Anytime you’re on an airplane and getting ready to push back from the gate, you’ll hear a familiar set of instructions. Your seatback and tray table should be in their upright position, belongings should be safely stowed under the seat in front of you, and mobile devices must be switched to airplane mode. But about that last one… have you ever stopped to wonder why we have to switch our phones to airplane mode, or even what it really means? Here’s everything you wanted to know about airplane mode and if you really need to use it on your next flight.

What Is Airplane Mode?

Airplane mode was introduced because of potential concerns that cell phones could cause interference with aircraft instruments during flight. The basic function of airplane mode or flight mode is to block cell tower reception so the phone cannot send or receive wireless communications — while still allowing users to access the rest of a smartphone’s features, like Wi-Fi, music, podcasts, and games. Because many of the same signals that are used for communication by pilots are the same used to connect phones to cell towers, there could be interference if an entire flight full of smartphones were trying to connect at the same time as the plane’s computer system.

Potential Risks of In-Flight Cell Phone Use

In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned the use of most cell phones and wireless devices during flight. Air traffic control needs to have a constant, direct line of communication with pilots, and there were concerns that cell phone signals could interfere with the ground networks used for communication. While it’s not currently thought that they cause serious harm, there’s a risk that they could create delays and cause confusion for pilots. 

The most crucial time for pilots to have this connection to air control is during takeoff and landing, when signals and communications are coming in rapidly and time is of the essence. Even the potential for a cell phone signal to interrupt a pilot during this window is what initially led to regulators requiring that their customers switch to airplane mode.

What Happens if You Don’t Turn on Airplane Mode?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aircraft manufacturers like Boeing conducted a series of tests in the 1990s about the potential interference caused by cell phone signals with an aircraft’s communication and navigation systems. While there wasn’t conclusive evidence either way that these signals do, in fact, interfere with critical aircraft systems, the ban has been left in place out of an abundance of caution. Those who choose not to turn on airplane mode will not only be defying FAA regulations, but they’ll also probably be disappointed to know that most cell phone signals aren’t powerful enough to reach your phone while airborne.

Will We Ever Be Able to Use Cell Phones In-Flight?

In 2023, the European Union ruled that airlines can start allowing passengers to use 5G cell phone service in flight, just as they would on the ground. However, Americans might have to wait a little longer — the 5G frequencies used in the U.S. are much stronger than Europe, and there are still potential safety concerns. 

That said, most airlines in the U.S. now offer in-flight Wi-Fi coverage, and some — like Delta or JetBlue — even offer it to all passengers for free. That allows passengers to stay connected in the skies, even if they can’t make voice calls. Plus, you might find it easier to relax on a flight if there aren’t 150 other passengers around you talking on their phones — at least for now. 

When staying at a hotel, sometimes ignorance is bliss — it’s probably best not to think too much about who slept in the room before you or what kind of mess they made. Thankfully, hotels have top-notch cleaning staff who tidy up the room and get it ready for each new guest. But with so many rooms to clean each morning, even the most talented cleaners may miss a spot here and there, especially if the staff is stretched thin. This begs the question: Should you clean your hotel room when you check in? There are definitely a few reasons why it’s worth considering — here’s what you need to know.

Bring Supplies

Some people might argue that cleaning your hotel room after check-in is more out of an abundance of caution than anything else. Even so, there’s no harm in doing a quick wipe down after arriving for a little added peace of mind. Rather than bother the front desk for cleaning supplies, consider traveling with a few small items that can easily fit into any travel bag. Some of the best products to travel with include Clorox disinfecting wipes, Windex pre-moistened wipes, and even microfiber cloths to do a quick dusting. And you can always bring a few more products if you’re feeling particularly germ-conscious.

Wipe Down Common Touch Points

Think of all the surfaces in each hotel room that are repeatedly touched during each stay, like light switches, door handles, the TV remote, the sink faucet, and the phone — the list goes on and on. While the cleaning staff may have quickly wiped down these areas with a wet cloth or duster, it doesn’t hurt to give them one more clean with some disinfecting wipes. Be sure to get down in the cracks and crevices that are harder to reach in order to ensure a thorough clean.

Swap Out the Bedding

Even though it’s cleaned after every stay, hundreds upon thousands of guests share the same sheets and pillowcases. Furthermore, hotels use harsh detergents to clean sheets, which may cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. If you’d rather not risk sleeping on this type of bedding, consider bringing a set of sheets in your luggage. Just take note of the bed size when you make your reservation, and pack some sheets and pillowcases accordingly (there are also ultra-light travel versions you can buy). Then when you arrive, swap out the bedding for the sheets you brought from home that you know and love. 

Wash Glassware

Many hotels offer disposable drinkware to make cleaning up easier, but some still include drinking glasses in every room. If your hotel has actual glassware, it’s worth running each cup under the sink before drinking out of them. Just because there aren’t any visible stains or smudges doesn’t mean that the glass has been recently cleaned. For instance, a previous guest may have picked up a drinking glass, changed their mind, and put it right back in its original place. Nobody really wants to drink out of a glass that’s been touched by somebody else, so it’s best to just take some added caution.

Clean the Coffee Maker

Coffee makers can be some of the dirtiest items in a hotel room — you never quite know when the machine was last thoroughly cleaned. Before using the coffee machine to brew coffee, run several cycles with plain water to flush out any leftover grounds or other bacteria that may have formed. If there’s a nearby convenience store, pick up some distilled white vinegar and run it through the coffee maker for added cleanliness. Once you’ve done two or three cycles of plain water or distilled vinegar, you can sip your cup of joe with peace of mind. Alternatively, you can grab your morning coffee from the lobby, as those urns are typically cleaned more thoroughly and frequently.

Avoid Tracking in Dirt

Lastly, don’t forget about the germs you might be bringing into your hotel room. You’ll want to first take off your shoes in the doorway and keep them there for the duration of your stay. You never know what dirt you may have picked up at the airport or while walking around town, so it’s best to decide upon a dedicated spot for your shoes close to the door. For similar reasons, avoid putting your luggage on the bed. Again, you’re never quite sure what germs your luggage may have picked up at the airport, so avoid tracking them in at the risk of contaminating where you’ll be sleeping.

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The world’s most affluent countries have more in common than their wealth — many are also home to some of the world’s most famous tourist sites. From the spectacular modern architecture of Singapore Qatar to the natural wonders of Iceland and Norway, these countries are not only great places to live but also great places to visit. To determine what countries are the wealthiest, the International Monetary Fund tracks GDP in U.S. dollars per capita, which is the gross domestic product (the prices of goods and services produced there) divided by the current population. This measures the success of a country’s overall economic activity based on how many people live there. Below, we reveal the 10 richest countries in 2024 and the best places to visit in each one.

10. Australia

GDP per capita: $66,590

Australia’s GDP per capita is the 10th-highest globally, thanks in large part to it being one of the world’s largest exporters of coal, wheat, and iron ore. But the nation also draws millions of tourists a year, bolstering the country’s already robust economy. New South Wales, the most-visited Australian state, is home to the coastal city of Sydney and its famous namesake opera house. Nearby, Blue Mountains National Park boasts hiking through lush forests to waterfalls and guest houses that line its scenic mountain ridges. Elsewhere in the land Down Under, highlights include snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the red sandy desert of the rugged Outback, and road-tripping along Great Ocean Road. Tourism is also a significant factor in the country’s wealth — in 2023, tourists spent $34.5 billion in Australia. 

9. Denmark

GDP per capita: $68,900

Denmark is a leading exporter of pharmaceuticals, but it also boasts the largest tourism market in the Nordic region. Its capital city, Copenhagen, welcomes visitors to tour its stunning royal palaces, such as Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, and to see immaculate gardens and the Danish crown jewels. Nearby, the Tivoli Gardens amusement park and the Little Mermaid statue are also must-sees. Or, head to the Danish countryside to explore charming medieval towns with well-preserved cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes.

8. Qatar

GDP per capita: $81,400

Qatar is one of the world’s largest exporters of petroleum gas, accounting for 50% of its total exports and making it an incredibly wealthy country. Located on the Persian Gulf, Doha is its capital city and a major financial hub. Doha’s Hamad International Airport, named the world’s best airport of 2024 (Skytrax Passengers’ Choice Awards) sets the tone for visitors, who come to explore attractions such as the world-class Museum of Islamic Art (designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei) and the Pearl, an artificial island home to luxury villas and high-end shopping. Tourism is one of Qatar’s most important economic sectors as of late. In 2023, it amounted to $22.3 billion, accounting for 10.3% of the country’s total economic output.

7. Iceland

GDP per capita: $84,590

Dotted with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and glaciers, this Nordic island nation is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Iceland’s economy thrives on tourism, along with exporting aluminum and seafood. Its bustling capital city, Reykjavik, became Iceland’s first permanent settlement in 874 CE. Today, it is home to Iceland’s national museums and two-thirds of the country’s population. The nearby geothermal Blue Lagoon is a bucket-list spot for many visitors to Iceland. Remnants of Iceland’s Viking history are found all around the country, from open-air museums to centuries-old burial grounds and artifacts. 

6. United States

GDP per capita: $85,370

The United States is the only country in North America to make the top 10 on the world’s wealthiest countries list. The U.S. is a top exporter of refined petroleum, contributing to its high GDP, and it has long been a top tourist destination, accounting for 14.5% of global tourism spending. Indeed, vacationers spend more here than in any other country. With such diverse cultural regions and contrasting landscapes, America offers visitors seemingly endless things to do and see.  The most popular attractions include Grand Canyon National Park, the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park, and Niagara Falls. 

5. Singapore

GDP per capita: $88,450

The Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore is a leader in technology and innovation and is the world’s top exporter of computer microchips. From the time visitors arrive at the award-winning Changi Airport, they experience state-of-the-art architecture and technology. Singapore’s bayfront skyline boasts the luxury Marina Bay Sands Hotel, with its famous rooftop pool, and the Gardens by the Bay, known for its artificial light-up “supertrees” and the Flower Dome — the largest glass greenhouse in the world. Singapore’s vibrant nightlife is also a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike — visit a rooftop bar to enjoy skyline views while sipping the country’s national drink, the Singapore sling. 

4. Norway

GDP per capita: $94,660

Many visitors come to Norway to spend as much time in nature as possible, taking advantage of the country’s scenic mountain and glacier hikes and picturesque fjord cruises. Norway’s economy is based primarily on oil, gas, and seafood products (the latter of which is fueled by its robust fishing industry). As such, trying local seafood is a must for visitors. Norway’s capital city of Oslo, known for its green spaces and museums, is the country’s most-visited city. Up near the Arctic Circle, lucky visitors are treated to views of the northern lights from fall through spring. Throughout the country, preserved Viking villages give guests a glimpse into the region’s storied past.

3. Switzerland

GDP per capita: $105,670

The Swiss Alps are famous for skiing, hiking, gastronomy, and shopping— and it’s no secret that a vacation to this small European nation often comes with a hefty price tag. But for the many tourists who choose to visit, the luxury hotels and spas with sprawling views of the mountains are well worth the price tag. Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne are among the most famous Swiss cities to visit, but quaint mountain villages such as Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen provide peaceful respite for travelers and locals alike. Gold is Switzerland’s top export, and its economy revolves around its banking and finance industries — along with chocolate, a must-try for visitors. Switzerland’s tourism industry is projected to reach nearly $6 billion in 2024.

2. Ireland

GDP per capita: $106,060

The tourism industry in the Emerald Isle earned over $5 billion in 2023, making it one of Ireland’s largest employers. The country is a top travel destination, particularly for North American tourists, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Ireland’s strong economy is thanks to its corporate tax policies, which encourage investment from multinational tech and pharmaceutical companies. Its top exports are medicinal and pharmaceutical products. But visitors don’t come for the economy — they visit Ireland for its natural wonders (including the famous Cliffs of Moher), historical monuments, churches, castles, and breweries such as the world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

1. Luxembourg

GDP per capita: $131,380

This tiny European country — sandwiched between Germany, France, and Belgium — is home to just 660,000 residents but boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world. Luxembourg’s economy is bolstered by its banking, steel, and industrial sectors, with iron being its top export. Its tourism sector continues to grow, and there’s plenty to do and see for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. One of the most-visited places in the country is the city of Luxembourg, the country’s capital and a historic fortified medieval city that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxembourg is also home to one of Europe’s densest networks of hiking trails. The Ardennes region boasts lush forests and several fascinating World War II sites and museums. 

We can probably all agree that the golden age of air travel is long behind us, but that doesn’t mean flying these days has to be run-of-the-mill — you just have to know what to look for. From helpful (and free) amenities for families to the invite-only memberships airlines keep under wraps for their most loyal customers, these are six of the coolest secret airline perks you never knew existed. 

Hidden Check-In Lounges

If you’re willing to shell out the big bucks for first or business class (though it might be cheaper than you think), you can expect quite a few more perks than you’d receive flying in economy class. These include early boarding, larger seats with more legroom, free meals and booze, and, often, access to airport lounges. 

As the competition among airlines heats up, some are going even further to woo top-dollar customers. While first- or business-class tickets almost always grant you access to a priority check-in line at the airport, some airports offer even more exclusive areas. In 2023, Delta opened a private check-in section for its business-class (Delta One) customers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that most customers probably don’t realize exists. That’s because it’s on an entirely different level, separate from the regular check-in lines. It’s downstairs by the baggage claim, and you have to show your Delta One ticket just to enter. 

Once inside, you can sit back and relax with a glass of bubbly or a snack as the check-in agents take care of everything for you. Then, you’ll go through a private security screening area that leads straight to the Sky Club lounge upstairs — a far cry from the typical airport experience.

Invite-Only Elite Status

If you’ve joined an airline loyalty program, you’re probably familiar with the concept of elite status. Airlines award their most frequent flyers with perks such as priority boarding, free upgrades, waived baggage fees, and more. There are usually a few levels of elite status — at Delta, it starts with Silver, followed by Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion. The more you spend, the higher you climb in the ranks.

But did you know that some airlines have secret elite status tiers? Membership in these programs is so exclusive that the airlines don’t even publish the details of how to qualify — in fact, the only way in is typically by receiving an invite from the airline. While it’s anyone’s guess as to how much you have to fly (and spend) with the airline, it’s typically well above $50,000 on plane tickets in a calendar year. At American, it’s called Concierge Key; at Delta, it’s known as Delta 360; and at United, it’s named Global Services. 

With those requirements, obviously only a select group will qualify, but those lucky few can expect an incredibly elevated travel experience. Not only will these members have upgrade priority over other customers, but they’ll also receive personal escorts through the airport and often free, private transfers between connecting flights. If you’ve ever arrived at the airport and seen a Mercedes-Benz marked with the airline’s logo parked by the gate, it’s usually there to whisk away a top-tier elite status member to their next flight, so they don’t even have to step foot in the airport.

Free Family-Friendly Perks

Even if you don’t splurge for business class or spend enough to qualify for elite status, there are plenty of other perks you can get with airlines that are entirely free — particularly for family travel. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has urged airlines to accommodate families with young children so they can sit together without having to pay extra for seat assignments, even with basic economy fares. The DOT launched a handy dashboard that shows which airlines guarantee adjacent seats for children 13 or under and an accompanying adult. 

It’s no secret that flying with young children comes with its challenges, but many airlines also offer free child amenities onboard. Simply ask a flight attendant if one is available on your flight. For example, United offers a “Children’s Travel Kit,” designed by the people behind Sesame Street, which includes crayons, an activity book, a puzzle, and a sensory strip to calm anxiety in young ones. Plus, Delta has secret trading cards, a program created by employees in which passengers can collect card designs featuring different aircraft in the airline’s fleet. All you have to do is ask your pilot if they’re available — and they’re just as fun for adults as they are for kids.

Free Stopovers on Award Tickets

Let’s say you’ve racked up some credit card points and are looking to cash them in for a free flight. While in most cases that would be a simple round-trip ticket from point A to point B, a few airline loyalty programs let you get creative with your points, essentially allowing you to add another city to your trip for the same price.

This is what’s known as a “stopover,” which is typically defined as staying more than 24 hours in a connecting city along your journey (versus a typical layover at an airport). Say you’re booking a trip from New York to South Africa, and you’ll be connecting in Amsterdam. With Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program, you might be able to stay a few days to explore the Dutch capital before continuing your journey. Other programs that offer free stopovers include Air Canada’s Aeroplan and Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. 

Miles or Vouchers for Delayed Luggage

Nobody likes waiting an hour at baggage claim after a long flight for their checked bags to arrive at the carousel. And most airlines won’t offer you anything for the inconvenience. Thankfully, there are a few exceptions. Delta Air Lines has a 20-minute bag guarantee, promising that your bag will arrive in 20 minutes or less at the carousel after a domestic U.S. flight. If your bag takes longer, you can complete this simple form online and automatically receive 2,500 bonus miles toward your next flight. Alaska Airlines offers a similar guarantee, but with a $25 credit instead of miles. 

Free Checked Wine

If you’re a wine lover, you’re probably familiar with this scenario: You’ve enjoyed tastings at a few (or quite a few) wineries on vacation and decided to purchase some bottles to enjoy later. But getting them home is tricky. The unique “Wine Flies Free” program from Seattle-based Alaska Airlines simplifies things. This valuable perk allows passengers to check an entire case of wine without having to pay extra baggage fees. It’s offered from 32 West Coast cities, including ones near renowned wine regions such as Napa Valley or Willamette Valley. 

If you’re on an airplane and notice an unoccupied row where you’d be able to stretch out and enjoy the rest of the flight in comfort, do you get up and move? Are you even allowed to switch seats? With all of the strict rules and regulations regarding airplane travel, you may be wondering if it’s okay to move to an empty seat on a plane. So, we took a look at the facts to find out.

Don’t Move Without Asking

Before standing up and switching seats, you should always check with the flight attendant first, for a number of reasons. Before takeoff, the pilots perform a weight and balance check to make sure that weight is properly distributed in the cabin. While this is less of a concern on large commercial airliners, an unbalanced cabin could create problems for smaller ones. So, if you do notice an empty seat, it may have been left open intentionally to ensure proper weight distribution and a safe takeoff. Don’t just assume it’s there for the taking until you ask a staff member.

Another reason why certain seats may remain empty is for members of the cabin crew. Often, rows toward the back of the plane are left intentionally empty so that flight attendants can sit comfortably during their break periods. With these factors in mind, be sure to flag down a flight attendant before switching seats. If you’re polite, many flight attendants will be happy to accommodate your request so long as there are no valid reasons not to.

Accept Being Told “No”

It’s the job of flight attendants to enforce the policies of each airline, which may include strict rules that prevent passengers from switching seats. Some airlines charge more for specific seat selections, and so switching locations would be unfair to other travelers who paid an extra fee. In the event you’re told that switching seats isn’t feasible, you’ll need to be prepared to accept the answer for what it is. 

Don’t Switch Before Takeoff

You never know if additional passengers will board the airplane at the last minute, so it’s best not to jump the gun and move too early. From people waiting on standby to travelers sprinting across the terminal to make their connection, some passengers board the plane seconds before the door closes. This is why you should always wait until the boarding process is complete before investigating any empty seat options that may be available.

Know What’s Off Limits

From first class to basic economy, the cost of a plane ticket can vary substantially. This is true even within the economy section, as some seats may cost more than others due to a preferable location toward the front or an extra couple inches of legroom. If you’re looking to move locations, a good rule of thumb is to look over your shoulder toward the back of the aircraft cabin. Plus, an empty row in the back of economy may be a whole lot more comfortable than a crowded section toward the front.

Consider the Comfort of Other Passengers

If you see an empty seat next to another passenger, they’re probably thrilled about the fact that they can stretch out and enjoy their flight. So, try to keep a comfortable distance between yourself and others if you choose to move seats. This tip also applies to situations where you could slide over one seat to create room between yourself and another passenger. Let’s say you’re in the middle of a three-seat row, and the seat by the window is unoccupied. You shouldn’t expect any trouble for sliding over in the same row, and your seatmate will likely be thrilled about the additional space you’ve created.