Ryanair Calls For Alcoholic Drink Limit At EU Airports Amid Legal Action Against Unruly Passenger

Ryanair is calling on European authorities to limit the sale of alcoholic beverages at airports across the continent, as the Irish airline continues legal action against a passenger who it says caused a costly flight diversion last year.

The budget airline is seeking more than 15,000 euros ($15,324) in damages over the April 2024 incident. Ryanair alleges that this passenger’s “inexcusable behaviour” on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote in Spain’s Canary Islands was so disruptive that it forced the aircraft to divert to Porto, Portugal for safety — where crew members and over 160 other passengers were later delayed overnight.

After announcing its civil suit against the passenger last week, Ryanair on Monday shared further information detailing the costs it incurred for excess fuel, lodging, legal fees and more as a result of this diversion. And the airline also suggested a drink limit for airports across the European Union.

“It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports,” Ryanair wrote in a statement. “We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to two alcoholic drinks (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way they limit duty-free sales), as this would result in safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.”

Ryanair noted that it and other airlines already limit alcohol sales in-flight — but said that passengers can still consume excess alcohol at airports before boarding, particularly during flight delays, without similar restrictions.

Aviation agencies have long expressed concern with disruptive, in-flight incidents — particularly those that result in violence against others on board, verbal abuse, harassment or other health hazards like smoking.

Although still rare, reports of unruly passengers seen on planes have recently been on the rise. When reached for comment Monday, a spokesperson for European Union Aviation Safety Agency noted that, while the agency could not provide specifics, “both the number and severity of incidents” have increased in Europe since 2020.

Worldwide, the International Air Transport Association found that there was one disruptive incident for every 480 flights in 2023 — the latest figures from the trade organization, which used data from more 24,500 reports and 50 operators worldwide. That’s up from one every 568 in 2022.

How many of those incidents involved alcohol was not immediately known. But, among efforts aimed at preventing in-flight disruptive behavior overall, the IATA and other aviation groups have previously underlined the importance of serving alcohol responsibly, not allowing travelers who are too intoxicated to board and participating in additional safety initiatives, like “One Too Many” in the U.K.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration reported that it received 2,102 reports of unruly passenger incidents last year, resulting in $7.5 million in fines levied. That incident count is up 1% from 2023, but still far below a 2021 peak of 5,973.

https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips

Warm Clothing, Hot Pot And Even Ice Cream Bars Feature At China’s Ice Capital

Faced with temperatures dipping to -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit), visitors to China’s wintertime resort city of Harbin often make a beeline for stalls selling padded clothing to augment their wardrobes.

Oddly perhaps for some, frozen ice cream bars are also considered a key part of the visit.

Each winter, the industrial city in China’s northeast turns into a magnet for those from China’s balmier regions wanting to experience the extreme cold and take in the sculptures built from ice blocks carved from the Songhua River, which freezes from late October to late March.

“I searched for tips on the internet and am now wearing knitted wool pants and the thickest sweater possible,” said Jin Yiting, who was visiting with her parents from the financial hub of Shanghai, where a light jacket is usually sufficient winter garb.

Jin Yanlong runs a stall selling winter hats, gloves and boots in the park. He said that most of his customers are tourists from southern China who underestimate the frigid weather in Harbin.

“Some of the tourists wear ‘too thin.’ They come here immediately from the airport. They would find us to buy warm trousers padded with cotton,” Jin said.

Despite the freezing weather, some curious tourists are brave enough to taste the cold itself. Zhuang Chang and his friend enjoyed their Madie’er ice cream bars while strolling on a commercial street whose architecture reflects the Russian influence on the city. The brand was established in 1900s by a Russian company and has steadily grown in popularity among tourists.

“It’s cold, but my heart is warm,” Zhuang said. He also compared the humid cold months of his hometown in Zhejiang province, where “people would be frozen to the core when being hit by wind.”

“But here only my hands and face feel cold,” Zhuang said.

For those seeking a warmer alternative, there are hot drinks and steaming hot pot, a kind of stew mixing meat, vegetables, tofu and other favorites.

Restaurant owner Chi Xuewen claims to own the world’s largest hot pot, where 18 individual pots featuring a variety of flavors circle the giant bowl.

“Eating anything in a hot pot makes people warm,” Chi said.

Li Long’s restaurant uses wood both to cook the food and warm the air in the ice block structure.

“The pot also radiates heat,” Li said. “Once the pot cover is lifted, customers see the hot food. In one word, it just feels hot.”

Prolonged cold has left local residents with few options for fresh vegetables, so frozen food has become an alternative. Frozen tofu left outside overnight becomes porous and is particularly good at soaking up soup and flavor, local resident Liu Xiaohui said.

By ANDY WONG

Travelore Tips: Tourists Planning To Use Japan's Train System Need To Follow A Crucial Luggage Rule

For travelers, Japan is a country on a whole other level. With its attention to detail, deep culture, impressive innovations, and delicious cuisine, it is a country that inspires deep admiration. Getting around Japan can be a joy, and there is no better way to do so than by picking up a Japan Rail Pass and jumping on the country's wide-reaching railway network. The train system in Japan is epic. Known for its speed, efficiency, and convenience, with many lines connecting cities, it makes traveling within Japan a breeze. The network features a variety of options, from Shinkansen bullet trains to local lines that offer transportation with incredible views of the countryside.

As with visiting any new country, understanding Japan's systems, rules, and regulations can be challenging, not to mention the all-important task of avoiding making unspoken etiquette mistakes. In Japan, navigating the transportation system involves more than just buying a ticket, figuring out which line to take, or when the train departs. One important rule that first-time visitors to Japan should be aware of is that trains come with a strict luggage rule regarding oversized luggage. Excess luggage can restrict mobility on over-crowded or popular routes, and traveling with oversized luggage requires reservations to be made in advance on certain trains. 

Understanding luggage in Japan's transportation system

Not all trains in Japan are equipped for oversized luggage. While there are overhead shelves for luggage, these are often quite small and cannot fit larger suitcases. Seats usually have some leg room that could fit medium-sized luggage, but larger suitcases will not fit and would not be allowed in this area. In fact, there is often a specific compartment for such luggage, and spots need to be reserved in advance.

This doesn't apply to all trains in Japan. For example, trains going to and from the country's airports will accommodate any large luggage. However, on other trains, a penalty of 1,000 yen will be levied if the large compartments are not pre-reserved. What classifies as oversized luggage in Japan? That's a very good question, with the answer being any suitcase over 160 cm in total dimension weighing a maximum of 65 pounds (30kg).

Tips for traveling with luggage in Japan

Planning ahead is key to meeting your luggage requirements and avoiding any penalties that may occur. One great move is to reserve seats close to the luggage compartments needed for extra space, allowing you to keep an eye on your belongings. However, there are alternatives that could make traveling a lot easier in Japan. For starters, there are delivery services known as takuhaibin (takkyubin), a luggage forwarding service that handles the task of delivering luggage to the final destination without travelers having to carry it on trains.

Other alternatives include lockers and storage options found in central stations or other tourist facilities where luggage can be left for a fee per day. This allows travelers returning to the same destination or enjoying a day trip to travel luggage-free for a period. However, this option isn't entirely reliable, as it does come with a fee, and the lockers aren't always free for your bag. The best option to prevent the hassle of worrying about luggage is to travel light whenever possible and to make the necessary reservations when you can't avoid carrying larger luggage. It is also a good idea to read up on the color-coded seating system found on trains in Japan.

https://www.explore.com/author/nadakabil/

United Airlines Is Launching New Flights to Dominica Famous for Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Luxury Hotels

It’s an island with nine different active volcanoes. It also has more than a dozen waterfalls. And a boiling lake. And geothermal diving. And several of the Caribbean’s top luxury hotels, from the treehouse villas with plunge pools at Secret Bay to the classic InterContinental.

Sunset in Roseau, Dominica.

But what Dominica has never been is easy to get to. That changed in 2021, when American Airlines kicked off its new push to connect Miami with harder-to-reach airports, flying nonstop on a small Embraer jet. It’s been operating with regularity since then, providing a major boost for travelers looking to enjoy the charms of one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world.

But next month, it’s about to get even easier to reach the island. In a significant lift from the all-important Northeastern market, United Airlines will be debuting new nonstop flights connecting Newark and Dominica.

The new four-and-a-half-hour flight will be operating once every week on Saturdays, with flights officially taking off on Feb. 15.

The move comes after the island’s Douglas Charles airport completed a big expansion of its runway, along with an expansion of its terminal.

Unlike the AA flights from Miami, United will be running this service on full-sized, Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

You can book roundtrip flights for about $1,073.81 in February, according to Google Flights. That fare is going to be lower as the season gets later, however.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

Exploring Portugal's Jewish History And Heritage

Set in the hilly northeast of Alentejo region of Portugal, Castelo de Vide is a historic town rich in monuments, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s Jewish heritage. Among its many historical treasures, the large Jewish quarter (Judiaria) and medieval synagogue stand as a rare testament to a once thriving Jewish community that played a central role in the town’s development for centuries. This community not only contributed to the town's social and economic life but also left behind a rich legacy that visitors can still explore today.

Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Serra de São Mamede, the picturesque town of Castelo de Vide is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Dominated by its iconic castle, the town’s whitewashed houses and narrow, winding streets invite visitors to step back in time and explore its many layers of heritage.

A TOWN OF WALLS AND MONUMENTS

Castelo de Vide boasts a remarkable collection of historical monuments, including 24 churches that reflect the town’s spiritual and architectural richness. Among them is the Capela do Salvador do Mundo, one of the oldest chapels in the region, dating back to the late 13th century. Its interior is adorned with exquisite blue-and-white azulejos, showcasing Portugal’s distinctive ceramic art. Another notable church is the Capela de São Roque, originally built in the 15th century and later rebuilt in the 18th century, blending Gothic and Baroque elements. And, true to its name, the town has a large castle, and mostly in track town walls.

A FLOURISHING JEWISH COMMUNITY

During the Middle Ages, Castelo de Vide was home to a significant Jewish population that grew even larger after 1492, when the Edict of Expulsion forced Spanish Jews to seek refuge in neighboring Portugal. The Jewish community was an integral part of the town's economy and culture, engaging in commerce, crafts, and skilled trades that supported the burgeoning wool industry—a cornerstone of Castelo de Vide's economy. Jewish artisans were known for their expertise in weaving, dyeing, and producing high-quality woolen goods. Their skills not only supplied local markets but also contributed to the export trade, making Castelo de Vide a hub of activity in the region. Many Jews also worked as merchants, facilitating trade between Castelo de Vide and neighboring towns. Others served as doctors, bringing medical knowledge and care to the community, and enhancing the town’s reputation as a place of learning and innovation.

THE JUDIARIA: A WINDOW INTO JEWISH HERITAGE

Jews have a long and significant history in Portugal, dating back to Roman times. By the Middle Ages, Jewish communities were thriving across the country. Portuguese kings, including D Dinis and D. João II, often protected Jewish populations for their valuable contributions to the economy and society.

However, this era of prosperity took a dark turn in 1497, when King D. Manuel I, under pressure to align with Spain, issued the Edict of Expulsion. This decree forced Jews to convert to Christianity or leave the country. Many chose conversion, becoming "New Christians," but they often faced suspicion and persecution, particularly during the Portuguese Inquisition, which began in 1536. Secretly practicing Jews, known as "crypto-Jews," risked severe punishment if discovered.

Despite this history of hardship, the resilience of Portuguese Jews is evident. Today, Jewish heritage sites, including synagogues and Jewish quarters in towns like Castelo de Vide stand as a testament to their enduring legacy.

On the northern slope of Castelo de Vide, between the castle and the town fountain, lies the Judiaria (Jewish Quarter), one of the most significant examples of Jewish history in Portugal. Its narrow, steep streets—Rua da Judiaria, Rua da Fonte, and Ruinha da Judiaria—were once a vibrant hub of activity. This area dates back to the reign of King Dinis in the 13th century and remains one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in the country. Here, Jewish residents lived, worked, and practiced their faith, contributing to the town's economic vitality and cultural richness.

Visitors to the Judiaria today can see clues to this thriving past, such as doorposts with marks where mezuzahs—small parchment scrolls inscribed with sacred texts—once symbolized the residents' faith. The names of these streets still evoke the memory of the Jewish community that once called this area home.

Efforts to restore and revitalize the area have highlighted its historical importance, ensuring that its unique charm and cultural significance endure. Visitors can explore the medieval synagogue and other historical structures that tell the story of a once-thriving Jewish community, making Castelo de Vide a must-visit destination for those interested in Jewish history.

THE MEDIEVAL SYNAGOGUE: BEIT HA-MIDRASH SEFARDIM

At the heart of Castelo de Vide’s Jewish quarter is the medieval synagogue, known as Beit Ha-Midrash Sefardim, located at Rua da Judiaria and Rua da Fonte. This simple yet profoundly meaningful structure served as the center of religious and communal life for centuries.

The former synagogue reflects Sephardic traditions and features a tabernacle with holes for lamps filled with sacred oil, a support for the Holy Scriptures adorned with seven spheres symbolizing the six days of creation and the day of rest, and Gothic-style doors with intricate designs.

The medieval synagogue was restored in 1972 to reflect its original design, and recently completely renovated into a museum of Jewish life 500 years ago.

THE DARK CHAPTER OF THE INQUISITION

The prosperity of Castelo de Vide’s Jewish community came to a tragic end with the establishment of the Portuguese Inquisition in the 16th century. Many Jews were forced to convert to Christianity, becoming "New Christians,” while others faced persecution, imprisonment, and death.

The new Casa da Inquisição museum, set in the historic Casa do Morgado, offers a window into this dark period. Using augmented reality, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the Inquisition, following the stages of inquisitorial processes and learning about the fate of individuals like Guiomar Mendes, a New Christian from Castelo de Vide who was arrested by the Lisbon Inquisition in 1662.The house itself belonged to a Jewish family which continue to secretly practice Judaism - with a hidden worship area and a false chapel to fool the neighbors.

A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE AND CONTRIBUTION

Castelo de Vide’s Jewish community left an indelible mark on the town’s identity. Through their roles as artisans, merchants, doctors, and religious leaders, they contributed to the town’s growth and prosperity. Walking through the former Judiaria, exploring the synagogue, and visiting the Casa da Inquisição offers a powerful journey into the struggles and strength of the once thriving community.

By Jayme Simoes

China Expects Increase In New Year Travel Numbers, Despite Economic Doldrums

China expects an increase in the number of people joining the coming Lunar New Year travel rush, with authorities estimating a record 9 billion domestic trips will be made during the 40-day period of festivities, despite the stuttering economy.

State media reported the forecast for the travel season that starts on Jan. 14 when people traditionally travel to and from their home towns. Last year, authorities also expected 9 billion domestic trips, but actual numbers fell short with around 8.4 billion total trips logged.

Self-driving road trips are expected to make up about 80% of trips this year, followed by train and air travel, Li Chunlin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

This year's Spring Festival comes at a time when China's economy is in the doldrums, struggling to recover from three years of pandemic control and hamstrung by a prolonged property market crisis. Exports are a bright spot in growth but face possible new U.S. tariffs when Donald Trump takes office this month.

The government has rolled out a flurry of stimulus measures in recent months, including interest rate cuts and an expansion in the scope of a consumer goods trade-in scheme, but has so far failed to stage a sustained recovery.

Annual official tallies of trips made during the New Year travel rush have jumped since the Ministry of Transport revised the metric before the 2023 Lunar New Year to include self-driving road trips on major national expressways.

The metric was changed again before the 2024 celebrations to include road trips made on more highways.

A total of 2.98 billion trips were recorded in the 2019 Spring Festival travel rush, the year before the pandemic restrictions hampered travel.

A record 510 million train trips are expected during the coming 40-day period, up 5.5% year-on-year, Zhu Wenzhong, an official from China's national railway operator, said at the same briefing.,br />
Some 90 million plane trips are expected during this year's celebrations, also a record high, the NDRC's Li said.

Reporting by Yukun Zhang and Liz Lee Editing by Frances Kerry

Delta Air Lines Is Adding Another New Caribbean Route, With Nonstop Flights To Punta Cana

The beaches. The all-inclusive resorts. The beach bars. The Brugal. Punta Cana is the crown jewel of the Caribbean’s most-visited country, and it’s getting another new route from Delta Air Lines next summer.

Beginning May 10, Delta will be kicking off a new nonstop flight between Detroit and Punta Cana

The new route will run seasonally, with service every Saturday on a Boeing 737-900 aircraft.

It’s part of a growing Caribbean network out of Detroit, including the just-relaunched service between Detroit and Nassau in The Bahamas.

You can book the nonstop flight between Delta and Punta Cana for about $724 roundtrip, according to Google Flights.