12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):
=== Sunday, November 1 ===
New rule requires international travelers to sign Ebola declaration before flying to the U.S.
Starting November 3, travelers boarding international flights to the U.S. will reportedly need to confirm they haven’t visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the previous 21 days. The new requirement comes amid a major Ebola outbreak in the country. USA Today
Massive protests in France spread to Germany
Cost-of-living protests that have drawn hundreds of thousands of demonstrators in France are now spreading to Germany. Thousands took to the streets in Berlin, Munich and other cities over rising costs, education funding, environmental concerns and the possibility of mandatory military service. CNN
Flash flooding forces evacuations in Arizona and Colorado
Heavy rain is causing dangerous flash flooding across parts of the Southwest, prompting mandatory evacuations in Arizona and Colorado. Some communities are bracing for potentially historic river levels as another round of storms hits the already saturated region. AP
Airlines are using AI to set ticket prices, but new tools could help travelers save money
Airlines are increasingly using artificial intelligence to maximize ticket revenue, but now companies like JetBack, Junova and Refare are using similar technology to help travelers save. These services monitor airfare after booking and help passengers recover money through refunds or flight credits when prices drop. Reuters
San Francisco Bay Area airports could face flooding this winter
A new UC Davis report warns that San Francisco International Airport and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport could face flooding if heavy storms, high tides and other weather conditions coincide during a possible El Niño winter. It’s something holiday travelers should keep an eye on, especially if severe storms develop. ABC7 San Francisco
Greenland opens new international airport to attract more tourists
Greenland is making it easier for travelers to visit its spectacular Arctic landscapes with a new international airport in Ilulissat, famous for its enormous icebergs. The first international service connects the city with Copenhagen as Greenland looks to expand tourism and diversify its fishing-dependent economy. The ndependent
Miami’s legendary Joe’s Stone Crab says goodbye to its famous $8.95 fried chicken deal
For years, locals knew one of Miami Beach’s most famous restaurants had an incredible bargain: four pieces of fried chicken for just $8.95. That longtime deal at Joe’s Stone Crab is now history, marking the end of an affordable tradition at the iconic restaurant. Miami Herald
Americans visiting Kenya and Tanzania now face new travel insurance requirements
Travelers heading to Kenya or Tanzania should check the countries’ new insurance rules before departing. According to the report, foreign visitors must purchase coverage through official government portals, even if they already have private travel insurance. Frommer’s
Naples Airport to close for all of November for major runway renovations
Travelers heading to southern Italy should be aware that Naples Airport is reportedly closing to air traffic throughout November for a €30 million runway and taxiway renovation project. Anyone with flights booked to or from Naples should contact their airline and check alternative airports. Euronews
Southwest Airlines sued by flight attendant over severe pet allergy
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant based at Chicago Midway has filed a disability discrimination lawsuit, claiming the airline failed to accommodate her severe allergy to cats and dogs. She says exposure to pets in aircraft cabins makes her seriously ill and that rejected accommodation requests forced her to give up flights without pay. Aviation A2Z
Pilot reportedly asks passengers to vote: Clean up dog urine or depart on time?
Here’s a travel dilemma you don’t hear about every day. After a dog reportedly urinated on an airplane, a pilot allegedly asked passengers whether they’d rather wait for the cabin to be cleaned or depart on time despite the smell. A video shared by a passenger has brought attention to the unusual situation. View from the Wing
20-year-old American dies while climbing Switzerland’s Matterhorn
A 20-year-old Texas man, Kieran Liner, died October 27 while climbing the Matterhorn in Switzerland after a rockfall, according to Swiss authorities. Tragically, his family says he had reassured his mother the day before that nothing would happen to him. People
=== Thursday, October 29 ===
America’s Largest Budget Airline Reports 71% Jump in Airfares
Frontier Airlines says its average airfare jumped 71% in the third quarter, but that wasn’t enough to keep the budget carrier out of the red. Higher fuel costs and charges related to returning some Airbus planes contributed to its losses, although investors were encouraged by a more optimistic fourth-quarter outlook. CNBC
Are Protests Across France Causing Travelers to Cancel European Vacations?
The ongoing unrest in France is making some travelers rethink their European vacation plans. Travel advisors are reporting mixed reactions, with some clients canceling or postponing trips as far out as next summer, while others are sticking with their plans despite concerns. Travel Weekly
Is JetBlue Headed for Bankruptcy? CEO Pushes Back Against Speculation
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty insists the airline isn’t heading for bankruptcy, despite growing concerns on Wall Street. Reports that creditors have hired financial advisors to review their options have raised questions about the struggling airline’s financial future. Daily Mail
Air Canada and United Airlines Partnership Could Lead to Higher Airfares
Canada’s competition watchdog is raising concerns about a proposed expansion of the partnership between Air Canada and United Airlines. Regulators warn the arrangement could reduce competition and drive up ticket prices on 10 routes between major U.S. and Canadian airports. Travel Industry Today
American Airlines Raises Annual Credit Card Fee for First Time Since 2018
American Airlines is increasing the annual fee on its Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard from $99 to $150. It’s the card’s first fee increase since 2018 and follows similar moves by other airlines and credit card companies. CNBC
Paris Businesses Board Up Storefronts as France Braces for More Unrest
Parts of Paris are looking very different as shopkeepers board up windows and prepare for more protests and possible violence. Some businesses are reporting a surge in demand for pepper spray and other protective supplies as the unrest continues to disrupt daily life in the French capital. Los Angeles Times
At Least 68 Killed in High-Speed Train Collision in Spain
A devastating collision involving two trains on Spain’s Madrid-Seville high-speed rail line has reportedly killed at least 68 people, with officials warning the death toll could rise. The crash occurred near Urda and involved trains operated by Renfe and Iryo. ABC News
Boeing Won’t Significantly Increase 737 MAX Production Until Late 2027
Boeing says it doesn’t expect to significantly ramp up production of its popular 737 MAX aircraft until the second half of 2027. The company reported stronger-than-expected quarterly revenue and a narrower overall loss, although its loss per share was worse than Wall Street anticipated. CNBC
Video Appears to Show Electrical Explosion During LAX People Mover Testing
Newly obtained video appears to capture a frightening electrical explosion during testing of the long-delayed automated People Mover at Los Angeles International Airport. The footage shows a train moving along the tracks before a large flash erupts, raising fresh questions about the system’s readiness. ABC7 Los Angeles
Never-Ending Cruise Comes to Abrupt Halt as Fuel Costs Surge 344%
Imagine signing up to live on a cruise ship indefinitely, only to have your floating home suddenly stop sailing. That’s the situation facing residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey after the company suspended operations in Cambodia, citing a staggering 344% increase in fuel costs. Business Insider
American Couple’s Retirement Dream Upended After Residential Cruise Stops Sailing
A Wyoming couple sold their home and cars to pursue their dream of retiring at sea, spending $179,000 on a cabin aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey and committing to roughly $6,000 in monthly fees. Now they’re facing an uncertain future after the residential cruise ship suspended operations in Cambodia. Reuters
LAX People Mover Delayed Again, With Opening Now Pushed to February 2027
Travelers hoping to finally ride LAX’s long-awaited automated People Mover will have to wait even longer. The $3.3 billion project is reportedly facing another delay because of unresolved agreements between the airport and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, along with continuing technical problems. February 2027 is now being discussed as a possible opening date, but even that isn’t guaranteed. Los Angeles Times
=== Tuesday, October 27 ===
American and Southwest Airlines Are Chasing Travelers Willing to Spend More
Don’t expect airfare to get cheaper anytime soon. With fuel costs rising, airlines like American and Southwest are increasing fares and reducing the number of cheaper economy seats, betting that travelers willing to pay more will make up for fewer passengers. Axios Dallas
Brewers Fans Can Fly to Florida for the World Series and Still Save $1,500
Here’s a crazy example of how expensive sporting events have become. Milwaukee Brewers fans could reportedly fly roundtrip to Florida, book a hotel and attend Game 3 of the World Series for $1,500 less than the cost of attending a potential Game 6 back home in Milwaukee. USA Today
Passengers Stranded After Residential World Cruise Suddenly Suspends Operations
Imagine selling your home to live aboard a cruise ship, only to be told you have to get off. That’s the nightmare facing residents of Villa Vie Odyssey, whose around-the-world residential cruise has reportedly suspended operations because of soaring fuel costs, leaving passengers in Cambodia scrambling to figure out what’s next. The Independent
Florida Mom Arrested at Airport After Allegedly Leaving Four Kids Home Alone for Days
A Florida mother was arrested after returning from Las Vegas when authorities say she left her four children, ages 9 to 14, home alone for several days. Deputies reportedly met the 50-year-old woman at Orlando International Airport after discovering the children without adult supervision. Daily Mail
Why Airlines Are Scrapping Perfectly Good Airplanes Years Early
You might think an airplane would fly for decades, but some relatively young jets are being dismantled for parts because engines and replacement components are in such short supply. Spirit Airlines’ collapse has also put more Airbus aircraft on the market, forcing owners to decide whether it’s more profitable to sell, store or scrap them. CNBC
United Flight Returns to Las Vegas After Crew Spots Alleged Hijacking Text
A United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to New York turned around shortly after takeoff when a flight attendant reportedly noticed a passenger texting about hijacking the plane. The crew secured the cockpit and returned to Las Vegas, where law enforcement met the aircraft. Talk about a frightening situation for everyone on board. Simple Flying
London’s Famous Oxford Street Goes Car-Free
If you’re heading to London, there’s a big change to one of the city’s most famous shopping streets. Nearly a mile of Oxford Street is now permanently closed to cars, buses, taxis and even bicycles as officials try to create a more pedestrian-friendly shopping destination. NBC News
Chicago O’Hare Breaks Passenger Record, but Flight Restrictions Could Last Until 2034
Chicago O’Hare just recorded its busiest summer ever, handling more than 25 million passengers between June and August. But there’s a catch: United Airlines is warning that restrictions on the number of flights could continue for years as the airport undergoes major construction. CBS Chicago
U.S. Tourism Continues to Decline as International Visitor Numbers Fall
The U.S. is still struggling to attract international visitors, even after hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer. New government figures show overseas arrivals, excluding Canada and Mexico, were down 5.7% through September compared with last year, with visitors from Western Europe dropping 8.7%. That’s troubling news for hotels, restaurants and businesses that depend on international tourism. The Independent
Banks Are Cracking Down on Credit Card Points Influencers
If you love collecting credit card points and miles, this is worth paying attention to. Banks are reportedly taking a harder line against rewards enthusiasts who push the limits of their programs, including one influencer who had two Chase cards canceled after sharing a points-earning strategy on social media. The Wall Street Journal
Traveler Flies Into the Wrong Sydney Airport as New Airport Opens
Sydney now has another major airport, and it didn’t take long for someone to get confused. A traveler reportedly became the first person to accidentally fly into the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) instead of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). It’s a good reminder to always double-check your airport code when booking flights, especially in cities with multiple airports. News24
Study Warns Most Coral Reefs Could Face Collapse Within 50 Years
This is heartbreaking news for anyone who loves snorkeling, diving or visiting tropical destinations. A new global assessment warns that nearly all of the world’s coral reef ecosystems could face a high risk of collapse within the next 50 years because of warming oceans and marine heat waves, threatening marine life, coastal communities and tourism. AP News
TDS Much.
Hi Johnnie, I am a fan and live not far from you near Santa Monica. I am finally realizing a dream of mine in going to Ischia and can’t wait. I am going for 10 days in early May. I know your family is from there but not sure if you still have any there or any contacts? I am hoping to rent a room from a family rather than stay at a hotel? It is just for myself. I prefer to stay in Foria as I believe it is best for taking buses to see the island, plus if I want to take excursions and be near the ferry. Is there any chance you know of a family who may want to rent a room to me? Or is there a website that offers this type of accommodation? Is this common in Ischia? Since I will be alone, it just would be nice to have this type of experience. I do currently have reservations to stay at a hotel in Forio upon arriving. Some other info, can you give me a name of a driver who could show me the island and take me places as needed? I especially want to visit Saint Angelo. Thank you in advance and any info you can give me. I did keep a copy of the information you posted on your last trip and will take all your suggestions. Sincerely, Carol
With regards to the story of the couple who stayed in a hotel in France and woke up with bed bug bites, it was clickbait. I couldn’t read the story without subscribing to the news service. As a frequent reader, that’s just not something I’m willing to do. Just thought you’d like to know. Thanks!
Travel enthusiast always on the lookout for smart tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly travel hacks. I follow JohnnyJet.com to stay inspired by real travel experiences, helpful advice, and the latest travel news. Whether it’s finding flight deals, exploring new destinations, or planning efficient trips, I love learning from the travel community. Passionate about exploring the world one journey at a time and sharing insights along the way. Let’s keep discovering and making travel more rewarding together!
Great roundup of the latest travel updates! From the new TSA screening technologies to the trending destinations for 2024, this article covers everything a traveler needs to know. I especially appreciated the tips on avoiding flight delays and the insights into airline policy changes. JohnnyJet always delivers practical and timely advice—perfect for planning stress-free trips. Thanks for keeping us informed!
Arthur Frommer, RIP, was a particular inspiration to me, and I am honored that, as one of his authors, our names will be linked together for posterity.
TSA numbers of no value. Who cares?
Why would anyone care about yesterday’s TSA numbers? This is silly.
A lot of people do. Shows how the economy is doing especially for the airlines.
What’s your recommended VPN