Flight Buzz
Is Tuesday at 4 a.m. really the best time to book flights? Luxair says no to know about air travel
Booking flights, braving turbulence or wondering why in-flight food tastes so bland –flying comes with plenty of questions. But how many of the commonly held beliefs about air travel actually hold up?
Luxair, Luxembourg’s flag carrier, sheds some light on a few myths and explains what really happens behind the scenes.
The Tuesday-at-4-in-the-morning myth
A persistent rumour claims that flights are cheapest if booked on Tuesdays at 4:00. It’s been passed down in travel forums like gospel. But Luxair isn’t buying it.
“Ticket prices vary depending on many factors: time of year, school holidays and when the purchase is made,” the airline said, declining to confirm the late-night discount legend. Instead, Luxair highlights its last-minute offers as a reliable way to find good fares.
And what about using a VPN to trick pricing algorithms? No luck there either. While using a VPN “has no direct impact” on fares, the airline says browsing behaviour can influence prices. Simply put: if many users are looking at the same flight, seat availability drops – and prices can rise.
Fear of flying? There’s a seminar for that
Whether you tense up during takeoff or avoid flying altogether, Luxair says you’re not alone. If it’s a phobia, it’s best to inform the flight crew. You’ll receive appropriate support. “We can provide caring support and respond with special attention if needed,” Luxair explains.
For more serious cases, Luxair offers a weekend seminar, including sessions with a psychologist, a captain and cabin crew.
Participants learn coping techniques and then take a supervised round-trip flight with the same team. Held six times a year in three languages, the programme has a success rate of over 95%, according to Luxair.
“Furthermore, an independent study conducted by the University of Luxembourg shows that after their participation, over 90% of former participants continue to fly.”
Yes, airplane mode still matters
Mobile phones must still be set to airplane mode during flights, Luxair says, especially during takeoff and landing. Otherwise, they continuously search for a network, which can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems.
Wi-Fi on board? It exists, but is only activated after takeoff and deactivated before landing. The service includes either direct internet access via satellite or an Inflight Entertainment system with preloaded movies, games and news.
Why airplane food tastes … meh
Think the food is bland? You’re not imagining it. Reduced humidity and cabin pressure dull your taste buds, Luxair says. Add engine noise and distractions from other passengers, and flavours don’t stand much of a chance.
Chefs compensate with stronger spices and crunchy textures. These techniques can help restore some of the flavour lost at altitude.
Could you land a plane?
A viral survey once suggested nearly half of men – and a quarter of women – believe they could land a plane in an emergency. Luxair’s answer: don’t count on it.
“Piloting and landing an airliner is a complex task that requires years of theoretical and practical training,” the airline said. Pilots are trained for every imaginable scenario and operate under strict European rules.
Their workdays can stretch up to 15 hours, including pre-flight prep, time in the air and post-landing procedures. Minimum rest periods of 12 hours are enforced between flights.
As of 2026, Luxair will fly to more than 100 destinations. Whether you’re a nervous flyer or a self-declared aviation expert, you’ll still need to buckle in – and yes, switch your phone to airplane mode.
Travel from Luxembourg to these destinations by direct flight
(This article was originally published by Virgule. Machine translated by AI, with editing and adaptation by Kabir Agarwal.)
Southwest Airlines has spent the better part of the past week trying to dig itself out of a full-blown travel mess, canceling more than 750 flights and disrupting thousands of passengers from Dallas to Los Angeles. The wave of cancellations affected some of the carrier’s busiest hubs – Dallas Love Field, Denver International, Chicago Midway, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Los Angeles International, according to Alabama Media Group. Even international routes were caught in the fallout, with flights to and from several foreign destinations also being scrapped.
Also read: United Airlines shares positive update for mid-air travelers amid massive system outage, ground stop
While the airline has yet to give a single, clear explanation for the mass cancellations, aviation experts say problems of this scale almost never boil down to just one cause. Alabama Media Group cites travel outlet Travel and Tour World, which pinned a big share of the blame on rough weather. Thunderstorms rolled through key regions in the Midwest and along the West Coast, tangling up heavily trafficked airspace above hubs like Chicago and Phoenix. Those delays set off a chain reaction, rippling through the airline’s schedule.
One snag turns into a nationwide mess
According to travel analyst Paramita Sarkar, air traffic control systems are still stretched thin from the surge in summer travel, struggling to keep pace with packed flight schedules and congested skies. That alone is enough to cause delays. But Southwest’s point-to-point route model – which strings flights together instead of funneling through a central hub – makes it especially vulnerable when things go wrong.
“This kind of setup can snowball quickly,” Sarkar told Travel and Tour World.
A delay in Phoenix could mean a plane never reaches Las Vegas in time, which then prevents it from making its Orlando flight, and so on. By the end of the day, a hiccup in one corner of the country can strand passengers thousands of miles away.
Also read: Frontier Airlines warns of major US flight cuts: Here’s how travelers could be impacted
What Southwest is offering
Southwest says it is working to take care of stranded travelers by booking hotel rooms for those facing overnight waits, issuing refunds, and handing out travel vouchers to passengers who opt not to rebook. Even so, Alabama Media Group reports that hundreds are still stuck in airports, some camping out overnight in gate areas, waiting for updates that seem to shift every hour.
FAQs
Why did Southwest cancel over 750 flights?
Weather, staffing shortages, and operational issues all played a role.
Which airports were most affected?
Dallas Love Field, Denver, Chicago Midway, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando, and LAX saw major impacts.
Are international flights affected?
Yes, some international routes were also disrupted.
Is Southwest offering compensation?
The airline is providing refunds, vouchers, and hotel accommodations in some cases.
How long will the disruptions last?
The airline has not given a clear timeline for full recovery.
Flight Buzz
Delta Air Lines Cancels 14 New Flights Across the US, Japan, Italy, UK, Brazil, South Korea, China, and Singapore, Causing Major Travel Disruption
Published on
August 11, 2025 |
Causing major travel disruption, Delta Air Lines cancels 14 new flights across the US, Japan, Italy, UK, Brazil, South Korea, China, and Singapore. The airline attributed the widespread problems, which began creating a ripple effect of delays and passenger frustration on Saturday and have intensified into Monday, to significant “operational challenges.” Beyond these outright cancellations impacting global hubs on four continents, the issues have cascaded through the carrier’s network, resulting in an additional 277 delayed flights, a figure representing a staggering 7% of its tracked operations during this period.
The effects of this disruption have been felt profoundly, from families trying to return from European holidays to executives on critical business trips to Asia. The problems underscore the fragility of global airline networks in the current climate, where even minor issues can cascade into international meltdowns.
A Global Problem by the Numbers
While the cancellation of 14 flights may seem small relative to Delta’s thousands of daily operations, the strategic importance of the affected routes magnifies their impact. These were not minor regional hops but largely long-haul international flights that serve as critical arteries for global commerce and tourism. Compounding the issue, a staggering 277 additional flights were hit with significant delays, representing 7% of the carrier’s tracked operations during this period. A delay rate of this magnitude can paralyze an airline’s schedule, causing crew members and aircraft to be out of position for their next assignments, leading to further cancellations and delays down the line.
Trans-Atlantic Turmoil: Europe and South America Hit Hard
The highly profitable and competitive trans-atlantic corridor saw some of the most significant impacts. These routes are the backbone of summer tourism and business travel between the United States, the UK, and continental Europe. The disruption also extended to vital links with South America. Affected flights include:
- Flights to/from Italy: DAL231 (Airbus A333) from Rome (FCO) to New York (JFK); DAL289 and DAL9889 (Boeing 763) from Venice (VCE) to New York (JFK).
- Flights to/from the UK: DAL62 (Boeing 763) from New York (JFK) to London Gatwick (LGW) and its return flight, DAL63.
- Flights to/from Brazil: DAL226 (Airbus A339) from São Paulo (GRU) to New York (JFK) and its counterpart, DAL227.
Pacific Pain: Asian Network Sees Widespread Interruptions
Delta’s extensive trans-pacific network, which involves complex logistics and ultra-long-haul flights, experienced severe interruptions. Disruptions here can take longer to resolve due to the vast distances and time differences involved. Major hubs in Japan, South Korea, China, and Singapore were all affected.
- Flights to/from Japan & South Korea: Multiple services connecting Atlanta (KATL), Detroit (KDTW), Minneapolis (KMSP), and Salt Lake City (KSLC) with Tokyo (HND) and Seoul (ICN) were impacted, including flights DAL294, DAL120, DAL158, DAL188, DAL170, and DAL172, primarily operated by the Airbus A359.
- Flights to/from China & Singapore: The disruption touched routes to Shanghai (PVG) from Honolulu (PHNL) and a unique long-haul service from Seattle (KSEA) to Singapore’s Paya Lebar Air Base (QPG), flown by an Airbus A359.
Chaos at Home: US Domestic Routes Affected
Disruptions at Delta’s fortress hub, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (KATL), and other key US airports like New York-JFK sent shockwaves through the domestic system.
- Key Domestic Links: Flights connecting major hubs like Atlanta, Seattle (KSEA), Boston (KBOS), and Detroit (KDTW) were affected, including DAL9960, DAL9969, and DAL9964.
- Leisure & Regional Routes: Services to leisure destinations like Palm Beach (KPBI) and Honolulu (PHNL), as well as regional routes like Melbourne, Florida (KMLB) to New York’s LaGuardia (KLGA), were also impacted.
Delta Air Lines is causing a major travel disruption across its global network due to “operational challenges.” The issues have resulted in 14 flight cancellations and 277 delays, impacting routes in the USA, Japan, Italy, and beyond.
An Industry Under Strain
These challenges at Delta are not occurring in a vacuum. The global aviation industry continues to face significant headwinds in 2025. Persistent shortages of pilots and maintenance technicians, combined with aging air traffic control infrastructure and unpredictable supply chain issues, have put all major carriers under immense pressure. “Operational challenges” often serves as a catch-all for these deeper, industry-wide problems that leave airlines with little buffer to handle unexpected events.
For the thousands of affected passengers, the situation has meant frustration, long waits on customer service lines, and the difficult task of rebooking on already full flights. Delta has advised all customers with upcoming reservations to proactively check their flight status via the Fly Delta app or the airline’s website before heading to the airport. The airline stated it is working to re-accommodate travelers and get its schedule back on track, but full recovery from a disruption of this magnitude could take several days.
Flight Buzz
Podul Causes Major Flight Cancellations In The Philippines: 50+ Flights Cancelled In Manila, Impacting Routes To Batanes, Tuguegarao, Laoag, And Other Northern Destinations
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
The Indo-Pacific region is experiencing air travel disruptions as the Severe Tropical Storm Podul strengthens over the ocean. As Podul strengthens, air travel is facing major disruptions, especially in Manila. More than 50 flights have been canceled, and the northern routes, including those to Batanes, Tuguegarao, Laoag, and the rest of Northern Luzon, are facing significant delays. Travelers are advised to check in with the respective airlines and stay updated regarding the storm, which is continuously affecting airport operations throughout the country.
Air Travelling Facilities in the Manila Area
The main international gateway to the Philippines, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), will be the most impacted as its remote scheduled flights to Northern Philippines will be canceled. Furthermore, flights from BAIA to Tuguegarao, Laoag, and Banares will be texted and RAD from further or non-scheduled cancellations.
We remind and recommend that travelers contact the airline companies to get the real-time situation on their flights.
PAGASA reported that Podul is now located 1,595 kilometers away from Northern Luzon, and is moving towards the Philippines. Although Podul is currently outside the PAR, it is projected to move into the region either later tonight or early Monday. Podul is expected to intensify as it moves into the PAR, becoming the Philippines’ second tropical cyclone for the month.
Due to the expected path of Podul, flights going to and coming from Manila to the Northern Luzon areas are still being suspended and delayed. Travelers are advised to remain alert for announcements made by their home carrier. As it stands, flight services are expected to remain suspended for the better part of the day.
Effects on Domestic Flights to Batanes and Tuguegarao, and Laoag
As the cyclone moves to the west, the suspension of services is more pronounced on the Manila-Northern Luzon routes. Airlines servicing Batanes, Tuguegarao, and Laoag are prioritizing passenger safety by proactively changing flight schedules to reduce the number of flights operating during the storm’s peak.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued warnings to airlines operating in the area to stop servicing the flights as the situation becomes more dangerous. The predicted movement of the storm could result in strong winds, which would make operating the flights even more complicated.
For travelers who have canceled flights, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia are providing flexible rebooking features. Passengers are advised to get in touch with their airlines to find out if their flights are operational and if they are eligible for rebooking or a refund.
Southwest Monsoon Contributes to the Continuing Disruptions
Severe Tropical Storm Podul is affecting airports, but the southwest monsoon, or habagat, is also bringing increased scattered rain showers to the western areas of Luzon. The disruption in airports that are located like in the Ilocos Region, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands is even more pronounced because of the forecasted fair weather for Monday.
In the western region of Luzon, flight operations are currently unaffected by the storm, but the active monsoon is creating disruption in other areas. Travelers flying from Manila to destinations like Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur are warned to check the airlines for possible delays due to the monsoon and the storm.
Airlines Act to Minimize the Impact of the Storm and Ensure Customer Safety
In preparation for the imminent storm and safety concerns for travelers, Philippine Airlines, along with AirAsia and Cebu Pacific, have paused domestic flights to Northern Luzon, Batanes, Tuguegarao, and Laoag. AirAsia and Cebu Pacific’s similar responses have expanded the allowances for flight cancellations and refund requests for passengers.
Cancellation due to bad weather is on the rise, and the airlines are accommodating passengers with simplified rebooking policies. Storm cancellation: Rebooking flights will be rebooked to the next available flights with no additional fees. Airlines do want to provide some reassurance for travelers with international flights, so for now, all flights from Manila are cancellation-free, but expect delays as the storm progresses.
Getting Ready for Possible Cancellations
Although flight cancellations to Northern Luzon are the most affected, travelers to other parts of the country and global destinations should exercise caution. The storm’s strength may further increase air travel interruptions, especially if it becomes more powerful as it enters the Philippine area of responsibility. PAGASA’s forecast suggests that Posul will continue heading north or west-northwest and should be out of the PAR by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Depending on the storm’s direction and intensity, it may go through Taiwan and then to the Eastern parts of China. Flight users should be on the lookout for airline and PAGASA alerts for schedule changes.
What Flight Users Should Do
It is advisable that travelers whose flights have been canceled or delayed exercise the necessary travel flexibility. A lot of airlines are refunding or rebooking flights; however, other travelers may be fighting for the same slots. Keeping in touch with the airline will ensure passengers have the most accurate and timely information regarding the status of flights.
Travelers should be aware that they may need to wait a long time in the airport. In order to pass the time more comfortably, it is recommended to have some snacks, drinks, and toiletries. For those with layover flights, it is advisable to expect delays and be ready for a change in itinerary.
Summary: Step Informed With Changes Due to Storms
With the Severe Tropical Storm Podul approaching, air travel to and from Manila is expected to be impacted, especially the flights to the northern regions. As the storm gets stronger, airline companies are attempting to manage flights to reduce the impact on travel. Still, passengers should check with their airline for the latest updates.
The situation is very dynamic, and more changes are likely as Podul moves into the Philippine Area of Responsibility. For the time being, travelers are advised to be calm and expect changes to their travel plans in the next couple of days. By being informed and ready, travelers will have the ability to make the best changes to their plans.
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