Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Cable Car Skydining Unveils Two New Private Dining Journeys Above Singapore

Mount Faber Leisure Group introduces two new private dining experiences aboard Cable Car SkyDining, offering guests distinctive culinary journeys at 100 metres above sea level. The Singapore Chronicles retraces Singapore's rich heritage through a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by local flavours, while Starlight Flight showcases contemporary Mediterranean cuisine against the ever-evolving skyline of modern Singapore. Served in the privacy of a dedicated cable car cabin, both experiences invite guests to discover one of Singapore's most iconic dining experiences from a fresh perspective.

In 1998, the Singapore Cable Car became the world's first to offer private dining aboard a cable car cabin. More than 25 years on, Cable Car SkyDining continues to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience, taking guests from sweeping sunset vistas to the hilltop ambience of Mount Faber Peak, with glimpses of the nightly fireworks on Sentosa. Perfect for anniversaries, milestone celebrations and other special occasions, the experience is now available with a choice of two distinctly curated menus.


The Singapore Chronicles: Travel Through Time in a Private Cabin

The Singapore Chronicles takes guests on a culinary journey through Singapore's history, with each course reflecting the ingredients, cultures and traditions that shaped the nation's growth from a humble fishing village to a global city. In celebration of Singapore's 61st Birthday, guests can enjoy The Singapore Chronicles (U.P. S$108++ per guest) with a one-for-one promotion from now until 31 August 2026.

The dining experience starts with a choice of Temasek Sunset, a refreshing blend of chai, grilled pineapple, pandan and lime, or Nanyang Twilight, featuring gin, butterfly pea, coconut water and lime, before continuing with Temasek – The Fishing Village, inspired by Singapore's early days as a humble fishing village shaped by coastal trade and the bounty of the sea. The chapter is told through the Tiger Prawn Tea Rice, aromatic herb rice topped with salmon roe and served with a jasmine tea kelp broth. At the heart of the dish are wild tiger prawns, a nod to Singapore's maritime heritage and the fishermen who once relied on the sea for their livelihood. The herb rice, fragrant with laksa leaf and lime leaf, reflects the simple staples enjoyed by local communities, while the jasmine tea broth pays homage to the tea culture introduced by early Chinese settlers.

As the old fishing village gave way to a thriving trading port, A Bustling City traces the merchants and settlers from China, India, the Malay Archipelago and Europe who arrived, bringing with them their cultures, ingredients and culinary traditions. For the main course, guests may choose the Crispy Red Snapper, served with sweet potato purée, coconut curry and laksa leaf oil, a nod to the prized catch once favoured by Singapore's wealthier settlers, and a dish drawing on Peranakan cuisine's masterful blend of Chinese, Malay and Eurasian influences. Alternatively, the Char-grilled Lemongrass Chicken, served with confit leek, sweet potato, black pepper purée and toasted coconut, is an ode to the coconut plantations that once covered Singapore's eastern coast, and the lemongrass and black pepper that were long essential to everyday local cooking.

The evening concludes with Sweet Harmony in Diversity, a dessert that brings pandan, gula melaka and European custard together in a single refined course. A fitting close to the journey, the dish celebrates the multicultural harmony upon which Singapore's success has been built, and the shared identity, preserved traditions and heritage the city carries into the present.


Starlight Flight: Mediterranean Flavours Meet Singapore's Skyline

Curated by Barcelona-born Executive Sous Chef Daniel Vaquero, the Starlight Flight menu draws on his 18 years of career rooted in Catalan and Spanish cuisines, celebrating the bold, sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean. Each dish reflects his culinary roots, from heirloom tomatoes sourced from Spain and Italy to Catalan influences such as romesco sauce and seafood suquet, elevated with modern touches including molecular gastronomy.

"Growing up in Barcelona, some of my favourite memories were built around slow evenings spent sharing good food with family and friends. For the Starlight Flight experience, we wanted to bring that spirit, together with the flavours of the Mediterranean, through a menu that celebrates quality ingredients and bold flavours inspired by my hometown and culinary roots. More than just the food, the experience is about slowing down, savouring the moment and enjoying the transition from day to night in a private cabin on the iconic Singapore Cable Car."
— Chef Daniel Vaquero, Executive Sous Chef, Mount Faber Leisure Group

Now available at $118++ per guest for the four-course menu, the evening begins at Dusk @ Mount Faber Peak with a welcome drink and the Sautéed Hokkaido Scallops as a starter, inspired by one of the most well-received dishes at Dusk @ Mount Faber Peak. Lightly seared and served atop an asparagus velouté infused with Chardonnay, the scallops are finished with pine nuts and crispy puffed quinoa for contrasting texture.

Dinner continues aboard the private cable car cabin, with the entrée and main course served across two scenic rounds along the Mount Faber Line (approximately one hour in total), soaring 100 metres above sea level with panoramic views of Mount Faber, HarbourFront and Sentosa as the sky transitions from day to dusk. The Tiger Prawn Salad with Stracciatella entrée features six varieties of heirloom tomatoes from Spain and Italy, stracciatella cheese, and succulent tiger prawns in a lightly spiced vinaigrette.

For the main course, guests can choose from three Mediterranean-inspired creations:

  • Catch of the Day: Pan-fried seasonal fish with crisp skin giving way to delicate, pearly flakes, paired with a creamy cauliflower purée, citrus sauce and Kalamata olive spheres crafted using molecular gastronomy techniques.
  • Wagyu Ribeye: An Australian Marbling Score (MB) 4/5 cut seared to perfection and served with roasted hazelnut romesco, alongside smoky piquillo peppers from northern Spain and a buttery potato mille-feuille.
  • Grilled Boston Lobster (Upgrade for +$38++): A whole Boston lobster served atop Arborio rice simmered in a traditional Catalan seafood suquet stew.

The evening concludes with the Red Plum Brûlée, combining red plum, almond nougat and frozen yoghurt, served at Arbora Café @ Mount Faber Peak. Vegetarian options are also available for Starlight Flight's three- and four-course menus.


Savour the Journey: Menu & Booking Details

The Singapore Chronicles

  • Price: S$108++ per guest (Special 1-for-1 promotion at S$54++ per guest until 31 August 2026)
  • Welcome Drink: Served at Dusk @ Mount Faber Peak
  • Starter & Main Course: Enjoyed inside a private cabin on the Mount Faber Line across two scenic rounds (~60 minutes)
  • Dessert: Served at Arbora @ Mount Faber Peak

Starlight Flight

  • Four-Course Menu (S$118++ per guest): Includes welcome drink & starter at Dusk, entrée & main course aboard the private cable car cabin (2 rounds, ~60 minutes), and dessert at Arbora.
  • Three-Course Menu (S$108++ per guest): Includes welcome drink at Dusk, starter & main course aboard the private cable car cabin (2 rounds, ~60 minutes), and dessert at Arbora.

For the ultimate dining experience, early bookings are recommended. Stay tuned to the Mount Faber Dining website for reservations and further information.

Travelore News: American Airlines' New App Feature Automatically Hunts For Your Preferred Seat

By TraveloreReport

Anyone who has ever been stuck in a middle seat knows the pre-flight ritual: obsessively opening the airline app every few hours, hoping a better seat has magically opened up. American Airlines is looking to end that tedious cycle with a highly anticipated update to its mobile app.

As of late September 2026, American has rolled out an automated seat monitoring feature designed to do the hunting for you, saving passengers from the manual refresh game.

How the Automated Seat Search Works
The new tool is available for AAdvantage members traveling on single-passenger reservations. Under the "Trip options" in the American Airlines app, eligible travelers can select "Automatic seat change" and dial in their exact preferences. You can specify if you want an aisle, window, or middle seat, and even indicate if you want to be closer to the front of the cabin or in a bulkhead row.

Once your preferences are set, the app continuously monitors the seat map in the background. If a seat matching your criteria becomes available—whether due to another passenger getting an upgrade, changing flights, or canceling—the system will automatically move you to the better seat and send a notification confirming the change.

The Fine Print: What You Need to Know
While the tool is incredibly convenient, there are a few operational details frequent flyers should keep in mind before relying on it completely:

  • No Extra Fees: The feature only looks for eligible seats within your currently ticketed cabin that do not require an additional charge. For example, it won't automatically move you into an exit row if that normally incurs a fee.
  • The 24-Hour Cutoff: The automated search actively monitors until 24 hours before your flight's departure. After that window, the tool turns off, and you’ll need to check the seat map manually as the flight approaches.
  • The Priority Hierarchy: When a highly coveted seat opens up, requests are fulfilled based first on AAdvantage elite status level, and then by the time the request was originally submitted.
  • One and Done: The search stops once American automatically moves you to a matching seat, or if you decide to go in and manually change your seat yourself.

A Bonus for Top-Tier Elites
Alongside the seat monitoring feature, American also introduced a subtle but welcome perk for its highest frequent flyers. Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members can now use the app to pre-order their complimentary Main Cabin snack prior to departure, ensuring they don't get stuck with whatever is left on the cart when the flight attendants reach their row.

By automating the stressful seat-checking process, American Airlines is making the travel journey more seamless. Set your preferences as soon as you book, and let the algorithm do the heavy lifting.

Follow for more updates: @AllenBarkus on Instagram and @TraveloreReport on X.


Monday, September 28, 2026

Travelore News: American Airlines And STARLUX Airlines Launch Codeshare Partnership To Expand Transpacific Routes

By TraveloreReport

The transpacific travel landscape just got significantly more connected. On September 24, 2026, American Airlines and Taipei-based premium carrier STARLUX Airlines officially launched a new codeshare partnership, vastly expanding flight options between the United States and Asia.

This new agreement enables single-ticket booking and through-checked luggage from 20 major U.S. cities across American’s extensive domestic network to STARLUX’s transpacific routes. The initial codeshare covers STARLUX-operated flights into Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) originating from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), and Ontario, California (ONT), with flights from Phoenix (PHX) pending regulatory approval.

Elevating the Transpacific Experience
For travelers who prioritize cabin comfort and premium amenities on long-haul routes, STARLUX is a boutique international airline that has built a stellar reputation around accessible luxury. Their premium cabins feature lie-flat seats with privacy doors in Business Class, alongside leg rests and retractable footrests in Premium Economy. Connecting this elevated passenger experience with American Airlines’ sprawling domestic footprint—including gateways like Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, and Chicago O'Hare—creates a highly competitive new itinerary option for accessing Asia's most dynamic regions.

Loyalty Integration
One of the most anticipated aspects of the partnership for frequent flyers is the integration of loyalty benefits. AAdvantage members can immediately earn miles and Loyalty Points on eligible STARLUX-operated codeshare flights. Both airlines are also actively preparing a reciprocal frequent-flyer partnership that will eventually allow members of both programs to earn and redeem miles seamlessly across the combined network.

Flights are already available for booking, with travel under the new codeshare beginning on September 30, 2026. This move highlights a continued industry trend of major U.S. legacy carriers utilizing strategic international partnerships to lean into higher-margin international and loyalty-driven traffic.

Follow for more updates: @AllenBarkus on Instagram and @TraveloreReport on X.


Sunday, September 27, 2026

Travelore News: Newark Liberty Airport's Terminal A Is Expanding With A $110 Million Investment

By TraveloreReport

When the gleaming, $2.7 billion Terminal A opened at [Newark Liberty International Airport](https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2026-press-releases/port-authority-board-of-commissioners-authorizes--110-million-to.html) in early 2023, it was designed to usher in a new era of modern aviation for the New York/New Jersey region. It turns out, that new era is much busier than anyone predicted. On September 24, 2026, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officially authorized a $110 million investment to expand the three-year-old terminal to keep up with massive passenger demand.

A Victim of Its Own Success
The core reason for this rapid expansion is staggering passenger volume. Terminal A was originally designed with a capacity of approximately 13.6 million passengers annually. However, in 2024, the award-winning 33-gate facility handled over 18 million passengers—outpacing initial [Port Authority projections](https://www.enr.com/articles/63713-port-authority-advances-110m-newark-airport-terminal-a-expansion) by nearly 40%.

The Expansion Plan: North and South
To address the congestion and maintain service levels, the $110 million budget is being split into two distinct phases aimed at adding eight new common-use gates in total:

  • The South Pier Addition: The lion's share of the funding, $100 million, is dedicated to a 25,000-square-foot southern expansion. This project will add two new gates, adjacent seating, modernized restrooms, and new grab-and-go concession space. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with the new south gates expected to open in 2029.
  • The North Pier Planning: The remaining $10 million is allocated for the planning, cost estimation, and construction phasing of a much larger six-gate northern expansion. The [Port Authority of New York and New Jersey](https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/port-authority-board-authorizes-110m-expansion-of-newark-airport-terminal/72345) anticipates project authorization for the north gates in 2027, with a phased opening scheduled from 2030 through 2032.

Part of a Massive $45 Billion Overhaul
This Terminal A expansion is just one piece of the Port Authority's sprawling 2026-2035 capital plan. The long-term "EWR Vision Plan" includes an entirely new Terminal B, improvements to Terminal C, a complete redesign of the airport's taxiway and roadway networks, and a $3.5 billion replacement for the aging AirTrain system.

For frequent flyers navigating the Northeast corridor, the promise of more gates and enhanced amenities at Newark's newest terminal is welcome news, even if it means navigating through construction zones over the next few years.

Follow for more updates: @AllenBarkus on Instagram and @TraveloreReport on X.


Saturday, September 26, 2026

Travelore News: Frontier Airlines To Exit New York’s JFK Airport After A Brief 2-Year Run

In a significant shift for the New York aviation market, ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines has confirmed it will completely end all service at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The airline’s final flight from the airport, bound for Atlanta, is scheduled for October 5, 2026.

For budget-conscious travelers, this marks the end of a relatively short experiment. Frontier launched its JFK operations just over two years ago in June 2024.


Why is Frontier Leaving JFK?

At its peak just last summer, Frontier operated nonstop flights to eight destinations from JFK and was even slated to move into the airport's highly anticipated Terminal 6. However, operating at one of the nation’s premium international gateways proved challenging for the budget carrier’s business model.

The decision to exit comes down to the high costs associated with flying out of JFK. An airline spokesperson noted that the move is part of a routine review of routes based on market demand and the specific operating costs of individual airports. While the airline hasn't ruled out a return in the future if market conditions change, the October 5 closure is definitive for now.

Refocusing on LaGuardia and Newark

Despite dropping JFK, Frontier is not abandoning the New York metropolitan area. The airline is shifting its strategy to concentrate its regional operations at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

  • LaGuardia (LGA): Frontier will continue to serve eight year-round destinations from LGA, including key hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Orlando.
  • Newark (EWR): Across the Hudson, Frontier maintains five year-round routes out of Newark.

Travelore News: Multibillion-Dollar New Terminal One At JFK Airport Delayed Until Early 2027

Travelers eagerly anticipating a massive upgrade at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport will have to wait a little longer. The highly anticipated New Terminal One, a massive $9.5 billion development, has had its opening date officially pushed back from its initial 2026 target to the first quarter of 2027.

Why The Delay?

Terminal operators stated that the extra time is necessary to wrap up construction, complete systems integration, run extensive testing, and finalize operational preparations. Because airport infrastructure is highly complex, running comprehensive rehearsals to ensure passenger processes operate flawlessly is critical before opening the doors to the public.

What the New Terminal One Brings to JFK

When it finally debuts, the 2.6-million-square-foot international gateway will replace the current Terminal 1, along with the footprint of the now-demolished Terminals 2 and 3.

The construction is operating on a phased rollout:

  • Phase A (Early 2027): Will open with 13 permanent gates and one temporary gate.
  • Phase B: Once Phase A is fully operational and airlines move in, the old Terminal 1 can be demolished to make way for this second phase. It will eventually add nine more gates, bringing the final total to 23 gates (including 22 widebody-capable gates).

A host of major international carriers are already slated to call the New Terminal One home, including Air France, KLM, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air China, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, and Philippine Airlines. Air France has already confirmed it plans to unveil one of its largest premium lounges in the new facility.

What This Means for Travelers

For flyers, the delay simply means spending another year navigating the aging layout of the current facilities. Anyone booking international connections through JFK in 2026 should continue to factor in today’s standard inter-terminal transfer times and minimum connection windows, rather than the streamlined experience the new terminal will eventually offer.

The schedule slip is a minor hurdle in JFK's broader revitalization program—which also includes the ongoing construction of a brand-new Terminal 6—but the end result still promises a much-needed, world-class overhaul of America's premier international gateway.

Friday, September 25, 2026

Travelore News: A Sea-To-Land Mega-Deal: Royal Caribbean Acquires 50% Stake In Sandals Resorts For $3 Billion

In a monumental move that bridges the gap between luxury cruising and land-based all-inclusive vacations, Royal Caribbean Group has officially announced a landmark partnership to acquire a 50% equity stake in Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion.

The joint venture, expected to close in early 2027, marks a significant shift in the travel landscape. It positions Royal Caribbean as a formidable player in the $2 trillion global vacation market far beyond the open ocean, while providing Sandals with the robust backing of a massive global travel corporation.

The Details of the Partnership

Under this historic agreement, Royal Caribbean will invest heavily to fuel the continued growth and expansion of the beloved Sandals and Beaches brands.

  • Financial Scope: The $3 billion investment represents a forward EBITDA multiple of about 10x, backed by committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley.
  • Shared Leadership: The newly formed joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty and Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.
  • Brand Integrity: Despite the massive investment, Sandals and Beaches will retain their distinctive Caribbean character, authentic hospitality, and individual brand identities.

What This Means for Travelers

For frequent cruisers and loyal resort guests, the immediate question is how this impacts their upcoming vacations. Both companies have stressed that the guest experience is the top priority:

  • Business as Usual: Existing reservations, resort operations, and cruise itineraries will continue exactly as planned.
  • Loyalty Perks: While the brands will remain distinct, the companies are exploring opportunities to integrate the Sandals and Beaches loyalty programs with Royal Caribbean’s industry-leading rewards systems, creating exciting new cross-vacation perks for dedicated guests.
  • A Broader Ecosystem: The partnership allows Royal Caribbean to offer a "lifetime of vacations," letting travelers seamlessly pivot between a week at sea on a mega-ship and an adults-only all-inclusive retreat in Jamaica or Curaçao under the same trusted corporate umbrella.

Honoring a Caribbean Legacy

This deal is more than a financial transaction; it’s the merging of two Caribbean powerhouses with decades of regional history. Adam Stewart reflected on the legacy of his father, Gordon "Butch" Stewart, who founded Sandals with the belief that a Caribbean-built company could stand alongside the world’s most respected hospitality names. With this partnership, Sandals gains the capital to accelerate its growth globally, while Royal Caribbean expands its vacation platform into highly sought-after, land-based all-inclusive resorts.

As the deal heads toward its early 2027 closing date, travelers can look forward to a unified force in the vacation market—one that promises to deliver extraordinary experiences whether you prefer riding the waves or lounging on the sand.