Good morning. It's Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Before we board, one last reminder: The 100,000-point welcome bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® ends today at 3 p.m. EDT. If you've been waiting, now's the time. Apply before the deadline and don't miss the biggest public bonus ever offered on the card.

The era of ultra-low-cost airlines is changing. Allegiant Air has announced it will introduce first-class seats on select aircraft beginning in 2027, featuring spacious recliners, extra storage, calf rests, and upgraded onboard service.

The move follows similar premium expansions by Frontier, JetBlue, and even Southwest, showing that more budget airlines are betting travelers will pay extra for added comfort.

Travel Smarter: Budget airlines are no longer just competing on the lowest fares—they're competing for premium travelers, too. If you like flying low-cost carriers, expect more options to upgrade your experience without paying legacy airline prices.

➤ 🎢 Six Flags Unveils Record-Breaking Coaster: Opening in 2027, Bakunawa at Six Flags Great Adventure will reach 100 mph and 382 feet, becoming the world's tallest and fastest spinning coaster while breaking six world records.

➤ 🚢 Carnival Cancels Nine 2027 Cruises: Carnival Cruise Line has canceled nine Carnival Jubilee sailings scheduled between August and December 2027 due to itinerary changes. Affected guests are being offered alternative sailings or other accommodations.

➤ ✈️ World's Longest Flights Move Closer to Reality: Qantas is one step closer to launching the world's longest nonstop flights after completing a 24-hour, 25-minute test flight. Starting in 2027, travelers will be able to fly nonstop from Sydney to London and New York.

➤ ⚠️ Belgium Travel Advisory Updated: The U.S. State Department has updated its advisory for Belgium, keeping the country at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution while expanding guidance on petty crime, demonstrations, and terrorism. Travelers should stay alert in tourist areas, train stations, and on public transportation, where pickpocketing remains the most common risk.

Choosing the right loyalty program can make a big difference when it comes to earning free travel. According to U.S. News' 2026-2027 rankings, American Airlines AAdvantage was named the best airline rewards program thanks to its extensive route network, strong award availability, and large partner ecosystem.

For hotels, Wyndham Rewards took the top spot, earning praise for making free nights easier to redeem across more than 8,000 properties.

Top Airline Programs

Top Hotel Programs

Travel Smarter: Don't sign up for every loyalty program. Focus on the airline and hotel brands you use most—concentrating your points in one or two programs is usually the fastest way to earn meaningful rewards and elite status.

Copenhagen's reputation as one of the world's happiest cities goes beyond its colorful canals. Visitors will find a city designed around outdoor living, cycling, clean waterways, and sustainability—from harbor swimming areas and waterfront cafés to CopenHill, a waste-to-energy plant with a rooftop ski slope.

One of the city's most unique experiences is GreenKayak, where travelers can borrow a kayak for free in exchange for collecting litter from the harbor, helping keep Copenhagen's waterways among the cleanest in Europe.

Travel Smarter: Copenhagen is best experienced on foot or by bike. Skip rental cars and use the city's extensive cycling network to explore neighborhoods, attractions, and the waterfront like a local—it's often the fastest and most affordable way to get around.

If you've written off cruising because of crowded mega-ships, it may be time to take another look. Small-ship cruises—typically carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers—are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry.

The appeal is simple: fewer crowds, more personalized service, access to ports that large ships can't reach, and often more inclusive fares covering dining, drinks, and excursions. The tradeoff? Expect higher prices and fewer onboard attractions like water parks and Broadway-style shows.

Travel Smarter: If you're interested in cruising but dislike the idea of thousands of passengers, compare small-ship itineraries before booking a mainstream cruise. While the upfront cost is higher, the included amenities and unique destinations can offer better overall value—especially if your priority is the destination, not the ship.

Looking for a road trip beyond Route 66? The Great River Road stretches nearly 3,000 miles alongside the Mississippi River, winding through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. You can drive the entire route in about a week, but many travelers tackle it in smaller sections, exploring charming river towns, scenic overlooks, local restaurants, and historic landmarks along the way.

Fall is one of the best times to go, thanks to colorful foliage and seasonal festivals, though each season offers a different experience—from spring wildflowers to winter bald eagle viewing.

Travel Smarter: You don't have to drive all 3,000 miles to enjoy the Great River Road. Pick one region—like Minnesota and Wisconsin or St. Louis to New Orleans—for a long weekend. You'll spend less time driving and more time discovering the local culture, food, and hidden gems that make this route special.

A new study from travel eSIM provider Holafly ranked the world's most welcoming cities for English-speaking travelers, based on factors like English proficiency, safety, tourism services, and visa accessibility.

Top 5:

These destinations stood out for being easy to navigate, offering strong visitor support, and making international travelers feel comfortable from arrival to departure.

Travel Smarter: Rankings like these are a helpful starting point—especially for first-time international travelers—but remember they're based on specific criteria. A city that's lower on the list can still offer an incredible experience with a little planning.

On many long-haul flights, flight attendants take breaks in a hidden crew rest area known as the "sin bin." Tucked behind curtains or above the cabin on some aircraft, it's where crews rotate off duty to rest before returning to serve passengers. Some airline crews also use the term for the tarmac holding area where planes wait for takeoff clearance.

Fun fact: If you see a flight attendant disappear behind a curtain on a long-haul flight, they're probably heading to their scheduled rest break—not avoiding passengers.

— Anita Desai

Written by the Boarding Soon Editorial Team

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