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American Airlines’ plan for 2025: New biz-class suites, more lounges and improved Wi-Fi

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American Airlines’ plan for 2025: New biz-class suites, more lounges and improved Wi-Fi

Travelers have a lot to look forward to from American Airlines in 2025: New business-class suites, premium lounges and satellite Wi-Fi are coming, as well as a full recovery of its Chicago and Philadelphia hubs.

Those are just a few items that American CEO Robert Isom and other executives outlined during the airline’s fourth-quarter earnings call Thursday. The outlook is mostly bright with, as Isom put it, “robust demand across the board” for air travel.

But even those positive words and modest profits in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 were not enough to appease investors. American’s forecast of a first-quarter loss — historically the weakest quarter of the calendar year for U.S. airlines — sent the airline’s stock down nearly 9% to $17.03 per share on Thursday.

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“I really feel like we’ve got all the pieces in the puzzle in place to really take off,” said Isom. “Now, we’ve got some work to do putting that together and selling, and telling our story better, but we are the largest in the best market in the world here in the U.S.”

Here are five key takeaways from American’s earnings call.

American will debut its new Flagship Suites

American plans to introduce its new Flagship Suite business-class seats on new Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 planes later this year, Isom said. The suites are part of a larger investment in premium offerings that includes new premium economy seats and other onboard upgrades.

First unveiled in 2022 as part of the boom in premium — particularly premium leisure — travel demand following the pandemic, the new Flagship Suites were supposed to enter service in 2024. However, the numerous supply chain issues that continue to plague the aerospace industry delayed their debut to this year.

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The new seats and cabins will also be installed on American’s largest aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, at a later date. Isom did not offer an updated timeline for the retrofits that were previously set to begin in late 2024.

As part of the cabin upgrades, American will retire the Flagship First product that it currently offers on its small fleet of premium transcontinental Airbus A321s — the A321Ts — that flies between New York and both Los Angeles and San Francisco, and on the 777-300ER. The airline does not yet have a date for the final flight of Flagship First.

Philadelphia will get a Flagship Lounge

American plans to open a new Flagship Lounge at its Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) hub this summer, Isom said. The lounge will be in the A-West terminal used by American’s international flights and available only to travelers booked in long-haul international first or business class, as well as certain elite frequent flyers.

The lounge comes as American builds back its Philadelphia gateway. It will add new nonstops to Edinburgh and Milan from the airport this summer that, coupled with other international capacity increases, will result in more long-haul flights and seats from Philadelphia during the peak June-to-August period for the first time since the summer of 2019, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium Diio shows.

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Travel perks: Domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for

American will complete its postpandemic schedule recovery

Philadelphia is not the only American hub set for a full recovery this year. The airline plans to focus its “low single digit” capacity growth in 2025, as Chief Financial Officer Devon May put it Thursday, on recovery of its northern hubs, including at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Philadelphia.

This recovery will be driven by the return of regional jets that were idled early in the pandemic, and complemented with the delivery of 40 to 50 new airplanes in 2025, May said.

“It’s no secret that we have had to build back our network,” said Isom. “I feel great that in 2025 we’re going to have our regional fleet fully deployed, and what that’s going to allow us to do is better fill out some of the hubs that are, quite frankly, ready and willing to support the network.”

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In 2024, flights at American’s Chicago and Philadelphia hubs were down by about a quarter from five years earlier, Cirium Diio data shows.

High-speed Wi-Fi is coming to American’s regional jets

American plans to begin, and finish, the installation of new high-speed, satellite Wi-Fi on its two-class regional jets in 2025. This includes the Embraer E170s and E175s, and CRJ-700s and -900s in the American Eagle fleet.

“We’re really interested that our customers have access to Wi-Fi, satellite-based Wi-Fi, on everything that they fly,” said Isom.

American’s fleet of single-class regional jets — Embraer ERJ-145s — will not receive the new high-speed inflight connectivity.

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Asked by Wall Street analysts if American was reconsidering its stance on in-seat entertainment screens, Isom said the airline will upgrade its in-seat entertainment offerings on long-haul aircraft, including the A321XLR and 787, but has no plans to offer the popular entertainment option on its domestic narrow-body fleet.

TPG’s picks: The most exciting new airline routes for 2025

Optimism for air traffic control improvements

“It’s imperative that we keep investing in air traffic control,” Isom said when asked his view of the new Trump administration in Washington. “There’s a lot of growth that is hoped for in the industry but we can’t [just] keep on jamming more aircraft in the skies.”

“President Trump and the administration recognize the importance of the industry to commerce,” he added.

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While Isom did not elaborate on what air traffic control investments should look like, President Donald Trump has previously supported proposals to privatize the air traffic control system. Investments could also include the long-discussed and much-delayed “NextGen” upgrades that include modern, GPS-based flight tracking systems.

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Disneyland hotels updating lounges and rooms for 70th anniversary

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Tarah Chieffi

It’s going to be an exciting year at Disneyland as the park prepares for its 70th anniversary celebration this spring. The celebration will see the Southern California theme park debut new entertainment offerings, including a new attraction with an audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney.

For guests staying at one of Disneyland’s on-site hotels, the excitement doesn’t have to end when you exit the park gates and head back to your resort. All three hotels are undergoing exciting enhancements, including new concierge lounges, refreshed guest rooms, new themed suites and a new design for a fan-favorite restaurant.

Here’s what’s coming — and when you can experience these updates for yourself.

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Disneyland Hotel

High Key Club at the Disneyland Hotel. ARTIST CONCEPT/DISNEYLAND RESORT

This summer, the Disneyland Hotel will open an all-new concierge lounge for guests staying in the property’s club-level rooms. The hotel’s current E-Ticket Lounge is now closed to make way for the new High Key Club.

Inspired by Disneyland’s early years, the High Key Club will feature a fun and colorful midcentury modern aesthetic, with opening-era park artifacts and a custom soundtrack of classic songs from the park. The new lounge, which is in the hotel’s Adventure Tower, will be nearly double the size of its predecessor.

In addition to being a comfortable place to gather or grab complimentary food and beverages, the High Key Club will be a prime viewing location for Disneyland’s nighttime spectaculars. Similar to other Disneyland club-level lounges, the High Key Club will broadcast music from the show to provide the full experience.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

New club-level lounge coming to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  ARTIST CONCEPT/DISNEYLAND RESORT

Rather than overhauling its concierge lounge, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is adding a second lounge where guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages in a relaxing atmosphere. The new two-story, club-level space will stretch between the hotel’s fifth and sixth floors, overlooking the Great Hall lobby.

The giant sequoia — California’s state tree — will inspire the lounge’s design, in keeping with the hotel’s California craftsman style. The new lounge is scheduled to open in 2026, but guests can still enjoy the concierge lounge at The Veranda in the meantime.

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Refreshed room design at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. CHRISTIAN THOMPSON/DISNEYLAND RESORT

Guests at the Grand Californian will also soon experience fully refreshed guest rooms featuring new decor, bedding and more. This includes standard rooms and the hotel’s Disney Vacation Club Villas.

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The new decor will remain in line with the current design, with bold new accent colors and artwork in each room commissioned from local plein air painters.

Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. ARTIST CONCEPT/DISNEYLAND RESORT

The hotel’s award-winning Napa Rose restaurant is also getting a new look. The new design is inspired by California’s history of winemaking; it will feature rich colors and textures alongside authentic details like flooring and columns made from French oak — a wood commonly used in wine barrel production. Newly expanded counters will let guests watch staff prepare food in the open kitchen; the outdoor area will also increase in size, with additional seating and two new fireplaces.

Napa Rose will temporarily close this spring and summer to implement these changes, reopening in the fall fully redone.

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Pixar Place Hotel

Disneyland’s newest lodging, Pixar Place Hotel, will add two new, two-bedroom themed suites this summer.

The Coco Suite at Pixar Place Hotel. ARTIST CONCEPT/DISNEYLAND RESORT

One will be themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco,” with Oaxacan-style architecture, terra-cotta tiling, decor crafted by Mexican artisans, hand-painted art and handcrafted wooden furniture. When you enter the space and see the photos and mementos, you’ll feel like you just stepped into the Rivera family’s hacienda.

The Incredibles Suite at Pixar Place Hotel. ARTIST CONCEPT/DISNEYLAND RESORT

The second suite will be themed to “The Incredibles,” with a midcentury modern design and hidden details that will make you feel like a real-life superspy. Beginning with a hand scanner at the room’s entrance, guests can also uncover a spy phone, hidden messages, a secret door and more.

Bottom line

We recommend staying at Disneyland’s on-property hotels to maximize the Disney experience on your trip; you’ll be close to the parks and get perks that off-site guests miss out on. Throughout this year and into 2026, you’ll have even more reasons to stay at a Disneyland hotel, thanks to these exciting enhancements.

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Ryanair passenger fined £100 after ‘bag straps were slightly too big’ as staff ‘threatened to cancel holiday’

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Ryanair passenger fined £100 after 'bag straps were slightly too big' as staff 'threatened to cancel holiday'

A father was left furious after Ryanair staff fined him £100 and “threatened to cancel his family’s holiday” over bag straps which were “slightly too big”.

John Butler, 50, was stopped at Dublin Airport last month while attempting to board a flight to Lanzarote with his family.


The sports therapist claims he was forced to pay £50 each for two carry-on bags after staff insisted the straps exceeded size limits, despite the bags fitting in the measuring device.

Staff confronted Butler and his family as they were among the last passengers to board their flight to the Canary Islands.

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Staff are said to have threatened to cancel his family’s holiday

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“The next minute, I’m told ‘you step aside as well’,” Butler explained. “Myself, my wife, and two kids step aside and I’m still wondering what this is about.”

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When asked to place the bags in the measuring device, Butler said: “It was clearly obvious that it was fine but she said it’s not fine. She said the handle was above it and just kept insisting.”

The situation escalated when staff reportedly threatened Butler’s daughter, telling her she “won’t go on your holidays if your father doesn’t pay”.

When Butler challenged the charge, he was told the gates were closed but could be reopened if he paid the fine.

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Butler was told the gates were closed – but could be reopened if he paid the fine

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After reluctantly paying to avoid missing their 10-day holiday, Butler requested the staff member’s name, but she reportedly turned her name badge backwards to conceal her identity.

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Butler claims this practice appears to target passengers at the end of the queue. “When we came back with the exact same bag and same contents, no one even asked us about our bags,” he said.

“On the plane, the air hostess and all agreed it was totally wrong,” Butler added. “It seems to be a common practice that if you’re the last few in the queue, you’re pulled aside.”

The father has submitted a formal complaint and is demanding both a refund and an apology from the airline.

Ryanair has denied targeting passengers at the end of the queue.

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A spokesman for the airline said: “This passenger and his travelling companions booked a non-priority fare for this flight from Dublin to Lanzarote, which allowed them to carry a small personal bag onboard.”

“Two of these bags exceeded the permitted size and they were correctly charged a standard gate baggage fee (€60) to place their oversized bags in the hold.”

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How to track where your plane is before your flight

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Jordan Waller

When traveling, there are few things as frustrating as finding out you have a lengthy flight delay — especially when you don’t know whether to wait it out at the airport or completely change your plans.

Whether there’s a minor delay or an unexpected rescheduling, tracking the aircraft scheduled to operate your route can provide much-needed clarity and allow you to make informed decisions. Such decisions may include changing or rearranging flights where necessary.

Here’s how to easily track your plane and use that information to navigate potential disruptions more effectively.

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Why tracking your plane is useful

Every commercial plane follows a daily schedule, often operating several flights during any 24-hour period. If your flight is running late, it’s often because the aircraft assigned to your route was delayed earlier in the day — possibly due to weather, maintenance or other operational factors.

If you’re not a frequent traveler, you may think that tracking your plane will offer little use. After all, whether you know where it is or not, it will still be delayed, and you’ll still be stuck at the airport.

However, by tracking your inbound plane, you can better understand the reason for the delay and whether it’s likely to get any worse. From there, you can consider the best time to head to the airport (if you’re not already there), whether you should head to the lounge to load up on snacks, or whether you should shift to plan B travel arrangements.

Tracking your plane is especially useful if you’re flying with an airline that only operates a few flights from your departure airport and doesn’t have spare aircraft readily available. Knowing your plane’s location can help inform your next move.

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However, if you want to arrive at the airport later than originally planned due to the delay, there are some caveats worth noting.

First, if you’re flying from a hub airport where an airline may have multiple spare planes available, your airline could opt to switch to a different aircraft entirely. In this scenario, you should still arrive at the airport promptly, even if you anticipate a long delay. It could end up being much shorter than you think.

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It’s also important to be aware that just because your inbound flight is running late and behind schedule, it doesn’t mean that it won’t necessarily depart on time. Sometimes aircraft operate on a quick turnaround schedule (especially if you’re flying with a budget carrier), which means you won’t want to dawdle once your plane does arrive.

How to track your inbound plane with FlightAware

One of the easiest ways to track your inbound plane is by using a website or tool such as FlightAware.

These services let you see the current location and status of the aircraft assigned to your route.

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Here’s how to monitor your flight using FlightAware.

FLIGHTAWARE

First, you’ll want to load FlightAware on your laptop or phone (or alternatively use its iOS or Android app).

FLIGHTAWARE

From there, navigate to “Flight Tracking” and enter either your flight number or the departure and arrival cities of your flight.

FLIGHTAWARE

On the next screen, you’ll need to look for your inbound aircraft. This should be clear from its flight number or its scheduled arrival and departure.

FLIGHTAWARE

By clicking on your specific flight, the website will take you to a tracking page, which should also show a “Where is my plane now?” link. Click through here, and you’ll see an update on your aircraft’s current status.

You’ll be able to monitor your aircraft’s status by viewing its current route, estimated arrival at your departure airport, information regarding your scheduled departure, and any expected delays for takeoff or arrival at your final destination.

For example, if you track your flight from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and you can see that your aircraft is still en route to LHR, you at least know it will eventually arrive. You’ll also have a rough idea of how long you should expect to wait and whether you might need to extend that lounge visit.

On the other hand, if the tracking data shows that your plane hasn’t even left its previous destination yet, you can surmise that further delays are likely. It may even be worth considering chatting with your airline to get on a different flight.

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Using airline apps to track your inbound flight

Most major airlines also offer their own flight-tracking features on their apps or websites.

As with FlightAware, these tools often let you view the status of the aircraft assigned to your flight.

You can usually find this information by looking for an option on the app or website called something like “flight status” or “incoming flights.”

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AMERICAN AIRLINES

Sometimes, the most detailed version of this feature is only available to passengers booked on the flight, so it’s worth ensuring you’re logged in to your account before trying to access it.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Once you’ve found your flight, most airline sites allow you to check additional details, such as expected arrival times.

Here are links to websites where you can check flight statuses for some of the major U.S. airlines:

In most cases, the site will ask you to input either your flight number or departure and arrival destinations, along with the departure date. Then, it will show you up-to-date information regarding the flight in question.

Bottom line

Tracking your inbound plane is a valuable skill to keep in your travel tool kit — especially during busy travel periods when delays are common. Apps like FlightAware and airline-specific tracking features provide insights that can help you better manage your travel plans.

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While tracking isn’t a guarantee of on-time travel and won’t speed up your delayed aircraft, it can give you perspective and more confidence when navigating delays. At the very least, you’ll better understand the situation — and sometimes, that knowledge can be used to get ahead if you need to rearrange a flight.

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New United status match offer for 2025

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Rachel Craft

United Airlines’ annual status match offer is back. The requirements are a little higher this year, but they’re still much easier to achieve than United’s standard criteria — making this an excellent opportunity to pursue Premier status.

If you hold elite status with another airline, here’s how to turn that into United Premier status in 2025 — and why you may want to (or not).

Related: What exactly is elite status in travel — and how can I get it?

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United’s status match offer for 2025

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Here are some airline loyalty programs eligible for United’s status match and which Premier level they match to.

Loyalty program Tier to match to Premier Silver Tier to match to Premier Gold Tier to match to Premier Platinum
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP MVP Gold MVP Gold 75K
American Airlines AAdvantage Gold Platinum Platinum Pro
British Airways Executive Club Bronze Silver Gold
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Medallion Silver Medallion Gold Medallion Platinum
JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic 1 Mosaic 2 or 3 Mosaic 4
Qantas Frequent Flyer Silver Gold Platinum or Platinum One
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards A-List A-List Preferred N/A

According to United’s website, this is only a partial list. You may be eligible to apply if you hold another status.

To apply for a match, you must submit this form with your MileagePlus account number and email address, as well as a digital copy of your 2025 membership card for the frequent flyer program you are matching from.

If approved, you must take one “activating flight” operated by United or United Express within 90 days of approval to receive temporary elite status.

If you have flown on a United or United Express flight in the past 30 days from the day you registered for a status match, this may qualify as your activating flight. The flight must have already been posted to your MileagePlus account and have a date on or after Jan. 1, 2025. You must make this request at the time of your application for a previous flight to be considered.

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If you do not complete an activating flight within 90 days of approval, you’ll become ineligible for the status match challenge. Further, you won’t be eligible to submit for another United status match in 2025. Be sure to time your application so that you’ll be able to complete the activating flight requirement.

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After you take your activating flight, your United status will be upgraded to Premier Silver, Premier Gold or Premier Platinum within five to seven business days. You will hold this status for 120 days.

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To extend your shiny new Premier status for the rest of the 2025 program year, you must meet the following Premier qualifying flight and Premier qualifying point requirements within the 120-day qualification period.

Status tier Requirements to extend
Premier Silver Fly 5 PQFs and earn 1,700 PQPs on flights operated by United or United Express
Premier Gold Fly 10 PQFs and earn 3,400 PQPs on flights operated by United or United Express
Premier Platinum Fly 15 PQFs and earn 5,000 PQPs on flights operated by United or United Express

For this challenge, PQPs must be earned on United-operated flights. PQPs earned through other methods, such as credit card spending and partner flights, do not qualify.

How long will your status last? According to the United status match terms and conditions, “Earned 2025 Premier status is valid through January 2026. The MileagePlus status is valid through January 2027 for customers who earn Premier status through this offer on or after July 1, 2025.” So, to maximize the length of your United status, you may want to wait until July to request a match.

If you cannot complete the status match requirements within the challenge period, your matched MileagePlus Premier status will expire.

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Note that you can’t elevate your status by meeting the above criteria; you can only extend the status to which you initially matched. You must meet United’s standard thresholds for Premier status to move to a higher tier.

For example, say you entered this status match with Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List status, which would match you to United Premier Silver. Even if you meet the Premier Gold criteria above (fly 10 PQFs and earn 3,400 PQPs) in the challenge period, you’ll remain Premier Silver for the remainder of the 2025 program year. However, you can move to Gold by meeting United’s published Premier Gold criteria.

Related: Last-minute strategies for earning United Premier elite status

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Who is eligible for a United status match?

There are a couple of reasons a traveler may not qualify for United’s 2025 status match program:

  • You are ineligible if you have participated in the MileagePlus status match program or received a Premier status exception in the last five years.
  • You are also ineligible if you hold elite status because of a trial or temporary elite status in the other airline program.

Is United Premier status worth it?

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

United Premier status offers valuable perks, like free checked bags, bonus miles earned on flights, upgrades to Economy Plus and even lounge access on select flights at the higher tiers. If you plan to fly United in 2025, these perks could make a status match worthwhile, even if you don’t plan to extend your status past the 120-day challenge period.

However, you can snag some of these perks without Premier status if you have the right card in your wallet. For instance, the United℠ Explorer Card and United℠ Business Card offer a free checked bag for the primary cardholder and one traveling companion. Meanwhile, the United Club℠ Infinite Card provides United Club lounge access. Depending on which benefits are most important to you, you may be better off applying for a United credit card than pursuing a status match.

If you hold status with another airline, there are a few reasons you may consider switching to United Premier status. For instance, you may not be satisfied with the airline’s service or the elite perks you’re getting. Or maybe you’ve moved to a location where your current airline has a smaller presence.

If you’re thinking of changing loyalty, this 2025 status match challenge could be the perfect opportunity. It allows you to test-drive United Premier status for a short period and extend your status quickly.

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However, remember that United typically lets you participate in a status match only once every five years. It may not be worth applying if you don’t think you’ll fly United enough this year to extend your status or take full advantage of its perks.

Related: Why this Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan change may sway me to leave American’s AAdvantage program

Bottom line

United’s 2025 status match is an excellent opportunity for travelers considering changing loyalty to MileagePlus Premier.

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However, if United isn’t the best airline for you, plenty more status matches and challenges are available. And don’t forget to keep track of when your airline elite status expires to avoid missing out on valuable perks or future status matches.

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Boeing delays force American Airlines to suspend 3 European routes, delay Flagship Suite

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Edward Russell

American Airlines cannot catch a break from Boeing’s production woes.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will temporarily suspend three routes to Europe this summer and again push back the introduction of its new Flagship Suite business class as a result of the latest delivery delays plaguing the Boeing 787, an American spokesperson confirmed to TPG on Friday.

“As a result of ongoing Boeing 787 delivery delays, American is adjusting service on certain routes in summer 2025 to ensure we are able to reaccommodate customers on affected flights,” the spokesperson said. “We’ll be proactively reaching out to our impacted customers to offer alternate travel arrangements and remain committed to mitigating the impact of these Boeing delays while continuing to offer a comprehensive global network.”

Upgrades clearing less? Airlines say more passengers are just paying for those first-class seats

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The three suspended transatlantic routes are:

  • Miami International Airport (MIA) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) from May through July
  • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in June
  • New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) in July

This is a well-trod path for American. Delays to 787 deliveries in late 2021 forced it to cut Edinburgh, Scotland; Hong Kong; and Shannon, Ireland, from its map the following year. Production challenges have continued to plague Boeing and forced additional cuts to long-haul flying at American in the years since.

American’s long-haul schedule is uniquely susceptible to Boeing delays compared to other airlines. During the coronavirus pandemic, American took advantage of the dramatic drop in international travel to accelerate plans to streamline its long-haul fleet and retired its Airbus A330 and Boeing 757 and 767 planes.

Now, the airline’s international expansion is limited by Boeing’s inability to hand over new 787s in a timely manner.

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American was scheduled to receive 10 787-9s this year, its latest fleet plan from October shows.

The latest delivery delays also mean the introduction of American’s new Flagship Suite business class is delayed again. CEO Robert Isom said Jan. 23 that the seats would begin flying this year but did not say when. The spokesperson would not specify when in 2025 the new product might debut.

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The Flagship Suite product is part of a larger overhaul of American’s premium offerings that also includes new premium economy seats. It will, however, mark the end of long-haul first class at American; the airline plans to remove Flagship First from its Boeing 777-300ER planes when they are refitted with the new Flagship Suite.

American’s first Airbus A321XLRs will also feature the Flagship Suite when deliveries begin later in 2025. These planes will initially fly on premium transcontinental flights between New York and both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Even with the schedule reductions, American will continue to serve all its European destinations, including Edinburgh via a new service, this summer. It will fly to Frankfurt from Charlotte; Madrid from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Philadelphia; and Paris from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Philadelphia, schedules from aviation analytics firm Cirium show.

American will also offer fewer frequencies on certain other routes this summer, including between Philadelphia and Rome, and Dallas and London.

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The best UK cities for a foodie staycation named

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The best UK cities for a foodie staycation named

As Britons plan their culinary adventures for 2025, new data has revealed some unexpected destinations making waves in the UK’s food scene.

While London maintains its crown as the nation’s gastronomic capital, a surprising Welsh city has emerged as a formidable contender in the rankings.


Analysis by travel experts at LateRooms.com has uncovered that Wrexham, recently thrust into the spotlight by its Hollywood-owned football club, is now the country’s second-best foodie destination.

Culinary hotspots like Leeds, Edinburgh, and Manchester also made the list, being named as places Britons should venture to for an exciting food experience.

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Edinburgh make the list

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London’s dominance in the culinary landscape is reflected as 26.3 per cent of restaurants there have achieved five-star status, according to the LateRooms.com analysis.

Leeds secured the third position with 20.99 per cent of its eateries receiving top marks, whilst traditional tourist destinations like Edinburgh ranked lower than expected.

The rankings show a notable shift away from traditionally celebrated culinary capitals, with seaside towns Blackpool and Scarborough both securing spots in the top seven.

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The top 10 foodie destinations

London – 26.3%

Wrexham – 21.71%

Leeds – 20.99%

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Blackpool – 19.1%

Brighton – 18.83%

Cardiff – 18.42%

Scarborough – 18.25%

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Liverpool – 17.03%

Edinburgh – 16.34%

York – 15.18%

Wrexham’s rise in the culinary world mirrors its recent sporting fame, with the city developing a unique food identity that blends Welsh traditions with international influences. The city’s Portuguese community has particularly enriched its dining scene.

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The experts said: “You’ll find traditional Welsh cuisine, as well as more continental flavours. Thanks to the city’s Portuguese community, you can find pastel de natas as easy as bara birth.”

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London skyline

Those looking for restaurants should consider a London break

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Leeds came in third and also has a rich mix of cuisine. The experts continued: “Like London, Leeds has a diverse and multicultural community to thank for its vibrant food scene. You won’t be short of classic hearty Yorkshire meals, but the city’s street food scene is not to be missed.”

Brighton has carved out its own niche as a sustainable dining destination, with the pros stating: “Brighton is one of the UK’s best locations for high-end plant-based dining. Chefs in this foodie hub often focus on sustainability, with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce.”

Edinburgh, despite ranking ninth, has developed a sophisticated dining culture.

“Edinburgh has become a real high-end foodie destination of late, with a fine dining scene to rival any major city. The Scottish capital boasts a thriving café culture with photogenic patisseries,” the experts highlighted.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred: Which $95-a-year card should you get?

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred: Which $95-a-year card should you get?

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

With so many fantastic travel rewards credit cards available, including some with large sign-up bonuses and phenomenal benefits, you might have difficulty choosing one (or a combination) that suits your needs. This can become even more overwhelming if you qualify for a small-business credit card, which opens the door to many additional options.

Two of the most valuable mid-tier cards from Chase include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, which have similar benefits — including earning Ultimate Rewards points and annual fees of $95.

While they make a pretty powerful team, you might only want or be eligible for one or the other — for instance, if you are not looking for a business card or are nearing your 5/24 limit with Chase. Today, we will look at how these cards stack up against each other and help you decide whether one or both deserve a place in your wallet.

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Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred comparison

  Chase Sapphire Preferred Chase Ink Business Preferred
Annual fee $95 $95
Welcome bonus Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Earning 5 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠

3 points per dollar on dining worldwide

2 points per dollar on all other travel

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1 point per dollar on everything else

3 points per dollar on up to $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, social media & search engine advertising (each account anniversary year)

1 point per dollar on everything else

Trip cancellation/interruption Up to $10,000 per person, $20,000 per trip Up to $5,000 per person, $10,000 per trip
Trip delay 12 hours, up to $500 per ticket 12 hours, up to $500 per ticket
Lost & delayed luggage 6 hours, up to $100 per day up to five days
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Up to $3,000 for lost bags

6 hours, up to $100 per day up to five days

Up to $3,000 for lost bags

Rental car coverage Primary Primary, business-related rentals
Purchase protection Up to $500 per claim, $50,000 per account Up to $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account
Extended warranty Additional one year for items with less than three years of warranty
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Up to $10,000 per item, $50,000 per account

Additional one year for items with less than three years of warranty

Up to $10,000 per item, $50,000 per account

Cellphone protection None $100 deductible, up to $1,000 per claim, maximum of three claims per 12-month period

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Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred welcome offer

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is currently offering a welcome offer of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. The Chase Ink Business Preferred currently offers 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

THE POINTS GUY

According to TPG’s January 2025 valuation, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents each, making these bonuses worth up to $1,230 and $1,845, respectively.

While the Ink Preferred cleans the table when it comes to bonus value, that $8,000 minimum spending requirement might be difficult for some businesses to hit, so you’ll want to consider your spending power when deciding which card to get.

Winner: Ink Business Preferred. Its welcome offer provides more value.

Related: 5 reasons to get the Ink Business Preferred

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Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred benefits

Both cards offer phenomenal travel protections that are quite similar, though the Sapphire Preferred is slightly more comprehensive.

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Each card includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance. With the Ink Business Preferred, you’re covered for up to $5,000 per trip for nonrefundable travel expenses, up to $10,000 per trip. The Sapphire Preferred covers up to $10,000 per person or up to $20,000 per trip. Trip delay reimbursement for things like overnight lodging or meals kicks in at 12 hours with the Ink Business Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Both cards also cover up to $500 per ticket in the event of a covered delay.

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The baggage delay insurance is identical on both cards: up to $100 per day for up to five days when your bag is delayed or misdirected for more than six hours. Lost luggage insurance with both cards is up to $3,000 per passenger.

Both cards also offer primary rental car coverage, which is a fantastic benefit and alleviates the expense and hassle of dealing with an agency or your own insurance if things go wrong with a rental. However, the Ink Business Preferred’s benefits state that your rental must be for business purposes for this protection to kick in.

Both cards also provide purchase protection and extended warranty coverage as well. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers purchase protection of up to $500 per claim with a $50,000 limit per year, and the Ink Business Preferred offers a slightly elevated coverage of $10,000 per claim with the same $50,000 maximum

In addition, both cards provide extended warranty coverage for eligible items by extending a manufacturer’s warranty by one additional year for items with less than three years of warranty. In case of a replacement or repair the cards each provide up to $10,000 per item with a $50,000 maximum per account.

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DOORDASH

Finally, the Ink Business Preferred provides cellphone protection when paying the monthly bill. The card covers up to $1,000 in case of repair or replacement with a $100 deductible.

Beyond travel protections, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a statement credit each account anniversary of up to $50 on hotel stay purchases through Chase Travel℠. In addition, cardholders also receive 10% anniversary bonus points each year. The bonus is based on your total spend during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for every $10 spent.

Finally, the Sapphire Preferred also provides at least one year of complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and up to $10 off a month on non-restaurant DoorDash orders.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Its benefits outclass those on the Ink Business Preferred.

Related: Why the Sapphire Preferred is the top travel rewards card year after year

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Earning points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred

The cards’ earning rates are very different. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠, plus 2 points per dollar on a broad range of travel purchases, including airline tickets and hotel stays and taxis, tolls and parking. The card also earns 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide and 1 point per dollar on everything else, all with no earning caps.

The Ink Business Preferred earns a solid 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent each account anniversary year on a combination of travel (the same broad category as with the Sapphire Preferred), shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines. It earns 1 point per dollar on everything else.

MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES

There are a couple of things to keep in mind here. First, if dining is one of your major expenses, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the way to go. However, if travel is your main outlay, the Ink Business Preferred’s 3-points-per-dollar bonus edges out the Sapphire Preferred’s 2-points-per-dollar rate in this category.

Another consideration is that if you are a business owner and spend a lot of money in the card’s other bonus categories, you might hit that $150,000 annual cap sooner than you think. Still, to make the Sapphire Preferred worth it over the Ink Business Preferred strictly in terms of travel, you’d have to spend $225,000 or more in travel purchases each year instead of $150,000 with the business card.

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Winner: Tie. The categories differ significantly, and your preference will depend on your spending habits.

Redeeming points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred

Both cards earn Ultimate Rewards points, some of the most valuable around.

You’ll get the highest value from your points by transferring them to one of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel loyalty partners.

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Cardholders of either product can also redeem points directly for travel through the Chase travel portal to get 1.25 cents per point in value and have the option to redeem points for eligible categories through Pay Yourself Back.

Winner: Tie. You’ll get the same redemption options on either card.

Related: 6 of the best Ultimate Rewards sweet spots

Transferring points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Ink Business Preferred

Ultimate Rewards can be transferred to 11 airline partners, including British Airways, Southwest and United, and three hotel programs: Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and IHG One Rewards.

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BECKY BLAINE/THE POINTS GUY

These transfer partners can provide great value. For example, TPG managing editor Madison Blancaflor was able to snag a last-minute premium economy ticket from New York to Amsterdam using Flying Blue for just 20,500 Ultimate Rewards points using a transfer promotion.

Winner: Tie. You’ll get the same redemption options on either card.

Related: How I used a transfer bonus to get a lie-flat seat to London for just 21,000 points

Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred?

You should consider whether you want to carry a personal credit card or one for business. If you prefer a personal credit card and can benefit from the Chase Sapphire Preferred‘s superior travel protections, not to mention its handy dining category bonus, it might be the better option for you.

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Still, the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred combination is a powerful match-up that could boost your travel rewards earnings into the stratosphere.

Bottom line

If you’re trying to decide between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred, think about whether you want a business or personal card, which one’s category bonuses you will best be able to take advantage of, and which one’s travel protections are better suited to your needs.

The two products are among the best travel rewards credit cards currently available, and carrying both is a good way to boost your points earnings on an ongoing basis.

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To learn more, read our full reviews of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred.


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Apply here: Ink Business Preferred


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6 reasons to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

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Gene Sloan

Is it worth paying extra for a balcony cabin?

As someone who has written about cruising for more than two decades, I have heard that question a lot, and I know where I stand on it: Absolutely.

You’ll almost always pay more for a balcony cabin on a ship than for a cabin that just has a window — the latter being known in industry lingo as an “ocean-view” cabin. But often, it’s not outrageously more.

For example, at the time of this story’s publishing, fares for balcony cabins on some 2026 cruises out of Galveston, Texas, were just 4% more than fares for ocean-view cabins. (Specifically, that was the differential on seven-night sailings in September 2026 on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas; the differentials for sailings out of Galveston the same month on MSC Cruises‘ MSC Seascape and Carnival Cruise Line‘s Carnival Dream were a higher 14% and 19%, respectively.)

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Ocean-view cabins on the same three ships, in turn, were running 14% to 37% more than windowless inside cabins — the third major category of cabins you’ll find on ships.

These differentials aren’t insignificant, of course. For many vacationers on a tight budget, even a small increase in price for a room can be a deal breaker.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you should definitely avoid

In addition, some people with extra money to spend would rather splurge on shore excursions or other extra-charge items, such as shipboard spa treatments, than on a higher-priced cabin. That makes perfect sense to me. What is most important to one person on a vacation may be different from what is important to another person.

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That said, here are six things you’ll get out of a balcony cabin that I think make it worth the extra cost if you have the money to spare.

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The fresh air

For me, this is the big reason to get a balcony cabin. At any time of the day — or night — you can slide open your balcony door and breathe in the fresh ocean air. You’ll also be able to hear the sounds of the waves as they crash against the bow of your ship. It’s a wonderfully soothing, rhythmic sound — so soothing that it can lull you to sleep.

Even on cruises in cold weather, there’s nothing quite like stepping out on a balcony for a few minutes or more to soak in the salty breeze. It’s invigorating.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Fresh air (and a private place to drink Champagne) are among the perks of having a balcony cabin on a cruise ship. NICO THERIN/PRINCESS CRUISES

The fresh air available on balconies also can be a lifesaver — at least for your sanity — should you find yourself confined to your cabin due to an illness. That can happen if you come down with something like norovirus or COVID-19 on a ship. This happened to cruisers quite a bit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of the people who were isolated in cabins without balconies for days weren’t thrilled with the lack of access to fresh air.

I can attest personally to the fact that it isn’t a great situation to be stuck in a room that doesn’t have a balcony for days. In late 2020, I was isolated in a cabin without a balcony for four days during a COVID-19-related ship quarantine, even though I wasn’t sick. I would have paid just about anything during those days for even the smallest bit of outdoor space.

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The ultimate privacy

Cruise ships can be crowded places. Even on luxury ships, which generally have more space per passenger than mass-market vessels, you’ll likely be sharing the pool deck with dozens or even hundreds of other people. On some of the biggest vessels, such as Royal Caribbean’s giant new Icon of the Seas, you’ll compete for deck chairs with literally thousands of others. Private, it isn’t — nor is it often quiet. The pool decks of cruise ships can be noisy places.

If you have a balcony cabin, you’re always guaranteed an outdoor space where you can lounge for a few hours in complete privacy. And, in general, it will be a quiet outdoor space. While you will sometimes hear the sounds of other passengers nearby on their own balconies, for the most part, it’s a much more serene experience than being up on the top deck.

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The best views

Balcony cabins don’t just offer you access to an outdoor space. They typically also offer you a great view of the outdoors from inside your cabin.

This is because the doors leading to balconies in balcony cabins usually are made almost entirely of glass running from floor to ceiling. Often, a balcony cabin will have both a floor-to-ceiling glass door leading to the outside as well as floor-to-ceiling windows that make for what is, in effect, an outward-facing wall made entirely of glass. Ocean-view cabins without balconies, by contrast, often have just a single window. Some just have portholes.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise

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Balcony cabins often have outward-facing walls that are almost entirely made of glass, allowing for great views even from inside the cabin. PRINCESS CRUISES

The result is that you’ll generally have a much better view of the outdoors from the inside of a balcony cabin than from the inside of an ocean-view cabin.

The chance for wildlife encounters

Speaking of the view, you’re going to be able to see passing wildlife much better from a balcony cabin than an ocean-view cabin. If you stand at the edge of your balcony railing, you’ll be able to twist your head side-to-side to get a 180-degree view of the passing waters. That’s two or three times the field of vision that you’ll get from gazing out a cabin window.

Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship

I’ve found balcony cabins to be particularly wonderful to have in wildlife-filled destinations such as Alaska, where ships sometimes pass such spectacular creatures as whales in the water or bears along the shoreline. Often, the captain of a vessel will spot such animals first and then make a public announcement to passengers to head to the sides of the ship to look. If you’re in a balcony cabin (and on the correct side of the ship), you’ll be gazing down upon these sights in no time.

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The chance for a romantic dinner

Princess Cruises will arrange elegant, private dining on your balcony for an extra charge. PRINCESS CRUISES

There’s nothing that says romance like a private dinner for two under the stars. And that’s exactly what you can do on your balcony on many cruise ships, with the waves as a background soundtrack.

Some upscale lines will arrange an elegant, private dinner for two on your balcony — think white tablecloths, multiple courses, the works — at no extra charge. Among mass-market lines, Princess Cruises offers an Ultimate Balcony Dining experience at an extra charge that brings a four-course meal, Champagne and cocktails or a glass of wine. In the case of the Princess offering, you’ll even get fresh flowers and a (flameless) candle on your table.

The perfect spot to watch a port arrival

I’m a big fan of getting up early to watch as cruise ships pull into ports. In some places, such as New York and Sydney, the experience is a highlight of the trip. The arrival into New York, in particular, is one of the great cruise experiences. Your ship will glide under the giant Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (often with just feet to spare) before passing the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of lower Manhattan.

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Related: What’s a cruise cabin guarantee — and will it save you money?

But as spectacular as they are, these arrivals into ports often take place very early in the morning, before you (or at least your bed-head hair) may be ready to go out into the world. What’s great about having a balcony is that you don’t have to get dressed and ready for the day to watch a port arrival. You can just roll out of bed in your jammies and head out on the balcony.

Of course, you have to be on the correct side of the ship to get certain views. Arriving in New York, there is an allure to watching the arrival from both sides of a vessel. From the port side, you’ll get the best view of the Statue of Liberty. But the starboard side brings you the best views of downtown Manhattan, assuming you’re on a vessel heading to a midtown pier.

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Bottom line

Balcony cabins cost more than ocean-view cabins or windowless “inside” cabins. But they can be worth the splurge if you’re the kind of person who likes a private place to be outdoors during a vacation. No matter how crowded your ship is, you can always escape to your balcony, if you have one, and watch the world go by with few distractions.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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European country named ‘super affordable’ destination for British expats

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European country named 'super affordable' destination for British expats

Choosing to move abroad is a major life decision that calls for careful deliberation and planning. Thankfully, relocation experts can provide valuable insight.

Brittany, from She Run the World travel blog, recently recommended one location as particularly accessible for UK nationals looking to start fresh overseas.


She highlighted the benefits of moving to Georgia based on its straightforward long-term visa arrangements for British citizens.

“Georgia is where UK citizens can stay for up to one year without a visa, which is the same as American citizens,” Brittany shared on YouTube.

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Georgia

Georgia has become a popular destination for expats

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The country sits at a unique crossroads where Eastern Europe meets Western Asia, creating a distinctive cultural landscape.

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“It’s kind of on the intersection between Eastern Europe and Western Asia collide so it’s not really considered one or the other,” Brittany pointed out.

“It’s very similar to Turkey in the sense that it’s where European and Middle Eastern cultures, architectures and foods really come together to create a melting pot,”

According to the traveller, the country’s appeal lies in a combination of accessible residency options and lifestyle benefits.

The capital city, Tbilisi, has long been one of the primary destinations for foreign nationals relocating to Georgia, attracting expats with its modern amenities and dynamic nightlife scene.

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Professional opportunities are equally abundant in Tbilisi. This makes it an attractive option for career-focused expatriates.

The country’s affordability is another major draw because it offers British expats the chance to live economically while exploring both Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

“It’s super affordable, so it’s a great place to save money and live for cheap while also travelling around the Middle East and Eastern Europe,” explained Brittany.

The relocation expert also highlighted Gibraltar as a particularly appealing option for British citizens, with the right to live and work there indefinitely.

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Georgia

Britons can enjoy lower living costs in Georgia

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Located at the southern tip of Spain, facing Morocco, Gibraltar maintains a unique status as a British overseas territory.

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“It’s technically considered a British overseas territory and not a part of Spain, which is why British people can live there indefinitely,” explained Brittany.

The territory’s position provides residents with easy access to both mainland Spain and North Africa.

British nationals can choose to work, study, or settle in Gibraltar without the visa restrictions typically associated with moving abroad, noted Brittany.

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Review: Weinhaus Tyrol, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria

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Review: Weinhaus Tyrol, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria

Hidden in plain sight in Innsbruck, Weinhaus Tyrol is known to locals but still flying under the radar of most tourists. It’s the kind of place you dream of stumbling upon, and offers an intimate private dining and wine tasting experience.

Inside, there’s an extensive display of wines, a bar and occasional barrels used as make-shift tables to enjoy a drink or two.

At the end of this corridor and down a few steps, is a small converted cellar. With its arched ceiling, stone walls half-clad in plaster and dimly-lit ambience, it exudes a rustic charm and enjoys various quaint details.

Now I don’t profess to be a wine connoisseur, but I do enjoy a glass or two, and here we were in for a treat – this wasn’t just a dinner and a few glasses of wine, but an invitation to slow down, savour and be immersed into the culinary soul of Tyrol.

A member of staff introduces our first wine to us – it’s the Schmidl Grüner Veltliner Steinfeder Ried Alte Point. The Schmidl winery is a traditional family-run estate in the Wachau, known for its respectful approach to nature and its pursuit of the highest quality. The family cultivates their vineyards in a natural way and relies on sustainable farming methods to reflect the unique terroir of the Wachau. It’s light and fresh with notes of green apple, citrus fruits, and a hint of white pepper.

A generous spread of local cheeses, a selection of perfectly cured meats and a basket of bread are brought through for us to enjoy our wines with, arranged with a rustic elegance that spoke of tradition rather than showmanship, but was nevertheless delicious.

Next up is the Müller Thurgau (a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale) from Weinhof Tangl, one of only 13 official wineries in Tyrol. It’s fruity and aromatic with aromas of nutmeg, pear and fresh herbs. The climate in Tyrol differs significantly from that of its southern neighbour. Despite having the same amount of sunshine hours as many cities in South Tyrol, the region experiences more frost nights, which greatly influence grape ripening and wine structure. Weinhof Tangl has been passionately run by the family for generations and their focus is on a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

Our third white wine of the evening is another from the Schmidl winery – a Schmidl Riesling Smaragd Küss den Pfennig. Powerful and complex, it has aromas of ripe peach, apricot and a fine minerality. The Schmidl winery is renowned for its excellent Rieslings, which reflect the unique terroir of the Wachau. The name “Küss den Pfennig” (“Kiss the Penny”) refers to a centuries-old tradition and the great value the family places on every detail of wine production.

At this point, the cheese platter – adorned with grapes, figs and wlanuts – offers a welcome balance, helping to complement the wine and absorb some of the alcohol. Tyrol is renowned for its exceptional dairy products, particularly cheeses like Tiroler Bergkäse. The superior quality is largely due to the cows grazing on the pristine mountain pastures, which enhance the flavour of the milk.

Our next wine hails from the only winery located in a European capital city — the Edelmose winery in Vienna which has a history of over 600 years. Since the Middle Ages, winemaking has been pursued there with great dedication, with historic vineyards situated on the foothills of the Vienna Woods. The unique location in the heart of a vibrant city creates an unmistakable terroir and makes Edelmose a true institution in Viennese winemaking. The Edelmoser Rosé de Vienne is made from Zweigelt and Pinot Noir grapes – it’s fresh and fruity with aromas of red berries, cherry and a hint of floral notes.

And then it’s on to our first red of the evening with the Ernst Zweigelt Deutschkreuz (Zweigelt is an Austrian cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, known for its fruit-driven and spicy red wines with soft tannins). The Ernst winery is located in Deutschkreuz, the heart of Blaufränkisch country in Burgenland, and is known for its characterful red wines. The Ernst family focuses on natural cultivation, sustainable wine production, and authentic wines that perfectly reflect the region’s terroir. The Seewinkel region is characterized by unique geological and climatic conditions that are of great importance for viticulture. The seasonal drying of the saline lakes creates specific soil conditions that impart a mineral and salty note to the wines. It’s bold and spicy with notes of dark cherries, berries and a subtle touch of vanilla.

It seems there’s another wine waiting for us, but by now, we’ve had our fill. Each wine had been exquisite but what made the experience truly special was the ambience and sense of exclusivity, and – of course – good company. For anyone visiting Innsbruck, Weinhaus Tyrol is an absolute must-visit.

Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.

Paul Johnson

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Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.

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