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Have India’s air travel and hospitality industries recovered post-covid?

Air travel is rough. Here's how the government is trying to fix it.

Singapore Airlines will make an additional investment of Rs 3,194.5 crore in Tata Group-owned Air India post-merger of Vistara in November. The merger, announced on November 29, 2022, and set to be completed on November 11, 2024, will result in Singapore Airlines having a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India. Full-service carrier Vistara, which started flying on January 9, 2015, is a joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines, where the latter holds a 49% shareholding. Vistara's last flight will take off tomorrow i.e. November 11, 2024. Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group on Friday said its consideration for the merger comprises the 49% interest in Vistara and Rs 20,585 million (Rs 2,058.5 crore) in cash in exchange for a 25.1% equity interest in the enlarged Air India. Post-merger, SIA expects to recognize a non-cash accounting gain of around 1.1 billion Singapore dollars and also start equity accounting for its share of Air India's financial results. According to a release on Friday, the merger includes an agreement for SIA to contribute its share of any funding previously provided by Tata prior to the completion of the merger, together with relevant funding costs up to Rs 5,020 crore that would allow it to maintain a 25.1% stake in Air India. "SIA's additional capital injection is expected to be Rs 31,945 million (equivalent to SGD 498 million), based on Tata's funding to Air India to date. This will occur after the completion of the merger and within November 2024 through subscription to new Air India shares. "Future capital injections will be considered based on Air India's requirements and available funding options," according to the release issued while announcing the airline's financial performance for the six months ended September 2024. The merger of Vistara with Air India will mark a major consolidation in the fast-growing Indian aviation space. SIA said the merged entity will have a significant presence across all key Indian air travel segments, including domestic, international, full-service, and low-cost operations. "This will strengthen SIA's multi-hub strategy, allowing it to continue participating directly in India's large and fast-growing aviation market," it added. Recently, Air India and SIA agreed to significantly expand their codeshare agreement, adding 11 Indian cities and another 40 international destinations to their network.

Singapore Airlines to invest additional Rs 3,195 cr in Air India post-Vistara merger

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I purchased a blow-up travel pillow for two long-haul flights between the US and East Africa.</li><li>I had seen the pillow across TikTok and thought its design was smart.</li></ul>I knew I would look ridiculous, but I was willing to sacrifice dignity for sleep on a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/long-haul-flight-mistakes-new-zealand-2022-7">long-haul flight</a>.So, on a 13-hour Ethiopian Airlines flight from Washington, DC, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I settled in my window seat and shamefully started blowing up my inflatable travel pillow.Three weeks later, I was boarding an even <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flying-business-class-qatar-airways-review-2024-9">longer Qatar Airways flight</a> between Doha, Qatar, and Dallas.Once again, the embarrassment of blowing up the giant contraption set in. I did catch some Zs, but I knew by the end of the flight I'd never fly with the travel pillow again.<div type="image" title="The Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow," height="2802" width="3736" msid="115361952" hostid="261" sizebytes="546448"></div><h2 id="50c93ed5-5668-4489-87fc-35c1b91fe5b7">I'd eyed the travel pillow for years</h2>I've spent the past few years watching TikTok videos, chatting with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-passenger-make-flights-airlines-airports-travel-2023-9">frequent flyers</a>, and reading <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/travel/best-travel-pillow">travel pillow roundups</a> — and one product always stood out.The $21 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=18c8269d592636d10fcf5ed0ad3e36727022d3312656c58d28d1f63b0fedbd86&amp;postID=67336555d057d3e5c5cfca5e&amp;postSlug=blow-up-travel-pillow-long-haul-economy-flight-review-2024-11&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FInflatable-Airplane-inflatable-Sleeping-Comfortably%2Fdp%2FB07VHPFK5B%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B07VHPFK5B%3Fmcid%3Dc41b597a02c53a7289a0162f2b9e51c6%26hvocijid%3D2962322877644595462-B07VHPFK5B-%26hvexpln%3D73%26tag%3Dhyprod-20%26linkCode%3Ddf0%26hvadid%3D692875362841%26hvpos%3D%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D2962322877644595462%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D9028782%26hvtargid%3Dpla-2281435179818%26psc%3D1">Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow</a>, shaped like a cube, allows sleepers to lean forward. A hole on top creates a nook for the face, and two holes on the sides welcome the arms.I'm someone who hasn't had much luck with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/packing-mistake-long-haul-flight-neck-pillow-wasted-money-space-2023-8">traditional neck pillows</a>. I've never found one that sits high enough to support my head. Instead, I'm stuck bending my neck in uncomfortable positions or ditching the pillow altogether.I hoped the blow-up pillow's position might make it easier to sleep. Plus, I loved its packability. I'm far from a germaphobe, but most travel pillows give me the ick.Each time I go to the airport, I cringe as people throw their neck pillows onto security belts, set them down on airport floors (or worse, airport bathrooms), and prop them against unfamiliar walls.In just a few minutes, that same pillow will be pressed against a face.That thought is horrifying, so I know I need something that can be compressed and stored in a bag. That was the case with the inflatable pillow.<div type="image" title="A row of Ethiopian Airlines planes." height="1536" width="2048" msid="115361951" hostid="261" sizebytes="206774"></div><h2 id="2edf7d40-4dd2-4066-b379-abbfa49bf116">I did sleep with the pillow but ultimately found it too bulky</h2>Before leaving, I blew the pillow up to ensure there weren't any holes and to air out its plastic smell.It looked great when inflated in my bedroom. I tested it leaning forward and wondered if I could squish it into other shapes once I was on the plane.I did think that the compressed pillow was slightly larger than I imagined — about the size of a Nalgene water bottle and made of heavy plastic — but it was still easier to pack and carry than a traditional travel pillow.<div type="image" title="The pillow deflated and stored in its carrying case." height="1328" width="1770" msid="115361950" hostid="261" sizebytes="357866"></div>A few days later, I boarded my 13-hour flight and quickly realized I had forgotten just how tiny <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/comparing-front-back-economy-long-haul-flight-2024-6">economy seats</a> were. My knees pressed against the seat in front of me, and I stored a few belongings on the plane floor.Then, I braved the embarrassment and blew up my travel pillow. In my small economy seat, the pillow felt enormous.With other travel pillows, I've been able to leave them wrapped around my neck or squished near my legs for easy storage. But that wasn't the case with this one.The inflated pillow couldn't fit underneath my seat or near my feet, so there was no place to store it if I wanted to read or eat during the flight. Instead, I'd need to inflate and deflate the pillow each time.<div type="image" title="The pillow stored near the author's feet." height="1536" width="2048" msid="115361958" hostid="261" sizebytes="189852"></div>However, I was lucky. I had an empty middle seat for the flight, so I could store the pillow next to me when needed.As for the actual sleeping part, I did think the pillow was comfortable. I passed out, and thanks to the extra space in my row, I could also squeeze it against the plane wall and rest my head to the side.Fast-forward three weeks, and I was embarking home — this time, on an even longer 15-hour flight. I wanted to be excited to use the pillow, but instead, I dreaded pulling out the monstrous contraption.If someone were in the middle seat, I'd feel even more claustrophobic with the large inflatable on my lap. Plus, I didn't see a situation where my seatmate wouldn't be bumped or bothered by the pillow at least once during the flight as I maneuver around.Thankfully, I was once again lucky with another open middle seat.But I know my <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-survive-long-haul-flights-to-new-zealand-photos-2022-8">long-haul flight</a> luck is bound to run out someday. So, before that happens, I hope to find a smaller pillow that won't risk bothering seatmates or creating embarrassment.

I thought the viral blow-up travel pillows were ingenious. Then, I traveled with one on a 15-hour economy flight.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Portland airport is using llamas and alpacas for stress relief at its terminals.</li><li>Travel anxiety is common, and fears like missing boarding can worsen mental health conditions.</li></ul>An airport in Oregon is trying to ease nervous flyers' concerns by providing them with access to an unusual <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-therapy-and-emotional-support-animals-2020-4">animal therapy program.</a>Portland International Airport says it has partnered with Mountain Peaks Therapy to bring llamas and alpacas into its terminals every few weeks, hoping to alleviate some of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airport-tips-travel-expert-samantha-brown-2024-6">stress associated with air travel</a>, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/03/nx-s1-5173755/therapy-animals-portland-airport-llama-alpaca">NPR</a>.The farm, based in Ridgefield, Washington, has five llamas and six alpacas, which it says are certified to interact with passengers in a calming manner. Its website <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://classycamelids.com/pricing">says</a> it costs about $650 an hour per animal.Studies have shown that animal therapy has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5504801/">minor to moderately positive effects</a> on those struggling with an array of mental illnesses, though academics say more research needs to be done on its efficacy.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/pac/about-us/animal-assisted-therapy-research">According to UCLA Health</a>, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/mental-health/emotional-support-animal">animal therapy</a> can promote the release of mood-boosting hormones, lower anxiety, and provide a "happy distraction."Most existing studies are focused on therapy dogs, which are increasingly being used in airports, such as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://mediacentre.stanstedairport.com/therapy-dogs-paws-itively-delight-passengers/">London Stansted</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cv205z3ndkjo">Istanbul Airport.</a>Although the use of llamas and alpacas is more unusual, Allison Ferre, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland, told NPR that it's just one initiative aimed at addressing the stress associated with air travel.Another involved redesigning the airport to include trees, according to NPR.The Port of Portland did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.Denver International Airport has the world's largest animal therapy program, for which it was awarded the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/687319-largest-airport-therapy-animal-programme">Guinness World Record in 2021</a>.A <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=eceac68b5e5b0722d58db39ac4e9495b2b7de9f74412fda029f1a6663a285a1d&amp;postID=6728b20c06a260ef18e8c1ca&amp;postSlug=portland-airport-uses-llamas-for-stress-relief-ease-travel-anxiety-2024-11&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prioritypass.com%2Fblog%2F2019%2Fairport-stress-survey">2019 survey of UK passengers by Priority Pass</a>, a program that provides access to airport lounges, found that the biggest <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flying-becoming-more-miserable-climate-crisis-delays-costs-turbulence-2024-8">anxieties about travel</a> are getting stuck on the way to the airport, losing baggage, missing boarding, or misplacing passports.According to Mintel, a market research company, nearly half (45%) of US airport travelers surveyed in 2022 reported that they found airport crowds to be a major source of stress, the company said in an email to BI.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/mental-health">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> said that travel-related stress can be a trigger for those with pre-existing mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.

An Oregon airport is trying to alleviate travel anxiety with llama therapy

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Europe's hottest summer on record didn't stop tourists from visiting en masse.</li><li>Some luxury travel agents say more vacationers are seeking summer trips to cooler climates.</li></ul>Few summertime Instagram posts are as FOMO-inducing as the perfectly posed candid in front of the Eiffel Tower or Sagrada Familia, complete with a perfectly dewy makeup look.But as global temperatures continue to rise, that glowy finish could more likely be from sweat than a shimmery highlight.The summer of 2024 was the <a target="_blank" href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/c3s-seasonal-lookback-summer-2024">hottest on record</a> in Europe. Heat waves soared beyond 100 degrees in countries like Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain — all while the tourist-beloved destinations contended with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/01/italy-braces-for-record-wave-of-tourists-but-is-having-trouble-handling-them.html">record levels of travelers</a>.<div type="image" title="crowds of tourists in Greece" height="3327" width="4436" msid="114705585" hostid="261" sizebytes="963708"></div>Likely, no vacationer wants to spend their precious summer break wading through sweltering heat waves and throngs of sweaty crowds.Thus, the growing preference for "coolcations" — a portmanteau of "cool" and "vacations" — is born. And with it, a 44% increase in bookings to the milder-weathered destinations of northern Europe and Canada from the summer of 2023 to 2024, according to luxury travel agency Virtuoso.Move aside, wet, hot American summer. Now, it's all about cold Finnish summers.<h2 id="daf5314f-2892-4288-b044-2afc61cd5241">Wealthy travelers are seeking out chill summers</h2><div type="image" title="Blue lagoon geothermal bath near Reykjavik, Iceland." height="1306" width="1741" msid="114705584" hostid="261" sizebytes="181436"></div>"The stifling hot places you don't think of as being really hot and muggy have become that way," Jackie Roth, a travel manager for Scott Dunn Private, told BI, calling out examples like Rome, Paris, and the UK.Roth has planned summer trips to the latter. But if the timing coincides with a heat wave and her client's hotel doesn't have air conditioning, they "absolutely panic," she said. "Americans are used to a bit more pampering."A growing number of travelers are pushing their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/summer-travel-vacation-now-fall-autumn-instead-2024-10">"Euro summer" trips to the fall</a> to beat peak summer crowds and temperatures.Others are opting for cooler-weather getaways to destinations like Scandinavia.<div type="image" title="Stock photo shows Helsinki, Finland." height="1414" width="1885" msid="114705587" hostid="261" sizebytes="449000"></div>Misty Belles, Virtuoso's vice president of global public relations, attributed the trend to two global warming-related factors: the increasing intensity of heat waves and recent wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, Greece, and Spain.The latter "really rattled" people," she told BI.Europe, as a whole, endured a sweltering summer. However, some western European countries — specifically Iceland, Ireland, and parts of the UK and Norway — experienced cooler-than-average summers.<div type="image" title="Oslo, Norway at night" height="3800" width="5700" msid="114705583" hostid="261" sizebytes="2595740"></div>Previously beloved for wintertime <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/holland-america-line-longest-133-day-pole-to-pole-cruise-2023-6">aurora borealis hunting</a>, more travelers (especially those who've already done classics like Italy and France) are realizing these destinations' midnight sun, crisper weather, and smaller crowds could make for a fun summer getaway, too."You get a lot of people saying, 'I went to Italy or Greece in the height of summer, and it was too hot, so where can I go now that's not so hot?'" Julie Durso, a Scott Dunn Private travel manager, told BI. "It's one thing to be in a place with that heat, but to have it with a lot of crowds as well."<h2 id="0fa2af76-edf1-44fd-8f5a-46ba30212781">Where coolcationers are headed</h2><div type="image" title="ice cream in front of colorful houses in copenhagen" height="1414" width="1885" msid="114705586" hostid="261" sizebytes="193006"></div>The "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/fashion/what-is-scandi-style-today">Scandi style</a>" fashion aesthetic, inspired by Copenhagen and Stockholm's minimalist street style, has retained its grip on #FashionTok.Now, the public's love of Scandinavia is bleeding into travel, too.Melissa Biggs Bradley, CEO of luxury travel agency and media company Indagare, told BI in an email that more of the company's clients have been "gravitating north" to major Nordic cities.For those who prefer less urban trips, she called out the "great restaurants and beautiful beaches" of the Stockholm archipelago and the "dramatic landscapes" of the Faroe Islands and Norway's fjords.<div type="image" title="Streymoy Island of Faroe Islands" height="3420" width="4560" msid="114705589" hostid="261" sizebytes="2156128"></div>In the summer of 2024, Virtuoso saw an up to 17% uptick in vacations to Sweden and Denmark compared to the prior summer, it said. Looking westward, Belles said the company was "blown away" by the 62% and 89% growth in trips to Iceland and Norway, respectively.Like Virtuoso, luxury tour operator Abercombie and Kent told BI in an email that Norway has become a "top choice" for its customers.The company saw "immediate interest" when it launched its first summertime small-group tour of Norway and Denmark in 2023. Amid sustained demand, the itinerary is now annual. (The 10-day tour starts at $16,900 per person in 2025.)<div type="image" title="The village of Reine on the water of the fjord in the Lofoten Islands, Norway." height="853" width="1137" msid="114705588" hostid="261" sizebytes="114420"></div>Norway's upstairs neighbor, Finland, also piqued the interest of Virtuoso's clients this summer — to the tune of a 150% balloon in bookings. "That's not someplace we were typically sending clients," Belles said.The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-finland-happiest-place-on-earth-what-its-like-2024-1">world's happiest country</a> accommodated about 89,700 US travelers from June through August, a 7.7% increase from 2023.Even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/united-airlines-new-international-routes-2025-list-fifth-freedom-2024-10">United Airlines</a> is riding the coolcations trend, too. In October, the company announced it would launch its first summer route from New Jersey's Newark Liberty International to Nuuk, Greenland's soon-to-be-completed international airport, in June 2025."The savvy traveler has been to Paris, Rome, and Madrid so many times that they're looking for something different," Patrick Quayle, United Airlines' SVP of global network planning and alliances, told reporters at the time. "Our nonstop flights to Greenland will provide new access to the world's most northern capital and gateway to Arctic adventures and midnight sun."

Some wealthy travelers are replacing their hot summer trips with 'coolcations'

Amid the severe pollution gripping the national capital, <keyword id="19948557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-metro" source="keywords">Delhi Metro</keyword> recorded its highest-ever daily ridership on November 18, with a staggering 78.67 lakh passenger journeys, according to official data. This figure exceeded the previous high of 77.49 lakh passengers on August 20 of this year, the data said. On November 18, the Yellow Line, which connects Millennium City Centre in Gurugram to Samaypur Badli in Delhi, saw the highest passenger traffic, with a record 20.99 lakh commuters. The Blue Line followed closely with 20.80 lakh passengers, while the Red Line recorded 8.56 lakh commuters, 8.15 lakh in Pink Line and 7.93 lakh in Violet Line. The Magenta Line saw 6.19 lakh passengers, followed by the Green Line with 4.12 lakh commuters, 81,985 in Airport Line, 57,701 in Rapid Metro, and 50,128, in the Grey Line, as per the data. Thick grey haze continued to choke Delhi for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high at 488 in the 'severe plus' category. To encourage more people to use the metro in this scenario, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is running 60 extra trips on weekdays, offering more capacity than usual, an official statement said. The DMRC has recorded its 25 highest passenger journeys since August this year, the statement added. It emphasised that the more people opt for the metro over private vehicles, the greater the reduction in vehicular emissions, which will help improve the air quality of the city and its surrounding areas. In addition, the DMRC has introduced several measures to make travel more convenient for passengers, the statement read. These include the ability to book single or multiple journey tickets through various digital platforms, allowing passengers to plan their journeys anytime and anywhere without the need to stand in queues at the station. Furthermore, partnerships with organisations such as IRCTC, NCRTC, ITPO, and others have made it easier for people to not only travel by metro but also access interconnected travel options, along with various offers and events, all with seamless ease, the statement said. The DMRC also stated that it is one of the most <keyword id="24050954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmentally-friendly-transport" source="keywords">environmentally friendly transport</keyword> options and the first metro system in the world to be registered for carbon credits with the United Nations for its environmental measures.

Severe pollution pushes Delhi Metro to record its highest-ever daily ridership on November 18

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Luxury air travel is on the rise, including the use of private jets and premium tickets.</li><li>The pandemic's 'revenge travel' trend has people spending more on luxury air experiences.</li></ul>It's official: 2024 is the year of luxury air travel.Travel experts told Business Insider they had noticed an uptick in clients opting for luxury air travel experiences, from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/travel/cheap-private-and-semi-private-jet-companies">private jets</a> to first-class and premium-class plane tickets.Oliver Bell, cofounder of luxury travel company Oliver's Travels, said this trend could be partly attributed to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-travelers-splurge-on-for-vacation-trends-2023-11">"revenge travel,"</a> where people are "willing to spend more for incredible experiences" in the aftermath of the pandemic.According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/travel-rewards/survey-travel-plans-2024/">Forbes Advisor survey</a> of 1,000 Americans in January of this year, 39% of people say their travel budget in 2024 will be higher than the previous year. (That's down from 45% of people surveyed in 2023.)But you don't have to be flushed with cash to experience luxury air travel. You just have to do your research.<h2 id="25da4617-0b4d-4011-8213-256137508460">Semi-private jets are often overlooked</h2>Private jets are one of the most obvious ways to travel in luxury, but according to Bell, they are often overlooked because people assume they are too expensive."A lot of people assume that flying private is only for the rich and famous, the Elon Musk's of the world," Bell said."Of course, it's by no means a 'cheap' way to fly as it still will typically be more expensive than flying commercial, but it is much more accessible than people think, which could be why we're seeing an increase now that people are becoming more aware," he added.As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/travel/cheap-private-and-semi-private-jet-companies">BI's </a>Alesandra Dubin previously reported, June 2022 had the most private flights in the US since October 2007.<div type="image" title="The interior of a private jet" height="1412" width="2122" msid="111292048" hostid="261" sizebytes="222128"></div>Dubin recommended booking a publicly available seat on a "hop on" semi-private jet flight to save money. Numerous private regional airlines, such as JSX, offer this option.JSX offers various routes from private terminals across the West Coast and Texas. Passengers don't have to worry about crowds or security lines, and with a maximum of 30 passengers on each flight, you can get the feeling of flying private without actually hiring your own jet.In June 2021, Dubin wrote about her experience traveling from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/travel/jsx-airlines-review">LA to Vegas on a JSX flight for $99</a>. Her ticket included a free checked bag, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol.Alternatively, some private jet companies offer subscription services where you get full access for a set fee every month. For example, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" href="https://www.surfair.com/">Surf Air </a>is an LA-based private jet company that offers unlimited private flying memberships for $295 per month or $3,540 annually."Instead of having to wait in long queues with limits on baggage or extra payments required, you can arrive as little as 15 minutes before your flight, board directly, and enjoy complete comfort and privacy," Bell said.<h2 id="2150fcfb-a6a5-4a66-aaff-d457716c9988">Affordable or 'middle-of-the-road' luxury</h2>Some passengers can travel in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/use-amex-points-ana-first-class-flight-worth-14000-2022-3">first or business class for less</a> using credit cards or airline reward points.But for less frequent flyers or those who don't have the points, there are alternative options.David Guthrie, founder of safari company Tent with a View, said he has noticed an increase in clients opting for "middle-of-the-road luxury" options, such as premium-class plane tickets.He said it's become common for airlines to offer a "more elevated experience compared to standard economy," but these options are "not nearly as plush or pricey as first-class or private charters."Airlines, including KLM, Delta, and United, offer premium or comfort-class tickets.<div type="image" title="united airlines exterior plane" height="683" width="1024" msid="111292050" hostid="261" sizebytes="73752"></div>Each airline offers different perks. With <a target="_blank" href="https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/inflight/united-premium-plus.html">United Airlines' Premium Plus</a> package, passengers will get bigger seats, more legroom, and an amenity kit with skincare products from TheraFace, including eye serum, facial spray, hand cream, and lip balm.It also includes free alcohol, upgraded meal cutlery, and noise-canceling headphones on board, as well as larger TV screens, priority check-in and boarding, exclusive security lanes, and priority bag handling.According to Martina Coogan, head of United Airline's corporate sales in the UK and Ireland, fares start at around $1,077.Coogan told BI that Premium Plus is "gaining in popularity with both leisure and corporate travelers, and we expect this trend to continue."He said it's an especially popular option for passengers traveling on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/united-airlines-premium-economy-upgrade-japan-us-worth-it-2024-5">long-haul flights</a> from the US to the UK.Meanwhile, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.klm.co.uk/information/travel-class-extra-options/premium-comfort-class-seats">KLM's premium comfort package</a>, passengers are seated in a "quiet cabin" with up to 28 seats with 17cm more legroom and 7.5cm more recline than an economy seat. Guthrie said this package is popular among his clients, who appear to spend double the amount on premium comfort tickets compared to economy.Similarly, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.delta.com/us/en/onboard/onboard-experience/delta-comfort-plus">Delta's Comfort Plus package </a>offers more legroom (though it's not clear by how much), early boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, and complimentary snacks on flights over 900 miles and drinks on flights over 251 miles.

Luxury air travel is on the rise. Experts say you don't have to be rich to experience it.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Canadian travel blogger said she was carried off an Air Canada-operated flight in a "broken aisle chair."</li><li>Tori Hunter, 26, uses an electric wheelchair due to a neuromuscular condition.</li></ul>A travel blogger has spoken out about wheelchair accessibility on aircraft after she was left "distraught" while being carried off of a plane.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7DOJ1npAO0/">Tori Hunter, 26, posted a video of herself being carried down an airstair </a>in a "broken aisle chair" that she said had "no armrests, straps that wouldn't tighten enough to keep my body in, and front wheels that were busted off."Hunter, who uses an electric wheelchair due to a neuromuscular condition called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx995y8lwlgo">spinal muscular atrophy</a>, had been on an Air Canada flight to Costa Rica when the incident occurred."The individuals that were sent to help me disembark this plane likely had very little training on how to do so; they kept having to place the chair down from not having the correct grip, and they were holding the chair completely sideways," Hunter wrote on Instagram."I was never informed that this would be how I would have to disembark the plane, and it never crossed my mind given that this airport DOES use jet bridges," she added. "It's 2024, disabled people deserve a more dignified and safe way to fly."Business Insider has reached out to Hunter for comment.According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023-10/Summary%20Report%202021.pdf">report</a> by the US Department of Transportation, more than 51% of the 33,631 complaints received by 180 carriers in 2021 "concerned the carriers' failure to provide adequate assistance to persons using wheelchairs."The department said it was "focused on improving air travel for persons with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs."In a statement to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx995y8lwlgo">BBC News</a>, Air Canada said that it had followed all the protocols for helping passengers with disabilities."However, as part of our accessibility plan, we will be reviewing airport procedures, including for smaller foreign stations, with the aim of working with local airport and other partners to find ways to provide more consistent service," it added.Air Canada did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Business Insider, which was made outside regular working hours.Air travel can be a huge source of anxiety for wheelchair users.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wheelchair-plane-air-travel-vulnerable-2024-3">Ryan Rae Harbuck, who has been paralyzed for nearly 27 years, wrote an essay for Business Insider</a> in March describing what it's like."Being a passenger on an airplane when you are a wheelchair user is giving up all reigns of mobility and independence," Harbuck wrote. "It's like taking away your legs and expecting you not to say a word about it."

Disabled travel blogger carried off Air Canada-operated flight in 'broken aisle chair'

<ul><li><keyword id="23134822" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Great-Indian-Festival" source="keywords">Amazon Great Indian Festival</keyword> begins on September 27 for all</li><li>Prime users get early access to the sale</li><li>Apple's <keyword id="21240170" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="MacBook-Air-M1" source="keywords">MacBook Air M1</keyword> will be available at a special discount</li></ul> Amazon's Great Indian Festival begins this Friday and as we get closer to the shopping fiesta, people are eager to know about the deals that will be available. For Prime members, the sale begins a day early, on September 26. Several gadgets including smartphones, laptops, TWS earbuds etc will be available at attractive prices during the deal. If you are thinking of buying a laptop during the <keyword id="20586627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-sale" source="keywords">Amazon sale</keyword>, here's some good news. The website recently teased a deal on the MacBook Air M1. <h2>MacBook Air 1 to get discounted during Amazon Great Indian Festival</h2>The MacBook Air M1 will be available at a huge discount during the Amazon sale. The laptop, which originally launched in India at a price of ₹92,990, is set to become much more affordable during the upcoming festive sales. Currently listed on Amazon at ₹62,990, the laptop will see a significant price drop to ₹55,990 during the sale period. Moreover, shoppers using select bank cards will benefit from an instant discount of ₹3,000, bringing the price further down. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113214171" title="iPhone 16 Pro with A18 Pro chip launched: Should you upgrade if you own an iPhone 15 Pro?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> For those who are Amazon Prime members, there's an additional perk. Prime members who act quickly during the first few hours of the sale can enjoy an extra ₹3,000 off as part of an early bird offer. This means the price of the MacBook Air M1 could drop as low as ₹49,990 for some customers, making it one of the most enticing offers in the market for a high-end <keyword id="23291511" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-laptop" source="keywords">Apple laptop</keyword>. <h2>Reasons to buy the MacBook Air M1 in 2024</h2>The MacBook Air M1 may not be Apple's latest model, but it remains a popular choice for both students and professionals due to its solid performance and long-lasting support from Apple. Powered by Apple's M1 chipset, the laptop features an 8-core CPU, with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. This combination allows the device to handle daily tasks with ease, while using far less power than traditional laptops, making it energy-efficient as well. The MacBook Air M1 has a 13.3-inch Retina display, boasting a 2560x1600 resolution. This crisp display makes it ideal for watching videos, editing photos, or simply browsing the web. Despite being launched a few years ago, it still packs enough power to meet the demands of everyday tasks, whether that’s work, study, or entertainment. One of the standout features of this laptop is its battery life. Apple claims that the MacBook Air M1 can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of use without needing to reach for the charger. This makes it an excellent choice for people on the go, as it offers portability alongside top-tier performance. In terms of its build, the MacBook Air M1 has a sleek, minimalistic design, in line with Apple’s aesthetic standards. It features an aluminium finish that gives it a premium look and feel, while remaining lightweight at just under 1.3kg. This makes it easy to carry, whether you’re heading to the office, travelling, or attending classes. Apple is known for offering long-term support for its devices, and the MacBook Air M1 is no exception. This means that buyers can expect software updates and security patches for several years, extending the usability and lifespan of the laptop. For anyone considering investing in a laptop, this is an important factor, as it ensures that the device will not become obsolete anytime soon. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/from-firewire-in-macs-to-type-c-in-iphones-the-apple-connect/articleshow/112734982.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">From FireWire in Macs to Type-C in iPhones - the Apple Connect</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/elon-musk-to-tim-cook-a-morning-in-the-lives-of-big-tech-ceos/articleshow/113599807.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Elon Musk to Tim Cook: A morning in the lives of big tech CEOs</a>

Apple MacBook Air M1 to be available under ₹50,000 on Amazon, how to get the deal

<ul class="summary-list"><li>North America was the only market where demand for air travel didn't increase by double digits.</li><li>That's according to data from IATA comparing February to the same month in 2023.</li></ul>North America has lagged behind the rest of the world as demand for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airlines-provide-best-flight-frequent-traveler-experience-2024-2">airline travel</a> increased.Globally there was a 21.5% increase in total demand in February compared with the same month last year, according to data from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2024-releases/2024-04-04-01/">International Air Transport Association (IATA)</a>.The airline trade group measured demand in terms of revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), which is the number of paying travelers multiplied by the distance traveled.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-boeing-777-new-york-london-economy-review-2024-3">International travel</a> appeared to rise in popularity more than <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/busiest-domestic-flight-routes-in-us-ranked-2023-12">domestic flights</a>. Demand was up more than a quarter compared to a 15% boost for domestic travel.Since this February included a leap day, there might be an extra bump in comparing the data between years.However, North America was the only market not to record a double-digit rise in passenger demand.According to IATA, Asia Pacific had the highest increase in RPK at 37.8%, followed by Africa at 22.5%.But demand in North America, which accounts for about a quarter of the global airline market, only increased by 8.9%.The sharper rises in the rest of the world could reflect an ongoing recovery from the pandemic, which happened faster in the US in particular."There is good reason to be optimistic about the industry's prospects in 2024," said Willie Walsh, the IATA director-general.As well as increased demand, he cited more investment in green technologies to help reduce <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aviation-industry-net-zero-by-2050-disagree-decarbonization-2023-12">the industry's climate impact</a>.Walsh also warned politicians to "resist the temptation of cash grabs with new taxes that could destabilize this positive trajectory and make travel more expensive."He added: "In particular, Europe is a worry as it seems determined to lock in its sluggish economic recovery with uncompetitive tax proposals."

Demand for air travel is soaring, but it seems to be a less popular choice for Americans

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Airports are looking to private wireless networks to improve operations, execs said at MWC Las Vegas.</li><li>Passengers could see benefits like smoother baggage claim and check-ins, the panelists said.</li></ul>Private wireless networks are key to ushering in a better airport experience for both the travel hubs' operations and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/busiest-airport-world-atlanta-dubai-tokyo-heathrow-dallas-list-ranking-2023-12">the billions of passengers who pass through them</a>.That's according to airport executives who spoke on a panel about connected aviation Tuesday at the trade show <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mwc-las-vegas-2024-5g-ai-mobile-communications-conference-2024-10">Mobile World Congress Las Vegas</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/las-vegas-private-5g-network-2023-9">Private networks</a> generally offer greater security and reliability, lower latency, and higher bandwidth compared with public networks. For these reasons, they can help airports with operations and communications, plane and baggage tracking, and security.California's Ontario International Airport, for example, is using a private wireless network to run its perimeter-intrusion detection system, Charles Miwa, the airport's chief information officer, said."As I think about a future with a lot of growth, private wireless is foundational. It's going to enable us to accommodate these ad hoc moves," he said, emphasizing the need for flexibility given how often many airports do some form of construction to update their infrastructure."We're trying to run more efficient airports, more customer-friendly airports," said Michael Youngs, the vice president of information technology at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which last year announced a $10 million deal with AT&amp;T for a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-frequency-is-5g">private 5G network</a>."We're not going to do it with people. We're not going to do it with brick and mortar. We're going to do it with technology, with IoT, but we need that base foundational level of connectivity, private wireless, that's going to enable it," he added, referring to the Internet of Things.Private wireless networks can also help enterprises with cost and mobility by reducing the expense of installing cables and by providing connectivity to areas that might be harder to reach with wires."We traditionally at the airport, especially, do not put anything very secure across wireless. We just don't do it," said Kyle Mobley, the director of information technology at the Port of Oakland, which operates the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. "And it's not because we have any proof it's going to be less secure in the way we do it. It's the what you don't know."Mobley added: "Having this infrastructure wirelessly is huge." Mobley spoke of using private wireless for passenger traffic sensors, for example."It's tough to keep sending people out in the field to investigate things at 2 o'clock in the morning," he said. "And we cover such a wide area that getting these sensors — lidar, cameras, whatever it ends up being — in every corner of our property is huge to give that person working that desk the ability to know what's going on. Do I have a squirrel running up the fence, or is it somebody? The squirrel will sometimes send 10 cars out there, and that's not very efficient."Roughly 58% of airports worldwide that participated in the survey are investing in major development programs for a 5G communications network, and another 29% have research-and-development programs for the tech by 2026, said the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.sita.aero/globalassets/docs/surveys--reports/2023-air-transport-it-insights-v6.1.pdf">2023 Air Transport IT Insights</a> report from SITA, an IT and telecommunications service provider for the aviation industry, and Airports Council International.As for passengers, they might see benefits like quicker <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-to-do-when-an-airline-loses-your-luggage-2022-7">baggage claim</a> or smoother check-ins."I'm not really looking to be in the private-wireless business — I feel like I have to be in the private-wireless business," Youngs said. "I need to harness data to take our airport forward. That's really the end game."

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