Latest news with #upgrade
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
I'm a frequent flyer - here's how you can REALLY bag a flight upgrade
It's the one thing most flight passengers want but can't have - the chance to turn left on a plane and make their trip at 38,000ft a whole lot more comfortable. With business and first class tickets often priced at thousands above the cost of a seat at the back of the plane, they remain accessible only to the wealthy, or business travellers whose companies will foot the bill. However, several flight experts have shared their wisdom on tips and tricks to get a spot at the front of the plane without coughing up the full price. Speaking to The Independent, Gilbert Ott, founder of travel site said that buying a ticket in premium economy, often just a few hundred pounds more than an economy seat, can often secure you a place at the front of the queue for upgrades. Ott told the publication that the smallest cabin on the plane often gets the most oversold: 'They love to oversell this cabin with upgrades, effectively selling a seat on the plane twice to someone. 'And since it's such a small cabin, here you're most likely to receive a complimentary bump to business or first class.' And if you're travelling with a more budget operator, such as easyJet or Ryanair? Another expert, Zach Griff, senior reporter at travel brand The Points Guy, says a last-minute check-in is often the key to a better seat. He explained that often the most expensive seats on low-cost airlines are still sold right until the last moment - and when it's time to fly, you might bag an eleventh hour move to a more comfortable, better appointed seat. The travel sage said: 'If they end up going unsold, it's possible they might assign them to the last people checking in.' Earlier this year, Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, shared how to 'position yourself as a prime candidate' for the cabin crew to move you up to business – or even first class – absolutely free of charge. The first tip from Dawn is simply just to ask. She told the Express: 'When you check in, smile warmly and simply ask, 'Are there any upgrade opportunities available today?' 'This phrasing is important - it's polite, direct, and shows you understand upgrades aren't guaranteed.' But the timing of this question is also just as important, says Dawn. She explains: 'Check in early, when more premium seats are likely available, but not during peak busy periods when staff are rushed. And always ask discreetly - never demand an upgrade in front of other passengers.' Even your clothes could also make all the difference, so Dawn recommends choosing your airport outfit very wisely – and making a bit of an effort with your appearance. She says: 'Smart-casual clothing sends a signal that you'll 'fit in' with the premium cabin environment. 'Think neat jeans or trousers, a collared shirt or nice top, and clean, decent shoes.' Telling the staff you're celebrating something like a honeymoon or big birthday could also lead to cabin crew giving you special treatment. Dawn adds: 'I've seen couples get upgraded because they mentioned their anniversary. One pair even received complimentary champagne in business class.' Dawn also recommends being flexible with your travel plans and keeping an eye out for oversold flights - often during school holidays or weekends – as 'these flights offer better upgrade opportunities'. But there are some big, 'simple mistakes' Dawn says many people make that 'instantly ruin their chances of an upgrade'. She says: 'Asking loudly in front of other passengers, arriving at the gate just before boarding, or being rude to staff are all guaranteed ways to stay in economy. 'Remember that upgrades are at the discretion of airline staff – they're more likely to reward polite, appreciative customers who've shown loyalty to their airline. 'Even if you're nervous or excited, stay calm and friendly. 'A little genuine courtesy goes a long way when upgrade decisions are being made.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I brought Santorini to my boring Suffolk garden for less than £100 of Temu buys – now I've got my own holiday haven
IF you're desperate to give your garden a holiday upgrade, then you've come to the right place. One bargain hunter has proved that you can turn a dull and boring space into a holiday haven, without having to break the bank. 4 4 4 4 For less than £100, Shelly Lou, 51, who lives in Suffolk with her partner Mark and works at a local supermarket, was able to give her outside space an overhaul using bargains from Temu. Shelly was inspired by a visit to Mijas, Spain, and her dream to one day visit Santorini. 'I loved the crisp white walls and those beautiful blue pots everywhere. I just wanted that vibe at home,' she explains. Determined to bring the look to life, Shelly turned to Temu, the popular online marketplace, as she says: 'I added everything to my Temu basket, wanting a proper Mediterranean feel.' Her haul included artificial hanging plants, giant simulated plants, palm hybrid plants and artificial jasmine vines. Not only this, but she also ordered a garden hose, plant pots, pillow fillers, cushions, and even a shower curtain she repurposed as part of her backdrop. Remarkably, she achieved the entire look for under £100, excluding the sofa she already owned, as she adds: 'It was so easy to shop all in one place.' Nearly everything in her garden now comes from Temu, from the ceramic planters to the decorative accents. And now, her garden has become a favourite spot for her and Mark to relax. But that's not all, as family and friends have been full of compliments too, as she proudly explains: 'They can't believe how much it's transformed. My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent 'It really feels like a little holiday escape.' For those looking to do a similar refresh, Shelly advises: 'Plan the look first, then add to your basket bit by bit. It stops you from buying things you don't need. Why is Temu so cheap? TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices. The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashion, make-up, electronics and furniture. According to a report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Temu takes advantage of a trade loophole that allows the company to ship duty-free goods directly to the US. The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn't marked up extra. While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands. 'And if you're using a backdrop, build a frame first. Screw it to the wall and staple the material. It gives a proper finished look and it lasts.' But Shelly isn't the only one turning to Temu to unlock her creativity. I added everything to my Temu basket, wanting a proper Mediterranean feel Shelly Lou A recent IPSOS survey commissioned by the platform shows that 1 in 3 British users say Temu helps them explore new ways to decorate their home, with respondents saving around 25%. More than 80% say Temu offers good value for money, reflecting strong consumer confidence in the platform's quality and affordability. With her clever use of Temu and a clear vision, Shelly has transformed her garden into a perfect example of how style and functionality can go hand in hand - and how a little inspiration goes a long way.
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Score a New Samsung Galaxy S25 and 2 Years of Unlimited Data for $720 at Mint Mobile
Prices seem to just keep going up. While we all try to budget where we can, having reliable phone service isn't a place most of us can cut corners. If you're looking to upgrade your current phone and save some cash on your phone bill, Mint Mobile has a great deal for new customers that make the switch. Right now for just $720, you can get a new Samsung Galaxy S25 phone and two years of Unlimited data. Yes, you heard that right -- you can forget about your phone bill until 2027 with this prepaid offer. Just be sure to sign up between now and Aug. 28 in order to lock in these incredible savings. The Galaxy S25 scored a 9.1/10 in CNET's review, with our expert Abrar Al-Heeti writing that "the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus continue to deliver on what, to me, makes the Galaxy S series notable: good cameras, solid battery life and a seamless interface." It's a good value for the money, and with Mint Mobile slashing that price even further, it's a solid option for Android fans looking to upgrade. Note that this deals is available to new customers only. It also requires that you port-in your number and pay your upfront $720 payment, which is equivalent to $30 per month, for 24 months of service and your device purchase. After your first 24 months, your plan will renew at the standard rate. Keep in mind that taxes and fees are not included and will result in an additional cost. Importantly, Unlimited customers using more than 35GB may experience lower speeds when network is busy. Also note that video streaming is optimized to a resolution of 480p. Looking for a different phone? You can pick from other models and get similar deals. Why this deal matters This deal slashes the cost of upgrading to a new phone and the price of an Unlimited phone plan by up ot $800. That makes this one of the best phone plan deals on at the moment. If you've been hoping to nab an updated phone and save on monthly expenses, this offer is well worth considering.
GSM Arena
2 days ago
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 review
After a couple of years of stagnation, Samsung is back on track. This year's Galaxy Z Fold7 offers real upgrades and improvements in key areas that were lacking in the previous generations. The new Z Fold7 catches up with the competition in terms of portability and camera experience as it's now considerably thinner and lighter, and employs a higher-grade camera setup. In the process, Samsung was able to give us a bit more screen real estate too. Both the inner and the outer screens are now bigger. Unfortunately, the company had to sacrifice the S Pen holster and S Pen support altogether, but killed two birds with one stone this way - larger displays and a thinner profile. The new cover screen is now 6.5", up from 6.3", and the foldable panel grew from 7.6" to 8.0", which is a solid upgrade. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 specs at a glance: Body: 158.4x143.2x4.2mm, 215g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), Advanced Armor aluminum frame. 158.4x143.2x4.2mm, 215g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), Advanced Armor aluminum frame. Display: 8.00" Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak), 1968x2184px resolution, 9.99:9 aspect ratio, 368ppi; Titanium plate layer for display support, Cover display:, Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, 6.5 inches, 1080 x 2520 pixels, 422 ppi. 8.00" Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak), 1968x2184px resolution, 9.99:9 aspect ratio, 368ppi; Titanium plate layer for display support, Cover display:, Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, 6.5 inches, 1080 x 2520 pixels, 422 ppi. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm): Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M); Adreno 830 (1200 MHz). Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm): Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M); Adreno 830 (1200 MHz). Memory: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; UFS 4.0. 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; UFS 4.0. OS/Software: Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8. Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8. Rear camera: Wide (main) : 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; Telephoto : 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle : 12 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF. : 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; : 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom; : 12 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF. Front camera: Ultra wide angle : 10 MP, f/2.2, 18mm, 1.12µm; Cover camera: Wide (main) : 10 MP, f/2.2, 24mm, 1.12µm. : 10 MP, f/2.2, 18mm, 1.12µm; Cover camera: : 10 MP, f/2.2, 24mm, 1.12µm. Video capture: Rear camera : 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), 10-bit HDR, HDR10+; Front camera : 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS. : 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), 10-bit HDR, HDR10+; : 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS. Battery: 4400mAh; 25W wired, QC2.0, 50% in 30 min, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless. 4400mAh; 25W wired, QC2.0, 50% in 30 min, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless. Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.4, aptX HD; NFC. 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.4, aptX HD; NFC. Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); stereo speakers; Samsung DeX (desktop experience support), Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, Circle to Search. The upgrades don't stop there. The new Z Fold is equipped with better cameras as it borrows the Galaxy S25 Ultra's main ISOCELL HP2 200MP sensor. The auxiliary cameras are the same, but the ultrawide now supports autofocus, and that unlocks close-distance focusing. Moreover, the internal camera is now the same as the external one - 10MP, which is a solid upgrade over last year's 4MP. More importantly, the internal selfie cam is equipped with an ultrawide lens with significantly wider field of view. Despite the decrease in weight and thickness, the Z Fold7 features the same battery capacity as last year - 4,400 mAh, supporting familiar charging rates at 25W wired and 15W wireless. Last but not least, this year's foldables from Samsung launch with a brand new One UI 8, instead of offering just an incremental upgrade to the OS. More importantly, the One UI 8 is based on the still-unreleased Android 16, which makes this year's foldables the first devices to run Android 16 out of the box. On paper, the Galaxy Z Fold6 seems like a competitive high-end solution, but rivals aren't slacking either. Let's check out how the new Galaxy Z Fold7 stacks against its peers. Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 The handset comes in a modest-looking retail box, which contains only the standard user manuals and a USB-C to USB-C cable used for charging and data transfer. To get the most out of the fast charging capabilities, you need to buy a 25W Samsung charger or a compatible Power Delivery one that supports Samsung's PPS. Page 2
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad Airways welcomes 20 million passengers and over 100 aircraft
Etihad gifted couple travelling from New Delhi to visit their children in Canada, with surprise upgrades to The Residence to celebrate the milestone. Etihad's fleet reaches more than 100 aircraft. Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad continues to soar with a record-breaking year, reaching new milestones for the first time in the airline's history. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, commented, 'The last 12 months have seen Etihad flying high, breaking records and achieving new milestones at an astonishing rate. Following a record Q1, with AED 685 million profit and our highest ever customer satisfaction scores, Etihad has now welcomed more than 20 million guests in the last year, for the first time in the airline's history. 'We continue our upward trajectory as part of a broader growth story that has seen our annual passenger numbers more than double from 10 million to 20 million in just two and a half years. This sustained growth is driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus.' He added, 'We are the only airline in the region growing at this pace and we have no intention of slowing down. 2025 is proving to be our biggest year yet.' To celebrate flying 20 million passengers across the world, Etihad surprised one lucky couple travelling from New Delhi to visit their daughters in Toronto with a series of surprises. Mr and Mrs Chopra were surprised with upgrades throughout their trip which began with a lie-flat Business class experience on Etihad's A350 from New Delhi to Abu Dhabi. 'We have never travelled in Business or First before […] It's a lifetime experience – a once in a lifetime achievement [for us]!' exclaimed Mr Chopra. When they touched down at Zayed International, the couple were delighted with an upgrade to Etihad Guest's Gold tier status at the First Lounge by Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest. Saving the best for last, Mr and Mrs Chopra were gifted upgrades to The Residence, Etihad's unique three-room suite in the sky, on their A380 flight from Abu Dhabi to Toronto. 'Oh wow – thank you very much! This is an excellent surprise, unforgettable! Thank you, Etihad – we feel like celebrities right now, thank you!' The couple shared as they were welcomed in to The Residence by crew. Achieving another milestone, Etihad has introduced three more aircraft into its expanding fleet, bringing the operational fleet size to more than 100 aircraft. The airline welcomed back its seventh Airbus A380 to service and received a brand-new Boeing B787-9 delivered from Charleston, US, with an all-Emirati flight crew. Etihad also received the first of three brand-new Airbus 350-1000s delivered today (18 July). Boasting one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the industry, Etihad continues to make strategic investments to meet the overwhelming demand from guests. The airline is expecting to receive 18 additional new aircraft in 2025, including the delivery of its new A321LR fleet which will enter into service from 1 August. Refining luxury, the new A321LR fleet will offer First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens and high-speed super Wi-Fi in all cabins, allowing guests to stay connected via messages, calls and stream while in the air. Earlier this year, Etihad announced the order of 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing to support its plans for growth and connectivity, operational efficiency and guest experience. Following the airline's recent announcement of seven additional destinations, Etihad will have added 27 new routes this year, a remarkable milestone that reflects its ambition and commitment to increase the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi. Flying to almost 90 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Europe and Asia, this expansion is part of Etihad's ongoing strategy to support the economic growth of Abu Dhabi. These achievements are a huge step toward the goals the Etihad set out in its ambitious growth strategy which would see the network grow to more than 125 destinations, fleet to more than 170 aircraft, and passenger numbers to 38 million per year, by 2030. With rapid growth in every direction, the airline is set to exceed the expectations of its seven-year growth plan, a reflection of demand and extraordinary customer satisfaction. Etihad's success is a reflection of Abu Dhabi's strong aviation sector which continues to demonstrate robust growth and strategic momentum, underscoring its position as a leading global gateway for passengers and cargo. About Etihad Airways Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world's leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more.
