(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):
=== Thursday, November 12 ===
United Airlines restricts AI agents from booking flights
United Airlines is cracking down on third-party AI tools that book flights on behalf of travelers. CEO Scott Kirby says he doesn’t want to introduce another middleman between the airline and its customers, even as more travelers turn to artificial intelligence to plan their trips. Yahoo
JetBlue unveils new domestic first-class seats
JetBlue is betting that more premium seating will help the airline return to profitability. The carrier unveiled its new domestic first-class product, called BlueFirst, on Wednesday as part of its turnaround strategy. CNBC
United CEO wants FAA to help reduce taxi times at Chicago O’Hare
Ever feel like your plane is taxiing forever at Chicago O’Hare? You’re not imagining it. United CEO Scott Kirby is calling on the FAA to address staffing and taxiway issues at the airport, which has the longest average taxi-in times of any major U.S. airport. Chicago Tribune
Below Deck yacht captain arrested in Turkey after teenager dies
Joao Franco, a yacht captain who appeared on the reality TV series Below Deck, has reportedly been arrested in Turkey following an altercation in the popular resort town of Bodrum that left a 17-year-old dead. Local media reports say Franco and his brother were allegedly involved in a dispute with shopkeepers. AP
British woman missing from cruise ship during Atlantic crossing
A 72-year-old British woman has been reported missing from the Marella Voyager while the cruise ship was crossing the Atlantic en route to the Caribbean. She was last seen on Monday and the ship may have traveled hundreds of miles before she was reported missing. BBC
New Dallas-area airport welcomes its first commercial flight
Travelers in the Dallas area now have another airport option. Avelo Airlines launched commercial service from DTX Airport in McKinney, Texas, on Wednesday with an inaugural flight to Fort Myers, Florida. CBS Texas
Danish tourist attacked near Venice Beach Boardwalk
Los Angeles police have arrested a suspect in a violent attack on a Danish tourist near the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The October 30 assault, which was caught on video, left the visitor unconscious with a head injury. LA Times
Qantas to cut 850 jobs and outsource much of the work to India
Australia’s largest airline plans to eliminate approximately 850 corporate positions, with much of the work being transferred to Accenture employees in India. The first changes are expected to take effect by mid-2027. The Independent
Australia wants more British travelers to head to the outback
Australia is looking to attract more young British travelers to regional destinations rather than just popular cities like Sydney. Places like Cairns have long relied on international backpackers to fill hospitality jobs but British workers are becoming harder to find. BBC
International travel to the U.S. expected to decline for second straight year
The U.S. Travel Association forecasts that 67.8 million international visitors will travel to the United States in 2026, a decline of 0.7% from last year. That’s on top of a 5.5% drop in 2025, when many Canadians and some European travelers opted to vacation elsewhere amid political tensions and tariffs. Travel Weekly
British man jailed in Singapore after hidden camera found in airplane bathroom
A British passenger is facing serious legal trouble in Singapore after allegedly installing hidden cameras in the lavatory of a Scoot Boeing 787. A flight attendant discovered the devices and the passenger was caught when he reportedly returned to retrieve them. He faces voyeurism and obstruction of justice charges. One Mile at a Time
Finland’s embassy in Australia goes viral over sauna announcement
Finland’s embassy in Australia has become an unexpected social media sensation after announcing it would close for a day for an internal staff event. The reason for all the attention? The Finnish ambassador revealed that the festivities would include a pre-Christmas sauna. The Independent
=== Tuesday, November 10 ===
FAA Investigating Near Midair Collision Between Air France and American Airlines Flights at LAX
The FAA is investigating a frightening close call at Los Angeles International Airport after an Air France flight reportedly made an unauthorized turn shortly after takeoff Saturday morning, putting it in the path of an American Airlines aircraft departing from a parallel runway. Fortunately, a collision was avoided, but investigators want to know what went wrong. CBS Los Angeles
Believe It or Not, the FAA Is Still Using Floppy Disks, but Not for Much Longer
Here’s something that might surprise you. The FAA is still using floppy disks to distribute weather and other critical information at more than 400 air traffic control facilities nationwide. The agency says it plans to replace the outdated technology by the end of 2028 with a modern system that will give controllers faster access to important information. Reuters
Washington Dulles Airport Opens New Concourse With 14 Gates and More Passenger Amenities
Good news for travelers flying through Washington Dulles International Airport. The airport has unveiled its new Concourse E, featuring 14 gates, restaurants and a passenger lounge. The project took three years to complete, and United Airlines is scheduled to begin operating flights from the new concourse on Tuesday. WTOP News
Woman Found Dead in MSC Cruise Ship Cabin After Alleged Attack by Partner
A horrifying tragedy unfolded aboard an MSC cruise ship after a woman was found dead in her cabin following an alleged violent attack by her partner. A housekeeper delivering towels reportedly noticed blood on the man’s hands and clothing and alerted ship security, who discovered the woman with severe injuries. According to reports, the man never notified the crew that his partner was lying motionless inside the cabin. Daily Mail
University of California Buys Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for $193 Million
Here’s an interesting real estate deal. The University of California system has reportedly purchased the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for approximately $193 million. Property records show the luxury hotel’s ownership changed in October to a company connected to the university system. USA Today
Thanksgiving Travel Could Be Disrupted by Rain, Storms and Snow Across the Country
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Early outlooks suggest rain could affect parts of the East while storms and possible snow could create headaches for travelers in the West. It’s still too early to know exactly where the worst weather will hit, but this is another reminder to build some flexibility into your holiday travel plans. Fox Weather
Troubled Residential World Cruise Ship Detained in Singapore Amid Financial Problems
The saga surrounding Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise ship keeps getting worse. After stranding passengers in Cambodia last month when the company unexpectedly suspended operations over rising fuel costs, the residential ship has now been legally detained in Singapore amid ongoing financial troubles. The vessel reportedly departed Cambodia on November 8 without passengers and with approximately 50 crew members aboard. The Independent
California Fishermen Rescue Cruise Ship Employee Treading Water Nearly 20 Miles Offshore
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Two Newport Beach fishermen returning from a fishing trip near Catalina Island spotted a 37-year-old Royal Caribbean crew member treading water nearly 20 miles off the Southern California coast. Sean Norton and Grant Garrett managed to rescue the man from the Pacific Ocean, turning an ordinary fishing trip into an extraordinary lifesaving mission. CBS News
KFC Is Coming to Italy’s Famous Ski Slopes and Not Everyone Is Happy About It
Imagine skiing through Italy’s beautiful Dolomites and stopping for a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken instead of a plate of pasta. That’s about to become a reality at two prestigious Italian ski resorts, where KFC plans to open locations this winter. The move has sparked outrage among food lovers and mountain traditionalists, with one prominent businessman even threatening legal action. The Guardian
Frontier Airlines Is Adding First Class Seats and More Legroom
Frontier Airlines is making a big change to its traditionally no-frills cabins. The ultra-low-cost carrier is introducing first class seating in the first two rows, with a 2-2 configuration and up to 37 inches of seat pitch. Rows three through eight will also feature premium seating with up to 34 inches of pitch, giving passengers more options to stretch out, though you’ll likely have to pay extra for the privilege. 9NEWS
86-Year-Old Man Attempts Solo Pacific Ocean Crossing to Fulfill Bucket List Dream
You have to admire his determination, even if the journey didn’t go as planned. At 86, Harry Blodgett set sail across the Pacific Ocean in August despite friends and family reportedly trying to talk him out of it. His dream adventure turned into a dangerous ordeal that ended two months later when the Coast Guard came to his rescue. People
San Francisco Tourism Is Making a Comeback as Hotel Revenue Surges
San Francisco’s tourism industry appears to be bouncing back in a big way. After struggling through a post-pandemic slump, the city’s hotels are now leading the nation’s 25 largest hotel markets in year-to-date revenue growth per available room, up an impressive 19.4% in 2026. Chicago came in second with a 12.7% increase, another encouraging sign for the travel industry. Travel Weekly
=== Sunday, November 8 ===
Bomb Threats Disrupt TV Stations Across Europe
Several European television stations were evacuated Friday after receiving bomb threats warning that “the clock is ticking.” Broadcasters in Ireland, Britain and Bulgaria were among those affected, with some programming suspended for hours. Fortunately, no explosives were found. Reuters
What Travelers Should Watch Out for After the Midterm Elections
Another government shutdown could spell trouble for air travelers if Congress and the White House can’t agree on funding. TSA workers still aren’t guaranteed pay during future shutdowns, raising concerns about staffing shortages, long security lines and flight disruptions. The Wall Street Journal
Singapore Airlines Is Upgrading Its First and Business Class Cabins
Singapore Airlines is preparing to unveil new first and business class products on its long-haul Airbus A350 aircraft beginning in mid-2027, with its Boeing 777-9 fleet also getting the upgrades. The airline is also planning to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi across most of its Airbus fleet starting in early 2027. CNBC
Heavy Rain and Flooding Destroy Iconic Desert Rock Formations
Some of the Southwest’s most unusual natural landmarks are collapsing after heavy rain and flooding. In northwestern New Mexico, fragile rock formations that took thousands of years to form are being damaged or destroyed, reminding travelers just how vulnerable these incredible landscapes can be. Associated Press
Southwest Airlines Flight Diverted to LAX Over Engine Issue
A Southwest Airlines flight from Orange County to San Jose was diverted to Los Angeles International Airport Friday after the pilots received an engine-related maintenance indication. Flight 3396 landed safely at LAX shortly before 12:30 p.m. NBC Los Angeles
Delta Must Face Lawsuit Over Window Seats Without Windows
Ever paid extra for a window seat only to discover there’s no window? A federal judge has ruled that Delta Air Lines must face a lawsuit from passengers who say they paid more for window seats but ended up staring at blank walls instead. Reuters
More Than 200 Flights Delayed at San Diego Airport
Travelers flying through San Diego International Airport faced widespread delays Thursday as heavy air traffic prompted the FAA to implement a traffic management program. More than 200 flights were delayed, with average delays of approximately 38 minutes. CBS 8
Carnival Cruise Line Faces Backlash Over Stickers for Tipping Guests
Carnival Cruise Line is getting criticized after reports surfaced that some passengers were given special stickers identifying them as guests who tipped. The practice sparked a debate online, with some travelers calling it tacky and questioning why tipping should be publicly displayed. Daily Mail
Cruise Ship That Stranded Passengers in Cambodia Sails Away Empty
The Villa Vie Odyssey, which made headlines after passengers were stranded in Cambodia, has reportedly departed for Singapore without any passengers aboard. The ship left with approximately 50 crew members, while some former passengers remained in Cambodia and others continued traveling elsewhere in the region. People
Royal Caribbean Cancels Visits to Its Private Haiti Destination Through 2028
Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of visits to Labadee, its private destination on Haiti’s northern coast, because of ongoing violence and security concerns. Cruise passengers scheduled to visit the destination will continue to see itinerary changes through 2028. People
Miami International Airport Adding New Routes to Serbia and Venezuela
Miami International Airport continues expanding its international connections. Air Serbia plans to launch nonstop flights between Miami and Belgrade in May 2027, while American Airlines is planning new service to Barcelona, Venezuela, in January. Miami Today
These Are the 100 Best Sandwiches in the World
If you’re like me and love trying local food when you travel, this list is worth checking out. TasteAtlas has ranked the world’s 100 best sandwiches based on thousands of traveler and food enthusiast ratings. It’s a fun way to discover what to eat on your next trip and see whether your favorites made the cut. TasteAtlas
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