British Airways has announced that the latest Avios-Only destination will be Cape Town, with more than 500 seats now available for customers to spend their Avios on. Members of The British Airways Club can travel to Cape Town over the Christmas period, from as little as 70,000 Avios and £150.
Date
Flight No.
Route
Aircraft
20 Dec 2025
BA43
London Heathrow – Cape Town
Boeing 777
02 Jan 2026
BA42
Cape Town – London Heathrow
Boeing 777
Cape Town marks the release of the airline’s 7,500th Avios-Only seat since the launch in 2023. British Airways has operated 34 Avios-Only flights to 15 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean. The most recent Avios-Only flights to Málaga and Marrakech were scheduled during the October half-term and were especially popular with families. Booking rates for families with children were more than four times higher than for other reward flights.
British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy, said: “We’re delighted to announce Cape Town as our latest Avios-Only flight destination, in South Africa’s peak travel season. Members will have the opportunity to book seats across all four cabins over the popular festive period offering more value and choice than ever.”
Rob McDonald, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Loyalty, said: “We know how popular Avios-Only flights are with customers and we’re incredibly excited to work with British Airways to offer the next long-haul Avios-Only flight to Cape Town, operating over the peak Christmas period. This will allow customers to take full advantage of the value Avios unlocks on an incredibly popular route.”
Avios-Only seats are sold as normal Reward Seats, which means that customers with British Airways American Express Credit Cards will also have the option to use their Companion Vouchers. These entitle Members to a second seat for just the taxes and charges, or one seat for half the amount of Avios.
Reward Seats are those that can be purchased using Avios at static rates. British Airways guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 Reward Seats on standard short and long-haul flights respectively, whereas Avios-Only flights mean that every seat is available to purchase using Avios. Members booking the Avios-Only flight can do so in any cabin as they normally would through ba.com.
The International Airport Transport Association (IATA), which represents around 350 airlines, on Monday released the latest edition of the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) for 2024.
Home»AIRLINE NEWS» American Airlines Cancels Over 50 Flights, Disrupting Travel Across US
Monday, August 4, 2025
Severe weather affecting certain travel corridors has resulted in American Airlines canceling in excess of 50 flights across several major U.S. airports. The active weather consisting of thunderstorms, strong winds, and low visibility has caused widespread delays and cancellations, predominantly of departures from Dallas/Fort Worth, New York, Florida, Kansas, and Georgia. All passengers are advised to monitor their flights as weather issues are expected to disrupt travel plans for the rest of the day.
Due to severe weather conditions, over 50 American Airlines flights have been canceled, representing 1% of the airline’s schedule, while 344 flights, or 9%, have been delayed. The disruptions primarily affect major airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW), LaGuardia (KLGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK), Orlando International (KMCO), and Kansas City International (KMCI). Thunderstorms, high winds, and poor visibility have led to unsafe travel conditions, causing cancellations and delays on routes such as Dallas/Fort Worth (KDFW) to New York, Florida, and Kansas, as well as other flights to and from Miami, Atlanta, and Greenville/Spartanburg. Travelers are urged to monitor their flight status and take advantage of rebooking options available for those affected by these disruptions.
Flight Cancellations and Delays:
The following airports are among the most affected by the widespread cancellations:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): As the hub for American Airlines, this airport has seen the majority of canceled flights. Many passengers traveling from Dallas to destinations like New York, Florida, and Kansas faced delays or rerouting.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Reagan National Airport (DCA): Airports in New York and Washington, D.C. have experienced significant travel delays due to the storm system affecting flights between these locations and major U.S. cities.
Orlando International Airport (MCO), Tampa International Airport (TPA), and Miami International Airport (MIA): Florida-based flights have been among those hardest hit, with more than 10 flights canceled, leaving passengers stranded.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI): The Midwest has also been impacted, with several departures from Kansas City delayed or canceled. Flights to and from Texas were especially affected.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL): Georgia has been another region heavily impacted, with travelers experiencing disruptions due to the bad weather.
Reasons for Cancellations
The weather system causing the cancellations includes thunderstorms, high winds, and poor visibility that have made it unsafe for planes to take off and land. These conditions have created a ripple effect, with delays building up throughout the day.
Passenger Impact:
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to check with American Airlines for the latest updates and rebooking options. Some travelers were informed of the cancellations via email or text message, while others learned of the disruption upon arriving at the airport.
In light of the ongoing storm, American Airlines has been working to rebook as many passengers as possible, though limited seat availability and continued bad weather could further impact travel.
What Travelers Should Know:
Ticket Rebooking: American Airlines is offering passengers the opportunity to rebook flights without additional charges for those affected by cancellations.
Refunds: For passengers who choose not to travel, American Airlines is providing full refunds.
Flight Status: Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status on the American Airlines website or mobile app to stay updated on delays and cancellations.
Weather Conditions: Airlines are expected to adjust their schedules as weather conditions evolve, with the possibility of more cancellations as the storm continues.
Severe weather has led to the cancellation of 50 American Airlines flights and delays of 344 others, disrupting travel across the U.S. The disruptions, caused by thunderstorms, high winds, and poor visibility, are impacting key airports and flights nationwide.
As American Airlines works to mitigate the effects of the severe weather, travelers should anticipate continued disruptions in flight schedules. With over 50 flights canceled and travel impacted across five states, the airline is focusing on minimizing delays and assisting passengers with rebooking and refunds. However, the situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to stay informed and flexible as they navigate through this challenging period.
Planning a trip involves much more than just picking a destination. Timing your bookings correctly can save you hundreds of dollars and ensure you get the experiences you want.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly when you should book each component of your travel to maximize savings and minimize stress.
Start With the Essentials: Documents and Protection First
Before diving into flights and hotels, secure your travel foundations. Check your passport expiration date. Many countries require at least six months of validity remaining. Research visa requirements well in advance, as some can take weeks or months to process. For comprehensive visa information and assistance with electronic visas and travel authorizations, HandyVisas provides up-to-date entry requirements and streamlined online application processes for destinations worldwide.
Travel insurance is your safety net. Purchase it as soon as you book any non-refundable travel expenses, ideally within 15 days of your initial booking. Early purchase unlocks maximum coverage benefits, often including trip cancellation protection from the moment you buy. Policies purchased later may exclude coverage for events that occur between booking and insurance purchase.
For specialized coverage like “Cancel For Any Reason” benefits or pre-existing medical condition waivers, most insurers require purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit. Travel insurance can be booked up to 18 months in advance for single trips, with coverage beginning immediately upon purchase.
Recent data shows the optimal booking window for domestic US flights has settled around 28-42 days in advance. CheapAir’s 2024 analysis of 917 million fares found 42 days offered the best average prices, while Expedia suggests 28 days can save up to 24% compared to last-minute bookings.
The prime booking window typically spans 21-74 days before departure, with fares changing an average of 49 times between release and takeoff. This volatility makes fare tracking essential. Set up price alerts through Google Flights or airline apps to catch sudden drops.
International Flights
Book early: 50-320 days ahead
International flight booking has become more complex, with optimal timing varying dramatically by destination. For Europe, the ideal booking window has shifted from 45 days in 2023 to an extraordinary 320 days in advance for 2024, likely due to events like the Olympics and increased post-pandemic demand.
Other international destinations show more moderate requirements:
Caribbean: 29 days (down from 56 days in 2023)
Asia: 71 days (reduced from 144 days in 2023)
South America: Similar to Asia, around 60-90 days
Canada: Book closer to departure, around 30-45 days
Google Flights data suggests booking international flights 101 days before departure on average, with the historical low price range starting 50+ days out.
Aircraft lifting off with palms.
Day of the Week Matters
Best booking day: Sunday Expedia’s research shows Sunday bookings save an average of 17% compared to Friday bookings. The old “Tuesday rule” has lost relevance, with recent studies showing only 1.6% of routes benefit from Tuesday booking, yielding minimal 6% savings.
Best departure days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Flying mid-week saves an average of 12-18% compared to weekend departures. Summer domestic flights show particularly strong savings when departing Tuesday through Thursday.
Hotel Booking: Flexibility Wins
Booking Timeline
Domestic hotels: 15-30 days ahead Unlike flights, hotels benefit from later booking. KAYAK data reveals that booking too far in advance often results in higher prices due to dynamic pricing models. The optimal window for domestic hotels falls 15-30 days before check-in, with some properties offering last-minute deals within a week of arrival.
International hotels: 2-4 months for peak periods For high-demand destinations and peak travel seasons, book 2-4 months ahead. Popular cities like Paris, Tokyo, and New York require earlier booking, especially during festivals, holidays, or major events.
Best Days to Book and Stay
Best booking day: Friday for domestic, Thursday for international Skyscanner’s 2023 data shows Friday bookings save 2% on domestic hotels, while Thursday bookings save 6% on international properties. However, KAYAK’s 2024 analysis suggests these savings are marginal.
Cheapest check-in day: Sunday Sunday check-ins can be up to 24% cheaper than Friday arrivals, as business travelers depart and weekend tourists head home. For international stays, Tuesday check-ins offer the best rates.
Seasonal Considerations
Hotel prices fluctuate dramatically based on local events and seasons. Research destination-specific peak periods—for instance, European beach destinations peak in July-August, while tropical locations may be most expensive during dry seasons.
Consider shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) for significant savings, often 30-50% less than peak rates while still offering good weather and fewer crowds.
Hotel Croisette as Carlton in Cannes, France.
Activities and Attractions: Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind
Museums and Cultural Sites
Book major attractions immediately after travel dates are confirmed
Popular museums and monuments increasingly use timed-entry systems to manage crowds. The Louvre, for instance, should be booked as early as possible, especially for morning time slots that offer smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.
For world-famous sites during peak season:
Immediately: Iconic attractions like the Louvre, Vatican Museums, Sagrada Familia, Anne Frank House…
2-4 months ahead: Major museums during summer or school holidays
1-2 weeks ahead: Most regional museums and smaller attractions
Many museums offer dynamic pricing with cheaper rates for less popular time slots. Book early morning or late afternoon visits for both better prices and smaller crowds.
Tours and Experiences
Popular tours, especially small-group experiences, food tours, and adventure activities, often sell out weeks in advance during peak seasons. Book unique experiences immediately after confirming your travel dates.
Consider purchasing city museum passes or attraction cards, but remember you’ll still need to reserve specific time slots even with these passes.
Kayak tour at Aventures Archipel at Parc national du Bic, Quebec, Canada.
Budget vs. Luxury: Strategic Timing Differences
Budget Travel Booking Strategy
Flights: Use error fares and flash sales; be flexible with dates
Hotels: Book hostels and budget chains 2-4 weeks ahead; consider last-minute deals
Activities: Look for free walking tours and municipal museums
Luxury Travel Booking Strategy
Flights: Book premium cabin seats 3-6 months ahead for best availability
Hotels: Luxury properties require 2-6 months advance booking for prime rooms
Activities: Private tours and high-end experiences book months in advance
Special Circumstances and Pro Tips
Peak Season Booking (Summer, Holidays, Major Events)
Flights: 4-6 months ahead minimum
Hotels: 6+ months for major destinations
Activities: Book immediately after travel dates confirmed
Last-Minute Travel
If flexibility is your priority, consider:
Tuesday-Thursday departures for better last-minute flight deals
Hotel apps with same-day deals
Package deals that combine flight and hotel for savings
Group Travel
Large groups (8+ people) require earlier booking across all categories:
Families: Add 1-2 months to standard recommendations
Large groups: Book 6+ months ahead for coordinated travel
Red Flags to Avoid
Don’t wait if:
Traveling during major holidays or events
Visiting destinations with limited accommodation options
Planning once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Traveling with inflexible dates
Booking for large groups
Be cautious of:
Booking flights more than 11 months in advance (airlines may not have released schedules)
Assuming weekend bookings always cost more (this varies by destination)
Ignoring cancellation policies when booking early
Booking vacation rentals without reading recent reviews
Your Action Plan
Secure documents and insurance (as soon as trip is planned – check here)
Book flights (28-42 days domestic, 50-320 days international)
Reserve major attractions (immediately after flights confirmed)
Book accommodations (15-30 days domestic, 2-4 months international peak season)
Arrange transportation and smaller activities (2-4 weeks before travel)
Remember, these guidelines represent averages based on extensive data analysis. Your specific situation (destination popularity, travel dates, group size, and flexibility) will influence the optimal timing. The key is starting your research early while maintaining the flexibility to book when prices drop or availability becomes limited.
Set up price alerts, monitor multiple booking platforms, and don’t hesitate to book when you find a good deal that meets your needs.
In today’s dynamic travel market, hesitation often costs more than early commitment.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
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