How to Get a Flight Upgrade: Smart Strategies That Work

LATEST TRAVEL NEWS

Countries Warn Travelers About US Border Crackdowns and Policy Changes

Several countries, including Canada, France, Germany, the UK, Denmark, and Finland, have issued travel advisories for the U.S. due to stricter immigration policies and concerns for transgender travelers. Recent incidents—such as a Canadian woman detained for 12 days and a French researcher denied entry over critical messages—have prompted warnings about heightened border enforcement. New U.S. policies requiring travelers to list "sex at birth" on visas or ESTA applications also raise risks for transgender individuals with non-binary gender markers.

Canada has introduced new rules requiring its citizens to register for U.S. stays exceeding 30 days, with penalties for non-compliance. Germany and the UK have updated advisories, emphasizing stricter enforcement of entry rules and urging travelers to verify requirements beforehand. Meanwhile, some countries, like Japan and Uruguay, continue to highlight concerns about gun violence and hate crimes in their U.S. travel warnings.

The advisories have already led to a slight decline in U.S. tourism bookings, particularly from Europe and Australia, attributed to policy uncertainty and the strong U.S. dollar. While the long-term impact remains unclear, the warnings risk damaging the U.S.’s reputation as an open and welcoming destination for international travelers.

Related: These countries have issued travel advisories for the United States

United Airlines Increases Lounge Fees and Restricts Access to United Club Perks

United Airlines has recently made significant changes to its United Club lounge access, including increased fees and restrictions on membership benefits. The individual membership now costs $750 or 94,000 miles, while an upgraded All Access tier is priced at $1,400 or 175,000 miles, offering access to additional lounges and allowing two guests. However, the standard membership no longer includes guest access or entry to Star Alliance and partner lounges.

The new policies apply immediately to new sign-ups, while existing members can retain their current benefits until renewal. Travelers who hold United Club or United Club Business credit cards will still have access to one guest and dependents under 18. The changes are part of the airline’s strategy to reinvest in its premium lounge experience.

The changes have sparked mixed reactions from customers. Some are unhappy with the price hike and removal of key perks, while others see the reduced guest access as a positive development, possibly helping to reduce overcrowding in the lounges.

Princess Cruises Cancels Galveston Sailings

Princess Cruises has canceled all Majestic Princess voyages from Galveston between November 2026 and March 2027, citing a "global fleet deployment strategy." The 3,560-passenger ship will be repositioned, leaving Galveston temporarily without a Princess vessel after Regal Princess concludes its operations in March 2026.

Full Refunds and Rebooking Assistance
Affected passengers will receive full refunds and help rebooking alternative cruises, including options from Galveston and Caribbean itineraries. The cruise line apologized for the inconvenience, emphasizing its commitment to delivering exceptional vacation experiences.

Future Plans Unclear
While Princess hasn't revealed Majestic Princess's next destination, it promises an upcoming deployment announcement. Meanwhile, Galveston remains active with other major cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

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How to Get a Flight Upgrade: Smart Strategies That Work?

Flight upgrades have become harder to secure as airlines increasingly sell premium seats rather than give them away. However, with the right approach, you can still improve your chances of enjoying business or first class.

Know the System
Airlines automatically upgrade their top-tier frequent flyers first. If you don't have elite status, your best opportunities come during irregular operations - think overbooked flights or last-minute equipment changes. Always be polite when asking; gate agents remember difficult passengers.

Perfect Your Timing
Request upgrades early when checking in or at the gate before boarding begins. Agents are more likely to help when they're not overwhelmed. Mentioning special occasions can't hurt, but your demeanor matters more than your story.

Consider Paid Options
Monitor upgrade prices as your flight approaches. Airlines often discount unsold premium seats closer to departure. Many carriers now offer bidding systems where you can name your price - bid slightly above the minimum for better odds.

Remember the Rules
Once you board, upgrade chances disappear. Flight attendants can't reassign seats, so all negotiations must happen beforehand.

While free upgrades are rare, combining these strategies with flexibility gives you the best shot at premium comfort. Whether through status, smart requests, or strategic purchases, that business class seat might be more attainable than you think. 

Related: The Best Time to Ask for a Flight Upgrade, According to Aviation Experts

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Disney World Offers 50% Off Summer Tickets for Kids – Plus Free Dining & New Attractions

Families can save on summer trips with these new Walt Disney World offers:

• Kids’ Tickets 50% Off: Ages 3–9 get half-price tickets on 3+ day passes for visits May 27–Sept 20, 2025 (under 3 free).

• Free Dining Plan: Book a 4+ night resort package with Park Hopper tickets (June 29–Dec 22, 2025) for complimentary dining.

• New Kid Experiences: Magic Kingdom and Epcot debut interactive play zones (May 27–Sept 1), including Goofy’s game-filled "CommuniCore Hall."

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED!!

Why Do You Have to Remove Your Shoes at Airport Security?
The Real Reason Behind the Rule

Airport security requires passengers to remove shoes primarily due to the 2001 "shoe bomber" incident, when Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes aboard a flight. This event exposed a vulnerability in aviation security, leading to the widespread implementation of shoe removal for screening. While modern scanners can detect most threats, bulky footwear like boots can still obscure dangerous items, prompting some airports—especially in the U.S. and Europe—to mandate removal for clearer scans.

The rule persists partly because improvised explosive devices (IEDs) can be concealed in shoe soles, and older X-ray machines struggle to penetrate dense materials. Even with advanced CT scanners rolling out, security agencies err on the side of caution, maintaining the policy until technology reliably eliminates the risk.

Though inconvenient, the practice reflects aviation security’s reactive nature—rules tighten after breaches but rarely relax. Until scanners universally guarantee threat detection in footwear, passengers will keep shuffling through security in socks.

Related: The real reason why airport security makes you remove your shoes (or not)

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