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):

Tuesday, October 7

Government Shutdown Hits Air Travel, Closing Burbank Control Tower and Causing Delays Across the Country
A pilot preparing to take off Monday from Hollywood Burbank Airport in California took the routine step of radioing the air traffic control tower. But instead of the usual back-and-forth conversation of coordinating departure, the pilot received a different response: “The tower is closed due to staffing,” according to audio recorded by LiveATC.net. CNN

Shutdown Blamed for More Stress on Air Traffic Controllers
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that the government shutdown is putting more stress on air traffic controllers who already have an extremely stressful job, as well as threatening a program that small communities rely on to help subsidize airline service. Controllers are expected to continue working without a paycheck, Duffy said, so they are now worried about how to pay their bills in addition to worrying about keeping flights safe. And there have started to be instances of controllers calling out sick, leading to delays at several airports Monday. AP News

Some National Parks Get Funding to Stay Open During Government Shutdown
Some parks and sites managed by the National Park Service will remain open during the government shutdown, relying on previously collected entrance fees and donations. The Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, said last week that parks would remain largely accessible, however some have had to rely on donations to keep operating. NPS-managed parks and sites generate billions of dollars for the economy each year and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, according to the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association, putting local economies in jeopardy if parks close. Travel Weekly

US Says Subsidies for Rural Airline to Expire as Soon as Sunday
The Trump administration said Monday that funds from a U.S. government program that subsidizes commercial air service to rural airports are set to expire as soon as Sunday because of an ongoing partial government shutdown. The U.S. Transportation Department said the subsidies in the Essential Air Service program are expected to expire as soon as Sunday after the department transferred unrelated funding from the FAA as an advance. The department is in the process of notifying carriers of the shortfall and alerting communities of the potential impacts. Reuters

Boeing, Airbus Say No Immediate Plans to Launch New Jets
Executives from Boeing and Airbus dampened speculation of imminent decisions to replace their best-selling narrowbody models, telling a major audience of investors that it would take time to achieve the required jump in performance. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Boeing was in the early stages of developing a 737 successor. But marketing chief Darren Hulst told the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading that a launch is “some way off” while a senior Airbus executive said it would “take a bit of time” to achieve the 25-30% efficiency gain needed to attract the market. Reuters

Hurricane Priscilla Continues to Strengthen in Pacific. See Where It’s Headed.
Hurricane Priscilla has strengthened in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to continue growing this week, potentially reaching major hurricane status within the next couple of days. The National Hurricane Center said in an early morning advisory on Monday, Oct. 6 that Priscilla was located about 420 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds near 85 mph with higher gusts. USA Today

Is Your Carry-On Too Big? The Gate Agent Will Have to Eyeball It.
Most air travelers have been in this scenario: waiting their turn to board a flight as fellow passengers shove their carry-on bags in the metal bag sizers to prove they comply with the airline’s restrictions. In an effort to speed up the boarding process, American Airlines started phasing out the bag sizers at airport gates on Oct. 6, leaving it up to passengers and gate agents to use their discretion. USA Today

Turkish Airlines Sees Pratt Engine Woes Lasting to Mid-2027
Turkish Airlines (THYAO.IS) expects bottlenecks in engine repairs that have grounded dozens of its Airbus jets for months at a time to last another two years, its finance chief said on Monday. The Turkish state carrier will end 2025 with 45 Airbus jets grounded due to unusually long Pratt & Whitney (RTX.N) repair waiting times. It started the year with 35 jets left idle. Reuters

Balloons Used to Smuggle Cigarettes Shut Lithuanian Airport
Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for hours when dozens of them floated into the country’s airspace. The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) told the BBC that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighbouring Belarus, two of which ended up directly over the airport. BBC

Leopard Captured After Wandering Into Indonesian Hotel
A leopard was captured on Monday after it wandered into a hotel complex in one of Indonesia’s most popular holiday destinations, sparking panic among guests. The big cat was spotted on Monday morning outside a guest room on the second floor of a hotel in Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia’s most populous province. AFP

Florida Removes Miami Beach Rainbow Crosswalk After City Loses Appeal
A rainbow-colored crosswalk meant to celebrate the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Miami Beach has been removed from the city’s iconic Ocean Drive entertainment district about two months after Florida officials ordered the removal of all street art throughout the state. AP

A Laid-Back Calif. Surf Town Finally Gets the Restaurant Scene It Deserves
In May of this year, a then-months-old eclectic bistro in the laid-back seaside town of Hermosa Beach, located in the greater Los Angeles area known as the South Bay, got a nod from the Michelin Guide, which called it “the kind of place you want to come again and again.” A month later, the headline of Los Angeles Times restaurant columnist Jenn Harris’ review blared: “With the new Vin Folk, Hermosa Beach becomes a culinary destination.” SF Gate

Monday, October 6

U.S. Issues New Travel Warning
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for American citizens traveling to France due to widespread labor strikes and protests that continue to disrupt daily life across the country. These demonstrations, driven by opposition to proposed budget cuts and social welfare reforms, have led to significant disruptions in transportation, education, and health services. Recent reports indicate escalating tensions between protesters and law enforcement, with authorities deploying substantial police forces to manage the unrest. The Charlotte Observer
Alcatraz Reopens Despite Shutdown
Alcatraz Island reopened to visitors after a brief closure during the federal government shutdown, thanks to an emergency donation from the ferry operator that runs service to the historic prison. Among the first to make the trip was comedian Ali Wong, who posted a photo from the island to her Instagram story on Friday, Oct. 3. SF Chronicle
Almost 1,000 Trapped on Tibetan Side of Mount Everest by Blizzard
Rescue efforts were underway on Sunday to clear access to campsites on Tibet’s eastern slope of Mount Everest, where nearly 1,000 people have been trapped by a blizzard that has blocked roads, according to Chinese state media reports. Hundreds of local villages and rescue teams have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude above 4,900 metres (16,000 feet), according to a report in Jimu News. Reuters
This American Airlines Texas Route Is Being Cut. What Travelers Should Know
If you’re trying to fly to Eugene, Oregon, you’ll have to find another airline. According to AirlineGeeks, American Airlines recently announced that it will no longer fly the route from DFW to Eugene. American Airlines has operated this route since 2021. As per AirlineGeeks, this change was initially spotted in Cirium Diio’s schedule update. Cirium Diio is an aviation-focused airline analytics platform that gathers data and tracks air travel trends. MSN
Americans, Canadians Look Past Tariffs to Rekindle Travel Ties
Canadians have their arms wide open, and the travel industry is ready to hug it out. Almost a year after President Donald Trump suggested our northern neighbors become the 51st state, tariffs took place, and a broader anti-American tourism took place, Canadians are ready to move on. USA Today
Jordan Tourism Is a Casualty of the War Next Door
Once the awe of beholding the Treasury in Petra dimmed, the next noticeable thing was the crowds — or lack thereof. Journalists had arrived in Petra early in the day to beat the heat and tourists, but neither was a problem. The weather was cool, even momentarily chilly, and the gaggles of tourists eager to snap selfies with the Wonder of the World? There were few. Travel Weekly
Delta Flight Took Off Into Hailstorm After Crews Missed Weather Data
A Delta Air Lines flight that left Milan’s Malpensa Airport in July 2023 ran into a violent hailstorm after pilots and dispatchers failed to review all available weather data, according to a report released Thursday by Italian transportation investigators. The Boeing 767 was bound for New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport when it encountered severe turbulence and hail shortly after takeoff. Investigators concluded the crew’s delayed decision to change course contributed to significant damage to the aircraft. NBC News
Discount Airlines Like Spirit and Frontier Changed Flying. Now They’re in Trouble.
Discount airlines reshaped the U.S. aviation industry by offering cheap fares and charging extra for pretty much every service imaginable. And they made lots of money doing it. Now, however, those companies are under intense pressure. Aviation experts say the largest of the discount airlines, a diverse group of businesses known as ultra low-cost carriers, have become victims of their own success. They expanded rapidly, but may have grown too much. Today, they are struggling to manage rising costs and to compete with one another and giants like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which co-opted the strategies that made them so successful. The New York Times
NTSB, FAA to Investigate After 2 Amazon Delivery Drones Crash in Arizona
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday that they would investigate the collisions of two Amazon Prime Air delivery drones with the boom of a crane in Tolleson, Arizona, a day earlier. Amazon began drone deliveries in the Phoenix metro area’s West Valley from its same-day site in Tolleson in November, allowing customers to purchase an eligible item weighing 5 pounds or less and receive it by drone in under an hour. NBC News
Chevron’s El Segundo Refinery Has a History of Safety and Environmental Violations
The explosion and hours-long fire at Chevron’s refinery Thursday night in El Segundo deeply unnerved communities in the South Bay. The blast sent shock waves throughout the refinery grounds, allegedly injuring at least one worker, and jolting residents as far as a mile away. A 100-foot-tall pillar of fire cast an orange glow over the night sky. And towering plumes of smoke and acrid odors drifted eastward with the onshore winds. LA Times
Theft of Guy Fieri’s Tequila Sheds Light on a Growing New Crime Trend
It sounds like a storyline straight out of Hollywood: two semitrucks carrying more than $1 million worth of Santo Tequila, a brand co-founded by Food Network star Guy Fieri and former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, vanish on their way to the warehouse. But in this highway heist, there was no hijacking, and the drivers weren’t in on it. So what happened to those 24,000 bottles of tequila? CBS News
Why Is Las Vegas Tourism Declining? It’s a Perfect Storm.
Just north of the Las Vegas Strip lies a graveyard of relics that recalls the boomtown’s lofty ambitions. Dented metal signs, neon bulbs humming, lie in the desert dust, welcoming you to a city as varied as its defunct businesses: the bright pink feathers of the original Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino; the Red Barn’s crimson cherry in a martini glass, homage to one of the city’s first gay bars; the dancing “Happy Shirt” of Steiner Cleaners, Liberace’s one-time laundry. They are reminders of long-closed places in a city that has reinvented itself time and time again. The New York Times

September 28 through October 5

Spirit Airlines To Cut Fleet By Almost 100 Planes Amid Bankruptcy Restructuring
Spirit Airlines plans to shrink its fleet by nearly 100 aircraft and exit more than a dozen U.S. markets as part of a sweeping bankruptcy restructuring process, CFO Fred Cromer said on Friday during a virtual meeting with creditors. Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a prolonged period of financial strain. The low-cost carrier, which Cromer said currently operates 214 aircraft, is using bankruptcy tools to eliminate unprofitable routes and reduce its network footprint. Reuters

Frontier Airlines Unveils New, Streamlined Boarding Process
Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) continues to redefine ultra-low cost air travel and is furthering this mission by announcing today a new, streamlined boarding process. Effective immediately, Frontier is expanding the number of boarding groups for its flights from four to seven, which will improve efficiency and provide a better customer experience. “Flying with Frontier just became an even more seamless experience,” said Bobby Schroeter, Chief Commercial Officer, Frontier Airlines. “Our new boarding groups are designed to reward our most loyal customers and enhance the overall travel experience for everyone.” Frontier

This Major Airline Lets You Book Flights By Experience, Not City
American Airlines has quietly been rolling out a new booking tool. The new AI-powered feature allows travelers to search for flights based on the kind of trip they want to have, rather than the specific airports they want to fly to and from. “People are more and more wanting to look for experiences when they travel,” Anshuman Singh, American’s Managing Director of Customer Experience – Digital Transformation told USA TODAY during a virtual demonstration of the tool on Sept. 30. USA Today

Munich Airport Closed After Wave Of Drone Sightings, Officials Say
Munich Airport in Germany was forced to close for almost seven hours overnight after a wave of drone sightings, the latest European aviation hub to shutter over unexplained drone flights. A total of 17 flights were grounded shortly after 10 p.m. local time on Thursday, affecting nearly 3,000 passengers, the airport said in a statement. CNN

Storms Spare Bermuda The Worst, Headed For U.K.
The core of Hurricane Imelda was moving past Bermuda early Thursday as weather conditions were expected to improve around the tiny British territory that reported major power outages and downed trees, but no injuries. A tropical storm warning remained in effect after the weather system swiped the island and then lost strength. National Security Minister Michael Weeks said crews were just starting to fan out across the island to assess damage, but Premier David Burt said, “There has been no significant damage and, most importantly, no reported casualties.” Travel Industry Today

Eiffel Tower Closes Amid Nationwide Strikes Across France
Protesters took to the streets of more than 200 towns and cities across France on Thursday to denounce spending cuts and demand higher taxes on the rich. In Paris, thousands of workers, retirees and students marched on Thursday afternoon from Place d’Italie. The Eiffel Tower informed visitors in a statement it was closed due to the strikes. Travel Weekly

Why This Airline Is Serving Free Alcohol In Economy
Air Canada is betting on free beer and wine at the back of the plane to help fill more seats, an executive said on Wednesday, as North American airlines face passenger pushback over fees for extra baggage and legroom. Montreal-based Air Canada is now the only North American legacy carrier offering free alcohol in economy class on all flights, Scott O’Leary, vice president of loyalty and product, said in an interview. USA Today

2 Regional Delta Jets Collide At LaGuardia Airport With A Wing Slamming Into A Cockpit Window
Two Delta Air Lines regional jets collided on the taxiway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Wednesday night, with the wing of one aircraft slamming into the cockpit windows of the other. Both aircraft involved in the “low-speed collision” were CRJ-900 regional jets operated by regional carrier Endeavor Air, according to a statement from Delta. CNN

FAA To Furlough 11,300 Workers During Shutdown
The FAA plans to furlough about 11,300 workers while the federal government is shut down. According to a U.S. Department of Transportation planning document, 11,332 people at the agency will be furloughed as of Wednesday. It is expected to take about half a day to fully “shut down” the FAA, though in reality it will continue to perform air traffic control (ATC) and other air safety functions. Flying Magazine

American Airlines Plane Aborts Takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport After Cargo Jet Crosses the Runway in Front of It
An American Airlines pilot taking off at Los Angeles International Airport had to slam on the brakes Sunday after a cargo plane crossed the runway in front of it. AeroLogic Flight 619, using the callsign German Cargo 619, landed at LAX at 10:33 p.m. from Shanghai, China. AeroLogic is a joint venture between Lufthansa Cargo and DHL. CNN

Dead Stowaway Found Inside Landing Gear Of American Airlines Plane
Authorities are conducting a death investigation at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after the body of a stowaway was found inside the landing gear of an American Airlines flight on Sept. 28. The individual was discovered inside one of the main landing gear compartments while the maintenance crew was working on the aircraft, which had arrived from Europe, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release. The person was pronounced dead on the scene by the police department’s airport division officers. USA Today

LAX People Mover Delayed Again; New Hope Is For Summer 2026: Report
LAX’s long-delayed and much-maligned transit project to connect passengers with a new LA Metro station and a massive car rental facility has been pushed back again, now more than three years late from its original opening date. The LAX Automated People Mover was originally slated to open in March 2023, but the project has been frequently delayed and that planned service date has been moved further and further down the calendar on several occasions. KTLA

Saturday, October 4

Government Shutdown: Impact On Travel Plans
If your upcoming travel plans include an airport or a national park, be prepared to pivot, and pack your patience. Long lines, delayed flights and unmaintained park restrooms are some of the very real possibilities in the wake of the U.S. government shutdown. AARP

Spirit Airlines To Cut Fleet By Almost 100 Planes Amid Bankruptcy Restructuring
Spirit Airlines plans to shrink its fleet by nearly 100 aircraft and exit more than a dozen U.S. markets as part of a sweeping bankruptcy restructuring process, CFO Fred Cromer said on Friday during a virtual meeting with creditors. Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a prolonged period of financial strain. The low-cost carrier, which Cromer said currently operates 214 aircraft, is using bankruptcy tools to eliminate unprofitable routes and reduce its network footprint. Reuters

Delta Plane Took Off Into A Hailstorm In 2023 After All Weather Data Was Not Reviewed, Report Says
Delta Air Lines pilots and dispatchers didn’t look at all available weather information when they sent a plane into a damaging hailstorm in Italy in 2023, Italian transportation investigators ruled in a report published Thursday. CNN

China To Cancel Some Flights As Typhoon Matmo Nears Hainan During Peak Holiday Travel
Chinese authorities will cancel flights in Hainan on Saturday night before Typhoon Matmo hits the southern province, likely disrupting a peak holiday travel period for the resort island. All flights to and from the provincial capital Haikou’s international airport are expected to be cancelled from 11 p.m. (1500 GMT), the official Xinhua news agency reported, as Matmo could bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern China, including Guangdong and Yunnan provinces. MSN

Breeze Airlines Offers New Flight Destination Out Of Long Island Airport
Breeze Airlines has introduced a new flight destination from Islip’s MacArthur Airport. As of October 2, Breeze Airlines has officially launched new non-stop service to Wilmington, North Carolina with one-way fares starting as low as $39, “making travel more accessible for Islip residents than ever before,” officials said. “Breeze Airways continues to grow at MacArthur Airport and we could not be happier with the carrier’s commitment to our ISP loyal customers and the Long Island community,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. Patch

TikTok Climbing Star Dies After Falling From Yosemite’s Famed El Capitan While Livestreaming
A popular Alaskan climber has died after falling from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, marking the third fatality in the park this summer. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Wednesday, his mother Jeanine Girard-Moorman confirmed. “He’s been climbing since he was a young boy,” she said. “His heart and soul was truly to just climb. He loved to climb and it was never about money and fame.” The Independent

Brit, 20, Dies In Dubai As Bag Of Cocaine ‘Bursts In His Stomach’
A 20-year-old British man died in Dubai after a bag of cocaine he had swallowed before boarding a flight burst in his stomach. Jensen Westhead, 20, swallowed a number of packages containing the Class A drug at a hotel in Manchester on December 2 last year. He then boarded a flight from Manchester Airport to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where he arrived on December 3. Mirror Online

Frontier Airlines Unveils New, Streamlined Boarding Process
Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) continues to redefine ultra-low cost air travel and is furthering this mission by announcing today a new, streamlined boarding process. Effective immediately, Frontier is expanding the number of boarding groups for its flights from four to seven, which will improve efficiency and provide a better customer experience. “Flying with Frontier just became an even more seamless experience,” said Bobby Schroeter, Chief Commercial Officer, Frontier Airlines. “Our new boarding groups are designed to reward our most loyal customers and enhance the overall travel experience for everyone.” Frontier

Search Crew Re-Launches Amelia Earhart Recovery Mission
Researchers from Purdue University are hoping they’re one step closer to getting answers about what happened to beloved pilot and professor Amelia Earhart. More than 85 years after the pilot disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937, experts remain determined to solve the mystery of where her plane ended up. Earhart was attempting to become the first woman to fly across the globe at the time of her disappearance, with navigator Fred Noonan also on board. People

Bachelor And Bachelorette Parties That Put Adventure Over Alcohol
You don’t have to be able to quote every line of “The Hangover” to know that bachelor parties can get out of hand. For many future brides and grooms, wild nights of overindulgence and questionable matching outfits have become as much a part of the wedding rites as bow ties and bouquets. The New York Times

Heavy Rain, Severe Storms And Even Snow On Tap This Weekend In The Rockies, Plains
In a sign of the changing seasons, a massive fall storm will sweep from the Rockies to the Plains this weekend, bringing along with it a plethora of weather, say AccuWeather meteorologists. An unusual early-October heavy rain event, strong wind gusts, an increased risk of wildfires, the threat of damaging thunderstorms and, yes—even accumulating snow—are expected to result from this storm as it moves from the West toward the nation’s heartland through Sunday. AccuWeather

Ski Resorts Turn To Goats And Sheep To Clear Their Slopes
Months before the first snow falls, dozens of sheep and goats have been deployed to the slopes of Jay Peak in Vermont, near the Canadian border. These animals are mowing down overgrown vegetation as part of an experiment to reduce reliance on gas-powered mechanical mowers. Over a five-week stint, the herd is expected to clear 25 acres (10 hectares) of the 300 acres (120 hectares) that require maintenance. Officials deem the trial a success. The Independent

Friday, October 3

Southwest Airlines To Launch Flights To The 49th State For The First Time
Southwest Airlines is officially heading to Alaska, announcing plans to begin service from Anchorage’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in May 2026. Yahoo Creators

This Major Airline Lets You Book Flights By Experience, Not City
American Airlines has quietly been rolling out a new booking tool. The new AI-powered feature allows travelers to search for flights based on the kind of trip they want to have, rather than the specific airports they want to fly to and from. “People are more and more wanting to look for experiences when they travel,” Anshuman Singh, American’s Managing Director of Customer Experience – Digital Transformation told USA TODAY during a virtual demonstration of the tool on Sept. 30. USA Today

Italy Travel Warning: General Strikes And Protests Set To Disrupt Travel Today And Beyond
Travellers in Italy should brace for severe disruption today, 3 October, as a nationwide general strike coincides with mass protests across the country. The 24-hour work stoppage has been called by two of Italy’s biggest unions, CGIL and USB, in response to Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which included an estimated 40 Italian nationals and members of parliament among its passengers. Euronews

Munich Airport Closed After Wave Of Drone Sightings, Officials Say
Munich Airport in Germany was forced to close for almost seven hours overnight after a wave of drone sightings, the latest European aviation hub to shutter over unexplained drone flights. A total of 17 flights were grounded shortly after 10 p.m. local time on Thursday, affecting nearly 3,000 passengers, the airport said in a statement. CNN

Storms Spare Bermuda The Worst, Headed For U.K.
The core of Hurricane Imelda was moving past Bermuda early Thursday as weather conditions were expected to improve around the tiny British territory that reported major power outages and downed trees, but no injuries. A tropical storm warning remained in effect after the weather system swiped the island and then lost strength. National Security Minister Michael Weeks said crews were just starting to fan out across the island to assess damage, but Premier David Burt said, “There has been no significant damage and, most importantly, no reported casualties.” Travel Industry Today

Eiffel Tower Closes Amid Nationwide Strikes Across France
Protesters took to the streets of more than 200 towns and cities across France on Thursday to denounce spending cuts and demand higher taxes on the rich. In Paris, thousands of workers, retirees and students marched on Thursday afternoon from Place d’Italie. The Eiffel Tower informed visitors in a statement it was closed due to the strikes. Travel Weekly

Why This Airline Is Serving Free Alcohol In Economy
Air Canada is betting on free beer and wine at the back of the plane to help fill more seats, an executive said on Wednesday, as North American airlines face passenger pushback over fees for extra baggage and legroom. Montreal-based Air Canada is now the only North American legacy carrier offering free alcohol in economy class on all flights, Scott O’Leary, vice president of loyalty and product, said in an interview. USA Today

Oneworld Elite Status Match Opportunity Expanded To Include Residents Of The U.S. And Canada
Royal Jordanian Airlines has had a paid status match opportunity in market since late 2023 for airline elite status members of select countries worldwide and the regions that were eligible have been greatly expanded. Early in September 2025 the match was expanded to include residents of Canada (and thus the addition of Air Canada Aeroplan and WestJet to the airlines that you can match from) and now as of October, it has been expanded further to one of the largest markets in the world, the United States (Along with numerous U.S. airlines to match from!). Frequent Flyer Bonuses

How Rising Costs Are Changing The Way Americans Travel
How has the price changed since before the pandemic? Up 20% since August 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Association and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Why has the price gone up? The cost of gas, lodging and recreation have all risen sharply since the pandemic. Airfares climbed more slowly, but the cost of food and beverages in restaurants soared by over 30%. And travel experts say that’s only part of the story, as rising costs for housing, groceries and power leave less discretionary income. NPR

AmaWaterways Is Ordering Eight More Ships To Sail In Europe
Because of high demand, AmaWaterways said it plans to add eight river ships to its Europe fleet by 2030. These eight newbuilds are in addition to the ships that were already scheduled to arrive in 2026 and 2027. More information on the ships is expected in the coming months. Travel Weekly

Cruise Lines Bet Big On 3- And 4-Night Trips. Should You Try One?
I left for an international beach trip on a Monday – and made it back home in time for the weekend. My cruise on Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas last summer took me to the Bahamas and back. In just three nights, I had a full day at sea to explore the ship, another full day at the cruise line’s private island and made it home by Thursday. USA Today

Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison Reveals The 1 Real Reason Las Vegas Is Losing Visitors At Alarming Rate — Are You Staying Away From Sin City, Too?
Las Vegas seems to be running out of luck with tourists. The city saw a 12% drop in visitors this July compared to last year, marking its sixth straight month of declining tourism, according to Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars points out one main culprit: sticker shock. “Your average person takes a vacation every three or four years to Vegas,” he told Fox Business’ Stuart Varney. “When they check out and there’s an extra $500 on the bill… they’re going like, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to come back.’” Overpriced cocktails and hotel rooms are “pissing people off,” he added, blaming out-of-touch management for failing to adapt. “Business is Darwanianism — you evolve or die,” he said. Moneywise

Thursday, October 2

2 Regional Delta Jets Collide At LaGuardia Airport With A Wing Slamming Into A Cockpit Window
Two Delta Air Lines regional jets collided on the taxiway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Wednesday night, with the wing of one aircraft slamming into the cockpit windows of the other. Both aircraft involved in the “low-speed collision” were CRJ-900 regional jets operated by regional carrier Endeavor Air, according to a statement from Delta. CNN

FAA To Furlough 11,300 Workers During Shutdown
The FAA plans to furlough about 11,300 workers while the federal government is shut down. According to a U.S. Department of Transportation planning document, 11,332 people at the agency will be furloughed as of Wednesday. It is expected to take about half a day to fully “shut down” the FAA, though in reality it will continue to perform air traffic control (ATC) and other air safety functions. Flying Magazine

Air Traffic Controllers Helped End The Last Government Shutdown, And May Again
More than a month into the last government shutdown in 2019, a few air traffic controllers finally reached their breaking point. There was only a “slight increase” in sick leave at two facilities in Virginia and Florida that handle high-altitude traffic, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. But it was enough to throw some major East Coast airports into chaos. NPR

Barclays Discontinues American And Hawaiian Airlines Credit Cards
Barclays has quietly removed its lineup of American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines credit cards on its website. This move comes on the same day — October 1, 2025 — that HawaiianMiles has officially integrated into Alaska Airlines’ unified Atmos Rewards program. Meanwhile, Barclays’ exit from issuing AA credit cards was expected, as Citi is set to become the airline’s exclusive domestic issuer by 2026. Upgraded Points

Flight Attendant Goes Viral For Taking His Grandma On Dream Trip
Flight attendant Malik went viral on social media after he posted about using his travel perks to take his grandmother, Joanne, on her dream trip to Paris. They join TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and guest co-host Justin Sylvester to talk about their journey and then get surprised with a trip to London. NBC News

This Major Cruise Line Canceled Months Of Sailings On Four Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line canceled months of cruises impacting four ships. Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Dawn will trade homeports between November 2026 and March 2027. They will “offer modified and enhanced itineraries” as a result, the cruise line told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “Norwegian Gem will sail Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Tampa, Fla. ranging from four to 11-day itineraries offering a wider variety of options for guests,” the company told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “Norwegian Dawn will sail shorter voyages to the Bahamas from Jacksonville, Fla.” USA Today

Miami International Airport Launches $9 Billion Modernization With $94 Million Federal Boost
Miami International Airport (MIA) is set to undergo a comprehensive overhaul with the recent injection of $94 million in federal funds, as it embarks on a substantial $9 billion modernization program designed to elevate the passenger experience and address the burgeoning demands of travel and trade. Hoodline

Jane Goodall, Famed Primatologist, Anthropologist And Conservationist, Dead At 91
Jane Goodall, the famed primatologist, anthropologist and conservationist, has died, according to the institute she founded. She was 91 years old. Goodall died of natural causes while in California on a speaking tour of the United States, the institute said in a statement on social media on Wednesday. ABC News

Airline Introduces £15 Bidding Rule So Travellers Can Pay For More Elbow Room
We’ve all felt it: that rush of joy when all the passengers have boarded the flight, and there’s no one sitting next to you. You can spread out, no arguing for the arm rest, and even kick your feet up if you fancy it. But now, Virgin is giving passengers the chance to pay for the privilege, with the option to bid for a vacant seat next to you, ahead of time. Metro

Fat Bear Week Winner Crowned Amid Gluttonous Salmon Run
Chunk, a towering brown bear with a broken jaw, swept the competition Tuesday in the popular Fat Bear Week contest — his first win after narrowly finishing in second place three previous years. The annual online competition allows viewers to follow 12 bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve on live webcams and cast ballots in a bracket-style, single-elimination tournament that lasts a week. Chunk — known officially as Bear 32 — beat out Bear 856, who doesn’t have a nickname, in the final bracket, according to totals posted on the organizers’ website. AP News

Bad Bunny Could See ICE At Super Bowl Show, Trump Official Suggests
ICE officials may pop up at the 2026 Super Bowl, an adviser to Homeland Security signaled Wednesday, three days after Bad Bunny was named the halftime headliner. The big picture: The Trump administration has been accused of racial profiling, in some instances, allegedly targeting Latino citizens in ICE raids. Axios

Where To Park For Free In Las Vegas
Finding free parking in Las Vegas feels like hitting the jackpot. That’s because most major resort-casinos along the famous Las Vegas Strip charge guests for the privilege. Some offer free parking to casino rewards club members at certain status levels. Many also offer free, limited-time parking to Nevada residents with state identification. USA Today

Wednesday, October 1
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,005,089 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 30

Tuesday, September 30
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,576,867 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 29

American Airlines Plane Aborts Takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport After Cargo Jet Crosses the Runway in Front of It
An American Airlines pilot taking off at Los Angeles International Airport had to slam on the brakes Sunday after a cargo plane crossed the runway in front of it. AeroLogic Flight 619, using the callsign German Cargo 619, landed at LAX at 10:33 p.m. from Shanghai, China. AeroLogic is a joint venture between Lufthansa Cargo and DHL. CNN

Airlines Warn US Government Shutdown May Slow Flights
U.S. airlines warned on Monday that a partial federal government shutdown could strain American aviation and slow flights, as air traffic controllers and security officers would be forced to work without pay and other functions would be halted. Airline trade group Airlines for America, which represents United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and others, warned that if funding lapses, “the system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency” and impacting travelers. Reuters

Lufthansa Faces Potential Strike After Pilots Vote for Industrial Action
Germany’s Lufthansa could face a strike at its main airline after pilots’ union VC said on Tuesday its members had voted in favour of a walkout in a dispute over pensions. The vote is the union’s final attempt to pressure Lufthansa into agreeing a more generous pension deal and comes just a day after the airline group held its capital markets day, presenting its plan to become more efficient. Reuters

Cruise Ships Have Already Had More GI Outbreaks This Year Than 2024
More than 70 people got sick in a norovirus outbreak on a Royal Caribbean International ship this month. The cases mark the 19th outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s threshold for public notification in 2025, surpassing 2024’s total. Among the 1,874 passengers aboard the line’s Serenade of the Seas ship, 71 reported being ill during a voyage that began on Sept. 19, along with one crew member, the CDC said. Their main symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea. USA Today

Schiphol Scraps Plan to Hike Fees Next Year After Airlines Push Back
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport said on Monday it plans to freeze airline charges in 2026, scrapping a previously planned 5% increase following talks with airlines. Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest airports, has already increased fees it charges to airlines by 41% this year as part of a three-year plan to fund new investment in the airport. The fee increases will also be used to reduce noise nuisance including additional charges for night flights. Reuters

2 Subway Lines in Manhattan to Swap Routes
Commuters are going to need to learn a new route in December when the F and M train lines swap places between Manhattan and Queens, the MTA said Monday. According to the MTA, the route swap, which starts Dec. 8, will reduce the number of track merges between lines — one of the biggest causes of subway delays — for weekday service from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Patch

Ryanair Passengers Cheer as ‘Rude’ Travelers Are Removed by Police After Allegedly Starting a ‘Fight’ on Board
A group of Ryanair passengers were removed from an aircraft after allegedly being “loud and rude” and starting a “fight” on board their Sept. 26 flight. A video taken by a fellow traveler shows a member of the group standing in his seat and lunging into the aisle after getting confronted by French police. In the background of the video, other passengers clapped and cheered during the altercation. People

UCLA Student Becomes One of LAX Travelers Targeted by Luggage Thief
A UCLA student is one of the latest victims of luggage theft at LAX as authorities nabbed a suspected thief who may be behind several stolen travel bags. Ivie Ojior was on her way back to Westwood for a new quarter this month, but she returned to the campus without her suitcase because she said her bag was stolen. “I get here at around 9 O’clock-ish, and my bag is now coming into the carousel,” Ojior said. “I go talk to the gate agent they have down there, and they’re like you need to call the airport police and file a claim.” NBC Los Angeles

Amsterdam Joins Mexico City, Barcelona, Canary Islands, Venice, Hallstatt in Rising Protest Against Over Tourism, New Report Shows More Than You Know
Amsterdam has joined cities like Mexico City, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Venice, and Hallstatt in rising protests against overtourism. This growing movement highlights the increasing frustrations of locals who feel that mass tourism is eroding their communities’ character and quality of life. As these cities grapple with overcrowding, rising rents, and the displacement of residents, more cities are calling for change. Travel And Tour World

New Four Seasons Resort in Puerto Rico Is Now Accepting Reservations
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is accepting reservations for stays starting Nov. 20 at the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico. Located within Puerto Rico’s Bahia Beach gated community, the property is a rebranding of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. It sits on 483 acres of private nature reserve and offers access to two miles of beachfront. Travel Weekly

Boeing Settles Lawsuit on Wrongful Death Claim Related to Deceased Whistleblower
Boeing filed a settlement on Friday in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the mother of John Barnett, a former Boeing worker who raised concerns about the planemaker’s production that was potentially putting passengers at risk. In the settlement filed in the U.S. District Court in South Carolina, Boeing agreed to pay at least $50,000 to Barnett’s mother, who agreed to drop her claims that the company contributed to her son’s death by suicide on March 9, 2024. Reuters

Tourists Warned: Greece’s New Traffic Law Brings Heavy Penalties
Greece has introduced sweeping changes to its traffic code, tightening speed limits, parking rules, and penalties in measures that will directly affect tourists using rental cars, scooters, and motorcycles. The new regulations include fines of up to €150 for parking violations, confiscation of license plates, and stricter enforcement of alcohol and safety laws. Focus on Travel News

Monday, September 29
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,776,800 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, September 28

Budget Airline Fly Play Grounds Flights, Ceases Trade
Icelandic airline Fly Play has announced it is closing with immediate effect. The company has grounded all flights and cancelled all services, stranding thousands of passengers and putting hundreds of people out of work. The low-cost carrier, officially known as Fly Play hf., confirmed its sudden closure in a statement issued through the London Stock Exchange on Monday morning. MSN

American Airlines And Porter Airlines Celebrate New Partnership
Travelers can book eligible codeshare flights across both carriers starting today. Agreement will grow over time to cover more of each airline’s network. AAdvantage® members will be able to earn AAdvantage® miles for travel on Porter Airlines flights marketed under the American Airlines code. American Airlines Newsroom

Major Travel Warning As Greece Strike Will Ground All Transport This Week
Greece is set to face one of its most disruptive strikes of the year, immobilising the entire transport system for 24 hours, it has been announced. Brits have been warned that travel in the country could be thrown into chaos, as this strike extends across airports, ferries, trains, buses, metros and even taxis. This nationwide general strike is led by the ADEDY union, with air traffic controllers joining public sector workers. Daily Mail

Dead Stowaway Found Inside Landing Gear Of American Airlines Plane
Authorities are conducting a death investigation at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after the body of a stowaway was found inside the landing gear of an American Airlines flight on Sept. 28. The individual was discovered inside one of the main landing gear compartments while the maintenance crew was working on the aircraft, which had arrived from Europe, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release. The person was pronounced dead on the scene by the police department’s airport division officers. USA Today

Gatwick Station Evacuated Due To Overcrowding
Gatwick Airport train station has been evacuated due to overcrowding, the airport has said. Passengers are currently unable to enter the station, as trains both northbound and southbound through the station have been suspended. Rail operator Southern, who operate a number of services at the West Sussex airport, said anyone travelling to the airport is being advised to delay their journey until later where possible. BBC

‘They Just Don’t Come’: What’s Making L.A.’s Tourism Tumble
Months of negative news have triggered a tough summer for tourism in Los Angeles, deepening the economic woes for a city buffeted by natural disasters and immigration raids. Tourist arrivals fell by close to 10% this season, according to the latest numbers from Visit California. The region’s economy and image suffered significant setbacks this year. Shocking images of the destructive Eaton and Palisades fires in January, followed by the immigration crackdown in June, made global news and repelled visitors. Meanwhile, President Trump’s fickle tariff policies and other geopolitical posturing have convinced many international tourists to avoid America. LA Times

U.S. Travel CEO Urges Congress To Act, Says Shutdown Could Cost The U.S. $1 Billion A Week
A government shutdown could cost the U.S. travel industry $1 billion per week because of disruptions in air and rail travel and the closure of national parks and museums, U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman said in a letter to Congress. Federal funding is set to run out on Oct. 1, which would trigger a government shutdown unless Congress passes a stopgap spending bill to keep funds flowing. Travel Weekly

US Will Not Enforce Biden Wheelchair Passenger Protection Rule
The U.S. Transportation Department said on Monday that it will not enforce key provisions of a rule issued in December by former President Joe Biden’s administration that requires new consumer protections for disabled passengers using wheelchairs. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and airline trade group Airlines for America filed suit in February challenging the rule that set stricter standards for accommodating passengers with wheelchairs. The rule also requires carriers to reimburse passengers for damage to wheelchairs. Reuters

U.S. Ambassador Says Washington Has To ‘Take A Look’ At Airport Pre-Clearance, Citing Drop In Canadian Tourism
The U.S. ambassador to Canada said Washington may need to reassess airport pre-clearance as part of an at-times tense exchange during a forum with Canadian business leaders on Thursday. The United States has been conducting pre-clearance “under various arrangements” at airports in Canada since 1952. It allows passengers to clear U.S. customs in Canada, so that when they arrive in the U.S. they can avoid waiting in long international lineups. Addressing the Global Business Forum in Banff, Alta., Pete Hoekstra said pre-clearance locations in Canada are experiencing declining numbers. CBC News

Hurricane Forecast: Imelda And Humberto Bringing Dangerous Surf And Coastal Flooding For US, Back-To-Back Hurricanes For Bermuda
Tropical Storm Imelda is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves off the Southeast coast this week, kicking up dangerous surf, rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion from Florida through the Carolinas. At the same time, Hurricane Humberto, which briefly exploded into a rare Category 5 storm with 160 mph winds Saturday, is now a large Category 4 hurricane. Located a few hundred miles east of Imelda, Humberto’s massive size will compound the hazards for US beaches this week, driving deadly rip currents and big waves farther north along the East Coast than Imelda alone. CNN

United Launches CBP’s International Remote Baggage Screening On Select International Flights
United today announced the launch of a new U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP) initiative, the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS), for connecting passengers with checked bags that eliminates re-checking bags on select international routes, making the connecting experience even easier and reducing potential missed connections. The new process is currently available for United customers traveling on United’s daily service from Sydney, Australia (SYD) to San Francisco, California (SFO) with a connecting flight to a final destination. Since launching the initiative, more than 160 passengers on each flight used the new process. These customers saved up to 45 minutes in their connection journey, relieving the stress of making their connecting flights to their final destinations. United.com

LAX People Mover Delayed Again; New Hope Is For Summer 2026: Report
LAX’s long-delayed and much-maligned transit project to connect passengers with a new LA Metro station and a massive car rental facility has been pushed back again, now more than three years late from its original opening date. The LAX Automated People Mover was originally slated to open in March 2023, but the project has been frequently delayed and that planned service date has been moved further and further down the calendar on several occasions. KTLA

Southwest Airlines To Pay $18.5 Million Over Employees’ Military Leave
Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) agreed to pay $18.5 million to settle a class action accusing the carrier of failing to provide paid leave to employees who took short-term military leave. A preliminary settlement was filed on Thursday night in San Francisco federal court, and requires a judge’s approval. Employees said Southwest wrongly denied pay when they took 14 days or fewer of military leave, despite paying for other absences including sick leave, bereavement leave and jury duty. Reuters

Delta Air Lines Flight Diverted After Galley Oven Catches On Fire
A Delta Air Lines flight from Lagos, Nigeria to Atlanta was diverted last week after one of its galley ovens caught on fire shortly after takeoff, grounding the plane for two days, according to the airline. On Sept. 23, Delta flight 55 had departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport on time at 11:40 a.m. for its nearly 12-hour journey to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when the crew noticed one of the Airbus A330-200’s galley ovens showing “indication of a small-scale fire” caused by “food debris on the oven’s heating element,” Delta spokesperson Berj Alexanian told USA TODAY in an email. USA Today