12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):

Wednesday, March 27
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,229,271 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 26. One year ago on the same day: 2,039,138. (TSA)

2 California airports lead nation in fare hikes
Long Beach tops the nation with a 16% jump to an average $373 fare. Still, that’s the 20th-lowest cost for flights among the 143 tracked. The airport continues to struggle with the exit of the low-cost airline JetBlue. Passenger counts were up 11% last year but were 6% below pre-pandemic 2019. The No. 5 for fare-hike rankings was Hollywood Burbank, up 10.5% to $347 (No. 131). Passenger counts were up 2% last year, putting activity 1% above 2019 levels. Orange County Register

 

Haiti’s Sunrise Airways said it will resume flights to Miami this week
Haiti’s Sunrise Airways, which launched services to Miami International Airport last October, said it will resume operations on Monday. The airline said they will operate flights three days this week out of Cap-Haïtien, a city north of Port-au-Prince. CBS Miami

 

Tour group of 33 stranded kayakers, including children, rescued from cave on Tennessee lake
A group of 33 kayakers consisting of adults and children were saved after being stranded inside a cave on a Tennessee lake, according to authorities. The Haletown Volunteer Fire Department responded to the Nickajack Cave Wildlife Area near Chattanooga on Monday around 8:42 p.m. for “a mass water rescue,” the department said in a Facebook post. USA Today

 

Boeing just pulled a classic corporate America move and promoted a woman to clean up its mess
Boeing named Stephanie Pope the new CEO of its commercial airlines division on Monday. The promotion is part of a gendered pattern researchers identified years ago: the “glass cliff.” When male leaders have led a company into a crisis, they’re often replaced by women. BI

 

Boeing needs to be led by engineers, time is not on its side, Emirates Airline president says
“To fix Boeing’s issues the company needs a strong engineering lead as its head coupled to a governance model which prioritizes safety and quality,” said Tim Clark, the president of Emirates Airline. Aviation analysts and former Boeing employees have criticized the company’s reported sidelining of engineers in its senior management ranks. CNBC

 

Utah coach says team had to switch hotels after racist attacks in Idaho town
City officials in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, were outraged after learning the University of Utah’s women’s basketball coach said her team had to switch hotels after being racially harassed. The team was staying in town for the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Washington. NBC News

 

Splendour in the Grass cancelled as Australia faces ‘serious crisis’
“No one has any money,” another said. “That is why it was cancelled. Festivals like Splendour often have varied lineups so they bring in a wide crowd, but that model doesn’t work anymore, because people can’t afford to go to a festival to see three or four acts they like.” Yahoo

 

Cruises canceled following Carnival Freedom fire during busy spring break season
Two cruises have been canceled this week during the busy spring break travel season, following a fire on the Carnival Freedom  the second on the ship in less than two years. “Regrettably, the damage is more than we first thought and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral,” a Carnival spokesman told Fox Business. Fox Business

 

Air India fined for pilot duty violations
India’s aviation regulator has hit Air India with a fine of more than $95,000. It adjudged the flag carrier breached pilot duty regulations. The airline violated Flight Time Limitations rules. The rules govern the allowable working hours for pilots and their minimum required rest periods between flights. Travelmole

 

A Delta flight was cut short after a panel behind one of the engines fell off during takeoff
A Delta Air Lines flight over the weekend was cut short and the plane returned to Salt Lake City after a panel behind one of the two engines fell off during takeoff. The Airbus A330neo jetliner left for Amsterdam on Sunday but got only as far as the Montana-North Dakota boundary before turning back and landing in Salt Lake City three hours later. AP

 

Person killed after being shoved in front of New York City subway in unprovoked attack   
A 24-year-old man was arrested Monday night and charged with murder after pushing another man to his death on the subway tracks at a station in East Harlem, the police said. The attack by the man, Carlton McPherson, was unprovoked, officials said. It took place at the 125th Street and Lexington Avenue station at 6:48 p.m., when Mr. McPherson shoved the man in front of an oncoming No. 4 train, officials said. The conductor was unable to stop the train in time to save him, the police said. NBC

 

Tuesday, March 26
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,601,077 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 25. One year ago on the same day: 2,383,816. (TSA)

Baltimore Key bridge collapse: Search on for at least 6 missing
A cargo ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, destroying the span in a matter of seconds and plunging it into the river in a terrifying collapse that could disrupt a vital shipping port for months. Six people were missing. The ship’s crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, enabling authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span, Maryland’s governor said. AP News

 

Is Canada’s Flair Airlines about to go bust?
Just six weeks ago there were rumors that Canadian ultra low cost carrier Flair would be acquiring local rival Lynx. Lynx ceased operations a month ago. Soon Flair may not be around at all either? Flair operates 18 Boeing 737s and turns 20 next year. It operates to 10 Canadian destinations, along with destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. There have been signs of trouble for awhile. They were sued for missing lease payments on their planes which were repossessed a year ago. They’re behind in taxes. View from the Wing

 

United SFO flight delayed for 17+ hours, FAA increases oversight
A United Airlines flight departing from San Francisco International Airport to Aspen, Colorado, was delayed for over 17 hours, according to the airline’s website. The United flight was initially scheduled to depart SFO to Aspen on Friday, March 23 at 4 p.m. The flight was then delayed for 15 hours due to unknown issues. After the initial 15-hour delay, the flight was then delayed for another two hours. NewsNation

 

Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia will finally be completed in 2026
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona will finally be finished in 2026, more than 140 years after construction started, officials have confirmed. The construction of the last of six towers will mark the completion of the structure of the basilica, the organization responsible for managing the site announced last week. CNN

 

Mystery rise in infection with 30% fatality rate sweeps Japan
There has been a massive surge in cases of a life-threatening form of bacterial infection in Japan that has left officials investigating the cause of the increase. The nation’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) has recorded a significant rise in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) predominantly caused by the bacteria that causes strep throat and impetigo—Group A Streptococcus. Newsweek

 

8-year-old girl found dead in Houston hotel pool pipe; autopsy, investigation underway
Police in south Texas are investigating after a missing 8-year-old girl was found dead over the weekend in a pool pipe at a Houston-area hotel. A Houston Police Department spokesperson confirmed the girl’s death took place on Saturday at the DoubleTree Hotel on the city’s northwest side. The business is on U.S. Highway 290 about 14 miles from downtown Houston. MSN

 

Delta Air Lines sued after 13-year-old girl sexually assaulted
A 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on a Delta Air Lines flight in 2022. Passenger Brian Patrick Durning was sentenced to five years in prison in late September. A lawsuit filed last Monday says Delta didn’t restrain him and allowed him to roam around the cabin. Business Insider

 

Plans for private San Francisco-Los Angeles overnight sleeping car service revived
The company seeking to start a luxury sleeping car train between downtown San Francisco and Los Angeles Union station says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Union Pacific “formalizing the parties’ negotiations toward a comprehensive final agreement” to begin operations by 2025. Trains

Workers at 34 Southern California hotels will see their pay rise by $10 an hour in new labor contracts
Workers at 34 Southern California hotels hailed new labor contracts Monday that will boost wages by $10 an hour over four years, ending months of protests and rallies for thousands of employees. The cooks, room attendants, dishwashers and others represented by Unite Here Local 11 were part of a massive labor strike that has seen more than 10,000 workers at 53 hotels stage walkouts, protests and picket lines since the labor action began on July 1, 2023. Daily News

 

Hotel room shampoo bottles to be banned in Northern Ireland but not in the rest of the UK
Hotel room shampoo bottles could be banned in Northern Ireland but not in the rest of the UK as a result of a change in EU rules. Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit deal, the Windsor Framework, means it continues to follow some EU laws, including rules on packaging. From 2030 the EU intends to ban some single use plastics including miniature toiletry products provided by hotels. The Stormont Assembly could ask the government to veto the law change. BBC

 

 

United becomes first airline to add new, larger overhead bins to Embraer E175 aircraft
United Airlines announced today that it is installing new, larger overhead bins on its Skywest operated Embraer E175 fleet that will provide more room for passengers’ roll aboard carry-on bags. These new bins will be available on 50 aircraft with a 76-seat configuration by the end of this year. United may expand the E175 larger overhead bins offering to more than 150 aircraft by the end of 2026. United.com

 

Monday, March 25
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,744,927 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 24. One year ago on the same day: 2,522,600. (TSA)

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to step down
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun will step down at the end of the year, the company said in an announcement Monday. The move comes amid fallout from a high-profile safety failure onboard an Alaska Airlines flight in January, when a door plug blew out of Boeing’s 737 Max 9 aircraft while the plane was in flight. ABC News

 

FAA warns of air travel disruptions in path of April 8 eclipse
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of disruptions in air travel before, during and after the total solar eclipse April 8. The unique total solar eclipse will bring a path of totality across 13 U.S. states when the moon “totally” blocks the sun, leaving the sun’s outermost layer — the corona — visible to the naked eye.  The Hill

 

France raises security risk to highest level months before Olympics
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal increased the country’s official security threat designation Sunday evening to its highest level of “emergency attack.” The heightened security risk assessment came after President Emmanuel Macron convened a National Defense and Security Council meeting Sunday to discuss the Friday attack on a Moscow concert hall. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, and U.S. officials have drawn the same conclusion. The Hill

 

Airbus says it’s ‘not happy’ about issues at rival Boeing
Airbus CFO Thomas Toepfer told CNBC the French planemaker was “not happy” about the issues facing U.S. rival Boeing. Boeing is under huge scrutiny and facing a reputational crisis after a door plug blew out of one of its 737 Max aircraft mid-flight. Toepfer said the situation had made Airbus “obsessed by the thought” of ensuring it does not happen on one of its own aircraft.  CNBC

 

Delta eliminates Sky Club customer service desks in new 2-airport trial
The next time you need assistance in a Delta Sky Club, you may have to wait in the same line as everyone else. That’s because the Atlanta-based carrier is eliminating the customer service desks at two of its newest Sky Clubs as of March 25. This change will begin Monday at Delta’s lounges at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The Points Guy

 

FAA says future United projects ‘may be delayed’ due to increased oversight
The Federal Aviation Administration warned Saturday its increased oversight of United Airlines — after a string of nearly a dozen incidents on flights this month — may mean the troubled airline will have to put some of its future plans on hold. “Due to recent safety events, the FAA is increasing oversight of United Airlines to ensure that it is complying with safety regulations; identifying hazards and mitigating risk; and effectively managing safety,” an FAA spokesperson said in a statement. “Certification activities in process may be allowed to continue, but future projects may be delayed based on findings from oversight.”  CNN Business

 

Passenger on European cruise goes overboard, disappears after texting wife he felt seasick
A 23-year-old passenger on a cruise around Northern Europe went overboard and is missing after reportedly sending his wife a message that he felt seasick. The man went missing from the MSC Euribia on March 17, two days after disembarking from the port city of Southampton on England’s south coast, a spokesperson for MSC Cruises told Fox News Digital in a statement. The cruise line believes the man intentionally went overboard. Fox Business

 

Carnival Cruise ship catches fire while at sea
The Carnival Freedom ship caught fire on Saturday near the Bahamas after passengers reported a lightning strike on the boat during a thunderstorm. Carinal Cruise Line said the crew reported a fire on the port side of the ship’s exhaust funnel around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, sailing to Freeport after being unable to dock at Princess Cay due to weather conditions. Fox Weather

 

Boom’s first test flight could signal the return of supersonic air travel
Aviation startup Boom Supersonic took a major step today toward its goal of returning commercial supersonic aviation to the skies, after the company’s prototype aircraft, the XB-1, left the ground for the first time this week. The short, subsonic flight over the Mojave Desert came years later than expected, but it shows that Boom is at least still making progress. The XB-1 took off Thursday at 7:28AM PT, reached a maximum altitude of 7,120 feet, and a top speed of 246 knots (283 mph). It landed 12 minutes later at 7:40AM.  The Verge

 

Ready, steady, eau! Paris waiters race returns to French capital
Trays of coffee and croissants were held aloft around Paris today in a revival of one of the city’s traditional spectacles – a race involving waiters and waitresses from its famous cafes. Judges at the end check the amount of liquid that has spilled during the contest, which allows only brisk walking. The event began in 1914, but has not been held since 2011 due to lack of sponsors. It has been brought back in the run-up to the Paris 2024 summer Olympics. BBC

 

Northern lights predicted in US and UK on Monday night in wake of solar storms
Solar eruptions are sending a stream of particles towards Earth, creating spectacular auroras in both hemispheres. The aurora borealis – in the northern hemisphere – will be potentially visible on Monday night in the US as far south as the midwest. The northern lights, more commonly associated with northern Europe, could also be visible in northern Britain. The Guardian

 

 

10 Things in Travel You Need to Know This Week (March 17-24)

JetBlue cuts routes spanning LAX, South America
JetBlue is scaling back service in Los Angeles and cutting other routes. The carrier is charting a path after its failed acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The airline is under increased pressure to reduce expenses and return to profitability after activist investor Carl Icahn disclosed a nearly 10% stake last month and won two board seats. CNBC

 

Passengers of Alaska Airlines flight receive FBI letter identifying them as victims of possible crime
Passengers of the Alaska Airlines flight that was forced to make an emergency landing when a door panel fell off midair have received a letter from the FBI identifying them as victims of a possible crime. Flight 1282 was on its way from Oregon to California Jan. 5. with 177 people onboard when the incident occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration announced an investigation into Boeing days later. NBC News

 

FAA to take a closer look at United after a series of incidents
The Federal Aviation Administration will take a closer look at safety at United Airlines after a string of nearly a dozen incidents this month, the airline said in a memo Friday. “Over the next several weeks, we will begin to see more of an FAA presence in our operation as they begin to review some of our work processes, manuals and facilities,” United said in a memo to employees obtained by CNN. The review means an “even closer look at multiple areas of our operation to ensure we are doing all we can to promote and drive safety compliance.” CNN

 

Federal officials will review how major airlines protect passengers’ personal information
Federal officials said Thursday they will review how airlines protect personal information about their passengers and whether they’re making money by sharing that information with other parties. The U.S. Department of Transportation said its review will focus on the 10 biggest U.S. carriers and cover their collection, handling and use of information about customers.  CBS News

Two Holland America Line crew members die in onboard ‘incident’ in Bahamas
Two Holland America Line crew members died on the line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship on Friday. The deaths occurred following an “incident in an engineering space” around 9:20 a.m. while the ship was calling at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, according to a spokesperson for the line. USA Today

Arkansas airport executive killed in shootout was under investigation for weapons sales
An executive for the Little Rock, Arkansas, airport who was killed in a shootout with federal agents this week had been under investigation over gun sales, search warrant records unsealed Thursday show. Bryan Malinowski, 53, who was executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, was shot after he opened fire at federal agents who arrived to serve a warrant Tuesday morning, officials said. NBC News

Delta removes non-ticketed passenger from flight in Salt Lake City
A non-ticketed passenger was reportedly removed from a Delta Air Lines flight set to take off from Salt Lake City earlier this week after trying to hide in two of the plane’s bathrooms, a report says. Fox Business

United Airlines CEO responds to string of safety incidents that have rattled passengers
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is seeking to reassure passengers after a string of safety incidents raised concerns. In a letter sent out early Monday to United customers, Kirby said the incidents, though each unrelated, had caught the company’s attention and “sharpened [its] focus.” NBC News

 

Alaska Airlines launches subscription service for early alerts on big sales
Alaska Airlines has created a new subscription-based service that it says will provide perks for regular flyers and price conscious consumers. Alaska Access is a $5-per-month service that allows users to receive various travel benefits for frequent flyers, including a monthly voucher for in-flight Wi-Fi, advanced alerts for major fare sales and a personalized calendar filled with the lowest fares for your favorite destinations. KTLA

 

Cool new United feature notifies you if your preferred seat becomes available
United Airlines’ mobile app has long been one of the best in the industry, and it’s getting even more useful with this new feature. Beginning Friday, March 22, travelers will be able to sign up for seat notifications and get automatically moved if their preferred seat is not available at the time of booking, as confirmed by a United spokesperson. The Points Guy

Saturday, March 23
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened TSA DOESN’T UPDATE ON WEEKENDS people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 21. One year ago on the same day: 2,451,051. (TSA)

FAA to take a closer look at United after a series of incidents
The Federal Aviation Administration will take a closer look at safety at United Airlines after a string of nearly a dozen incidents this month, the airline said in a memo Friday. “Over the next several weeks, we will begin to see more of an FAA presence in our operation as they begin to review some of our work processes, manuals and facilities,” United said in a memo to employees obtained by CNN. The review means an “even closer look at multiple areas of our operation to ensure we are doing all we can to promote and drive safety compliance.” CNN

Two Holland America Line crew members die in onboard ‘incident’ in Bahamas
Two Holland America Line crew members died on the line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship on Friday. The deaths occurred following an “incident in an engineering space” around 9:20 a.m. while the ship was calling at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, according to a spokesperson for the line. USA Today

Alaska Airlines launches subscription service for early alerts on big sales
Alaska Airlines has created a new subscription-based service that it says will provide perks for regular flyers and price conscious consumers. Alaska Access is a $5-per-month service that allows users to receive various travel benefits for frequent flyers, including a monthly voucher for in-flight Wi-Fi, advanced alerts for major fare sales and a personalized calendar filled with the lowest fares for your favorite destinations. KTLA

 

Some US schools cancel classes ahead of April 8 solar eclipse to ensure safety
Many schools across the U.S. are rethinking their class schedules for April 8, 2024 —  the day a solar eclipse will hit North America. The eclipse’s line of totality — the areas where the sun will experience total coverage — will span 15 states, according to NASA. The eclipse route will travel from Mexico, arching northeast from Texas to Ohio before reaching Canada and going back into Maine. Fox News

 

Cool new United feature notifies you if your preferred seat becomes available
United Airlines’ mobile app has long been one of the best in the industry, and it’s getting even more useful with this new feature. Beginning Friday, March 22, travelers will be able to sign up for seat notifications and get automatically moved if their preferred seat is not available at the time of booking, as confirmed by a United spokesperson. The Points Guy

 

United Airlines to open club at Salt Lake City airport
It’s not all Delta anymore. Club United is right around the corner. The Salt Lake City International Airport has plans to install a 6,700-square-foot space on concourse B that will house a new club for United Airlines. The club will be part of a 16-gate expansion slated to open in coming years and will be located at the far-east end of the concourse, where the Chicago-based airline will operate five gates. sltrib.com

 

Norwalk CT’s DoubleTree Hotel demolition begins
Located at 789 Connecticut Ave, the DoubleTree hotel foreclosed in 2018. Costco Wholesale Corporation bought the property for $14.5 million on Aug 11, 2023, according to city property records. In February, Norwalk’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved Costco’s plans to expand its parking garage and build a new tire center, but with conditions, including adding solar panels, to which Costco objected. The Hour

 

Court orders Dutch government to rein in noise pollution at busy Amsterdam airport
A Dutch court has ordered the government to do more to cut noise pollution at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. It said the government has systematically put the interests of the aviation sector above those of people who live near Schiphol Airport one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs. EuroNews

 

 

SAS wins bankruptcy court approval on airline’s debt restructuring
Scandinavian airline SAS AB won bankruptcy court approval on a debt restructuring funded by a $1.2 billion investment anchored by Air France-KLM and private equity firm Castlelake LP. Judge Michael Wiles said Tuesday in a Manhattan hearing that he’d approve SAS’s restructuring plan pending final technical changes to his court order. The decision clears SAS’s path to exit Chapter 11 after the airline sought court protection in July 2022 in the wake of a substantial revenue drop caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, pilot strikes and fierce competition from lower cost carriers. Bloomberg

 

‘I would happily fly any Boeing aircraft’: Experts say travelers should feel safe flying
“We don’t have to worry that there’s something systemically wrong with aviation,” Clint Balog, an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University told USA TODAY. It’s been a year of heightened tension around air travel. A series of high-profile incidents has spotlighted safety at airlines and manufacturers, leading many travelers to wonder if flying is still the safest way to get around. USA Today

 

Get ahead of travel disruptions with TripIt Pro Risk alerts
Whether it’s an airline pilot strike, a sudden snowstorm, or a technology outage, travel disruptions happen. And when they do, it’s helpful to know about them as early as possible so you can pivot your travel plans quickly—and save valuable time, money, and peace of mind. Introducing: Risk Alerts—the newest notification from TripIt Pro. TripIt

 

There are more laser strikes against planes than ever
The number of laser strikes against planes hit another record last month, according to new data obtained by Gizmodo. And the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would like Americans to get the message that it’s not just dangerous for people on the ground to shine lasers into the cockpits of passing aircraft, it’s illegal and can land people in prison with stiff sentences. Quartz

Friday, March 22
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,677,627 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 21. One year ago on the same day: 2,451,051. (TSA)

Airline CEOs seek meeting with Boeing directors to address production problems
Boeing’s biggest U.S. customers are taking their frustrations directly to its board of directors. A group of airline chiefs recently requested a meeting with Boeing’s board to express concern over the Alaska Airlines accident and production problems that have upended the industry’s plans, people familiar with the matter said.  WSJ

 

Federal officials will review how major airlines protect passengers’ personal information
Federal officials said Thursday they will review how airlines protect personal information about their passengers and whether they’re making money by sharing that information with other parties. The U.S. Department of Transportation said its review will focus on the 10 biggest U.S. carriers and cover their collection, handling and use of information about customers.  CBS News

 

Hijacked public transit bus crashes into L.A. Ritz-Carlton
A man with a BB gun allegedly hijacked a Metro bus early Thursday morning, causing multiple collisions with other vehicles before the bus eventually crashed into a hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The incident occurred around midnight when officers responded to a report that a Metro bus on Line 2 had been hijacked at gunpoint, Metro officials confirmed in a statement. KTLA

 

Arkansas airport executive killed in shootout was under investigation for weapons sales
An executive for the Little Rock, Arkansas, airport who was killed in a shootout with federal agents this week had been under investigation over gun sales, search warrant records unsealed Thursday show. Bryan Malinowski, 53, who was executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, was shot after he opened fire at federal agents who arrived to serve a warrant Tuesday morning, officials said. NBC News

 

Passengers of Alaska Airlines flight receive FBI letter identifying them as victims of possible crime
Passengers of the Alaska Airlines flight that was forced to make an emergency landing when a door panel fell off midair have received a letter from the FBI identifying them as victims of a possible crime. Flight 1282 was on its way from Oregon to California Jan. 5. with 177 people onboard when the incident occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration announced an investigation into Boeing days later. NBC News

 

Canadian woman shot dead outside convenience store in Mexico
Mexican police have identified the woman as Gabriele Schart, saying she died in a shooting on Saturday in Querataro, which is in Central Mexico. They say she and a friend were outside a convenience store when they were reportedly approached by alleged armed criminals who shot them after demanding their belongings. Global News

 

Disney reveals name and theme of new ship
Disney Cruise Line has revealed first details of its new ship under construction. It will be named Disney Destiny and is slated for a 2025 launch. The ship celebrated its keel laying this week at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The third Triton-class ship will have a distinctive heroes and villains theme, DCL says. Travelmole

 

British Airways cabin crew fired for racist video mocking Asian passengers
Two British Airways cabin crew have been fired after sharing a racist video of them “imitating Asian passengers” to their Instagram stories. In a screen recording posted to TikTok by @jadenguyen_2, Holly Walton was filmed by Lauren Bray making slant-eyed gestures and using a Chinese accent to say “Give me wine”. The Independent

 

Solar eclipse warning issued to millions of drivers
Motorists hoping to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse have been warned not to be distracted by the spectacle while on the road, as officials fear the event could cause a spike in accidents. “Don’t watch the eclipse while driving, and don’t stop on the interstate or highway shoulder,” Shailen Bhatt, the Federal Highway Administrator, said in a briefing on Friday. “Please, plan ahead to arrive early and, if you can, stay put to avoid traffic congestion.” Newsweek

 

Travis Kelce has spent over $1m on private jets while dating Taylor Swift
Aviation specialist at Cirrus Aviation Services, Michael Giordano confirmed that the private flight from the US to Argentina likely cost around the $300,000 mark and that the leg from LA to Sydney would often be priced at $340,000 for a 10-seat jet. The Independent

 

Japan Airlines plans to acquire 42 jets from Airbus, Boeing
Japan Airlines is buying a total of 42 airplanes from Airbus and Boeing to be delivered over the next decade as it seeks to expand its full-service and low-cost carrier businesses and limit carbon emissions. Japan Airlines said Thursday that it planned to acquire 10 787 jets from Boeing and 32 jets from Airbus comprising 21 A350-900 and 11 A321neo planes. WSJ

 

Thursday, March 21
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,407,238 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 20. One year ago on the same day: 2,203,488. (TSA)

Boeing Max 737 under scrutiny again after FAA proposes inspections for possible wiring flaw
In December 2021, the flight crew of a 737 Max 8 jet descending on autopilot from the skies somewhere over the United States momentarily lost control when it “rolled violently to the right” without warning, the plane’s captain recounted. The first officer acted fast, disengaging the autopilot, and recovered control of the airplane — all within about a second. The plane landed safely with no other problems. NBC News

 

Boeing 737 Max: The passengers boycotting the embattled airplane
Ed Pierson was flying from Seattle to New Jersey in 2023, when he ended up boarding a plane he’d never wanted to fly on. The Seattle resident booked with Alaska Airlines last March, purposefully selecting a flight with a plane he was happy to board – essentially, anything but a Boeing 737 Max. CNN

 

Southwest Airlines reaches tentative contract agreement with flight attendants union
Southwest Airlines on Wednesday announced a tentative agreement with its flight attendants union on a new contract that will impact nearly 20,000 cabin crew members. Union representatives have demanded higher pay and better work rules under the terms of any new contract. The previous contact came up for renewal in 2018. Fox Business

 

Airport executive shot in firefight with federal agents at his home in Arkansas
The executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, was shot Tuesday as federal agents arrived at his home to serve a search warrant, police said. Bryan Malinowski, 53, the airport’s executive director, was injured during a firefight after 6 a.m. as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrived. NBC News

 

Delta removes non-ticketed passenger from flight in Salt Lake City
A non-ticketed passenger was reportedly removed from a Delta Air Lines flight set to take off from Salt Lake City earlier this week after trying to hide in two of the plane’s bathrooms, a report says. Fox Business

 

Boeing forecasts big losses after the Alaska Airlines incident
Boeing will report a massive loss in the first quarter stemming from the Alaska Airlines door plug blowout on January 5, Chief Financial Officer Brian West said at an investor conference Wednesday. The beleaguered company said its commercial airplane unit’s operating profit margin would plunge to around -20%. That would be the biggest loss margin at the Boeing unit in two years, since the company had been forced to halt deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner because of other quality issues at that time. CNN Business

 

Boeing’s woes could mean higher airfares for U.S. travelers
Boeing’s production woes could lead to higher airfares and fewer flights for travelers to choose from. The aviation giant is experiencing production delays as it grapples with the fallout from a Jan. 5 emergency on an Alaska Airlines flight, including addressing manufacturing and other operational defects. That is delaying aircraft deliveries for carriers including United Airlines and Southwest Air Lines. CBS News

National Park Service sued over cashless entry at parks, historic sties across US
Three Americans are suing the National Park Service over the agency’s refusal to accept cash payments to enter parks across the U.S. The Americans − from California, New York and Georgia − filed the lawsuit earlier this month in federal court in Washington, D.C., saying that the park service is violating federal law by not allowing guests to pay cash to enter various parks, monuments and historic sites. USA Today

 

Margaritaville is closing for good on the Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is about to be a lot less chill. After more than 20 years on the Las Vegas Strip, the Margaritaville restaurant is closing, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The beach-themed restaurant that looks out onto the Strip from the Flamingo Las Vegas will close on April 15. Eater Vegas

 

Now arriving at J.F.K.: Ponies from Iceland and dogs from the West Bank
When the cargo plane touched down on the tarmac at Kennedy International Airport on Friday afternoon, a cacophonous barking could be heard coming from the hold. Maad Abu-Ghazalah stood on the runway below, anxiously waiting. There were exactly 69 dogs onboard, all from his shelter in the West Bank. The hold opened and a set of eyes caught his through a crate door: It was Lucas. The New York Times

 

It’s a boy! Athens zoo welcomes birth of rare pygmy hippo
A rare and endangered pygmy hippopotamus has been born in Athens’ Attica Zoological Park for the first time in 10 years, delighting conservationists. A lack of male pygmy hippos in captivity had complicated breeding efforts, so zoo staff were “absolutely thrilled” the baby was a boy, Noi Psaroudaki, the zoo’s wildlife veterinarian, told Reuters.

Wednesday, March 20
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,197,909 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 19. One year ago on the same day: 2,038,001. (TSA)

JetBlue cuts routes spanning LAX, South America
JetBlue is scaling back service in Los Angeles and cutting other routes. The carrier is charting a path after its failed acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The airline is under increased pressure to reduce expenses and return to profitability after activist investor Carl Icahn disclosed a nearly 10% stake last month and won two board seats. CNBC

 

FAA wants inspections of Boeing Max planes for wiring flaw that could lead to ‘loss of control’
In December 2021, the flight crew of a 737 Max 8 jet descending on autopilot from the skies somewhere over the U.S. momentarily lost control when it “rolled violently to the right” without warning, the plane’s captain recounted. The first officer acted fast, disengaging the autopilot, and recovered control of the airplane — all within about a second. The plane landed safely with no other problems. NBC News

 

Boeing doesn’t have a choice but to fix safety issues, FAA chief warns
Boeing doesn’t have a choice but to improve its safety standards following a series of high-profile errors that have caused increased scrutiny of the aviation corporation’s practices, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Whitaker told NBC News in an interview Tuesday. NBC News

 

Unticketed passenger removed from Delta flight in Salt Lake City
The FBI is investigating after a man authorities say was an unticketed passenger was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight at Salt Lake City International Airport Sunday morning. According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, officers arrested Wicliff Fleurizard, 26, of George, Texas, who was removed from Flight 1683, which was to head for Austin. CBS News

 

Suicide attempt forces London flight diversion
A London-bound flight had a medical emergency just minutes before making its descent due to a suspected suicide attempt by a passenger onboard. As the EVA Air flight from Bangkok began its descent, cabin crew were alerted to a passenger in the toilet. The unnamed passenger was assisted by crew and an off-duty paramedic who suspected a passenger suicide attempt. The flight landed safely at London Heathrow. Travelmole

 

These are the world’s happiest countries in 2024
Finland is once again the world’s happiest country. That’s according to the annual report that marks the United Nations International Day of Happiness on March 20. The report draws on global survey data from people in more than 140 countries. Countries are ranked on happiness based on their average life evaluations over the three preceding years, in this case 2021 to 2023. The report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an editorial board. CNN

 

Harry Potter steam train service suspended
A steam train that appeared in the Harry Potter films has been suspended in a wrangle over safety regulation. West Coast Railways (WCR) has been challenging demands for central locking systems to be fitted to carriage doors on its Jacobite service. WCR said it had suspended the service while it sought an exemption to the rules from rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). BBC News

 

Face mask effectiveness: What science knows now
When the COVID-19 pandemic took off in 2020, so too did questions over the effectiveness of wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of the virus. Now, three and a half years later, what does the science say? In an interview for 60 Minutes, CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook posed that question to Linsey Marr, a Virginia Tech University professor specializing in aerosol science. CBS News

 

Daily step count of 9,000 to 10,000 may count
In good news for office workers, a new study from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre (Australia) has found increasing your step count may counteract the health consequences of too much sedentary time each day. The study of over 72,000 people, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found every additional step up to around 10,000 steps a day was linked to reduced risk of death (39 percent) and cardiovascular disease (21 percent) regardless of how much remaining time was spent sedentary. EurekAlert!

 

What Survival Skills Should I Teach My 5 Year Old?
Help keep the littlest hikers in your group safe by teaching them these basic wilderness survival skills. When young explorers hit the trail with their joyful curiosity, parents are prepared for the occasional skinned knee or “carry me!” demand, but perhaps not the worst-case scenario. Even if the hike is short or familiar or seemingly straightforward, things could go awry in an instant despite our best efforts.  Weather Channel

 

He always felt he needed a vacation from his life in Chicago. So he retired at 40 and moved into a $110,000 house in the Philippines with his wife.
Corey Fraser, 42, moved from Chicago to the Philippines with his wife, Rachel, in 2022. He put together a six-year plan that led him to retire early and build a $110,000 house near the sea. “I was comfortable every month having more than I would need in the Philippines,” he said. BI

 

 

Tuesday, March 19
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,570,427 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 18. One year ago on the same day: 2,414,648. (TSA)

French finance minister says he’d hesitate to board a Boeing jet
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire waded into treacherous diplomatic territory by declaring he’d hesitate to fly on a Boeing Co. aircraft because he values his life. “I now prefer flying in Airbus over Boeing — my family too, they care about me,” Le Maire said at the Europe 2024 conference in Berlin on Tuesday, addressing Airbus SE. Bloomberg

 

Nearly 100 students, teachers, chaperones from Southern California elementary school stranded at LAX
A large group of students, teachers and chaperones were stranded at LAX on Monday after their flight was delayed for several hours. The students, all fifth graders from Paradise Canyon Elementary School in La Cañada, were supposed to leave L.A. for Philadelphia early Monday morning, but according to the school’s principal, they were told by American Airlines that the flight would be delayed until at least 5 p.m. KTLA

Singapore jails Chinese national for Taylor Swift concert chicanery
Wu Zhihong tried to trick security officers into believing a 20-year-old who paid him US$417 had a valid concert ticket, the court heard. But the ruse failed after Wu was spotted shoving the younger man through a turnstile gate and attempting to distract a guard using his phone. SCMP

 

Ohio mother who left toddler alone when she went on vacation sentenced in child’s murder
An Ohio woman whose toddler died after she left her alone for more than a week while she went on vacation was sentenced to life in prison without parole Monday, the Cuyahoga County prosecutor said. Kristel Candelario, 32, pleaded guilty in February to aggravated murder and endangering children in connection with the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Jailyn, last year. Candelario left for vacation June 6 and left Jailyn alone. She visited Detroit and Puerto Rico, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said. NBC News

 

Windshield cracks on Alaska Airlines flight to Oregon in Boeing’s latest safety scandal
The windshield of an Alaska Airlines flight cracked mid-flight as the concerningly long list of Boeing problems grows. The flight was heading to Portland International Airport from Washington DC on Sunday, and during the descent into Oregon, the crew noticed the crack on the inner windshield. Daily Express

 

JW Marriott resort opens in St. Maarten
The JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa has opened on Dawn Beach in St. Maarten, the first JW Marriott on the island. The resort, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels, has 200 guestrooms and suites that feature natural wood finishes, handcrafted tile accents, elegant cove lighting and premium entertainment systems. Artwork and artifacts in guestrooms and suites pay homage to the island’s history and craftsmanship. It sits on the site of the former Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten, which was heavily damaged by 2017’s Hurricane Irma. Travel Weekly

 

Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously approve second law that gives government more power to curb dissent
Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously approved a new national security law Tuesday that grants the government more power to quash dissent, widely seen as the latest step in a sweeping political crackdown triggered by pro-democracy protests in 2019. AP

 

World’s worst polluted cities are in Asia – and 83 of them are in just one country
All but one of the 100 cities with the world’s worst air pollution last year were in Asia, according to a new report, with the climate crisis playing a pivotal role in bad air quality that is risking the health of billions of people worldwide. The vast majority of these cities — 83 — were in India and all exceeded the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines by more than 10 times, according to the report by IQAir, which tracks air quality worldwide. CNN

 

Global ocean heat has been at record levels every single day for the last year
The world’s oceans have now experienced an entire year of unprecedented heat, with a new temperature record broken every day, new data shows. Global ocean surface temperatures started breaking daily records in mid-March last year, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer, fueling concerns for marine life and extreme weather across the planet. CNN

 

We started homeschooling our kids to travel. We’ve bonded as a family, and they’re learning through unique experiences.
I’ve been homeschooling my kids, who are 13 and 15, for the last four years. One of the biggest reasons we decided to homeschool was our desire to travel more as a family. There are so many perks to using travel as a way to teach my kids, and I’m so glad we do it. BI

 

Underrated travel destinations for 2024 vacations without crowds
We made it through January, which means it’s time to put away resolutions you won’t keep and nurture the habit that will stick: more travel. Health and wellness experts have determined that taking multiple vacations a year is beneficial to your overall well-being. To actually decompress, though, you’ll want to go somewhere with room to breathe. Crowds have clogged up Paris, Rome and Tokyo, especially in the high seasons. Washington Post

Monday, March 18
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,728,408 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 17. One year ago on the same day: 2,608,462. (TSA)

 

United Airlines CEO responds to string of safety incidents that have rattled passengers
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is seeking to reassure passengers after a string of safety incidents raised concerns. In a letter sent out early Monday to United customers, Kirby said the incidents, though each unrelated, had caught the company’s attention and “sharpened [its] focus.” NBC News

 

Strike action possible at Vancouver International Airport amid spring break travel rush
Strike action could be possible during a spring break travel rush at Vancouver International Airport after food-service workers voted in favour of it Thursday. Unite Here Local 40 issued a statement Friday morning saying 85 per cent of the food-service workers represented by the union voted in favour of strike action after months of bargaining with SSP Canada Food Services. The union said the strike action could see 200 workers from food outlets in domestic and international terminals walk off the job as they fight for higher wages. CTV

 

LAX experiencing traffic nightmare following morning construction
Los Angeles International Airport is experiencing “significant” traffic congestion that could cause flight delays amid construction-induced road closures around the area on Sunday morning. In a post to X, formerly Twitter, LAX urged travelers to arrive early for their flights to help with traffic concerns. “We are anticipating increased traffic congestion at LAX,” the airport said. “Guests are encouraged to arrive early, pre-book parking and use Cell Phone Waiting Lots to help with vehicle traffic.” KTLA

 

Long Beach Airport advises travelers to allow extra time due to spring break and construction work
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is anticipating an elevated number of travelers during the spring break season, from roughly mid-March through early April, and passengers are advised to plan ahead and arrive early—especially in the midst of LGB’s ongoing roadway improvements—to ensure a smooth travel experience. LB Gov

Boeing, Alaska Airlines negligent in 737 Max 9 panel blowout: lawsuit
A seat belt apparently saved the life of a passenger on the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet that lost a door-sized panel of its fuselage just after takeoff on Jan. 5 from Portland, Oregon. Cuong Tran, of Upland, California, who said the suction from the blowout took away his shoes and socks and pulled him toward the opening and injured his foot, is one of seven passengers on Flight 1282 that day who filed the lawsuit Thursday in Washington state’s King County Superior Court in Seattle. USA Today

 

Brazil’s Embraer sees deliveries, revenue growing in 2024
Brazilian planemaker Embraer expects both its aircraft deliveries and revenue to grow in 2024, but will still have to deal with supply chain issues, the company said on Monday. The world’s third-largest planemaker behind Boeing and Airbus estimated it would deliver between 125 and 135 executive jets this year, compared with 115 in 2023. Reuters

 

Bali flight turnaround: Captain turns Melbourne-Bali flight around due to ‘abusive’, ‘disruptive’ passenger
A flight from Melbourne to Bali was forced to turn around due to a disruptive passenger who gave an expletive-filled tirade in front of the planeload of travellers. Jetstar flight JQ43 left Tullamarine Airport just before 10:30am today, but did a U-turn less than two hours into the journey so the captain could get police assistance to deal with the passenger. Shocked passengers watched and some filmed the outburst. 9news.com.au

 

She thought she’d never see the stranger she met at the airport again. Then they unexpectedly reunited
Christian Friese was standing in the arrivals area in Honolulu Airport, Hawaii, peering at a large airport map. “You are here,” read the sign above the map. CTV News

 

I’m a 35 year-old woman and I just flew 5,000 miles for a first date
She’s willing to go the distance for love. Roving romantic Kayleigh Castle, 35, flew more than 5,000 miles from London to San Francisco for a promising first date — only to find out the adventurous soul of her dreams was something of a dud. NY Post

 

Owner of real ‘Saltburn’ house inundated with visitors inspired by TikTok
A TikToker whose video showing where to find the real house featured in the hit movie “Saltburn” said she had “no idea” her footage would go viral. Rhian Wiliams, a 47-year-old PR and marketing consultant in the United Kingdom, told CNN that TikTok’s algorithm “added rocket fuel” to her posts about Drayton House, the stately home that provides the palatial setting for much of the movie written and directed by Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell. CNN

 

 

I moved from the US to Ireland. Here are 11 things that surprised me most.
After growing up in the US, I made the spontaneous decision to move to Dublin, Ireland. I’ve experienced affordable healthcare, better work-life balance, and a greater sense of safety. Traveling to nearby cities is cheap and easy, but the cost of living in Ireland isn’t super low. BI


12 Things in Travel You Need to Know This Week

Boeing whistleblower found dead in US
A former Boeing employee known for raising concerns about the firm’s production standards has been found dead in the US. John Barnett had worked for Boeing for 32 years, until his retirement in 2017. In the days before his death, he had been giving evidence in a whistleblower lawsuit against the company. BBC

 

Boeing tells pilots to check seats after Latam plane incident
It comes after 50 people were hurt this week when a 787 dropped suddenly during a Latam Airlines flight. The Wall Street Journal reported that a flight attendant accidentally hit a switch on the pilot’s seat, which pushed the pilot into the controls, forcing down the plane’s nose. Latam is supporting investigations. BBC News

 

Boeing overwrote surveillance footage of door plug repair, NTSB chair says
Boeing overwrote surveillance footage from the repair facility where a door plug was reinstalled ahead of the blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year, according to a letter Wednesday from National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jennifer Homendy to the Senate Commerce Committee. ABC News

 

Older Boeing plane found to have missing panel after flight from California to southern Oregon
A post-flight inspection revealed a missing panel on an older Boeing 737-800 that had just arrived at its destination in southern Oregon on Friday after flying from San Francisco, officials said, the latest in a series of recent incidents involving aircraft manufactured by the company. United Flight 433 left San Francisco at 10:20 a.m. and landed at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in Medford shortly before noon, according to FlightAware. The airport’s director, Amber Judd, said the plane landed safely without incident and the external panel was discovered missing during a post-flight inspection. No injuries were reported. AP

Delta restarting Israel flights
Delta Air Lines confirmed it will restart direct Israel flights this summer It will be the second US carrier after United Airlines to resume Tel Aviv flights. Delta said it will restart daily nonstop Israel flights from New York-JFK from June 7. It will deploy an Airbus A330-900 Neo on the route. Delta previously said it would resume Israel flights in May. Travelmole

Lyft and Uber say they will leave Minneapolis after city council forces them to pay drivers more
Lyft and Uber said they will cease operations in Minneapolis after the city’s council voted Thursday to override a mayoral veto and require that ride-hailing services increase driver wages to the equivalent of the local minimum wage of $15.57 an hour. Lyft called the ordinance “deeply flawed,” saying in a statement that it supports a minimum earning standard for drivers but not the one passed by the council. AP 

 

Student pilot allegedly tried to enter cockpit of Alaska Airlines flight multiple times
A 19-year-old student pilot is facing a federal charge over allegedly attempting to enter the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight multiple times, according to court documents. The crew “reported a passenger disturbance” during a flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on March 3, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. ABC News

Indonesia’s Batik Air faces probe after pilots fall asleep mid-flight
The two men – who have both been temporarily suspended – fell asleep during a flight on 25 January from Sulawesi to the capital Jakarta. One of them was reportedly tired from helping care for his newborn twins.  The Airbus A320 briefly veered off course but landed safely, with all 153 passengers and crew members unharmed. BBC

 

Qatar Airways to launch First Class, as airline courts Airbus and Boeing for new planes
Qatar Airways is developing a fresh First Class concept and pursuing aircraft orders from aviation giants Boeing and Airbus, as part of a broader strategic overhaul under new group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer. “We wanted to combine the experience of flying commercial and flying on a private jet and develop something new,” he told CNBC. The Gulf carrier has submitted a Request for Proposal to Boeing and Airbus for a “big” new aircraft order, Al Meer said. CNBC
 

Frontier UpFront Plus option: Empty middle seats, more legroom
Frontier said its new UpFront Plus option will include an open middle seat in the first two rows of the plane. The additional cost for the seat will start at $49. Fellow budget airline Spirit Airlines offers the “Big Front Seat” at the front of the plane for an upcharge. CNBC

 

Nearly 100 Holland America passengers get sick in norovirus outbreak
Nearly 100 Holland America Line passengers got sick in a norovirus outbreak. Among 2,522 guests on the cruise line’s Koningsdam ship, 98 reported being ill, along with 12 crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting. USA Today

 

Airbnb bans the use of indoor security cameras
Airbnb is banning the use of indoor security cameras in listings globally, the short-term rental platform announced Monday. Previously, Airbnb (ABNB) allowed hosts to have indoor security cameras in common areas as long as the devices were clearly disclosed on the listing page and placed in visible spots in the home. Indoor security cameras, however, were never allowed in spaces like sleeping areas and bathrooms. CNN Business

Sunday, March 17
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened TSA DOESN’T UPDATE ON WEEKENDS people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 16. One year ago on the same day: 2,483,683. (TSA)

Delta restarting Israel flights
Delta Air Lines confirmed it will restart direct Israel flights this summer It will be the second US carrier after United Airlines to resume Tel Aviv flights. Delta said it will restart daily nonstop Israel flights from New York-JFK from June 7. It will deploy an Airbus A330-900 Neo on the route. Delta previously said it would resume Israel flights in May. Travelmole

Waymo to launch robotaxi service in Los Angeles, but no freeways
The driver in the Chevy Suburban seemed bent on testing the Waymo robotaxi on the streets of downtown L.A. this week. Playing chicken against Silicon Valley’s wheeled robot, he sharply swung into the next lane toward the Waymo. The white, driverless Jaguar swerved to avoid the bigger car crossing the line. Los Angeles Times

 

Woman loses birth certificate, tax documents in Buckhead hotel burglary
A string of burglaries at one Buckhead hotel has raised questions about how thieves managed to steal thousands of dollars worth of items from guests staying on the property. One of the victims told FOX 5 reporter Joi Dukes she was in town to get her taxes done and visit family and friends. She said she never expected her stay at the Courtyard Marriott to end with her personal belongings stolen and her sensitive information compromised. Fox 5 Atlanta

 

United Airlines and commercial air travel are safe, aviation experts say
A recent string of inflight safety emergencies has thrust United Airlines into the spotlight, leading some travelers to worry that the airline, and even commercial air travel in general, has perhaps become less safe. Last week, a United flight lost a rear tire during takeoff in San Francisco and made an emergency landing in Los Angeles, marking the airline’s fourth mishap in one week. But aviation experts insist that air travel remains among the safest modes of transportation, and it’s just coincidental that the safety incidents occurred in such close proximity to one another, and were concentrated at United. CBS News

 

Ottawa passengers trapped in Mexico after Flair Airlines cancels flights
Passengers of Flair Airlines flight F8-9960, most of whom are Canadian, were meant to return to Ottawa Thursday night. Instead, they experienced a cycle of waiting in shuttles, at gates and on planes that failed to depart – before being shuttled back to hotels to try again the next day. CTV

 

Iceland volcano lava nears Grindavik in new eruption
A state of emergency has been declared in southern Iceland after another volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula – the fourth since December. Lava has reached the eastern defenses around the small, evacuated town of Grindavik, local media said.  The powerful and fast lava flows began late on Saturday – but the authorities say they have since diminished significantly. BBC

 

Weekly ski trip turns into overnight ordeal when about 50 women get stranded in bus during snowstorm
A weekly ski trip for about 50 women from the Denver area turned into an overnight ordeal when their bus got stuck in a snowstorm behind jackknifed semi tractor-trailers on their way back from Vail. One of the women, Brenda Djorup, called it a test of perseverance and patience. But she said they got to know one another better, helped a couple of women with medical issues and made it home safely Thursday after 22 hours on the bus. AP

 

Singer allegedly driving with phony diplomatic plates pulled out of vehicle by Florida cops in wild video
A Latin singer was dragged from her vehicle and arrested Tuesday when she was caught allegedly driving with a bogus diplomatic tag — before her boyfriend was busted for the same crime. Cecilia Selina Mercado, 32, who performs under the stage name Sessi, was pulled over in her Audi Q5 for a traffic violation, according to Local 10. NY Post

 

SFO protest over Gaza creates chaos at airport
San Francisco International Airport was the site of a demonstration by pro-Palestinian protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza who showed up in force on Wednesday morning, and despite the noise and chaos, flights still took off on time. A group called Critical Resistance showed up at SFO about 8:30 a.m. and members held a big black banner that read “Stop the World for Gaza” in front of the TSA security line for the A Gates at the international terminal. KTVU

Sheraton plans to build a luxury five-star resort in Queensland’s Hervey Bay
Hotel giant Sheraton has announced plans to build ‘the largest and most luxurious new hotel between Brisbane and Cairns’. The planned 223-room, five-star resort will be located on the waterfront at Hervey Bay, about 300km north of Brisbane, in preference to more popular and established tourist destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Cairns. Daily Mail

 

Boeing: How much trouble is the company in?
It’s as if I’m watching a troubled child” is how Captain Dennis Tajer describes flying a Boeing 737 Max. The head of the Allied Pilots Association, the pilots union for American Airlines, insists he would never board an aircraft if it were not safe.  But he says he can no longer take the quality of the plane he’s flying for granted. BBC

 

Feds side with McDonald’s franchise owners in battle to fix ice cream machines
The federal government wants to make it legal for McDonald’s franchise owners to use a third-party hacking device to fix chronically broken ice cream machines after the fast-food giant was sued because it didn’t allow them to do so. The Federal Trade Commission and the antitrust unit of the Department of Justice are asking the US Copyright Office to approve an exemption to copyright law that would allow business owners to repair “commercial and industrial equipment.” NY Post

 

64 Comments On "12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today"
  1. Mavis Sawtell|

    Hi, I came across this blog very helpful I am happy to know that we have such great community. I also have passion of drawing, sketching and painting. You may also share my artwork on your own blog here you will see my art work too in the link. Many thanks so much please lets support eachother.

  2. William Walker Jr|

    I have searched your site but can find nothing on the refund policy at Air France which recently sent out a letter to customers announcing an extension of the policy until 30 September 2021.
    How good is this promise by Air France? Is there fine print travelers should know about?

  3. B Manoogian|

    I received an email this morning from a friend who knows that I have stopped reading your news letter due to you “political comments”. He informed me that several others must have felt as I do and wrote to you stating their positions regarding your “Political Comments” regarding the attack on the Capital. We use to live in a country that allowed and encouraged open debate and discussion. Unfortunately, today we live an America where this is not allowed. Your comments on the Capital were the result of either your closed mine or your inability to receive the facts due to the major news sources blocking and presenting only one side of the issue. I know you do not like President Trump – this is something I should not know about you, but it does not allow you to provide only one side of a story as the “Truth”. I hope you will give this and the other comments you have received on this subject full consideration as you continue to publish your newsletter. I am willing to give you a second chance – Good Luck. Don’t blow it.

    1. Katey|

      Its his blog..he can say whatever he wants..if you don’t like it…move on

  4. SMC|

    He doesn’t need your validation nor your threat to not read the blog. Just don’t do it if you don’t want to . And it’s closed “mind” not mine.

    The evidence of truth for the January 6 riots is in all the footage especially the sound. That’s all one needs to hear and see.

  5. Carolyn Lancaster|

    Where is the Map App Every Traveler should have? I’ve looked through your site and not seen it. Thanks.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Hi! Sorry. I forgot to highlight it. It was under Friday’s tip but the direct link is
      https://johnnyjet.com/the-map-app-every-traveler-needs-to-download-now/

      1. John J|

        No android version? Boooooo!

        1. Johnny Jet|

          Looks like there is. From a reader
          On Android:

          • Press and hold the power and volume down buttons at the same time.
          • Screenshot (full screen) will be saved to the “Screenshots” folder

          The process may vary if you have a more ‘skinned Android phone (Samsung, etc.).

  6. james wilson|

    I have read the whole thing looking for the map and never found it. This has happened before. When you put a clickbait headline on your email please let us find it when we click through.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Hi! Sorry. I forgot to highlight it. It was under Friday’s tip but the direct link is
      https://johnnyjet.com/the-map-app-every-traveler-needs-to-download-now/

  7. Stefan|

    Thanks for sharing your tips with us.

  8. Robin Chalkley|

    5,800 people getting COVID after vaccinations is a ridiculously small number – .005 percent. And the vaccines were never “bulletproof”, it’s always been known that they are about 90% effective according to the manufacturers. This is the kind of statistical b.s. that serves to keep people needlessly afraid when the situation nationally is significantly improving.

  9. Lybrand@yahoo.com|

    How Can I Copyright Protect Stories and Articles on My Website?

  10. T Sandeep|

    Amazing guide…. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

  11. Yankiwi|

    I agree with B Manoogian. Keep politics out of Johnny Jet.

  12. Drishti Darshan|

    Great Information , Thanks For haring such a informative blogs.

  13. Lynne Ranney|

    I value and appreciate this newsletter’s comments about the January 6, 2021 attack on our Capital. Hundreds of hours of video taken by hundreds of people, including those involved in the attack themselves, show just what happened. There is no legitimate doubt and no room for speculation. I am a patriot and will never, ever, forget the lawlessness of that day and the cries to “Hang Mike Pence” and “Kill Pelosi.” For now, we can only debate who was behind the attack, but eventually we will know, thanks to the bipartisan House investigation.

    Johnny Jet has every right to state the facts in *his* own newsletter. There is no requirement for him to give voice or space to any perspective. If there were such a requirement, Fox News would not exist. If you benefit from the information in this newsletter – which you get for free – you can endure an occasional comment with which you disagree. Big deal. It’s not like you’re being maced or hit with bear spray, or being crushed between doors, while trying to protect the Capital and *all* our elected representatives. It’s not like you risked your own life to protect our elected politicians, then were badly treated by half of them, who even denied anything happened. It’s not like you were driven to suicide by these terrible events, like four officers were.

  14. Kirill Nesterenko|

    Thanks, Johnny!
    This is a good list of things that are rarely found on regular travel checklists.
    Especially now, we are planning our corporate trip to the anniversary of our company, so it was very interesting to read your article!
    WorkTime team

  15. James F Bauer|

    So TSA processed 1.6 M travelers yesterday, without a single suicide bomber. In fact, I don’t recall the last time they had a suicide bomber.

    Perhaps the Government should have used TSA to process Afghanistan travelers, instead of the Taliban.

  16. Ann|

    I have a question about VeriFLY… I understand how to input my personal information, but I don’t know how to upload my travel info or vaccine or test info and I can not locate anyplace with steps to help. American Airlines and British Air both keep sending emails to sign up, but I no instructions on how to connect the flights. Can you help?
    Many thanks
    Ann

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Hi Ann,

      Try this post https://onemileatatime.com/verifly/

  17. Douglas Lock|

    The wife and I are flying away for 5 weeks on back to back OAT trips to Sicily and Turkey early next week. Got our Covid vaccination booster shots thanks to your tip and our flu shots as well. Also our KN95’s. Wish us luck!
    Doug Lock – a few blocks east of you.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Good luck! Let me know how it goes

  18. Annie|

    I’m looking for a job stop trip from Ontario CA to Boise Id. I checked Expedia which showed non of the major airlines having a non-stop. How do I find the odd named smaller airlines to see if they have the flight? All I could think of is Jet Blue and Spirit and they didn’t have it. Thanks.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Try Avelo

  19. Lonn Wolf|

    I can no longer read your articles because of the constant pop ups that won’t go away and just lead from one pop up to another. The stable ones between articles were manageable, these other invasive species are infuriating. Also trying to hit that little “x” the size of a pin head is impossible on a phone screen, tiny. I will unsubscribe if this continues. What’s the point, teaser titles I can’t get to open without playing duck hunt with the ads.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Hi Lonn,

      Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We don’t have pop up ads just the newsletter signup once every 30 days. There is also a small video player at the bottom and the X is in the upper right. I can see if they can make it bigger.

  20. B. Manoogian|

    In January I sent you comments regarding your politics getting in the way of your impartial reviews and reporting. At that time I told you that I had stopped reading you newsletter because of you political comments, but I had been told by several friends that you had changed and this was no longer happening. I have been enjoying your newsletter since. Well that all changed in mid-November when you posted a special review on the sale of the Trump Hotel in Washington DC. In this article you tell of your special tour of this INFAMOUS hotel. You went on to say “The hotel is arguably one of the most beautiful hotels in the United States”. Why is it that you wait until Trump is selling this hotel that you tell of your wonderful visit and this beautiful hotel? It looks to me that once again your political leanings have entered into your reviews and once again I am out of here. Just how many other GREAT hotels are out there that you will not report on because the owners have political views contrary to yours? Or how many average hotels get superb reviews because you agree with the political leaning of the owners. I feel sorry for you and anyone else that puts politics above the truth and honest reporting.

  21. Bernice|

    Canadians flying from Bellingham to Las Vegas by Allegiant Air, will we be required to show a negative Covid test for this flight? Does TSA require same? Thank you.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Flying to the USA does require a negative test but not within the USA

  22. Wendy Westley|

    Hi Johnny Jet,
    Love your newsletter. Since you are featuring opinions from Bill Gates, it might we a good idea to watch this to get a perspective that about 35% or more of Americans have of his opinions:
    https://www.bitchute.com/video/yJ3AP778FuPR/

  23. John Anderson|

    Hi Johnny, Great for informing and sharing us 12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today. As going back to be a traveler. I want to know on what new in traveling so that I’ll thankful I found this. Keep sharing and keep it up.

  24. Sue Hankin|

    Hey Johnny,
    Just wondering, TSA officers screened 1,200,580 yesterday, Same number a week ago and 2019?????

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Good catch! I will fix. It’s 1,059,741

  25. Susan S|

    Love your newsletter, Johnny! Do you have a source that you recommend for reviews or ratings of international airports? I have found a few websites, but there either have ratings based on very few reviews, or they seem very outdated.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Thanks! They’re all pretty bias but this is the most popular one https://skytraxratings.com/a-z-of-airport-ratings

  26. Josh K|

    One or more of our advertisers’ goods are mentioned in this post. When you click on links to such items, we may gain commission. lovely newsletter thank you

  27. jhondew|

    thanks for an amazing blog.

  28. Gordon Wininger|

    Johnny,
    You have some good information on your website. I have been reading your 12 things in travel section for several years. Your suggested items for travel have been very helpful.

    Unfortunately, it appears that you just can’t help including politics into your blog.
    Your dislike for President Trump has no place in a travel blog if you want to keep 50% of your audience.

    Just a Thought

  29. Kyle Blake|

    Hi Johnny,
    Recently, you posted something about United extending their ETCs that were scheduled to expire 12/31/22 to 12/31/2023. I have 5 from a cancelled quarantine period wedding, but haven’t received notice from United. I tried finding your post or something on United’s site that would verify the extension, but can’t. Can you point me in the right direction? If I can’t, I have to start booking travel quickly! Thank you!

    1. Johnny Jet|

      You sure it was me? Can’t even remember but I know Delta extended theirs and I wrote about it

  30. Jack Delehey|

    Thank you for this informative article! I hope all travelers could read this wonderful article of yours.

  31. Emma Miller|

    Hi Johnny! Traveling around the globe is very beautiful but now a days have a little changes because of the changes of flight ticket increases due to the economic sustainability. But when you touch down to your destinations, it’s priceless and the beauty of the places is exquisite. Thank you for sharing this blog. I remember those days. Keep sharing!

  32. What|

    Crime in Philadelphia has soared with Larry Krasner as the DA. Refuses to prosecute criminals, refuses to support the police and thus more crime, more death and in general lawlessness. Put blame for the rise in crime in Philie wear it belongs, it belongs to “communist” DA Larry Krasner.
    More detail here: https://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/commentary/meet-larry-krasner-the-rogue-prosecutor-wreaking-havoc-philadelphia

  33. David Fleischer|

    I signed up for program to get Global Entry appointment faster.
    I was delighted to get a few messages this AM about possible dates in next few weeks (GREAT!)
    I clicked on desirable date
    It took me to LOGIN.gov and I completed some non-related comments re: date I had chosen (July 27). [IS IT CORRECT THAT I SHOULD GO TO THIS SITE?. I DIDNT SEEM TO HAVE OPTIONS)
    When I left that page the process dropped
    I got no feedback about the date I had chosen and when I went back to the email, it was still there. I don’t feel that johnnyjet has advanced my cause.
    Please explain. Should I have done anything differently. Thanks David Fleischer
    *** My application is pending but I haven’t completed background check. Can I still apply for interview?

  34. Lucas James|

    Hi Johnny, I’d really appreciate more posts like this. Being updated on recent news is something I’m not too good at so I enjoy posts like this that keep big scoops compact and neat. Thanks a lot, Johnny.

  35. Peter Brezinski|

    Be careful when posting TSA numbers. Very often, the same number is posted for 2019 and pre-pandemic. It happened in newsletter of July 16.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Good catch! I just fixed it

  36. Thomas|

    Very detailed post

  37. KELLY STEVENS|

    My mom is 94 today also. They were made of good stock back in those days! I’m sending up prayers for your dad’s recovery and health ?

    1. Johnny Jet|

      That’s AMAZING! HBD to your mom. Thank you for the prayers

  38. Jay Alexander|

    Where can I find tour informtion for Portugal, would like togo to Lourdes next year with my wife and sister in-law.

  39. John J|

    Johnny, why am I suddenly getting a pop-up asking me to sign in with my email when I’m reading your weekly newsletter? It’s never happened before…

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Sorry for the delay. Are you still getting it?

  40. Debbie Dutton|

    If you have any information about the Westjet proposed pilots strike we would like to hear about it pls. Also what are our options should our flight be cancelled due to such a strike? Our options are different in Canada and do not have the same rules as U.S.A and often not clear.
    Many thanks for your wonderful information

  41. Olivia|

    Love your newsletters but I used the TA you recommend for cruising and was very disappointed. He was supposed to issue a $200 OBC and it never showed up. I sent an email a week before we left and he never responded. I called and he was out of the office. No out of office reply to email or an emergency contact by phone when we wasn’t available.
    It was our first cruise and we loved it but I would recommend this agent.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      I’m sorry to hear this. I will email him to find out what happened.

  42. Kent Clyde|

    Well that’s true, it’s better to use the companion fare on more expensive tickets. I was trying to say that long flights are not necessarily more expensive. Short flights can be expensive too. It really depends on the cities you fly between and when you book.

  43. Nors|

    I think that it is interesting that oversized people think that airlines should offer then free seats. Perhaps the airlines could do what the cruise ships do which is offer seats at 150% similar as to what cruise lines do for singles. (I really don’t think that there is an easy answer to this question, This proposal opens a pandoras box of issues – I suspect that a lot of people can think of why they might benefit from an extra free seat, e.g. people flying with babies/small children; people flying with medical equipment; people flying with service animals; people working; etc.)

    On the issue of cruise ships, I often feel not appreciated as a cruiser because not only do I often have to pay 150% but the single rooms that are available to single cruisers are often on the lowest deck with no balcony/veranda (with very few exceptions) and often at a higher rate.

  44. Alyza|

    Such a great article! Thanks for sharing.

  45. Richard G Allen|

    Hello –

    I just read the article titled “Woman in tears after being blocked from luxury cruise due to little known rule”. After reading this, I am still not clear as to why she was denied to board. It says something about an invalid issue date. What is an “invalid issue date”. How can you have a valid passport with an expiration date 7 months in the future if the Passport has an “invalid issue date”? Please explain.

    Thanks

    1. Johnny Jet|

      I wasn’t clear either.

  46. Ross Copas|

    What’s your recommended VPN

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