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3 stories · Edition of 2026-06-29 · Curated by AI at Invalid Date

BUSINESS

Free Sports Programs Offer Alternatives Amid Rising Costs

58d ago · Source: bbc

People across the United Kingdom are looking for ways to play tennis, football and cricket without paying as household budgets come under pressure.

Rising living costs have made participation in organised sport a financial concern for many families, especially in areas facing economic challenges.

Free programmes are available: the Lawn Tennis Association runs Saturday morning sessions, the Chance to Shine charity delivers street cricket sessions year‑round, and British Blind Sport offers Have a Go days for people with sight loss to try a range of sports at no charge. Football, boosted by the men's World Cup, still requires spending on kit, club fees and travel.

Simon Hayes, chief executive of Sport England, said record numbers of adults and children are active and that cost should never be a barrier to participation.

No central database lists all free sport activities, but numerous local campaigns aim to increase participation for physical and mental health benefits, and organisers expect demand to grow.

BUSINESS

Qantas to Launch Non-Stop London to Sydney Flight in 2027

Qantas announced that it will operate a non-stop London to Sydney service starting October 2027, with a flight time of about 22 hours.

58d ago · Source: bbc · 1 min read

Qantas announced that it will operate a non-stop London to Sydney service starting October 2027, with a flight time of about 22 hours.

The route would eliminate a stop in Singapore, using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft equipped with an additional fuel tank to enable the longer duration. The program, called Project Sunrise, began in 2017.

Qantas expects the flight to reduce total travel time by roughly four hours compared with the current one‑stop service. The airline will operate with about 40 percent of seats allocated to premium economy, business or first class. To mitigate health risks associated with extended cabin time, it will increase economy legroom and provide a wellness area where passengers can follow on‑screen stretching exercises. The higher fuel requirement will raise operating costs, and the fare is projected to be about 20 percent higher than the existing route. Some travelers, such as travel agent Karis Heemskerk, say the direct option saves time and avoids connection risk. Others, including frequent flyer Tom Gill, question the endurance of a 20‑hour cabin stay and the price premium. Analysts note the route targets premium and time‑sensitive passengers and represents a milestone in commercial aviation, though demand may remain limited. Qantas has faced recent setbacks, including a A$100 million consumer penalty in 2024 and a A$90 million fine in 2025 after a labor dispute, which contributed to a decline in its Skytrax ranking to 24th in 2024. CEO Vanessa Hudson said the company is focused on rebuilding trust through on‑time performance improvements and enhanced customer experience. The first of 12 A350‑1000 aircraft is scheduled for delivery in April 2026, after which the service will commence.

The upcoming flight will test the willingness of premium travelers to pay for ultra‑long‑haul travel and may influence future ultra‑long‑distance routes.

BUSINESS

World Cup Fans Report Frustration Over Tipping Practices in US

58d ago · Source: bbc

World Cup visitors in the United States have voiced frustration with the country's tipping culture, which adds significant expense to already high food and drink prices. In the United States, many servers and bartenders receive a base wage of just over $2 per hour and are expected to earn roughly 20% of the total bill in tips; in some states the minimum cash wage for tipped employees is as low as $2.13 per hour, with employers required to supplement earnings if tips do not meet state minimum wage standards. England supporter Geoff Pryor said he understood tipping for good service but found it odd to tip for a bottle of water, while Australian supporters Chris O'Flynn and Robert McNamara said high ticket prices and the need to tip have increased their overall costs, describing the practice as a culture shock. Japanese visitor Maiko Asahi said tipping made the already expensive meals unaffordable, and another Japanese fan noted that a $30 meal with a 15% tip could have bought another portion. Bar owner Chris Keller of a Brooklyn football bar reported that European tourists often tip poorly or not at all and has introduced a pre‑pay service charge for reserved customers to ensure staff compensation. Restaurant co‑owner Ann Calimano of Hurley's Restaurant & Bar in New York said conversations are sometimes needed when large parties leave without tipping, noting that service is not included in the price unlike in many European countries. While some operators, such as Wurstküche in Los Angeles, have kept suggested tip percentages between 10% and 20%, industry groups say the reliance on tips remains a core component of server income, and changes to wage structures or tip expectations may depend on future policy decisions.