Uncovering the savvy travelers capitalizing on flight loopholes for savings
Discover the latest in travel news: uncover the world's most enchanting city destinations, unravel the alarming rise of counterfeit olive oil, and explore the flight-booking loophole that savvy travelers adore, while airlines dread
Don't miss out - subscribe to Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter for the latest updates on aviation, food and drink, accommodations, and other travel trends. This week's travel news features the top city destinations, the increase in counterfeit olive oil, and a popular flight-booking trick that airlines don't want you to know about.
Using legs to fly
Skiplagging: The Secret to Saving Big on Air Travel
Skiplagging is a sneaky tactic for saving a significant amount of money on airfare. It involves booking a cheaper multi-leg journey and then purposely skipping out early at a connecting city. While some travelers swear by it, airlines strongly disapprove and impose heavy penalties if you're caught.
Forget skiplagging, there's a new, safer way to save on multi-leg trips. A US company has launched Uber-style private plane trips across the country, starting at just $111. These deals are available by booking an "empty leg" repositioning flight, where the plane is already booked for one trip and can take passengers to its next destination. All that's left for travelers is to dress the part for a private jet journey. CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, has some tips for creating the ideal travel outfit.
Food and drink
The surge in criminal activity in the production of counterfeit olive oil is driven by inflation, production shortages, and heightened consumer demand. The fraudulent product is created by blending byproducts of olive oil with other varieties of oil, leading authorities to label some confiscated goods as "unsafe for consumption."
Off the rain-lashed west coast of Scotland, the isle of Islay is renowned for another coveted golden liquid: whisky. With just 3,000 inhabitants, this small island is host to nine of Scotland's 145 distilleries.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Islay to sample Scotch in its own environment. But what is it that makes certain food and drink so much more appealing when experienced in their place of origin? There are several factors at play, ranging from emotional to scientific.
Escape to the city
According to a recent report by Euromonitor International, the top three most alluring city destinations in the world are the capitals of France and Spain, as well as a lavish shopping center in the Middle East. The best performance in the top 100 was by Europe, closely followed by Asia.
Seoul was ranked at No. 14 on the list, however, Busan, South Korea's "second city," is a lively coastal metropolis with a population of 3.5 million and is quickly becoming a popular destination in its own right.
Our next suggestion, Shakhrisabz, is not as well-known (but if you pronounce the guttural "kh" correctly, you're almost there). This UNESCO-listed city in Uzbekistan is teeming with architectural marvels.
Christmas cheer
Saint Nicholas, who inspired the legend of Santa Claus, is buried in the town of Bari in southern Italy. The thing is, though, the locals arent so crazy about Father Christmas.
Other charming European towns and cities decking the halls this time of year are Gothenburg, Sweden, and Tromsø, Norway. Consider these 12 winter wonderlands.
And if you're celebrating the season in a different location, whether it's West Virginia or Thailand, we have compiled a list of 16 luxury hotels that go all out for Christmas, from twinkling lights to petit fours.
The air hostess and the bachelor
A small budget is all that's needed to capture the holiday spirit. A charming pub in Northern Ireland has captured the hearts of people worldwide with its moving holiday commercial and an important message.
In 1964, Jerilyn Young, a United Airlines flight attendant, crossed paths with Bob Pelikan, leading to their first date captured in this photo. "I was instantly over the moon," Jerilyn recalls.
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
Revised
Dream job: Jerilyn adored her role as a flight attendant. She'll always remember the exhilaration she felt when she was offered the position. "I was overjoyed," she says. "I would have the chance to interact with so many different people, share in the excitement of travel, and witness the sights I had only ever dreamed of."
Friends for life: Jerilyn says she met great friends on the job, including her friend Genie, pictured here, who she's still close with today.
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
lived in an apartment complex in Newark, New Jersey, located near the airport. The majority of their neighbors were flight attendants, but Bob, a 25-year-old bachelor, was the exception.
Decision time: Jerilyn and Bob hit it off from the start. However, others constantly warned Jerilyn that Bob would never commit. "That's when I decided to request a transfer to San Francisco. I figured that leaving would make him realize what he's missing. It was a risky move."
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
Airport proposal: Jerilyn and Bob dated long distance before getting engaged at LAX airport at Christmas 1964. Here they are pictured just moments after Bob proposed.
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
The wedding dress holds a special significance for Jerilyn, as it was lovingly made by her friend Genie. After Jerilyn's wedding, the dress was passed down to Genie, who also wore it on her special day. Eventually, Genie's sister became the next to wear the timeless dress at her own wedding. Today, the dress remains in Jerilyn's home, serving as a cherished memento of countless joyful celebrations.
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
Early years: For Jerilyn and Bob, married life was an adjustment after long distance. But they happily welcomed their first child just over a year after getting married.
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
Family photo: The couple went on to have three children. "I remember being so proud to be a father," says Bob. Here's the family pictured in the 1970s.
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
Six decades later: Today, Bob and Jerilyn have been married for almost 60 years. "I never had doubts that we'd live a good life together," says Bob.
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
The photo features the couple with their two grandchildren, capturing a moment of pure joy. "Being a grandparent is incredibly fulfilling," Jerilyn shares. "It's a meaningful experience that touches your heart in the most beautiful way."
Jerilyn and Bob Pelikan
are looking forward to a long and happy marriage. Jerilyn reflects back on getting engaged at gate 64 at LA International Airport and feels pride, gratitude, and excitement for their future together in 2023.
Photos: How flight attendant Jerilyn Young and carefree bachelor Bob Pelikan fell in love in the 1960s
Prev
The next step was for United Airlines flight attendant Jerilyn Young to make a decision about her long-term relationship with her boyfriend Bob Pelikan in 1964. She ultimately chose to move to the other side of the United States. Read on to find out what happened next.
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