A NEW system could soon stop those annoying passengers who try to board the plane too early.

American Airlines is rolling out the new technology at a number of airports.

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Back in 2018, a study by London Stansted Airport and YouGov revealed the top 10 most annoying passenger habits at the airport.

Queue jumpers came out on top.

American Airlines’ new system will see a loud sound played for passengers who scan their boarding pass at the gate if they are boarding in the wrong group.

They will then be told by staff to wait for their group to be called.

Currently in place at Albuquerque International Sunport airport and Tucson International Airport, the airline will test it at others including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

A spokesperson told Travel and Leisure: “We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process.

“The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.”

And there is a reason airlines board from front to back too, and it’s to encourage passengers to buy more expensive tickets.

First boarding usually include those in first class and business class, as well as frequent flyers.

Despite this leading to huge queues in the aisle for economy passengers, experts have said the priority boarding can entice travellers to book tickets in a better class.

In theory, the best way to board a plane would be all of the window seats, followed by middle seat and aisle.

United Airlines currently uses the WILMA system, which stands for “window-middle-aisle”.

Otherwise there is also a boarding technique called the ‘Steffen method’.

This would implement the window-middle-aisle technique, but board all odd rows before even rows.

This means allowing more space between rows for passengers to put bags in overhead lockers and get into their seats.

But until all airlines roll this out, you can expect passengers to still crowd at the gates, especially on budget flights where there is limited overhead locker space.

This annoying airport habit is known as gate-licing – where passengers congregate at the boarding gate even if they are not called for boarding.

Brian Hart Hoffman, who was a flight attendant for eight years, told the Thrillist that crew “absolutely hate” gate lice.

He added: “There is no need for it and it absolutely hinders the flow of boarding.”

DUBAI has revealed its major tourism plans with new oasis holiday destination.

The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which is expanding its cities.

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The scenic route will have five tourist “stations” with an 100mile cycling route.

The Main Hub Station near Al Qudra Lakes will have a traditional market, selling local wars, as well as an open-air cinema.

Flamingo Lake will be home to The Wildlife Station, with activites including hot air balloon rides and luxury camps.

Walking trails will link the area to other tourist stations.

There will also be the Adventure Station, located near Expo 2020 Lake.

Here will be an adventure park, fitness tails and cheaper camping spots, along with restaurants.

The Desert Adventure Station will have adventure sports such as dune climbing, sandboarding and desert safari tours.

While The Cultural Experience Station will have traditional activities such as locally-cooked meals and camel rides.

Across the lakes will be water activities too, such as kayaking tours.

It hopes to open the first phases by 2028.

The  Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktou said it wants to attract tourists from around the world.

He said: “We have approved the development of several facilities, along with increasing activities, events, and services within the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route project to boost tourist numbers from around half a million annually currently to over three million visitors by 2040.

“This will enhance the area’s position as one of Dubai’s main tourist destinations while expanding investment opportunities for locals and preserving the region’s unique nature and identity.”

It’s not the only change coming to Dubai.

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Dubai’s Jebel Ali Beach Dubai will become the longest public open beach, stretching 4 miles.

Split into three zones, there will be beach clubs, kids zones, cafes restaurants and public swimming pools.

Environmental conservation zones will include turtle rehabilitation programs, along with educational activities.

If you fancy a holiday to Dubai, The Sun’s Hayley Richardson recently visited.

She said: “You can’t go to Dubai and not visit the tallest building in the world — the Burj Khalifa, twice the height of the Empire State Building and nearly three times that of the Eiffel Tower.

“Go to Sky Lounge on Level 154, for amazing views and free coffee from 585m above ground.

“Otherwise a cheaper way of seeing the city from on high is at the Dubai Frame which costs about £10 to visit.”

Dubai has also revealed plans for a new airport terminal that will be the “world’s largest”.

The £28billion project at Al Maktoum International Airport will mean the airport will welcome up to 260million passengers.

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GULF Air is launching flights from two airports in the UK to Singapore, aiming to offer passengers competitive prices.

The Bahrain flag carrier will operate two new routes from London Heathrow and Manchester Airport to Singapore, with services stopping in Bahrain en route.

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Flights from London Heathrow will start operating next week on October 27, 2024.

The services will depart from the London airport at 9.30am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Flights will stopover in Bahrain, with stops lasting just under five hours according to the airline’s website.

Return services will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm before touching back down in the UK at 6.35am the following morning, with flights again stopping in Bahrain for several hours.

Economy class tickets start from £541 per person, with prices jumping up to £2,028 for seats in the Falcon Gold Class cabin.

Meanwhile, flights from Manchester Airport will depart at 10.25am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Stopovers in Bahrain will take just under four hours.

Return flights will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm, arriving back in the UK at 6.35am the next day, including a two-hour stopover.

Economy class tickets start from £556, with prices jumping up to £2,033 in the Falcon Gold Class Cabin.

The route will be operated by a Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Joanna Patterson, Director of Sales for Gulf Air, said, “UK travellers now have a great-value, easy option for accessing Singapore, via our Bahrain hub.

“This new daily route expands our commitment to the Southeast Asian market and is a key step in our global network expansion strategy.

“Singapore is a vibrant hub for business and tourism, and we’re thrilled to offer UK travellers greater access to this renowned destination.”

Singapore is a bucket list destination in its own right thanks to its £2 Michelin meals and famous Formula One circuit.

While the next Formula One race won’t be taking place until next year, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the country, including the Gardens by the Bay, which is famed for its display of flora and fauna.

It is home to ever-changing displays at the Flower Dome — a towering indoor waterfall at The Cloud Forest — as well as the 160ft vertical gardens at Supertree Grove.

Other attractions include taking a tour of famous graffiti artworks by Singapore’s answer to Banksy, Yip Yew Chong, who creates enormous, hand-painted murals inspired by the daily lives of Singaporeans.

The good news is, the city centre has some of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals on the planet.

At the Chinatown Complex Market is Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Hawker stall to win the coveted star, serves Michelin Star dishes for £2.

Ryanair recently launched a route from Newcastle to Marrakech.  

Earlier this year, Jet2 confirmed that a new route will operate between Manchester Airport and Porto.

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THE Boulevard Hotel in Blackpool was named the best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in the UK at an awards show in Northern Ireland.

It beat the likes of The Ritz Hotel in London, The Caledonian in Edinburgh and The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa to the top spot.  

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The Blackpool-based hotel scooped two other awards, including being named the Best Luxury Hotel in Northern Europe for the second year running and having the Best General Manager in Northern Europe.

Each of the nominations were evaluated based on several criteria, including luxury, presentation and guest feedback.

Over 300,000 guests and industry experts then voted on each of the nominations to name the winners.

Located on Blackpool‘s Ocean Boulevard, the aptly-named Boulevard Hotel first opened to the public in 2019.

Guests can book to stay in seven different types of rooms, including 120 Stylish Rooms, eight Junior Suites, two Park View Suites, eight Coastal Suites and family rooms.

Each of the rooms features bespoke artwork, including handmade furniture.

The Park View Suites have views overlooking Pleasure Beach Resort, one of the country’s best-loved seaside attractions.

These suites also have a separate living room, designer toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and a bottle of prosecco on arrival.

Meanwhile, the Coastal Suites have sea views and come equipped with an espresso machine, complimentary wine, luxury linen and Hungarian down duvets.

The £12 million hotel also has a restaurant called Beachside, which has enough space to seat 120 guests.

Afternoon tea is served between 12pm and 4pm every day and costs £29.95 per person, while dishes from the a la carte menu can be ordered from 5pm onwards.

Other facilities at the hotel include a state-of-the-art gym.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Boulevard Hotel said: “We opened Boulevard with the hope of introducing something rather unique to Blackpool, a truly luxurious hotel.

“Being able to add these awards to the hotel’s roster is a massive achievement – especially officially being Northern Europe’s Best Luxury Hotel for a second year running.

“A huge thanks to Klaus and all of the team who work so hard. And of course, thanks to all of our wonderful guests for voting for us.”

Previous visitors have raved about the hotel, with a 4.5/5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor.

One person wrote: “A great hotel stayed with comfortable areas and spacious rooms. We had dinner and breakfast and all were to a high standard.”

Another wonderful stay at this stunning hotel

Another added: “A beautiful modern and clean hotel, with very spacious rooms and lovely comfortable beds.”

A third person wrote: “Another wonderful stay at this stunning hotel.”

Rooms at the Boulevard Hotel start from £85 per night and include free tickets to Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

The Boulevard Hotel is a one-minute walk from Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, a seaside theme park that has a host of A-list fans.

Tim Burton, who is arguably the town’s biggest fan, first visited Blackpool in 2006 to watch The Killers perform.

The Hollywood Director visited Blackpool last year when he was filming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, boarding the theme park’s haunted ghost train for inspiration.

Other A-listers have been spotted in the northern seaside town, including Robbie Williams and Samuel L Jackson.

There are plenty of free activities in Blackpool too, including taking a selfie outside Blackpool Tower.

Stanley Park is also free to enter, with many activities costing just £1.

The town’s famous Blackpool Illuminations cost £2.4 million to stage, attracting more than 3.5 million visitors to the town every year.

Meanwhile, this theme park is the best value in the country and has the shortest queue times.

And this award-winning theme park is opening a new £300m attraction in the UK.

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