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When it comes to air travel, the class you choose can make or break your journey. Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler or a luxury-seeking jet-setter, the decision between premium economy and economy can be a tough one - and there&rsquo;s more to it than just the price!&nbsp;
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let's first define what we mean by premium economy and economy class (because it&rsquo;s not always obvious!)
<img src="https://cdn.jacksflightclub.com/id/74bb7347883e6bb009661a0fee37f94f1c0f0ecb" width="755" height="755" alt="A person at a caf&eacute; uses a laptop to browse a flight booking website.">
Premium economy is a hybrid between economy and business class, offering a step-up in comfort and amenities without breaking the bank. You&rsquo;ll have a more comfortable experience that includes additional legroom, improved in-flight entertainment, meal options, etc. but without the eye-watering price tag of business class.
Economy class, on the other hand, is the most budget-friendly option, with fewer frills but still providing the essentials for a safe and comfortable flight.&nbsp;
Think of premium economy as a way to upgrade your flight experience, while still keeping costs reasonable. It's a great option for travelers who want a little extra comfort, but don't want to splurge on a business or first-class ticket. Economy class, on the other hand, is perfect for budget-conscious travelers or those who prioritize cost over comfort.
<h2>Sit Back and Relax: Comparing Comfort and Amenities</h2>
Premium economy is not a huge upgrade from economy class, but does offer a few extra perks to make your flight more comfortable. One of the biggest differences between premium economy and economy is the seating and legroom.&nbsp;
In premium economy, you can expect more spacious seats with extra legroom, making those long haul flights a little more bearable, especially for taller passengers and those with back or joint pain. While in the economy, seats are narrower and have less legroom, but are still comfortable enough for short to medium flights.
<img src="https://cdn.jacksflightclub.com/id/c1ab722be30c091ef99f1d38acf42368446815dd" width="1183" height="795" alt="A person sits in a yellow-and-blue airplane seat, with minimal leg room.">
But comfort isn't just about legroom, it's also about convenience and the in-flight experience. Premium economy typically offers at least 2 checked bags, priority boarding, a smaller cabin, and amenity kits. Plus, you get more meal options and better in-flight entertainment. So, you won't have to settle for a sad, dry sandwich and a terrible movie.
And let's not forget about those little extras that can make all the difference. Premium economy often offers goodies like noise-canceling headphones, blankets, and pillows. So, you can arrive at your destination feeling fresh and well-rested, instead of feeling like you've just been through the wringer.
<h2>Breaking Down the Cost: Is Premium Economy Worth the Extra Bucks?</h2>
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: cost. You might be wondering, how much more expensive is premium economy compared to the basic economy class? Well, it all depends on the airline and the route, but on average, you can expect to pay around 1.5-3 times more for premium economy.&nbsp;
For example, if an economy class ticket costs $500, a premium economy ticket for the same flight could cost anywhere from $750 to $1000. But before you start counting your pennies, let's see if it's worth it.
First, think about your travel style and budget. If you're all about saving money and have no problem sitting in a cramped seat for hours, then economy might be the way to go. But, if you're the type of traveler who values comfort, extra legroom, gourmet meals, or just traveling with more luggage, then the extra cost for premium economy might be worth it.
And don't forget to consider the length of your flight. If it's a short hop across the country, the extra cost for premium economy might not be worth it. But, if you're flying across the ocean for 10 hours or more, the extra comfort could make all the difference, especially on overnight flights.&nbsp;
<h2>Fly More, Spend Less: How Premium Economy Affects Frequent Flyer Programs</h2>
The type of class you fly in can make a big difference in your frequent flyer status. Flying in premium economy may cost a little more upfront, but it can pay off in the long run with added frequent flyer benefits. And who doesn't love free upgrades and extra perks?
​​Frequent flyer programs reward travelers for their loyalty to a specific airline. The more you fly with them, the more miles you earn and the closer you get to elite status. Elite status means more perks, such as free upgrades, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges.
So, what's the catch? Usually, the more expensive the ticket, the more miles you'll earn. This is where premium economy comes in. While it's more expensive than economy class, it's often less expensive than business class. And, despite being a lower class than business, you'll still earn more miles than you would in economy.

<img src="https://cdn.jacksflightclub.com/id/b2f98507c13cd2e6003806becd8500629168319b" width="1210" height="805" alt="A traveler stands in a busy airport terminal, looking at the flight information display board.">
For example, let's say you're a member of <a href="https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/overview">Delta's SkyMiles</a> program. If you book a round-trip ticket from New York to Paris in economy, you'll earn a total of 5,510 miles. But, if you book the same trip in premium economy, you'll earn 6,930 miles &ndash; that's an additional 1,420 miles!
Another example is <a href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/aadvantage-program.jsp">American Airlines' AAdvantage</a> program. If you book a round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to London in economy, you'll earn 7,020 miles. But, if you book the same trip in premium economy, you'll earn 8,880 miles &ndash; that's an extra 1,860 miles!
Keep in mind, every airline's frequent flyer program is different, so it's a good idea to check out your specific airline's program to see how premium economy class affects your benefits. In general though, flying in premium economy can help you fly more and spend less on future trips.
<h2>Who has the best premium economy cabin?</h2>
The airline industry is constantly evolving and improving their premium economy offerings. But if you're looking for the cr&egrave;me de la cr&egrave;me of premium economy, then look no further than Emirates and Cathay Pacific. <a href="https://www.emirates.com/english/experience/cabin-features/premium-economy-class/">Emirates</a>' premium economy cabin offers fully-reclining seats, gourmet dining, and ample legroom, making it a top pick for luxury-seeking travelers.
And let's not forget about <a href="https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_IE/flying-with-us/flight-classes/premium-economy-class.html">Cathay Pacific</a>, whose premium economy cabin boasts spacious seats with extra legroom, and a range of dining options, including dim sum and congee. It's no wonder that Cathay Pacific's premium economy has an almost permanent spot on the award boards.

<h2>Premium Economy vs. Business Class</h2>
So, you've got some cash to burn and want to upgrade your flying experience. The big question is, do you settle for the middle ground with premium economy, or go all out with business class?
Well, premium economy is like the Lexus of flying. It's not as fancy as business class, but it&rsquo;s comfier than a Civic (aka economy).
While business class is like the Rolls-Royce of flying. You get to stretch out on a flat-bed seat with fluffy bedding, chow down on gourmet food curated by a fancy chef, lounge around like a boss at the airport. And if you're lucky, you might even get your own private cabin with aisle access, a privacy barrier, and a chauffeur to drive you to the airport (because walking is so yesterday). Oh, and those noise-canceling headphones? Standard issue in Business Class.
So, how do you score a deal on these fancy flying options? Easy-peasy: book in advance, be on the lookout for <a href="https://jacksflightclub.com/travel-hub/heres-when-airlines-run-sales">sales or promotions</a>, and join <a href="https://jacksflightclub.com/">the club</a> to get notified about discounts. If you're feeling lucky, you can even try bidding for an upgrade, but we&rsquo;re not making any promises there.&nbsp;
Most importantly, do your research on different airlines, because the quality of these classes can vary greatly between airlines. It can sometimes be like comparing a 5-star hotel to a Motel 6.
<blockquote>
We've put together a guide to give you a better understanding of the <a href="https://jacksflightclub.com/travel-hub/business-vs-first-class-flights">differences between business and first class</a>. We've even done the research for you and compared different airlines' products, so you don't have to!
</blockquote>
At the end of the day, the choice between premium economy and economy class is all about what works best for you. It all comes down to your personal preferences and travel goals.
 If you&rsquo;re looking for added comfort and amenities, premium economy is the way to go. However, if you&rsquo;re more focused on saving money, economy class may be a better fit. Whichever class you choose, happy travels!
. . .
Still have questions? Feel free to drop us a message on support@jacksflightclub.com and we'll be happy to help.
. . .

The Airline Upgrade Dilemma: Economy vs. Premium Economy

United States

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Which airlines offer student flight discounts?

Featured

There are over 3 million travel hungry members in our community, here's a taste of the discussions, advice and stories being told.

Community Stories

Kenya

Namibia

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Vietnam

France

Greece

Italy

Canada

At some point on our travels, we&rsquo;ve all probably felt that familiar urge: standing before an iconic landmark and reaching for a camera simply because everyone else is doing the same.
But there&rsquo;s a delicate balance between living in the moment and capturing it.
Do we really take the time to stop and be present to witness the way the afternoon light hits the courtyard of Alhambra, or are we focused on how it&rsquo;ll look to our followers?
Personally, I&rsquo;m team take-the-photo, but don&rsquo;t whisk me away before allowing me to pause and soak in the magic of the moment afterward.&nbsp;
In fact, taking a picture is often how I absorb the experience. Especially when it comes to landscape or street photography. I&rsquo;m by no means an expert, but thinking about what&rsquo;s in front of me and how to snap it helps me notice its nuance. Light, patterns, texture, shadow, emotion...&nbsp;
The camera becomes my tool for mindfulness. Even in the quiet in-between of waiting for &ldquo;the perfect shot,&rdquo; I find myself soaking in the sounds and smells of a place far more deeply than I could have if I had simply admired it and walked on by.
It turns out that most of you seem to feel the same way. We asked our Facebook community for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2825021901186986/">their best travel shots</a>, and we were truly blown away!&nbsp;
And since the adage &ldquo;a picture says a thousand words&rdquo;&nbsp;definitely rings true. I&rsquo;ll quit my word count here and let your lenses speak for themselves&hellip;&nbsp;

📸 Jamie in <a href="https://www.yalasrilanka.lk/">Yala National Park, Sri Lanka</a>.

📸 Lynda in <a href="https://www.theroadreel.com/things-to-do-in-scilla-calabria-italy/">Scilla, Italy</a>.&nbsp;

📸 Mel in <a href="https://thebanffblog.com/maligne-lake/">Maligne Lake, AB, Canada</a>

📸 Kathy <a href="https://voyagefox.net/the-best-photo-spots-in-santorini/">in Santorini</a>

📸 Stephen in <a href="https://www.hluhluwegamereserve.com/">Hluhluwe&ndash;iMfolozi Park</a>, South Africa

📸 Jennifer in <a href="https://www.wheregoesrose.com/ha-long-bay-vietnam/">Ha Long Bay, Vietnam</a>

📸 Andy in <a href="https://ellamckendrick.com/the-ultimate-namibia-travel-guide/">Nambia</a>

📸 Vicki in <a href="https://www.wanderwithjamie.com/blog/phuquoc">Phu Quoc, Vietnam</a>

📸 Gillian in <a href="https://thetravelauthor.com/complete-guide-to-annecy-france/">Annecy, France</a>

📸Robin in <a href="https://www.visitutah.com/articles/bonneville-salt-flats-planning-guide">Bonneville, Utah</a>

📸Tammy in <a href="https://beyondthebucketlist.co/where-to-see-wildlife-kenyas-best-national-parks-ranked/">Kenya</a>

<h2 id="n">Now it's your turn!</h2>
Our Travel Photos competition is now closed for entries, but you can still share your fave travel snaps and stories with other Jack's Travelers any time! Bonus points for from a trip you took using a Jack's Flight.
Click the button below, sign into Jack's Members Lounge, hit 'Contribute' in the top right corner, and select 'Share a travel story'. The rest is up to you!

Through Our Lens: Community Travel Photo Competition

Community Hub

Your weekly dose of travel news and inspiration from around the Jack's Flight Club Community

Take The Detour...

Oman

Hey there, Travellers!
Today I'm coming to you from a rather sweaty and chaotic Zagreb Bus Station, where I'm attempting to catch a bus to Rijeka, on the Croatian coast. The last time I passed through here, my travel buddies and I had such an unenjoyable experience that Navigator Larissa was inspired to write an article rating <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/the-best-and-worst-stations-around-europe-an-extremely-honest-review-1">the best and worst stations in Europe</a>.
This week, we've been traversing Europe on trains and buses yet again as part of another&nbsp;<a href="https://lupine.co.uk/race/">Lupine Racing</a> event. After setting off from Brussels on Sunday, we have faced Deutsche Bahn delays, traffic jams, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/07/extreme-heat-breaks-temperature-records-central-eastern-europe">extreme temperatures in Central Europe</a> along our route through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Needless to say, there are probably a few more stations we could be adding to that list now!
As always, the highlight of these trips is not only visiting towns we've never heard of before, but also meeting likeminded travellers along the way. As sponsors of the event, Jack's hosts a social evening, The Layover, in the midway city. This time, we set up camp in the beer garden at Salzburg's giant <a href="https://www.augustinerbier.at/home.html">Augustiner Brewery</a> and shared a few steins, a round of trivia, and lots of travel stories between us.
Tomorrow, after a quick dip in the Med, we'll head for the finish line in one of my favourite Europe cities, Ljubljana. Wish us luck!
I hope your next adventure is as exciting as ours has been (though ideally with fewer delays).
Happy travels and safe landings,

Katy - Editor of The Detour

Jack's Honest Airline Reviews: Oman Air First (and Business) Class

With journeys spanning more than 30 countries and ten years, Akasha's best memories live in the pages of her passport. She always consults her tarot (and her cats) before any big trip. Currently based in Ireland, when she isn't travelling, she&rsquo;s probably drawing in a caf&eacute; somewhere.

By Akasha

If there&rsquo;s one hill I&rsquo;ll die on, it&rsquo;s this: The beauty of travel lies not in how far you wander but in how deeply you immerse yourself.&nbsp;
Before, I would&rsquo;ve said that to truly immerse yourself, you must earn it; better yet, endure it.&nbsp;
My twisted, achy body after long-haul flights and even longer buses was a testament to this. If I wasn&rsquo;t playing charades with border police at 3am or crammed in the back of a pickup truck with several strangers (and livestock), was I really even traveling? I mean, to reach some of the most underrated corners of the world, there had to be some type of melodrama involved.
I won&rsquo;t lie, my heart has never been immune to envy when shimmying past first-class passengers to reach my knee-cracking seat in coach. But flying first class was wedged way down on my bucket list, in between summiting Kilimanjaro and crossing the Drake Passage in Antarctica. Someday experiences if the stars aligned.&nbsp;
As fate would have it, earlier this year we spotted some brow-raising first-class fares with Oman Air that were just begging to be booked. Could a trip still feel deep and immersive if it started with comfort instead of chaos? Only one way to find out.&nbsp;
As it turns out, immersing yourself in a culture is a lot easier when you arrive clear-headed, totally present, and entirely unbruised&hellip;

Unfortunately, I can&rsquo;t say the same for my return flight home. The epitome of melodramatic, it unexpectedly had me squeezed in economy heading for Saudi Arabia instead of Ireland. But let&rsquo;s not get ahead of ourselves&hellip;
<h2 dir="ltr" id="flight-aircraft-details">Flight details:</h2>
Oman Air's Business Class is considered a total masterpiece, but it often goes under the radar, sort of like a boutique hotel vs. the giant copy-and-paste corporate chains.&nbsp;
And while their first class is technically retired, it&rsquo;s in name only. They&rsquo;ve essentially ripped &ldquo;First Class&rdquo; off the label of their luxe Apex suites and have transitioned them into an enhanced boutique business tier. 
We still consider them to be first class, as flying in their fully enclosed suites is truly an underrated, first-class caliber experience. Especially for a pauper like me.&nbsp;

Don't fall for this Google Flights trap! Google Flights lists First Class and Business Class fares available for the exact same seats, even though Oman Air retired the First Class label in late 2024.&nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAhouEgoyMDI3LTAyLTA2KAAyAldZagwIAxIIL20vMDRqcGxyDAgCEggvbS8wZnFkcxouEgoyMDI3LTAyLTEzKAAyAldZagwIAhIIL20vMGZxZHNyDAgDEggvbS8wNGpwbEABSARwAYIBCwj___________8BmAEB&amp;tfu=EgYIABAAGAA&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=IE">"First Class" options</a> are significantly pricier and only bookable with an OTA, but they are identical to the <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights/search?tfs=CBwQAhouEgoyMDI3LTAyLTA2KAAyAldZagwIAxIIL20vMDRqcGxyDAgCEggvbS8wZnFkcxouEgoyMDI3LTAyLTEzKAAyAldZagwIAhIIL20vMGZxZHNyDAgDEggvbS8wNGpwbEABSANwAYIBCwj___________8BmAEB&amp;tfu=EgYIABAAGAA&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=IE">Business Class booking</a>. Save your money, book standard business, and enjoy a first-class caliber experience for half the price.

Jack's Oman Air First Class Hack

<h2 id="general-facilities">The Suite</h2>
Each of the eight suites onboard spans three windows and is set in a 2-2-2 configuration. All have direct aisle access from a hidden walkway between each suite.&nbsp;
The window seats (A &amp; K) are highly rated in the aviation community for their multi-window views and this dedicated private walkway, meaning you don&rsquo;t have to scramble over your seatmate. The aisle, however, is fully exposed to foot traffic, so I&rsquo;d recommend snagging a window seat if possible.&nbsp;
Originally, the airline assigned me an aisle seat with no ability to switch before my flight. I&rsquo;m not sure if this was a glitch in the system or a common inconvenience to passengers. When I boarded, however, I offered to switch seats with another traveler so he could sit next to his partner.&nbsp;

Inside this cushy pod of peace is a motorized privacy screen that can be raised between you and your neighbor, making it feel deeply secluded.
Unlike Air France or Qatar, where your feet have to slide below a narrow coffin-like enclosure under the armrest, the Apex suites offer an open, wide ottoman. That means side-sleepers like myself can flop around completely unhindered on a lie-flat bed. They also offer adjustable lumbar support and a massage function.&nbsp;
As far as space, the size of the seats is 22.8 inches (57.9 cm) wide with a pitch of 80 inches (203.2 cm) and a lengthy bed of 76 inches (193 cm). These far exceed the configurations of British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates.

I&rsquo;ve heard a few complaints about storage within the Apex Suite. Beyond a small pocket for a water bottle and my phone, there are no large, enclosed side lockers or deep bins to store your laptop or small bags while sleeping. 
There's a designated storage area under the TV, far enough to be unreachable from your seat. This wasn't an issue for me, but I can see how it could be frustrating, especially for people with mobility challenges.
<h2 dir="ltr" id="food">Food</h2>
Definitely one of the biggest highlights of flying with Oman Air was the chance to try Omani flavors before even landing. Soon after takeoff, the staff presented us with dates, a hot towel, and a drink of our choice. I couldn&rsquo;t help myself and asked for a glass of Laurent Perrier to toast my first first-class flight.&nbsp;
It did take quite a while for the main meals to be served, something that displeased my new neighbor by delaying his sleep. Honestly, though, all was forgiven when the first course arrived.&nbsp;
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jacks-honest-airline-reviews-oman-air-first-class-business">Keep reading</a> for more highs, as well as the very eventful lows...

Flying High

The Modern Miracle of Jet Lag (and all its wacky cures)

A San Diego native, Olivia left home three years ago to live on the road. Since then, she's had homebases everywhere from Quebec to England to New Orleans, but she always ends up back on the West Coast. When she's not hiking through the desert or the woods, she can usually be found exploring her current city and scoping out the best bars and coffee shops.

Olivia - Sub-Editor of the Detour

There&rsquo;s something so fascinating to me about the concept of jet lag. After millions of years of naturally waking and sleeping in rhythm with the sun, humans finally figured out how to outrun it. We now treat the disruption of one of our most basic biological systems like an everyday nuisance, even though it was an unimaginable experience for most of Earth&rsquo;s history.
People have been aware of &ldquo;time zones&rdquo; in some form for a lot longer than we&rsquo;ve been dealing with jet lag. Dante even mentioned the concept in&nbsp;Purgatorio, when he wrote that it was midnight in India and noon in Spain, but he had no way of knowing what would happen if someone made that entire journey in one afternoon.
The first person to actually experience and record the sensation of jet lag was the aviator Wiley Post, who wrote about changing his sleep schedule across time zones when he&nbsp;<a href="https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/11/when-did-people-start-moving-fast-enough-to-experience-jet-lag.html">circumnavigated the globe in 1931</a>. That makes jet lag younger than Mickey Mouse and David Attenborough!&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Winnie Mae &mdash; the plane that Wiley Post flew around the globe
Newspapers in the 1960s (when commercial flight was starting to boom) wrote about the condition like it was a bothersome new side effect of the modern era, similar to how we write about doomscrolling or deepfakes in 2026. So while jet lag may seem like a commonplace nuisance, we&rsquo;re actually the first few generations to feel that way.
This is what I was thinking about in the days after my return from Europe last month, which gave me a nine-hour shift backwards in time. I&rsquo;ve done that time zone shift before and never had the slightest problem with jet lag, so I always figured I was mostly immune to it. But for whatever reason, this one hit me&nbsp;hard. I crashed immediately when I got home and ended up on a seemingly unbreakable 6pm-2am sleep schedule, physically unable to stay awake until sunset no matter what I tried.&nbsp;
I spent an entire week in that weird limbo that most travelers find eventually, where you feel half like you&rsquo;re at home and half like you&rsquo;re still overseas. To quote a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&amp;dat=19660212&amp;id=ppouAAAAIBAJ&amp;sjid=np8FAAAAIBAJ&amp;pg=7000,2816555&amp;hl=en">delightfully vintage newspaper article from 1966</a>, &ldquo;There you are having martinis with Grace and Rainier when you should be sipping orange juice.&rdquo;

Unfortunately, the only jet lag cures that article could offer were avoiding overnight flights (not exactly feasible for today&rsquo;s travelers) and resisting the urge to drink too many cocktails on the plane even though &ldquo;there is nothing else to do.&rdquo; Who knew those in-flight movies were also minimizing the spread of jet lag?
Lucky for me, the condition has been around long enough now that everyone and their mother has a cure they swear by. I had the Jack's team ask our community for theirs, and they did not disappoint. Digging through your answers (and doing some trawling in the depths of Reddit), I found a wide range of approaches.&nbsp;
First, you have your folks who carefully plan ahead. These travelers try to prevent jet lag before it ever hits by&nbsp;adjusting their schedule before they depart. This is what Wiley Post did before his record-breaking flight, so it&rsquo;s actually the oldest jet lag cure in the book!
The most extreme (and reportedly reliable) version of this approach is known on travel Reddit as &ldquo;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/16dfokg/lpt_the_pilots_method_to_avoid_jetlag_every_time/">the pilot&rsquo;s method</a>,&rdquo; and involves a 16-hour fast that functions as a body reset, followed by a big breakfast at your destination&rsquo;s breakfast time. Less intense variations might include getting up earlier or going to bed later than usual for a few days before your flight.

These methods put a spotlight on the core of most jet lag strategies: No matter how uncomfortable it gets, you have to force yourself to match the schedule of your surroundings. Eat at mealtimes even when you&rsquo;re not hungry, stay up till bedtime no matter how tired you are, and so on. Your body takes so long to naturally adjust that you&rsquo;ll lose half your trip if you let it call the shots.
To speed up that adjustment period, a lot of you swear by an app called&nbsp;Timeshifter. This app provides sleeping and eating schedules tailored to your trip, so it might be something to try if you&rsquo;re the organized type and want to stick to a strict regimen.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/the-modern-miracle-of-jet-lag-and-all-its-wacky-cures">See more jetlag-beating tips...</a>

Travel Tips & Tales

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The WestJet strike mess is starting to clean up, but after they left <a href="https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2026/08/04/canadians-out-thousands-of-dollars-and-still-looking-for-a-way-to-get-home-after-westjet-strike/">thousands of passengers stranded over the holiday weekend</a>, no one&rsquo;s eager to celebrate (except maybe the suits at Air Canada). </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A travel insurance company just released a list of the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2026/07/30/happiest-destinations-travel-study/91085195007/">happiest destinations on Earth</a>. No, Disneyland didn&rsquo;t make the list, but the grown-up version is #4! </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Here's a sentence that we never expected to write: You can now <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/marmot-researchers-make-onlyfans-22357723.php">subscribe to wild marmots on OnlyFans</a>. Have fun explaining that one to your partner when the charges show up on your credit card. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A national name change took place this week! The tiny island nation of Nauru is to <a href="https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/nauru-worlds-3rd-smallest-country-naoero-135318134">be henceforth known as Naoero</a>. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">And finally, we'll send you off with a fun little time-waster &mdash; this map lets you explore castles, palaces, and fortresses <a href="https://thecastlemap.com/">all over the world</a>. So if you need us, we&rsquo;ll be daydreaming about Moroccan courtyards and Japanese gardens&hellip;</li>
</ul>

Travel News

Flying in Style to Oman & Meditating on the Miracle of Jet Lag

Hey there, Travellers,
Over the last month, we've had submissions for our Travel Photo competition rolling in, which has now closed. All the pictures and stories you submitted have truly brought a smile to our faces here at Jack's, so thank you to everyone who threw their hat in the ring.&nbsp;
But now we need your help, readers: we have to choose a winner! The Jack's team has cast their discerning eye over all the entries and come up with a shortlist, which you can vote on via the button below 👇

Pick your three favourites by Thursday, 30th July, and we will announce the lucky winner of &pound;/$/&euro;500 towards a flight right here in The Detour and on our socials on Friday, 31st.
To see all the wonderful pictures submitted by your fellow Jack's Travellers and read the stories behind them, take a browse through <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/postcards">our Postcard Wall</a>.
Happy travels and safe landings,

Passport to the Parks: Meet Carlsbad Caverns National Park

San Diego native Olivia left home three years ago to live on the road. Since then, she's had homebases everywhere from Quebec to England to New Orleans, but she always ends up back on the West Coast. When she's not hiking through the desert or the woods, she's usually exploring her current city and scoping out the best bars and coffee shops.

By Olivia

Since the first US National Park was established in 1872, sixty-two others have popped up, ranging from cacti-covered corners of the desert to huge swathes of Alaskan wilderness to colorful coral reefs in Florida.&nbsp;
Each one does things a little differently, and this series is our chance to break them down. Today, we&rsquo;re meeting Carlsbad Caverns National Park!&nbsp;

This is one of my favorite US National Parks and one of the most unique. Off in the corner of New Mexico, right across the border from Texas, the Chihuahuan Desert suddenly opens up to a vast network of caves that plunge over 1,000 feet (300 m) into the earth. If the Empire State Building sat at the bottom of the Carlsbad Caverns, the spire would poke up out of the sand like a groundhog.
While the surface is sunny, parched, and dotted with yucca, the caverns are cool, damp, and dark. Leaving the sun-scorched desert behind and descending into their depths feels like crossing a border into another world.
So let&rsquo;s start spelunking!
Quick Facts about Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Established: 1930</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Size: 73 square miles (189.3 km&sup2;)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Location: Southeastern New Mexico</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Closest town: Carlsbad, New Mexico (20 minutes away by car)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Closest airports: Cavern City Air Terminal is the closest, but Hobbs (HOB) is often cheaper. International visitors should consider landing at ABQ in Albuquerque (4.5 hours drive) or at ELP in El Paso, Texas (2.5 hours drive).&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Best time to visit: Spring or autumn</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Biggest highlight: The largest single-room cavern in the country, plus bat flights!</li>
</ul>
Before we make our descent into the stalagmite-covered depths, let&rsquo;s take a moment to look around up top. The park is located at the northern edge of the Guadalupe Mountains, so the desert lowlands give way to canyons and peaks as you drive towards the visitor center.
There are several trails looping around the surface, including the Guadalupe Ridge Trail, which goes on for 100 miles across rocky desert cliffs and down through Carlsbad&rsquo;s neighboring park &mdash; Guadalupe Mountains NP, across the state line in Texas. We&rsquo;ll talk more about those mountains when we cover that park, but for now, just know that it&rsquo;s peaceful, quiet, and covered in pinyons and junipers.

These surface trails can be brutal during the summer months, but fortunately, the caverns aren&rsquo;t subject to the New Mexico sun and stay a cool 56&deg;F (13&deg;C) no matter the weather above. So now that we&rsquo;re all dusty and sweaty, let&rsquo;s get ready to dive down into the earth!
Cavern entry runs on timeslot reservations, which you should book ahead of time at&nbsp;<a href="http://recreation.gov">recreation.gov</a> for a nominal fee. Otherwise, you&rsquo;ll just have to walk into the visitor center and hope the standby line isn&rsquo;t too bad that day.&nbsp;
When it&rsquo;s your turn, there are two ways you can enter the caverns. You can take the elevator and zoom 67 stories down to the bottom in under a minute, or you can take this ramp, appropriately nicknamed &ldquo;the Road to Hell&rdquo;:

&ldquo;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/36217981@N02/22157340869">Walking route into Carlsbad Caverns</a>&rdquo; by<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/36217981@N02/"> Tim Adams</a>,<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en"> CC BY 2.0</a>&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re able, I highly recommend taking the long way and descending into the underworld on foot. It&rsquo;s a strange feeling to watch the patch of sunlight at the entrance shrink smaller and smaller overhead as you begin to comprehend the sheer size of the space you&rsquo;re in. This is not a crawl space &mdash; you could comfortably fit a Boeing 787 inside the larger chambers.
Fortunately, you don&rsquo;t worry too much about getting lost. While the caverns are massive and mazelike, all you have to do is follow the paved, rail-lined path that guides you through the darkness like it&rsquo;s beckoning you into fairyland.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s notoriously difficult to capture the beauty of the caverns with a camera, so as eye-catching as the photos are, know that they&rsquo;re a fraction of the effect you get in person.
Head deeper and deeper, under dripping stalactites, past bat dens, and over subterranean ponds. A little over a mile later, you&rsquo;ll reach the bottom, where you can catch up with the folks who took the elevator. Down here, there&rsquo;s an underground gift shop, a lunchroom, a bathroom, and plenty of places to sit and give your knees a break.

&ldquo;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/apasciuto/53197401928">Carlsbad Caverns National Park</a>&rdquo; by<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/apasciuto/"> apasciuto</a>,<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en"> CC BY 2.0</a>&nbsp;
From here, you&rsquo;ll most likely continue down the path to the largest room of the caverns, predictably named the Big Room. For most folks who haven&rsquo;t booked a guided tour (more about those later), this is the main attraction.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/passport-to-the-parks-meet-carlsbad-caverns-national-park">Keep reading to see the Big Room and beyond...</a>

Travel Tips

Will is on a mission to eat the best burger ever. Using his base in London, he's exploring every historical nook and far-flung cranny to find it. When he isn't, you'll usually spot him exploring a new world in a book or video game.

By Will

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is out, and it is a hit!&nbsp;
Haven't seen it yet? I&rsquo;d recommend you head to the IMAX ASAP. Already seen it? No one is stopping you from going again.
To inspire you to embark on your own odyssey, I&rsquo;m going to guide you through a legendary adventure that will take in some of the most significant spots Odysseus and his crew encountered along the way. Take this as your starting point &mdash; if we dove deep into every location, this article would be nearly as long as Homer&rsquo;s epic poem!
Potential spoilers ahead. Although the book has been out for a while now&hellip;
Fair warning, this itinerary is pretty vast &mdash; you can see why it took 10 years for the Greek hero to get home! I&rsquo;ve split it into two parts, starting with a larger quest encompassing the Aegean Sea and North Africa, and a smaller (yet still sizeable) journey across the West-Central Mediterranean. Pick and choose your stops as you see fit!
Note: Although these historical locations are disputed (if the mythical places exist at all), we&rsquo;ve gone with the general consensus.

<h3 dir="ltr">The Great Adventure:</h3>
Fans of archaeology and Brad Pitt rejoice, as the beginning of our story takes us to ancient Troy. Catch a flight to &Ccedil;anakkale in T&uuml;rkiye and head south to ramble through the <a href="https://www.passportandpixels.com/visit-ruins-of-troy-turkey/">ruins of the iconic sacked city</a>. But don't skip the modern port of &Ccedil;anakkale either, as it features an impressive 40-foot tall replica of a Trojan Horse!
Once you&rsquo;ve got your antiquity fix, drive north into modern-day Greece to Maroneia, and treat yourself to <a href="https://www.myunusualjourneys.com/introduction-to-the-archaeological-wealth-of-thrace/">a little more</a>! Be sure to schedule in plenty of time post-ancient-city wandering for a <s>bottle</s> case of <a href="https://www.winememories.fi/trails/the-maroneia-trail">the very wine</a> that Odysseus used to blind the Cyclops (no guarantees that you&rsquo;ll be able to find the exact same vintage).
Then it&rsquo;s time to grab a flight to Djerba, Tunisia. While it may have been the delicious (narcotic) lotus fruit that kept Odysseus&rsquo; men on the island, it&rsquo;ll probably be the <a href="https://djerbainn.com/blog/top-10-tunisian-dishes-to-try-in-djerba">delicious pastries</a> and truly idyllic beaches that make you never want to leave.

But if you do manage to peel yourself away from the delightfully peaceful North African shores&hellip;
<h3 dir="ltr" id="a-heros-more-manageable-expedition">A Hero&rsquo;s (more manageable) Expedition:</h3>
The next part of our quest will take you to the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Fly to Sicily, where the myth-inspiring <a href="https://www.thewomtravel.com/italy/sicily/cyclopean-isles.html">Cyclopean Isles</a> near Catania serve as a fierce reminder of one-eyed Polyphemus's rage against a deceptive Odysseus (Nobody is to blame for that one). Then, following in the footsteps of the Greek legend, the Aeolian Islands are an excellent stop for some <a href="https://www.dutchbloggeronthemove.com/lipari-island-sicily-guide/">R&amp;R</a> &mdash; and only a ferry ride away.&nbsp;
Before making for the mainland, you&rsquo;ll head back to Sicily to sample the local cuisine in the town of Trapani. Fortunately, it&rsquo;s mostly populated by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sicily/comments/1kgvsoh/trapani_eats/"> seafood couscous-eating</a> locals nowadays, instead of man-eating giants.
After a full belly (you, not the giants), touch down in Rome with a non-stop flight from Trapani and set sail to Ponza, where Circe&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iamnotbrandonz/video/7527018013376220429">enchanting grottos</a> await (with no recent reports of sailors being turned into pigs). Then it&rsquo;s a mainland excursion to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSLMyhNDLF6/">Hades&rsquo; underworld crib</a> near Cumae.

Once you&rsquo;re done dicing with death, pack your earplugs and be wary of any siren song, as it's off to the entrancing Li Galli off the Amalfi Coast. These days, it&rsquo;s less about washed-up sailors lured to their demise and more about influencers lured in by the promise of shimmering, crystal-clear waters.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/the-odyssey-itinerary">Keep reading to wrap up the intrepid voyage...</a>

Epic Itinerary

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li>How would you feel if you found out your plane had folding wings? Well, it might be time to get used to the idea, as it could be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/21/airbus-to-test-folding-wings-for-next-generation-of-bestselling-planes">the future of commercial airliners</a>. </li>
<li>According to the Danish authorities, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/21/denmark-advice-tourists-wolf-encounter">if you encounter a wolf</a> while out and about on your summer adventures, you should do everything your body tells you not to: stand still, make eye contact, and yell. And no, cooing "Who's a good boy?!" does not count as yelling. </li>
<li>From islands and microstates to larger nations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-countries-with-more-tourists-than-locals/">these are the countries</a> around the world with more tourists than residents... </li>
<li>...and <a href="https://abcnews.com/Weird/wireStory/minnesota-town-now-boasts-worlds-tallest-nutcracker-134944487">here's the American town</a> with more nutcrackers than residents, including one far too large for any nut I've ever seen. </li>
<li>And finally, what pairs better with whisky than a good lump of cheese on an oatcake? The only answer: a lot more cheese. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-guide-to-scotlands-artisan-cheese-trail">Scotland has its very own 28-stop Cheese Trail</a> to keep your stomach lined between drams.</li>
</ul>

From Caverns to Coves - Carlsbad & Your DIY Odyssey

The Detour

All the inspiration and top tips you need to take that next big adventure

Barcelona

Travel Guides

Our expert Navigators share their top tips for booking the cheapest flights

Cockpit

Flight Hacking

You've flown the nest, and you're ready to start seeing the world on your own terms.

Student Travel Starter Kit

Weird, wonderful, and adrenaline-fuelled adventures around the world

Rocky Mountains

Adventurous Escapades

Cheap flight with an unusual airline? Here's what you're really getting into...

Airline seats

Airline Reviews

Aerial view of the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort nestled between rugged mountains and the Gulf of Oman coastline.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Oman Air, with landing gear extended, glides through a cloudy sky.

Unfortunately, I can&rsquo;t say the same for my return flight home. The epitome of melodramatic, it unexpectedly had me squeezed in economy heading for Saudi Arabia instead of Ireland. But let&rsquo;s not get ahead of ourselves&hellip;

<h2 dir="ltr" id="flight-aircraft-details">Flight &amp; aircraft details:</h2>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">LH979: Dublin (DUB) to Frankfurt (FRA) - business class on an Airbus A321</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">LH9596: Frankfurt (FRA) to Muscat (MCT) - business class on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner</li>
</ol>
Oman Air's Business Class is considered a total masterpiece, but it often goes under the radar, sort of like a boutique hotel vs. the giant copy-and-paste corporate chains.&nbsp;
And while their first class is technically retired, it&rsquo;s in name only. They&rsquo;ve essentially ripped &ldquo;First Class&rdquo; off the label of their luxe Apex suites and have transitioned them into an enhanced boutique business tier. 
We still consider them to be first class, as flying in their fully enclosed suites is truly an underrated, first-class caliber experience. Especially for a pauper like me.&nbsp;

I&rsquo;ve heard a few complaints about storage within the Apex Suite. Beyond a small pocket for a water bottle and my phone, there are no large, enclosed side lockers or deep bins to store your laptop or small bags while sleeping. 
There's a designated storage area under the TV, far enough to be unreachable from your seat. This wasn't an issue for me, but I can see how it could be frustrating, especially for people with mobility challenges.

Stepping off Oman Air&rsquo;s first class and into the golden-domed lobby of&nbsp;Hilton Muscat Al Bandar felt like a seamless transition from my flight. I was lucky enough to be hosted by the team for 2 nights.
<img src="https://cdn.jacksflightclub.com/id/2132437c74dc52eeabe706ad60b508879d70bc72" alt="Aerial view of the luxurious Hilton Muscat Al Bandar nestled between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman in Muscat." width="502" height="334" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
The resort mirrors a traditional Omani village, split into three tiers: Al Waha (the family oasis), Al Bandar (the cultural heart), and Al Husn (the ultra-exclusive clifftop castle).
The ultimate way to explore? Floating between them down the lazy river, which mimics ancient Omani irrigation channels. Trading a premium cabin seat for their 500-meter beach &mdash; where you can watch endangered turtles hatch with the on-site Turtle Ranger &mdash; is the ultimate first-class upgrade.&nbsp;

In Partnership With Hilton Muscat Al Bandar

<h2>Amenities</h2>
Entering the aircraft, a symphony of fragrance unfurls within the cabin, practically escorting me to my seat. Frankincense and rose pull at a forgotten mirage &mdash;&nbsp; a nod to the sandswept and ancient scenery awaiting me at my destination.&nbsp;
One of the offerings I was most excited about was the <a href="https://www.onboardhospitality.com/oman-air-debuts-new-amouage-amenity-kits/">bespoke, high-end amenity kits onboard</a>. Inside was an assortment of skincare products, including lip balm, perfume, moisturizer, and hand lotion.&nbsp;

Oman Air partners on these with the ultra-luxury fragrance brand Amouage, a company founded at the request of the late Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in hopes of reviving the ancient Omani tradition of perfumery.
Unfortunately, the kit that I was handed only contained an eye mask, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs. I could only assume it was the same kit offered in Economy. Sadface :(
I was also given slippers, a mattress pad, and a quilted duvet. On long-haul flights, they also hand out cotton pajamas; when I asked for a pair, they were provided to me and now live in my wardrobe to remind me that this whirlwind trip was not, in fact, a dream.
The bathroom facilities are what you'd expect in any first-class cabin, immaculate. Stocked with Amouage soap and lotion as well as extra toothbrushes for guests. I couldn't decide what's more elite: the footrest that unfolds across the toilet seat so I don't have to bend down to tie my shoe, or the bidet firing a high-pressure laser beam into my soul while flying above Mesopotamia.

<h2 dir="ltr" id="food">Food</h2>
Definitely one of the biggest highlights of flying with Oman Air was the chance to try Omani flavors before even landing. Soon after takeoff, the staff presented us with dates, a hot towel, and a drink of our choice. I couldn&rsquo;t help myself and asked for a glass of Laurent Perrier to toast my first first-class flight.&nbsp;
It did take quite a while for the main meals to be served, something that displeased my new neighbor by delaying his sleep. Honestly, though, all was forgiven when the first course arrived.&nbsp;

We did have the option of dine-on-demand, so you can eat whenever you like, meaning if you wanted to sleep first and receive your food right before landing, you could.&nbsp;
On my seat I found a curated, set menu focused on <a href="https://services.omanair.com/az/en/PressRelease/oman-air-honoured-with-two-apex-2025-awards-for-best-food-beverage-and-best-cabin-service-in-the-middle-east">award-winning Omani food</a>, as well as a modern European &agrave; la carte menu. I opted for the Roqaa Omaniya experience as I was intrigued to try something new. You&rsquo;ll either love or hate the salt-preserved shark, but the slow-roasted, smoky Shuwa? Well, it&rsquo;s the national dish of Oman for a reason. 10/10.&nbsp;

Chef <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-varghese-2006571b/">Roy Varghese</a> is to thank for showcasing Omani culture at 35,000 ft. Intentionally bypassing standard suppliers in the aviation industry, Oman Air has worked to ensure that the menu supports regional Omani sustainability. The walnuts and fresh pomegranates on the plate? They came from the high-altitude farms of Jebel Akhdar. And the seafood was caught fresh from the Arabian Sea and processed immediately at the airport.&nbsp;
And while we travelers might skip over the small details, his team hasn&rsquo;t. Even my champagne flute and dinner plate reflected clean geometric lines and elegant arches, a nod to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

One of the cornerstones of the airline&rsquo;s identity is the presentation of Oman Kahwa (traditional Omani coffee). The cabin crew trains extensively in the art of serving the cardamom-and-saffron-infused brew. They pour it from traditional dallah pots into small cups (always accompanied by dates).&nbsp; A ritual in Omani hospitality, from household to business, and one I&rsquo;ve deeply grown to miss.
There were no plastic trays in sight, either; the crew meticulously set the three-course meal with a white tablecloth, silver cutlery, and a breadbasket. The table itself swivels, meaning you can even get up if needed during meal service.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr" id="entertainment">Entertainment</h2>
Oman Air&rsquo;s entertainment system, ARIA, had hundreds of movies and TV shows to keep me entertained. There&rsquo;s a touchscreen remote built into the armrest, and while it felt a little clunky in its responsiveness and design, it was still miles better than I&rsquo;ve been used to in coach. 
Noise-canceling headphones were also provided. If I were to find one gripe, it&rsquo;d be that the TV felt a little far from my seat.

Regarding the Wi-Fi, previous flyers have complained about Oman Air&rsquo;s slow service and extra costs to access the internet. However, when I flew, the Wi-Fi was fast and free!
<h2 dir="ltr" id="staff-and-service">Staff and Service</h2>
The service onboard felt unhurried and relaxed, something, which I would learn on my trip, is deeply ingrained in the Omani culture. In my Apex suite, time felt truly suspended, almost as if &ldquo;calm&rdquo; was a design feature. Of course, I could understand that if you were someone who frequently flies first/business class, you might think the cabin crew were inattentive by not rushing about; however, in my experience, they were anything but.

The <a href="https://thedesignair.net/2019/06/14/oman-air-launch-new-uniforms-and-new-masterbrand-called-state-of-grace/">stewards&rsquo; appearance</a> was meticulous, dressed in turquoise, inspired by the colours of the Sea of Oman. Patient and warm, they appeared out of thin air immediately when the call button was pressed. They were also approachable, something I find many flight attendants lack, and happily offered travel advice on what to see in their beautiful Sultanate.
<h2 dir="ltr" id="in-the-airport">In the Airport</h2>
During my layover in Frankfurt, everything ran smoothly. There were no delays, and I spent my time in the Priority Lounge in Terminal 3. Since this was a third-party lounge, there wasn&rsquo;t any Oman Air branding or Omani decor, but it had everything I needed to decompress before my next flight, including a buffet, a bar, comfortable couches, and shower facilities.&nbsp;
In Muscat, <a href="https://www.omanair.com/en/muscat-first-business-class-departure-lounge">Oman Air&rsquo;s lounge</a> can only be described as an oasis. Floor-to-ceiling gold and geometric patterns evoke the landscapes of the desert and the highest of peaks. You&rsquo;ll find high-end amenities like &agrave; la carte dining, a rejuvenating spa, and premium Amouage products. It also has private nap pods for those longer layovers, a cigar lounge, a cocktail bar, and dedicated areas for families too.&nbsp;
Alas, I wasn&rsquo;t able to spend any time in the lounge in Muscat as the Iran war broke out during my time in Oman. Rumors quickly spread that the region's airspace would close completely, potentially leaving travelers stranded indefinitely. Because I could not afford to be stuck there for weeks, my guide and I decided to head to the airport a week before my scheduled departure to try and secure an earlier flight home.&nbsp;
As it turned out, the airspace officially closed on the exact day we went. While it felt like a gamble at the time, it proved necessary, as those who waited for my original flight a week later ultimately required evacuation flights to get out.&nbsp;

Now, before I continue, I want to acknowledge my immense privilege in this situation. Holding a strong passport and simply trying to navigate a way home is absolutely incomparable to the devastating reality faced by the people living through war in Southwest Asia. My safety was a temporary logistical hurdle, whereas for locals, it is an ongoing crisis.&nbsp;
Still, the ground experience was incredibly chaotic.&nbsp;

As a First Class passenger, you might expect the Premium Lounge staff to be a haven of support during disruptions, but in reality I was met with total stonewalling. I managed to reach the private ticketing agents inside the lounge, but when I asked for assistance finding an alternative route due to the airspace closure, they refused to help and directed me to the chaotic main Oman Air counters.&nbsp;
And while I genuinely understand the immense pressure the entire airline staff was under during the crisis, the total breakdown in communication and lack of basic empathy made a scary situation even harder to navigate. Especially when so many of us were given conflicting information about flight routes and availability. Understandably, in the end, travel class holds little weight when it comes to severe crises.
Ultimately, I had to use an independent travel agent to book an entirely new economy ticket just to get back home, which cost thousands of euros due to demand.&nbsp;
To make matters worse, that agent illegally booked me on a flight with a layover in Saudi Arabia that exceeded legal limits (12 hours is the maximum time you can spend on a layover; mine was 13), forcing me to buy yet another ticket on arrival just to finally get home.

<h2 dir="ltr">Overall Rating &mdash; 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐</h2>

In the skies, Oman Air delivers a world-class 5-star experience. But they completely dropped the ball on the ground when things went wrong. 
On board, their Apex suite is a spacious sanctuary, the culinary dining an absolute triumph and a glimpse into Omani culture through thoughtful aesthetic, which completely outshines the sterility onboard the likes of American Airlines or KLM.
However, luxury travel is expensive precisely because you are paying for priority support throughout your journey. Unfortunately, the total breakdown of empathy and communication from lounge and airport staff during a geopolitical crisis proved that luxury amenities dissolve when you need them most.
All in all, Oman Air is a spectacular airline to fly with if the weather is clear, but be prepared to fend for yourself if the stars stop aligning.
TLDR
⭐ Overall Rating: 4 / 5 stars. An absolute masterpiece in the sky, but a total blunder during a ground crisis.
🧑🏻&zwj;✈️ Service: Flawless. Warm, approachable, and unhurried cabin crew who truly embody genuine Omani hospitality.
🔌 Facilities: Massive, secluded Apex Suites with open footwells for side-sleepers and surprisingly fast, free Wi-Fi.
🍝 Food: A 10/10 culinary triumph. Dine-on-demand authentic Omani Shuwa that tastes like a luxury restaurant at 35,000 feet.
⏰ Timing: Flights were perfectly punctual, but ground staff provided zero assistance when war abruptly closed the regional airspace.
💸 Quality vs. Price: 100% worth booking for the onboard flight experience - just be prepared to leave it to fate if an emergency happens on the ground.

Jack's Honest Airline Reviews — Oman Air First Class/Business

Passengers sit inside a Southwest Airlines aircraft cabin.

Ever seen a word or phrase on Google Flights, your booking confirmation, or even in one of our Flight emails and thought&hellip; &lsquo;What on earth does that mean?&rsquo;
Well, we&rsquo;re here to help demystify the key travel terms you might stumble upon, and hopefully answer some of your questions! So, let&rsquo;s get started:
<h3 dir="ltr">24-hour rule</h3>
The 24-hour rule gives passengers the ability to cancel a flight booking for free, so long as it is at least seven days before departure, and was booked through the airline.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What airlines have a 24-hour cancellation policy? Any airline flying to, from, or within the US must allow for a full refund within 24 hours of booking, due to a regulation from the <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds#24-Hour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Department of Transportation</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Airline alliance</h3>
An airline alliance is an agreement between multiple airlines to share routes (code sharing), airport lounges, and allows travelers to earn frequent flier miles across all participating airlines.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What are the top 3 airline alliances? The three major airline alliances are Oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What airlines are in Star Alliance? Star Alliance consists of 26 airlines, with the main member airlines being Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, SWISS, and United. Find a full list <a href="https://www.staralliance.com/en/members">here</a>.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What airlines are in Oneworld? Oneworld has 15 airlines, with the main member airlines being British Airways, American, Alaska Airlines, Finnair, and Iberia. Find a full list <a href="https://www.oneworld.com/members">here</a>.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What airlines are in SkyTeam? SkyTeam is made up of 18 airlines (and 1 suspended member); the main member airlines are KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines, and Aeromexico. Find a full list <a href="https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/our-members">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Budget airline/low-cost carrier</h3>
A budget airline (or low-cost carrier) is an airline that includes little to no extras in their base fares, with full-size cabin bags or in-flight meals coming at an additional cost.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What airlines are budget airlines? The main budget airlines in North America are Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, and in Europe, Ryanair and easyJet are the main two &mdash; find details on each in our guide to European budget airlines <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/budget-airlines-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Bulkhead seat</h3>
A bulkhead seat is a seat situated behind any wall on a plane, e.g., on the front row, or behind the galley or toilet.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Is a bulkhead seat worth paying extra? For some travelers, yes. They usually come with extra legroom since there&rsquo;s no seat in front &mdash; no need to worry about someone reclining on you!&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What are the disadvantages of a bulkhead seat? You&rsquo;ll have to store all your items in the overhead compartments since there&rsquo;s no seat in front, and armrests are usually not movable.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Codeshare</h3>
A codeshare is an agreement where one airline operates a flight, but its partner airlines also sell seats on that same flight using their own flight numbers.
<ul>
<li>What are the benefits of codeshare flights? Codeshares allow you to combine flights with different airlines in one booking, which makes the booking and check-in process much easier.</li>
<li>How do I know if a flight is a codeshare? Your booking confirmation may say &ldquo;Operated by [airline],&rdquo; or show multiple flight numbers for the same flight.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Error fare</h3>
An error fare is when an airline or booking system incorrectly prices a fare, offering a huge discount to the normal fare price.
<ul>
<li>Is it okay to book an error fare? Generally yes, but there are a couple of things that you should/shouldn&rsquo;t do when you spot one. Find our top tips <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/what-is-an-error-fare-and-how-to-book-one">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Exit row seat</h3>
An exit row seat is a seat that&rsquo;s next to one of an aircraft&rsquo;s emergency exits.
<ul>
<li>Is the exit row a good seat? An exit row seat is great value with extra legroom, but it&rsquo;s worth noting that you may need to be able to help the crew should the worst happen &mdash;&nbsp;that&rsquo;s why you usually must be over 16 and able-bodied to book these seats.</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Fifth freedom flight</h3>
A fifth freedom flight is a commercial route where an airline flies between two countries, neither of which are the airline&rsquo;s home country.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What&rsquo;s an example of a fifth freedom route? Sydney (SYD) to Christchurch (CHC) with Emirates, Oslo (OSL) to Stockholm (ARN) with Ethiopian Airlines, and New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) with Singapore Airlines.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Are there any benefits? It&rsquo;s often a chance to have a more premium experience on a short-haul route with better in-flight service, more inclusions in your base fare, and larger planes. Having flown the Emirates route between Sydney and Christchurch on an A380, I can vouch it&rsquo;s well worth it!</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Full-service airline&nbsp;</h3>
A full-service airline has additional extras in their base fares like checked baggage, entertainment, and a snack or meal on board.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What airlines are full-service? Examples of full-service airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, and Garuda Indonesia.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Multi-city flight</h3>
A multi-city flight is a type of airline ticket that includes multiple flights to multiple different places in just one booking.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How do I book a multi-city flight? You&rsquo;re able to find and book multi-city flights quite easily through Google Flights or an airline&rsquo;s website. Find our full how-to guide <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/how-to-find-and-book-cheap-multi-city-flights">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Open-jaw flight</h3>
An open-jaw flight is a return ticket where you fly into one city and out of a different one, so you don&rsquo;t return from the airport you initially landed in.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why? An example would be if someone was planning to do a road trip along the coast of Australia, they could book to fly into Melbourne, and home from Brisbane &mdash;&nbsp;thus driving the distance between the two during their trip.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Is open-jaw more expensive? Generally no, it usually works out cheaper than if you were to book two one-way flights.</li>
</ul>

<h3 dir="ltr">Peak season&nbsp;</h3>
Peak season (or high season) is a destination&rsquo;s busiest and most popular time of year for tourists, usually coinciding with its dry season.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Downside? Flight prices tend to run higher during the peak season because of the increase in demand, and you&rsquo;ll likely pay more for hotel stays and tours too.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Self-transfer</h3>
Self-transfer is where you book two separate tickets with different airlines (or the same in some cases), rather than a single ticket that takes you from A to B.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Is self-transfer worth it? Self-transfer is a good idea for travelers who want to save money, are traveling light, and have a good amount of time between flights.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Shoulder season&nbsp;</h3>
Shoulder season is the middle ground between a destination&rsquo;s peak (high) and off-peak (low) season.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Is it worth it? Absolutely, you&rsquo;ll get the best of both worlds by visiting at this time of year, with cheaper flight prices and fewer crowds than in the peak season, while still having nice weather.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Stopover</h3>
A stopover is a program many airlines offer (and usually for free!) to help you break up a long journey by spending 1&ndash;10 days in their home city.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What airlines offer stopover programs? There are many, but <a href="https://www.icelandair.com/en-gb/flights/stopover/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Icelandair</a>, <a href="https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-gb/flights/stopover/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Turkish Airlines</a>, <a href="https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/abu-dhabi/stopover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etihad Airways</a>, <a href="https://www.flytap.com/en-gb/stopover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TAP Air Portugal</a>, <a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/en/offers/qatar-stopover.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar Airways</a>, and <a href="https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/gb/plan-travel/privileges/singapore-stopover/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Singapore Airlines</a> have some of the best stopover programs.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What are the usual perks? Airlines like Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines offer free hotel stays, while others like Singapore Airlines and TAP Air Portugal offer discounts on hotels, as well as attractions and restaurants.</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Transit visa&nbsp;</h3>
A transit visa is a document that allows a traveler to pass through a country, but not stay there.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Do I need a transit visa? This depends entirely on the passport you&rsquo;re traveling on, the transit country, and whether you plan to leave the airport. You&rsquo;re best checking with your local government for up-to-date information.</li>
</ul>

We hope that&rsquo;s helped clear things up for you! Still got a burning question or an industry term that goes over your head? Feel free to comment below and we&rsquo;ll get it answered for you :-)

Jack's Ultimate Travel Glossary

A person walks along a wooden boardwalk in the flooded, moss-covered cypress trees

Since the first US National Park was established in 1872, sixty-two others have popped up, ranging from cacti-covered corners of the desert to huge swathes of Alaskan wilderness to colorful coral reefs in Florida.&nbsp;
Each one does things a little differently, and this series is our chance to break them down. Today, we&rsquo;re meeting Congaree National Park!&nbsp;
This patch of forested wetland is the smallest park we&rsquo;ve covered so far and one of the country&rsquo;s least visited, despite being right outside South Carolina&rsquo;s state capital. While it might not have the same jaw-dropping vistas as the iconic hotspots, there&rsquo;s a kind of quiet beauty here that somehow feels even more wild.

&ldquo;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/anoldent/540837018">1996 Congaree Swamped</a>&rdquo; by<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/anoldent/"> anoldent</a>,<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en"> CC BY-SA 2.0</a>&nbsp;
As the popular parks get busier and busier, it feels like the right time to pay closer attention to the smaller, less crowded names on the register. While places like Zion and Yosemite can sometimes function more like theme parks, Congaree is mostly about winding through the swampy scenery until you feel like you&rsquo;re in a Southern fairytale.
So pack your fishing rod and your bug spray, and let&rsquo;s find out why this patch of wetlands deserves to be appreciated and protected.&nbsp;
Quick Facts about Congaree National Park:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Established: 2003</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Size: 41.7 square miles (108 km&sup2;)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Location: Central South Carolina</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Nearby towns: Columbia is right outside (30 minutes by car), but Charleston, Charlotte, and Augusta are all within two hours&rsquo; drive.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Closest airports: Columbia (CAE), though international visitors will likely find better routes into Charlotte (CLT) or Charleston (CHS).</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Best time to visit: spring or fall</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Biggest highlights: ancient trees and one very special light show</li>
</ul>
Despite its relatively low visitor numbers, Congaree might actually be one of the best examples of the National Park system in action. The Eastern United States used to be covered in old-growth forests similar to some regions of the West, but due to incessant logging, almost all of those trees are gone, and the landscapes irreparably changed.&nbsp;
Congaree&rsquo;s trees, many of which are centuries old, almost went the same way. The area was logged intermittently for eighty years, but thanks to conservation groups in the 20th century, it was given the legal statuses it needed to stay under the blanket of NPS protection.
This means that when you visit Congaree, you&rsquo;re visiting one of the last remnants of the East Coast&rsquo;s ancient landscape. And it only exists because of the National Parks system!

While frequently referred to as a &ldquo;swamp,&rdquo; the technical name for Congaree&rsquo;s landscape is &ldquo;old growth bottomland hardwood forest.&rdquo; That basically means it&rsquo;s a really old woodland that exists on a floodplain &mdash; thus the swampy, Jurassic Park-esque scenery.
One of the best ways to make the most of Congaree&rsquo;s unusual environment is to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@get.out.with.me/video/7539321990289689887">paddle down Cedar Creek in a canoe or kayak</a>. This waterway winds through most of the park, allowing you to glide past those ancient trees while spotting river otters, turtles, and the occasional alligator.&nbsp;
The park doesn&rsquo;t rent out boats, so you have two options: show up with your own (rented or brought from home) and fly solo, or join a tour group. If you choose the former, be sure to keep an eye on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/canoe-trail-conditions.htm">the water levels</a> &mdash; they vary a lot and can greatly impact your experience.

&ldquo;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/anoldent/540836988">1996 Congaree High Water</a>&rdquo; by<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/anoldent/"> anoldent</a>,<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en"> CC BY-SA 2.0</a>&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;d rather keep to dry land, pick a hiking trail or two! Most visitors do the Boardwalk Trail, which is about 2.6 miles (4.2 km) long and loops around through the most popular corner of the park on a wheelchair- and stroller-friendly wooden path. It&rsquo;s the easiest way to experience the forest, so if you&rsquo;ve only popped by Congaree for an afternoon, this is where you should head.&nbsp;
For a more challenging hike, you have plenty of options. Pick one of the longer, quieter routes like the 7-mile (11.2 km) Oakridge Trail, and you might even notice some wild turkeys gobbling among the cypress trees.
Speaking of birds, Congaree is kind of a birder&rsquo;s paradise, with around 200 different species to spot. Ornithologically minded visitors should definitely pack their binoculars and head for Kingsnake Trail, where you&rsquo;ll find the most diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for hawks, woodpeckers, owls, storks, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.audubon.org/climate/national-parks/congaree-national-park">dozens of other feathered friends</a>. My personal favorite has to be the <a href="https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/anhinga">anhinga</a>, with its long, snake-like neck.

Despite the sheer quantity of birds in Congaree, their most popular flying animal is actually much smaller. Visit during a specific period in spring, and you might not believe your eyes.
No, those aren&rsquo;t LEDs &mdash; the woods are lighting up with fireflies!
For just a week or two each year, thousands of fireflies descend on Congaree and turn the forest into a glittering night sky. They flicker synchronously, meaning they glow on and off in tandem with each other, almost like the trees are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/C7rZMmYOh5x/">inhaling and exhaling</a>.

As you might expect for such a magical display, it&rsquo;s tricky to get a ticket to the light show. You&rsquo;ll need to have your <a href="http://recreation.gov">recreation.gov</a> account ready to go, keep an eye on when the tickets are available, and then enter your name in a <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300008">lottery</a>. Win, and you&rsquo;ll be permitted to stay late in the firefly viewing area so you can take your time soaking up the experience.
If you&rsquo;d like to stay the&nbsp;entire night inside the park, you&rsquo;ll need to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/camping.htm">bring a tent</a>. Congaree doesn&rsquo;t have any lodges, so you can either choose between two campgrounds or head into the backcountry.&nbsp;
Then you can curl up in your sleeping bag, listen to the chitter of birds and insects, watch thousand-year-old trees sway overhead, and be glad that this ancient forest survived all these years, like it was waiting for you.
Let me know which parks you&rsquo;d like to hear about next! I&rsquo;m focusing on US National Parks to start, but I&rsquo;m open to any and all national park suggestions from around the world. Maybe next time we&rsquo;ll go kayaking in Alaska, or swim with sea turtles in Hawaii&hellip;

Passport to the Parks: Meet Congaree National Park

A view of the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico with a swarm of bats flying above.

Tunisia

Turkey

A scenic view of the beach beneath Castello Ruffo di Scilla in Calabria, Italy, with colorful houses lining the waterfront.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is out, and it is a hit!&nbsp;
Haven't seen it yet? I&rsquo;d recommend you head to the IMAX ASAP. Already seen it? No one is stopping you from going again.
If you're feeling inspired to embark on your own odyssey, I&rsquo;m going to guide you through a legendary adventure that will take in some of the most significant spots Odysseus and his crew encountered along the way. So, take this as your starting point &mdash; if we dove deep into every location, this article would be nearly as long as Homer&rsquo;s epic poem!
Potential spoilers ahead. Although the book has been out for a while now&hellip;
Fair warning, this itinerary is pretty vast &mdash; you can see why it took 10 years for the Greek hero to get home! I&rsquo;ve split it into two parts, starting with a larger quest encompassing the Aegean Sea and North Africa, and a smaller (yet still sizeable) journey across the West-Central Mediterranean. Pick and choose your stops as you see fit!
Note: Although these historical locations are disputed (if the mythical places exist at all), we&rsquo;ve gone with the general consensus.

But if you do manage to peel yourself away from the delightfully peaceful North African shores&hellip;
<h3 dir="ltr" id="a-heros-more-manageable-expedition">A Hero&rsquo;s (more manageable) Expedition:</h3>
The next part of our quest will take you to the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Fly to Sicily, where the myth-inspiring <a href="https://www.thewomtravel.com/italy/sicily/cyclopean-isles.html">Cyclopean Isles</a> near Catania serve as a fierce reminder of one-eyed Polyphemus's rage against a deceptive Odysseus (Nobody is to blame for that one). Then, following in the footsteps of the Greek legend, the Aeolian Islands are an excellent stop for some<a href="https://www.dutchbloggeronthemove.com/lipari-island-sicily-guide/"> R&amp;R</a> &mdash; and only a ferry ride away.&nbsp;
Before making for the mainland, you&rsquo;ll head back to Sicily to sample the local cuisine in the town of Trapani. Fortunately, it&rsquo;s mostly populated by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sicily/comments/1kgvsoh/trapani_eats/"> seafood couscous-eating</a> locals nowadays, instead of man-eating giants.
After a full belly (you, not the giants), touch down in Rome with a non-stop flight from Trapani and set sail to Ponza, where Circe&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iamnotbrandonz/video/7527018013376220429">enchanting grottos</a> await (with no recent reports of sailors being turned into pigs). Then it&rsquo;s a mainland excursion to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSLMyhNDLF6/">Hades&rsquo; underworld crib</a> near Cumae.

Once you&rsquo;re done dicing with death, pack your earplugs and be wary of any siren song, as it's off to the entrancing Li Galli off the Amalfi Coast. These days, it&rsquo;s less about washed-up sailors lured to their demise and more about influencers lured in by the promise of shimmering, crystal-clear waters.
Next, you&rsquo;re making your way south to<a href="https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/things-to-do-in-scilla-calabria"> Calabria</a> and the Strait of Messina, where monsters lurk high on cliffs and in the deepest waters&hellip;and in<a href="https://italoamericano.org/swordfish-sandwich-of-scilla/"> sandwiches</a>. Bonus points if you divert away from the beachfront and make the climb up to Scilla Castle, where you can do some monster spotting from above.
Back over in Sicily, embrace the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYFKJggMCJE/">warming sun</a> on the Island of Helios (just don't eat the<a href="https://dgscrosscountrychronicles.blogspot.com/2016/02/thrinakia-island-of-helios-and-his.html"> beef</a> without asking), before a voyage to Malta. It&rsquo;ll be tough, but you must try not to spend the next seven years<a href="https://www.retracingthepathofodysseus.com/blog/day-4-calypsos-island"> enamoured by Calypso's Island</a>.

Catch a flight to Corfu and <a href="https://highonadventure.com/Hoa07aug/Les/Ionian.htm#:~:text=wine%2Ddark%20sea.%22-,A%20week%20on%20Corfu,-My%20wife%20and">pick up a gift</a> or two from the friendly locals (The Detour Editor Katy recommends the kumquat liqueur), before finally setting sail to<a href="https://agreekoddity.com/ithaca-a-whistle-stop-tour-of-the-north/"> Ithaca</a>. This is where our Homeric myth comes to an end &mdash; as long as you&rsquo;re not made to shoot an arrow through some axe heads.
Sadly, your odyssey is now over (unless you take a page out of Penelope&rsquo;s book and make it last forever by <a href="https://www.greekweavers.com/blog/ancient-weavers-penelope">unravelling your knitting project</a>). The flight from Ithaca's closest airport in Cephalonia will see you home after this epic voyage.&nbsp;
Of course, you could always tick off a few spots from <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@wolfmeup/video/7383740720160541957">Captain Corelli&rsquo;s Mandolin</a> before you jet off&hellip;

The Odyssey: a Jack's-Style Epic Itinerary

A person in business attire naps on the Staten Island Ferry with another passenger engrossed in their phone nearby.

These methods put a spotlight on the core of most jet lag strategies: No matter how uncomfortable it gets, you have to force yourself to match the schedule of your surroundings. Eat at mealtimes even when you&rsquo;re not hungry, stay up till bedtime no matter how tired you are, and so on. Your body takes so long to naturally adjust that you&rsquo;ll lose half your trip if you let it call the shots.
To speed up that adjustment period, a lot of you swear by an app called&nbsp;Timeshifter. This app provides sleeping and eating schedules tailored to your trip, so it might be something to try if you&rsquo;re the organized type and want to stick to a strict regimen.
Other popular &ldquo;rescheduling&rdquo; tips include taking&nbsp;sleeping medications or wearing yourself out with exercise when you&rsquo;re too wired to sleep, and starting your trip with a low-key day when you&rsquo;re too tired to go out much. People disagree on the effectiveness of caffeine &mdash; some point to it as an obvious cure for daytime sleepiness, and others say to avoid it because it doesn&rsquo;t actually affect your circadian rhythm.
Another common type of jet lag advice is the concept of &ldquo;grounding,&rdquo; or connecting your body to a new environment shortly after you arrive. These methods harken back to the idea that jet lag is a new and unnatural experience for humans to undergo, so they take a gentler and more naturalistic approach to help you settle in.

The most popular tricks in this category are getting lots of sunlight during the day and walking barefoot on grass or sand. So if you&rsquo;re not the &ldquo;fast for 16 hours and download a scheduling app&rdquo; type of traveler, maybe just plan to start your trip with a lazy beach day?
What goes&nbsp;in your body might also have an effect. Meals rich in protein can wake you up, and those rich in carbs can make you sleepy, so planning your diet ahead of time could help take the edge off. One recent study even found that eating <a href="https://www.brookfieldav.com/single-post/chilli-chocolate-on-qantas-recipe-for-beating-jet-lag">chili and chocolate</a> helped some passengers recover more quickly.
A lot of other &ldquo;jet lag cures&rdquo; are really just health tips that could apply to any strenuous experience, like&nbsp;drinking lots of water, limiting alcohol intake, and wearing compression socks to soothe any aches or swelling. As with anything, jet lag is easier to handle when your body is at a healthy baseline.

And if all else fails, you can always fall back on this succinct response to a Reddit post requesting jet lag advice:
&ldquo;Just pretend everything's fine while feeling like sh*t.&rdquo;
Spoken like the great poet Dante himself.
Ultimately, I ended up appreciating my jet lag for what it was: a strange, uncomfortable experience that I&rsquo;m among the first few billion humans to have.&nbsp;
Plus, jet lag science has gone from &ldquo;don&rsquo;t get drunk on planes&rdquo; to &ldquo;download this app that reschedules your body clock&rdquo; in just sixty years! Maybe in the future, jet lag will be a thing of the past, and we&rsquo;ll be the lucky few who know how it feels to be mentally having martinis in Monaco when we should be drinking orange juice :-)

The Modern Miracle of Jet Lag (and all its wacky cures)

Scotland

England

Ireland

Slovenia

Taken by Katy from the Neboticnik Skyscraper

Hey there, Travellers!
This time last week, I was racing around the UK and Ireland by public transport. Starting in Edinburgh on Thursday morning, I had to hit 4 out of 5 possible checkpoints before finishing up in Manchester on Saturday evening. I opted for Dumfries (Scotland), Enniskillen (Northern Ireland), Drogheda (Ireland), and Wrexham (Wales), skipping a quick turnaround in York in favour of a cold drink and a shower.
You may be wondering why on earth I'd choose to spend 48 hours on public transport in the middle of summer. I have asked myself the same thing, and honestly the only answer I can come up with is that I enjoy the journey as much as the destination.&nbsp;
Highlights of my whirlwind trip included a drink at the <a href="https://www.globeinndumfries.co.uk/our-history/">historic Globe Inn in Dumfries</a>, a very&nbsp;relaxing hour's <a href="https://www.ernewatertaxi.com/">boat ride on the lough in Enniskillen</a>, and seeing the sun rise over Liverpool as I arrived on the overnight ferry from Belfast.
<img src="https://cdn.jacksflightclub.com/id/a7316aa89a677e1f086e2a0960041e46682505f0" width="552" height="311" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Naturally, all semblance of normal eating habits goes out the window when you're on this kind of adventure, and over the years I've worked out my favourite travel snacks to take along for the ride. I had the usual box of cereal bars, an apple or two, and some salted pretzel bites, but this time I added a new player to balance out my food groups: snacking pickles. A genius combination with those dry pretzels, by the way.
That said, there's <a href="https://lupine.co.uk/race/2026-slovenia.html">another race across Europe</a> coming up in just two weeks, so I'm on the lookout for some new travel snack recommendations. Tell me&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-246-accessible-travel-spots-and-2-days-in-athens#comments">in the comments</a> what foods you always pack for a long journey!
Happy travels and safe landings,

The Awesome Destinations Making Travel Accessible

If you look up &ldquo;disability-friendly travel destinations,&rdquo; you&rsquo;ll likely find the same sorts of results over and over. Most articles just list the biggest urban areas from touristy countries with good accessibility regulations and then call it a day.&nbsp;
It bugs me to see such a limited approach to scoping out disability-friendly destinations! There are more possibilities than just cities, and laws are really just the beginning of what makes a place accessible. To provide some more interesting ideas, I&rsquo;ve rounded up a few destinations that aren&rsquo;t on most of those lists but still have a lot to offer to folks with various disabilities.&nbsp;
Of course, not every trip will work for everyone, but I&rsquo;ve tried to cover a lot of bases and highlight the unique qualities of each destination that might be helpful for different people. Although not disabled myself, I grew up surrounded by people who are, and I&rsquo;ve almost exclusively relied on firsthand accounts from disabled travelers in my research. This article from&nbsp;<a href="https://journeywoman.com/type-of-travel/accessible-travel/seven-things-that-need-to-change-to-make-travel-more-accessible/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JourneyWoman</a> has been a useful guiding light as well.
So whether you have a disability or want to travel with someone who does, here are a few ideas that you might not have considered!
<h2 id="slovenia">Slovenia</h2>

Why did it make the list? A taste of Old World Europe, minus the Old World infrastructure.
While Europe&rsquo;s most charming historic cities might be gorgeous, they weren&rsquo;t exactly built with mobility issues in mind. Sometimes strolling down those worn-down cobblestone streets feels more like a rock scramble.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s where Slovenia comes in. They&rsquo;ve got those solid EU accessibility regulations, but without sacrificing the fairytale vibes.&nbsp;<a href="https://spintheglobe.net/dir/2017/09/30/ljubljana-coolest-accessible-city-youve-never-heard/">Sylvia from Spin the Globe</a> called Ljubljana &ldquo;the most amazing wheelchair accessible city that most people have never heard of,&rdquo; and it&rsquo;s not hard to see why &mdash; smooth curbs, tons of cycle paths, free motorized wheelchair rentals, and a generally flat environment put it leagues above most towns that offer similar scenery.
Even Ljubljana Castle (a 12th-century medieval fortress) is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ljubljanskigrad.si/en/plan-your-visit/physically-disabled-persons-en-us/">pretty accessible</a>, with a funicular, a courtyard, several exhibits and restaurants, and a guard tower that are all fully wheelchair-friendly. Tactile models and audio guides are available for folks with vision impairments, and there&rsquo;s a huge disability discount on tickets.

Leave town, and the storybook sights only get more magical. Bled isn&rsquo;t nearly as accessible as Ljubljana, but the postcard-perfect lake has a smooth, flat trail around it so you can enjoy the views anyway. <a href="https://rollwithasmile.com/slovenia/">Another blogger</a> recommended trying Lake Blohinj and their soaringly high cable car.
Slovenia also gets a good score in the &ldquo;overstimulation potential&rdquo; department &mdash; it&rsquo;s consistently rated as one of the most peaceful and calm countries in the world. Ljubljana's laid-back vibe and limitations on traffic make it a lot less noisy and chaotic than most European capitals.
<h2 id="sedona-arizona-the-grand-canyon">Sedona, Arizona &amp; the Grand Canyon</h2>

Why did it make the list? Wild Southwestern desert views with minimal physical requirements.&nbsp;
The entire American Southwest is littered with some of the prettiest desert scenery in the world, but a lot of it is hidden behind long, rocky trails or bumpy drives with no services. Enter Sedona: relatively flat, PACKED with a huge range of trail options, and with 360&deg; views so gorgeous you&rsquo;ll be taking photos out the car window before you even pull up to the lookout point!&nbsp;
My family visited Sedona last year and only had good things to say about the town&rsquo;s accessibility. My sister&rsquo;s disabilities mean she can&rsquo;t really get off-grid and explore the wilderness, but Sedona offered a place for her to enjoy the desert on her own terms. Tlaquepaque market is pretty flat, the Chapel of the Holy Cross offers golf cart shuttles to the top of the hill, and the sheer quantity of trails means you&rsquo;re never far from a short, flat path through the red rocks. Ashley from Wheelchair Traveling has&nbsp;<a href="https://wheelchairtraveling.com/sedona-arizona-wheelchair-accessible-travel-attractions/">several roll-friendly trail suggestions</a> if you need them.
Sedona also has a laid-back, &ldquo;peaceful escape into nature&rdquo; vibe that can help you avoid sensory overload. My sister gets overstimulated by a lot of places, but Sedona is calm and quiet enough that she was able to enjoy being out on the street or around the most popular attractions.
But possibly the biggest selling point for Sedona is its proximity to another desert icon. The Grand Canyon, one of the most famous (and&nbsp;<a class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways mui-55e2n7" href="https://www.grandcanyon.org/about/news/grand-canyon-accessibility-is-it-wheelchair-accessible">most accessible</a>!) national parks, is just a two-hour drive away. While the canyon offers plenty of tricky treks, the iconic postcard views are along the top, visible from a flat paved trail close to the parking lot.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/disability-friendly-travel-destinations-you-might-not-have-considered">Keep reading</a> for more accessible travel destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia...

Two Days in Athens: How to Maximize Your Time

Will is on a mission to eat the best burger ever. Using his base in London, he's exploring every historical nook and far-flung cranny to find it. When he isn't, you'll usually spot him exploring a new world in a book or video game.&nbsp;

"Recommended must-see sights in Athens for only two full days?"

So, reader, you&rsquo;ve booked a long weekend to Greece&rsquo;s capital. Or maybe it&rsquo;s a pit stop before a week of relaxing on idyllic seashores? Either way, good choice! I'm going to do my best to help you see the whole of Athens in only 2 days.*
*By that, I mean a jam-packed 2 days, and you will definitely want to go back for more because there&rsquo;s so much of this incredible city to see.
Start day one with a coffee from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@travelann73/video/7512052599428844822">Mokka</a>. Brewed in a briki pot on hot sand and bolder than a regular cup of joe, it&rsquo;s just the thing you need to kickstart your trip.
Now, it&rsquo;d be impossible not to mention the towering Parthenon, gazing over Athens from the iconic Acropolis. If you're there over the summer, go first thing, during the cool of the day. Try cramming it in when it's hot, and you will melt like the glue on Icarus's wings&hellip; Plus, there are fewer crowds!
Once you've taken in its majesty from every angle, head back down the hill via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWk9hPfiqb2/?hl=en">Anafiotika</a>. After snapping a few pics of the whitewashed walls and winding staircases, it&rsquo;s time to peruse the markets nestled at the foothills of the Acropolis and find a spot of grub in Plaka or Monastiraki.
Chow down on some Michelin-recommended food at <a href="https://okio.gr/">Okio</a>, or grab a souvlaki from legendary hole-in-the-wall&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nikodouniko.com/post/athens-souvlaki-guide#:~:text=Souvlaki%20o%20Kostas%20(Syntagma)">Kostas</a>. More of a gyros fan? <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Grillaki/@37.9849216,23.7216714,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x14a1bd48eea512c9:0xb6de906ecdef97be!8m2!3d37.9838326!4d23.7302423!16s%2Fg%2F11sk9jfccb?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcxNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D">Grillaki</a> has you covered.

Once you&rsquo;re full, wander to the Ancient Agora and the Pnyx (the birthplace of democracy!) and take a group vote on what to do next. A unanimous decision for a sweet treat? We&rsquo;re not surprised.
I'd recommend you indulge in (several) loukoumades. Best served at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ktistakis+athens/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x14a1bd2558382657:0x4a3cca1b3079c36e?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:242&amp;ictx=111">Ktistakis</a>, or try the popular <a href="https://www.lukumades.com/">LUKUMA&Delta;&Epsilon;&Sigma;</a> for some experimental variations. Honestly, after you&rsquo;re done gorging on honey-glazed balls of doughy-goodness, you&rsquo;ll be 50% donut. And that&rsquo;s no bad thing!
Walk it off with an adventure uncovering all of Athens&rsquo; hidden <a href="https://inlovewithgreece.com/exploring-street-art-in-athens-complete-guide/">street art</a>, or the runners among you can go for a <a href="https://www.panathenaicstadium.gr/en/other-activities/">jog round the track</a> of the world&rsquo;s only marble stadium.
Then settle in at a taverna for dinner (<a href="https://www.gerostoumoria-restaurant.com/">Geros Tou Moria</a> will do nicely), and watch the world go by as rays of sun disappear through the vine canopy above and pepper the cobblestone walkway.
With a belly full of enough mezes to feed a whole family, it&rsquo;s time to hit the hay.
After waking up and questioning the multiple Ouzos drunk last night, devour four custard cream bougatses (we&rsquo;re not judging) at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bougatsadiko+Psirri/@37.9782993,23.7249585,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x14a1bd237471ba19:0x3a19b676d60197c0!8m2!3d37.9782993!4d23.7249585!16s%2Fg%2F1pv6yzt8z?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D">Bougatsadiko</a>, and jump on a KTEL bus heading to Cape Sounion. It&rsquo;s a two-hour journey, wisely made in the morning to beat the crowds and traffic. And once you arrive, you&rsquo;re rewarded with the enduring <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C__lq2RIMXh/?hl=en">Temple of Poseidon</a>, where majestic Doric columns meet the azure waters of the Aegean Sea.

Bonus fun fact for anyone still reading &mdash; legend has it the Aegean Sea may have got its name from King Aegeus, who leapt from the cliff after a bit of particularly bad misinformation&hellip;
On that note, it&rsquo;s time for lunch &mdash; while journeying back, stop off at <a href="https://www.meliladi.gr/">HONEY &amp; OIL</a> for some Mediterranean food that will make you question why you would cook dinner for yourself ever again.
Once you've come to terms with the fact that you will, in fact, need to keep cooking your own dinner once you get home, distract yourself with an excursion or two. Admire the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DafimFRtp_v/">first theatre ever built</a>, peek inside a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/730224839419008">library worthy of an emperor</a>, or relax in a quiet <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@aneesha.dean/video/7554963583893867783">Byzantine church</a> right in the heart of the city&rsquo;s hustle and bustle.
Now, it wouldn&rsquo;t be a trip to Athens without a plate of moussaka. The best place? Cooked homemade by a Greek <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/GREEK/comments/1oijp9t/what_do_you_call_your_aunties/">theia</a>. The second-best place? Tied between the atmospheric <a href="https://psaras-taverna.gr/">Old Tavern of Psarras</a> and the elegant <a href="https://ghattikos.gr/en/">Attikos</a>.
Then close off your trip with a spectacular sunset scene (featuring the main landmark you actually want in your pics!). Areopagus Hill and Mount Lycabettus offer incredible views of the nearby Acropolis, but they can get busy. So travel a tiny bit out, and you'll be <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dwaroundtheworld/video/7645379483687685378">awestruck atop Philopappos Hill</a>.

I know, it's a lot to pack in there! But hopefully that's given you some ideas of what you can see and do over the space of just two days. If anyone else has some must-see spots in the Greek capital, please drop them in the comments below!
 Do you have a question you'd like us to answer in The Detour? <a href="https://jacksflightclub.typeform.com/the-detour-2026">Let us know!</a>

Reader's Corner

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">On Sunday, a British Airways crew managed to have such&nbsp;a good night out during their stopover in Barbados that their <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-airways-flight-cancelled-crew-barbados-heathrow-b3011293.html">return flight to London had to be cancelled</a>. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Southwest Airlines&rsquo; on-time percentage <a href="https://simpleflying.com/southwest-airlines-most-punctual-to-rock-bottom-2026/">plummeted to 65%</a>, making it the most delayed airline in North America. Maybe they were storing their punctuality in those two free checked bags&hellip; </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Next time you&rsquo;re too embarrassed to ask for help, just be glad you&rsquo;re not calling Mount Fuji&rsquo;s rescue services for <a href="https://japantoday.com/category/national/hiker-needs-to-be-rescued-from-mount-fuji-two-times-in-two-days-but-system-is-working-as-intended">the second time in 24 hours</a>. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">A big-time celebrity is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/07/11/nx-s1-5872656/big-boy-locomotive-steam">choo-chooing its way across the United States</a>, much to the delight of the nation&rsquo;s quirkiest grandpas. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">And finally, a new survey has crowned the airline with the best inflight wines and the heaviest pours. And no, despite earlier evidence to the contrary, <a href="https://travel.yahoo.com/flights/articles/airline-best-wine-heaviest-pours-140931776.html">it isn't British Airways</a>. </li>
</ul>

Awesome Accessible Travel Spots & 2 Days in Athens

An airplane wing gliding above fluffy clouds during a serene sunset at cruising altitude.

Airfare prices can be pretty arcane. Their constant fluctuations feel impossible to predict, especially when there&rsquo;s seemingly no method to the madness. But nothing&rsquo;s worse than paying $300 for a flight, only to find out the price dropped to $180 the very next day, so learning to read those tea leaves is a useful skill for any frequent flyer.
I know what you&rsquo;re thinking: Sales are a good place to start, right? When do US airlines have sales? Unfortunately, the answer is &ldquo;rarely and sporadically,&rdquo; but you can still catch some sweet, sweet discounts if you know the right time to look. That&rsquo;s where this handy guide comes in.
(Of course, the best way to find cheap flights is to sign up for a service that combs through airfare data every single day, sending the best deals straight to your inbox. Like <a href="https://jacksflightclub.com/us">Jack&rsquo;s Flight Club</a>, for instance. But hey, I digress.)

<h2 id="d">Domestic Airlines</h2>
<h3 id="a">American</h3>

American Airlines deals tend to pop up on a route-by-route basis. Like the other legacy carriers, they don&rsquo;t really go for sitewide events these days, although you can catch the occasional flash sale on their <a href="https://www.aa.com/en-us/domestic-deals">deals page</a>.&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s a little inside baseball to help you search: Airlines launch those spur-of-the-moment price drops in response to data collected and analyzed by pricing algorithms, and since the algos typically update late on Monday, you&rsquo;ll want to check for sales on Tuesday and Wednesday.
There is one time when you can always predict discounts, however, and that&rsquo;s the <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/black-friday-flight-deals-usa-what-to-expect-in-2025?utm_source=JFC-Posts&amp;utm_medium=share&amp;utm_campaign=%5BJFC%5D-post-sharing&amp;utm_content=post">Black Friday weekend</a>. American tends to offer pretty solid (if unremarkable) sales on Cyber Week, so if you only check in once per year, make it the weekend after Thanksgiving.
<h3 id="u">United</h3>

Similarly, most United Airlines deals come from price drops on specific routes rather than big sales. You can check their current promotions on <a href="https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/trip-planning/travel-deals.html">their website</a> &mdash; once again, Tuesdays are your best bet. But you&rsquo;re probably better off setting up a few <a href="https://support.google.com/travel/answer/6235879?hl=en&amp;co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop">Google Flights trackers</a> for places you want to visit, then just waiting for prices to fall.
Worst of all, United can&rsquo;t even be bothered to offer Black Friday sales nowadays. They seem to have gone all in on their credit card program, so unless you&rsquo;re a Chase rewards member, you&rsquo;re getting bupkis.
<h3 id="d">Delta</h3>

We do see pretty regular summer promotions on <a href="https://www.delta.com/us/en/flight-deals/current-flight-deals">Delta flights</a>, which is something, although the best fares usually come from surprise flash sales throughout the year. Much like United, they&rsquo;ve been bitten by the credit card rewards bug, so signing up for their SkyMiles program is the best way to get consistent discounts.
They used to put out solid Black Friday sales as well, but the less said about their recent offerings, the better. I mean, discounts on resort vacation packages? That&rsquo;s almost insulting.
<h3 id="j">JetBlue</h3>

Holy cow, we&rsquo;ve got actual sales! <a href="https://www.jetblue.com/sale">JetBlue</a> is one of the more consistently budget-friendly US airlines, offering a handful of sitewide promotions every year. They generally run a summer one, a fall one, and a birthday sale around the anniversary of their founding in February. The discounts are usually pretty good, too &mdash; sometimes over 50% off ticket prices.
Sadly, we&rsquo;ve yet to see a JetBlue sale join the yearly Black Friday brouhaha, but we keep holding out hope for next time around. Come on in, JetBlue! The water&rsquo;s fine!
<h3 id="a">Alaska</h3>

Alaska Airlines is a <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-alaska-airlines?utm_source=JFC-Posts&amp;utm_medium=share&amp;utm_campaign=%5BJFC%5D-post-sharing&amp;utm_content=post">personal favorite</a> of mine, and not just because I live on the West Coast. Their fares offer great value for the cost, and their recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines has given them a great network all over the Pacific. Most relevantly, they run way more sales than the legacy carriers, generally with great discounts. Keep an eye on their <a href="https://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/flights">deals page</a> during early spring, fall, and around three-day weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Residents of Alaska (the state) can also take advantage of a yearly Permanent Fund Dividend sale offered by Alaska (the airline). That one usually drops in October, when the PFD checks start landing in accounts.
What&rsquo;s that? Does Alaska Airlines have Black Friday deals? You didn&rsquo;t even have to ask &mdash; of course they do, although the 2025 edition was weirdly inferior to a &ldquo;Book, Go, Glow&rdquo; sale they put out about a week before. They just wanted to be different, I guess.
<h3 id="f">Frontier</h3>

These guys are a budget airline, so they drop promotions practically every other month. Be warned, though &mdash; Frontier Airlines deals are always a bit of a risk. They&rsquo;ve been known to raise their prices shortly before announcing a &ldquo;sale&rdquo; that discounts the tickets right back to the original rate. Before you book anything, we recommend hopping over to Google Flights and checking the price history to make sure you&rsquo;re not being fooled. If you&rsquo;re looking for a specific route, it&rsquo;s also a good idea to track the fares on GF for a few weeks before the start of a sale.
If you find yourself flying regularly with Frontier, it could be worth signing up for their <a href="https://www.flyfrontier.com/deals/discount-den/">Discount Den membership</a>. For an annual fee, you get exclusive markdowns and a few other perks. It&rsquo;s not really worthwhile for most people, but you&rsquo;ll come out ahead if you book at least a couple Frontier flights each year.
And we&rsquo;ll grant them this: Frontier goes all out for Cyber Week. We&rsquo;re talking Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Travel Tuesday&hellip; the works. They&rsquo;re surprisingly decent discounts, too!
<h3 id="b">Breeze</h3>

Breeze Airways is a relatively new player on the budget scene, but we like what we&rsquo;ve seen so far. They started out by focusing on non-stop flights to cities not served by major airlines, and recently they&rsquo;ve also begun taking over routes previously run by Spirit (RIP).
Like other low-cost airlines, Breeze goes overboard on sales. You can catch flash deals on <a href="https://www.flybreeze.com/shopping/en-us/">their website</a> fairly regularly, and be sure to check every May for their anniversary event.
Here&rsquo;s another unique little wrinkle: Every Tuesday between 10 AM and 1 PM, you can walk into an airport with a Breeze counter and buy a ticket without paying the online booking surcharge. That generally comes out to around $30-$50 off the fare, but some passengers have reported saving hundreds on certain routes.
<h2 id="i">International Airlines</h2>
<h3 id="c">COPA</h3>

Headquartered in Panama, COPA is one of the most reliable options for flights from the US to Latin America. They tend to have sweet Black Friday deals (although 2025&rsquo;s edition was a real disappointment) and offer semi-regular flash sales to their American hubs, mainly Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta. While they don&rsquo;t run anniversary promotions, you might see seasonal sales in early fall or just after the holidays.
<h3 id="a">Avianca</h3>

Avianca is Latin America&rsquo;s main low-cost carrier, and in true budget fashion, they drop sales about once a month. There&rsquo;s a catch, however &mdash; you have to be a member of their free <a href="https://www.lifemiles.com/">Lifemiles frequent flyer program</a> to get the discounts.
If you&rsquo;re good at math and fly to LatAm often, consider taking advantage of Avianca&rsquo;s occasional promotional prices for the miles themselves. You can sometimes save a good amount by picking up cheap miles and immediately spending them on a ticket. Make sure you actually add up the total cost, though, because airlines love tricking you with these kinds of offers.
<h3 id="c">Cathay Pacific</h3>

Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is still building out its North American network, so they only serve a handful of the biggest cities for now. But we&rsquo;re including them because they&rsquo;re one of the few airlines to still offer an actual, honest-to-God sitewide sale every summer. Check their <a href="https://flights.cathaypacific.com/destinations/en_US/flights-from-united-states">deal page</a> around Black Friday and the Lunar New Year too; they usually have some pretty solid discounts running. Way to go, Cathay Pacific!
<h3 id="a">ANA</h3>

ANA is another carrier with relatively limited coverage, offering direct flights to Tokyo from a few major US cities. They&rsquo;re also not the cheapest way to get to Japan (shout-out ZIPAIR!), but they do run some excellent sales. Their once-monthly <a href="https://www.ana.co.jp/en/ph/plan-book/promotions/hellobluesale/">Hello Blue sales</a> are legendary among international travelers, and while the frequency of the discounts has decreased over the last couple years, the magnitude certainly hasn&rsquo;t.
<h3 id="b">British Airways</h3>

Good ol&rsquo; BA, every bit as reliable as 3 PM tea time and English World Cup heartbreak (sorry lads, it&rsquo;s not coming home). No matter where in Europe you&rsquo;d like to go, British Airways will get you there relatively inexpensively &mdash; if you don&rsquo;t mind a layover at Heathrow and the occasional lost bag. It&rsquo;s a big airport, okay? They&rsquo;re trying their best!
BA generally runs three sales a year in the US: a New Year&rsquo;s event in January, a beginning of summer sale in June, and an end of summer sale in August or early September. They also tend to have top-notch deals for Cyber Week, so be sure to stop by their site after Turkey Day.
<h2 id="a">Awards</h2>
<ul>
<li>🗽 Best Domestic Sales 🗽 - Alaska</li>
<li>🗺️ Best International Sales 🗺️ - British Airways</li>
<li>🤑 Best Budget Sales 🤑 - Breeze</li>
<li>👎 Worst Sales 👎 - United</li>
<li>🥈 Honorable Mentions 🥈 - JetBlue, COPA, Cathay Pacific, ANA</li>
</ul>
That's everything you need to start snagging sales and impressing your friends with your newfound expertise. Seriously, it's a great party trick. People find airline facts very interesting, I promise.
And if you decide you'd rather let someone else do the hard work of finding cheap flights for your next vacation, well, you know where to find us.

Welcome to your travel library!

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Flight Hacking

Student Travel Starter Kit

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Featured

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The Airline Upgrade Dilemma: Economy vs. Premium Economy

Surviving (and Thriving) in Seattle Rain

Which airlines offer student flight discounts?

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Through Our Lens: Community Travel Photo Competition

Take The Detour...

Flying in Style to Oman & Meditating on the Miracle of Jet Lag

From Caverns to Coves - Carlsbad & Your DIY Odyssey

Flying in Style to Oman & Meditating on the Miracle of Jet Lag

Jack's Honest Airline Reviews — Oman Air First Class/Business

Jack's Ultimate Travel Glossary

Passport to the Parks: Meet Congaree National Park

From Caverns to Coves - Carlsbad & Your DIY Odyssey

The Odyssey: a Jack's-Style Epic Itinerary

The Modern Miracle of Jet Lag (and all its wacky cures)

Awesome Accessible Travel Spots & 2 Days in Athens

Here’s When US Airlines Have Sales