✈️ Common Mistakes Travelers Make on Long-Haul Flights

BIG NEWS
✈️ Air Canada Strike Grinds Operations to a Halt

Canada’s largest airline faces major disruption as a strike by flight attendants enters day three.
Despite being declared illegal, the union is standing firm, impacting travel plans nationwide during peak season.

• Over 10,000 flight attendants are defying orders and continuing a strike against Air Canada.

• Nearly 130,000 travelers per day are affected, with flights stalled at major airports including Vancouver.

• Passengers with canceled flights are eligible for full refunds through Air Canada’s website or app.

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FLIGHT DEAL
🌍 Fly to Europe for Under $130 This Fall

Fall flight deals are heating up as the summer season cools off—perfect for budget-savvy travelers.

Norse Atlantic Airways, a low-cost carrier based in Norway, is offering one-way fares from New York (JFK) to top European cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin starting at just $129 this fall.

Fares are available through the shoulder season (September–November), when airlines lower prices to boost demand.
Sample fares spotted include:

• NYC to London from $129

• NYC to Rome from $149

• LAX to Athens from $158

• Orlando to London from $129

These prices apply to Economy Light seats, which include a carry-on and personal item. Tickets are non-refundable and changes come with high fees.

Upgrades to Economy Classic or Premium Cabin offer perks like meals, checked bags, and extra legroom.

LONG-HAUL FLIGHT TIPS
✈️ Common Mistakes Travelers Make on Long-Haul Flights

Avoid these errors to make your journey smoother and more comfortable:

• 👖 Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes
  Stick to soft, stretchy layers and wear slip-on shoes. Compression socks help too.

• 🚽 Choosing a Seat Near the Restroom
  It may seem convenient, but the foot traffic and odor can be disruptive.

• ⏳ Watching the Clock
  Avoid tracking time or staring at the flight map — it only makes the flight feel longer.

• 💺 Skipping Last-Minute Seat Upgrades
  Check upgrade prices at online check-in — they’re often cheaper the day of.

• 😴 Not Bringing Sleep Essentials
  Pack a quality neck pillow, sleep mask, and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.

• 📱 Relying Only on In-Flight Entertainment
  Download your own movies, music, or books in case the system fails.

• 📍Not Selecting a Seat in Advance
  Avoid middle seats; consider splurging for extra legroom or your preferred window/aisle.

• 🛌 Boarding Without a Sleep Plan
  Match your sleep to the destination’s time zone. Avoid caffeine if trying to sleep.

• 🗣 Feeling Obligated to Talk
  It's OK to skip chatting with coworkers or seatmates — personal space matters.

• 🍫 Not Bringing Snacks
  Airline food is limited. Bring your favorites to avoid hunger and bad moods.

• 💆‍♀️ Neglecting Self-Care
  Walk and stretch regularly, hydrate, and do light grooming before landing to feel refreshed.

HOTELS HYGIENE
🧼The Germiest Things in Hotel Lobbies You Should Avoid

Staying at a hotel soon? Be careful — your hands may be picking up more than room keys.

• Elevator buttons are the germiest surface, responsible for a third of all lobby touches.

• Front desk counters, door handles, and buffet areas are also hot zones for bacteria and viruses.

• Common culprits include cold viruses, norovirus, staph, and respiratory germs like flu and COVID.

• Upholstered chairs may look cozy but often go uncleaned, trapping germs in porous fabric.

• Experts say hand sanitizer with 62–70% alcohol or 20 seconds of handwashing lowers your risk significantly.

Pro tip: Don’t touch your face before washing your hands, especially after lobby contact.
Keeping your immune system strong — through sleep, nutrition, and exercise — also reduces your chance of getting sick.

Bottom line: Hotel lobbies may look spotless, but the germ transfer is real. A quick hand-clean can go a long way.

CRUISING TIPS 
 🚢 Cruise Packing Mistakes

Don’t let your vacation start with a surprise at security. Cruise lines ban more everyday items than you might think — here’s what to leave at home:

• Irons & Heating Pads
  🔥 Banned due to fire hazards. Use cruise-provided ironing rooms or pack wrinkle-release spray. For pain relief, opt for stick-on heat patches instead of plug-in heating pads.

• Homemade or Unpackaged Food
  🚫 Cookies, casseroles, and fresh snacks won’t make it onboard. Only bring sealed, shelf-stable items. Some ships don’t allow personal food storage at all.

• Surge-Protected Power Strips
  ⚡ These can interfere with ship systems. Bring a cruise-approved, non-surge power strip or a plug adapter instead. Policies vary, so check your cruise line’s rules first.

🧳 Pro Tip: Each cruise line has its own list of banned items. Always double-check your cruise's website before packing — and sail stress-free!