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How to upgrade to first class without spending a ton of money

Editor's Note

For many travelers, flying in a first-class seat may seem like an unachievable dream reserved for the ultra-wealthy or business travelers who spare no expense. But in reality, there are many other ways to score a seat at the front of the plane without paying an exorbitant amount.

In many cases, there are even ways to upgrade to first class (or business class) without having elite status in an airline's frequent flyer program or paying the full cash or award retail price.

Admittedly, in these days of high travel demand , it's hard to guarantee a first-class seat without directly paying for it. However, with some luck, tips and strategy, there are options out there.

How to upgrade to first class without elite status

One of the easiest ways to score a first-class upgrade is to have elite status. Many airlines offer complimentary upgrades as a loyalty perk.

However, it's possible to snag an upgrade without paying full price, even if you don't have status.

Here are some strategies to consider.

Use miles to upgrade your economy ticket

One of the easiest ways for travelers without elite status to upgrade their seats to first or business class without paying the full cash price is by paying for the upgrade with miles .

This won't require elite status, but it does require you to have a decent stash of frequent flyer miles with an airline or credit card rewards points you've earned through your everyday spending.

Even casual flyers might be surprised at how many points and miles they can earn by charging their daily expenses to the right credit card; many of these points and miles can be transferred to airline frequent flyer programs and redeemed for travel, including upgrades.

For example, American Airlines will allow American AAdvantage members to use miles to upgrade tickets. You'll generally pay some miles and a fee for an upgrade.

Related: Best airline credit cards

As you might expect, upgrading to first class on a short domestic flight is much less pricey than moving to a lie-flat business-class seat on an overseas flight. The latter costs 25,000 miles plus $350 per traveler for upgrades to business class from standard economy seats.

You'll want to consider your miles' value before making the splurge. Per TPG's June 2024 valuations , 25,000 AAdvantage miles are worth $425. But remember, in this scenario, you'll need to also pay $350 in addition to redeeming miles.

That said, if you prioritize having a comfortable seat to sleep in during your overnight flight to Europe, using your miles for an upgrade can be a far better option than paying for a business-class ticket outright.

For example, a round-trip economy ticket from New York to Rome costs $1,171 versus $6,564 for a Flagship business-class seat.

An award ticket on the same round-trip itinerary costs a whopping 592,000 miles for business class.

Not many people have more than $6,500 to spend on one flight to Europe, and 592,000 miles is a hefty price to pay.

On the other hand, after purchasing an economy ticket, you may be able to upgrade it for 25,000 miles plus $350, one-way, if available. Regardless of the airline, before you wade too deeply into upgrade pricing, make sure the ticket you purchased is eligible for upgrades. On many airlines, restrictive basic economy tickets are not eligible for changes, including upgrades.

If you don't have 25,000 AAdvantage miles at the ready, a credit card welcome bonus could help get you there. Right now, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) is offering new members an impressive 100,000 bonus miles for cardholders who spend $10,000 in their first three months with the card. The card carries a $595 annual fee but includes sizeable perks like an Admirals Club membership and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application statement fee credit.

Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles

Upgrade through your credit card travel portal

There are credit card rewards programs that will help members upgrade their flights. Some American Express cardholders can use their American Express Membership Rewards points (or pay) to upgrade a flight on an airline with which Amex partners.

To look into an upgrade, you'll need to make the request through your Amex Travel account.

Airlines that partner with Amex include Air Canada (Star Alliance), Qantas (Oneworld), Aeromexico (SkyTeam) and Etihad, among others.

Get help from a friend or family member with elite status

You can still receive some airline elite perks without personally having elite status. Some airline programs like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan will allow their members to spread the wealth of their elite status to family and friends.

Those with Alaska MVP Gold status or higher receive four one-way guest upgrades for every year they gain or maintain their status. They can spend the upgrades on their travel companions or when their guest travels without them.

There are some rules around space availability and other factors to consider. Still, if your friend or a family member has status with an airline such as Alaska Airlines or United Airlines, they may be able to help you get upgraded without spending any money.

Bid for an upgrade

Even if you don't have any miles saved up or have never been a frequent flyer, you may still be able to fly in first class without breaking the bank.

Some airlines will send out an invitation to bid for an upgrade if they expect some empty premium seats on a flight. These invitation texts or emails allow you to bid for a seat in the next available cabin. If you have some miles stashed, some airlines, like Australian carrier Qantas, will also allow you to submit a bid composed of miles and cash.

Not all routes are eligible for upgrades, and other restrictions may apply. Rules will vary by airline, but most will have a suggested bid and a minimum amount you'll need to offer. Keep in mind that many airlines restrict you to bidding for one class of an upgrade, so you may need to be booked in premium economy (if it's available on your flight) in order to score a business-class seat via a winning bid.

Buy a discounted upgrade

The cash price to upgrade to first class can decrease if the airline doesn't expect to sell all seats at the full fare. Many airlines would rather get some revenue for the seat than none at all.

If you notice low demand for your desired seat as the travel date approaches, see if you can scoop up an upgrade at a discounted cash rate.

While the price will vary, it never hurts to check. Look at your upcoming flight reservations every now to see what the airline is listing as the cost to upgrade your seat with cash.

Ask about first-class upgrades at the check-in counter

Unfortunately, the price for a first-class seat often doesn't drop. However, it never hurts to ask about a last-minute upgrade.

Airlines make more money from filling their first-class seats, so next time you're feeling a little spendy, you can ask at the ticket or boarding counter if there is any availability at the front of the plane. You may even find the extra cost is lower than expected, especially when factoring in any fees you'd otherwise have to pay for add-ons like checked bags.

How to upgrade to first class with elite status

Unsurprisingly, getting upgraded to first class with elite status is much easier. Many airlines offer complimentary upgrades as a perk of elite status. The exact process differs from one airline to the next, but often, the higher-tier status you have, the more luck you'll have.

That means that unless you're a higher-level elite member, you may be low on the waiting list for an upgrade.

However, you can try additional tricks to position yourself in a premium seat.

Purchase instant First Class Upgrade tickets with Alaska Airlines

While many airlines will upgrade elite status members one, two or a few days before departure, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan's elite members can buy certain fares that qualify them for an immediate upgrade.

When booking a trip like the one pictured below, you will see four fare options instead of the typical two Main and first-class fares after checking your elite status in the fare type column to the left.

The Premium Class Upgrade option is for an extra legroom seat, whereas the First Class Upgrade option is for the airline's first-class cabin.

By purchasing an upgrade fare, you'll be eligible — pending availability — for an immediate upgrade instead of waiting until the days before your flight for your upgrade to clear.

How do you know if there's availability? Look for the "F" symbols by the flight details. A navy blue "F" square means there is availability on that particular flight; a white "F" square means there isn't.

You'll be placed on the upgrade waitlist if you don't buy an immediate upgrade-eligible fare.

Use your upgrade certificates with Delta Air Lines

Delta SkyMiles , Delta Air Lines' frequent flyer program, features four published Delta Medallion elite tiers : Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion. All come with perks, including the chance to receive complimentary upgrades to first-class seats.

Access to unlimited, free upgrades to first class comes standard with Delta Medallion elite status, but Delta's upgrade process is still complex. You can increase your chances of being upgraded on Delta by being a higher-tier Platinum or Diamond Medallion member.

Members in these two elite tiers receive upgrade certificates known as Global Upgrade Certificates and Regional Upgrade Certificates. If upgrade space is available, these certificates can be cleared as soon as you book your ticket.

Like many airlines, Delta has certain fares that are not eligible for complimentary upgrades through Medallion status.

Use PlusPoints for priority upgrades with United Airlines

United has a complicated revenue, award and upgrade class system that can be confusing for even experienced flyers.

Luckily, TPG has made it easier to understand United's system with this comprehensive guide to United fare classes .

All United MileagePlus Premier members are eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades on eligible fares and routes, but only Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members receive PlusPoints .

Using PlusPoints, high-tier Premier members can confirm their upgrades long before their flight. Premier Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints when reaching status, and Premier 1K members receive 280 PlusPoints when they earn or retain their status.

The screenshot below shows United's PlusPoints pricing breakdown for upgrades. For instance, it takes 40 PlusPoints to move from economy to Polaris business class on a long-haul flight.

Generally, you should reserve PlusPoints for long-haul Polaris flights to get the best value for your points. However, sitting up front is always better than in the back, regardless of the route. This is especially true if you have points set to expire soon, as it's best to use them for any first-class option rather than let them go to waste.

Instead, whether you are on a business-class cash fare or a redemption, look out for upgrade offers in your inbox before the flight during online check-in, or ask at the check-in desk at the airport.

While the upgrade cost is likely four figures, it could be worth it to experience some of the best products in commercial aviation.

Related: Swiss first class review: Is it worth paying $1,000 to $2,000 to upgrade?

Bottom line

Whether you want to treat yourself once or increase the number of times you sit up front, getting upgraded to first class is possible and feasible.

From cashing in miles for an upgrade to winning the upgrade lottery with a cash bid, there are several ways to snag an upgraded seat without spending much money, including with elite status or the right credit card. Even those without elite status can score a prime seat in the front of the plane with careful planning.

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Traveling is not just a means of transportation, it's a way of life. It's about experiencing new places, cultures, and embracing the joy it brings. And now, you can do all of this with a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. With our exclusive travel packages, you can travel with class and indulge in the finest comforts, all within your budget. We believe that happiness lies in the little moments, and what better way to create those moments than by exploring the world? So, pack your bags and embark on a journey filled with adventure and serenity. Let travel be your escape, your source of inspiration. It's time to unwind, create memories, and enjoy life to the fullest.

How can I begin to describe my time with Via Class... It was simply life-changing! I always imagined that Brazil would be a breathtaking destination, but thanks to Via Class, I was able to not just experience the culture, but have once-in-a-lifetime memories. I got so much more than I ever anticipated from my holiday. - James Carl

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Why Travel With Your Class | Rustic Pathways

Traveling with your students enables students to put into practice the concepts they’ve learned in the classroom and challenges them to step outside their comfort zones..

Why Travel With Your Class

Traveling with your students is one of the most important things you can do as an educator. An educational travel experience not only enables students to put into practice the concepts they’ve learned in the classroom, but it also challenges them to step outside their comfort zones and helps them develop skills, habits, and mindsets closely associated with future success.

Students who travel with their teachers and peers report feeling happier and more engaged at school. They also perform better academically and interpersonally than their peers. According to results from the survey, ‘Travel Improves Educational Attainment & Future Success” students who travel:

• Are more engaged—80% thought educational travel sparked greater interest in what they were learning in school.
• Are more successful in school—More than half of students who traveled achieved better grades.
• Are more likely than their peers to pursue higher education opportunities—57% of people who traveled as children went to college.
• Are more likely to earn higher wages—Adults who took domestic education trips during their youth earned 12% more than those who didn’t.

In addition to the positive changes you’ll see in your students after taking a group trip together, traveling with them will benefit you as an educator in many ways as well.

You’ll get to see your teaching outcomes in action, which can help you improve the way you present specific lessons and concepts in the classroom.

A group trip will also strengthen the rapport between you and your students. You’ll find that a shared travel experience builds trust among your students, as well as between you and them, which will lead to a more cohesive––and productive-–classroom environment when you return home.

Hear from educators are who have traveled with their students to find out exactly why you should, too.

• Traveling with Students: 5 Benefits for Teachers
• Traveling for Free is the Teacher Perk You’ve Been Waiting For
• Connecting Your Curriculum to Global Experiences

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal.

• I flew 22+ hours in Turkish Airlines ' business class and stopped at its Istanbul airport lounge.
• The food on my flights and in the airport lounge really blew me away.
• I had a great experience and found my seats to be comfortable, too. 

I love flying in business class, but I don't often buy my seats outright because they can cost four figures.

I like upgrading to business class by booking flights using frequent-flyer miles and credit-card points. If that's not your thing, good news: Some data suggests flying business class is slightly cheaper than it was a few years ago (even though economy airfare costs are rising).

Recently, I used points to book a business-class flight with Turkish Airlines from the Maldives to Los Angeles. If I'd booked with cash, the one-layover flight would've cost me more than $4,690.

Here's what it was like spending more than 22 hours traveling in business class with Turkish Airlines.

The check-in process was extra fast because I was flying business class.

The hotel I stayed at in the Maldives had a representative at the Velana International Airport who helped me walk through security.

This was a huge bonus, and even better, business-class passengers had their own line for security.

The check-in and customs process went quickly for me, though I passed economy travelers waiting in a long check-in line.

After making it through security, I had access to an airport lounge.

The Turkish Airlines lounge in the Maldives had plenty of items available for breakfast, including pastries and sandwiches.

I didn't eat anything because I knew Turkish Airlines would have delicious food on the flight, and I always overeat when flying business class.

My seat was in the front row of the business-class section.

This leg of the flight was on an older Boeing 777-300, with seats in a two-three-two configuration.

I was excited to get the business-class amenity kit.

Turkish Airlines partnered with the luxury fashion house Ferragamo for its business-class toiletry bags filled with products such as recycled-plastic earplugs, an eye mask, Ferragamo toiletries, and a wheat-straw toothbrush.

I also received comfy socks and slippers. During the flight, many passengers, including me, removed their shoes and put on the provided slippers.

After settling into my seat, a flight attendant came by with a selection of juices and lemonade.

My first meal was a solid selection of appetizers.

I enjoyed the set appetizer plate I got that featured local delicacies such as smoked beef, cheeses, olives, a fruit salad, a raspberry smoothie bowl, homemade apricot jam, and butter.

I chose a Turkish specialty for the main course, and it didn't disappoint.

The main course was the homemade Turkish-style börek , a layered pastry with spinach and potato. It was nicely flaked and savory with creamy potato.

So far, the flight had been eight hours and 15 minutes. I went to sleep right after my meal.

About two hours before landing, the lights came on, and I got another meal.

This time, I got a selection of Turkish meze. For my main, I chose the grilled-chicken brochettes with bulgur, tomato, and peppers. The chicken was smoky and tender.

For dessert, I had a mascarpone and passion-fruit tart.

Then, I had a 16-hour layover at Istanbul Airport.

I had the option of leaving the airport and staying at a hotel provided by Turkish Airlines. Instead, I headed to the private Turkish Airlines airport lounge .

I quickly saw why the lounge has a prestigious reputation.

This Turkish Airlines business-class lounge is often listed as one of the world's best airline lounges , and it was easy for me to see why.

It's a sprawling space measuring 60,000 square feet with ample seating, eateries with chefs, resting rooms with beds, and even shower facilities.

The lounge was easy to enter and leave.

To get in and out of the lounge, I just scanned my boarding pass.

This eliminated the annoying wait I sometimes encounter at check-in counters when there's a rush of customers at airport lounges.

Even the baggage storage area of the Turkish Airlines lounge looked stunning.

The area for baggage storage was eye-catching, stylish, and smart.

The transparent storage containers seemed to make it even easier to find your bag if you forgot your locker number.

The bathrooms were incredibly spacious, too.

The lounge bathrooms were large, with tons of hand-washing stations. They were never crowded, and I rarely saw anyone inside other than an attendant.

Well-lit vanity areas with seating were also nice additions to the bathrooms. They seemed like good places to reapply makeup or fix hair.

During my long layover, I even took a shower.

Showers are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the lounge.

I didn't wait in line when I showered at about 5:30 a.m. It was refreshing to shower in the airport after a long day of traveling.

Above all, the food options in the lounge blew my mind.

The wildest part of the layover was the food: I'd never seen anything like it at an airport lounge.

I passed at least five live cooking stations in the lounge, many of which featured Turkish specialties. I even saw someone making pastries from scratch.

A coffee station had a barista making drinks to order.

The lounge had various coffee drinks available to order and an impressive selection of Turkish teas. I recommend trying the Turkish coffee , of course.

I ate so much while I waited.

I ate constantly (probably every 30 minutes I was awake) during my layover just because there was an overflowing abundance of food.

The salad bar was well-stocked and I especially enjoyed the stations serving traditional grilled meats. The Turkish beef patty I ate was perfectly cooked, and I got it hot off the grill.

After eating, I found a reclined lounge chair and napped through the night.

Eventually, I headed to the second leg of my flight.

I was excited to board my flight's longer, 13-hour leg on the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

I had my own plush, private window seat, and no one was seated next to me as I headed from Istanbul to Los Angeles.

Breakfast was my favorite meal on this flight.

I boarded at 7 a.m., and breakfast service started shortly after takeoff.

I'm not usually a huge fan of yogurt, but it was gorgeously displayed on my plate I ate every bite. For my main entrée, I selected the eggs Benedict, which was OK, but the eggs seemed overcooked.

Before the lights turned down in the cabin, a flight attendant came to make my bed.

The best part of business class is undoubtedly the lie-flat seats that can be customized to any incline.

For turn-down service, a flight attendant added a mattress pad and a velvety blanket to my seat.

Again, I enjoyed even more food.

Turkish Airlines really stands out for its food offerings, in my opinion.

I really enjoyed selecting appetizers from a meal cart of options. On this flight, I chose the Caesar salad, shrimp salad, roasted eggplant, and cauliflower soup. I especially enjoyed the savory soup.

For my main entrée, I ordered a pasta dish with shrimp, which was heavily cheesed to my liking.

Overall, Turkish Airlines really impressed me — especially when it came to food.

I loved the flight, especially the last leg with the plush seats. The meals I ate throughout my travel journey were impressive, and I can see why the airline has been nominated for several food awards .

I would fly with Turkish Airlines again and revisit its Istanbul lounge just to eat.

• Main content

Why Should Your Family Fly Business Class on Your Next Vacation?

T raveling with family is an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, discovery, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. Whether you’re exploring a new city, soaking in the sun at a beach resort, or trekking through the mountains, the journey can be just as impactful as the destination. One way to elevate your travel experience from start to finish is by flying business class. This may sound like a luxury reserved for business travelers, but there are compelling reasons why it could be a game-changer for family vacations too. Here, we’ll dive into six benefits of choosing business class for your next family getaway.

Enhanced Comfort and Space

Traveling can be exhausting, especially when you’re with young children or a larger family group. Business class offers a level of comfort and space that can significantly reduce travel fatigue. Seats in business class often convert into flat beds, providing a perfect spot for children (and parents!) to nap and arrive refreshed.

The additional space allows families to stay together without feeling cramped, making it easier to attend to children’s needs without disturbing fellow passengers. This comfort extends beyond seating to include priority boarding and extra baggage allowances, easing the usual stresses of family travel.

A Memorable Part of the Vacation

For many, the journey is just as important as the destination. Flying business class makes the travel itself a memorable part of the vacation. From gourmet meals that cater to various palates and dietary needs to the high-quality in-flight entertainment options, every member of the family can find something to enjoy.

Plus, the art of bucket list ticking involves more than just visiting dream destinations; it’s about embracing each moment of the adventure. Business class enhances these moments, turning a simple flight into an exciting part of your family’s world exploration.

Streamlined and Stress-Free Travel Experience

Navigating airports and managing logistics can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling with a family. Business class access typically includes priority check-in, security lanes, and boarding processes, which streamline the entire airport experience. This means less time waiting in lines and more time enjoying the airport amenities or simply resting before a flight.

Families particularly appreciate the access to business lounges, which provide comfortable seating, refreshments, and sometimes even play areas for children. To learn more about how to easily find the best airlines to book business class tickets with, there are dedicated websites that specialize in this type of travel. These resources are invaluable in planning a smooth and enjoyable family vacation, ensuring that every aspect of your trip meets the highest standard of comfort and convenience.

Improved In-Flight Service and Amenities

When flying business class, the level of service and the range of amenities available are significantly upgraded. Flight attendants are often more available and attentive, able to offer personalized service that can make a big difference when traveling with children.

From providing kid-friendly meals to quickly addressing any needs or concerns, the crew in business class can help ensure that your family’s journey is comfortable and enjoyable. Also, amenities like noise-canceling headphones, larger personal entertainment screens, and complimentary comfort kits can enhance the overall flight experience for each family member, making the time fly by in comfort.

Educational Opportunities for Kids

Traveling is an educational experience for children , offering lessons in geography, culture, and history. Business class enhances this educational journey with in-flight entertainment options that often include a wide range of languages, documentaries, and global music selections.

Some airlines also provide interactive games that teach kids about the destinations they are visiting or general educational topics. This immersive environment encourages curiosity and learning in a relaxed setting, making the education process enjoyable and a natural part of the travel experience.

Health and Safety Considerations

Health and safety concerns are paramount, especially when traveling as a family. Business class offers a more secluded environment, often with fewer passengers and more space, reducing exposure to potential illnesses.

The enhanced cleanliness protocols in business class, including more frequent sanitization of surfaces and the availability of additional hygiene amenities, contribute to a healthier travel environment. Also, the ability to recline fully and sleep in a bed-like setting allows for better rest, which is crucial for maintaining health, particularly during long-haul flights.

Choosing to fly business class for your next family vacation can transform your travel experience from a routine journey into an integral and enjoyable part of your holiday. Business class travel supports a smoother, more enjoyable travel process, allowing your family to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to explore. Investing in business class tickets could be the difference in making your next family vacation not just good, but spectacular.

Feature photo credit:https://unsplash.com/photos/shallow-focus-photography-of-people-inside-of-passenger-plane-tTfDMaRq-FE?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash

Qantas passenger with rare disorder ‘humiliated’ after being downgraded from business class to accommodate staff member

Varsha anjali.

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A passenger living with a rare condition was told she was being downgraded from business class, despite her medical needs.

THREE KEY FACTS

• A woman living with a rare disorder was waiting in the airport lounge for her flight when she was told she couldn’t keep her business class seat
• She says she feels humiliated by the airline
• Qantas says that it “should not have happened” and has apologised to the passenger

A Queensland woman who can only fly business class due to a medical condition said she was humiliated and in tears after Qantas asked her to give up her seat to accommodate its crew.

On June 3, Donna Carlson intended to go to Cairns on flight QF710 to visit her daughter - who she hadn’t seen for a year - after accumulating frequent flyer points for a seat in business class.

She was already at the business class lounge at Brisbane Airport when she made the difficult choice to cancel the booking, the Courier Mail reported.

Staff made arrangements for a wheelchair and took the Toowoomba local to the flight lounge before initially telling her that the flight had been oversold, Carlson claims. She said she was given three options: downgrade to economy, take an alternative flight - or cancel and get a refund.

The problem was that Carlson has Type 3 Achalasia - a rare medical condition that affects the oesophagus and ability to swallow - and she made the booking for business class to cater to her medical needs.

Carlson said that she has no choice but to eat through a feeding tube and the extra space in business class lessens the likelihood of the tube dislodging. She also needs to be close to the toilets.

“I was left sitting outside the service desk outside the business class lounge feeling distressed and completely humiliated,” she told the Courier Mail.

“I hadn’t seen my daughter for a year and I was really excited to be going to Cairns and I was in tears because of the frustration of being told by Qantas that they had overbooked the flight and nobody could help me.”

She added that flying business class is not a choice, but a medical need: “Business class is the way I have to travel.”

The passenger’s husband, Brian Carlson, lashed out at the airline following the booking ordeal.

He told the Courier Mail : “What we’re upset about, annoyed about and to be honest, angry about is that she was chosen when other passengers could have been chosen

“All the airlines oversell flights, but they picked the one passenger who couldn’t be downgraded.”

A Qantas spokesperson said in a statement when approached for comment by the Herald : “We understand how upsetting this experience must have been for Ms Carlson and have apologised. It should not have happened.”

The airline added that the flight was not oversold. The seat was required for technical crew who were required to travel at short notice for operational reasons.

It’s not the first time the Australian carrier has faced backlash this year.

Last month Qantas apologised to another Queensland passenger after telling him that his medical certificate did not qualify for their compassionate fare refund rules.

In February, an angry traveller accused the airline of providing an “inedible” breakfast .

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Global Insights: GSDM Class of 2024 International Elective Externship Participants Shared Travel Stories

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GSDM students, faculty, and alumni traveled to three countries over the last academic year as part of the school’s International Elective Externships, to provide dental care to communities with little to no access to preventative care.  

 Participating students gained valuable hands-on experience through offering a range of much-needed dental procedures to vulnerable communities. The students from this year’s trips to Nicaragua, Panama, and Honduras shared their experiences during an informational session on April 25.  

“This year, we are very excited to have a group of students who are very equally represented GSDM and the dental profession and had a huge impact on our global partners,” said Dr. Michelle Henshaw SPH 96 DPH 07, GSDM associate dean of global & population health. “Hopefully, the programs had a wonderful impact on them as well and they really wanted everyone to hear about these experiences.”   

Mary Morcos DMD 24, along with Henshaw, Grace Christianson DMD 24, Pryscilla Acosta DMD 23, and Dr. Breno Reboucas, GSDM director of predoctoral pediatric dentistry and clinical associate professor of general and pediatric dentistry, traveled to Nicaragua in April to work with Superemos , a non-profit foundation devoted to education and training programs for low-income families in Estelí, Nicaragua.   

The team worked with local dental students to treat pediatric patients up to the age of six. Their treatment plans included fluoride application, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application, Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART), and extractions as needed.  

Morcos said one of the important lessons she learned from the trip was to never assume anything. She first thought the team would be doing more extractions, but they mostly did preventative and restorative work—mainly because the program has been applying fluoride and emphasizing oral healthcare for years.   

“The success of mission trips is the consistency to that mission trip,” Morcos said. “Because this program has been established for a couple of years, we were actually able to discuss the development of oral health in that region with those pediatric patients. It was such a rewarding experience seeing those smiles on these children and being appreciated over there by all the faculty, the students, all of the parents.”   

Julian Munoz DMD 24 traveled to Panama in January with Shelby McCormick DMD 24 and Frank Casarella DMD 88 and spoke about working with the organization NEVOSH (Northeast Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity).  

Munoz said the team worked in a pop-up clinic that saw patients, some of whom had not received dental care since the last time NEVOSH visited Panama, which was in early 2020. Munoz said most of the treatment was for acute dental pain from non-restorable teeth, which led to oral surgery.   

The team saw close to 400 patients during their trip, with Munoz and McCormick seeing up to 12 patients a day each—a significant increase from what they are used to in the GSDM Patient Treatment Center.   

“It was very fulfilling to be able to get [patients] out of pain and leave them healthier than how we found them,” Munoz said. “It was really eye-opening to see some of these patients traveling hours and hours, multiple bus rides, or even on foot from outside the region just to line up.”   

Mahnoor Mahmood DMD 24 talked about her experience traveling to San Marcos, Honduras, in March with Cape CARES , a Honduran nonprofit humanitarian organization for Central American relief efforts. Mahmood said she worked with a group of doctors, nurses, dentists, and other volunteers in a rural clinic. She was primarily doing dental extractions and providing oral hygiene education to local schools. She saw around 20 patients a day ranging from four years old to 90 years old.   

“I really enjoyed the trip,” Mahmood said. “I did an extraction [for one patient], and after the extraction he was like, ‘Thank you so, so much for coming here and serving the community here. God bless you and everything.’ It touched my heart.”   

GSDM was unable this year to send students to Teacapan, Mexico, with Project Stretch , a non-profit of dental professionals dedicated to providing dental services to children in need. However, Jennifer Soncini DMD 02, GSDM clinical associate professor of general and pediatric dentistry, had participated in a previous trip with the organization and shared her experience with providing broad-based dental health education, preventative services, and fluoride rinse programs. Soncini said she hopes GSDM will be able to resume these trips in the future.   

“I would love for students to actually be part of this,” Soncini said.   

By  Rachel Grace Philipson

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These Are the Best Airlines in the World, According to Skytrax

No U.S. airline came in the top ten.

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Qatar Airways is known for its excellent service and top-of-its-class business suite, and now those have helped propel the carrier to become the overall best airline in the world.

The designation, which was granted by airline rating organization Skytrax , puts Qatar on top of the world’s best carriers at the company’s 2024 World Airline Awards. The Doha-based airline also took top honors for having the best business class (its Qsuites are legendary), having the best business class lounge , and being the best airline in the Middle East.

This is Qatar’s eighth time winning Skytrax’s airline of the year award.

“This award is a testimony to our relentless commitment to providing unparalleled service and innovation,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the highest level of excellence.”

Last year’s winner, Singapore Airlines, came in at No. 2 on the list this time, but took the top spot for having the world’s best cabin staff, having the best first class suites, and being the best airline in Asia. Emirates, Japan’s ANA All Nippon Airways, and Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways rounded out the top 5 airlines in the world.

While no airline from the United States cracked Skytrax’s list of the top 20 carriers in the world, Delta Air Lines did come in as the best airline in North America as well as took the honor of having the best airline staff service for the region. 

Fellow United States carrier Allegiant Air was named the best low-cost airline in North America. This was a first for the carrier.

And Star Alliance , which counts carriers like United Airlines, Air Canada, and Lufthansa among its members, was named the best airline alliance.

In addition to awarding airline props, Skytrax also recognizes airports. This year, the organization named Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, as the best airport in the world , and called Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) the cleanest . 

This is the full list of the top 20 best airlines in the world, according to Skytrax: 

• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• ANA All Nippon Airways
• Cathay Pacific Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• Hainan Airlines
• British Airways
• Fiji Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Etihad Airways
• Saudi Arabian Airlines

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