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Good morning. The world's longest flight is one step closer to reality, Vietnam is quietly becoming Southeast Asia's hottest destination, and millions of Americans are preparing to hit the road for the July 4 holiday.
FEATURED BOARDING
The World's Longest Flight Is Almost Here
simpleflying.com
A nonstop flight from Sydney to London once sounded impossible. Soon, it'll be reality.
Qantas and Airbus have unveiled a specially designed Airbus A350-1000ULR that will fly more than 10,000 miles nonstop between Australia and the UK. The journey will take roughly 20 hours, making it the longest commercial flight in the world when it launches in 2027.
The aircraft is being built specifically for ultra-long-haul travel, with fewer seats, larger cabins, and features designed to help reduce jet lag.
Why it matters: For decades, Australia has been one of the most difficult places to reach from Europe. This flight eliminates the stopover and signals a new era of ultra-long-haul travel.
TRAVEL SMARTER
Flying With Hair Products? TSA Has a Reminder
Traveling with curl creams, edge control, shea butter, or styling sprays? TSA's liquid rules still apply.
Any creams, gels, sprays, or pastes in your carry-on must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit inside a quart-sized liquids bag. Larger products should be packed in checked luggage.
A quick double-check before heading to the airport could save your favorite products from ending up in a TSA trash bin.
TOUR DE HEADLINES
Vietnam welcomed more than 21 million visitors last year, a 20% jump from the year before. The country has also surpassed Thailand as the most popular destination for Chinese travelers.
Officials are expanding airports, hotels, and visa-free access while promoting destinations beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The goal is to grow tourism without repeating the overtourism challenges seen in places like Thailand and Bali.
AAA expects 72.2 million Americans to travel during the Independence Day holiday period, including a record 61.4 million road trippers.
Travel experts recommend hitting the road early in the morning to avoid the worst congestion. The busiest travel days are expected to be July 2–5, with major delays around popular vacation destinations and large metro areas.
Travelers heading to Louisiana and parts of the Gulf Coast should monitor weather conditions closely as Tropical Storm Arthur moves inland.
The biggest concern isn't wind—it's flooding. Forecasters warn some areas could receive up to 10 inches of rain through Friday, potentially causing road closures, airport delays, and travel disruptions across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
Beginning June 28, Disney guests will need proof of a hotel stay or resort reservation to use buses and boats traveling from Disney Springs to Disney hotels.
The move is designed to reduce abuse of free parking and transportation systems, though Disney fans remain divided over the change.
Grab a free 10-pack of THC gummies from Cycling Frog! Just cover $4.99 shipping. Fruity, perfectly dosed, and made for campfires, park days, and whatever summer turns into.
Must be 21+ and only valid on 10ct bags of gummies.
NOT VALID IN OH, CA, CO, AL, LA AND NJ.
LIFESTYLE
Pan Am Is Back—And Selling Around-the-World Adventures
The iconic Pan Am brand continues its comeback with the launch of Pan Am Journeys, a series of luxury private-jet expeditions inspired by the airline's historic routes.
The first trip is a 19-day African adventure featuring private safaris, luxury rail travel, and exclusive experiences across Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The price tag: $129,000 per person.
The company is also developing a Pan Am-themed hotel, airport lounge, cruise partnership, and additional global journeys.
POINTS & MILES
This $95 Travel Card Just Became Harder to Ignore
Chase has refreshed its popular Sapphire Preferred Card, adding several new perks without increasing its $95 annual fee.
What's new:
$100 annual hotel credit on eligible Chase bookings (up from $50)
3x points on gas and EV charging purchases
3x points on Airbnb and Vrbo stays
Up to $120 toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years
Enhanced emergency evacuation and transportation coverage
One complimentary year of Apple TV+ (activation required)
There are some trade-offs—Hyatt transfer rates are being reduced and the 10% anniversary bonus is going away—but most casual travelers are unlikely to notice.
Why it matters: The new hotel credit alone can offset the card's annual fee, making the Sapphire Preferred an even stronger option for travelers who take one or two trips a year.
You can apply here.
WINDOW SEAT
"Travel isn't always about the destination. Sometimes the journey becomes the story."
Thanks for reading Boarding Soon. If this helped you, forward it to one friend who needs a trip this summer. ✈️
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