4 Summer Travel Tips To Combat The Pilot Shortage, From A Flight Attendant

summer travel tips pilot shortage

If traveling the world is on your bucket list, then you might only have 15 years left to reach that goal. According to CNN, seasoned pilots will be retiring from their roles by 2038, which could mean big changes for the airline industry and how we travel.

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, countries closed their borders and international travel came to an abrupt stop. As a result, tens of thousands of pilots were furloughed or offered early retirement. When the COVID-19 vaccine was introduced, international restrictions were slowly lifted, and by summer 2021, travel was more or less back — but the damage was already done.


“The pilot shortage has resulted in a collapse in air service,” says Faye Malarkey Black, president and CEO of the Regional Airline Association, while management consulting firm Oliver Wyman told CNBC that the industry is short about 8,000 pilots. This led to nearly one million delayed or canceled flights between May and September of last year.

“42 states have less airline service now than before the pandemic, 136 airports have lost at least a quarter of their service, and airlines have completely cut off flights to 11 airports in smaller cities that connect to larger hubs,” says Black.

The future of travel is unclear, but all hope is not lost! Carriers are moving more of their early training programs in-house, such as the Ascend Pilot Academy, which Alaska Airlines launched earlier this year, and Aviatewith United Airlines.

One specific flight attendant from American Airlines, who prefers to remain anonymous, shares some advice for planning a seamless summer vacation — despite the pilot shortage.

1. If you can afford TSA precheck and clear this summer, purchase it.

Image via B+C

Flights are usually oversold across all airlines, especially during the summer. Avoid missing any of your flights — and having to be rerouted — as best you can. “This is the first ‘free travel’ summer after COVID. Things will be crazy,” they say.

2. Avoid tight connections.

With the pilot shortage, flight crews are already running on empty. If your flight has a crew that goes into over-time and has to wait for a new crew to be assigned to your flight, they say there will most likely be a delay: “Save the stress and make sure you give yourself at least an hour and a half minimum between connecting flights.”

3. Drive if you can.

“If you’re traveling in the states this summer, make a road trip out of it, especially if you’re a nervous flyer or have never taken a road trip!” they share. “Again, this is the first ‘free’ summer after COVID — the airports will be insane! We predict we will have more flyers this summer than any summer pre-pandemic.”

4. If you do fly, be kind and extend grace to your flight crew.

Image via Pixabay/Pexels

Both pilots and flight attendants are spending their summer making sure you get to your destinations safely, despite the changes in the aviation industry. “We do our best with the hands we are dealt daily. Kindness goes a long way,” they remind us.

Do you have any fun plans this summer? Let us know on Twitter which of these tips you’re going to consider when you book your next flight!

As a self-confessed fashion girlie, I have to say that I always like to feel good about my outfit from head to toe — even when I'm casually bumming it at the beach on vacation. Beach style is so unique with all its lovely straw and linen looks, so when I'm prepping for a day out in the sun like that, I especially love to have a fun — and practical — beach tote bag to feel prepared and put together. And while I'd love to have a designer special for every setting, finding these chic, beachy options on a budget always makes the look even sweeter. So I rounded up 9 beach bags that are fashion-forward, but still affordable so you don't have to panic when they get all sandy! Keep reading to see all of our chic cool-girl approved picks!

Shop Beach Tote Bags Here!

Gap X Love Shack Fancy Tote Bag

Love Shack Fancy is one of those brands that is absolutely killing the game at the moment. Everything they release is so on-brand and fun and this adorable tote bag is definitely just that! It's floral and fun and totally adorable! We love this affordable collab and think you should definitely grab it while it's still on sale!

BDG Urban Outfitters Mini Tote

A mini tote is perfect for all you ladies that only need the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, and a book or two. This bag fits just enough items and it's great that you don't have to lug around a huge bag. At $39, this bag is a steal and so cute!

Damson Madder Bon Appetite Bag

Damson Madder is another brand that has such a unique style that is so recognizable when you see it. This bag just encapsulates them as a brand and is the perfect beach bag. It can fit lunch (which is perfect since its print is food and the name is "Bon Appetite") and any other essential you'll need for the beach. Obsessed with this one!

LL Bean Boat Tote

The OG tote bag that is very on-trend recently because you honestly just can't beat a classic! I love the idea of monogramming this sweet bag with your initials or a cute phrase. This beach tote will never go out of style!

Staud Raffia Moon Bag

This one is more expensive than our previous, but I wanted to include it in case you're going straight from the beach to lunch or dinner. The shape is very on-trend at the moment and it's the perfect day-to-night bag! It looks so high-fashion and luxe with its simple yet unique shape.

Ganni Denim Tote

You can't do beach totes without including this iconic Ganni bag that's everywhere at the moment. I see so many pictures of this when I scroll on Pinterest. This one will definitely make you look like a cool-girl influencer that you see all over IG.

Aloha Splash Proof Sun Bag

This splash-proof bag is not only adorable, but also practical as well. It's simple yet fun — and is also super affordable at under $70! The perfect beach bag that will fit anything you need!

Carhartt Fruit Tote Bag

I'm loving printed bags at the moment, so here's another one to add to the list. Carhartt has been releasing so many good items and this is one that's currently on my wishlist! Whether you need it for the beach, the gym, or school — it will definitely work in a ton of different scenarios all-the-while looking extra cute!

Djerf Avenue Tote Bag

Djerf Avenue has been one of my favorite brands for years and this tote bag will really carry absolutely anything you need! It's massive and extremely durable plus the print is so cute! With this bag, you'll look like a Scandi-girl angel!

Looking for more awesome pick? Sign up for our shopping newsletter, and be sure to check out our Amazon storefront for more editor-approved products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Urban Outfitters.

Without a doubt, my favorite episode in all of television is the season seven finale of One Tree Hill. It's got all my favorite things: drama, intrigue, romance, and somehow, the episode also has all of my favorite songs from the show. This teen dramadoes an amazing job throughout its 10-year run of embracing life's beauty in the face of horror and, admittedly, unrealistic danger (remember when Nanny Carrie ran around a corn field with an axe? Because I sure do). And I'm not the only one who would love to see our favorite Tree Hill Ravens back onscreen. Chad Michael Murray and the rest of the cast do too!

What has Chad Michael Murray said about the One Tree Hill reunion?

In a Today Show interview for his new rom-com Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray talked about his dream One Tree Hill reboot plans, and how grateful he is for streaming. "I'm meeting 13, 14, 15-year old fans who are enamored by the show — they weren't alive when we started shooting!" he says.

"I feel like that show, it's needed," he continues. "They could do, like, a Tree Hill Generations and deal with all the trials and tribulations the youth are going through today, you know? Dealing with social media and discrimination and everything else that's out there in the world that we could bring to light so these kids could learn to say, 'Hey! I identify with this and that.' That's what was great about the show was everyone had someone to identify with.

Are Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton friends?

Image via Noam Galai/Getty Images for Netflix

Yes, Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton are still friends! Most recently, the actresses and activists showed up to the NYC premiere of our new TV show obsession: Girls5eva. Both women wore black blazers while Hilarie rocked knee high boots and a pop art purse, and Sophia paired her leather suit with strappy heels. I need these besties onscreen again ASAP!!

Will there ever be a One Tree Hill reunion?

Image via The CW/The WB

"I just can't see a world where something won't happen," Chad tells E! News. "Something will happen. Whether we get everybody together and do a live reading of the show, or we create a new fictional future episode, I don't know what it will be."

"If there wasn’t some sort of like spinoff or something, I would be so surprised," Barbara Alyn Woods says in an Entertainment Tonight interview. "Because we’re all on board, we’re all friends, it would be the most fun show anybody has ever been on."

"I feel very fortunate. Not only has the show had this major resurgence – I actually think it’s bigger now than it was when it aired," she continues. "We just need to keep going, this thing is not going to die."

I'd love to see what everyone's life looks like in 2023, especially all of the main characters' kids. It'd be like One Tree Hill: The Next Generation! Would Jamie still play basketball? Would Brooke's twins take an interest in design? I have so many questions.

Is there a One Tree Hill next generation?

Image via Fred Norris/The CW/The WB

The end of One Tree Hill sees our favorite Tree Hill Ravens happily celebrating a new chapter in life. They're all adults, and the majority of them are married with children! If we were ever going to get a One Tree Hill next gen, the series would probably focus on Jackson and Lydia (Nathan and Haley's kids), Sawyer (Lucas and Peyton's daughter), Jude and Davis (Brooke and Julian's twins), and hopefully Jenny (Jake's daughter from season one!).

Does the cast of One Tree Hill still talk?

Image via The CW/The WB

The cast has found other ways to celebrate the show, and their relationships. Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Bethany Joy Lenz (who played Brooke, Peyton, and Haley, respectively) host the Drama Queens rewatch podcast, while different members of the cast have teamed up for Christmas movies like The Christmas Contract and (my personal favorite) A Christmas Wish.

They also recently reunited for the show's 20th anniversary in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the show was filmed! "Got to hang out with some great humans this weekend," Austin Nichols (who played Julian) posted on Instagram. "Old friends. Old stories. Lots of laughs. And made a bunch of new friends. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!"

"I spent 6 years on OTH. I’ve spent 14 years celebrating what comes AFTER with these people," Hilarie Burton says in her Instagram post. "They’ve heard me. Healed me. Humored me. I’m just really really grateful that we get these magical little moments to be together."

Sophia Bush also celebrated with a simple, "Honestly? Obsessed with us." Me too, Sophia. Me too.

Will Mark Schwahn be involved in a One Tree Hill reunion?

Image via Angela Weiss/Getty Images

After the female cast members of OTHpublished a letter expressing they had been manipulated and harassed by creator Mark Schwahn, male cast members like Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty expressed their support for the women. The cast has since said they'd be open to doing a reboot — but it sounds like it's more likely to happen if Mark is not involved.

Where can I watch One Tree Hill?

Image via The CW/The WB

All episodes of One Tree Hill are streaming on Hulu now!

What would your dream One Tree Hill reunion look like? Let us know in the comments and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news!

Lead image via The CW/The WB

This post has been updated.


We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

Though you might not get summers “off” anymore, the season is a great chance to slow down a little, press the reset button, and carve out some time for yourself. What better way to do this than to book a visit to a wellness retreat? There are so many options available that include indulgent massage treatments, nourishing meal choices, and activities like hiking and forest bathing geared toward getting you more centered and reconnected with yourself. Here are a few of our favorites.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX

Photo: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Located just about 20 miles from downtown Austin, this lakeside all-inclusive wellness getaway feels much farther from the city than that. Your stay includes all meals, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks, including fresh juices and smoothies; access to the spa’s pools and relaxation spaces; wellness activities; and gratuity.

Photo: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Summer is a beautiful time to visit and enjoy full access to the resort’s watersports, such as hydrobikes, waterskis, wakeboards, and kayaks on secluded Lake Austin. Daily programming includes activities like lakeside yoga, guided hikes through private trails in the Texas Hill Country, Japanese sword classes, myofascial release in the water to help unwind those stubborn knots in your neck and shoulders, Tarot readings, and wine cruises.

Photo: Carly Diaz

The on-site spa’s [ comfort zone ] FACE SPAce is the first of its kind in the U.S., utilizing new specialty therapies to stimulate collagen and leave you glowing. Challenge yourself to a treatment that includes an outdoor cold plunge (this can be fun with friends) followed by a warm, soothing massage to fully relax. Then follow it up with a thoughtfully presented meal, such as heirloom tomato salad, whipped ricotta made with local honey, or Texas blackened redfish, served in the dining room or outside on one of the breezy patio spaces.

Mii Amo, Sedona, AZ

Photo: Douglas Friedman

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive wellness getaway that feels deeply meaningful, head to Sedona’s breathtaking Boynton Canyon, where the iconic spa Mii amo has recently reopened following a $40 million, two-year renovation. Here you’ll find 23 casitas with private balconies or patios, in-room kiva fireplaces and soaking tubs, as well as a new restaurant called Hummingbird.

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Daily guided meditations and special presentations and ceremonies (examples include a Summer Solstice Ceremony and Canyon Bathing) create an ideal environment to slow down and refocus.

Photo: Douglas Friedman

At the spa, beyond the typical massage and facial offerings, you’ll find a unique to Mii amo menu of services, including Chakra Balancing; Aura Photography; a Connection Ceremony that focuses on letting go of past hurts or welcoming in new beginnings; an Inner Quest including special ceremonial elements like braided sweetgrass and cedar/sage oil; and Intuitive Massage.

Photo: Mii Amo

The chef-created menu at Hummingbird includes items like salmon ceviche, duck breast, poulet rouge, and gluten-free and vegan selections, and there’s a juice bar serving a full slate of smoothies, juices, and wellness tonics.

Photo: K Hayden

Next door at neighboring property Enchantment Resort you’ll find additional amenities you can use while exploring the surrounding 400 miles of trails.

Canyon Ranch, Woodside, CA

Photo: Canyon Ranch

Secluded within 16 acres of majestic redwoods in Northern California, about an hour south of San Francisco, is the all-inclusive Canyon Ranch Woodside. There are additional locations in Tucson, Lenox (outside of Boston), and Las Vegas.

Photo: Canyon Ranch

If you find forest bathing appearling, this is the ideal wellness getaway for you. The resort celebrates its forest environs from its 24 luxury treehouse rooms that peek through the forest, to ropes courses and guided meditations that take place under the magnificent canopy. Locally sourced dining menus are served al fresco or in a cozy dining room and include afternoon tapas, colorful salads, and fresh salmon.

Photo: Canyon Ranch

Each day, Canyon Ranch offers dozens of mind-body activities including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, dancing, and free-flow abstract painting. Upcoming summer wellness presentations and workshops focus on themes such as “Wisdom of the Horse and Herd” equine therapy; “Activating Your Empathy and Intuition”; and “Find Your Purpose.” Spa treatments include Forest Aromatherapy Treatment and Hiker’s Retreat, designed to perk up your feet after a strenuous hike.

Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC

Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center

You can design your own stay at the Art of Living Retreat Center depending on your intentions. Customizable itineraries include silent retreats, wellness cleanses and detoxes, meditation-focused retreats, and happiness retreats. This summer, guest faculty will lead sessions on “Healing Through Feminine Practices,” “Trusting Our Transformation,” and “Experience the Divine.”

Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center

The spa offers Ayurvedic-informed treatments, including Eye Bathing, targeting relieving tired eyes with warmed ghee; Clear Breath Support with herb-infused oils to clear the sinuses; and a treatment to settle the nervous system, with warm oil poured into the ears. Round these out with soothing body wraps and massage treatments for the ultimate restorative experience.

Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center

Buffet-style meals are prepared with vegetarian, whole foods, and are informed by Ayurvedic wisdom, including selections like Jamaican Jackfruit Stew and Gado-Gado Peanut Sprout Salad. Each day, you can enjoy yoga sessions, nature walks, a fire circle, and there are additional class options such as pottery and Ayurveda cooking.

Hemlock Neversink, Neversink, NY

Photo: Sasithon Photography

The newest all-inclusive wellness resort on this list just opened in October 2023. Hemlock Neversink is situated on 230 acres of land in the Sullivan Catskills, about two hours northwest of New York City. Your stay includes all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, programming, and on-site amenities.

Photo: Clay Banks

The prix fixe menu at the on-site restaurant Bittersweet highlights plant-forward cuisine, including options like enoki mushroom and warm spinach salad and roasted cabbage or skirt steak.

Photo: Upland Creative

Enjoy spa treatments such as the 90-minute Return to Nature Ritual, which exfoliates with berry seats and white peat, then hydrates your skin with organic mushrooms, helichrysum blossoms, and berry oils. Then float while breathing in birch extract and other aromas.

Photo: Sasithon Photography

You’ll find a variety of workshops, yoga and meditation classes, and there’s even a goat sanctuary on site (you can go for a daily goat hike for some animal therapy), as well as tennis courts and hiking trails. This summer, nationally recognized guest instructors will teach classes and lead workouts on mat pilates and dance cardio in the honey-toned wood Movement Building, and in the Activity Building, do a Catskill honey and tea tasting, join a Shamanic drum circle, and make a vision board.

Main Photos: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

When Sydney Sweeney showed up to the Met Gala red carpet rocking a jet black bob, the entire Brit + Co team thought she was Billie Eilish — and I immediately started daydreaming about these incredible women playing sisters! We know from Anyone But You and SNL that both Sydney and Billie can balance humor and heart, and I am convinced they need to headline a sister comedy, like, right now. I asked AI to write the plot of a (very hypothetical, unconfirmed) Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie so, for now, we can daydream even more!

Billie Eilish And Sydney Sweeney's Sister Roadtrip Comedy

Image via Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Sister Vibes

In Sister Vibes, Sydney Sweeney would star as Ruby opposite Billie Eilish's Lily. These two sisters might have opposite personalities, but they're both at a crossroads in their lives. Ruby is a meticulous, Type-A oldest daughter who's always played it safe in the corporate job she hates. Lily is a free-spirited artist struggling to find her place in the world, and although she dreams of making it big, she's afraid of losing her authentic self.

Feeling totally stuck and unsure about their futures, the sisters decide to go on a big roadtrip to fulfill their desire for adventure. As they make their way across the country (snacks in-hand and roadtrip playlist at full volume), they learn more about their dreams, themselves, and each other than they could have hoped for. And it wouldn't be a comedy without a memorable cast of characters Ruby and Lily encounter along the way! Pedro Pascal? Ayo Edebiri? Lindsay Lohan? (It's a trick question because I want to see all of the above!)

In their journey, Ruby and Lily encounter mishaps, unexpected detours, and some seriously profound self-discovery. From mistaken identities and spontaneous dance parties to moments that take their breath away, Sister Vibes would capture the essence of what it's like to be a young woman in 2024 with authenticity and relatability.Through the ups and downs, Ruby and Lily's bond as sisters is tested, but it always comes out stronger on the other side.

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In this Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie, their characters discover that their greatest adventure is simply accepting who they truly are and supporting each other no matter what. As cheesy as that sounds — it's so important (and actually more difficult IRL than it sounds!).With its blend of comedy, heart, and vibrant wit, this contemporary comedy would celebrate the strength and resilience of women today. It explores themes of self-acceptance, authenticity, and the importance of meaningful connections in a digital age.

Would you see a movie starring Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney? Because I would be all over this! If you love daydreaming about your favorite stars in new movies, check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com!

Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/JC Olivera/Getty Images

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

When does Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 come out?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

We don't have an official release date for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 yet, so feel free to rewatch season 1 as many times as you want ;). Production *did* begin in January of 2024, and considering there was a year between the filming of season 1 and its release, it's safe to assume we'll see Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.

Who's in the Nine Perfect Strangers cast?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Hulu just announced that Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 will star Murray Bartlett from The White Lotus and The Last of Us, Annie Murphy from Schitt's Creek, and Christine Baranski from Mamma Mia. We'll also see Dolly De Leon, Aras Aydin, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, musician King Princess, and Lucas Englander. The latest additions to the cast include our AMC queen Nicole Kidman and A Simple Favor's Henry Golding, as well as Mark Strong and Lena Olin.

What is Nine Perfect Strangers about?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Nine Perfect Strangers season 1, which is based on the book by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty and stars Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Regina Hall, and Samara Weaving, follows nine strangers who meet at a health and wellness resort to unwind from the stress of city life. However, their 10-day retreat quickly spirals into something completely different — and a little more sinister — than they expected.

Will there be a season 2 for Nine Perfect Strangers?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Yes, we're getting a Nine Perfect Strangers season 2! Even though the show was supposed to be a limited series, it was so popular Hulu decided to announce the renewal in June 2023. Thank goodness.

How is Nine Perfect Strangers different from the book?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

There are some pretty big difference between Nine Perfect Strangers and its novel. It seems like they just wanted to up the ante for television viewers because the main differences are in the intensity of scenes or character traits, like Carmel being much more expressive than she is in the book, and the series cutting out a five-day silence. It's super cool to see how Hulu adapted this series — and since it's based on a single book, Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 will feature a whole new plot!

What does the ending of Nine Perfect Strangers mean?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Throughout the series, there are lots of themes of trust and whether or not we're actually able to find happiness as humans. The Nine Perfect Strangers ending during season 1 wraps it up perfectly by leaving happiness as a more open-ended concept full of hope — one that shows it's never outside the realm of possibility, even if it's not a definite guarantee.

Keep checking back here for the latest news on Nine Perfect Strangers season 2, and check out our TikTok for more pop culture news!

Lead image via Hulu