
Top 10 Active Travel Trends For Your Next Great Hiking Or Cycling Vacation
Active travel is hot, and this segment of tourism has been booming ever since the pandemic. Actually, it was already growing before that, but during Covid-19, more people started doing more things outside, walking, hiking, biking and generally being active, and much of this newfound passion for the outdoors, nature and exercise has stuck around. As a result, most of the top players in the active travel field are reporting ongoing record bookings year after year since the pandemic, and most are adding many new trips, activities and destinations. So even if you do not already think active travel might be a good choice for you, consider these top 10 active travel trends for your next great hiking or cycling vacation
This is a niche I personally love, and one that I have followed closely for more than a quarter century. I've biked, hiked, skied, paddled and trekked all over the globe, and I know the best companies, especially in the luxury active travel space, and I know what they have been doing differently in recent years. I speak regularly with executives of the best outfitters, as well as people who use them and travel agents who book them for clients, all so I can remain informed about all that is going on, and these are the most important recent trends I have identified.
Backroads, the nation's largest and oldest luxury active travel specialist, has pioneered boat-based ... More hiking and biking trips, especially with European river cruises.
This has probably been the single biggest shift, one that was largely pioneered by Backroads, the country's largest, best-known and longest established luxury guided active travel tour operator, for more than half a century. Backroads led the charge into using luxury European river cruise ships, which hold far fewer people but offer more space than most ocean-going cruise ships, and the big appeal is the fact that guests do not need to pack or unpack during the trip, whereas traditional active travel itineraries change hotels about every other day. In addition, if the weather is bad or you are just tired and want to opt out of an active day, you have the option of participating in the normal guided shore excursions the cruise lines offer. This proved so popular with guests that the company expanded to both river cruises in other continents and ocean cruises, and most recently added an active cruise trip to the Galapagos Islands, a Bucket List spot for many.
A Turkish gulet ship used by luxury cycling specialist DuVine on its trips in Greece and Turkiye.
Other top players in the luxury space, especially Butterfield & Robinson and DuVine, have followed suit. I've written about the special appeals of this particular niche here at Forbes so you can get a lot more detail. Instead of cruise ships, DuVine has focused on small groups and luxury-chartered boats and I wrote about one of their great trips here at Forbes as well.
DuVine is a luxury cycling tour operator that hosts trips to single standout hotels such as ... More Tennessee's Blackberry Farm.
The popularity of not packing and unpacking that led to the boom in boat-based trips above also fueled a surge in trips entirely based out of single lodging, rather than moving hotel to hotel. Backroads launched a series recently (currently for hiking only) and calls these 'Home Base' trips in desirable spots like Southern Italy's Puglia. The Cycling House, a Tucson-based biking specialist, has been doing it for a long time, both in Arizona and international destinations such as Italy and Spain, usually using a private villa. DuVine has some shorter 4-day cycling trips based at standout culinary and luxury lodging such as Troutbeck in New York's Hudson Valley, Glen Gordon Manor in Virginia horse country and Blackberry Farm, a legendary Relais & Chateaux property in Tennessee. DuVine also offers a slate of private villa-based cycling trips in Tuscany, Provence, Mapa and Mallorca.
But the best example I know is Explora, an exceptional family-owned adventure lodge company in South America. Explora began in Chilean Patagonia with an award-winning eco-friendly luxury lodge and staff of expert, in-house, full-time guides, offering guests a dizzying array of varied activities during their stay, along with excellent food and wine on an all-inclusive basis. Explora has done it so well that the company has grown to multiple locations across Chile, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia. They now even do Iceland. I have visited their properties in Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and on Easter Island, and recommend them all heartily. For travelers wanting to experience the Incan ruins of Peru in an active way I can't imagine better option. Read more about Explora here.
Macs Adventures is the leading self-guided active travel specialist, and offers several itineraries ... More for the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the world's most iconic hikes.
One of the biggest things that separates luxury active hiking or biking vacations from simply going backpacking or bike packing is the packing part. On these luxe trips your luggage is moved for you from place to place, so if you hike it's just with a day pack of layers and some water, and if you bike there are no cumbersome heavy panniers weighing you down. On top of this, there is usually a guide and support vehicles. But more and more travelers are choosing to go without the guide and support vehicles, while keeping the luxury of a detailed and well thought out itinerary with carefully selected routes, often the same kind of special tours, meals and activities set up along the way, and of course, the luggage transfer. All the higher end companies also have assistance phone call away if your bike breaks down or you get lost or such. Doing it this way is high-end self-guided, and one of the biggest advantages (besides being much cheaper) is that it essentially makes every trip a custom private one, so you can go when you want and just with your choice of traveling companions, rather than picking a scheduled departure date for a group trip with strangers.
At the high end of the active travel luxury spectrum is Butterfield & Robinson, known as the top white glove operator and the one that has been doing these trips longer than anyone, sixty years in 2026 (I just wrote about their special 60th Birthday slate of trips here at Forbes). B&R was also the first to specialize in true luxury self-guided trips, and my wife and I did one for our anniversary, just the two of us in Burgundy, and it was fabulous. They offer a lot more than most companies do for self-guided, such as VIP private experiences and stellar included meals along the way. At the more budget friendly end of the spectrum is Macs Adventures, a very large and well-established UK-based operator that recently opened a U.S. office and has grown very quickly in the American market. Macs does nothing but self-guided, with hundreds of global hiking and biking itineraries, and offers a more no-frills version, with an itinerary of selected lodgings, luggage transfers, and a standout app that provided detailed route maps and turn by turn directions, but no meals (beyond breakfast) or activities. It is perfect for self-starters who want to do their own exploring and choose their own dining but still have the infrastructure of a waiting hotel room and waiting luggage. Macs offers an incredible array of hiking and biking trips all over the world and is a great value proposition.
In between these two extremes are companies such as Trek Travel and VBT Biking Adventures for cycling, Country Walkers for hiking, and highly expert, local, one country specialty active travel operators like Tourissimo in Italy and WalkJapan in Japan. Tourissimo calls their version 'concierge self-guided' because so much local expertise is provided along with luggage transfers. I have recently traveled with both of these last two companies and highly recommend them. Both offer regular fully guided scheduled trips but have self-guided options with more support and activities included along the way. Read my story 'Why Your Best Hiking or Biking Trip Might Be Self-Guided Active Travel' here at Forbes.
Bhutan was the most recent country to create a border to border hiking trail spanning the entire ... More nation.
I've seen a big surge in coast-to-coast or border-to-border trips, such as cycling across the entire width of Italy, from the Adriatic to the Mediterranean. Several tour operators offer this, including one of my favorites, DuVine, a very high-end luxury operator with special focus on wine and gastronomy. There is also Bike It! Tours, a very local tour operator with a bike shop in Bellagio, on Lake Como, that offers this trip on a custom basis just for your group and is a great value with deep local knowledge. Another Italy specialist, Tourissimo, does an 8-day cycling trip across the island of Sardinia from coast to coast. Trek Travel, another one of the big higher-end global hiking and cycling tour operators, offers several cross-country bike trips, in Italy, France, Spain, even the entire United States. They are the only high-end company doing a fully-support transcontinental U.S. trip, but it takes almost eight weeks.
Walking the Coast of Wales.
More manageable is biking or hiking across England, offered by Wilderness England (8 and 13 days respectively). In recent years countries such as Bhutan and Liechtenstein have created new hiking trails that run the full width of their countries, and I was the first foreigner to tackle a walk across Liechtenstein. The Liechtenstein Trail is just 45-miles long and the national tourist board offers several 6-7 day packages with lodging and luggage transfers along the way, plus extras such as an adventure pass that includes attractions, wine tastings and such, and daily free lunch. This is one of the most affordable self-guided adventures out there, from $1100 per person for 3 & 4-star lodging (their national rating system, not Forbes Travel Guide) or $1650 with luxury hotels. I did a section of the trans-Bhutan trail, and many top luxury tour operators such as Backroads, Butterfield & Robinson and MT Sobek do roughly weeklong trips, and G Adventures has more affordable 10–11-day outings, but the entire trail is 250 miles and takes almost a month. Bhutan's tourist board offers package with home stays and guides for those who want to tackle the whole thing.
Wales has a walking path running the entire length of its coast, border to border. Launched in 2012 it was the first country to offer a marked walk of its entire coastline, 850 miles. It is broken into themed sections and some travelers return over and over to do the entire trail in manageable chunks. Many companies including Macs Adventures offer luggage transfers and support for self-guided trips, while Backroads, Wilderness England and others offer weeklong more luxurious guided trips. Central America is the narrowest part of the Western hemisphere, and one of the most popular trips is a hike across Costa Rica from the Atlantic to Pacific, which has been dubbed the 'Camino de Costa Rica' after one of the most famous hikes in the world in Spain (see next entry). But this one is just 174-miles and can be done in 15-16 days, while MT Sobek, one of the world's oldest and best-established active travel companies, offers a fully guided 10-day 'best of' sampler.
Molinaseca, Spain, one of many charming towns along the famed Camino de Santiago
Most active travel hiking is going to a region like the Dolomites or Scottish Highlands and doing day hikes, then returning to a hotel. But increasingly, travelers are seeking to do part or all of more iconic continuous routes. Arguably the most famous of the multi-day hikes readily doable in a single American-length vacation trip (unlike the Appalachian Trail or such that take months to complete) is the Tour du Mont Blanc, a legendary circular hike that circumnavigates the highest peak in the Alps while going through Italy, France and Switzerland all in roughly 10 days (there are slightly longer and shorter versions). I did the TMB, as it is known, and it was simply the best hiking trip of my lifetime and one of the best trips I have done, period. Not many top operators offer the TMB in its entirety, and the best choice I know of is MT Sobek, another veteran adventure company with an excellent reputation. G Adventures, a big company known for great value proposition also has the TMB. Macs Adventures offers self-guided TMB itineraries. The Trans-Bhutan Trail is the world's newest pilgrimage route, but doing the entire thing takes a month, so G Adventures offers the most affordable turnkey (Bhutan is pricy and logistically complicated) sampler, a 12-day trek. Other top iconic multi-day hikes include the ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro (I've done it and frankly found it underwhelming and would not recommend) and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. Up and coming iconic hiking routes can also be found in in Tuscany and New Zealand.
Pilgrimage treks, originally for religious purposes, have also exploded in popularity, none more than Spain's Camino de Santiago, which has become the next big thing in hiking trips. How popular is it? Those who complete most of the Camino under certain rules get a certificate, and in 1984 the number that achieved that was just 423, while 40 years later in 2024, it was more than 495,000. However, this centuries old pilgrimage trek morphed repeatedly with invasions, occupations and threats, and there are no less than seven official Camino rotes today, some of which include portions of France and/or Portugal. Some are also much less crowded than others. Most are basically a walk across Spain, taking 30-40 days, and all are broken into more palatable portions and these segments are popular with active travel companies. For a luxury spin on the Camino, Backroads recently introduced a new and outstanding segment on one of the less crowded routes in the Basque region of Northern Spain, with fabulous food and coastal scenery, from Bilbao west. G Adventures offers multiple options from 8-10 days. Macs Adventures offer dozens of Camino itineraries, all self-guided, including the whole thing on multiple routes.
Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage trail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another less famous home of pilgrimage hikes is Japan, which has several mixing Shinto and Buddhist temples, and this is something WalkJapan specializes in and does very well, with expert guides and amazing food. In fact, only two pilgrimage routes on earth have achieved coveted UNESCO World Heritage status, one being Spain's Camino and the other Japan's Kumano Kodo, a favorite of Walk Japan customers.
KC&E Adventures offers a lot of gravel and single track mountain bike options.
'Gravel grinding' has been the fastest growing segment of cycling for the past few years, exploding in popularity. This basically entails riding a slightly heavier duty road bike with slightly wider tires, still more efficient than a mountain bike, on gravel and dirt roads rather than pavement. The appeals are a greater variety of places you can go with a more natural wilderness aesthetic, and far fewer cars, the bane of many cyclists. Gravel grinding is popular worldwide, but the Mecca of the sport is in the same place as the Mecca of regular road riding, Tuscany, with hundreds of miles of its famously unpaved 'white roads,' or strade bianche, especially through the Chianti wine region. But while gravel riding has soared in participation, few of the biggest active tour operators have begun offering it. The one major exception is Trek Travel, with more than a dozen gravel itineraries in the U.S. and worldwide.
KC&E Adventures is a top boutique cycling and hiking adventure company that does some scheduled group trips but specializes in small private groups and offers a great combination of local knowledge and value, especially for the private tour segment which tends to run very expensive. Founder Collin Daulong says, 'We're seeing increased interest in gravel riding and light mountain biking on double track, not only for the sense of adventure but also because it feels safer and more approachable. It's ideal for people with general biking experience who still want that 'out there' feeling without technical barriers.' KC&E regularly does gravel trips in New England, Italy and Iceland, and has done custom in Croatia and elsewhere. Other smaller specialty operators offering gravel trips include Tourissimo, a great choice for Tuscany, and the Cycling House, here and abroad.
Tuscany is famously popular for gravel grinding.
A lot of people love mountain biking, but even fewer luxury companies do mountain bike trips in the way road and gravel active vacations are offered, in part because more technical skill is required of guests, an entirely different fleet of expensive bikes is required, they tend to break more, and it is harder to support these trips in high style, as the vans that cater to cycling trips cannot go on off-road trails. However there has been some growth, and DuVine, one of the most luxurious companies, with a food and wine focus, recently added its first mountain bike trip, to South Africa. KC&E Adventures also does a lot of mountain bike trips, especially in Vermont, Iceland and Arizona's Sonoran desert.
Electric assist bikes, or e-bikes, have small battery powered motors that reduce the amount of human effort but still require some pedaling, and these have exploded in popularity. I remember the first time I went on a cycling trip where anyone rode an e-bike, and it was a Butterfield& Robinson trip to Japan about 10 years ago. It was new then but now it is standard for very major tour operator to offer this option, and on most trips I've done since, there have been people on e-bikes, though it has remained a minority, maybe 10-20% of participants. An e-bike is a great equalizer that lets less avid cyclists join friends or family who are better conditioned and can put children or grandchildren and multi-generational groups on equal footing. It also opens up more challenging destinations and rides that might be too long to too hilly are now doable with help of e-bikes.
While I am still powering my own way and have never opted for this, I've seen lots of people of all ages who have and love it. In fact, the popularity of e-bikes on trips has gotten so high that there has been some backlash from traditional cyclists who somehow feel threatened or that it is a less pure approach, and one of the biggest active travel companies, Backroads, which was an early adopter of offering e-bikes, has released an entire series of e-bike free trips. These are called 'Unplugged,' which the company describes as 'designed for cyclists who want to experience a ride together—with all its ups and downs—under their own power.'
But while the no e-bike trend is limited, the use of e-bikes has spread to practically every active tour operator doing cycling, even self-guided specialists like Macs Adventures and the tour operators that tend to attract harder-core cycling enthusiasts such as Trek Travel and DuVine. Escape Adventures, a large active travel company I have traveled with and thoroughly enjoyed, but lower-priced not quite as luxurious as some of these others, offers a slate of only e-bike group trips and says, 'Our E-bike (both road and mountain bike options) vacations are created specifically for both first-time cyclists and experienced bike enthusiasts who want to bring their partners who don't bike nearly as much.'
Women-only active trips have become much more widley available and Backroads offers many itineraries ... More for these.
Women-only has been a big growth category both within the major tour operators and companies focused solely on this niche, such as Wild Women Expeditions and AdventureWomen. I wrote about this trend recently here at Forbes. Backroads has long led the way in this category with a lot of women-only versions of its standard luxury catalog of hiking, cycling and multi-sport trips, and goes further than anyone in also offering trips sorted by age, including adult-only, and trips for families in several categories, for those with kids and teens, teens and 20s, 20s and beyond. DuVine doesn't do women-only trips at this time but does offer family departures. Butterfield & Robinson has been the leading high-end luxury active travel company for almost six decades but just added the women-only category last fall. Cycling House has a lot of women-only scheduled trips.
Italy's Dolomites is an incredibly beautiful region for hiking, cycling and fine dining.
The Dolomites have long been the best spot in the world for doing hut-to-hut hike and bike mountain bike (and ski) trips in a luxury way, at least if you are the type who after a long day outdoor enjoys a Wine Spectator award winning cellar with huge verticals of Super Tuscans in your 'hut.' The Dolomites have an incredible selection of high-altitude rifugios, or restaurants, many of the them stunningly gourmet and many with overnight accommodations, dotted throughout the region's peaks. This selection of mountain lodgings of high caliber is unparalleled on the planet. Macs Adventures offered self-guided trips staying at rifugios here and several companies offer longer trips including a night or two in rifugios, including Wilderness Travel, but for a more immersive guided hut to hut itinerary here, the top choice is MT Sobek.
But this kind of travel is expanding beyond the Dolomites, and Backroads just added a broad slate of Lodge-to-Lodge trips around the world, including Peru, Nepal, the Pyrenees (Spain/France border) and the Mont Blanc/Chamonix region of the Alps combining Italy, Switzerland and France in one stunning trip. Lodges are a little more elaborate than mountain huts, essentially small rustic hotels in adventures places, and some are extremely luxurious.
Norway is another country with a rich tradition of mountain cabins, and upscale tour operator Up Norway, a company doing just this one country, has just introduced a slate of these hut-to-hut trips, cherry picking special locales.
The Dolomites region of Italy is rich with mountain rifugios, or restaurants with overnight lodging.
The U.S. has several more rustic hut-to-hut systems, originally focused on backcountry skiing in winter, then expanded to mountain biking. The most famous are the 10th Mountain Division and San Juan Hut systems, both in Colorado, but the newest is the Aquarius Trail Hut System, five solar powered huts strategically set along a 190-mile route through some of Utah's most scenic backcountry and best mountain biking trails. Aquarius offer both self-guided and fully guided mountain biking trips, the latter in partnership with Escape Adventures, a company I had a great trip with in Nevada.
Biking and hiking in Italy fuels an appetite for gelato.
Doing exercise and burning calories goes great with guilt-free indulgence in great food and drink, and many of the best biking and hiking destinations are foodie paradise, from Italy to Japan. I've often described bike trips in Italy as riding from one gelato to the next, and I just did a hiking trip in Spain's Basque region where food was a huge part of the appeal, with daily lunches at tapas bars and San Sebastian being one of the world's greats culinary destinations.
Food is a key part of enjoying a trip to Japan.
For this reason, there has been a spate of food-centric active travel offerings, and both DuVine and Tourissimo (an Italy active travel specialist) offer annual series of chef (and sommelier) led bike (and Tourissimo also does hiking) tours, often with famous award-winning chefs. DuVine has a heavy food and wine focus on all of its 'regular' trips as well and is the rare company that includes wine at every meal because it is such a focus of the company that 'vine' is in its name, plus they have the one-hotel immersions noted above to food-centric resorts such as Blackberry Farm, TN. South America's Explora, covered above under single hotel stays, has a big focus on regional cuisine and the best wines of Chile and Argentina, also fully included in its rates. WalkJapan is a specialist in hiking trips across Japan and makes incredible meals and foodie education a centerpiece of its great guided trips, I just traveled with them for the first time and was wowed. They also have an even more immersive series of dedicated gastronomy walking trips. Butterfield & Robinson and Backroads both regularly feature standout meals, often at Michelin-starred restaurants or private chef dinners, as well as cooking classes on many trips. Backroads offer specific 'Active Culinary Hiking & Walking' tours in Provence and Tuscany, which take the normal food focus a step further and add market visits, more cooking, wine and olive oil tastings and more. This is the tastiest of the top 10 active travel trends for your next great hiking or cycling vacation.

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We've Tested Nearly 600 Carry-on Suitcases (Yes, Really) on Flights Around the World—Here Are 15 Must-haves
Credit: Amazon $200 $121 at Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Samsonite For the past couple of years, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner has come out on top as T+L's favorite carry-on—and for good reason. When testing it in our New York City lab, we loved its organization, capacity, and value. We've now tested this bag three times in our New York City lab, and each time we were blown away by its surprising capacity, offering ample packing room for trips up to a week. If you tend to overpack or plan to do some retail therapy during your travels, the expandable zipper unveils an extra inch of depth which gives you wiggle room to fit any shopping hauls and souvenirs you plan to take back home. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags—all without having to use the expander. In terms of maneuverability, it handled tight turns like a champ and went over our simulated concrete curbs without incident. We also gave it a few whacks with a metal baseball bat and noticed that the slight bend of the exterior shell made this suitcase impervious to dents while still protecting its contents (a win if you ever decide to take the gate agent up on the offer to check your bag). Although we did notice the Samsonite Freeform showed a few surface scratches after six months of consistent travel, we still consider it the gold standard for a hardside carry-on suitcase. It may be too large for some overhead compartments, so always check the dimensions of your airline before flying. The Details: Hardside | 23 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.5 pounds | Expandable (1 inch) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Tumi $779 $623 at Amazon View on Coming in right behind our beloved Samsonite Freeform is the Tumi Alpha Dual Access Carry-on. This close contender fell just short of our Best Overall slot due to its heaviness and lack of open packing space, but it's a sophisticated piece of luggage that's in a league of its own when it comes to organization and helpful features. For starters, it has a built-in front access pocket, which allows you to quickly grab items like a light sweater or your in-flight essentials without having to unzip your entire suitcase in the middle of the airport. There's also another small exterior pocket for stashing smaller belongings like a travel umbrella, as well as a built-in USB port you can connect to your own portable power bank. Perhaps the biggest selling point of this suitcase is the removable garment sleeve, which makes this bag the perfect companion for business trips or destination weddings. While the garment sleeve and three mesh zip pockets are no doubt useful, they will eat into the bag's overall capacity, so you'll have to pack strategically. Thankfully, you can always rely on the Tumi Alpha's expandable zipper to grant you 2 extra inches of depth if things get tight. In terms of durability, we couldn't ask for more. T+L associate editorial director and Tumi loyalist Morgan Ashley Parker took this suitcase for a spin in our testing lab, and after hitting it with a bat several times, she noticed there were no scuffs or dents to speak of. 'As someone who owns a Tumi bag that has lasted 16-plus years (and still kicking), I know the durability will extend beyond our lab tests,' says Parker. 'I truly can't imagine a world in which this would puncture or rip.' While Tumi's coveted suitcases are certainly a splurge, they're a worthwhile investment for someone who wants a durable and versatile suitcase they won't have to replace for a very long time. The Details: Softside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | USB port | Ballistic nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Away View on Nordstrom View on Away Travel Stroll through any airport, and you'll see loads of passengers toting one of Away's signature striped suitcases. After personally testing dozens of Away products, I can assure you'll have no regrets hopping on the Away trend. The brand's built-to-last luggage can always be counted on to help overpackers travel more efficiently, and The Carry-On Flex is a testament to that. Offering a generous 2.25 inches of extra packing space with its expandable feature, this is the exact kind of suitcase to bring on trips where you want extra room for those 'just in case' items. Inside The Carry-on Flex, you'll find an open compartment with a mesh divider and another compartment opposite of that with a mesh pocket and compression straps to help you pack down all your belongings for an easier close. We enjoyed floating this compact suitcase through the obstacle course in our testing lab thanks to its easy-gliding 360-degree wheels. It also showed minimal damage after our table drop and baseball bat tests — a good indicator that the exterior will stand up to the roughest of handling. The only downside of the Away Carry-on Flex is that some international airlines may be strict about bringing it on board once fully expanded. The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity (unexpanded); 44.6-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable (2.25 inches) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon You might have assumed that finding a budget suitcase means you have to sacrifice on the quality front, but Amazon's slate of luggage continuously proves that theory wrong. After testing their 21-inch expandable hardside spinner in the T+L lab, I'm convinced the retailer's wallet-friendly suitcase is the best you can buy on a budget. For starters, it offers the same capacity as suitcases that are more than double the price. Inside, you'll find an X compression strap and a mesh zip divider that makes storing underwear, socks, and swimsuits a breeze. The bag has four "feet" on its right side to keep it propped up horizontally on an airport scale or in the trunk of a car. Though the telescoping handle was a bit wobbly, I was able to adjust between the three handle heights with ease. We do caution that, like other expandable suitcases, it would be at risk of being flagged by airline staff because it looks much wider in its expanded state. We tested the Amazon Basics 21-inch carry-on three times in our lab just to make sure we still loved it over the years. Though it got a bit scuffed from our bat tests during its second round of testing, it proved easy to buff the scratches out by hand. Considering all you get for under $100, you can't go wrong taking the plunge on this affordable yet solid option. The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches | 6.8 pounds | 34-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Delsey $330 $249 at Amazon View on $660 at Macy's T+L editors reach for this timeless carry-on from Delsey Paris again and again, thanks to its vintage charm and useful functionality. The polycarbonate shell is accented with reinforced corners, and with its two-tone colorway, you're guaranteed to arrive at your destination in style. Aesthetics aside, there's also substance. Inside, you'll find a fully zippered compartment on one side of the suitcase and compression straps to keep clothing from shuffling on the other. We also found pockets throughout and even a handy USB port with which you can attach your own battery pack. After inspecting it closely, we found that the zippers all open and close smoothly, and the spinner wheels glide with little effort (even over carpet!). After taking the cream colored version on the road for six months, we observed little scuffs and scrapes to the bag even after it was checked — a pleasant surprise considering light-colored luggage tends to show the wear and tear quickly. Its maneuverability and lightweight profile also makes it a breeze to travel with. 'I had to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs and get it onto a train, and I had no trouble lifting it and moving the handle in and out quickly,' says T+L editor Taylor Fox who brought it on a two-week trip to Egypt. The Details: Hardside | 22.75 x 15 x 10 inches | 7.74 pounds | 44-liter capacity | USB port | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Dagne Dover While softside luggage is more durable and less prone to wear and tear, it isn't known for being the most stylish type of luggage. Dagne Dover completely changed the game when it launched its debut luggage collection last summer. T+L editors were among the first to try them out, and we were enamored by the sheen and elegance of the Seattle Carry-on—a modernized softside bag with the structure and sturdy frame of a hardside suitcase. Its 33-liter capacity and 20.5-inch height is ideal for short getaways (it was the perfect companion on my quick trip to St. Thomas), business trips, and international flights. It also offers two ways to pack: via clamshell opening and a top-loading option. During testing and on actual trips, we couldn't help but notice that the wheels glide like a dream over various surfaces. But with the beauty of this suitcase comes one painful fact: it's heavy for a carry-on. For some, it may feel like a drag schlepping a 10-pound carry-on (plus the weight of your items). However, if that's not a big deal to you, we say it's a great entry point for the softside newcomers. The Details: Softside | 20.5 x 13 x 8.75 inches | 9.13 pounds | 33-liter capacity | Recycled 900D polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels | 13-inch laptop sleeve Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Samsonite View on Samsonite $500 at Macy's View on In case you weren't aware, Samsonite's Proxis carry-on is kind of a big deal. Like, it was sent into space and dropped from 130,000 feet-level big deal. To date, this is the most lightweight and durable suitcase Samsonite has ever released. We brought the Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner into our testing lab for some experimenting of our own and found that this textured, hardside carry-on lived up to its claims of being virtually indestructible. The outer shell of this bag is made of Roxkin—an exclusive recycled material developed by Samsonite that is lightweight and engineered to bounce back into shape. 'Samsonite sent this suitcase to space, and it survived, which is only a small amount of what we did to it with a bat,' says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. 'I also stood and jumped on it. I completely trust this bag to hold up against baggage handlers.' In terms of organizational features, you don't get much with the Samsonite Proxis: just two fully zippered compartments and one mesh zippered pocket. This is actually a good thing if the goal is for your luggage to weigh less and hold more. While it's certainly one of the more expensive options on this list, we think the Proxis is a worthy investment for carry-on loyalists who want the maximum amount of packing space and a durable design that will last for years. The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 4.7 pounds | Expandable (0.5 inches) | Roxkin material | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: July Sometimes, a diminutive carry-on just won't do (especially for longer trips). In these instances, we'd recommend something like the July Carry-on Max. It has a 50-liter capacity that jumps to 62 liters when fully expanded—the largest carry-on we've ever tested. Weighing in around 8 pounds, it's on par with other carry-ons with similar dimensions. However, we noticed that it became a little cumbersome to maneuver around tight corners the more we packed it, and because of its size, you may be forced to gate-check it at the airport. The exterior shell of the suitcase didn't get too banged up when we put it through the wringer of our durability tests. We were also amazed that you can choose between 20 different height handles—another design quirk that helps July stand out from the pack. Inside, there's a Y compression strap and panel on one side, while the other side is secured by a mesh panel with no pockets (a missed opportunity, if you ask us). We would be remiss not to mention that this carry-on comes with its own packable tote bag that fits discreetly inside the suitcase when not in use. You also have the option to personalize this suitcase with a name or initials, with nine fonts to choose from. The Details: Hardside | 23 x 16 x 9 inches | 8.16 pounds | 50-liter capacity (unexpanded); 62-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels | Packable tote included Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travelpro You won't be short on organization with the Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-on. While it may look small, it's got a roomy interior made even better by all of the useful add-ons, like the included shoe bags, a laundry bag to store used or wet items, and built-in compression packing cubes that strap in to the top of the bag for additional storage. It also features an external laptop sleeve, a small outer pocket, and a luggage lock. If you find that you're running out of space, the bag's tapered extension adds an extra 2 inches of depth. Our chief complaint about Travelpro's VersaPack+ carry-on is its weight. Part of the appeal of softside luggage is that it's lighter because of its fabric construction. And while its nearly 8-pound weight isn't the heaviest we've encountered, we do think it might get bogged down if overpacked. There's also a possibility you'll be forced to check it on smaller airlines because of its 23-inch height, so keep that in mind if traveling on airlines with tighter carry-on restrictions. Though its a bit heavier than we'd like for a softside, we found this spinner to be pretty compact and loved that it wasn't cumbersome to wheel around our obstacle course. The wheels, zippers, and handle also ran smoothly without any snags. The Details: Softside | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 7.7 pounds | 47-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | Water-resistant nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Aer $319 at Nordstrom View on If you've ever been on a fast-moving airport shuttle, bus, or subway, you know the struggle of trying to keep your luggage from rolling away while holding on for dear life. Aer, a new kid on the luggage block, saw this common problem hadn't yet been solved by its competitors and created a carry-on suitcase with brakes. Similar to a stroller, the wheels on Aer's Carry-on Max can be locked in place with the simple slide of a button located beneath the handles. 'It's such a unique feature and helpful if on public transport or stopping on an incline with bags since it securely holds the bag in place,' says associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, who owns and loves this Aer model. Speaking of the wheels, they're some of the smoothest we've seen on a carry-on. We were able to roll them over our cement pavers with ease, and it didn't lag behind even when packed full. In terms of capacity, Aer really meant it when they said max . The slender profile of this bag allowed us to fit everything on our packing list despite the fact that it's not expandable. Though Aer touts this as a minimalist's suitcase, there are some undercelebrated details about this bag that we found helpful, like the hidden pocket for you to stash a luggage tracker, a Y-shaped compression system secured with an intuitive and sturdy buckle, and puncture-resistant YKK zippers. The top and side handles also have a hole to where you can attach other bags and belongings to it with a carabiner. We tested out the white version, and the initial surface scratches that appeared after we threw it off a table made us suspect that lighter colors might show damage over time. The good thing is it's available in a range of five colors, so you can always choose a more inconspicuous hue. The Details: Hardside | 22.7 x 15 x 9 inches | 8.4 pounds | 48-liter capacity | Makrolon polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Rimowa There's no doubt that Rimowa, a longstanding luxury luggage brand, is currently having a moment. Its classic aluminum suitcases will cost you a pretty penny, but the sleek vertical lines and sterling material will be instantly recognizable at the airport. We couldn't wait to get our hands on their Cabin S version, which did not disappoint. We'll preface our review by confirming that this is definitely not the bag for overpackers, but if you'll have plenty of space to pack for a long weekend trip or a few items to supplement your checked luggage. We were floored that the bag weighed in much lighter than other aluminum suitcases we've tested (9 pounds), and we find comfort in the locks on each latch that provide extra security. "The wheels roll like a dream—they truly roll better than any suitcase I've tried," says associate editor Anna Popp, who also applauded this Cabin S for surviving our durability tests with not a dent or scratch on it. Aluminum luggage is known to accumulate dents and scrapes over time, so we look forward to seeing how this precious gem of a spinner will hold up over the next six months of testing. The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 15.8 x 7.9 inches | 9.3 pounds | 31-liter capacity | Aluminum | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Like Tumi, Briggs & Riley has a best-in-class reputation for luggage. This 22-inch spinner is a classic hardside with some innovative features that allowed us to pack way more than expected. The top lid unzips to reveal a main large compartment which has a built-in compressor pad. While the compressor isn't removable, it did a great job of helping us stuff this suitcase to the brim. Unlike other expandable suitcases that use a simple zipper mechanism, this one has a unique one-touch system: you simply push two buttons on either side of the inner compartment, and raise them up to expose an extra 25 percent more packing space. There's a pouch on the back of the outside of the suitcase with a place to zip up a power bank and pull a charger through the outer pocket. Other fancy accoutrements—like the aircraft-grade aluminum handles, whisper-quiet 360 degree wheels, and drawstring bag storage bag—make the Briggs & Riley 22-inch spinner a justifiable splurge. We thought it rolled well through our obstacle courses. The hardside shell was also well constructed and did not dent after we hit it multiple times with a metal baseball bat. Unfortunately, the very bottom of the bag did get scratched when going over a concrete curb during testing. That said, we still think this carry-on fits the bill for frequent flyers who don't mind shelling out a few extra bucks in exchange for longevity and premium quality. We feel even more confident recommending this Briggs & Riley carry-on because of its lifetime guarantee—you'll be able to have your carry-on repaired for free at any time, no proof of purchase necessary. The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.6 pounds | 41-liter capacity (unexpanded); 51-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Recycled polycarbonate, recycled polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Samsonite There's so much to love about this sleek carry-on from Samsonite, from its smooth gliding wheels to its highly-customized handle that offers tons of handle height options. However, where it really shines is its internal organization. We found packing for a trip to be a joy thanks to its generous spacing, compartments, and accessories. The bag came with a TSA-compliant toiletry bag, a shoe bag which easily fit two pairs of shoes, and then—our favorite part—two packing cubes of varying sizes. The more narrow packing cube perfectly fit in the gap between the handles on one half of the suitcase, which we thought to be a clever, space-saving touch. The fun features don't stop there: this suitcase also features a MagneTag, Samsonite's patented magnetic luggage tag that magnetically snaps into the structure of the bag ensuring it won't get lost. Speaking of lost luggage, you'll also find a built-in AirTag holder in the bag's interior (a great benefit if you ever want to take the airline up on the option to check your bag). We thought it felt a little heavy, at 9 pounds but rolled very smoothly. The Details: Carry-on | 23 x 14.75 x 10 inches | 9.04 pounds | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Casetify Nothing makes a statement at baggage claim like a suitcase that's inscribed with your name. If you're looking to invest in a luggage that you can make your own in every sense, we'd go with Casetify's 21-inch Bounce Custom Carry-on. The brand is widely known for its cushiony and protective phone cases, but it's recently entered its luggage era—and what an entrance it was. Much like with its phone cases, Casetify gives you the option to customize your suitcase using a variety of fonts, colors, and backgrounds. Associate editor Anna Popp picked her carry-on in a stunning cobalt blue and went with a pink-and-white combo for her initial design. Aside from the monogram option, what sets this carry-on apart from the rest are the reinforced bumper corners that give the suitcase another layer of protection from any rough handling it may endure. The capacity of this 21-inch spinner felt like just enough to fit a multiday vacation's worth of items, but we're confident you could fit more with some strategic packing. "I love the organizer flap it comes with since there are tons of little pockets to place various things," says Popp. "I also love that the flap can be taken out when you don't want to use it." While its not the lightest carry-on out there, we were impressed with its style element, and we expect to get tons of compliments at the airport. The Details: Carry-on | 21 x 13.9 x 9 inches | 8.23 pounds | 33.8-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: July There's something about a zipperless closure on a suitcase that instantly makes it feel a tad more luxury. Such is the case with the July Carry On Trunk. Built with two TSA-approved latch locks, a German polycarbonate shell, and a removable power bank, we'd say this pick serves equal parts style and function. We found an abundance of helpful organization on the interior of the bag: there are two dividers on each side of the bag with mesh pockets on each, clips to keep the dividers in place, Y compression straps on each side, and a cylindrical zip pocket on one side. We also noticed that the bag opens evenly as opposed to the 30/70 design that we typically see in other travel trunks. The wheels were so smooth, they practically rolled themselves through our testing lab floors and in airports. However, our favorite thing about the bag, as with all July luggage, was the handle which has 20 different heights and can be customized down to the exact millimeter. The one small drawback noted by T+L editor Hillary Maglin is that this carry-on tends to get black scuff marks from the baggage carousel conveyor belt after every trip. 'While most of the scuffs come off pretty easily using the included sponge, I noticed a few small scuffs are harder to get out,' she says. Aside from slight cosmetic damage that occurs with most hardside luggage over time, Maglin still attests that 'it's probably the sturdiest and most smooth-rolling spinner I've ever used.' The Details: Hardside | 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Ejectable USB-C battery | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Though these carry-on suitcases were strong contenders, they were just shy of making the list due to a few shortcomings. However, they do possess a few redeeming qualities we feel are worth mentioning. Rains Texel Cabin Trolley: We love the puffy exterior of this waterproof carry-on, though it does add bulk to the suitcase. We noticed that when fully packed, it just barely fit in the overhead compartment in our testing lab. Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max With Front Pocket: This bag had slightly weak scores in the maneuverability category since it didn't glide as effortlessly as other carry-ons we tried. However, we appreciated its helpful features, like its protective front pocket for laptops and removable power bank. Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-on Luggage: For under $300, this metallic option offers the sleek look of an aluminum suitcase without the heaviness. Upon first glance, the capacity seemed standard for a carry-on. During packing, we struggled to fit everything on our list. We also noticed that the laptop compartment protruded the more we packed it. Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on: The durability on this suitcase was top notch. In fact, it's one of the most solid suitcases we've ever tested. Ultimately, we preferred the Rimowa bag in our main list for an aluminum option, and we wish this one had more internal organization. Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus: After toting the bag on trips over six months, we came to appreciate the built-in compression board that made it easy to pack in as many items as possible. Still, we would've appreciated an expandable feature here. Miamily Carry-on: We loved how easy it was to navigate a busy airport with a toddler placed on top of this ride-on suitcase. We just wish the luggage was lighter when empty. Bagsmart Roamer Expandable 20-inch Carry-on Luggage: This affordable bag has lots of impressive features. It even held strong after we whacked it with a metal bat about 10 times. The Amazon Basics hardside spinner ultimately won as our favorite budget option because it offered slightly more in terms of organization, but this is another excellent affordable carry-on that will last for years. Frequently Asked Questions Accepted carry-on dimensions vary by airline, according to the TSA. However, standard dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines will differ give or take a few inches, which is why larger size carry-ons made this list. As a rule of thumb, always research your airline's carry-on rules before your flight to avoid having to involuntarily check your bag. Again, this varies. Some airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines currently don't have any weight restrictions for carry-on bags, while some international airlines limit carry-ons to 22 pounds. In our experience, carry-on weight limits are not always enforced as much as dimension size, but as a rule of thumb, your carry-on is likely too heavy if you can't lift it on your own. If you're concerned about the weight of your bag, grab an inexpensive luggage scale so you can check before heading to the airport. According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. No liquid in your carry-on or personal item can exceed 3.4 ounces. Any amounts larger than that will need to be checked or will be disposed of. Solid toiletries like powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant should pose no issue. Yes, AirTags and other luggage trackers are allowed in carry-on luggage. For GPS trackers that utilize a higher level of battery power, you should check with your individual airline to make sure it's allowed on board. T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant covers luggage and travel accessories. She owns roughly 35 different suitcases, backpacks, and tote bags, and rotates between her favorites for different trips around the world. She is a carry-on loyalist and enjoys the challenge of finding creative ways to pack weeks worth of clothing into a compact suitcase. She frequently utilizes clever accessories like compression packing cubes, hanging toiletry bags, and travel pouches to maximize space. Right now, her favorite carry-ons come from brands Away, Dagne Dover, and Samsonite. Love a great deal? 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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
130 million people on alert as hot, sticky weather expected from Texas to Maine
At least 130 million people from Texas to Maine are under alert for dangerous heat and humidity over the next few days. Hot and sticky temperatures will make it feel as high as 115 degrees in parts of the Mississippi River Valley. Even Niagara Falls will get no relief from the sweltering conditions; the tourist destination will feel like the mid-to-upper 90s on Thursday. The heat index in Chicago, which factors in humidity, will make it feel in the triple digits and nighttime and early-morning temperatures will provide little comfort. As of 4 a.m. Thursday, the actual temperature was 80 degrees, or 85 with the heat index. Texas will be just as hot on Thursday, as the heat index is expected to make it feel 107. Up north in Detroit, it's forecast to feel 102. Dangerous heat will spread to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast as temperatures in the I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Portland, Maine, will make it feel like it's in the mid-90s on Thursday. Maine is under a heat advisory mainly for Friday as the heat index will make Portland, Maine, feel like it's 100 degrees. New York City, Boston and Philadelphia are also bracing for extreme temperatures. On Friday, the feels-like temperature is expected to be reach 104 in New York City, 103 in Boston, 106 in Philadelphia and 109 in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Meanwhile, the Midwest and the Southeast is expected to see hot and humid weather stretch into the weekend and into early next, as the heat indices are expected to make it feel 110 degrees in some parts. MORE: Congressional committees push back on Trump administration's proposed NOAA budget cuts Most of the Southeast, including Atlanta, is expected to see a level four out four "extreme heat risk" on Monday and Tuesday as a potentially life-threatening heat wave continues in the region. Besides the heat, the Midwest, specifically Kansas and Missouri, is expected to see a summer flash flooding continue. Strong thunderstorms on Thursday could cause flooding across the region, which is still recovering from flash floods earlier this week. MORE: Body of missing woman found as death toll from Texas floods reaches at least 136 Heavy thunderstorms are expected to develop over the Midwest on Thursday afternoon and through the night, with rainfall totals forecast to reach 2 to 4 inches or higher in some areas along the I-70 corridor. The Kansas City region may see the brunt of storms with multiple rounds of heavy rain possible.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
American Airlines stock tumbles as carrier cites 'tough' July for domestic travel
American Airlines (AAL) stock slumped 6% on Thursday as the carrier echoed a trend seen with its peer Southwest (LUV) — weaker-than-expected domestic travel last quarter. "July has been tough, really hit hard by the uncertainty during the primary booking period," American CEO Robert Isom said during the company's earnings call on Thursday morning. The airline pointed out domestic revenue declined about 6% year over year over year in the three-month period ending in June. However, the company expects that July will be the low point and that performance will improve sequentially month over month. In other words, American's financials will recover during the second half of the year. "Let's face it, the domestic network has been under stress because of the uncertainty in the economy and the reluctance of domestic passengers to get in the game," Isom said American said it expects a loss per share between $0.10 and $0.60 during the current quarter and earnings for 2025 in a range between a loss of $0.20 and a gain of $0.80 per share. Read more about American's stock moves and today's market action. The airline reinstated its guidance after pulling it in April, along with the other major carriers, following President Trump's broad-based tariff policy. Despite posting record quarterly revenue of $14.4 billion, American's outlook diverges from the more bullish forecasts from Delta (DAL) and United (UAL). Part of the reason is that American has more domestic destinations and flights than its two biggest rivals. Airlines have been leaning into meeting demand from international routes, as well as premium seats, which command higher ticket prices. Meanwhile, Southwest stock plunged 10% on Thursday after the carrier issued a trimmed pre-tax profit outlook of $600 million to $800 million in 2025 — as much as $1 billion less than previously anticipated. "We saw some uncertainty that came in and demand fell off quite quickly during that period," Southwest CFO Tom Doxey told Yahoo Finance on Thursday morning. "The speed with which that came down was one of the faster reductions in revenue that we've seen in years across the industry." "The great news is we're starting to see that stabilize," Doxey added. "As tariffs and other things are starting to solidify a bit, you're starting to see that spending change," creating a potential tailwind for the airline in the second half of the year. Ines Ferre is a Senior Business Reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @ines_ferre. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices