lakes, and mountains at their doorsteps.

6 Great Places for Your Next Townsizing Trip

Curious about where to try townsizing? The movement doesn’t refer to one specific destination, but rather anywhere that promises charm, tranquillity, and a timeless allure. That could be a coastal village with a historic lighthouse and a gentle sea breeze or a mountain retreat close to hiking trails and fishing spots. It’s all about local businesses, traffic-free roads, and easy access to the countryside. 

Forks, Washington

Forks, where the popular Twilight series is based, sits on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, nestled between the Olympic mountains and the wild Pacific coastline. About a four-hour drive from Seattle, the town started out as a logging community, a proud heritage celebrated at the Forks Timber Museum. Its fame rocketed in the late 2000s with the cinematic release of The Twilight Saga. Today, fans flock to the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection to explore locations featured in both the books and movies. 

While Forks offers plenty of pop culture appeal, it also serves as a gateway to the fresh air and misty forests of the Olympic Peninsula. Hiking trails wind through the soaring moss-covered trees of Hoh Rain Forest — one of the planet’s most biodiverse rainforests and one of the quietest places in the U.S. — while dramatic sea stacks decorate the shores of Rialto Beach. 

Galena, Illinois

Around three hours by car from Chicago, Galena blends 19th-century charm with outdoor activities in the hills of northwest Illinois. The town was once a prominent mining hub and river port, but today life revolves around its picture-perfect Historic Main Street, lined with boutique shops and independent cafés in well-preserved brick buildings. Explore the town’s history by seeing the Civil War monuments at Grant Park and retracing presidential footsteps at the Ulysses S. Grant Home. 

Galena is also a short hop from countryside vineyards and the Mississippi River bluffs, where visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, boating, golfing, and hiking. Whether you’re coming for the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Casper Bluff in winter or the Great Galena Balloon Race in summer, Galena is an appealing year-round destination to hop on the townsizing trend. 

North Wildwood, New Jersey

Located on the northern tip of Five Mile Beach, North Wildwood was established in 1885 as a fishing village called the Borough of Anglesea. For centuries prior to this, it was a prime fishing and hunting spot for generations of Indigenous peoples. The name was changed in 1906 to link it to neighboring Wildwood, which was growing in popularity as a seaside resort. North Wildwood now offers a coastal beauty that’s quieter and more relaxed than Jersey Shore hot spots like Atlantic City and Ocean City.

Wildwoods Boardwalk, stretching for 38 blocks, is a great place for early-morning bike rides, nostalgic tram trips, and classic funfair adventures. The quintessential Surfside Pier features roller coasters, water rides, and other family-friendly attractions. Meanwhile, a tour of Hereford Inlet Lighthouse delves into the history of one of the most significant landmarks on Five Mile Beach. 

Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Old Saybrook is a waterfront gem located where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound. One of Connecticut’s oldest towns, it was first home to the Algonquin Nehantic peoples and later settled by Europeans in the 1600s. The story of its development is showcased at the Old Saybrook Historical Society’s Hart House. 

Townsizing fans will surely appreciate Old Saybrook’s small-town vibe, with inviting cafés, seafood restaurants, and old pubs that are housed in colonial-era buildings. For culture buffs, the old town hall doubles as the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, a theater and museum dedicated to the town’s most famous former resident. After visiting, enjoy walks and swimming at Harvey’s Beach and Town Beach, or visit the nearby Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, which brings visitors up close with undeveloped coastal habitats. The town is located just 30 miles east of New Haven.

Stowe, Vermont

Small-town charm and spectacular landscapes beckon in Stowe, located between the Green Mountains and Worcester Range in northern Vermont. Once mostly farmland and lumber country, Stowe has evolved into a year-round tourist destination. Set against a backdrop of lush green countryside, Main Street is home to wood-framed buildings that host boutiques, cafés, and cozy inns. Towering above town is the Stowe Community Church, featuring the state’s tallest steeple.

Outside the town center, follow the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path along the banks of the Little River or experience more of Vermont’s natural beauty via the Green Mountain Byway. For snow sports enthusiasts, Stowe Mountain Resort has over 100 trails spread across two mountains. And for film fans, the von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort is owned by the real-life family who inspired The Sound of Music.

Three Rivers, California

Three Rivers sits at the edge of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, roughly a four-hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Straddling the Kaweah River, it was home to the Yokut peoples before becoming popular with European ranchers. Today, Three Rivers is the type of place that invites you to slow down while also having easy access to nature and outdoor pursuits. The small community is home to a mix of artists, craftspeople, musicians, and writers, who are celebrated at annual events such as Jazzaffair and the Rebud Arts and Crafts Festival. 

Finding outdoor activities nearby is never a problem. Depending on what time of year it is, you can go biking, hiking, or horseback riding — or perhaps try water-based sports such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. Sequoia National Park, famous for its enormous sequoia trees, turns into a playground for cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing in winter. 

When booking a flight, most travelers typically have two things on their minds: getting the best deal on airfare and arriving safely (and preferably on time) at their destination. The majority of airline passengers aren’t quite so concerned with the type of aircraft operating their flight — or maybe they can’t distinguish an Airbus A320 from a Boeing 737 in the first place. But the type of plane you choose to fly can affect your experience in different ways. Here are five factors to consider when booking your next trip.

Narrow-Body vs. Wide-Body Aircraft

There are two main classifications of commercial planes: narrow-body aircraft and wide-body aircraft. A narrow-body (or single-aisle) aircraft has one aisle between two sets of seats on either side. For domestic and short-haul flights, this is the most common configuration — one you’ll find on Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, the two most popular aircraft types in service today. The typical arrangement on these planes is three seats on each side of the aisle, but some models, like the Airbus A220, are arranged two-by-three, and others, like smaller regional jets, have just two seats on each side (hooray for no middle seat).

Wide-body (or twin-aisle) aircraft are found on long-haul jets such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. These aircraft feature two aisles on either side of a center section of seats. A typical configuration is three seats on one side, three seats in the center, and three seats on the other side. Wide-body aircraft have a more spacious feel thanks to the wider cabin and higher ceilings, making them a better choice for longer flights. 

If you’re jetting off to a far-flung destination, chances are you’ll be on a wide-body airplane, as these aircraft generally offer greater range. But increasingly, you’ll find narrow-body planes operating longer flights. 

For example, the Airbus A321LR and Airbus A321XLR feature an extended range that make them capable of operating transatlantic flights. It’s worth being aware of this when you’re booking; if you have a choice, you’ll probably want to go with the flight that’s on the wide-body. You can also sometimes find wide-bodies on domestic U.S. flights, particularly on routes with high demand between an airline’s hubs or on premium routes like New York to Los Angeles. 

Cabin Layout

Even among narrow-body and wide-body planes, there are differences. For example, the Airbus A320 series (which includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321 models) has a cabin that measures 12 feet, 1 inch wide. Its chief competitor, the Boeing 737 family of planes, has a cabin that’s 11 feet, 7 inches wide. 

While that may seem like little more than a rounding error, it can make a subtle difference in your comfort on board. The wider cabin on an Airbus plane means that each coach seat measures 18 inches across, while on Boeing 737s you’ll have an inch less shoulder space. The Airbus A220, operated by airlines such as Delta and JetBlue, has even roomier seats at 18.5 inches wide. 

Another difference that can make your flight smoother? Having room to store your carry-on bag. Airlines are finally playing catch-up by retrofitting older planes with more spacious bins, but if you want the best chance of a roomy overhead, look for flights that operate on a newer model like the Airbus A321NEO or the Boeing 737 MAX series, both of which feature the latest generation of bins capable of storing more bags. 

Lastly, if you’re traveling with pets, you should be aware that different plane types have different requirements when it comes to maximum dimensions of pet carriers. It’s worth researching ahead of time and choosing carefully, so there aren’t any unexpected surprises when you and Fido show up to the airport. 

Cabin Pressurization

Unlike older planes, whose fuselages were built primarily with aluminum, the latest generation of long-haul aircraft incorporate composite carbon fiber into their construction. One of the interesting benefits of this material is that it allows the cabin to have higher cabin pressure, which can help reduce jet lag. 

Pressurization in aircraft cabins allows passengers to breathe normally while cruising thousands of feet above ground. On older models, like the Boeing 777, the aircraft’s pressurization system draws air into the airplane cabin and pressurizes it to an altitude equivalent to about 8,000 feet on Earth. But on newer composite planes, the stronger building material allows the cabin to be pressurized to an equivalent altitude of 6,000 feet. 

This higher pressure — coupled with higher humidity in the cabin and a better air filtration system — makes the cabin more comfortable, particularly when you’re flying for 17 hours straight. More oxygen can reach your bloodstream, and you’re less likely to be dehydrated, which contributes to jet lag. So, if you have a choice when you’re booking a long-haul flight, seek out the newer Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 models, both of which will have these jet lag-reducing benefits.

Regional Routes

Regional jets are smaller airplanes designed for short-haul flights. Typically outfitted with 50 to 76 seats, these jets provide feed at airline hubs, often connecting them to smaller airports with less passenger demand. 

In the U.S., regional jets are typically operated by regional airlines under the banner of a larger airline — for example, SkyWest Airlines operates flights from American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. The most popular regional jets in the U.S. are the Bombardier CRJ series (which includes the CRJ-200, CRJ-700, and CRJ-900) and Embraer’s E-jet family (which includes the E-145, E-170, and E-175).

Depending on your route and destination, flying on a regional jet is sometimes unavoidable. Even still, there are few things to be aware of. While the coach layout on a regional jet is typically two-by-two (meaning there’s no middle seat), the cabin isn’t as spacious as a mainline jet and can feel more cramped. This is particularly noticeable with the overhead bins, many of which cannot fit larger carry-on bags. These bags must be gate checked, so it might be in your best interest to pack light and keep anything you’ll need during the flight in a smaller bag or backpack.

Additionally, when it comes to irregular operations like air traffic control congestion or weather issues, flights operated by regional jets are often the first to be disrupted. Many airlines will prioritize flights with larger airplanes so fewer passengers are affected, but that can often leave regional passengers among the first to be stranded. 

Environmental Impact

Another consideration when choosing a plane type is the environment — broadly speaking, both the cabin environment and your flight’s impact on the planet. Newer plane models are designed with newer engines and more efficient aerodynamic features, which can have a noticeable impact on cabin volume. So if you have a choice between, say, a flight on an Airbus A320 and a flight on an Airbus A320NEO (which stands for “new engine option”), you might opt for the latter since it’s the newer type.

Newer engines are also more fuel-efficient, meaning less fuel is wasted and less carbon is emitted into the atmosphere. If you’re using a site like Google Flights to compare airfares — which you probably should be doing, anyway — you’ll see a handy feature that lists the average emissions of a flight based on the type of aircraft. For example, flying from Chicago to Seattle, you’ll notice that United’s flights operated by their newer Airbus A321NEO emit 19% less than those operated by older Boeing 737s.

How To Check Your Plane Model

By now, you have a better idea of the ideal aircraft to choose, but where exactly is aircraft information listed when you’re booking a flight? You should be able to tell when going through the booking process on an airline’s website or an online travel agency such as Expedia. Some websites list aircraft information clearly, but with other airlines you’ll have to click on a section for the flight number or flight details to see a pop-up with aircraft information. If you still can’t find that information, consult a flight-tracking website such as FlightAware or FlightRadar24. 

Aside from the booking process, it’s always worth doing some research into the seat map in the fleet or aircraft section of an airline’s website. For example, some seats might offer extra legroom or more favorable configurations, or some might have limited recline. Plus, you can find more information about average seat pitch (legroom), seat width, and entertainment options on each plane. 

One important caveat, however, is that equipment is always subject to change — essentially, airlines can swap the plane at any point up until departure. So while it often pays to do your research, like many things with travel, it also helps to have a flexible mindset in case things change on the day of your trip. 

Whole lobster, stuffed squab, or filet mignon? During the golden age of aviation, this was all in a day’s dinner for in-flight diners. But following airline deregulation in 1978, those marvelous, guaranteed meals for every passenger went the way of paper tickets. That said, there’s still great grub to be had at 35,000 feet. Unfortunately, you won’t find much of it when flying on U.S. carriers. “U.S. airlines generally run far behind the pack when it comes to top-notch in-flight dining,” Julian Kheel, founder and CEO of the expert travel website Points Path, shares in an interview. “You’ll inevitably find the best dishes on international carriers such as Singapore, JAL, and Emirates.” With that in mind — and in no particular order — here are our top picks for fine dining in the sky. Bon appetit!

Turkish Airlines

Grilled delicacies like kebabs, toothsome canapés, and elaborate breakfast spreads — including fresh cheeses, olives, and breads — are just some of the hallmarks of in-flight dining aboard Turkish Airlines. As with most of our picks, menus change frequently, but on Turkish Airlines, they will usually include a mix of traditional Turkish flavors along with destination-focused culinary offerings. And the fine food isn’t just for the front of the plane — economy-class passengers rave about the airline’s delicious gourmet sandwiches and plentiful snacks. Turkish Airlines has also launched an initiative called “Fly Good, Feel Good,” which features wellness tips along with a selection of teas to boost immune function, improve digestion, and reduce flight-induced swelling. 

Korean Air

Bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish of rice, pepper paste, vegetables, and proteins is a must-try when flying Korean Air. But if that bowl doesn’t bowl you over, there’s still a world of flavor to be found in the sky. The airline just underwent its largest rebranding in four decades, including a new livery and improved dining options with updated menus. First-class options might include delicacies like scallop carpaccio and watercress bisque, and there’s an award-winning wine program to pair with the cuisine. Economy also features a fun new mid-flight snack: corn dogs!

Japan Airlines

Japan’s flag carrier offers a variety of elevated dining options in all flight classes. Business- and first-class passengers can preselect meals from Japanese, international, or international (non-beef) menus, all carefully prepared and beautifully executed. Japan Airlines (JAL) really shines when it comes to accommodating dietary needs with a menu of no fewer than 26 special meals, offering everything from low-dairy, low-salt, and low-fat options to colorful meals specially designed to appeal to children.

Emirates

You might want to fly Emirates just for the food alone — the Dubai-based airline has long been known for its outstanding dining options in every category. First class will of course have Champagne and caviar, and on Emirates your options for bubbles will include Dom Perignon. Vegans can expect entrees such as zucchini tart, jackfruit biryani, and vegan mapo tofu, while omnivores will delight in Australian Angus beef and fine Italian cheeses. Economy-class passengers also receive well-presented, multicourse meals, with dishes such as pizza, paella, and caramel apple tart.

Singapore Airlines

Another standout when it comes to in-flight cuisine, Singapore Airlines goes the extra mile. Cabin pressure affects the taste of food, so the airline’s culinary test cabins simulate that pressure, ensuring that every bite tastes right at altitude. Then, there’s their acclaimed “Book the Cook” program. Offered in the airline’s suites, first class, business class, and premium economy class, it gives passengers the opportunity to select dishes that aren’t available on board unless ordered ahead of time, and includes creations from the airline’s International Culinary Panel. Singapore’s menus change frequently, but the signature chicken satay with spicy peanut sauce is a perennial favorite.

Air France

Air France collaborates with the country’s finest chefs for their in-flight dining program, which features fresh local products, vegetarian options, and 100% French meats. Gastronomic standouts include duck breast, steak, and, of course, unlimited warm French bread with artisanal butter. Finish with a luscious cheese course or a delicious dessert such as vanilla chou craquelin (or both!).

Cathay Pacific

The flavors of Hong Kong are front and center on Cathay Pacific’s extensive in-flight offerings, which include dishes such as congee, dim sum, soup noodles, and irresistible egg tarts. In addition, there’s an excellent selection of international entrees like roast pork and roasted mushroom ravioli. Flyers will also love the fluffy eggs and crisp bacon at breakfast and coffee drinks from an onboard espresso machine. Cathay Pacific even offers a pale ale specially brewed to be enjoyed at altitude.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airway, based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, recruits its chefs from the finest Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. All meals are halal (and kosher with advance request), while special kid’s menus are also available. The business class a la carte menu allows passengers to dine whenever they wish, while first class pulls out all the stops with a broad menu of both Emirati specialties (think camel kofta and mezze) and continental delights such as caviar and steak frites.

Qatar Airways

Arabic specialties and international offerings are always on point on Qatar’s flag carrier. Expect dishes such as coconut waffles with mango curd maple syrup and fresh berries at breakfast, and classic mezze, chili prawns, burrata salad, Gulf-style chicken biryani with cashews and raita, or herb-crusted lamb rack with Espagnole sauce during other mealtimes. An on-demand a la carte menu is available at any point for first- or business-class passengers.

Bonus Bites

These days, a number of onboard partnerships are also bringing restaurant favorites to the friendly skies. For instance, on select flights, first-class flyers on Delta can now enjoy burgers from Shake Shack, while passengers in the front on United flights can snack on Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding wafer cookie bits. And on some of JetBlue’s flights, peckish passengers in Mint business class and Core economy class can dig into vegetable-forward favorites from local New York City eatery Dig Inn.