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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." Saint Augustine

Welcome, travel lover! Here’s your Friday Blinks – quick, exciting updates to kick off your weekend. Stay tuned for the latest insights, tips, and news, all packed into this bite-sized edition. Enjoy!

AIRLINES
The Worst Short-Haul and Long-Haul Airlines for 2025

British Airways has been named the worst long-haul airline in the latest Which? annual Traveller satisfaction survey, scoring just 62% and earning only two stars in categories like seat comfort, value for money, and cabin environment.

The survey, based on feedback from 7,828 Travellers and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data, highlighted BA's high levels of last-minute cancellations—around 2% of flights cancelled within 24 hours. One passenger struggled for nine weeks to receive a refund for a cancelled flight. In contrast, Singapore Airlines topped the rankings with 81%, followed by Etihad at 78%. Air Canada also scored poorly, joining BA at the bottom with 62%.

Ryanair and Wizz Air ranked lowest for short-haul flights, with Ryanair receiving just 49% due to poor performance in food, seat comfort, and handling of delays. Jet2 and Emirates were the top performers, with Jet2 leading short-haul satisfaction and Emirates excelling in long-haul services.

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AIRPORT
Capital One Opens New Lounge at Las Vegas Airport

Capital One has opened its highly anticipated lounge at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Terminal 1, Concourse D. Spanning 8,200 square feet and seating 135 guests, the lounge is designed with earthy tones inspired by Nevada's desert landscape and features artwork from local artists. It offers a range of amenities, including charging stations, private workspaces, and a relaxation room. Guests can enjoy a variety of food options, from healthy snacks and breakfast items like avocado toast to lunch and dinner dishes like deviled eggs with caviar and braised short rib. A self-serve artisanal soda station and collaborations with local businesses like Vesta Coffee Roasters and Suzuya Patisserie add to the experience. The lounge also offers "Daily Rituals," such as morning iced coffee and afternoon tea. Capital One’s Venture X, Venture, and Spark Miles cardholders get free access, while others can enter for $45 per visit. This lounge is part of Capital One’s expanding airport network, with plans for a future lounge at JFK Airport.

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AIRPORT
This Airport Ranked The Most Expensive Airport in the United States 

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) has been ranked as the most expensive airport for domestic flights in the U.S., primarily due to high airport fees, operational costs, and its location in a high-cost region. The airport's steep landing, gate, and passenger service fees are passed on to passengers, contributing to the high overall costs. Additionally, the airport's proximity to Washington, D.C., adds to real estate and labor costs, further driving up ticket prices. Limited low-cost carrier competition and a focus on international flights also contribute to the higher domestic fares. Passengers also face additional expenses, including expensive parking ($22 per day) and pricey transportation options. Despite these costs, Dulles offers premium amenities like luxury lounges and international dining, making it a hub for global travel. However, these conveniences come with a hefty price tag for travelers.

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BEACHES
The 3 Safest Beach Destinations in Mexico

According to a report by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the safest beach destinations in Mexico for American travelers are Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and La Paz. Here's a closer look at each:

Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of old-world charm and modern resort vibes. The cobblestone streets in the Romantic Zone lead to cozy restaurants and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Despite some concerns about crime in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta remains largely unaffected. It is mainly a tourist town, and turf wars are rare, making it safer than other areas.

Los Cabos
Located at the southern tip of Baja California, Los Cabos is geographically isolated from crime hotspots in northern Mexico. The area benefits from strict surveillance and a military presence, ensuring safety for tourists. The U.S. State Department has rated it a Level 2 destination, meaning it is safe for Americans to visit. Its luxurious resorts and vibrant nightlife make it a popular destination.

La Paz
La Paz, on the Baja California Sur Peninsula, is known for its calm atmosphere and low crime rates. Tourists rarely face violent crime, though pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. The U.S. State Department has listed it as a Level 2 destination, similar to Los Cabos, and its residents feel very safe.

TRAVEL TIPS
The Best Time to Buy International Flights 

Booking international flights can be less stressful with the right strategies. According to Expedia, the best time to book is around 60 days in advance, offering about 10% savings compared to booking further out. For Europe, Google’s research suggests booking 129 days ahead for the lowest fares, though deals can appear between 50 and 179 days prior. For destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean, 59 days is the sweet spot.

Booking early also allows you to take advantage of price drops. Many U.S. airlines allow you to change your ticket if the fare drops, offering a voucher for the difference instead of cash back. While there's no perfect formula, staying flexible and booking when you spot a good deal helps.

Consider competition among airlines, as more options may lead to better prices. Travel during off-peak or shoulder seasons for cheaper fares. Airlines release seats five months in advance, with some offering up to 11 months ahead. Set up price trackers to monitor trends and secure the best deal.

In short, plan ahead, stay flexible, and aim for 60 days in advance to score the best deal. Happy flight hunting!

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FLIGHT DEALS
Fly to Europe for as Low as $379 with this airline.

Aer Lingus is offering discounted roundtrip flights from New York (JFK) and Boston to Dublin, with prices as low as $379 for travel between March and May 2025. Flights from New York to Dublin are available for $389 roundtrip, while deals from other U.S. cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Los Angeles start at $528.

For travelers in Europe, Aer Lingus has one-way flights to the U.S. starting at $216 from Dublin to cities like Boston and New York, with travel available from March 16 to June 19, 2025. Aer Lingus also provides easy connections to major European cities, including Amsterdam, London, and Rome, making it convenient for spring break or summer vacation travel.

Aer Lingus operates from Dublin Airport, which offers a unique pre-clearance facility, allowing U.S.-bound passengers to clear customs in Dublin and arrive in the U.S. as domestic travelers. The airline continues to expand its U.S. routes with new flights from Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul to Ireland.

For more deals, visit Aer Lingus’ website, where you can find discounts and an interactive route map to plan your next trip.

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1- SOUTHWEST AIRLINES : 
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2- FRONTIER AIRLINES: 
Frontier Airlines Announces Nine Routes - With Celebratory Fares as Low as $29

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