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Tips on booking cheap flights.

Looking for the best time to buy airline tickets to get a cheap flight to everywhere? We’ve got you covered anytime, anywhere. Here’s how to find the best deal for flight booking no matter where you want to go in the world.

Which day of the week is the best day to buy cheap airline tickets?

For both U.S. domestic and international travel, Sundays can be cheaper for airline ticket purchases. Fridays tend to be the most expensive day to book a flight. Booking on the right day of the week could save you up to 6% on your airfare, according to historical data*.

When is the best time to buy airline tickets?

Based on 2020 And 2021 global flight data for Economy tickets, prices usually start to increase 56 days before departure for domestic flights. When traveling internationally, prices usually start to increase 21 days before departure*. Keep in mind that this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; keeping an eye on prices is a good idea when trying to find the best airfare deals. Compare fares across different airlines, and set up a price alert for your preferred route.

Which are the cheapest days to fly?

Analysis of domestic and international airfare prices shows that flying out on Fridays can be cheaper. Many travelers start their trips on Sundays, so your chances of a lower price are better when departing early in the week instead. Starting your trip on a Friday could be almost 11% cheaper than air travel on Sundays, so book flights online wisely*!

Which is the cheapest month to fly?

The cheapest month to fly can vary depending on where you’re going, so finding the best rates largely comes down to avoiding peak travel times for your destination. If you’re looking for cheap international flights , the most expensive month tends to be February, while the cheapest is November with cheap flights in November offering potential savings of up to 34.6% relative to February. Cheap domestic flights work a bit differently, with March being the most expensive and August being the least expensive with cheap flights in August offering savings of up to 35%*.

How can I find the cheapest flights on Expedia?

Compare cheap airline ticket prices at a glance from a large inventory of carriers on Expedia. You can get cheap flights by staying flexible with travel dates, carriers, and nonstop/layover flights to get the best price. Insider tip: Become a member (it’s free!) to earn rewards back on every booking. We make your travel stress-free and source incredible airfare deals so you can sit back, relax, and start your vacation or business trip.

How can I save money on flights?

Mixing and matching airline tickets and fare types could help save money on airfare to your destination. Easily compare prices for carriers, arrival and departure dates, airplane cabin class, and more when you book with Expedia. Booking your plane ticket on a Sunday, and departing on Friday, could possibly save you money* based on historical data. You can also filter for flights based on your budget, such as looking for cheap flights under $200 specifically.

How can I get cheap last-minute flight deals?

The historical data analysis of flight pricing patterns shows that you can still find amazing airfare deals 3 weeks prior to departure* when traveling domestically. International last-minute flights offer great deals 2 weeks prior to departure if you’re flying premium, but economy travelers may want to strive for no less than 4 weeks out*. Try to stay flexible with travel dates, airports, and nonstop/layover flights to find the cheapest flights on Expedia. Whether you’re planning a quick business trip or a spontaneous holiday with friends, you’ll have your choice of last-minute flights, roundtrip, or multicity flights on Expedia. You’ll find everything you need for your travels all in one place — and all at the right price.

How do I book with Expedia?

Booking your flight with Expedia is easy, as all you have to do is implement your travel dates, departure destination, like flights from Atlanta or flights from Hartsfield-Jackson , and arrival destination into the search. Then, all the available flights for those dates and destinations will appear. You can use search filters to narrow down the results as well based on a variety of factors like the airline, number of stops, departure time, and policies like seat choice and refundable bookings. Additionally, travelers may alter their search for round-trip flights, one-way flights, and multicity flights.

What should I look out for when booking flights?

Several factors go into any flight booking, and you’ll need to keep an eye out for them all to ensure that you get the travel time, luggage policy, airline, and class you want. Consider which airport is closest to your ultimate destination (travelers to Los Angeles may prefer flights to LAX over flights to PSP , and make sure that the flight will accommodate all the luggage you plan on bringing. Additionally, consider the different flight classes including economy flights for functionality and premium flights if you want to enjoy a more relaxing experience.

Where’s the cheapest place to travel?

The cheapest place to travel can be in the same country, like Chicago. Flights to Chicago are fairly affordable no matter where you’re coming from in the continental United States. Flights to Las Vegas tend to be pretty affordable as well. While the Vegas airport isn’t a hub for any major airline, it does have plenty of competition to keep prices relatively low.

Where can I fly for cheap?

Staying within a strict budget still allows you to find plenty of cheap flights, even to destinations like Puerto Rico. In fact, flights to Puerto Rico don’t even require U.S. citizens to have a passport. Flights to Alberta and other destinations in Canada can be fairly affordable as well.

Is it cheaper to buy flights last minute?

Flight tickets can be cheaper at the last minute depending on how late you’re actually booking, where you’re going, and the kind of flight you opt for. For domestic flights with Economy tickets, prices usually start to increase 3 weeks before departure, and 4 weeks for international flights, according to historical data*.

Are fully refundable flights available?

Yes, several fully refundable flights are available and will be labeled as such right on your search results page in green text. You may also filter for fully refundable flights specifically to eliminate all flights from your results that don’t qualify. Just make sure to check the specific policy for each flight before booking.

Why should I book my flight with Expedia?

Booking with Expedia makes finding a flight easy, but that’s just the beginning of everything you can take advantage of. We also offer hotels, car rentals, and even activities that you can purchase with package deals available for travelers planning more than one aspect of their trip at a time. Plus, Expedia offers stunning cheap flight deals that can help you save with ease. As a One Key member, you will earn OneKeyCashTM for every eligible booking that you can use to save on future bookings. Plus, OneKeyCash can be earned on top of airline miles.

*Data specialists from both ARC and Expedia Group analyzed ARC’s global flight data to distil actionable information to help people save money on travel. While it’s impossible to guarantee when to find the lowest prices, after examining the variables, we were able to observe trends. Best day of the week to book and best day of the week to depart is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Best month to depart recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Best time to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021 & average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

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Risoluzione dei rapporti contrattuali con Aeroitalia Srl per gravi e continue inadempienze del vettore.

Go To Travel, società di diritto italiana controllata da F.A. S.r.l. – Forlì Airport, comunica la risoluzione, con effetto immediato, di tutti i rapporti contrattuali sottoscritti con la compagnia Aeroitalia in relazione ai voli in partenza da Forlì con il marchio Go To Fly.

Go To Travel ha deciso di risolvere con effetto immediato tutti i contratti sinora in essere alla luce delle gravi e continue inadempienze riscontrate nell’esecuzione degli stessi da parte di Aeroitalia Srl.

La decisione relativa alla risoluzione è maturata a seguito dei numerosi, reiterati tentativi – purtroppo non accolti dal vettore – volti a ricomporre e rinnovare un clima di proficua fiducia e collaborazione; così da ristabilire, eliminando i disagi dovuti a ritardi, cancellazioni, rimborsi e riprotezioni su altri voli, l’auspicata e regolare attività degli aeromobili impiegati nelle connessioni da e per l’aeroporto di Forlì.

Go To Travel comunica inoltre che tutte le tratte in precedenza effettuate da Aeroitalia, saranno operate, in continuità con quanto già comunicato al mercato e consultabile sul sito www.goto-fly.it , da altri vettori europei in grado di gestire, con le rispettive flotte, tutte le destinazioni in programma – alcune di valore fortemente strategico per il territorio romagnolo – sia nel corso della presente estate, sia nella prossima stagione invernale.

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Go To Fly è il marchio del “marketing carrier” di Forlì Airport

Controllato da FA Srl, la società di gestione aeroportuale dell'aeroporto Luigi Ridolfi di Forlì, Go To Fly promuove e commercializza in totale autonomia sul mercato italiano ed internazionale voli di linea, charter e “ad hoc” gestiti da vettori operativi comunitari - tutti in possesso di licenza ed in regola con le più severe normative europee - che dispongono di aeromobili di diversi modelli capaci di rispondere alle esigenze di un mercato in evoluzione garantendo il massimo della sicurezza e del comfort di volo.

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

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• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $22+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $38+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $38+
• Freehand Chicago $35+
• Chicago Getaway Hostel $43+
• Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago $100+
• Flight Denver - Chicago (DEN - ORD) $37+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $45+
• Flight Orlando - Chicago (MCO - ORD) $46+

San Francisco

• Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel $51+
• The Mosser $74+
• Chancellor Hotel On Union Square $112+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $38+
• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $38+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $63+

Washington, D.C.

• Generator Hotel Washington DC $72+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue $121+
• Georgetown Residences by LuxUrban, Trademark Coll by Wyndham $155+
• Hotel Harrington $164+
• Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters $184+
• Citizenm Washington DC Noma $196+
• Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol $197+
• Henley Park Hotel $201+
• Morrison Clark Historic Inn $205+
• Washington Plaza Hotel $206+
• Citizenm Washington Dc Capitol $207+
• Hotel Lombardy $208+
• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $37+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $56+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $66+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $78+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $83+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $96+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $99+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $103+
• Flight Minneapolis - Washington, D.C. (MSP - DCA) $109+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $109+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $118+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $123+
• Suites Malecon Cancun $69+
• Hotel Boutique Casa Mallorca $70+
• Avani Cancún Airport Hotel $83+
• Flight Houston - Cancún (HOU - CUN) $179+
• Flight Houston - Cancún (IAH - CUN) $180+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Cancún (FLL - CUN) $181+

United States

• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $50+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $55+
• Flight New York - Orlando (LGA - MCO) $61+
• Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery $194+
• Kauai Palms Hotel $195+
• Kauai Beach Villas $225+
• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $187+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $199+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $249+
• Super 8 by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle $87+
• California Suites Hotel $90+
• Mission View Inn & Suites San Diego Sea World - Zoo $101+
• Flight Denver - San Diego (DEN - SAN) $38+
• Flight Dallas - San Diego (DFW - SAN) $47+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $54+
• Shared Living Not A Hotel $34+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Phoenix West $58+
• Hometowne Studios by Red Roof Phoenix - Dunlap Ave. $59+
• Flight San Francisco - Phoenix (SFO - PHX) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $46+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $47+

Los Angeles

• Boutique Hostel $34+
• Freehand Los Angeles $40+
• City Center Hotel $99+
• Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport $108+
• Rotex Western Inn $108+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites LAX $125+
• H by H Hospitality $127+
• Flight Phoenix - Los Angeles (PHX - LAX) $50+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $54+
• Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $62+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $64+
• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $67+
• Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $67+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Los Angeles (SLC - LAX) $68+
• Selina Gold Dust $50+
• Motel 6 Miami. Fl $73+
• Miami Gardens Inn & Suites $90+
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North $91+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Miami International Airport $92+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miami Airport East $103+
• Radisson Red Miami Airport $113+
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami-Kendall $114+
• The Palms Inn & Suites Miami, Kendall, Fl $114+
• Holiday Inn Miami West - Airport Area $121+
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami West/FL Turnpike $124+
• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $37+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $38+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $44+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $45+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $58+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $60+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $67+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $68+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $73+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $73+
• Hometowne Studios by Red Roof Denver - Glendale/Cherry Creek $64+
• Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Stapleton $76+
• Days Inn by Wyndham Denver Downtown $92+
• Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport $92+
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver International Airport $97+
• Quality Inn & Suites Denver International Airport $100+
• Comfort Suites Denver International Airport $101+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $48+
• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Denver (DFW - DEN) $52+
• Flight Atlanta - Denver (ATL - DEN) $58+
• Flight Los Angeles - Denver (LAX - DEN) $64+
• Flight Detroit - Denver (DTW - DEN) $67+
• Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $67+
• Hi Boston Hostel $60+
• Found Hotel Boston Common $99+
• 182 Bedrooms near Fenway & Dowtown $121+
• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $57+
• Flight Miami - Boston (MIA - BOS) $68+
• Flight Philadelphia - Boston (PHL - BOS) $68+
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Atlanta Airport $63+
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport North $105+
• Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Buckhead Place $105+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $27+
• Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $27+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (ORD - ATL) $36+
• Generator Madrid $34+
• C&h Aravaca Garden $39+
• Toc Hostel Madrid $44+
• Flight Newark - Paris (EWR - ORY) $365+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $370+
• Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $378+
• Rodeway Inn Fairgrounds-Casino $68+
• Econo Lodge Airport at RJ Stadium $69+
• Tampa Inn Near Busch Gardens $70+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $42+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $50+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $50+
• Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $47+
• Flight Philadelphia - Tampa (PHL - TPA) $57+
• Flight Trenton - Tampa (TTN - TPA) $58+

New Orleans

• Ramada by Wyndham New Orleans $72+
• Wyndham Garden Hotel Baronne Plaza $95+
• Maison Saint Charles by Hotel RL $103+
• Flight Chicago - New Orleans (ORD - MSY) $56+
• Flight Atlanta - New Orleans (ATL - MSY) $58+
• Flight Orlando - New Orleans (MCO - MSY) $58+

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The Best Days to Book a Flight and When to Fly

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Believing there’s just one optimal day a week to save on flights — and that day is Tuesday — is the stuff of legends. And like all good legends, there is some truth to it … but it’s not the full story.

The reality is that flight prices change constantly and at all hours of the day, adjusting to real-time demand. Airlines don’t restock on the same day every week like a grocery store, so you won’t find deals by waiting until Tuesdays to book. However, you might find some modest savings if you’re willing to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, when there’s less demand than usual.

» Learn more: Great cards for booking flights

Best day to book a flight

There is no single day of the week that is best to book a flight. You can find deals any day of the week since flight prices fluctuate with demand.

Airlines might offer sales, increase the number of seats on a route or even lower prices to match a competitor, so there’s no real pattern in what day of the week has the best deals.

Best day to fly

We analyzed data collected by Hopper — a travel booking app — from January through May 2022, for departures in the month of April. Here’s what the data says about the best day to fly.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically

The cheapest days to depart if you’re flying within the U.S. are midweek — generally Tuesday or Wednesday.

For economy tickets, Tuesdays are about 24% lower than peak prices on Sundays, which translates to savings of about $85 per ticket.

The same is generally true for business class and first class travelers.

Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush

Saturdays and Mondays are the next cheapest days to fly after midweek flights. The average airfare is about 13%-15% lower on these days. That means if you move your trip just one day forward or one day back from Sunday, you can usually save about $50 per ticket.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally

Meanwhile, international flyers would be wise to leave on Wednesdays, which are the cheapest day to depart for an international trip. That said, there isn’t a huge difference in price across the different days of the week.

By leaving on a Wednesday, you’ll only be saving about 12% compared to the most expensive day (Sunday) — and compared to the 24% difference between the cheapest and most expensive days to fly domestically.

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• 5 points per dollar spent on travel (including flights) booked through Chase.

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Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week

Book one to three months in advance.

Even though there’s no day of the week that consistently has cheaper flights, there is a time period in which you should book before prices go up.

Going, a newsletter with flight deals, recommends booking one to three months in advance for domestic flights to avoid any price surges in the weeks leading up to the departure date. Last-minute flight deals aren’t super common and you risk not getting a seat at all because your desired flight might completely sell out. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll want to look two to eight months out.

Set a price alert

Let a computer program do the work for you. Instead of you checking flight prices every day, set a price alert on the travel search engine of your choice — whether it’s Google Flights, Hopper, Skyscanner or Kayak . They’ll send you an email when they see the price drop.

Rebook if you find a cheaper price

Most airlines have adopted more flexible change and cancellation policies , which is making it easier to rebook your flight to save money.

First, you’ll have to make sure that the original flight you booked will not have change or cancellation fees. For most airlines, that applies to most domestic flights (except if you book basic economy) and some short-haul international flights.

Then, if you find a better deal, you can cancel your flight and rebook (on the same airline or a different one) to get the cheaper price. Be aware that you might only get a travel voucher or credit if you cancel, so you should only use the option if you are fairly confident you will fly with the original airline again within one year.

Be flexible with destination, airport and dates

The golden rule of cheap travel remains: Be flexible . Use Google Flights to see if there are cheaper places to go by leaving the destination field blank when you search. Check nearby airports if you’re set on a destination. And use the calendar views to find lower prices on different dates. After all, the best day to book a flight and the best day to fly is when it’s cheapest, and that could vary depending on when and where you are going.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

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75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Omicron and Holiday Travel: 12 of the Most Pressing Questions

Vaccination requirements, testing rules, the new coronavirus variant and more: We answer your questions about traveling safely this holiday season.

By Julie Weed

Holiday travel suddenly feels more fraught as the world waits for emerging information on the transmissibility and virulence of the new coronavirus variant. Scientists are racing to see if the current vaccines offer protection against Omicron, but many families and other travelers may need to consider a variety of factors now before embarking to see relatives or to experience a change of scenery.

“Once again they will have to make informed decisions,” said Kathy Risse, a pediatrician in Seattle. But unlike last year’s holiday period, Dr. Risse said, “we know so much more about stopping transmission, and widespread testing is up and running.”

For those planning to travel, the basics for protection — vaccinations, masks and social distancing — will help make the trip safer. Here are answers to 12 of the most pressing travel questions for now.

What are the travel rules between U.S. states?

Currently there are no vaccine, testing or quarantine requirements to travel within the 50 United States, whether you fly, drive or go by rail — except Hawaii. Hawaii requires a 10-day quarantine for domestic travelers if they do not show proof of a full vaccination against the coronavirus or negative results from a test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight’s arrival.

Masks are still required by the Transportation Security Administration for passengers age 2 and up on planes, trains and buses . Different states, and even cities within states, may have their own mask, testing or vaccine requirements for activities such as indoor dining. Local health department sites or the AARP website are good starting places to research a state’s coronavirus rules.

Do you have to be vaccinated to fly domestically?

Again no, but C.D.C. guidelines recommend people delay travel until they are fully vaccinated .

Can we still go abroad?

Current C.D.C. guidance does not recommend international travel if you are not vaccinated. If you choose to travel overseas, it can be complicated: Your desired destination may have rules and guidelines that differ from those of the United States. Take Mexico , one of the most popular destinations for U.S. travelers. The country does not require vaccinations or testing for entry, regardless of the traveler’s nationality, while other countries, like Japan, Israel and Morocco , have recently closed their borders to noncitizens. To visit Canada , foreign visitors must show proof of vaccination and the negative results of a PCR or nucleic acid test. (Unvaccinated children can accompany vaccinated adults into Canada but must follow a specific set of protocols including health questionnaires and a virus test.)

Rules for these and other countries can change at any time, so it’s best to keep checking official government websites as your travel date approaches. The Times updates a list of countries open to U.S. citizens and the C.D.C. maintains a list of global Covid hot spots .

Do you have to be vaccinated to fly internationally?

Again, it’s complicated. For outbound travel from the United States, vaccination requirements depend on your destination. U.S. embassy sites are good sources of information, as are countries’ tourist and health sites for your desired destination. Age requirements can also vary by destination.

U.S. citizens do not have to be vaccinated to travel back to the United States, but most adult foreign travelers do. Exceptions can be found on the C.D.C. website. Children under 18 are exempted from the vaccination requirement.

What are the testing requirements for adults and children flying into the United States?

The United States recently changed the timing of its testing requirement to re-enter the country. Travelers must now submit a negative virus test result taken within one day of the flight’s departure, instead of the previous three-day requirement for vaccinated fliers. This applies to all travelers age 2 and up, regardless of nationality or vaccination status.

It is important to note that the requirement is “one day” rather than “24 hours.” For example, for a flight leaving on Sunday at 3 p.m., the test needs to be taken anytime on Saturday or anytime on Sunday. This gives fliers more flexibility in scheduling their test for any time the day before the flight, or the day of, rather than timing a nighttime test for a flight the next evening.

Should we bring some at-home test kits with us?

Not a bad idea. The Food and Drug Administration has approved 13 home-based Covid tests , and families may want to bring some on the trip to use if anyone comes down with the sniffles or a cough, or to take just before getting to Grandma’s. They may be hard to find in stores or limited to one or two per customer, so don’t leave this errand to the last minute.

Family members may have varying risk tolerances, and at-home tests can help people relax and enjoy each other’s company, Dr. Risse said, “because even though it is imperfect, it adds another layer of protection.”

The C.D.C. specifies which tests are allowed for entry into the United States. Self-tests for the virus are OK if there is an accompanying telehealth service providing “real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection.” Your hotel or local family members may be able to point you to other testing options in the country — like at medical clinics or pharmacies.

What are the vaccine rules on cruise ships?

Rules vary by cruise line. On Disney cruises , passengers 12 and up must be vaccinated, but that age is moving to 5 beginning Jan. 13. Children under 5 must have a negative virus test taken within three days of departure. Princess Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are only welcoming vaccinated travelers ages 5 and up. Currently, children under 5 are not allowed on board. Royal Caribbean requires guests age 12 and up to be vaccinated.

There may be additional requirements for cruises docking at other countries. Travelers boarding a cruise in Barbados, for example, need to download the BIMsafe app and follow its directions. It’s best to check with each cruise line for a specific sailing’s current rules and protocols.

Cruise lines have reason to worry, as “their whole image as a sector hangs in the balance,” said Lynn Minnaert, a clinical associate professor at the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality at New York University . “They are taking vaccinations and testing seriously, so passengers who bear in mind the risks and take common sense precautions should have a safe experience.”

The C.D.C. still recommends that people who are unvaccinated or at risk of severe illness (regardless of vaccination status) avoid traveling on cruise ships worldwide, including river cruises.

Can we go to theme parks?

Theme parks are required to follow state rules. Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida require guests 2 and older to wear masks in indoor locations, lines and enclosed transportation except when actively eating or drinking. Universal Studios in Florida recommends masking indoors but has no coronavirus-focused guest requirements.

Is my child fully protected if they have had two vaccine doses?

Fully vaccinated, as defined by the C.D.C. as two weeks after the second dose , is not the same as fully protected. Breakthrough cases occur but they are generally mild. Scientists are still examining incoming data to determine if the vaccines will protect against the Omicron variant. In the meantime, the advice from the C.D.C. still stands: children 5 and older should get the vaccine to protect them and those around them from getting Covid-19 disease.

How can I help my child wear their mask while traveling?

Keeping a mask on a young child while traveling can be challenging for children and parents. Here are some ideas to help your child comply with the rule: Practice wearing a mask together days or weeks before the flight so they get used to the feel. Go slow and don’t make it a fight. Try out different masks for comfort and fit. You may bring different ones to “change into” to make things fun or have a matching mask for a stuffed animal. If your child gets agitated on the flight stay as calm as you can because they will take their emotional cues from you. And consider resorting to bribery — more screen time, or bring small wrapped gifts they can open each time they have kept the mask on for some period of time.

Should we hunker down between when we get our tests and when we travel?

It couldn’t hurt, especially if you are traveling to see older or immune-compromised relatives, no matter their vaccination status.

Should we still go?

“Families come to me asking for a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer on if they should travel, because they are so tired of making the day-to-day risk assessments,” said Dr. Risse, the pediatrician. But every family needs to make its own decision to travel, based on the importance of their trip, how protected family members are and how much they trust fellow travelers to abide by the masking and social distancing rules that keep people safer. They also need to be aware of the levels of cases at their destination and the level of exposure their potential activities present. That is, eating at a restaurant indoors or staying at a hotel instead of a private residence.

Vivek Garg , chief medical officer for the health insurer Humana’s senior-focused primary care business, encourages travel when C.D.C. guidelines are followed. “It’s important for everyone’s mental health, especially that of older adults, that we socialize with friends and family,” Dr. Garg said.

52 Places to Love in 2021

We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this story omitted that one U.S. state, Hawaii, has entry requirements for domestic travelers. American travelers wishing to enter Hawaii must show proof of vaccination, a negative test result or they must quarantine for 10 days. There are no vaccine, testing or quarantine requirements for domestic travel to the other 49 states.

How we handle corrections

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .

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Suggested trips from Moscow

These suggestions are based on the cheapest fares to popular destinations in the next six months.

Prices are for round-trip flights for 1 adult in Economy.

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

 TSA currently accepts expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

Is It Safe to Fly During a Solar Eclipse?

A head of the solar eclipse passing through the U.S. on April 8, many people may be wondering if it is safe to take a flight during the event. TIME headed straight to the experts for an answer, which was resoundingly positive.

“Yes, absolutely. There's no reason not to [fly],” Paul Bryans, a project scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, tells TIME. A solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks the light from the sun. In terms of being on board an aircraft, this doesn’t make the sun any more of a threat than it is on regular days. “There's nothing dangerous about a solar eclipse,” says John Gianforte, director of the observatory at the University of New Hampshire, during a video call. 

Nevertheless, eclipses are often accompanied by safety warnings from concerned scientists and authorities warning the public about the importance of wearing eye protection. The phenomenon of eclipse blindness has been documented throughout modern history. After an eclipse in 1976 in Turkey, 58 patients sought medical treatment for eclipse-related eye damage. While most made a full recovery, some reportedly had permanent vision loss . Similarly, in 1999 after a solar eclipse passed through parts of Europe, 45 patients attended the eye casualty of a hospital in Leicester , England, after viewing the event.

Read More : Helpful Tips for Planning Your Solar Eclipse Trip

All this has led many people to believe that eclipses are inherently dangerous phenomena, but this is not true. The only reason we see more eye injuries on solar eclipse days is because people are intrigued and are purposefully looking at the sun. “The fact that there is an eclipse doesn't make it any more dangerous to look at the sun, but it makes people want to look at the sun,” Gianforte points out. “If you look at the sun on any given day, without eye protection, you're going to damage your eyes.”

As such, you can rest assured that flying during an eclipse is safe. In fact, Delta airlines is offering a flight specifically for people who want to view the eclipse in-air.

The plane will have extra large windows to enhance the viewing experience. It is set to depart from Austin, Texas, at 12:15 p.m. CT and land in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET to give passengers the best chance possible of viewing totality.

Read More : How to Use Your Smartphone to Take Photos of the Solar Eclipse

What is it like to fly during an eclipse?

The biggest advantage that comes from flying during a solar eclipse is that you may be able to stay in the path of totality for a longer period of time, since the plane can try to follow the sun’s path. This can be especially useful to scientists trying to conduct experiments that can only be done above ground, says Bryans. 

More From TIME

“Instead of getting, like, four minutes of totality on the ground, you can get something like seven or eight minutes from the plane. So that helps a little bit and some of the people that I spoke to said that it was really good for science reasons,” he tells TIME.

Being in the air can also guarantee that you will, at some point, be above the clouds and might be able to avoid having bad weather interrupt your viewing experience.

Read more: What happens if it’s cloudy during an eclipse?

However, viewing an eclipse from a plane may not be the optimal experience for a more casual observer. Planes will have to alternate between turning right or left in order to get the best angles for viewing the sun. Additionally, a big part of viewing an eclipse is observing how the surroundings on the ground may change. For example, animals including cats and dogs may react differently when an eclipse takes place. Those viewing an eclipse from a plane may miss out on this experience. “It’s not the same personal experience that you would get on the ground,” Bryans says.

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Watch CBS News

Flying during the solar eclipse? These airports could see delays, FAA says

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

March 28, 2024 / 7:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Air travel was already expected to pick up next week because of Spring Break, but Federal Aviation Administration officials  said  now until mid-April will be increasingly busy due to "the Great North American Eclipse."

Many Americans are planning on flying on April 8, the day when the U.S. will experience a total solar eclipse that will track across the sky from Texas to Maine. While some eclipse chasers will be heading toward states in its main path, others are timing flights to view it while airborne.

The eclipse "will likely mean crowded parking lots at airports and long lines at security checkpoints," Marisa Garcia, a senior contributor at Forbes,  told  CBS News. 

"It's going to be hectic but fun," she added. "Go with the mindset that it's going to be busy and pack light and pack carefully. Be patient and pleasant with everyone."

Passengers on the day of the eclipse should expect air traffic delays and an unusually high number of drones in the skies, FAA Senior Technical Advisor Kevin Morris said in an advisory  video . 

According to the FAA, these airports could see delays on April 8:

• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Toledo, Ohio
• Erie, Pennsylvania
• Austin, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas
• Burlington, Vermont

Garcia said American Airlines could see the biggest delays at Dallas-Fort Worth, the airline's main hub, which is squarely within the eclipse's path of totality  — where it can be seen in full. 

Officials in Erie, Pennsylvania, said they expect roughly 250,000 people to flock to the area for the eclipse. Meanwhile, tourism for the big event is expected to bring $1 billion to Texas . 

• Federal Aviation Administration

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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Is it safe to travel to Taiwan right now? The latest travel advice after earthquake and tsunami warning

Here’s everything we know so far

Taiwan  is one of Asia’s most underrated travel destinations, with a magnetic capital city in  Taipei  and a stunning mountainous landscape. Located at the crossover of the South and East China Sea, the island nation offers travellers a long list of adventures .

However, an earthquake struck the east coast of the island at 7:58am (local time) this morning, which is the strongest experienced by Taiwan for 25 years. Locally, it’s been recorded as a magnitude 7.2, but the US Geological Survey recorded it as 7.4.  It was also felt in southern Japan , eastern China and the Philippines .

Here is what we know so far about travelling to Taiwan in the wake of the earthquake. 

Is it safe to travel to Taiwan? 

Though travelling to the island is yet to be explicitly advised against, aftershocks of at least 6.5 magnitude are expected to continue over the next four days at least, according to Taiwanese Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Centre. 

The tremors set off nine landslides, and the debris collapsed onto Suhua highway in the city of Hualien, which has been the worst-hit area. Multiple residential buildings have been damaged, and a couple have even collapsed. 

Taiwan’s electricity operator, Taipower, has said more than 87,000 people are currently without power. 

Where was impacted by the earthquake? 

The epicentre of the earthquake was around 18km south of Hualien, with the surrounding county being the worst-hit area, according to local officials. Three hikers were killed in Taroko National Park. The death toll in total so far is nine people, and 821 have been injured – this number is expected to rise.

Train services across the island have been suspended, as have subway services in Taipei. 

Is there still a tsunami warning in place?  

The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the region, but according to Al Jazeera , those have now been lifted. 

How close is Taiwan to Japan? 

Taiwan and Japan are 2,163km apart. While this might sound like a long distance, tsunamis have been known to travel up to 5,000km, and small tsunami waves were experienced on the coasts of Japan’s Miyako and Yaeyama islands. 

What’s the latest UK Foreign Office advice? 

The UK Foreign Office updated its Taiwan travel advice page today (April 3), stating: ‘On Wednesday 3 April 2024 at 07.58 local time, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Eastern Taiwan with shocks felt all across the island including Taipei. Aftershocks continue to occur and you should expect travel disruption. You should consult the Central Weather Administration website and other official sources for more information.’

What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip? 

Until the UK Foreign Office issues advice against all but essential travel to Taiwan, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cancel your travel plans without any penalties. To see what can be done, it’d be best to contact your accommodation, flight or trip provider.  

Have flights to Taiwan and Japan been cancelled?

So far, there’s no news of flights to either Taiwan or Japan being cancelled, but just to be sure, it’s best to check with your airline directly if you have one booked. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

• Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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Is it safe to fly during the solar eclipse? Here’s what experts have to say

DALLAS -- If you need to fly in the afternoon of April 8, you might want to grab a pair of solar eclipse glasses.

Airlines and government officials say it is safe to travel during the April 8 once-in-a-lifetime event. The Federal Aviation Administration is forecasting 47,137 flights to operate on April 8 .

Health officials are warning eclipse viewers to wear protective eyewear, and that doesn’t rule out travelers. The sun’s intense brightness can damage eyes in seconds. It’ll be damaged even quicker at more than 30,000 feet in the air, said Eric Christian, a senior research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and an eclipse expert.

“The sun will be a little bit brighter, but you shouldn’t ever look at it except during totality without either approved eclipse glasses or in the correct pinhole camera,” Christian said. “Even the smallest little piece of the sun sticking out can actually damage your retina. Be very careful.”

Experts say travelers flying along the path of totality, from Mexico into the northeastern United States and Canada, may experience a longer eclipse from the clouds based on how much closer they are to the sun. Totality in Dallas will last just under 4 minutes, though the exact duration depends on location. Christian estimates travelers flying along the path of totality to receive roughly 10 minutes of totality, and a longer partial eclipse.

Several airlines have announced and marketed “solar eclipse flights” which are special flights flying along the path of totality and have the highest chances of a great view from the clouds. Among these airlines is Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Dallas’ JSX.

Christian said when it comes to photographing the eclipse, it is recommended that passengers leave that to the professionals.

“The eclipse is a really unique thing and the best thing to do is to watch it during totality, and let your eyes get accustomed to it,” he said.

According to Southwest, its operational teams — anyone from pilots, flight attendants, tech operations, ground operations and network operations control workers — are in full communication regarding the eclipse. Employees are all advised to wear protective eyewear. The FAA has also offered guidance to commercial planes and private aircraft ahead of flights.

“In advance of a solar eclipse, the FAA asks airlines and pilots flying under air traffic control to plan ahead and file a preferred route ,” the FAA said in an emailed statement. “Advanced planning will minimize route changes and help the FAA better manage the flow of traffic in busy airspace, resulting in fewer delays.”

The FAA is also advising pilots flying on April 8 that regular activities like practice approaches and pilot training operations at airports in the eclipse path will be limited and possibly prohibited during the event.

All Southwest flights flying through the path of totality will have eclipse viewing glasses. Delta is providing solar eclipse glasses, a partnership with retailer Warby Parker, for its two path of totality flights.

Southwest’s air traffic management team has also been meeting regularly with the Federal Aviation Administration and doesn’t anticipate any widespread effect on operations. However, the forecast isn’t looking very bright for the millions of people looking forward to the event. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth predicted North Texas would be “cloudier than normal.”

Christian said flights along the path of totality “won’t be able to avoid all the serious weather.” He said light fluffy, high-altitude clouds tend not to be very much of a problem, but it’s the low-lying heavy clouds that matter for viewing purposes.

All in all, Christian said it is safe to fly during the eclipse. Pilots, aviation officials and those involved with flights on April 8 won’t compromise safety to get the best views.

“Plane travel is very safe and they’re not going to risk people’s lives to get a little more of the eclipse,” Christian said.

©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

UConn arrives in Arizona for the Final Four in the middle of the night after a flight delay

STORRS, Conn. — Defending national champion UConn finally touched down in Arizona for the Final Four at 3:15 a.m. MST on Thursday after a long delay and a red-eye flight.

After the plane they were supposed to depart on at around 6 p.m. EDT had mechanical issues getting to the East Coast, the Huskies took off in a smaller Allegiant Air plane from Bradley International Airport near Hartford at about 1:30 a.m. EDT for the flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

No. 1 seed UConn is scheduled to play fourth-seeded Alabama on Saturday night in the semifinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The championship game is Monday night.

Alabama and Purdue arrived in Arizona on Tuesday night, and North Carolina State came in Wednesday afternoon.

The NCAA said in a statement that it worked with UConn and a charter company to develop several alternatives.

“We are very disappointed that UConn will arrive later than anticipated and it’s unfortunate the team’s travel experience has been impacted,” the NCAA said.

The Huskies had not been on a plane since just after their March 6 game with Marquette, when they had to spend an extra day in Milwaukee because of a canceled flight. They took buses to the Big East Tournament and first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, both in New York, and the East Regional in Boston.

The travel problems were first reported by CBS Sports, which was told of the issue by coach Dan Hurley.

The Associated Press

Southwest Wanna Get Away sale 2024: Where you can fly for $39 from Phoenix

Southwest Airlines passengers can pay a little less for their summer vacation flights this year, if they book sooner rather than later.

On Tuesday, April 2, Southwest launched its nationwide Wanna Get Away sale. The airline's spring fare sale offers one-way flights as low as $39.

Travelers flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport can fly to and from four cities at the lowest one-way fare, including two Southern California destinations.

Flyers will have to book now to get the best fares, as the sale is limited and ends soon. Here's how to shop Southwest Airlines' Wanna Get Away sale.

Guy Fieri, empanadas: All the new restaurants at Sky Harbor Airport in 2024

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Where does Southwest fly for $39 each way from Phoenix?

The promotional $39 fare is available for flights to and from four cities out of Phoenix:

• Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• El Paso, Texas.
• Long Beach, California.
• Ontario, California.

The Arizona Republic found the low fares available for these cities on weekdays from late April to early June, and August to mid-November. The lowest fare we spotted for travel on weekends was $49.

If booking a departing and returning flight at $39 each, these itineraries can be booked as low as $78.

Unlike ultra-low-cost carriers that usually offer the lowest base fares for travel to and from Phoenix , Southwest passengers don't have to pay extra to bring a carry-on bag and/or up to two checked bags. But passengers should be aware that their flights have an open seating policy and where they sit will depend on their boarding position.

What does the fine print say about the deal?

Trips must be booked by 11:59 p.m. Arizona time on April 11. The promotion is valid for U.S. travel from April 23 to June 5 and Aug. 6 to Nov. 20.

Seats and days are limited. Fares vary based on the itinerary and the day of the week, and are not available during busy travel times and holiday periods. Changes to the itinerary after booking may lead to a fare increase.

Starting April 9: Southwest Airlines adds new nonstop flight from Phoenix. Here's where you can go

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

Flight Time Calculator

Flying time between cities.

Travelmath provides an online flight time calculator for all types of travel routes. You can enter airports, cities, states, countries, or zip codes to find the flying time between any two points. The database uses the great circle distance and the average airspeed of a commercial airliner to figure out how long a typical flight would take. Find your travel time to estimate the length of a flight between airports, or ask how long it takes to fly from one city to another.

You can also search for the closest airport to any city in the world or check the flying distance between airports. If you're thinking about a road trip, compare the driving time for the same route.

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Distance between Seattle and Moscow

Flying non-stop from seattle to moscow.

How far is Moscow from Seattle? Here's the quick answer if you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line.

Flight distance: 5,218 miles or 8397 km

Flight time: 10 hours, 56 minutes

Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

This is a fairly long flight, so unless you have a Gulfstream G650 or your own Boeing or Airbus, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

Seattle to Moscow airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Arrival airport: Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 33 minutes

Getting to your destination: 79 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from SEA connecting through LHR and arriving at DME flying on British Airways. We can figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, time to taxi on the runways, and an average layover time of about 2 hours.

Initial flight time: 10 hours, 6 minutes

Connecting airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Connection flight time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Seattle to Moscow including time spent getting to and from the airports, roughly 2 hours at the departure airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, plus the connecting flight with a 2-hour layover.

Total travel time: 20 hours

Plan a trip to Moscow

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Moscow, Russia. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Moscow . A great place to eat might be Pushkin Cafe . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Moscow like The Moscow Kremlin . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Moscow like Best Russian cuisine restaurants in Moscow . Click the button below to explore Moscow in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Moscow to Seattle , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know Seattle, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Seattle!

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A trip to Moscow

I'm going to organize a trip this summer. I want to plan everything. I’ll fly from London to Moscow, and I also want to visit St. Petersburg. Could you, please, advise me what places I should visit? I’ll stay in Moscow for about 10 days before going to St. Petersburg. Thank you!

Not a country I’d be spending my money in at the moment.

Ditto. Ditto!

I don't really see the point of shunning a country because you don't agree with its leader and/or its government. Would you go to Italy? China? Tourist dollars are more likely to get into the hands of the people rather than any corrupt bureaucracy and meeting friendly tourists might just change the locals opinions of foreigners and even give them some information they don't get from local news media.

Hopefully , I won't be starting a war here , but I must say I agree with Chani's comments . Having taken three year visas in 2015 , we have been to Moscow and St; Petersburg ( once to Moscow , and twice to St Petersburg ) . The History , Art , Music ( I am a classically trained musician ) and Culture , fascinate us . Much to experience there and advance preparation is essential , To get a good grounding for your visit , read this lavish and detailed book by Suzanne Massie , it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in what you will experience - https://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-Beauty-Old-Russia/dp/096441841X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521652009&sr=8-1&keywords=land+of+the+firebird+massie&dpID=51CPK13XKGL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

And while leaders of such countries can point to foreign visitor numbers as a sign of support ? I also believe that personal safety for certain travellers, especially obvious minorities, cannot be guaranteed, as fervent nationalism increases, and tolerance levels evaporate. Just as I may decide against a purchase at the supermarket because of a company’s behaviour, ethics will always be a consideration.

Well, I'd argue supermarket ethics does not readily translate to travel ethics - the latter is far more complex. Personally, I see the whole "vote with my hard-earned travel dollar" approach as overly simplistic, but if it's your position - I totally respect it.

What I don't understand is members volunteering ethical guidance in response to what seems an innocuous request for travel-related information.

Note a discussion on ethics hosted a year ago by the Webmaster of this very forum.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/travel-ethics-612334a0-0ca1-4128-b088-c13d1d8a91c3

I appreciate Rick Steves' point of view in his "Travel As A Political Act". That said, Putin's Russia is not a place I would support. But, to each his or her own....

From a practical point of view, travel between the two countries can be difficult. I understand the Russians who traveled in the US this past winter had to go to the US Embassy in the country of Georgia to get visas because the Russians expelled American embassy personnel. If you do travel to Russia, you may be on your own. See the American travel advisory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/russia-travel-advisory.html

Travel Advisory January 10, 2018 Russia – Level 3: Reconsider travel Reconsider travel to Russia due to terrorism and harassment. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory U.S. citizens are often victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. U.S. consular assistance to detained individuals is often unreasonably delayed by Russian officials. Russia also enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Russian nationals. Due to the Russian government-imposed reduction on U.S. diplomatic personnel in Russia, the U.S. government has reduced ability to provide services to U.S. citizens.

We have traveled to Moscow and St. Petersburg over the past few years. As in the US, most of the people we encountered helpful and not particularly political. In Moscow, we stayed at The Garden Ring Hotel which was a close walk to the metro. The hotel was very comfortable and quiet for being in the city. We loved the art museums and the Georgian restaurants. In St. Petersburg, we stayed at both The 3Mosta hotel near the Hermitage and the Art Hotel Demetra.. In St. Petersburg, we especially liked the Hermitage and Russian museum. Learning the Cyrillic alphabet and having a good map is a must.

As I think the point about ethical considerations has been made, please keep future replies more specific to the question at hand. Thanks.

Either read a good travel book or book a guide who can personally take you to the best places that interest you and tell about the sights you're seeing. We used Dan Petrov on 2 different trips to Moscow and found him to be wonderfully friendly and witty not to mention super knowledgeable.

Latest advice, Australian Governmemt, 1 April 2018. “Due to heightened political tensions, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-Western sentiment or harassment. While the Australian Government is not aware of any increased difficulties for Australians travelling in Russia at this time, you should follow the security and political situation closely and keep up to date with this travel advice. Remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.”

We very much enjoyed our group trip to Moscow and St Petersburg last year. excellent guides and accommodations. While Steven who has replied here has excellent advice, ( and we took advantage of it), we felt an organized tour really facilitated our enjoyment of the country. You may want to consider a combination of an organized tour and than adding independent days . Some of the Australians on the tour had arrived a couple of days earlier than the tour stated and then some stayed later. If we were to go again (which I would), that"s how I would do it. And I must say , it was enlightening to have conversations with the Russian tour guides and the non Americans about the current world situation. Not that we went into any great depth, but I think we all went away with a little more understanding. Top places: allow lots of time in St Petersburg at the Hermitage- take a separate day for the Impressionist building. In Moscow, the Russian Art Museum was amazing.

Solid advice from Australian government quoted above, especially the keeping up to date part.

I checked the current version (Sep 18) of that advisory - and it hasn't been updated much. In fact, some sections don't seem to have changed since 2005 - their recommendations for importing/exporting currency and financial instruments, for example, are at least five years behind.

I do like reading governmental travel advisories for entertainment purposes - for instance, up until very recently the US one sternly advised potential travelers that Moscow was largely a cash-based economy (couldn't be further from the truth) and warned about intrinsic dangers of gypsy cabs (which had all but disappeared by 2015).

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