Two passengers on a cruise from Miami to the UK were found to be carrying over 100 bags of marijuana, a Department of Homeland Security affidavit says.
12.01.2024 - 19:27 / afar.com / Willie Walsh / Helane Becker
In 2024, more of us, apparently, are resolving to take more trips by air. Or at least that was how it was looking before two back-to-back in-flight incidents kicked off the start of the year: the Japan Airlines airplane that burst into flames after a runway collision, and the Alaska Airlines plug door blowing out that led to the global grounding of Boeing 737-9 Max planes.
This year, despite some nervousness fliers may be feeling in the aftermath of said incidents, air travel volume is expected to reach “an historic high,” with 4.7 billion air passengers expected worldwide, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). That exceeds not just 2023’s total of 4.4 billion, but also the pre-pandemic 2019 total of 4.5 billion.
Airlines have “come roaring back to pre-pandemic levels of connectivity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, adding that “the speed of the recovery has been extraordinary.” Looking ahead, 44 percent of those polled in a recent IATA consumer survey say that they will travel more in the next 12 months than in the previous 12 months.
In the United States, the story is similar, said Helane Becker, an airline analyst with investment bank TD Cowen, who noted that passenger volume at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints was up 11.6 percent in 2023, with an average of 2.3 million travelers daily—and that will rise at least 5 percent in 2024. Unless TSA adds more screeners, that could lead to longer airport lines. In peak periods “we will regularly see days when 3 million people travel through airports,” Becker said.
How will the recent safety scares affect operations? What does the higher number of travelers mean for airfares this year? And will we see additional operational struggles like the snafus that roiled holiday travel a little more than a year ago? We asked experts to weigh in. Here are their predictions for what flying will be like in 2024.
After a series of close calls at airports last year, air safety standards were already under the microscope in 2023. But when the new year began with two serious accidents, the Boeing 737-9 Max scare, which followed a crash at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, the issue became a front-page story.
After immediately grounding 171 Boeing 737-9 Max planes in the United States and in countries with direct flights to the U.S., the FAA on January 12 said that it would be increasing its oversight of Boeing production and manufacturing. The move came one day after the FAA said that it had “formally notified Boeing that the FAA has launched an investigation into the company as a result of last Friday’s incident on a Boeing Model 737-9 MAX in which the aircraft lost a passenger door plug while in flight.”
It’s unclear
Two passengers on a cruise from Miami to the UK were found to be carrying over 100 bags of marijuana, a Department of Homeland Security affidavit says.
Pity the poor airlines. It’s bad enough that they had to limp through COVID, beg $50 billion dollars from the Federal government, cancel or delay thousands of flights, and now, once again, deal with Boeing 737MAX issues.
A new report from Amadeus has revealed a positive trend for air travel and hospitality in the Americas at the start of 2024.
In the tucked away Black Forest town of Donaueschingen, the mighty River Danube begins. It rises as a clear, three metre-deep wellspring in the town centre, encircled by a stone basin sculpted with zodiac symbols. From there, the Danube – Donau in German – flows full tilt onwards for 1,771 miles to its mouth on the Black Sea, passing through the great cities of Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The archipelago paradise of Bermuda rests on an astoundingly beautiful stretch of the North Atlantic just off the coast of east of North Carolina, making it easy to get to with direct flights under two hours – a stone’s throw – from major airports along the Eastern U.S. The island’s weather ensures that any time of year is perfect for a sub-tropical getaway. The mild winters require only a light outer layer, and are perfect for keeping up with outdoor sports such as golf, running, pickleball, nature walks and more, resulting in a haven for adventure seekers.
A former TSA agent has revealed what not to do during air travel to avoid trouble both at the airport and on the plane.
Thanks to their sleeveless design and ability to be layered under coats or worn as your only piece of outerwear when temperatures allow, it’s no surprise that vests are among the most versatile of wardrobe staples. And although they’ve never really gone out of style, they’ve gained popularity in recent years—some may recognize these as the unofficial uniform of the “finance bro” (see: the viral @MidtownUniform Instagram page). However, fleece is far from the only option on the market; the best vests come in a wide array of colors, prices, sizes, materials, and silhouettes to suit every style and subsequently cater to a variety of wants, needs, and climates. Those facing especially cold weather may opt for an insulated puffer vest with an ultra-warm material like cashmere or down with a longer silhouette to protect the legs. For spring, fall, or milder winters, a thinner, less bulky option worn over a T-shirt or sweater might make more sense.
A new year always brings plenty of lists from travel experts and influencers predicting the most popular destinations for the next 12 months. But what countries does AI think will lure the crowds in 2024?
One of the most exciting new things coming to Disney World in 2024 is the 350 all-new cabins that sleep up to six people at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. And don't let the words "cabins" or "wilderness" fool you because, based on the renderings, these are some high-end-looking places to lay your head just a short boat ride away from Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Aiming to reveal the hidden wonders of the world through close-up, macro and micro photography, the Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) has announced the winners and finalists of its annual competition
There’s nothing worse than getting through the hustle and bustle of airport security only to finally make it to your gate and realize that your phone is out of battery. Searching for an outlet can be a pain and more often than not leaves you stuck hovering over one awaiting your turn. A portable charger offers peace of mind and freedom that airport outlets, hotel lobbies, and coffee shops just can’t supply. Even when you're not traveling, they're useful to have on hand for days when you forget to charge your phone at night or notice it’s running low midday after too much time on Google Maps (or TikTok).