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

=== Sunday, July 26 === 

Seaplane Crashes in Puget Sound; All 11 on Board Survive
A Kenmore Air seaplane carrying 10 passengers and a pilot crashed in Shallow Bay near Washington’s Sucia Island before catching fire. Thankfully, everyone on board survived and was accounted for. CBS News

Dangerous Heat Dome Expands Across Central U.S.
A sprawling heat dome is bringing dangerous temperatures and high humidity to much of the central U.S., with about 80 million people under heat advisories. Forecasters warn that warm overnight temperatures will make it harder for people to recover from the prolonged heat. AP

Visitor Dies After Rockfall at Glacier National Park
A visitor injured earlier this month when a falling rock crashed through a vehicle on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road has died. The tragic incident is a reminder to stay alert in areas prone to rockfalls, especially along steep mountain roads. SFGATE

All Three British Airways Pilots Sickened by Food Poisoning
A British Airways flight from India to London reportedly continued after all three pilots suffered food poisoning, with one first officer becoming incapacitated during the flight. The incident has renewed concerns over hygiene standards at a hotel frequently used by airline crews in Hyderabad. The Sun

Don’t Forget Marijuana in Your Luggage
Travel experts are reminding travelers to double-check their bags for forgotten cannabis products before heading to the airport. Even a stray vape cartridge or edible can lead to severe penalties in countries with strict drug laws, including prison time and hefty fines. Daily Mail

Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations in France and Spain
Fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 250,000 people to evacuate parts of France and Spain, with at least one reported death. Smoke has spread into major cities, prompting health warnings as firefighters continue battling the blazes. CBS News

EasyJet Profits Take a Big Hit
EasyJet reported a 70% drop in quarterly profits, blaming higher fuel costs and weaker demand following the conflict involving Iran. The disappointing results come just weeks after the airline agreed to a £5.7 billion takeover. The Independent

Airbnb Guest Refuses to Leave California Rental
A Hermosa Beach homeowner says an Airbnb guest refused to move out after his reservation ended, forcing her into a costly legal battle. The case is drawing attention to California tenancy laws that some say can make it difficult for short-term hosts to remove overstaying guests. ABC7 Los Angeles

Mechanical Issue Delays Royal Caribbean Cruise
Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas experienced hours-long delays after a mechanical issue delayed the ship’s departure from Port Canaveral. The cruise line also adjusted the itinerary, swapping the order of its Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay stops. People

Passenger Finds United Menu From 1974
A United Airlines passenger shared a preserved economy-class menu from a 1974 flight, giving aviation fans a fascinating look at what travelers were served more than 50 years ago. The nostalgic post quickly gained attention on Reddit. Newsweek

Fare Evader Gets Stuck Under BART’s New Gates
A woman trying to crawl under one of BART’s new full-height fare gates ended up stuck beneath it in a video that quickly went viral. The incident also highlights the transit system’s efforts to crack down on fare evasion. Men’s Journal

Boeing Says New Airplane Will Have to Wait
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company has begun early work on a future aircraft but won’t launch a new airplane program until its finances improve and production issues are under control. He suggested a new jet is still a couple of years away. The Wall Street Journal

=== Friday, July 24 === 

Three airports join TSA’s privatized screening program
Three more airports—Tampa, Charleston and Des Moines—will move to the TSA’s new Gold+ privatized screening program, expanding the agency’s use of private contractors for passenger screening. The move is part of a broader push toward privatization and is drawing opposition from the union representing TSA employees. Travel Weekly

Pan Am crash site found more than 70 years later
Researchers have located the wreckage of the Pan Am Clipper Endeavor, which ditched into the Atlantic shortly after departing San Juan in 1952. While everyone survived the water landing, a number of passengers later died during the chaotic evacuation. The New York Times

U.S. airlines cleared to resume Lebanon flights
President Donald Trump said U.S. airlines will once again be allowed to operate flights to Lebanon, ending a ban that has been in place since the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847. The announcement came after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. CNBC

Volcanic ash cancels Alaska Airlines flights
Alaska Airlines canceled 10 flights after volcanic ash from an eruption on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula drifted into Alaska. More disruptions are possible as officials continue monitoring changing wind patterns. Alaska Public Radio

Hawaiian to replace Boeing 717 fleet with 737-800s
Hawaiian Airlines will retire its aging Boeing 717 fleet and replace it with Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800 aircraft for interisland service. Parent company Alaska Airlines says the change will improve reliability and the passenger experience. Alaska Airlines

Terminally ill passenger left overnight at Gatwick
A terminally ill easyJet passenger says he was forced to sleep on the floor at London Gatwick Airport after his flight was canceled and no hotel accommodations were provided. The incident has renewed scrutiny of airline care during major disruptions. The Telegraph

ICE detains Southwest flight attendant
ICE says it detained a Southwest Airlines flight attendant in Nashville after determining he had overstayed a U.S. visa issued in 2021. The employee’s union has raised concerns about the arrest, which occurred while he was at work. CBS Texas

Low rivers disrupt European cruises
Persistent drought and extreme heat are lowering water levels on major European rivers, forcing some cruise lines to modify itineraries, swap ships and use motorcoaches to move passengers around impassable stretches. Operators say they’re adjusting schedules as conditions evolve. Travel Weekly

Southwest ships jet fuel by sea to Los Angeles
Southwest Airlines transported more than 12 million gallons of jet fuel from Texas to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal to help guard against supply shortages. The unusual move comes as higher fuel prices continue to pressure airline profits. CNBC

Lizard parts seized in luggage at LAX
Customs officers at Los Angeles International Airport seized nearly 100 pounds of prohibited agricultural and wildlife products from a passenger arriving from Thailand, including Bengal monitor lizard parts. A CBP detector dog alerted officers to the suitcase during inspection. New York Post

Carnival responds to viral dining room incident
Carnival Cruise Line addressed a viral video showing a guest using a fork to scratch her foot in a ship’s dining room, saying crew members quickly removed the utensil from service and spoke with the passenger. The incident generated widespread attention on social media. Us Weekly

Two tourists stabbed near Athens Acropolis
Two Greek American tourists were stabbed near the Acropolis Museum in Athens, close to one of Greece’s busiest tourist attractions. Authorities are investigating the attack, which occurred near the entrance to the historic site. The Independent

Germany bans alcohol at all train stations
Germany’s national railway operator will prohibit alcohol consumption at all 5,400 train stations by mid-October. Officials say the nationwide policy is intended to improve safety for both passengers and employees. The Independent

Video captures ICE arrest at San Francisco airport
Video circulating on social media shows federal officers detaining a Ukrainian woman at San Francisco International Airport. The woman can be heard alleging the officers were choking her as ICE confirmed it was carrying out an enforcement action. San Francisco Chronicle

Tourists filmed near Yellowstone hot spring
Video from Yellowstone National Park shows two visitors leaving the designated boardwalk and walking dangerously close to the Grand Prismatic Spring. Park officials regularly warn that the area’s geothermal features can cause severe or fatal burns. Daily Mail

=== Tuesday, July 21 === 

JetBlue wins Spirit’s LaGuardia slots, eyes terminal move
JetBlue has secured takeoff and landing slots for up to 12 daily round-trip flights at New York LaGuardia after Spirit exited the airport in May. The airline is also considering relocating its operations to the Marine Air Terminal as it reshapes its presence at the airport. CNBC

Wildfire smoke expected to linger into August
Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires is expected to continue affecting parts of the Midwest and Northeast through August, with only limited rainfall in key fire zones offering little relief. Forecasters say additional rounds of poor air quality remain likely in the weeks ahead. AccuWeather

Las Vegas resorts roll out more all-inclusive deals
Las Vegas resorts are expanding all-inclusive-style packages and promotions as they work to attract visitors during a slower travel period. The offers reflect increased competition for leisure travelers and softer demand on the Strip. USA Today

U.S. gas prices climb back to $4 a gallon
The national average price for regular gasoline has returned to $4 per gallon as escalating conflict involving Iran raises concerns over global oil supplies. Prices continue to vary widely by state based on taxes and local supply conditions. AP

United reverses course on airport name change policy
United Airlines has reportedly backed away from plans to let travelers switch airports without fees following the renaming of Palm Beach’s airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport. The airline has not confirmed it will implement the proposed accommodation. Daily Beast

Australia seeks answers after ICE airport arrest
Australian officials are pressing U.S. immigration authorities for information after an Australian man was tackled and detained by ICE agents at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport. Videos of the incident have sparked widespread criticism and calls for accountability. SBS News

Delta to launch nonstop LAX-Philippines service
Delta plans to begin the first-ever nonstop flights between Los Angeles and the Philippines in March 2027, expanding its Asia-Pacific network from LAX. The new route marks another step in the airline’s long-haul international growth strategy. ABC7 Los Angeles

Tropical Depression Two threatens Gulf Coast
Tropical Depression Two has formed in the northeastern Gulf and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha while bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and a heightened flood threat to parts of the Gulf Coast. Residents are being urged to monitor forecasts as the system develops. Yahoo

World Cup boosts U.S. hotel revenues
Hotels in U.S. host cities outperformed expectations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with revenue per available room increasing by more than 20% in many markets. Higher room rates were the primary driver of the stronger-than-forecast results. Travel Weekly

Yellowstone bison attack survivor speaks out
A Washington state man who was seriously injured after being tossed by a bison in Yellowstone National Park has described the incident from his hospital bed. The attack serves as another reminder of the dangers of getting too close to wildlife in the park. Daily Mail

FAA says Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10 approvals are close
The FAA expects certification of Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 aircraft to happen soon following an extensive review process. Agency officials said approval of both variants is closer than at any point previously. Reuters

Hotel heiress shares practical travel advice
Marcia Kimpton, filmmaker and heiress to the Kimpton hotel brand, shares personal travel habits and tips inspired by her new film, including strategies for reducing stress and making travel more enjoyable. Her advice reflects a highly individual approach to life on the road. USA Today

63 Comments On "12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today"
  1. tim mullis|

    TDS Much.

  2. Carol Sabo|

    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

  3. JOHN JOHNSTON|

    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!

  4. Prama|

    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!

  5. Daisy L.|

    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!

  6. Buzzy Gordon|

    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.

  7. Jerry Mandel|

    TSA numbers of no value. Who cares?

  8. Jerry Mandel|

    Why would anyone care about yesterday’s TSA numbers? This is silly.

    1. Johnny Jet|

      A lot of people do. Shows how the economy is doing especially for the airlines.

  9. Ross Copas|

    What’s your recommended VPN

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