12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

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

Wednesday, September 17
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,003,585 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 16

Over 100 Flights Cancelled After Strike By KLM Staff
Over 100 flights have been cancelled by Dutch airline KLM due to a ground crew strike at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Members of the CNV and FNV unions will stop working on Wednesday (17 September) in an ongoing dispute with KLM over “unfair” working conditions and collective bargaining agreements. The Independent

Two Passengers Hospitalized Following Altercation Aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise
Two people are in the hospital after a fight onboard forced a cruise ship out at sea to return to Port Miami. 7News cameras were rolling as officers awaited Royal Caribbean’s “Wonder of the Seas” cruise ship’s return after receiving reports of an altercation onboard. According to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office officials, the hospitalized people suffered minor injuries after a verbal argument turned physical and ultimately, decided against pressing charges. WSVN 7News

Pranksters Arrested In England After Projecting Giant Pic Of Epstein On Windsor Castle
Four people in England have been arrested in connection with projecting images of President Donald Trump with his arm around sex offender Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle, the home of the British royal family. The stunt at the royal residence comes just as the president arrived late on Tuesday, Sept. 16, to begin a state visit to Britain. King Charles is expected to greet Trump at the castle about 25 miles west of London on Wednesday. USA Today

Hiker Airlifted To Hospital After Surprise Bear Attack In Yellowstone
A 29-year-old hiker was rushed to the hospital after being ambushed by a bear while hiking in Yellowstone National Park, park officials confirmed. The hiker was trekking solo on Turbid Lake Trail when he encountered the bear, thought to be a grizzly, and attempted to ward it off using a spray, the park said. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his chest and left arm during the attack and was found by park rangers about an hour later, where he was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Daily Beast

Best Airports In North America, Ranked By J.D. Power
Airports can sometimes be crowded and frustrating spaces, but they can also be pleasant places to hang out. And, thanks to a bevy of recently completed airport capital improvement projects, with more on the way, travelers are increasingly satisfied and “enjoying the experience” at the nation’s airports, according to the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, released today. Stuck at the Airport

Allegiant Exiting Los Angeles After 17 Years
Allegiant will end all flights to Los Angeles, an airline spokesperson confirmed on Monday. The ultra-low-cost carrier began serving the California city in 2009. Its two remaining routes from Los Angeles to Cincinnati and Bellingham, Washington, are scheduled to end in January, according to Cirium Diio schedule data. Enilria also flagged the news. Airline Geeks

Air Canada Says Flight Attendants’ Union Requested Cancellation Of Mediation
Air Canada (AC.TO), opens new tab said on Tuesday the union representing its flight attendants has requested a cancellation of mediation after members voted against a wage agreement earlier this month. “On Friday, September 12, 2025, CUPE asked to dispense with the mediation process and have the wage component proceed directly to arbitration,” Air Canada said. Reuters

Waymo Wins Approval To Pick Up Passengers At San Francisco Airport
Waymo can start rolling its robotaxi fleet to San Francisco International Airport — under the supervision of human drivers. The announcement Tuesday by Mayor Daniel Lurie and officials at SFO marks a significant moment for the autonomous vehicle company. It comes six months after airport director Mike Nakornkhet granted Waymo permission to “map” roads to the regional transit hub, and less than two weeks after Waymo won approval to operate at Mineta San Jose International Airport in Silicon Valley. SF Chronicle

‘It’s Scary For Us’: Gun Violence, Safety Concerns Keep These Visitors From The US
Christina Kooi left America because of gun violence. The 38-year-old, who was born in the Netherlands and moved to the U.S. when she was 10, ultimately left the country in 2017 amid ongoing school shootings. “I could not picture myself having kids and sending them to school in the U.S.,” she told USA TODAY. She traveled internationally before relocating back to the Dutch country. She makes yearly trips to visit her parents in Ohio, but is wary of spending too much time stateside. USA Today

Spirit Airlines Flight Warned To Move Farther From Air Force One Over Long Island
Air traffic controllers urgently and repeatedly ordered the pilots of Spirit Airlines flight 1300 to turn away from Air Force One Tuesday over Long Island, New York. The Spirit flight was traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Boston as Air Force One was carrying President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and many others to a state visit to the United Kingdom. CBS News

Chinese Airline Launches 29-Hour ‘Direct Flight’ – But There’s A Catch
China Eastern Airlines has begun selling tickets for its new route connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires, in what the carrier touts as the “world’s longest direct flight.” The flight departing from Shanghai’s Pudong Interntional Airport (PVG) is scheduled to take about 25.5 hours to reach the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in the Argentine capital, while the return flight is scheduled to take a whopping 29 hours, according to the Shanghai-based carrier. CNN

At least 900 tourists stranded near South American lost city due to protest
At least 900 tourists have been left stranded near Peru’s ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu after their passenger train was suspended due to a protest, the country’s tourism minister said. Train operator PeruRail said the service had been suspended on Monday because the route in Peru’s mountainous Cusco region had been blocked by “rocks of various sizes” as local residents clashed with authorities and bus companies. The independent

Tuesday, September 16
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,590,221 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 15

Trump Administration Orders Delta, Aeromexico To Unwind Joint Venture By Jan. 1
The Trump administration ordered Delta and Aeromexico to unwind their joint venture that let’s them coordinate schedules, pricing and capacity for flights between the U.S. and Mexico. Both the Trump and Biden administrations had considered ending the joint venture amid a series of disputes about competition for flights between the two countries. The order doesn’t undo Delta’s minority equity stake in Aeromexico. CNBC

Turbulence On Delta Air Lines Flight Injures 3 Flight Attendants
A Delta Airlines flight from Ecuador to Atlanta experienced significant turbulence, resulting in the injury of 3 flight attendants, officials said. Delta Flight 632 encountered “moderate turbulence” after it took off from Quito, Ecuador, on Monday, the airline said. Despite the turbulence, the flight attendants were able to complete their duties. Upon landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, three of the flight attendants were treated for injuries. Daily Beast

Spain’s New Smoking Law Plans Could Mean Big Changes For Travellers
Spain’s coalition government has approved a draft bill restricting smoking in public places that could have a significant impact on travellers. The proposed legislation will ban smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces, including sports venues, beaches, restaurant and bar terraces. EuroNews

U.S. Lifts Travel Restrictions On Hungarian Citizens
The Trump administration announced Tuesday it would lift travel restrictions on Hungarian citizens after the country took steps to address security vulnerabilities, in the latest sign of warming ties between Washington and Budapest. The Biden administration in 2021 imposed restrictions on Hungarian passport holders born outside of Hungary and reduced the timeframe of authorized travel permitted under the Visa Waiver Program, citing a simplified naturalization policy backed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban that extended citizenship to people born abroad who claimed Hungarian ancestry. CBS News

United Airlines CEO Confident In Flight Expansion ‘Because Customers Are Choosing Us’
United Airlines is expanding flying more than its competitors in the U.S. CEO Scott Kirby told CNBC the carrier’s technology, onboard amenities like Bluetooth connectivity and seat-back screens, and network are drawing more customers. CNBC

American Express Travel To Debut Travel App For Bookings
American Express Travel plans to launch its first dedicated travel mobile app, bringing together hotel and flight booking capabilities with other perks and tools, such as wait times for its popular airport lounges. The move comes as the travel agency seeks to retain customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive digital travel market. The app will be available on iOS starting September 18, with Android to follow in the coming weeks, the company said Monday. Skift

Brawl On Mega Cruise Ship Forces Return To Port
A fight aboard one of the world’s largest cruise ships forced the Royal Caribbean vessel to return to Miami on Monday night, with two taken to the hospital. Royal Caribbean’s “Wonder of the Seas,” which was the largest cruise ship ever built until 2024, said there was an “altercation” on the ship before it returned to Port Miami, where it was met by police and fire rescue personnel. The Daily Beast

What Living Near An Airport Does To Your Health, According To Experts
Living close to an airport may greatly increase the risk of suffering a heart attack. Scientists found the thundering sound of planes leads to an increased likelihood of poor cardiac health. University College London studied heart imaging data from 3,635 residents near Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester airports. Daily Mail

Tourists Fined And Banned From Venice For Swimming In Canal
A couple from the United Kingdom had to cut their vacation in Venice short after being caught swimming in the Grand Canal. The 35-year-old British man and his 25-year-old Romanian girlfriend were forced to return to their home in the UK on Thursday, the same day they arrived in the city, after gondoliers reported them to local police for taking a dip in the canal. CNN

Thailand Records 7% Y/Y Drop In Foreign Visitors So Far In 2025
Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals from January 1 to September 14 fell 7.08% from the same period a year earlier, the Tourism Ministry said on Tuesday. There were about 23 million foreign visitors during the period, it said in a statement. Malaysia was the largest source market with 3.28 million visitors, followed by China with 3.23 million. Reuters

Carnival Tweaks Reward Program After Backlash
After a backlash from some of its most loyal cruisers, Carnival Cruise Line has made further adjustments to its upcoming new loyalty program. The new Carnival Rewards goes live on June 1, 2026. After reviewing feedback, Carnival will enable some cruisers to keep their current status for life. Now, those with Diamond status by the end of May, 2026 will have lifetime Diamond status. Travelmole

Tom Brady To Play With NFL Stars In Saudi Flag Football Tourney
The Las Vegas Raiders minority owner and seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback announced Monday that he is teamed up with Fanatics, Fox Sports and OBB Media for The Fanatics Flag Football Classic. Brady will play in a first-of-its-kind round-robin tournament featuring three teams of current and former NFL players. The tournament will take place March 21, 2026, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ESPN

Monday, September 15
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,810,713 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 14.

Airlines Suspend Workers For Posts About Shooting Of Charlie Kirk
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines say they have suspended workers for social media posts about last week’s fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.  JohnnyJet.com.

Flight Chaos Postponed As French Air Traffic Controllers Delay – And Extend – Strike
Passengers hoping to fly to, from, within or over France in the coming days have had the threat of widespread cancellations lifted. The main French air traffic control union, the SNCTA, has suspended a strike planned for Thursday and Friday, 18-19 September, due to the collapse of the French government. But a longer strike is planned for next month, from the morning of Tuesday 7 October to the morning of Friday 10 October. The Independent

Toxic Fumes Are Leaking Into Airplanes, Sickening Crews And Passengers
“Do you smell that?” Florence Chesson was asked by a fellow JetBlue flight attendant as they prepared for landing in Puerto Rico. Chesson, as trained, inhaled a lungful of air through her nostrils in a single deep breath. “It smells like dirty feet,” she told her colleague. Instantly, she started to feel like she had been drugged, Chesson said in an interview. WSJ

Southwest Requiring Removal Of Batteries From Mobility Devices Before Boarding
Southwest Airlines said on Friday it will require passengers to take out removable lithium batteries from powered wheelchairs and scooters before boarding, citing fire risks. The new rules take effect September 25 and Southwest in January will impose new size limits on lithium batteries. On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety alert to airlines over risks from lithium batteries in aircraft passenger compartments, citing a large number of serious incidents. Reuters

How The WS Journal Analyzed More Than One Million FAA Reports
The Federal Aviation Administration, airplane manufacturers and airlines don’t release a public accounting of how often engine fumes leak into airplane cabins. So The Wall Street Journal conducted its own. Airlines are required to submit “service difficulty reports” to the FAA detailing many kinds of operational issues they encounter during a flight. The Journal built a database of more than one million of them—every accessible filing from 2010 through mid-2025. SDRs contain identifying information about the aircraft as well as narrative text describing the issue. WSJ

Was A CT Man Who Disappeared During His Honeymoon Cruise Murdered At Sea?
On July 5, 2005, George Smith disappeared from his honeymoon cruise. His family has been on a mission to find those responsible, but their long quest for justice is now in jeopardy. In the beginning, suspicion surrounded George’s new widow. But the FBI soon turned its focus to a group of young men — the last to see George alive. CBS News

More Than 1 Million Warned To Stay Out Of Water In Florida As Map Shows ‘High Risk’ Areas
Experts are urging over one million people to remain away from the water on Florida’s eastern coast due to the increased risk of rip currents. The National Weather Service (NWS) and meteorologists issued several rip current statements at some beaches. The warnings affect several Florida counties from Duval south through Brevard, and extend into southeast Georgia, covering populated coastal areas where hazardous surf and rip currents can quickly endanger swimmers. Irish Star

Luxury Hotel Near SoFi Stadium To Be Completed On Time Despite Challenges, Builder Says
The hotel being built near SoFi Stadium is on track to be ready before the Super Bowl, its builder, KPC Development Co., said. Work on the $300-million Kali Hotel, rising near SoFi Stadium, has reached a milestone as Ram’s owner Stan Kroenke pushes ahead on development of his sprawling Hollywood Park empire in Inglewood. LA Times

Nigerian Pilot Tests Positive For Alcohol After Plane Veered Off Runway
A pilot and co-pilot have tested positive for alcohol after the plane they were operating veered off the runway when landing in Nigeria. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) screened the pair after the accident in July, at the Port Harcourt International Airport. In addition, a crew member tested positive for cannabis. BBC

Disney Cancels More Than 20 Voyages—Tens Of Thousands Of Booked Guests Left Scrambling
Disney Cruise Line has pushed the launch of Disney Adventure—its first Asia-based ship—about three months, moving the maiden voyage from December 15, 2025 to March 10, 2026. The shift wipes out the ship’s entire holiday season and early-2026 runs from Singapore. Industry outlets such as Cruise Critic and Disney-focused sites report more than 20 sailings are canceled. Reddit users shared the emails they received from DCL, along with their disappointment. Yahoo

Pilgrims Turn Spain’s Santiago De Compostela Into The World’s Latest Overtourism Flashpoint
While some Barcelona residents sought to repel a tsunami of tourists with plastic water pistols, a neighborhood association in Santiago de Compostela opted for a friendlier approach: a guide to good manners for visitors to their town, the endpoint of the Catholic world’s most famous pilgrimage. AP

Cunard Brings Come From Away Stage Show To The Sea For The First Time
Award-winning theatre show Come from Away is set to hit the high seas with performances aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. The Tony Award and Oliver Award-winning show will be performed exclusively during the Cunard vessel’s maiden Caribbean cruise season, which begins on 16 October. The Independent

September 7 through September 14

Two People Injured After United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Japan, Kyodo Says
Two people appeared to have sustained minor injuries after a United Airlines Flight 32 heading to Cebu in the Philippines made an emergency landing at an airport in Japan’s western city of Osaka Friday night, Kyodo news agency reported. Reuters

Southwest Airlines Eyes Long-Haul Flights, Luxe Lounges In Strategic Overhaul
Southwest Airlines Bob Jordan said on Thursday the company is looking at long-haul international flights and premium airport lounges as part of its turnaround strategy. Jordan said while the company will have to look at a wide-body aircraft for long-haul international service, it could use a “more risk-tolerant” approach at first and choose a narrow body to serve those routes. The Dallas-based carrier, which operates mostly domestic flights with a fleet of Boeing 737 jets, has been struggling to find its footing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its lackluster earnings have fueled pressure to revamp its business model. NY Post

United CEO Says He Expects Struggling Spirit Airlines To Go Out Of Business
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the once-profitable discount airline model is dying out in the U.S. Kirby said he thinks Spirit will go out of business “because I’m good at math.” Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last month for the second time in less than a year. CNBC

US To Deploy National Guard To Memphis
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would send National Guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee to combat crime, following his administration’s unprecedented police takeover in Washington last month. “We’re going to Memphis. Memphis is deeply troubled,” Trump said in an interview with the Fox News “Fox and Friends” program. “We’re going to fix that, just like we did Washington.” Reuters

Passengers Briefly Quarantined After New York-Bound Plane Diverted To Winnipeg
A commercial flight from South Korea to New York was diverted to Winnipeg on Wednesday morning, with one passenger taken to hospital and all others quarantined aboard the plane. The Asiana Airlines plane was en route from Seoul when flight radar shows it was diverted over northern Ontario and rerouted to Winnipeg at 6:30 a.m. It was parked on the tarmac at Winnipeg’s international airport for nearly four hours before departing again. CBC News

Embraer Announces Order Of 50 E195-E2 Jets To Avelo Airlines
Embraer said on Wednesday it has reached a deal for 50 firm orders and purchase rights for another 50 with budget carrier Avelo Airlines for the Brazilian planemaker’s E195-E2 jets, in the company’s first U.S. deal for the plane. The announcement in Washington coincides with a major gathering of aerospace leaders and comes when the Brazilian planemaker, the world’s third largest, has been lobbying the Trump administration to remove 10% tariffs, while highlighting the reliance of U.S. airlines on its regional jets. Reuters

FAA ‘Safety Alert’ Warns Airlines About The Dangers Of Lithium Batteries
In a safety alert, Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration again warned airlines of the risk of lithium batteries carried onboard planes by passengers and crew members. Cell phones, laptops, portable power banks, e-cigarettes, and hearing aids are just some of the many devices with the batteries that could malfunction, create a ‘thermal runaway’ and ignite a fire. CNN

Spirit Airlines Granted Millions In Emergency Funds Amid Bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late August, with plans to overhaul its operations to bring in financial stability and revenue. According to a report from Law360, the airline was granted millions in emergency funds to help restructure its business. Judge Sean H. Lane in New York approved Spirit Airlines to draw $275 million from its revolving credit facility, revenue, and other accounts associated with the airline. The move was described as an “obvious necessary” in order for the airline to undergo its plan. Men’s Journal

Oil Prices Rise After Israeli Attack On Qatar, Trump’s Russia Tariff Push
Oil prices rose on Wednesday after Israel attacked Hamas leadership in Qatar and U.S. President Donald Trump asked Europe to impose tariffs on buyers of Russian oil, but a weak market outlook capped gains. Brent crude futures rose 35 cents, or 0.53%, to $66.74 a barrel by 0033 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 36 cents, or 0.57%, to $62.99 a barrel. Reuters

London Tube service halted amid labor strikes
London’s underground rail network came to a standstill on Monday as staff began a week of strikes over pay and working conditions, disrupting travel for commuters and tourists. Almost no underground trains are expected to run until Thursday, so that people who take 3.7 million daily journeys on the “Tube” were either working from home or finding other ways to get around. USA Today

U.S. to nearly double its travel authorization fee
U.S. authorities have confirmed that Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee will increase from $21 to $40 on Sept. 30. Visitors from visa waiver countries, such as the U.K. and most EU members, have to do an ESTA application for entry to the United States. The authorization is valid for two years unless the traveler’s passport expires within this time. The U.S. previously raised the fee for an ESTA application from $14 to $21 in May 2022. Travel Weekly

WestJet Plane From Toronto Makes ‘Hard Landing’ In St. Maarten
A WestJet plane operating from Toronto made a “hard landing” at an airport in the Caribbean country of St. Maarten, the airline said on Sunday. The airline said all passengers and crew were evacuated from WestJet flight 2276 after the plane arrived at Princess Juliana International Airport. The plane’s slides were activated and emergency responders deployed foam as a precaution. WestJet said there were no reported injuries. CBC News

The Caribbean Islands Battling The Region’s ‘Highest Murder Rate’
Jacques Phanor used to sleep with his windows open. Until just a few years ago, the Turks and Caicos Islands were known predominantly as a luxury Caribbean tourist destination. The startling beauty of the archipelago has regularly earned it “world’s best beach” titles, and thrust it onto the bucket lists of the globe’s most affluent travellers. BBC

Friday, September 12
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,610,879 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 11

Two People Injured After United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Japan, Kyodo Says
Two people appeared to have sustained minor injuries after a United Airlines Flight 32 heading to Cebu in the Philippines made an emergency landing at an airport in Japan’s western city of Osaka Friday night, Kyodo news agency reported. Reuters

Southwest Airlines Eyes Long-Haul Flights, Luxe Lounges In Strategic Overhaul
Southwest Airlines Bob Jordan said on Thursday the company is looking at long-haul international flights and premium airport lounges as part of its turnaround strategy. Jordan said while the company will have to look at a wide-body aircraft for long-haul international service, it could use a “more risk-tolerant” approach at first and choose a narrow body to serve those routes. The Dallas-based carrier, which operates mostly domestic flights with a fleet of Boeing 737 jets, has been struggling to find its footing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its lackluster earnings have fueled pressure to revamp its business model. NY Post

United CEO Says He Expects Struggling Spirit Airlines To Go Out Of Business
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the once-profitable discount airline model is dying out in the U.S. Kirby said he thinks Spirit will go out of business “because I’m good at math.” Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last month for the second time in less than a year. CNBC

Boeing Faces $3.1 Million In US Fines For Safety Violations
The Federal Aviation Administration said it would fine Boeing Co. $3.1 million for a series of safety violations that it uncovered over a space of several months between late 2023 and early last year. The violations included interference with safety officials’ independence and “hundreds of quality system violations” at Boeing’s factory in Renton, Washington and at Spirit AeroSystems Holding Inc.’s plant in Wichita, Kansas, the FAA said in a statement Friday. Bloomberg

US To Deploy National Guard To Memphis
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would send National Guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee to combat crime, following his administration’s unprecedented police takeover in Washington last month. “We’re going to Memphis. Memphis is deeply troubled,” Trump said in an interview with the Fox News “Fox and Friends” program. “We’re going to fix that, just like we did Washington.” Reuters

Joby And Archer Join FAA’s eVTOL Pilot Testing Program
The Federal Aviation Administration said it’s launching a pilot program to speed up the rollout of air taxis. Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, major players in the eVTOL space, said they are participating. The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s executive order in June that outlined the creation of an air taxi pilot testing program. CNBC

Costa Rican Authorities Raid Hotel In Gardner Investigation
Nearly six months after the death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, authorities in Costa Rica on Thursday raided the hotel in which the boy was found dead, and a prosecutor suggested the investigation could result in a manslaughter case. ESPN

Uber Sued By Department Of Justice For Allegedly Discriminating Against Passengers With Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Thursday against Uber, claiming drivers for the rideshare company repeatedly refuse service to passengers with disabilities. Filed in federal court in San Francisco, the suit alleges that Uber discriminated against passengers with disabilities, especially those accompanied by service animals or using folding wheelchairs. The Independent

Southwest Flight Diverted Over Engine Issue Lands Safely At LAX
A Southwest Airlines flight departing Hollywood Burbank Airport suffered engine failure and safely diverted to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), an airline spokesperson told The Hill. Flight 1394 was en route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport before the crew reported the engine issue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told The Hill the plane landed at LAX around 8:15 a.m. local time. The Hill

Thailand Lifts Afternoon Booze Ban To Boost Restaurants
Thailand has lifted its decades-old afternoon alcohol ban, a move welcomed by restaurants that expect higher sales and a boost to tourism and the economy. Today, September 11, Sorathep Rojpojchanarat, president of the Restaurant Business Association and honorary adviser to the Thailand Hostel Association, praised the move and thanked both the former administration and opposition parties for “listening to the voices of business owners.” Thaiger

Eagle Lands On Florida Fire House During 9/11 Moment Of Silence
As firefighters in Cape Coral, Florida, gathered for a Sept. 11 ceremony and held a moment of silence, a bald eagle landed on top of the fire house. The patriotic symbol let out a screech to announce her presence before gracefully flying away. Today Show

From Beaches To Golf Courses: The World’s Most Unusual Airport Runways
When it comes to travel, wherever you are in the world, some things never change. McDonald’s is always McDonald’s. A hotel lobby is always a hotel lobby. An inflight safety demonstration is always a safety demonstration, and an airport runway is an airport runway: a long, clean-lined strip of asphalt free of all external interference; a sterile environment that could be anywhere on the planet. CNN

Thursday, September 11
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,105,826 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 10

Honoring The Flight Crews That Died 24 Years Ago Today
Was I tempted to write about Avelo today? Maybe. But that will have to wait. It’s September 11, and that means there’s nothing more important today than honoring those who were killed when four airplanes were hijacked and crashed. As the years pass, the tributes seem to get quieter. They also tend to center on those who died when the twin towers fell. That’s important, but this is an airline site. Once again, I continue the tradition Holly Hegeman started so many years ago… honoring those on-duty crewmembers who were murdered that day by printing their names. Cranky Flier

NYC Warns Of Potential Terror Threat Targeting Bridges And Tunnels Between Manhattan And Queens
“We are monitoring threats against New York City critical infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels, connecting Queens and Manhattan,” she said. “As always, we take all threats seriously and we are working with our federal partners through our joint terrorism task force as we investigate.” Tisch also noted that it’s not unusual to receive threats this time of year. She pointed to the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the upcoming Jewish high holidays, and the UN General Assembly as events that tend to receive threats every year. The Independent

Passengers Briefly Quarantined After New York-Bound Plane Diverted To Winnipeg
A commercial flight from South Korea to New York was diverted to Winnipeg on Wednesday morning, with one passenger taken to hospital and all others quarantined aboard the plane. The Asiana Airlines plane was en route from Seoul when flight radar shows it was diverted over northern Ontario and rerouted to Winnipeg at 6:30 a.m. It was parked on the tarmac at Winnipeg’s international airport for nearly four hours before departing again. CBC News

Cuba’s Electrical Grid Collapses In Nationwide Blackout
Communist Cuba’s national power grid collapsed for the fourth time in less than a year on Wednesday morning causing a nationwide blackout, authorities said. “There has been a total disconnection of the Electric System, SEN, which may be associated with an unexpected outage of the (thermal power plant) CTE Guiteras,” the Energy Ministry and National Electric Union said. Reuters

Embraer Announces Order Of 50 E195-E2 Jets To Avelo Airlines
Embraer said on Wednesday it has reached a deal for 50 firm orders and purchase rights for another 50 with budget carrier Avelo Airlines for the Brazilian planemaker’s E195-E2 jets, in the company’s first U.S. deal for the plane. The announcement in Washington coincides with a major gathering of aerospace leaders and comes when the Brazilian planemaker, the world’s third largest, has been lobbying the Trump administration to remove 10% tariffs, while highlighting the reliance of U.S. airlines on its regional jets. Reuters

Lions Maul Veteran Zookeeper To Death In Front Of Horrified Guests
Lions mauled a zookeeper to death at a Thailand safari park in the capital of Bangkok on Wednesday, leaving visitors horrified. Jian Rangkharasamee, 58, who had worked at Safari World for some three decades, was attacked in the section of the park meant for visitors to view the animals from their vehicles. The Independent

El Salvador, Americas Fastest Growing And Trendiest Destination In 2025
El Salvador is emerging as one of the world’s most striking success stories in post-pandemic tourism. In its latest World Tourism Barometer published earlier this year, UN Tourism ranks the country second globally in recovery, with an 81% rebound in international arrivals compared with 2019. That surge is being fueled by an aggressive national strategy under El Salvador current President Nayib Bukele. He made tourism a cornerstone of economic development since taking office in mid-2019. Travel Mole

American Airlines Flight Heading To San Francisco Strikes Multiple Birds Near Philadelphia Airport
An American Airlines flight departing Philadelphia International Airport landed back at the airport after striking multiple birds shortly after takeoff, officials said. The flight, AA 2035, was heading to San Francisco when the bird strike occurred, an airline spokesperson said. “The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate under its own power, where customers deplaned normally,” the American Airlines spokesperson said in an email. CBS Philadelphia

Meta Suppressed Children’s Safety Research, 4 Whistleblowers Claim
Two current and two former Meta employees disclosed documents to Congress alleging that the company may have suppressed research on children’s safety, according to a report from The Washington Post. According to their claims, Meta changed its policies around researching sensitive topics — like politics, children, gender, race, and harassment — six weeks after whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents that showed how Meta’s own research found that Instagram can damage teen girls’ mental health. These revelations, which were made public in 2021, kicked off years of hearings in Congress over child safety on the internet, an issue that remains a hot topic in global governments today. Yahoo

‘Starfish Apocalypse’ As Thousands Wash Up On Scottish Beach After Stormy Seas
Thousands of starfish have washed up along a stretch of beach in Fife, United Kingdom, prompting locals to dub the mass stranding a “starfish apocalypse.” Photos and videos shared on social media showed dark piles of starfish covering the sand and spilling onto the promenade at Kirkcaldy. “It’s like something from a disaster movie,” one resident told The Scottish Sun. AccuWeather

Steven Weber, Amy Yasbeck Remember ‘Wings’ Family Member & Wife Killed On 9/11
On the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, actor Steven Weber is paying tribute to two people whose loss is still with him 24 years later. Weber, who starred on the NBC sitcom Wings from 1990 to 1997, took to Instagram on September 11, 2025, to remember Wings creator and executive producer David Angell and his wife, Lynn. The couple was tragically killed aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane that struck the World Trade Center towers on 9/11 in 2001. Parade Magazine

They Retired To France, And Say They’d Be ‘Absolutely Broke’ If They’d Stayed In California
On a sunny afternoon in the Dordogne Valley, Debra and Eric Stillwell stroll along a cobblestone street, watching autumn leaves tumble to the ground. Later they’ll stop at one of the open-air markets found in southwest France’s medieval towns, perhaps plan a trip to Bordeaux to visit Citi de la Vin — Debra’s favorite museum — or wander through the region’s many castles. It’s a life far removed from the future that once awaited them in California, where they spent three decades before relocating to France five years ago. CNN

Wednesday, September 10
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 1,896,842 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 9

FAA ‘Safety Alert’ Warns Airlines About The Dangers Of Lithium Batteries
In a safety alert, Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration again warned airlines of the risk of lithium batteries carried onboard planes by passengers and crew members. Cell phones, laptops, portable power banks, e-cigarettes, and hearing aids are just some of the many devices with the batteries that could malfunction, create a ‘thermal runaway’ and ignite a fire. CNN

Spirit Airlines Granted Millions In Emergency Funds Amid Bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late August, with plans to overhaul its operations to bring in financial stability and revenue. According to a report from Law360, the airline was granted millions in emergency funds to help restructure its business. Judge Sean H. Lane in New York approved Spirit Airlines to draw $275 million from its revolving credit facility, revenue, and other accounts associated with the airline. The move was described as an “obvious necessary” in order for the airline to undergo its plan. Men’s Journal

Spirit Airlines Fires Back After United CEO Wonders If It Can Survive: ‘Can’t Stop Yapping About Us’
A war of words between United Airlines and ailing Spirit Airlines executives escalated on Tuesday after the Chicago-based airline’s chief questioned the bankrupt discounter’s business model and expressed doubts if it could stay in the industry. Minutes later, Spirit responded. In a post on X, the Florida-based carrier said its customers love low fares and its premium product offerings. “Maybe that’s why United executives can’t stop yapping about us,” the airline said. NY Post

Southwest Airlines Would Need Different Aircraft If Launching Flights To Europe, CEO Says
U.S. low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines would need different aircraft if it were to launch flights to Europe, CEO Bob Jordan told a Washington D.C. gathering of aerospace executives on Tuesday. Southwest, which operates mostly domestic flights with a fleet of Boeing 737 jets, has been struggling to find its footing after the COVID pandemic. Its lackluster earnings have fueled pressure to revamp its business model. It has begun charging customers for checked bags, ending a free policy. It has also rolled out a new basic-economy fare. Reuters

Possible Mechanical Issue Forces Delta Flight From Amsterdam To Turn Around
A Delta Air Lines flight from the Netherlands to Minnesota turned around after takeoff this week. “As nothing is more important than safety at Delta, DL161 returned to Amsterdam shortly after departure following a potential mechanical issue with the pneumatic system,” the airline told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. There were 280 customers on the Sept. 8 flight, which was traveling from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. USA Today

Oil Prices Rise After Israeli Attack On Qatar, Trump’s Russia Tariff Push
Oil prices rose on Wednesday after Israel attacked Hamas leadership in Qatar and U.S. President Donald Trump asked Europe to impose tariffs on buyers of Russian oil, but a weak market outlook capped gains. Brent crude futures rose 35 cents, or 0.53%, to $66.74 a barrel by 0033 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 36 cents, or 0.57%, to $62.99 a barrel. Reuters

US Transportation Chief To Meet With Airline CEOs On Air Traffic Reform, Sources Say
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to meet with the CEOs of major airlines on Wednesday on the government’s $12.5 billion plan to overhaul the nation’s aging air traffic control system, sources told Reuters. Duffy will attend a meeting of Airlines for America, the trade group representing United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others. Reuters

Passengers Were Thrown Into The Air By Severe Turbulence With Little Warning, NTSB Report Says
Turbulence that injured more than a dozen people on a Delta Air Lines flight came with little warning to the pilots, even though they knew they were near thunderstorms, according to a new preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The seat belt sign was off on July 30 when service carts, flight attendants, and unbelted passengers were suddenly thrown toward the plane’s ceiling. CNN

Mystery Grows After Man Who Won $100K From YouTuber For Good Deed Found Hog-Tied In His Burned Out SUV
A heartwarming viral moment has taken a bizarre turn after a Detroit man who was gifted $100,000 from a famous YouTuber claimed he was kidnapped, beaten, and nearly killed just weeks later. Curtis Dixon’s life changed last month when he was approached outside American Jewelry and Loan in the city by a man pretending to be blind. The Independent

What The Kayaker Who Faked His Own Drowning And Fled The Country Told Investigators
The sun was getting ready to rise over a rural lake in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, when a sheriff’s deputy shined his flashlight inside Ryan Borgwardt’s minivan parked just yards away from the water’s edge. There was no one inside the car. As the deputy took out his binoculars and gazed over the pier to see if he could spot anyone in the distance that morning in August 2024, he almost certainly could not have imagined that not only would Borgwardt not be found stuck in the lake, but would end up being traced across the world to the country of Georgia. ABC News

Seattle Rises As Sober Travel Hot Spot
Seattle is emerging as one of America’s top sober-friendly cities, with recent research placing it fifth for booze-free vacations. Why it matters: A record number of Americans are rethinking their relationship with drinking. Driving the news: National Gallup data released this month show the share of adults who say even moderate drinking is bad for health has reached a historic high. Axios Seattle

U.S. Theme Park Spending Down 5% During ‘Lackluster’ Summer
Spending at U.S. theme parks dropped this summer, with lower- and middle-income families cutting back while affluent visitors poured more money into trips to Disney and Universal Studios, according to a new report. Overall spending at U.S. theme parks was down 5% this summer compared to the same period last year, according to Consumer Edge. The decline was led by visitors earning less than $100,000 annually, who reduced their extra spending amid higher costs and economic uncertainty. KTLA

Tuesday, September 9
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,456,320 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 8

KLM to cancel 100 flights on Wednesday after strike announcement
KLM, the Dutch arm of airline group Air France KLM, will cancel 100 flights on Wednesday after ground crew announced a two-hour strike, a spokesperson for KLM said on Tuesday, confirming a report by Dutch News Agency ANP. The cancelled flights will affect 27,000 passengers, the spokesperson added. Reuters

London Tube service halted amid labor strikes
London’s underground rail network came to a standstill on Monday as staff began a week of strikes over pay and working conditions, disrupting travel for commuters and tourists. Almost no underground trains are expected to run until Thursday, so that people who take 3.7 million daily journeys on the “Tube” were either working from home or finding other ways to get around. USA Today

U.S. to nearly double its travel authorization fee
U.S. authorities have confirmed that Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee will increase from $21 to $40 on Sept. 30. Visitors from visa waiver countries, such as the U.K. and most EU members, have to do an ESTA application for entry to the United States. The authorization is valid for two years unless the traveler’s passport expires within this time. The U.S. previously raised the fee for an ESTA application from $14 to $21 in May 2022. Travel Weekly

World War II bomb discovery in Slovakia’s capital prompts evacuations in downtown Bratislava
The discovery of a World War II bomb in Slovakia’s capital during construction work prompted evacuations on Tuesday, officials said. The emergency measure covered several blocks in downtown Bratislava, including a major bridge across the Danube River. Public transportation and all traffic were halted during the morning rush hour. Experts were planning to defuse the 500-pound (225-kilogram) bomb, which was discovered on Monday evening, by midday. AP

FAA extends ban on U.S. commercial flights to Haiti’s capital
A Federal Aviation Administration ban on U.S. commercial flights to Haiti’s capital that expired Monday has been extended to March 7, 2026, because of the risk that powerful gangs might attack flights with drones and small arms. The FAA noted that Haitian gangs now control 90% of Port-au-Prince as well as nearby strategic routes and border areas. Los Angeles Times

Alaska Airlines launches new route to Iceland; unveils elevated comfort across 737 fleet
Alaska Airlines is taking its global reach further than ever with nonstop service to Reykjavík, Iceland, inviting travelers to book their next adventure at alaskaair.com. With flights starting May 28, 2026, guests can book today to discover Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, with daily summer flights from Alaska Airlines’ global gateway in Seattle, all while enjoying an elevated travel experience “thoughtfully upgraded from curb to cabin,” according to an announcement. Maui Now

France faces widespread travel disruption as unions plan general strikes
Travelers heading to France in the next 10 days should brace for major disruptions as several powerful labor unions join forces with activist groups to stage two nationwide strikes. The walkouts are scheduled for… JohnnyJet.com

JetBlue retires a beloved aircraft and welcomes a new era
JetBlue marked a big milestone today with the retirement of the Embraer E190, the 100-seat jet that has been part of the airline’s fleet since 2005. The final revenue flight took off from New York’s JFK and landed in Boston, retracing the very first E190 route nearly twenty years ago. JohnnyJet.com

Why pilots in India skip perfume before flights: Aviation expert’s surprising explanation
Perfume before a date? Yes. Perfume before a flight? Absolutely not, at least if you are a pilot in India. While passengers may spray on their favorite fragrance before boarding, pilots are advised to avoid it. The reason has nothing to do with style and everything to do with aviation safety. Before every take-off, Indian pilots must clear a strict breathalyzer test as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules. These machines are designed to detect even the tiniest trace of alcohol, and they do not care whether it came from a glass of wine or a bottle of cologne. That is exactly what aviation expert Captain Tomar Awdhesh explained in his popular Instagram post that quickly went viral. The Times of India

Cambodia opens new airport in Phnom Penh aiming to boost tourism
Cambodia on Tuesday opened the capital’s new Techo International Airport as officials welcomed an inaugural flight to great fanfare, with the hope of boosting tourism. Fire trucks crisscrossed streams of water over the Air Cambodia flight from China as it taxied to the terminal in the new $2 billion facility located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) outside of Phnom Penh. The new three-runway facility replaces the nearly 70-year-old Phnom Penh International Airport which had only one runway. It had been scheduled to be operational in July but the opening was delayed for a technical issue. AP

Heathrow Airport: Terminal reopens after evacuation and 21 people treated by paramedics
Heathrow Terminal 4 has reopened three hours after it was evacuated when firefighters rushed to what was described as a “possible hazardous materials incident”. Some 21 people reported an injury at Heathrow Airport but no trace of any “adverse” substance was found, the Metropolitan Police said. The Independent

Air France offering nonstop Las Vegas-Paris flights in January
French flag-carrier airline Air France will give Las Vegas a month-long tryout in January, flying routes between Paris and Harry Reid International Airport from Jan. 3-23. The flights are a part of an Air France international expansion, which includes new routes between Paris’ Charles de Gaulle International Airport; Phuket, Thailand; and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Air France already has expanded routes this year to Orlando, Florida, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Las Vegas Review Journal