16 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more.

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

=== Tuesday, May 5 ===

Gas Prices Rise Across All 50 States. Where Are The Highest, Lowest?
The average price of a gallon of gas in the United States is on the rise in all 50 states, one prominent fuel industry analyst said. “Gasoline prices rose in every state over the last week, with some of the most significant and fastest increases concentrated in the Great Lakes, where states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois saw sharp spikes, while Wisconsin experienced more modest gains,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy said in a blog post. USA Today

JetBlue Expands Fort Lauderdale Flying: 11 New Destinations, More Flights And Spirit Status Match
JetBlue today announced that its expanded Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) schedule and a new loyalty status match for eligible Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Silver and Gold members are now available at jetblue.com and on the JetBlue mobile app. Part of its effort to support travelers following the shutdown of Spirit Airlines, the previously announced expansion includes 11 new destinations from FLL and increased frequencies on existing JetBlue routes, giving customers more options to book the airline’s award-winning service and everyday affordable fares. JetBlue News

United Airlines Flight 169 Collides With Truck And Light Pole As It Lands At Newark Airport
A United Airlines flight arriving from Italy struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike while on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon, damaging the truck and sending its driver to the hospital with minor injuries, authorities said. ABC NY

Southwest Adds Over A Dozen New Routes
Southwest is rolling out new routes from two of its busiest hub locations – Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida. The carrier said Monday that it is working to expand its presence in its most important markets. Some of the connections included in the airline’s announcement, such as Las Vegas to Santa Rosa, California, already came online earlier this year. Airline Geeks

Pirates Of The Caribbean Closes At Disneyland Today For Refurbishment Of 59-Year-Old Ride
Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride and Blue Bayou restaurant are officially closing for refurbishment on May 3. Disney has not announced an official reopening date for the attractions. The ride, which opened in 1967, was the last attraction personally overseen by Walt Disney before his death in 1966. The attraction inspired the blockbuster film franchise starring Johnny Depp, beginning with 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl. People

What Does Spirit Airlines’ Shutdown Mean For Travelers?
The Spirit Airlines shutdown will ripple through commercial aviation, likely raising higher fares as the budget carrier exits the market, industry experts said. “Any time you have a reduction in capacity and demand increases, airfares have nowhere to go but up. And that doesn’t count the fares that are already rising because of the spike in fuel prices,” CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg told CBS News Boston. CBS News

How Spirit Airlines’ Demise Will Benefit Rivals — And Raise Airfares Even More
Airlines have wasted no time in beefing up their schedules in the wake of Spirit Airlines’ collapse. Carriers are competing for Spirit’s routes and gates. The budget airline collapsed after years of mounting problems that were compounded by this year’s surge in jet fuel prices because of the Iran war. CNBC

Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency Due To Health Issues
Dolly Parton has canceled her Las Vegas residency, which had been rescheduled for September, citing her previously reported health issues, while adding that she’s been “responding really well to meds and treatments” and “improving every day,” although the treatments make her “a little swimmy headed.” Variety

Delta Removes Food And Beverage Service On These Daily Flights
If you’re taking a short Delta Air Lines flight this summer, you won’t receive food and beverage service. The airline said it’s making changes to its in-flight food and beverage service, including removing the offering from around 450 daily flights, or about 9%. USA Today

Three Cruise Ship Passengers Die In Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak
Three people have died and three are ill after a Netherlands-based cruise ship was hit by a suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a rodent-borne virus that can cause fatal respiratory illness, authorities and media reports said on Sunday. Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions said in a news release it was “managing a serious medical situation” on a polar expedition ship, the MV Hondius, which was off Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic west of Africa. Reuters

The Fuel-Price Crunch That’s Turning Into A Disaster For Airlines
The jet-fuel crisis is turning into a disaster for airlines. Across the world airlines have been trying to deal with rising fuel costs that are threatening to add billions of dollars in unexpected expenses this year, and forcing carriers to raise fares and trim routes to stem their mounting costs. WSJ

New Nonstops From Las Vegas: Southwest Airlines Targets Alaska, Mexico, And Costa Rica
Southwest Airlines, the leading carrier at Harry Reid International Airport, outlined an extensive flight expansion set to unfold over the next 10 months. The initiative introduces nonstop service to 11 new destinations while ramping up frequencies on 15 established routes. This move bolsters connectivity from the busy Nevada hub amid shifting industry dynamics. Las Vegas News

American Pilots Union Chief Says United CEO’s Merger Idea Showed ‘Bold Vision’
The head of American Airlines’ pilots union told members that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby’s merger idea showed the kind of “bold vision” the carrier needs, even as the union stopped short of endorsing a tie-up between the two airlines. In an email to pilots on Monday, seen by Reuters, Allied Pilots Association President Nick Silva said Kirby’s vision could be “transformative” for passengers, communities and American Airlines pilots. CNBC

United Airlines Declares Onboard Emergency After ‘Unruly Passenger’ Allegedly Attempted To Force Entry Into Cockpit
A United Airlines passenger was detained at a New Jersey airport following an alleged onboard incident. The Port Authority Police Department received reports of an “altercation” on United Airlines flight 1837 at around 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 2, as it arrived at Newark Liberty Airport, CBS News and ABC7 New York reported. MSN

100 Travel Hotspots Made Famous By Film And TV
Location, location, location: If the destinations featured on big and small screens are any indication, these are the ultimate trips to put on your bucket list. The Hollywood Reporter

London Studio Photographed Hundreds Of Celebrity Passport Photos
For more than six decades it was an intimate celebrity hotspot — a small walk-up shop on London’s Oxford Street that offered no luxury goods, only a set of matchbook-sized portraits printed in ten minutes or less. The family-owned business Passport Photo Service was known for its speedy service and its wall-to-wall photos of its starry customers before it closed in 2019. Founded by a professional boxer-turned-photographer, Dave Sharkey, and passed down to his son, Philip, the Sharkey family and their staff took photographs for passports, visas and green cards of famous and non-famous faces alike. CNN

=== Sunday, May 3 ===

Trump Signs Bill To Fund DHS After Lengthy Shutdown Over ICE Operations
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed into law legislation funding Department of Homeland Security agencies including the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration, ending a partial shutdown that has gripped DHS operations for nearly 11 weeks. Reuters

Airlines Step Up To Help Stranded Spirit Airlines Passengers And Employees
Yesterday, I wrote a post based on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reporting that Spirit Airlines was preparing to cease operations if the U.S. government didn’t bail them out at the last minute. The government didn’t (wisely) and unfortunately, Spirit Airlines did indeed cease operations early this morning. That has left thousands of travelers and employees left scrambling. The good news is that several major carriers are stepping up in a big way to help ease the disruption. (JohnnyJet)

American Airlines Is Cracking Down on Portable Chargers Starting May 1
If you travel with a portable charger, pay attention. American Airlines is rolling out new rules starting May 1 that could impact how you use and store your power bank onboard. JohnnyJet.com

United Airlines And American Airlines Cancel 2,696 Flights This May After FAA Order
Airlines operating at the globe’s busiest airport are being ordered to cut back their schedules to prevent operational chaos before the summer travel period. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring carriers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport to reduce services in a targeted effort to limit disruptions. (MSN)

United Airlines Pilot Reports Possible Drone Collision 3,000 Feet Over San Diego
A United Airlines pilot arriving in San Diego on Wednesday morning reported encountering a drone thousands of feet in the air as the plane approached the airport, according to airport tower audio. United flight 1980 departed from San Francisco International Airport at 6:53 a.m. and flew roughly 90 minutes before arriving at San Diego International at 8:28 a.m. After the Boeing 737 landed at the airport in San Diego, the pilot reported to the tower that the plane had possibly hit a drone while flying at about 3,000 feet. LA Times

SFO And Oakland Settle Trademark Dispute – ‘Oakland San Francisco Bay’ Name Stays
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport will keep its name, officials at the San Francisco city attorney’s office said Tuesday, announcing a settlement in the trademark dispute that became an intercity spat. Officials in San Francisco filed the lawsuit in April 2024 after the Port of Oakland decided to embellish the facility’s name. For a fleeting period, planes took off and landed from runways at the “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport,” located just west of the Oakland Coliseum and a troubled stretch of Hegenberger Road, about twelve miles from San Francisco. SF Chronicle

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary Claims Wizz Air And AirBaltic Won’t Survive Winter Due To Jet Fuel Crisis
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary claims both Wizz Air and airBaltic could exhaust their cash reserves by the end of the winter due to the ongoing fuel crisis, leading to their potential collapse. O’Leary has stated that fuel costs for his airline increased by £50 million this month, with warnings that the wider airline industry could face shortages as early as May. Daily Mail

Fiji Airways Suspends Nadi–Dallas Route Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Fiji Airways will suspend its Nadi–Dallas service from September 7, as the airline adjusts its network in response to soaring jet fuel prices and shifting passenger demand. The airline said the decision comes despite continued strong demand across key markets, with a focus now on maintaining sustainable routes and global connectivity. “Due to the ongoing impact of high jet fuel prices and changes in passenger demand, Fiji Airways will suspend its Nadi–Dallas service effective 7 September,” the airline said. The Fiji Times

Cruise Ship Passenger Falls Over Balcony To Her Death Near Catalina Island
Authorities are investigating the death of a woman during a cruise from Long Beach that was sailing from Catalina to Ensenada, Mexico. The incident occurred aboard the Carnival Firenze, a roughly 1,000-foot cruise ship with capacity for about 4,100 guests and around 1,400 crew members. Patch

Over 1,000 TSA Officers Have Quit Amid Shutdown
More than 1,110 officers at the Transportation Security Administration have quit since the ongoing DHS shutdown began Feb. 14, a spokesperson said. That figure marks a sharp increase from just over 830 reported departures a week earlier, reflecting the strain of the prolonged funding lapse. POLITICO

=== Saturday, May 2 ===

British Backpacker Faces Years In Thai Jail After Picking Up Woman’s Phone He Mistook For His Own
A British backpacker faces jail in Thailand after allegedly picking up a stranger’s phone by mistake. Rory McColl, 37, flew into Bangkok on March 9 for a 12-day trip but was arrested on his first night out after bar staff alerted police. His parents say the father-of-one spent two nights in a concrete cell before being released on bail, but has since been stranded in the country after his passport was confiscated. (Daily Mail via MSN)

MSC Cruises Raises Gratuity Fees For Caribbean, Alaska Trips
Some MSC Cruises passengers can expect to see higher charges on their accounts later this spring. The cruise line will raise its Hotel Service Charge gratuity rates for Caribbean and Alaska sailings beginning May 11. Passengers booked in the MSC Yacht Club will pay $23 per night, up from $20, while the rate for guests in other accommodations will increase from $16 to $17. (USA Today)

They Went Abroad To Save Money. Moving Back Seems Unaffordable.
Americans have enjoyed lifestyles that would normally be out of reach to them by working remotely in countries with lower living costs. (The New York Times)

Why Travel Companies Keep Sending Frustrating ‘No-Reply’ Emails
When Eileen Landauer’s hotel in Jasper, Canada, was evacuated because of a wildfire last summer, she faced more than a battle with her online travel agency for a refund. Landauer, an accountant from Palo Alto, California, also had to endure several “no-reply” emails from Booking.com – a polite way of saying, “Don’t bother writing back.” (USA Today)

John Cleese Visits Home Of Fawlty Towers For First Time In 50 Years
John Cleese has returned to the home of Fawlty Towers for the first time in more than 50 years. Cleese, 86, was last in Torquay, Devon, in the 1970s, where he met Donald Sinclair, the hotelier who inspired the character of Basil Fawlty. Recalling the encounter as he sat by the harbour in Torquay, he said “thank God” he had stayed at the Imperial Hotel in the 1970s, as, without it, the hit British sitcom might never have been written. (The Telegraph via MSN)

Traveler Slams Hotel As ‘Misleading’ For Charging For Bathroom Amenities That Appear To Be Free At First
A TikToker called out a hotel in San Antonio for charging guests for bathroom amenities that appear to be complimentary at first. The hotel’s minibar menu, tucked behind the items, revealed charges for products like shower steamers, face masks and lotion. Many commenters agreed the display was misleading as toiletries are often free and minibar menus typically list snacks. (People via MSN)

Seahawks To Open Wednesday Of Week 1 With Australia Game Thursday
The NFL announced the Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks will open the season on the Wednesday of Week 1 instead of hosting the usual Thursday night opener. The change is being made because the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will open their season in Melbourne, Australia in a game that will be broadcast on Thursday night in the United States. (ESPN)

Three Decades Later, Tokyo’s ‘Lost In Translation’ Hotel Remains Cinematic
After a 19-month closure and top-to-bottom overhaul, the Park Hyatt Tokyo reopened in December. On its own, that wouldn’t be particularly remarkable. Hotels close for refurbishment all the time. But this specific property has a certain mythology, says Colin Nagy, a Los Angeles-based marketing executive who has stayed there dozens of times. (The Washington Post via MSN)

How Airlines Turned First-Class Seats From Freebies To A Profit Engine
Twenty years ago, Delta Air Lines was giving away its best seats. Back then, only about 15 percent of first-class passengers paid for their seats, while most of the rest were loyal customers the airline had upgraded for free. Delta has since flipped the script: Today, it sells over 70 percent of those prime seats, a shift that has helped it become the most profitable airline in the United States. (The New York Times)

My Mother’s Dying Wish Took Me On A Trip I’ll Never Forget
On the ship I boarded at the bottom of Argentina with the three men I love most, I put my socks in a drawer, my sweaters on a shelf and my mother’s ashes in the cupboard above the minifridge. They were in a clear plastic bag inside a blue plastic box I’d ordered from Amazon, emblazoned with stickers that said “Cremated Remains” and “Fly Safe.” (The New York Times)

Iceland’s Chief ‘Lava Cooler’ Is Bracing For The Next Volcanic Eruption
As a swarm of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions began to rip through southwestern Iceland in late 2023, a firefighter named Helgi Hjorleifsson jumped into action. Lava was heading toward the already evacuated town of Grindavik, a power plant and the Blue Lagoon — one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. (The New York Times)

Help! An Airport Cart Left Me At The Wrong Gate, And Now I’m Out $1,300.
An airline agent’s attempt at a good deed went astray when it caused a 90-year-old traveler to miss his flight. Who should pay for his hotel and meals? (The New York Times)

Japan Airlines Fuel Surcharge Tops £250 As Shortages Bite
One of Asia’s biggest airlines has almost doubled its fuel surcharge for new tickets – meaning a London-Tokyo ticket now carries an extra fee of 56,000 yen (£260) each way. Japan Airlines (JAL) has raised the surcharge by 93 per cent for new tickets issued for travel from May, “due to fuel market prices reaching levels that far exceed initial expectations.” (The Independent via MSN)

**2026 Atlantic Hurricane Names: What Will Storms Be Called This Year?
The first name up this year is Arthur, followed by Bertha and Cristobal. If those names sound familiar, it’s because names are reused every six years. Many of the names slated for 2026 were also used in the record-setting 2020 season. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the busiest on record, with 30 named storms. Fourteen became hurricanes, including seven major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph. After that season, the name Laura was retired and replaced with Leah, which will be used for the first time in 2026. (AccuWeather via MSN)

=== Friday, May 1 ===

Trump Says Government Gave ‘Final’ Bailout Proposal For Spirit Airlines As Liquidation Looms
President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration gave a “final” bailout proposal for Spirit Airlines as the budget carrier could be forced to liquidate without a lifeline. Talks with bondholders for a government bailout this week have not yet yielded a deal. The Trump administration last month had offered a $500 million loan that could have given the government up to a 90% stake in the Florida airline, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to speak about the discussions. CNBC

Lufthansa Extends Israel Flight Suspension Amid Security Concerns
Lufthansa Group has extended its suspension of flights to and from Israel, citing ongoing security concerns in the Middle East. The group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, may partially resume operations in early June if conditions improve. The move follows EU aviation safety advisories warning of risks to civil aviation in the region. MSN

Jet Fuel Bidding War Breaks Out As Airlines Face Global Stress Test
Europe faces an acute logistics problem as the Iran war severely restricts flows from the Middle East. The International Energy Agency earlier this month warned that Europe could run out of jet fuel in weeks. The prospect of sweeping cancellations, coupled with stiff price hikes on remaining routes, looms large across the continent. CNBC

US Airlines Are Hiking Fares — And Travelers Keep Booking
Airlines are forecasting big revenue jumps in the second quarter and for revenue to cover fuel costs as the year progresses. Jet fuel prices have doubled in some places since the first U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran two months ago. But airline executives say travel demand has stayed strong so far this year. CNBC

United Airlines Cutting 100 Flights Per Day At O’Hare International Airport This Summer To Meet FAA Mandate
United Airlines will cut more than 100 daily departures out of O’Hare International Airport this summer to meet a federal mandate to avoid delays. In a letter to employees, United’s vice president of O’Hare, Omar Idris, revealed the airline will fly about 650 flights a day out of O’Hare this summer. The airline’s original schedule called for 780 flights a day. CBS

Robot Passenger Delays Flight From Oakland To San Diego
A flight leaving Oakland was delayed an hour Thursday afternoon as flight crews discussed how to accommodate a high-maintenance traveler: “Bebop,” a 4-foot tall humanoid robot. The Southwest Airlines flight was scheduled to depart Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport for San Diego at 2 p.m., according to the aircraft tracking platform FlightAware. But after passengers boarded the plane, it sat for almost an hour on the tarmac. Yahoo

Korean Air Bans Roosters From U.S. Flights To Philippines
Korean Air has banned transporting roosters from the U.S. to the Philippines. The move follows reports linking Texas to illegal cockfighting supply chains. The airline says the decision is based on animal safety and legal concerns. FOX 5 DC

This US Airport Is First In World To Use AI-Powered Hologram Chat Bots
Travelers at Miami International Airport now have something quite unique to help get to their destinations: A.I.-powered hologram chat bots. The airport revealed the first-of-its-kind chat bots last week, becoming the first airport in the world adopting A.I. across its digital infrastructure. Officials said the bots are meant to enhance the passengers’ travel journey through real-time, location-based intelligence and natural conversation. MSN

US Resumes Commercial Passenger Air Service To Venezuela After Seven Years
U.S. passenger air service to Venezuela resumed on Thursday morning after seven years, with an American Airlines flight from Miami to Caracas. American is resuming daily service to Venezuela, offering flights on an Embraer 175 through Envoy, its wholly-owned regional subsidiary. It plans to add a second daily flight starting May 21. The first flight, which includes government officials and reporters, landed on Thursday afternoon. Reuters

Nation’s Oldest TSA Officer Lawrence Santucci Honored With Surprise 90th Birthday Celebration At John Wayne Airport
A longtime Transportation Security Administration officer at John Wayne Airport was celebrated this week as colleagues, friends and family gathered to honor his 90th birthday. Lawrence Santucci, known throughout the Orange County airport for his upbeat greetings and steady presence, has spent years screening passengers, training new hires and assisting travelers with special needs. ABC7 Los Angeles

Bay Area Woman Dies While Snorkeling In Hawaii
At around 9:30 a.m., 66-year-old Jian-Ping Sun was found unresponsive by lifeguards about 10 feet from shore. Sun was from Campbell, the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner confirmed. Rescuers began CPR before turning her over to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, who transported her for further treatment. She was later pronounced dead. Officials said the cause of death is still pending and there were no signs of foul play. SFGate

‘Marijuana Found In Bag’: Air India Co-Pilot Deported From US
An Air India co-pilot has been sent back from the US after he was allegedly found to be carrying marijuana in his bag. The pilot was traveling as staff on duty on a Delhi–San Francisco flight to operate the return leg. Upon arrival, U.S. authorities allegedly discovered marijuana in his bag, after which he was not allowed to leave the airport and was sent back to India on the next available flight. The Times of India

Airbus Tests A New Seating Pod: Here’s Why, What It Looks Like
Wheelchair users are closer than ever to being able to fly on their own mobility device. Airbus announced that it completed the first test flight of its new Airspace U Suite seating concept, a flexible pod that can be installed on aircraft allowing passengers to fly in a variety of seating configurations, including in a secured wheelchair. USA Today

Chinese Government Advises Travelers To Avoid Seattle Over Harassment
Chinese government officials are encouraging travelers to be wary and avoid entering the United States through Seattle, citing a pattern of continual harassment by U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel. About 20 Chinese scholars with visas were reportedly “unreasonably inspected” and refused entry at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, according to China Consular Affairs. AP News

=== Wednesday, April 29 ===

JetBlue Plans Capacity Cuts, Fare Hikes As High Fuel Costs Widen Quarterly Loss
JetBlue Airways said on Tuesday it plans to slow hiring, cut capacity and hike fares to soften the blow from soaring jet fuel costs after it reported a bigger first-quarter loss that threatens to derail the carrier’s turnaround efforts. The airline also suspended its prior full-year outlook due to external factors, CEO Joanna Geraghty said on an earnings call. Reuters

Airlines Looking For Fare Increases To Stick, Even When Jet Fuel Costs Fall
The soaring cost of jet fuel due to the war in Iran will lead to significantly higher airfares. But don’t expect ticket prices to drop once fuel prices start to decline. Higher fares are being driven by strong demand for travel as much as the cost of fuel. Despite higher ticket prices, travelers are booking tickets in record numbers at many airlines. So, as long as passengers keep flying, higher fares are likely to stay in place, no matter the cost of fuel. CNN Business

Electric Air Taxis Take Off From Manhattan For First New York Airport Trips
An all-electric aircraft has flown demonstration flights from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport, something the operator hopes will become an everyday occurrence at locations around the world. Electric air taxi firm Joby Aviation flew the first electric vertical takeoff and landing demonstration flights between two points in New York City on Friday and is continuing testing this week. CNN

Southwest Airlines Unveils ‘Independence One’ Plane In Honor Of America’s 250th Anniversary
Sporting red, white, and a deep blue, Southwest Airlines has unveiled a plane with a new paint job in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. “Independence One” was introduced on Monday at Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport, displaying a massive “1776” across the front cabin windows and “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” toward the back. CNN

German Tourist Killed After Being Bitten By Cobra In Egypt Snake Show
A German tourist was killed after a snake crawled into his trousers and bit his leg during a snake charmer show in Egypt, police have said. The 57-year-old, who has not been named, was on holiday with two relatives and bitten during a show in the Hurghada resort in early April. The Independent

A Year Into Canadian Tourism Backlash, There’s Little Sign Of Change
Roughly a year ago, President Trump’s rhetoric about making Canada the 51st U.S. state and a trade dispute sent Canadian travel to the U.S. into a sharp decline, and there’s little sign of a turnaround. With no near-term recovery in sight, the industry is coming to terms with the possibility that winning back Canadians may take far longer than expected. Travel Weekly

Man, 33, Gored To Death At Running Of The Bulls Festival After Sustaining Wounds To His Groin, Chest And Abdomen
Cattle rancher Santiago Barrero San Román was killed by a bull at the San Marcos Festival in Beas de Segura, Spain, on Friday, April 24. The bull charged at Román at around 7:00 p.m. local time and gored him multiple times. The Association of Fighting Bull Breeders expressed condolences, honoring Román’s legacy in the bull-breeding community. People

European Flight Prices Are Falling In Short Term, Wizz Air Boss Says
European flight prices are falling as airlines try to overcome customer “hesitancy” over the economic hit from the US-Israel war with Iran, Wizz Air’s chief executive has said. József Váradi said European airlines can make price cuts in the “short term” because they have bought fuel at a price set before the war began. BBC

Hah: United Airlines’ CEO Is Banned From Casinos For Card Counting
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby used to be a big gambler and even got banned from many casinos for card counting. The Wall Street Journal reported on this history and how his current “bets” are focused on transforming United, alongside his reputation for avid reading and daily naps at work. One Mile at a Time

Thousands Of BA Club Members Told They Were Wrongly Given Elite Status
Thousands of BA Club members have been told they were wrongly gifted an extra year of elite status and now face being downgraded. In April 2025, British Airways changed the rules on how to obtain silver, gold and gold guest list status, tiers that provide perks such as lounge access, seat selection, baggage allowance, and higher Avios earning rates. The Independent

Robben Island Museum Faces Backlash Over Plans For Prison Guard House Lodgings
The Robben Island Museum in South Africa has announced plans to convert former apartheid-era prison guard houses into overnight tourist accommodations, sparking local debate over the commercialization of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel Weekly

63 Comments On "16 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today"

tim mullis|
May 2, 2026 at 1:05 am | Reply

TDS Much.
Carol Sabo|
March 24, 2026 at 4:03 pm | Reply

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
JOHN JOHNSTON|
February 15, 2026 at 7:02 pm | Reply

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!
Prama|
May 26, 2025 at 6:05 am | Reply

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!
Daisy L.|
April 7, 2025 at 1:04 am | Reply

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!
Buzzy Gordon|
November 20, 2024 at 4:11 pm | Reply

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.
Jerry Mandel|
May 25, 2024 at 4:05 pm | Reply

TSA numbers of no value. Who cares?
Jerry Mandel|
April 22, 2024 at 10:04 pm | Reply

Why would anyone care about yesterday’s TSA numbers? This is silly.
1. Johnny Jet|
  April 23, 2024 at 10:04 pm | Reply
  
  A lot of people do. Shows how the economy is doing especially for the airlines.
Ross Copas|
January 20, 2024 at 8:01 pm | Reply

What’s your recommended VPN