From weather warnings to travel rule changes that could cost you, we round up the latest travel news and updates from around the globe each month (newest updates top of page).
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Emirates has officially introduced its Premium Economy cabin for South African travellers, now available on retrofitted Boeing 777s operating to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The new four-class layout offers 24 Premium Economy seats alongside 260 Economy, 38 Business and eight First-Class Suites. Premium Economy passengers can expect reclining cream leather seats with full leg and foot rests, in-seat charging, adjustable headrests, wood-finished cocktail tables, larger entertainment screens, and even a globally exclusive sparkling wine.
What sets Emirates’ Premium Economy apart is how it blends business-class touches with economy pricing — a sweet spot for travellers who want more space and comfort without paying the full business-class premium. For long-haul flights between South Africa and Dubai (and onward to Europe, the US and Asia), the extra comfort can make a noticeable difference, especially on overnight journeys.
While prices sit above economy, they remain significantly lower than business class, offering a strong value proposition for leisure travellers seeking affordable luxury and for business travellers mindful of budgets.
Emirates’ rollout marks the first Premium Economy offering by the airline in Africa, giving South Africans exclusive early access to an elevated travel experience that’s already highly rated in other markets.
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Norway is taking tunnel engineering to record-breaking depths with the Rogaland Fixed Link (“Rogfast”) — a subsea road tunnel that, when complete, will stretch 6.7km under the North Sea and plunge to 390 metres below sea level, making it both the longest and deepest subsea road tunnel in the world.
Set for completion in 2033, Rogfast will cut travel time between Stavanger and Bergen by about 40 minutes. But beyond convenience, this mega-project is set to become a tourist attraction in its own right:
As part of the E39 coastal highway project, Rogfast also represents a bold step toward making ferry-free travel a reality across Norway’s fjord country. It’s not just infrastructure — it’s a new way to experience one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
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In a somewhat controversial move, Emirates has introduced a policy that children aged eight and under are no longer allowed into the first-class cabin when using Skywards miles (either for award tickets or upgrades).
The restriction does not apply to first-class seats purchased outright with cash. The airline has said the measure aims to preserve the exclusive and tranquil environment of its first-class service.
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Good news for travellers: Dubai is tackling the heavy congestion at Dubai International Airport with a bold solution — building the world’s largest airport at Al Maktoum International in Dubai South, around 40 km southwest of the city centre.
By 2032, Al Maktoum International is expected to handle 260 million passengers annually — almost three times the current capacity of Dubai International and more than four times the traffic of London Heathrow. The airport will boast five parallel runways, over 400 aircraft gates and five next-generation passenger terminals, setting a new benchmark in global aviation.
For passengers flying to or transiting through Dubai, this expansion means:
The project has received the green light from Dubai’s leadership and is central to the emirate’s long-term aviation strategy.
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Southwest Airlines is under fire after announcing a major policy shift that critics say unfairly targets plus-size passengers. Beginning January 27, 2026, travellers who cannot fit comfortably between standard armrests will be required to purchase an extra seat at the time of booking — a significant change from the airline’s previous approach of providing a complimentary extra seat or issuing refunds after travel, subject to availability. Under the new rules, refunds for the second seat will only be granted if:
The decision has drawn fierce criticism from advocacy groups and some frequent flyers, who argue it creates additional financial and emotional burdens for larger travellers and undermines efforts to make air travel accessible for all. Critics also warn that it could stigmatise plus-size passengers and exacerbate discrimination.
However, supporters of the policy say it ensures fairness and comfort for everyone onboard, noting that seating space is limited and that buying extra room upfront provides clarity and comfort for passengers of all sizes. Others argue that pre-purchasing two seats reduces the risk of awkward mid-flight accommodations and gate disputes.
For now, Southwest Airlines is pushing ahead with the new seating rule despite the backlash. Industry commentators have noted that other airlines in the United States and beyond may follow suit if Southwest’s controversial move proves to be relatively painless for the airline. Watch this space!
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Bare Necessities Tour & Travel, an annual nude cruise event, has partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line to host the 11-day "Big Nude Boat" aboard the Norwegian Pearl from February 9–20, 2026.
This clothing-optional Caribbean cruise departs from Miami and includes stops in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Jamaica, and two exclusive visits to NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Passengers can expect themed nights, workshops and entertainment tailored to the naturist community. While onboard, nudity is permitted in designated areas, but guests must wear clothing in indoor dining rooms and when disembarking at ports. Hygiene protocols require the use of towels when sitting in public spaces.
Skimping on clothing doesn't, however, equate to skimpy prices. Bare Necessities' cruise prices start at approximately $2,000 (approx. R35,000) and reach up to $33,000 (approx. R580,000) for deluxe suites.
Note: this is a chartered cruise and not a scheduled cruise operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.
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