With checked bag fees on the rise, flying carry-on only has become the number one hack to keep travel costs low. Squeezing the essentials into an overhead-bin-approved suitcase saves you money, lets you skip the check-in desk, and avoids the crowds at baggage claim. 

Though it varies by airline, most carriers stick to a reasonable 22 x 14 x 9 inch maximum for carry-on bags, with some international carriers adding a weight limit. However, a few run a much tighter ship when it comes to the luggage they allow on board. Chronic overpackers will want to avoid these seven airlines with some of the strictest carry-on policies. 

Jetstar

Jetstar Airways, a subsidiary of Qantas, includes a fairly standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on with its Starter Fare. The catch? The combined weight of a passenger’s carry-on and personal item must not exceed 15.4 pounds (in case you were wondering, your average pair of sneakers weighs in at about 2 pounds alone).

Iberia

Iberia’s luggage limits are standard at first glance, limiting cabin bags to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches. However, while many international airlines limit carry-on bags to 22 pounds, Iberia restricts the cumulative weight of your carry-on and personal items to 22 pounds total. Split 75/25, that’s just 16.5 pounds for a carry-on with 5.5 pounds left for a personal item. 

RyanAir

RyanAir’s carry-on policies are so notorious that even their own social media can’t resist calling them out. Many passengers who book with RyanAir will try to skate by with their Basic Fare hand luggage, limited to one 15.7 x 7.9 x 9.8 inch bag that must fit beneath the seat in front of you. For the small price of a Regular Fare upgrade, passengers gain the privilege of overhead bin space but are limited to 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches. And trust me, they will measure at the gate.

EasyJet

EasyJet passengers in the Standard Class must limit their carry-on cases to 17.7 x 14 x 7.8 inches, including handles and wheels. The cabin bag weight limit, however, is a generous 33 pounds, so go ahead and try to stuff as much as you can into that tiny space.

Singapore Air, Emirates, and Qantas

Singapore Air limits its carry-on luggage to 45 total linear inches, meaning individual dimensions can be any length as long as they total no more than 45 inches. This means that the usual 22 x 14 x 9 inch suitcase would be acceptable. Emirates and Qantas have similar carry-on policies, coming in at 22 x 15 x 8 inches and 22 x 9 x 14 inches, respectively.

What do these airlines have in common? Firstly, they all offer carry-ons free of charge in Economy class. Secondly, they all limit these free carry-ons to just 15 pounds, so although a standard carry-on will pass muster, it’s in your best interest to pack in a smaller, lighter bag.

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American Eagle Flight 5342 collided midair Wednesday evening with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on its approach to Reagan National Airport (DCA), with 60 passengers and four crew members onboard. Officials believe that there were no survivors, making this the deadliest U.S. air crash in nearly 24 years.

The plane and helicopter went down into the Potomac River, where the water temperature was around 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The Associated Press reports the body of the aircraft was found upside-down in three sections in the water and that the helicopter’s wreckage has also been found.

“The initial briefs were that everything was routine going into the approach for landing for American Airlines Flight 5342 and that, in fact, contact had been made with, of course, the military helicopter as well,” said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. “But of course, it clearly wasn’t routine, and we had two aircraft in the river with 67 fatalities.”

American Airlines has established a toll-free hotline for individuals concerned that a loved one may have been on board: 800-679-8215.

All takeoffs and landings from Reagan National Airport were stopped until 11 am Thursday. Several airlines have issued travel waivers allowing passengers flying to or from the airport to make itinerary changes.

The post No Known Survivors in American Airlines Crash Near Washington, D.C. appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Cirium is an aviation analytics company that combines data and analytics to assist the global travel industry. Founded in 1909 (initially launching the world’s first weekly aerospace magazine), it has evolved into a leading aviation industry insights and analytics provider.

Platinum Award for Operational Excellence 

Delta received the Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for the fourth year in a row, with an 83.46% on-time performance across over 1.7 million flights. The airline demonstrated remarkable resilience when faced with a significant setback in July 2024 due to a global CrowdStrike software disruption. Delta quickly recovered and returned to industry-leading performance levels by August with an 80.9% on-time rate, followed by an even stronger 87.81% in September. 

Global On-Time Award 2024

Aeromexico achieved an outstanding 86.70% punctuality rate across nearly 200,000 flights. Aeromexico’s achievement reflects its strategic investments in fleet modernization and technological advancements, including the expansion to 113 aircraft with an average age of just 7.1 years.

Regional Airline On-Time Winners 

North America

Unsurprisingly (thanks to its Platinum status), Delta Air Lines dominated the North American market, maintaining exceptional service standards despite operational challenges. Delta continues to excel thanks to its comprehensive training programs and culture that prioritizes safety and punctuality. 

The top ten North American airlines were: 

1. Delta Air Lines  83.46% 
2. United Airlines  80.93% 
3. Alaska Airlines  79.25% 
4. American Airlines 4 77.78%
5. Southwest Airlines 5 77.77% 
6. Spirit Airlines 6 76.05% 
7. JetBlue 7 74.53% 
8. Frontier Airlines  71.57% 
9. Air Canada  71.36%
10. WestJet 70.99%

Asia 

Japan Airlines led the region with an 80.90% on-time rate, demonstrating Japanese efficiency and precision in aviation operations. 

Europe

Iberia Express topped European carriers with an 84.69% on-time rate.

Central America

Copa Airlines achieved an impressive 88.22% on-time performance.

Middle East & Africa

FlySafair emerged as the regional leader with a remarkable 93.82% on-time rate.

Airport Excellence

While airlines have a lot to do with how punctual their flights are, the airports themselves also play a significant role in punctuality.  These are the winners for airport excellence in on-time flights. 

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport – Saudi Arabia 

The inaugural Airport Platinum Award went to Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, recognizing its exceptional performance in maintaining high punctuality standards, with an 86.65% on-time performance rate. 

US Airport – Honolulu International Airport

The airport in the US with the highest on-time performance rate was Honolulu, with an impressive 85.45% rate, followed by Salt Lake City, with an impressive 83.80% rate. 

Medium Airport – Panama City Tocumen International Airport 

Medium-sized Panama City Tocumen Airport had an outstanding 90.34% punctuality score. 

Small Airports: Guayaquil Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport – Ecuador

Smaller airport Guayaquil Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport achieved an impressive 91.38% on-time rate.

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How to Know if You Might Get SSSS on Your Boarding Pass

If you’re going to get SSSS on your boarding pass, there will be a few red flags that might alert you that the designation is in your future. 

1. You’re not allowed to check in online. Not being able to check in online isn’t always a warning signal, especially for international flights, when you may need to check in in person and show your passport. However, if others you’re traveling with are able to check in online and you’re not, it’s a sign that you may be getting the SSSS designation. 
2. The airline sends you advance notice that you need to check in with an agent at the airport. 
3. You can’t use the airport kiosks to check yourself in and are directed to speak to an agent.

What Happens if You Get SSSS on Your Boarding Pass?

If you get SSSS on your boarding pass, you’ll need extra time to get through security. You will have to go through additional security screenings before being allowed to board your flight. 

After checking in, you’ll likely be escorted to a private room to have your bags thoroughly searched. You may also receive a pat-down, be swapped for explosives, and have to go through a metal detector.  

If you have a connecting flight, the SSSS designation may follow you on each leg of your trip, so be prepared to undergo additional screenings before boarding each flight. 

SSSS and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

You can still get SSSS on your boarding pass even if you’re a TSA PreCheck member. Unfortunately, if you have been selected for SSSS, you won’t get the TSA PreCheck designation on your boarding pass and must go through the regular security line. 

However, if you receive the SSSS designation on your ticket on a return trip to the United States, you will still be able to go through the Global Entry lane as normal if you’re a member.

Why Did I Get SSSS on My Boarding Pass?

A TSA spokesperson tells SmarterTravel, “In some cases, passengers are randomly selected for additional screening.” It may just be bad luck that you’ve been selected. However, certain travel behaviors, like flying alone, buying a last-minute or one-way ticket, or traveling to certain destinations, raise a red flag on your booking. “Security measures begin long before passengers arrive at the airport,” says a spokesperson for the TSA. “TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information.”

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Stay Hydrated (the Right Way)

On a long flight, the dry cabin air can quickly dehydrate you, even if you don’t feel thirsty, so staying hydrated is crucial. If you want to feel better when you disembark, don’t rely on the cups of water the flight attendants pass out—water alone isn’t always enough to maintain optimal hydration levels.

Instead, stash a few packets of electrolyte drink powder in your carry-on to mix into your water and help you rehydrate more efficiently. These drinks contain key minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium that help your body retain fluids more effectively.

Wear a Posture Corrector

When you’re stuck in an economy seat, it’s human nature to slump down or try to contort yourself into any position that will make you a little bit more comfortable. Unfortunately, if you spend hours sitting down while slouched over, you’ll get off the plane with neck, shoulder, and back pain that might linger throughout your trip. We like wearing Forme’s Core V-Neck Long Sleeve shirt on long flights, a comfortable shirt with a built-in posture corrector. 

Forme’s patented posture-correcting technology gently pulls your shoulders back and down, helping to open your diaphragm so you can breathe better and also reduces back, hip, and neck pain. 

Try an In-Flight Meditation or Stretch

On most long-haul flights, you’ll find a “wellness” section alongside the in-flight movies and TV shows. These short programs guide you through relaxing meditations or gentle stretches, offering a great way to improve both your mental and physical well-being during the flight. The exercises are designed to be done in your seat (think shoulder rolls instead of downward dog), so you don’t have to worry about looking strange or disturbing your fellow passengers.

Move Every Few Hours

One of the reasons you feel so cramped and sore after getting off of a long-haul flight is that you haven’t moved from a seated position in hours. Make it a point (yes, even if you’re in an aisle seat) to stand up and walk a short distance every few hours. We don’t recommend doing laps up and down the aisle or stretches in the galley, but even a quick stroll to the bathroom and back can make a big difference. Not only will this help ease muscle stiffness, but it’s also essential for reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots can form due to prolonged immobility.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

If you tend to emerge from the plane with a terrible headache or feeling bloated, the culprit might be your in-flight meal. Ultra-processed airplane meals are often packed with salt, which can make dehydration worse and lead to headaches. Too much salt can also contribute to “jet bloat,” which combined with the change in cabin pressure, leaves you feeling uncomfortable and swollen.

Take a Tried and True Sleeping Remedy

31,000 feet in the air is not the time to test a new sleeping pill. However, if there’s a remedy that you’ve taken previously and know works well for you (like melatonin or magnesium), taking it during your flight can help you get some much-needed rest. Getting some shut eye is really the best way to feel better after a long journey.

Wear Compression Socks

Hate stepping off the plane with swollen legs and feet? Try wearing compression socks on your next flight. Swelling in the legs and feet is common during air travel due to a mix of inactivity, cabin pressure, and dehydration. Compression socks gently apply pressure to improve blood flow, helping reduce swelling and potentially lowering the risk of DVT.

The post 7 Tips for Feeling Better on Long Haul Flights appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, on certain flights, some airlines will require passengers to “valet check” a bag instead.

What Is Valet Check?

Valet check is sometimes offered on regional flights using smaller planes that have limited overhead bin space. In these planes, the overhead bins are too small to fit standard carry-on-sized rolling suitcases (they’re typically only big enough for backpacks or duffle bags). 

For example, if you’ve booked a flight on American Airlines that is operated by the smaller American Eagle carrier, the airline says, “Regional flights on American Eagle® planes have limited overhead bin space. If your carry-on is larger than the personal item dimensions, you must valet your bag before boarding. We’ll tag and check your bag at the gate for you free of charge. When you arrive, you’ll receive your bag on the jetbridge after exiting the plane.”

Typically, the gate agent will make an announcement before starting the boarding process stating that passengers with rolling carry-on suitcases must valet check their bag. Flyers will have to take a luggage tag to attach to their carry-on and drop off their suitcase in a designated area when boarding the plane. 

After landing, passengers will need to wait on the jetbridge for the valet checked bags to be delivered. 

How Is Valet Check Different Than Gate Checking a Bag?

Valet Checking is a faster and safer way to check a carry-on bag. Typically, passengers will only have to wait a few minutes to receive their bag on the jetbridge, and they will not have to leave the secured area and go to baggage claim (like they would with gate checking) to pick up their luggage. If you have a tight connection to make, you’ll have a better chance of catching your next flight with valet check than you would with a gate-checked bag. 

The post What Is Valet Check and How Is It Different Than Gate Checking a Bag? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

She said that about five minutes into the flight, there was a “loud bang noise,” and she looked “to the side and [saw] the ceiling hanging down over two passengers. The flight attendants did not notice, and nobody rang the call buttons.” After a few minutes, the flight attendant took a picture and showed it to the pilot, who said it “wasn’t a big deal and they could keep going.” 

O’Malley said it looked like the little air vents fell, but there were “little plastic tubings that definitely looked like they might be part of the oxygen system, too,” hanging down. No announcement was made, and the crew “seemed to not really care.” O’Malley, however, was unsettled and anxious the whole flight. She was surprised they did not turn back to fix it and just took the chance that it “knocked out the emergency oxygen to those seats or that side of the plane.” 

Ceiling Panel Falls During Porter Airlines Flight

O’Malley stated she typically avoids Porter, as the plane interiors “leave a bit to be desired” and remind her of “an old school bus or public transit and are very cramped.” However, she finds Toronto International a tricky airport to navigate, so she chose instead to fly out of Billy Bishop in Toronto, connecting in Ottawa on Porter. She now will take her chances with Toronto International to avoid Porter Air at all costs. 

We contacted Porter Airlines about the incident and were told that the “overhead panel cover needed to be re-secured. This is a minor requirement and not safety-related, so the Captain chose not to make an announcement. When the aircraft landed, the panel was secured, and the aircraft returned to service.” 

What To Do When Part Of the Plane Breaks Mid-Flight

So, what should happen when parts of the plane appear to break mid-flight? We’ve created a step-by-step guide for what to do when something breaks on an airplane. 

1. Don’t Panic

This may seem easier said than done, but try not to panic and worry other passengers. Remain calm and inform those who need to know first, which brings us to number two. 

2. Tell A Flight Attendant

This may seem obvious, but apparently, it isn’t, as no one pressed the call button when part of the ceiling fell. However, flight attendants can quickly assess the situation and determine whether it is an emergency. They can ask the pilot if it is more unusual (like the ceiling falling). 

3. Follow Instructions

The crew will know if something is an emergency or an inconvenience. If they tell you not to worry, don’t. If they ask you to return to your seat, do so. In this situation, the crew will definitely know more than you do, so listen to what they tell you to do. 

4. If Oxygen Masks Deploy, Use Them

Like the crew’s instructions, the oxygen masks deploy for a reason. If something happens on your plane that causes them to drop, utilize them, even if it seems unnecessary. (And, of course, put yours on first before helping others.) 

5. Don’t Try to Fix Whatever Broke

          If it’s a mechanical issue with your seat (like a broken tray table or recline mechanism):

• Return seat to upright position if possible
• Avoid forcing broken components, which could cause further damage
• Ask to be re-seated if the issue affects safety or comfort

For issues with overhead bins or storage compartments:

• Don’t try to force them closed
• Allow crew to secure items properly
• Accept alternative storage solutions offered by the crew. 

Remember that modern aircraft are designed with multiple redundant systems for safety. Most mechanical issues that might occur during flight are not safety-critical, and the crew is well-prepared to handle them.

The post What To Do If Something Breaks On Your Plane Mid-Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.

One of my biggest pet peeves when I am flying is people who cannot follow the rules when it comes to boarding (and disembarking, for that matter). I was thrilled to see that American Airlines is on my side and is testing a new boarding process technology that will crack down on people who try to board earlier than their assigned boarding group. 

The new technology will create an audible alert to the boarding agents, letting them know the passenger is boarding earlier than their boarding group. Agents will then (presumably) ask the passenger to step aside and wait for their correct boarding time. According to a report by CBS News, “gate agents still retain some discretion over the boarding process.” In other words, if they get the alert, it is up to them to decide whether you must wait to board. If you are traveling with a group and have a later boarding group than everyone else, they may let it slide (but they may not!) 

After testing the new protocol at three airports (Albuquerque International, Tucson International, and Ronald Reagan Washington National), they are expanding to 100 airports nationwide before the Thanksgiving travel rush. Julie Rath, American’s Senior Vice President of Airport Operations, Reservations and Service Recovery said in a statement that they’ve heard from their customers “that the ability to board with their assigned group is important to them because it’s a benefit associated with their AAdvantage status or fare purchase,” and that “the initial positive response from customers and team members has exceeded our expectations, so we are thrilled to leverage this technology to deliver for them ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.”

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

Airports included in the expansion are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is the busiest airport in the country.

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The One With the Blank Stare

This person didn’t pack any entertainment and is just staring straight ahead the entire flight. Are they keeping the plane aloft with the power of their mind? Are they an air marshal? Are they sleeping with their eyes open? It’s an in-flight mystery that will never be solved.

The Snorer

Passed out before takeoff, the snorer sleeps as soundly as if they were cuddled up in their own bed at home. The rest of the row won’t be as lucky, as the loud snores will keep them up for the entire flight. 

The Barfly

The flight could be at 6am or 6pm―it’s doesn’t change The Barfly’s drink order (whiskey with a beer back and keep the tab open). Depending on the person, The Barfly can go one of two ways and turn into The Snorer or go viral for an in-flight altercation when they get cut off. 

The Pill-Popper

It’s a long flight, and The Pill-Popper doesn’t want to be conscious for any of it. A sleeping pill (or something a little bit stronger) will keep them occupied in dreamland from takeoff until landing. Don’t wake them for meal service, and you better hope that they aren’t in the aisle seat in your row, otherwise, you’ll be climbing over them if you need to get up. 

The Workaholic

Generally found in business class, The Workaholic will turn their tray table into a desk for the duration of the flight. What do they do? No one knows, but it involves a lot of spreadsheets. 

The Snacker

We don’t know what kind of magical carry-on The Snacker has, but it can hold an entire buffet. The Snacker certainly won’t leave the plane hungry, as they pull out a seemingly endless supply of meals and snacks. Don’t be surprised if a six-foot sub appears out of their bag. Possibly the worst person to sit next to if you get airsick. 

The Space Stealer

Seat fully reclined for the entire flight, arm engulfing the entire armrest, legs sprawled out into the seat next to them. The Space Stealer wants every centimeter of space that they paid for (plus some of yours). 

The Talker

Headphones, earplugs, and social cues do not deter The Talker from making small talk with anyone in earshot. If you engage, be prepared to chat for the entire flight, as there’s rarely a chance for escape.

The post What Type of Flyer Are You? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

This regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all airlines operating flights to, from, or within the United States to provide a full refund if passengers cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking. This applies even to non-flexible fares that normally don’t allow changes or cancellations.

Under the rule, airlines must refund the full fare to the original form of payment (not via a travel voucher or flight credit) if a ticket is canceled within 24 hours of purchase—even for nonrefundable fares.

How Can This Rule Save You Money?

Imagine you bought a plane ticket, and then the next day, the airline has a big flight sale and the price for your itinerary is now lower than what you paid. If it’s been less than 24 hours since you bought your ticket, you can simply cancel the ticket and then rebook at the lower price without worrying about change or cancellation fees. 

We recommend checking the price of your ticket a few times throughout the 24 hour period after you book to see if fares decrease—this strategy often pays off, and you’ll be able to rebook and save.

Knowing about the 24-hour rule can also give you peace of mind if you see an incredibly low fare that you want to jump on. Rather than waiting on approval from your boss for time off or for your travel companion to get back to you (and potentially missing out on that cheap flight), you can simply book the ticket, and if it doesn’t work out, cancel it within 24 hours for no penalty.

If you booked a ticket quickly, you can also take advantage of the 24-hour period to double-check the information on your reservation (like making sure you didn’t misspell a passenger’s name)—something that airlines could charge you to correct.

Important Exceptions to the Rule

There are three important exceptions you should know before taking advantage of the 24-hour rule.

1. This rule only applies if you’re booking directly with the airline. If you book through an online travel agency like Expedia, you’ll have to abide by the company’s refund policy (which is usually not as lenient.) 

2. Airlines can offer customers the ability to hold a fare for free for up to 24 hours instead of providing a refund within 24 hours. Be sure to check that the airline you’re booking with doesn’t offer this before you buy your ticket—for example, American Airlines offers a free 24-hour hold on select flights. If the airline does provide this service, you can still save money by putting the fare on hold and waiting to see if the price drops within 24 before you buy the ticket. 

3. The 24-hour rule only applies to flights booked at least seven days before departure, so know that you won’t be able to get a refund if you book a ticket less than a week before your flight.

How Do You Cancel Under the 24 Hour Rule?

You don’t need to do anything special to get your full refund when canceling a flight reservation within 24 hours. Simply cancel your booking as you normally would, and the airline should promptly refund your original form of payment. 

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