Jesse Singer articles

Everyone knows about that famously sticky Seattle spot—but surprise: it has a twin. Turns out, the U.S. has not one, but two tourist-approved gum alleys where walls glisten with decades of chewed-up history. Gross? Maybe. Iconic? Definitely. Let’s take a look…

You plan the perfect trip, choose seats side-by-side, and even pay extra to make sure your kids aren’t stuck next to strangers. Then, you board—and suddenly you’re five rows away from your seven-year-old. How is this even allowed? It’s happening more often than travelers realize—and the rules may surprise you.

You planned ahead, did what some airlines ask of larger travelers, and booked two seats. But once you boarded, you noticed something frustrating: the plane was half empty. All around you, people are stretching out with empty seats beside them. So why can’t you just get refunded for one of those seats you bought? Well, maybe you can.

It’s a situation far too many passengers recognize: a bag that fits the official sizer at check-in somehow becomes “too big” at the gate. And when that happens, it seems like there’s really very little to do but hand over a credit card and a sigh. But is that the case? Why is this happening—and what are travelers’ options?

It finally happened. One airline has quietly introduced a fee for something as basic as reclining your seat—and travelers are furious. But that might just be the beginning. Industry insiders warn the next wave of “comfort fees” could actually see parents having to pay extra just to sit beside their own kids.

From sky-high rent to grocery bills that hit the wallet hard, these are the places where your paycheck stretches the least. Using fresh 2025 data we've gone ahead and ranked the 25 most expensive countries to live in, each with key cost-of-living indicators.

Ever searched for a flight, only to see the price jump the next time you looked? Or wondered why your neighbor got tickets on the same flight for 20% less than you paid? You’re not imagining it. Airlines track more than you think—including clues hidden in your email address. Turns out, your inbox might be revealing more about you than you realize.

With new policies already rolling out and more coming in 2026, those overhead bins might soon cost you more than just elbow room. Something big is shifting above our heads—and it’s about to hit travelers right where it hurts: the wallet.

Rising costs, stagnant wages, and growing debt have made it harder than ever for Americans to stay financially afloat. But depending on where you live, your odds of going broke might be much higher than you think.