Trunk Bay, located on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has been acclaimed the world’s best beach in this year’s ranking of the top 50 global beaches. Described as the “quintessential Caribbean paradise” by the 50 Best Beaches panel, Trunk Bay stands out for its exceptionally soft sands and the crystal-clear, tranquil waters that resemble a natural pool.

Rising from sixth place in 2023, Trunk Bay’s prominent feature is its situation within the Virgin Islands National Park. This protected status ensures the absence of noisy commercial activity and large constructions, providing visitors with unspoiled sandy stretches to enjoy.

The beach’s geography also plays a crucial role in its appeal, shielding it from the trade winds and ensuring the waters remain calm, perfect for swimmers.

The 2024 list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches was compiled from the votes of over 1,000 travel influencers and professionals, along with contributions from numerous Beach Ambassadors. Beaches were evaluated on eight criteria, including the consistency of idyllic conditions, accessibility into the water, tranquility of the waters, crowd levels, ambient sounds, the preservation of the natural environment, and visible wildlife.

Tine Holst, co-founder of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, expressed that the 2024 list “reflects the extensive efforts of our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and the World’s 50 Best team in exploring beaches worldwide.” She added that the list aims to encourage travelers to explore off the well-trodden path and discover the planet’s most breathtaking and serene beaches.

Notably, Trunk Bay topped the list, followed closely by Italy’s Cala Mariolu and Meads Bay in Anguilla, which also received high praise this year.

The Biden administration has unveiled regulations that will require airlines to issue automatic cash refunds for canceled flights, enhancing consumer protections. Announced on Wednesday, these rules also mandate the early disclosure of additional fees, such as for checked baggage, during the booking process, benefiting travelers nationwide, including those from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The new regulations simplify the refund process for airline passengers, who previously faced challenges in recovering their money for canceled or significantly changed flights. According to the Department of Transportation, any domestic flight change over three hours or an international flight adjustment exceeding six hours will now be considered significant enough to warrant a refund.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the importance of these regulations, stating, “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them—without headaches or haggling.” This update aims to resolve the ambiguities that intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic, a period marked by frequent changes in flight schedules.

In addition to refund clarifications, the new rules require upfront disclosure of potential extra charges, such as baggage and change fees, by airlines and travel vendors. This initiative is part of President Joe Biden’s broader strategy to eliminate unexpected “junk fees” in various sectors, an effort he emphasized in his previous State of the Union address.

The trade association Airlines for America, which represents major airlines, acknowledged that its members typically surpass existing consumer protection norms. However, the organization recognized that refund-related complaints increased during the pandemic, though they have declined recently.

Furthermore, passengers who cancel their travel plans due to government-imposed travel restrictions or health advisories related to serious communicable diseases will be entitled to travel credits or vouchers.

These new measures from the Department of Transportation are slated to be implemented within the next six months, ensuring greater transparency and fairness in airline consumer interactions.

Betsaida Santos-Torres, the esteemed customer service supervisor at Bohlke International Aviation, recently received the distinguished “Above & Beyond” award from Aviation International News (AIN). This accolade highlights her exceptional contributions to the aviation industry.

The award originates from the annual AIN FBO Survey, which gathers insights from pilots worldwide, rating fixed-base operators (FBOs) on their service quality and overall performance in the preceding year.

William Bohlke, CEO of Bohlke International Aviation, celebrated Santos-Torres’s achievement, reflecting on her integral role in upholding the company’s high standards of customer service. “This accolade recognizes not only Betsy’s outstanding dedication but also our collective commitment to excellence. Her leadership and the unwavering professionalism of her team ensure top-notch service for our visitors,” he remarked.

Santos-Torres, who is approaching her ten-year anniversary with Bohlke in July, has consistently demonstrated her dedication to customer service. She is involved in coordinating with airport staff to maintain safe operations and strives to provide efficient and courteous service to flight crews and passengers. Her efforts were previously recognized in 2020 when she received the National Air Transportation Association Customer Service Representative Award.

Expressing gratitude, Santos-Torres shared, “It’s always a joy to serve our clients at Bohlke, and I am committed to exceeding expectations at every opportunity. I am thrilled to share this honor with my wonderful team and extend thanks to all our clients who made this possible.”

The AIN FBO Survey assesses around 4,500 FBOs globally, and Santos-Torres was among 62 customer service representatives acknowledged for their outstanding service this year.

Founded in 1959, Bohlke International Aviation is a key player in Caribbean aviation, offering a robust charter jet fleet and exceptional service that blends efficiency with Caribbean warmth. The company supports various sectors including the U.S. military, corporate, and private aviation, and operates facilities in San Juan and Ceiba, Puerto Rico.

For further details on the AIN FBO Survey results and more about Bohlke International Aviation, please visit www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-04-01/above-beyond-fbo-survey-2024.