Travel

Your packages may soon be flown on a massive jet with only one pilot, and it's only a matter of time before you could be too

REUTERS/Tim Chong Airbus is eyeing the newly-launched A350 Freighter as a potential candidate for single-pilot flying.  Single-pilot operations are common in the private aviation and cargo realms but not with aircraft like the A350. Airlines are already working with Airbus to make single-pilot passenger aircraft a reality.  The labor and shipping crises are taking flight as newer cargo planes may be developed in a way that would require only one pilot to be at the controls for most of a fli...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Planes, Trends, Features, Flying, Arizona, Dubai, Aviation, Airbus, Faa, Boeing, Toulouse, Airbus A350, Alexa

Your packages may soon by flown on a massive jet with only one pilot, and it's only a matter of time before you could be too

REUTERS/Tim Chong Airbus is eyeing the newly-launched A350 Freighter as a potential candidate for single-pilot flying.  Single-pilot operations are common in the private aviation and cargo realms but not with aircraft like the A350. Airlines are already working with Airbus to make single-pilot passenger aircraft a reality.  The labor and shipping crises are taking flight as newer cargo planes may be developed in a way that would require only one pilot to be at the controls for most of a fli...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Planes, Trends, Features, Flying, Arizona, Dubai, Aviation, Airbus, Faa, Boeing, Toulouse, Airbus A350, Alexa

I flew from New York to San Diego through Mexico using an obscure border loophole — here's what it was like

Using Cross Border Xpress at Tijuana International Airport.Thomas Pallini/Insider Tijuana International Airport directly connects with the US through a private border crossing called Cross Border Xpress. The cross-border terminal allows travelers to access Tijuana International and its cheap fares to cities inside Mexico without having to enter Tijuana and deal with busy border crossings.  I put Cross Border Xpress to the test by flying from New York to Tijuana and immediately crossing back i...
Tags: Travel, Amazon, Transportation, New York, News, Air Travel, California, Mexico, Planes, US, Trends, Features, Flying, Mexico City, Delta, San Diego

From dedicated check-in desks to chauffeured cars, here are the perks Big Tech enjoys for spending hundreds of millions on air travel each year

Delta Air Lines check-in for Amazon and Microsoft employees in Seattle.Alexei Oreskovic/Insider Companies that spend millions of dollars on air travel are given incredible perks from airlines. One such perk is top-tier frequent flyer status that comes with free upgrades, lounge access, and chauffeurs. Amazon and Microsoft even have dedicated check-in counters at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.  Loyalty has its perks, especially when loyalty means spending hundreds of millions of dollars...
Tags: Travel, Apple, Amazon, Transportation, New York, News, Air Travel, Microsoft, China, Planes, US, Trends, General Motors, Flying, Porsche, Delta

An Alaska helicopter tour company says it's seen a 250% surge in business compared to 2019 as an influx of tourists travel to the state

Alaska Helicopter Tours glacier landing.Alaska Helicopter Tours Anchorage-based Alaska Helicopter Tours experienced a 250% boom in 2021 sales compared to 2019. Hiring enough ground staff was the company's biggest challenge during the surge in demand. The operator is expecting a strong 2022 season, with presales already doubling 2021. The pandemic wrecked the tourism industry in the northern-most US state of Alaska, but it's seeing a speedy recovery with one tourism company more than d...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Congress, US, Sales, Trends, Helicopters, Alaska, Tourism, Aviation, Hiring, Anchorage, Hanks, Denali National Park, Labor Shortage, COVID-19

Delta flights from South Africa have been forced to make stops in places like Boston and Puerto Rico because of 'payload' issues

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 XWB.viper-zero / Shutterstock.com Two Delta Air Lines flights from South Africa have had to make fuel stops in the past week. A mix of worsening weather conditions for aircraft and increased passenger and/or cargo count might be to blame, experts say.  Both flights, operating from Johannesburg to Atlanta, were operated by Airbus A350-900 XWB planes.  Two Delta Air Lines flights from South Africa to the US have had to make unscheduled stops for fuel in recent ...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, Boston, Planes, US, Trends, Atlanta, South Africa, Delta, Aviation, Airbus, Johannesburg, Airlines, Boeing

United Airlines just became the first airline in history to operate a passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel

United Airlines is the first airline in the world to use 100% SAF on a passenger flight.United Airlines United Airlines operated the world's first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The aircraft carried over 100 passengers from Chicago to Washington DC with United's CEO onboard. United has invested millions into SAF, as well as other projects to reduce its carbon footprint. United Airlines has become a global leader in reducing the aviation industry's carbon ...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Climate Change, Washington, US, Trends, Features, Chicago, Washington Dc, Aviation, Airlines, Carbon Footprint, Boeing, United, SAF

An Airbus A340 aircraft just landed on Antarctica for the first time ever — see the history of aviation on the 7th continent

The first Airbus A340 to land on Antarctica.Hi Fly An Airbus A340 made history in November when it became the first jet of its type to land on Antarctica. The South Pole has a long history of aviation that has contributed to the exploration of the continent. A number of airliners, military planes, turboprops, and luxury jets have landed on the polar tundra since 1956. Airlines operate regularly scheduled service to nearly every corner of the globe across six continents, connecting people to...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Australia, Navy, Russia, US, Trends, Bbc, Features, Ford, United Kingdom, Aircraft, Airplanes, Portugal, Antarctica, Cape Town

A private jet charter firm says it's seen more than 600 searches for flights out of South Africa since Omicron was identified

Wealthy travelers are searching for private jet flights out of South Africa.Shutterstock.com The newly-discovered Omicron variant of COVID-19 has the wealthy looking to leave South Africa.  Searches for private jet flights have increased to more than 600 inquires in one week's time for one company.  Only a select type of private jet can fly non-stop from South Africa to places like the East Coast of the US.  Southern Africa is among the latest COVID-19 hotspots following the detection of ...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, UK, News, Air Travel, Planes, Africa, US, Trends, Atlanta, Qatar, Flying, South Africa, Amsterdam, Cape Town, World Health Organization

Cargo planes and air carriers won big at the Dubai Airshow thanks to the shipping crisis and pandemic

Workers load a shipment of cargo onto a flight.Sean Gallup/Getty Images Air cargo was one of the big winners from the Dubai Airshow thanks to the shipping crisis. Airbus and Boeing landed orders for cargo jets, both new and converted, to meet rising demand. Boeing held off on launching the 777X Freighter while Airbus launched its A350 Freighter.  International airshows are typically a time for airlines to show off their latest and greatest innovations that seek to improve the flying experienc...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, UK, News, Air Travel, Planes, Trends, Canada, Emirates, Dubai, Aviation, Airbus, Air, Airlines, Boeing, Airbus A350

I went behind the scenes with Singapore Airlines to see how it's massively upgrading the onboard experience on the world's longest flights

Inside the Golden Door spa.Thomas Pallini/Insider Singapore Airlines has turned to the Golden Door Spa to give its ultra-long-haul flights an upgrade. Golden Door chef Greg Frey Jr is crafting a brand-new menu based on items served at the spa.  Singapore Airlines currently flies three of the top 10 longest flights in the world.  Singapore Airlines is a recognized leader in aviation when it comes to flying the longest commercial flights in the world. Soos Jozsef/Shutterstock.com While an...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, New York, News, Air Travel, California, Singapore, Planes, US, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Trends, Features, Flying, Aviation, Newark

Emirates will soon fly the world's largest twin-engine cargo plane in a landmark deal with an Israeli company

Israel Aerospace Industries' Boeing 777-300ER "Big Twin" cargo plane.Israel Aerospace Industries Emirates will convert four of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft into cargo freighters. Israel Aerospace Industries is tasked with the conversions and is currently developing the first Boeing 777-300 Special Freighter. Cargo airlines have been clamoring for more aircraft as the supply chain and shipping crises continue.  Emirates is the latest customer for the soon-to-be largest twin-engine cargo ...
Tags: Travel, Amazon, Transportation, UK, London, News, Air Travel, Planes, Israel, Trends, Features, Flying, Canada, Middle East, Arizona, Emirates

We were among the first to go onboard Gulfstream's new $78 million G700 and saw how it plans to stand out among encroaching rivals - see inside

A first look at Gulfstream's new G700. Thomas Pallini/Insider Gulfstream's largest-ever private jet will soon fly the most elite travelers as its first delivery in 2022 nears. The $78 million G700 offers nearly 57 feet on cabin length with room for a shower and bedroom. Competition from rival private jet manufacturers is threatening the G700's impressive size and range. Gulfstream is preparing to debut its largest private jet yet, catering to an elite class of traveler th...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, France, Planes, US, Trends, Qatar, Flying, Aviation, Doha, Private Jets, Bombardier, Qatar Airways, Gulfstream

A private jet firm is using Honda's $5 million private jets to offer the wealthy a luxurious experience for less than the price of using larger planes

A Volato HondaJet Elite. Thomas Pallini/Insider Volato is a private aviation company using the HondaJet as its flagship aircraft. Wealthy flyers can purchase an ownership stake in the aircraft and pay an hourly rate of $3,200 plus fuel. The HondaJet is underutilized in the US but offers an impressively spacious cabin with a range of nearly 1,500 nautical miles. When Americans think of the name "Honda," chances are most of them aren't thinking about a private jet. But one company is l...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, New York, Air Travel, US, Trends, Features, Flying, Aviation, Honda, Long Island, Private Jets, Private Jet, NetJets, Liotta, FlexJet

The air route between Singapore and Malaysia - one of the world's busiest air routes - is set to resume quarantine-free travel

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380. Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock Quarantine-free air travel between Singapore and Malaysia for the fully vaccinated is slated to resume on November 29. The program is slated to start with six designated services between Singapore and Malaysia each day. Before the pandemic, the one-hour flight was one of the busiest international air routes in the world. The air route between Singapore and Malaysia - one of the world's busiest air routes - is slated to ope...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Singapore, Planes, Trends, Malaysia, Tourism, Kuala Lumpur, Aviation, Brooklyn Bridge, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Changi Airport, Taipei Taiwan, Johor

I used CBX, the private border crossing bridge that connects Tijuana airport with the US and found it's one of the best kept secrets for travelers

Using Cross Border Xpress at Tijuana International Airport. Thomas Pallini/Insider Cross Border Xpress connects Tijuana International Airport with the US through a private border crossing. Flyers can use Cross Border Xpress when flying in and out of Tijuana to avoid wait times at traditional ports of entry. It took me no more than 15 minutes to get from Tijuana to the US using the crossing with virtually no lines for US Customs and Border Protection. See more stories on Insider's bu...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, California, Mexico, Planes, US, Trends, Features, Flying, Mexico City, San Diego, Aviation, Starbucks, Airlines

JetBlue is trying to cater to business travelers on its London routes with a new Mint business class cabin. But it's missing some key amenities.

Flying JetBlue Airways from London to New York in Mint business class. Thomas Pallini/Insider JetBlue is the newest airline flying between New York and London, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Mint business class has been fully upgraded for the long-haul flights with a new cabin and dining experience. The flights are, however, not perfectly suited to match the needs of traditional business travelers. JetBlue is looking to make a splash in the transatlantic market with the s...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Florida, New York, London, Air Travel, Life, Air Canada, New York City, US, Trends, Aer Lingus, Flying, Atlantic, Heathrow, Gatwick

Qatar Airways glamorous new business class suite is traveling the globe on its newest plane, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - take a look

Inside a Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Thomas Pallini/Insider Qatar Airways started flying the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2021 with a new business class product. A total of 30 business class s2uites comprise the cabin with sliding doors for privacy. New innovations including a wireless charging pad can also be found in the suites. Qatar Airways has a new product to offer its premium cabin customers that are flying on the newest addition to the airline's aircraft family. ...
Tags: Travel, Apple, Transportation, New York, London, News, Air Travel, Singapore, Planes, Trends, Features, Flying, Atlantic, Aviation, Airbus, Boeing

An airline pilot that's kicked passengers off planes for not wearing masks shares what goes on in the cockpit when passengers become unruly

Sorbis / Shutterstock.com Pilots and flight attendants have been forced to deal with increased bouts of violence in the skies. Tensions over the ongoing federal mask mandate have created hostile environments on some flights. One airline pilot shared how he deals with unruly flyers and what goes on in the cockpit while incidents occur. See more stories on Insider's business page. The airline industry is facing unprecedented levels of violent incidents onboard airplanes as tensions ri...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, Planes, US, Los Angeles, Trends, Flying, Aviation, Airlines, Pilots, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Attendants, American Airlines, Allied Pilots Association

American Airlines flight attendants union tells employees they won't be fired if they refuse to get vaccinated by the airline's deadline

An American Airlines flight attendant. LM Otero/AP American Airlines' flight attendant union is telling members that they won't be immediately fired if they remain unvaccinated past the airline's deadline. All American employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 per a Biden administration mandate for federal contractors. American's deadline for vaccination is just days before the Thanksgiving holiday. American Airlines' flight attendant union is telling flight atte...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, Planes, Trends, Joe Biden, Flying, Aviation, Airlines, Biden, United, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Flight Attendants, Delta Air Lines

New airline ITA has officially taken over for Alitalia - see the full history of Italy's troubled flag carrier

ITA Airways Chairman Alfredo Altavilla poses with rendering of new livery ITA Press Office/Handout via REUTERS Government-owned Alitalia ceased operations on October 15, marking the end of its 74-year era. Alitalia has been replaced by ITA Airways, a brand new airline that will not be responsible for the old carrier's debt. ITA plans to buy 28 Airbus jets, create a new aircraft livery, and launch a new loyalty program. Alitalia has officially ceased operations and handed the baton to n...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Asia, Europe, UK, New York, Milan, News, Air Travel, Life, Germany, Berlin, Planes, Trends, Eu, Bloomberg

I flew Spirit across the US for $35 after it canceled thousands of flights in August. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again but it wasn't without risks.

Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider Spirit Airlines in August canceled thousands of flights after extreme weather impacted its operation, impacting its reputation for cheap on-time flights. The event highlighted the risks of booking with an ultra-low-cost carrier, which may recover slower than larger carriers. Even with the risks, Spirit still manages to attract flyers that are price-focused with fares lower than $35 one-way fo...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, California, Boston, Planes, New York City, US, Trends, Features, Chicago, Flying, Spirit, Aviation, Airbus

Delta is falling behind top competitors by not mandating vaccines for employees despite Biden’s mandate

Delta Air Lines has not yet mandated vaccines for workers despite President Joe Biden's executive order for federal contractors. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider Delta Air Lines hasn't yet required vaccines for employees despite President Biden's mandate for federal contractors. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines now require employees to be vaccinated. Delta says its existing strategy of encouraging vaccines is helping to increase the vaccination rates. ...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, Planes, US, Trends, Atlanta, Joe Biden, Afghanistan, Flying, Delta, Aviation, Biden, United, Southwest Airlines

Delta is months away from debuting its new $3.9 billion terminal at New York's LaGuardia Airport with 37 gates and its largest lounge ever

Touring Delta Air Lines' new terminal at LaGuardia Airport. Thomas Pallini/Insider Delta Air Lines is two years ahead of schedule on its new terminal construction at New York's LaGuardia Airport. A new arrivals and departures hall, the largest-ever Delta Sky Club, and the second of four concourses concourse will open in spring 2022. The 1.3 million-square-foot terminal will feature 37 gates when complete in 2024. See more stories on Insider's business page. LaGuardia Air...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, New York, News, Airports, Air Travel, Trends, Ap, Features, Flying, Canada, Delta, Aviation, Airbus, Starbucks, Tsa

I lived in the 'best airport in the world' for 48 hours and saw why its lounges, shops, and swimming pool make it perfect for travelers

Doha, Qatar's Hamad International Airport. Thomas Pallini/Insider Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar was just voted the "best airport in the world" by Skytrax. I spent 48 hours in the airport on a recent trip to Doha and got to explore nearly every crevice. The airport is incredibly traveler-friendly with amenities for every type of flyer, including families. See more stories on Insider's business page. Aviation rating company Skytrax has crowned Hamad International A...
Tags: Travel, Apple, Transportation, Elon Musk, New York, London, News, Airports, Air Travel, Singapore, Air Canada, Planes, US, Trends, Qatar, Features

I flew American Airlines to Europe for the first time during the pandemic and found it's back to normal with bad food, uncomfortable seats, and free alcohol

Flying American Airlines from New York to Madrid, Spain during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider American Airlines is one of four US carriers flying overseas to Europe and has recently started increasing services as more countries open to American tourists. Transatlantic flights are pretty much back to normal, besides having to wear a mask. Hot meals and alcohol are once again served in all cabins including economy class. See more stories on Insider's business page. American ...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Europe, New York, London, News, Air Travel, Planes, US, Trends, Spain, Features, Rome, Aviation, John, Airlines

While world leaders are at the UN talking climate change, their private jets are often forced to fly and park hundreds of miles away

Boris Johnson speaking at the United Nations General Assembly EDUARDO MUNOZ/POOL/AFP/Getty World leaders from across the globe flew into New York City to attend the United Nations General Assembly. Their aircraft, however, weren't allowed to stay at New York City's airports due to a long-standing rule. Boris Johnson took Amtrak's Acela from New York to Washington, DC while his plane was parked in Virginia. See more stories on Insider's business page. New York City in Sept...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, UK, New York, London, News, Air Travel, Climate Change, Washington, White House, Virginia, Planes, New York City, US, America, Trends

South African Airways is flying again after its government cut funding last year. Here's a look at the collapse and revival of the 87-year-old national airline.

SAA relaunches flights after a year of inactivity Reuters South African Airways relaunched operations with a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town after a year of inactivity. Though not involved in the relaunch, the airline has likely secured a new investor, Takatso Consortium. SAA said it's optimistic about its revival, but it's not without its skeptics. See more stories on Insider's business page. South African Airways was on the brink of disappearance after years of financia...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Europe, New York, London, Air Travel, Australia, Planes, Africa, US, Trends, Features, Rome, Frankfurt, South Africa, New York Times

Small airlines battle to serve the most remote US cities, where even empty flights can be profitable thanks to millions in subsidies

An Advanced Airlines Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft. Joey Gerardi/Gerardi Aviation Photography The US government's Essential Air Service program gives subsidies to airlines serving remote cities. Around $315 million is being spent in 2021 for Lower 48 cities, given largely to the country's smallest airlines. EAS cities are highly sought after and communities can be very particular with who serves them. See more stories on Insider's business page. Beckley, West Virginia; Bu...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, News, Air Travel, Planes, US, America, San Francisco, Trends, Flying, Alaska, Aviation, Michigan, Airlines, Detroit, Boeing

I flew on a $65 million Gulfstream G650ER private jet and saw why it's a favorite of tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos

Flying on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. Thomas Pallini/Insider The Gulfstream G650ER is one of the largest purpose-built private jets currently in service. Billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos use the aircraft to traverse the globe in speed and luxury. Private airlines including Qatar Executive allow the wealthy to charter the aircraft instead of owning it outright. See more stories on Insider's business page. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos might be rival space cowboys bu...
Tags: Travel, Transportation, Elon Musk, Texas, News, Air Travel, California, Planes, Trends, Qatar, Features, Thailand, Flying, Richard Branson, Aviation, Airlines