It's 12 p.m. on Thursday and I am running through the streets of Brooklyn. I have to be out of New York City and on the highway north to reach Storm King Art Center by 3 p.m., when Charli XCX will be bumping her new album at a surprise listening party. Streaming in from directions unknown, hundreds of other fans have likewise shirked their responsibilities for the day—skipping work and school, canceling plans, ditching kids with partners—and booked it to this 500-acre sculpture park in New Windsor, New York, on the vague premise of exclusively hearing Charli XCX's latest music the day before the album's release. Some have taken four-hour trains; others, carpooled with strangers; the most die-hard brats are seeing her for the fourth or fifth time, after having followed her to California, Spain, and beyond. For her part, I know Charli herself will be on a plane the minute the show ends, given she's in the middle of her North America tour.
JetBlue ditches hot meals for cold in coach on transatlantic flights
07.10.2024 - 18:43 / thepointsguy.com / John F.Kennedy
JetBlue is ditching hot meals in coach on each of its transatlantic flights.
The New York-based carrier quietly rolled out a new dining menu for its "core" cabin this fall. It included a key disclaimer at the top: "All items served chilled."
A quick look at the menus suggests JetBlue's inflight economy meal service will still include strong offerings and will likely be tastier than what you'll find on many other carriers in the main cabin.
However, JetBlue's impressive dining options — even in coach — have been a key differentiator for the airline on its transatlantic routes since it launched its first flights to Europe in 2021.
Before we go any further, we should mention that JetBlue is planning no such changes to its premium Mint cabin, where the top-notch food and beverage service remains a standout feature of its service.
But, in a statement confirming the shift to chilled meals, JetBlue representatives alluded to the high cost of providing the hot, elaborate meals throughout the cabin.
"This change is part of our effort to ensure we can continue to provide a great experience at JetBlue's competitive fares on these routes," a spokesperson for the carrier told TPG Monday.
All-chilled meals in economy class aren't an entirely novel move for JetBlue.
The carrier tested similar dining options on its two seasonal routes this past summer to Dublin and Edinburgh, operated with its Airbus A321neo jets — as opposed to the A321LRs that have been part of its other transatlantic service.
JetBlue will continue to collaborate with New York-based eatery Dig on the core dining menus, which "lives up to the standard we set for high-quality meals," the airline said.
A quick glance at the new menu for eastbound transatlantic lunch and dinner reveals a main course choice of a chicken grain bowl or ginger garlic tofu paired with a kale apple salad or green beans.
Westbound lunch or dinner includes a pesto pasta salad or mushrooms and lentils; it's served alongside a tomato and cucumber salad or buffalo cauliflower.
An example of the breakfast: If you're flying to Europe overnight, you can choose between a crepe with smoked turkey, brie, fennel, arugula and balsamic onion jam, or overnight oats paired with fruit or coconut yogurt.
JetBlue's core meal service will continue to be highly customizable. Passengers can select their entree and side dish using the airline's touchscreens at each seatback.
These changes at JetBlue come as the airline has been undergoing a major transformation aimed at boosting its earnings and capitalizing on the high demand for premium accommodations.
The latter goal recently saw the airline announce its first-ever airport lounge planned for New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport
Etihad to bring back more of its posh Airbus A380s, says new US city coming
The Airbus A380 continues to find a new lease on life with Etihad Airways planning to bring back two more of the superjumbo jets as part of its strong post-coronavirus recovery.
A New California Hotel, Perched Above the Beach
Daniela Jacobs, the founder and designer of Arc, a line of minimalist jewelry and home goods, is perhaps best known for her porcelain creations in shades of ecru and eggshell. But in 2018, a translucent organza garment that Jacobs created for a photo shoot led to such an unexpected swell of purchase inquiries that she decided to create a handful of one-of-a-kind garments to sell, titling it her Invisibles collection. Now, after 10 years in business, Jacobs is releasing a new batch of designs that explore the concept of invisibility with Arc Glass, a limited-edition capsule of rings, bangles, candle holders and plates made of borosilicate glass. In addition to pieces that are completely see-through, a handful of the designs are rendered in black, as well as a smoky hue that changes in different lights. “It almost has a turquoise tint to it, which feels right to me because of the Mediterranean vibe,” says Jacobs, who splits her time between New York and Majorca. As with her porcelain pieces, Jacobs’s glass creations require a bit of mindfulness when worn, but she insists that they’re made for everyday use. “I wear them on the subway. I wear them biking. I wear them when I’m in Spain. When I go to the sea, I take them off and put them on a rock; I come back, they’re fine,” she says.
Saudi startup Riyadh Air confident in 2025 launch, mum on plans for US flights
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas is confident that the startup — which is positioning itself as Saudi Arabia's elite answer to the big Gulf carriers — will take to the skies next year.
Gulf Air eyes US flights, will add free Wi-Fi and improved food as it upgrades service
Bahrain's Gulf Air plans to upgrade some aspects of its inflight offerings next year as it eyes a return to the U.S. amid its 75th anniversary celebrations.
BermudAir focuses on reliability, growth as it marks one year of flights
Startup BermudAir took to the skies a little over a year ago, promising to provide all-business class cabins and dark 'n' stormy cocktails on its two-or-so-hour flights between the U.S. and its namesake island.
Over 1,700 Flights Canceled, Airports Close, Cruises Divert as Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida
As Hurricane Milton hurdles its way towards Florida on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm, flights have been canceled, airlines and cruises have diverted, and theme parks have shuttered.
Hurricane Milton Path: Latest Updates for How Storm is Impacting Travel for Airlines, Cruise Lines, and More
Update: October 8, 2024, at 1:40 p.m. ET
The Latest Travel Guidance for Mexico’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations
It's been one month since the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Mexico, one of the few countries broken down by states rather than an all-encompassing advisory.
Baja California Wines Triumph at 2024 Bacchus International Wine Competition
Baja California has solidified its position as a world-class wine region, securing 32 of the 52 medals awarded to Mexico at the prestigious 2024 Bacchus International Wines and Vermouth Competition. This remarkable achievement underscores the exceptional quality of wines produced in the region.
Joby Aviation Raises $500 Million from Toyota for Flying Taxi
Joby Aviation just closed the largest single round of funding for a flying taxi startup in years.
You Can Score $50 Park Tickets for Kids and Hotel Discounts at Disneyland in 2025
Disneyland Resort just rolled out discounts for kids and hotel stays next year.