Air travel for international passengers is expected to become more expensive this year due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the situation in Iran, and broader global economic pressures. Higher jet fuel prices have already led several airlines to reduce routes or introduce additional fuel surcharges. In response, travelers are increasingly turning to mobile apps designed to help identify lower-cost tickets and time-sensitive deals.

A range of platforms now offer fare alerts, price forecasting, and booking tools aimed at helping users reduce travel expenses.

Going

Going is a widely used flight alert service that notifies users via email or app notifications when fares drop on selected routes. The company claims discounts can reach up to 90 percent compared to standard prices. Many users reportedly save an average of 550 dollars on economy tickets. The free version offers limited alerts, primarily for US-based routes, while premium users receive expanded international deal notifications, including economy, business, and first-class offers. The elite subscription costs 199 dollars per year.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner provides a free app available on both Android and iOS devices. Users can set alerts for specific routes and travel dates, while also comparing prices across hundreds of airlines. Its calendar and chart tools help visualize fare changes over time. The platform also highlights lower-emission flight options and allows users to compare prices from different departure airports. Once a flight is selected, users are redirected to third-party booking sites. The app also supports hotel and car rental searches.

Dollar Flight Club

Dollar Flight Club offers fare alerts based on selected airports. Free members receive limited notifications, while premium users can choose up to four departure airports and ten destinations for economy flight alerts. Premium membership costs 69 dollars per year, while Premium Plus is priced at 99 dollars annually. The company states that members can access discounts of up to 90 percent from their home airports.

Hopper

Hopper focuses on helping users decide when to book flights through predictive pricing technology. The app analyzes historical data to forecast whether fares are likely to rise or fall. While the app itself is free to download, certain features such as flexible cancellation options require additional fees. Its main appeal lies in guiding travelers on the best time to purchase tickets.

Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com operates on both Android and iOS platforms, offering users access to low-cost travel combinations and airline deals. It allows searches from a single airport across multiple destinations, making it useful for flexible travelers. The app also provides mobile boarding passes and airport maps. Members of its Kiwi.com Club loyalty program may receive vouchers worth up to 580 dollars.

Other tools

Frequent travelers may also consider ExpertFlyer for advanced fare tracking and flight availability alerts. Business travelers often use MyRiva, which focuses on managing frequent international travel needs and bookings.

কানাডার সঙ্গে উচ্চপর্যায়ের রাজনৈতিক ও নিরাপত্তা সংলাপ পুনরায় শুরু হবে বলে জানিয়েছেন চীনের শীর্ষ কূটনীতিক ওয়াং ই। বেইজিংয়ের পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয় শনিবার এ তথ্য জানিয়েছে।

এটিকে দুই দেশের সম্পর্ক উন্নয়নের আরও একটি ইঙ্গিত হিসেবে দেখা হচ্ছে।

সাম্প্রতিক মাসগুলোতে দুই দেশের মধ্যে সম্পর্ক উষ্ণ হয়েছে। একই সময়ে কানাডার ঐতিহ্যগত মিত্র যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের সঙ্গে অটোয়ার সম্পর্ক কিছুটা শীতল হয়েছে।

গত জানুয়ারিতে কানাডার প্রধানমন্ত্রী মার্ক কার্নি বেইজিংয়ে চীনের প্রেসিডেন্ট সি চিনপিং-এর সঙ্গে বৈঠক করার পর এ পরিবর্তন আরও স্পষ্ট হয়ে ওঠে।

বেইজিং থেকে বার্তা সংস্থা এএফপি এ খবর জানায়।

চীনের পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রী ওয়াং ই’র কানাডা সফর শুরু হয় বৃহস্পতিবার। এক দশকের মধ্যে এটি কোনো চীনা পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রীর প্রথম কানাডা সফর।

চীনের পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয়ের বিবৃতিতে, কানাডার পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রী অনিতা আনন্দের সঙ্গে বৈঠকে ওয়াং বলেন, ‘দ্বিপক্ষীয় সম্পর্ক নতুনভাবে যাত্রা শুরু করেছে। সব ক্ষেত্রে বিনিময় ও সহযোগিতা পুরোপুরি পুনরুদ্ধার হয়েছে। উভয় পক্ষের প্রধান অর্থনৈতিক ও বাণিজ্যিক উদ্বেগগুলোরও যথাযথ সমাধান করা হয়েছে।’

বিবৃতিতে আরও বলা হয়, ‘দুই পক্ষ পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয় পর্যায়ে রাজনৈতিক ও নিরাপত্তা বিষয়ক পরামর্শ পুনরায় শুরু করতে এবং জাতীয় নিরাপত্তা ও আইনের শাসন বিষয়ে উচ্চপর্যায়ের সংলাপ চালু করতে সম্মত হয়েছে।’

চলতি বছর বেইজিং কানাডার কিছু পণ্যের ওপর আরোপিত শুল্ক কমিয়েছে। অন্যদিকে অটোয়া বিশেষ সুবিধাপ্রাপ্ত শুল্ক ব্যবস্থার আওতায় চীন থেকে কয়েক হাজার বৈদ্যুতিক গাড়ি আমদানিতে সম্মত হয়েছে।

২০১৮ সালে হুয়াওয়ের এক শীর্ষ কর্মকর্তাকে কানাডায় গ্রেফতারের ঘটনায় চীন পাল্টা ব্যবস্থা নেয়। এতে দুই দেশের মধ্যকার সম্পর্ক গভীর সংকটে পড়ে।

২০১৯ ও ২০২১ সালের কানাডার নির্বাচনে চীনা হস্তক্ষেপের অভিযোগ নিয়েও সম্পর্ক আরও উত্তেজনাপূর্ণ হয়ে ওঠে। যদিও বেইজিং এসব অভিযোগ অস্বীকার করেছে।

হরমুজ প্রণালী অতিক্রমের চেষ্টা করা চারটি জাহাজকে লক্ষ্য করে গুলি ছুড়েছে ইরানি বাহিনী। রাষ্ট্রীয় সম্প্রচারমাধ্যম আইআরআইবি বৃহস্পতিবার এ তথ্য জানিয়েছে।

একই দিনে ইরানের দক্ষিণাঞ্চলে নতুন করে হামলা চালায় ওয়াশিংটন।

আইআরআইবি সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যম টেলিগ্রামে জানায়, ‘চারটি জাহাজ নিরাপত্তা বাহিনীর সঙ্গে সমন্বয় ছাড়াই হরমুজ প্রণালী অতিক্রম করে পারস্য উপসাগরে প্রবেশের চেষ্টা করেছিল।’

তেহরান থেকে বার্তা সংস্থা এএফপি এ খবর জানিয়েছে।

প্রতিবেদনে বলা হয়, স্থানীয় সময় রাত প্রায় ১২টা ৩৫ মিনিটে এ ঘটনা ঘটে। তবে জাহাজগুলো সম্পর্কে বিস্তারিত কোনো তথ্য দেওয়া হয়নি।

আইআরআইবি আরও জানায়, ‘তাদের সতর্ক করা হয়েছিল। কিন্তু সতর্কতাবার্তা উপেক্ষা করায় সতর্কতামূলক গুলি ছোড়া হয়। এরপর তারা ফিরে যেতে বাধ্য হয়।’

Many passengers choose to carry their favorite food while traveling by air, whether on domestic or international routes. However, not all food items are allowed on flights due to airport security procedures, customs regulations, and health-related restrictions. Some foods may be limited because of their size, smell, packaging, or safety concerns. Knowing these rules in advance can help travelers avoid unnecessary complications.

Liquid Foods and Beverages

Items such as bottled water, juice, milk, soup, and curry-like foods may not be permitted in hand luggage if they exceed 100 milliliters. Under international aviation rules, liquids can usually only be carried in small quantities, packed in transparent containers following approved security procedures.

Strong-Smelling Foods

Although not always legally banned, foods with strong odors such as dried fish, raw onions, beef bhuna, dry chutney, or heavily spiced cooked meals are often discouraged by airline policies. The unpleasant smell may create discomfort for other passengers during the journey.

Raw Fruits and Vegetables

On many international flights, raw produce is either restricted or tightly controlled. Countries including Australia, Canada, and the United States have strict biosecurity laws that may limit the transport of raw mangoes, jackfruit, bananas, or vegetables. These measures are designed to prevent pests, diseases, or harmful biological materials from entering the country. Travelers may be required to declare such items during departure or arrival, and failure to do so could result in fines.

Milk and Dairy Products

Unprocessed dairy products such as fresh milk, ghee, cottage cheese, or yogurt face restrictions in several countries. Authorities often regulate these products because they may carry contamination or health risks.

Large Quantities of Cooked or Semi-Liquid Food

Carrying rice, khichuri, or curry-based meals in large pots or oversized containers may raise security concerns. Foods that are liquid or semi-liquid in nature can be treated as restricted items during airport screening.

Homemade or Unclear-Origin Food

Some travelers pack food at home to avoid extra costs or maintain convenience. However, if airport or customs officials cannot clearly determine how the food was prepared or packaged, it may trigger inspection issues. In some cases, authorities may ask travelers to dispose of such items.

Commercial-Scale Food Quantities

Passengers often carry packaged dry foods or goods for family members abroad. But if food is packed in bulk or in multiple large packages, it may be treated as a commercial shipment. This could require customs clearance or duty payments.

Final Advice

Food transport regulations vary depending on the airline and destination country. Before boarding, travelers should review airline guidelines and customs requirements carefully. If carrying food, dry and lightweight items are usually safer choices. Proper packaging is essential, while liquid-heavy or strongly scented foods are best avoided for security and passenger comfort.

Air travel often means spending long hours in a confined space with many passengers. In such an environment, even minor behaviors can quickly affect comfort and create tension. According to US-based flight attendants and travel etiquette experts, following a set of unwritten social rules can help avoid unnecessary discomfort and ensure a smoother journey.

A polite start sets the tone

From the moment passengers step into the cabin, simple gestures like smiling and speaking politely can shape the overall atmosphere. Protocol expert Diane Gottsman emphasizes that greeting or thanking flight attendants is more than courtesy; it helps create a positive environment for the entire flight.

With over two decades of experience, flight attendant Andrew Henderson notes that passengers often reveal their attitude within the first few seconds of boarding, whether through a brief greeting or a more relaxed and friendly approach.

Headphones and awareness

Noise-canceling headphones are now common during flights, offering comfort and isolation. However, experts warn they can also disconnect passengers from important announcements or service instructions.

Aviation consultant Rich Henderson explains that some travelers remain fully immersed in audio throughout the journey and may miss safety instructions or service cues. He suggests occasionally removing headphones, especially when crew members approach, to stay aware of what is happening around them.

Traveling with children

Crying or restless children are a normal part of air travel. Diane Gottsman stresses that parents should not be judged harshly, as most are already trying their best to manage the situation.

However, allowing children to kick seats or run through the cabin is considered inappropriate. In such cases, parents are expected to intervene responsibly. Fellow passengers are also advised to respond calmly and address issues politely rather than escalating conflict.

Window shade etiquette

Opinions often differ on whether window shades should stay open or closed during flights. While window-seat passengers usually have priority, experts encourage flexibility and communication.

Andrew Henderson suggests that passengers should discuss preferences rather than insist on one rule, ensuring comfort for everyone seated nearby.

Shared space considerations

There is broad agreement that middle-seat passengers deserve priority for both armrests, as they have the least space and no direct window or aisle access. This small courtesy helps maintain balance in shared seating arrangements.

Reclining seats thoughtfully

Seat reclining is allowed, but experts recommend checking behind before doing so. Passengers should be mindful if someone is eating or using the tray table. During meal service, keeping the seat upright is seen as a respectful practice.

Food, smell, and personal space

Strong-smelling foods, such as fish or boiled eggs, can be unpleasant for nearby passengers. Similarly, heavy perfumes may create discomfort in the enclosed cabin space. Moderation is advised to maintain a comfortable shared environment.

Alcohol consumption before flying

Excessive alcohol intake before boarding can lead to poor self-control and disruptive behavior during the flight. Experts recommend limiting alcohol consumption to avoid negative experiences for both the individual and others on board.

Respect shapes the journey

Ultimately, air travel is a shared experience where mutual respect plays a key role. As Rich Henderson puts it, small acts of consideration in a confined space can significantly improve the overall journey for everyone.

Source: CNN

Passengers often focus on packing essentials before a flight, but sunscreen is rarely seen as a priority. However, dermatologists caution that choosing a window seat may expose travelers to more ultraviolet radiation than many realize. At cruising altitude, UV exposure can be nearly twice as strong as at ground level, increasing potential risks to skin health.

While aircraft windows are designed to block most UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn, they are far less effective against UVA radiation. UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths, can penetrate glass and are associated with premature skin aging, inflammation, and long-term skin damage. Specialists note that standard cabin windows do not provide complete protection against these rays, and the thinner atmosphere at high altitudes further increases overall UV exposure, making sunscreen an important in-flight precaution, especially for frequent flyers.

Experts also point out that airplane cabins are extremely dry, with humidity levels often falling below 20 percent. This can leave skin dehydrated and more vulnerable to irritation. To counter these conditions, they recommend using a sunscreen that offers UVA protection while also supporting skin hydration. In addition, travelers are advised to drink plenty of water before boarding and to apply a moisturizing serum along with a barrier cream as part of their in-flight skincare routine.