Stop Slowing Yourself Down: Avoid These Customs Mistakes

LATEST NEWS
World’s Cleanest Airlines in 2025

✈️ EVA Air tops Skytrax’s 2025 cleanest airlines list, with ANA and Cathay Pacific close behind. Asian airlines dominate the rankings, praised for deep cleaning and hygiene-focused crews. Delta leads in North America, but no U.S. carriers made the global top 20. For cleanliness, fly EVA, ANA, or Singapore Airlines.

✈️ Singapore Airlines is named Best International Airline of 2025 for the 10th consecutive year by Travel + Leisure. Rated highly for service, cabin comfort, and customer care, it tops a survey of 180,000 readers. Qatar Airways and Emirates follow, with ANA and Japan Airlines also in the top five.

💳 American Express is expanding its Centurion Lounge network with a new location at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), opening in 2026. The lounge will feature Dutch-inspired design, local art, and a specialty coffee bar. This marks Amex’s second European lounge and 29th worldwide, with other upcoming lounges in Newark, Salt Lake City, Tokyo Haneda, and Boston.

TRAVEL TIP
Stop Slowing Yourself Down: Avoid These Customs Mistakes

Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, Customs can trip you up. But with a few smart strategies and the right gear, you’ll breeze through. Here’s what airport staff say travelers get wrong—and how to fix it:

🔑 Mistake: Fumbling for documents at the counter
Fix: Use a dedicated travel wallet to keep your passport, boarding pass, and forms in one easy-access spot.

📦 Mistake: Forgetting to declare purchases
Fix: Keep a running packing list—on paper or your phone—to avoid forgetting duty-free or restricted items.

🍊 Mistake: Packing fresh produce
Fix: Opt for sealed, shelf-stable snacks like granola bars. Avoid fruits, meats, and cheeses in your carry-on.

🔋 Mistake: Dead devices during inspection
Fix: Always carry a portable charger. Your phone might be your only way to show documents or itineraries.

👟 Mistake: Wearing complicated shoes
Fix: Go for easy slip-ons to speed through screenings without the hassle of laces or buckles.

💍 Mistake: Too much jewelry
Fix: Store accessories in a mini organizer and put them on after security.

💧 Mistake: Dehydration in long lines
Fix: Bring a refillable, collapsible water bottle to stay hydrated post-flight.

🧴 Mistake: Oversized liquids in carry-ons
Fix: Transfer toiletries into TSA-approved travel bottles—no more last-minute toss-outs.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDER!
Why Are Airport Seats Always Bolted to the Floor?

Ever sat at the gate and thought, “Why can’t I move this chair?” You’re not alone. From safety regulations to cleaning efficiency and even federal funding, there's a surprisingly smart reason those seats are stuck in place. Turns out, it’s not just about order, it’s about how airports operate behind the scenes.

According to airport designers, seats in hold-room areas (where passengers wait to board) are often anchored to maintain clear ADA-compliant pathways, ensure smooth circulation, and simplify cleaning. “Bolted seats help avoid clutter and maintain safe walking space,” says Jorge Barrero of global design firm HKS.

But there’s more. Securing seating can unlock federal funding. Under the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, only fixed furnishings—like anchored seats—qualify for grant money in non-revenue areas. Once bolted, they become a permanent fixture of the airport.

Still, the future of airport seating is shifting. Modern terminals now offer a mix of beam seating, lounge-style chairs, workspaces, and family-friendly zones, designed for comfort and flexibility. “A hug of a chair beats elbow-bumping with strangers,” notes Joe Agati Sr. of AGATI Furniture.

One clever solution? At Tampa Airport, designers used sliding brackets to keep chairs movable for cleaning—but always returned to their original spot. Smart and secure.

As airports evolve, so do their interiors. But one thing stays grounded: bolted seats make for better traffic flow, cleaner terminals, and yes—even federal dollars.

TODAY’S PHOTOS
JW Marriott On The Island Of Crete

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, located near Chania on Crete’s northwest coast, spans 100 acres of stunning shoreline with 160 rooms, suites, and villas. Designed by Block722, its architecture blends local heritage with modern minimalism, featuring natural materials and lush rooftop gardens. The resort emphasizes sustainability with geothermal and solar energy systems. Guests enjoy breathtaking Aegean Sea views, serene pools, a spa with traditional Cretan treatments, and six restaurants highlighting local cuisine. With easy access to beaches, watersports, and historic sites, JW Marriott Crete offers a luxurious and authentic Mediterranean retreat.