Flight prices to the USA have dropped to lowest since pre-pandemic - and could get even cheaper
The US National Travel and Tourism Office has revealed a 2.8 per cent drop in overseas arrivals to the US in May compared to the previous year.
And, in March, travel from Western Europe fell 17% year-on-year, according to the NTTO.
This decline in transatlantic flights has been happening since earlier this year, when US President Donald Trump announced a strict tariff policy.
And now, thanks to this drop in tourism, the price of return flights from the U.S. to Europe is down 10 per cent compared with a year ago.
In fact, the average fares of $817/£609 per ticket are in line with prices from the summer of 2019 before the pandemic, according to travel booking app Hopper.
This downward trend is expected to continue, as analytics firm OAG Aviation has said forward bookings for July show a 13 per cent year-on-year reduction in inbound travel to the States.
Major carriers, including Air France KLM and Germany-based Lufthansa, have also confirmed they expect slowing activity.
It comes after Sir Richard Branson exclusively told MailOnline Travel how Brits could benefit from going to the States now if they want a cheap holiday - due to the dollar having sunk to its lowest level in three years
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said the company expects weaker demand, while Air France KLM CEO Ben Smith said the company is seeing a 'slight pullback' in transatlantic traffic and will slash prices to keep cabins on its flights full.
It comes after Sir Richard Branson exclusively told MailOnline Travel how Brits could benefit from going to the States now if they want a cheap holiday - due to the dollar having sunk to its lowest level in three years.
Speaking at the opening of the new Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch, he told us: 'It's now costing people 12 or 15 per cent less than before Trump took over to go to America.
'A lot of Americans are very frustrated about the dollar collapsing in value, obviously, but that's been a great benefit to people living in the UK, as it makes it cheaper to go on holiday to the States.
'It means good hotel prices, and fuel prices are less too, so we can price our flights competitively.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 minutes ago
- The Sun
Benjamin Sesko's preferred club ‘revealed' as Newcastle prepare new £70m-plus transfer offer in bid to beat Man Utd
NEWCASTLE are set to fail in their club-record £70million bid for Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko - but will return with an improved offer. Toon are offering £65.5m up front plus £4.3m in add-ons but the German club are expected to turn down the offer. 3 Leipzig are hoping for a bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle, who are set to lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool. Even if both clubs offer the same amount, Leipzig will look to increase the size of add-ons and the sell-on percentage. Sesko, 22, is certain to leave Leipzig and he was left out of the club's 2-1 friendly against Atalanta on Saturday. The forward is understood to be happy to join EITHER club. Leipzig sporting director Marcel Shafer said: 'Due to the very concrete interest from several clubs, we have decided that he will not play today. 'When I say that strong interest has been registered and approaches have been made, it's obvious what has happened. 'I would like to make it clear that this does not mean that he is on his way to another club. "And it also does not mean that Benji will not be playing next week.' 3 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Yet Sesko is still unlikely to play again for the club particularly as Leipzig are also keen to sell the player. Leipzig are also set to sell Dutch forward Xavi Simons to Chelsea. Simons missed the Atalanta game with a neck issue although he could cost Chelsea up to £60m. 3
Geeky Gadgets
31 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Claude HIVE Workflow : Upgrade Claude Code Agents for Faster, Smarter Coding
What if you could delegate the most tedious, time-consuming parts of app development to a team of hyper-focused, tireless assistants? Enter Claude Hive and sub-agents—AI-powered tools that are not just reshaping workflows but completely redefining what's possible in software development. With their ability to handle specific tasks like UX research, interface design, and even performance benchmarking, these sub-agents operate with surgical precision. Imagine a single project broken into perfectly synchronized parts, each managed by a specialized agent working in parallel to deliver results faster and with fewer errors. It's not just efficiency—it's a revolution. And the best part? These tools come with a staggering 200,000-token memory, making sure they never lose sight of the bigger picture, no matter how intricate your project gets. AI Labs explains more about Claude Hive and Claude Code sub-agents, you'll uncover how these AI tools can supercharge your development process, from optimizing workflows to integrating seamlessly with existing codebases using features like GitIngest. You'll learn how to harness their capabilities to tackle complex projects with ease, avoid common pitfalls like token mismanagement, and even unlock creative possibilities through advanced prompt chaining. Whether you're building a innovative app or refining a prototype, the potential of these sub-agents is nothing short of fantastic. So, how do you upgrade your coding game to match this new era of development? The answers lie ahead, waiting to challenge your assumptions and spark your imagination. Claude Code Sub-Agents Overview Understanding Claude Code Sub-Agents Claude Code sub-agents are specialized AI tools that handle specific tasks within a development workflow. Each sub-agent operates independently and is equipped with a substantial 200,000-token window, allowing it to retain deep context for intricate projects. These sub-agents can work sequentially by chaining tasks or in parallel to maximize efficiency and reduce development time. For instance, consider a scenario where a UX Researcher sub-agent defines user experience and navigation strategies while a UI Designer sub-agent concurrently plans interface components based on that research. By assigning distinct roles to sub-agents, you ensure that every aspect of your project is addressed with precision and expertise. This division of labor allows developers to focus on higher-level decision-making while the sub-agents handle specialized tasks. Optimizing Workflows for Maximum Efficiency To fully harness the potential of Claude Code, a well-structured workflow is essential. Sub-agents can be assigned to manage various tasks, including: Conducting UX research to understand user needs and preferences. Prioritizing sprints to align with project milestones. Designing user interfaces that are both functional and visually appealing. Benchmarking performance to ensure optimal app functionality. Prompt chaining is a powerful feature that allows tasks to be triggered in sequence, making sure a logical progression of work. Parallel processing, on the other hand, enables multiple sub-agents to operate simultaneously, significantly reducing development time. For example, if you're building a YouTube production manager app, one sub-agent could analyze user requirements, another could design the interface, and a third could implement advanced micro-interactions. This collaborative approach ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. HIVE Coding : Upgrade Your Claude Code Agents Watch this video on YouTube. Master Claude Code with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Using GitIngest for Seamless Integration One of the standout features of Claude Code is GitIngest, a tool that converts repositories into readable text for sub-agents. This functionality allows developers to integrate existing codebases into their workflows, providing sub-agents with the context they need to perform effectively. For example, you could use GitIngest to analyze a repository from a previous project. The insights gained can inform your current development process, making sure continuity and reducing redundancy. By combining GitIngest with markdown (MD) files for context management, you can maintain a clear and organized workflow. This integration not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and relevance of the sub-agents' outputs. Addressing Challenges in Implementation While Claude Code offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges that require careful management. Poor planning or insufficient review of sub-agent outputs can lead to suboptimal results. To mitigate this, it's crucial to refine prompts and adjust workflows to align with project goals. For instance, if a prototype lacks essential functionality, revisiting the sub-agent responsible and providing more detailed instructions can resolve the issue. Token management is another critical consideration. Tasks that consume a high number of tokens may necessitate a robust subscription plan, such as Claude Opus, to ensure that sub-agents have the resources they need to operate effectively. Monitoring token usage and allocating resources strategically can help you maximize the benefits of Claude Code while staying within budget. Key Benefits of Using Sub-Agents The integration of sub-agents into app development workflows offers several significant advantages: Enhanced app quality through the use of specialized, context-aware agents. through the use of specialized, context-aware agents. Accelerated development by distributing tasks and using parallel processing. by distributing tasks and using parallel processing. Streamlined project management within a single, cohesive session. For example, a Rapid Prototyper sub-agent can establish the foundational structure of your app, while a Test Runner ensures its functionality. Meanwhile, a Whimsy Injector can add intricate UI details and animations, creating a more engaging user experience. This collaborative ecosystem of sub-agents allows developers to achieve high-quality results with greater efficiency. Elevating App Development with Claude Code Claude Code sub-agents represent a significant advancement in app development, offering a more efficient and specialized approach to project execution. Tools like GitIngest, prompt chaining, and parallel processing empower developers to create workflows that deliver exceptional results. While challenges such as token management and prompt refinement require attention, the benefits of using sub-agents far outweigh the drawbacks. Whether you're developing a complex application or a simple prototype, Claude Code sub-agents provide the tools and capabilities needed to succeed in today's fast-paced development landscape. Media Credit: AI LABS Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Independent
31 minutes ago
- The Independent
Once-loyal Target shoppers are finding alternatives after boycotts. Can the retail giant win them back?
Target was once the store that attracted shoppers looking to buy everything they needed in one place, and sucked them into its vortex with trendy yet affordable clothing, whimsical home decor and wide-ranging beauty products. The red bullseye store's ability to keep customers browsing for hours, even when they swore they'd only be five minutes, is one of its unique qualities that made it so popular – enough to even its own meme about people accidentally spending all their money and time at Target. Arianna, a 31-year-old teacher from East Texas, knew it well. Before June 2024, Arianna would take her three-year-old daughter to Target for a weekly trip. The store was convenient, her daughter could play with the toys and Arianna would browse the books. And the company also embodied values that Arianna, who asked for her surname not to be used for privacy reasons, aligned with. 'It was just a relaxing place to go and spend time with my girl,' Arianna told The Independent. But the call for Target shoppers to boycott the company when it was seen to abandon some of its progressive values changed everything. This past year, Arianna decided to cut ties with Target after the company announced it would end its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to comply with President Donald Trump 's executive order banning DEI. 'I don't like how they're propagating right-wing ideals by removing their D.E.I. initiatives and basically turning their backs on [people of color.]' Arianna said. 'Target has always tried to market themselves as being inclusive, but by quickly scrapping those inclusivity practices as soon as President Trump told them to do, it proves they never cared about inclusivity in the first place. Instead, it was all a farce and a clear example of rainbow capitalism,' she added. The Target boycott after it abandoned its DEI initiatives was first organized by Rev. Jamal Bryant, a prominent Black pastor in Georgia. He encouraged customers to stay away from Target for Lent — and then the boycott continued, with a variety of grassroots organizations getting involved. The boycott made a difference to Target's bottom line, in Q1, the retailer announced disappointing sales, with a 2.8 percent drop compared to sales from the same period last year. For years, Target's annual revenue reflected its success with customers. The company went from $73.7 billion in 2015 to an all-time high of $109.1 billion in 2022. Even during the pandemic, while other companies suffered, Target recorded a $15 billion growth in sales – proving that customers were still willing to shop at their favorite store – whether online or from a distance. But since 2022, Target's sales and stock value have stagnated. Shares of the company have dropped approximately 60 percent since its 2021 high. Target said it expects its annual sales to decline by a low single-digit percentage this year. While the company's slow decline cannot be directly attributed to one factor, it seems clear from discourse online that the retailer is losing its once loyal customers. Arianna's feelings toward Target first changed last summer when the retail giant scaled back its Pride merchandise to appease conservatives after anti-LBGTQ+ individuals and groups boycotted the store and threatened employees in June 2023. Some conservatives took aim at Target in 2023 after it began selling transgender-inclusive clothing. Then Target pulled some of its inclusive clothing after the blowback, and scaled back its Pride collections, upsetting many in the LGBTQ community. Arianna began shopping at Target less, opting to go to local or thrift stores — before abandoning it entirely after it pulled its DEI iniatives. On Reddit and Facebook, people have started pages to recommend alternative places to shop for clothing, groceries, beauty products, and more 'Boycotting Target has freed me from so much unnecessary spending. No matter what Target does in the future, I'm forever changed and free from their grip. I buy all my basics at the local drug store or Costco and I'm saving instead of giving 'Walmart in lipstick' all my expendable money,' one Reddit user said. 'Target is so unbelievably expensive most of the time for the same things I could find at Walmart for half as much,' a Reddit user complained. 'Don't even get me started on the cost of groceries at Target. I seriously question how people afford to buy full carts of groceries. The only things I've bought were a drink and some hot pockets for lunch one day and maybe a bag of chips.' Target's CEO, Brian Cornell, has attributed some of the company's stagnation to customers buying less overall – in part due to uncertainty around Trump's tariffs. "The difficulty level has been incredibly high given the rates we're facing and the uncertainty about how these rates in different categories might evolve," Cornell said in May. "We're focused on supporting American families and how they manage their budgets." Cornell said Target would only raise prices as a 'last resort.' But it's unclear if affordable prices would win back formerly loyal customers. For Arianna, there isn't much Target can do to bring her back. 'They've had plenty of time to do right by their customers of all skin colors, religions, and sexualities, but they've chosen to bury their heads in the sand and pretend like they've done nothing wrong. I'm saving more money now since I refuse to go to their stores, and instead I'm putting money into local stores which helps my community,' Arianna said. 'Maybe I'll shop there once more if they have a huge going-out-of-business sale where I can get a ton of stuff for 90% off. Other than that, I'm done for good.'
