12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

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

Monday, April 14
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,747,047 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 13

Hudson helicopter crash: New York tour company involved in the deadly incident last week is shutting down immediately
The helicopter tour company whose sightseeing chopper plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday is shutting down operations immediately, the Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday. The FAA will be launching an immediate review of the license and safety record of New York Helicopter Tours, it said in a post on X. It added it will continue to support the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation. CNN

Katy Perry among all-female Blue Origin crew that completes space trip
Blue Origin’s all-female crew, which included pop star Katy Perry, completed their trip into space Monday morning. The flight lasted around 11 minutes and traveled more than 60 miles above Earth, according to Blue Origin, passing the Kármán line, which at 62 miles above sea level is considered to be the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. ABC News

Frontier CEO is ‘optimistic’ about tourism industry despite economic uncertainty
Despite a downturn in foreign tourism and broader economic uncertainty, Frontier CEO Barry Biffle remains optimistic about the budget airline’s future. “People think that there’s some kind of Armageddon going to happen,” Biffle said in an exclusive interview with “NBC Nightly News” correspondent Hallie Jackson that airs Sunday. “I think that as we look here today, I’m optimistic.” NBC News

Naked man breaks into Disneyland, exposes self to guests: Report
A Canadian man was arrested after trespassing at Disneyland and roaming around naked, ABC7 reported. The incident was reported Saturday in the park’s New Orleans Square, when a man climbed one of the buildings and exposed himself to people below, according to the report. Patch

Paralyzed man says American Airlines chose not to load his wheelchair on flight home from Hawaii
When flying, some of you may have had a checked piece of luggage not arrive when you did at your destination, but what happens when your mobility device doesn’t arrive? That’s the problem Tucsonan, Sam Shivers, was recently faced with. “Without my wheelchair, it’s like I don’t have any legs, I can’t get around,” Shivers said. That’s how Shivers was left feeling after landing in Phoenix on March 26, after his trip to Hawaii, when he says his wheelchair didn’t make it back with him. KGUN9

Pacific Coast Highway to reopen for public use in time for summer
The Pacific Coast Highway, closed to the public since the Palisades Fire, is set to reopen in time for summer, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Saturday. Since the fires, access to the PCH has been limited to residents of the fire-impacted area, essential businesses, and repair crews. But that will change by the end of May, when the highway is expected to reopen to the public—months earlier than initially projected. CBS LA

Former NCAA Woman of the Year Karenna Groff dies in plane crash
Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player named the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, died Saturday along with six other people — including members of her family — in a plane crash in upstate New York. The twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B went down shortly after noon in a muddy field in Copake, New York, near the Massachusetts line, killing everyone on board, according to authorities and a family member who spoke to The Associated Press. ESPN

The economic impact of disappearing Canadians
People have roamed across the 49th parallel on the west flank of North America for hundreds of years. Lately, many are thinking twice. Canadians frequently stop by Blaine, Washington, for gas, dairy and other staples that tend to be cheaper across the border. But the trade and diplomatic fight U.S. President Donald Trump has picked with America’s northern neighbor is causing more Canadians to stay home. Their boycotts have put business owners in Blaine and surrounding Whatcom County on edge, wondering how long the area’s economy can survive with fewer visitors from British Columbia to fuel it. Stuck at the Airport

Why Gen Z and Millennials are suddenly obsessed with cruising
Camila Mojica took her first cruise in over a decade after seeing Virgin Voyages on TikTok. She and her boyfriend took the trip in March to celebrate their graduate school semesters coming to an end. Mojica used to take cruises with her family but hadn’t vacationed at sea since she was about 12. Now 24, she was drawn to Virgin for its food and its no-kids policy. “And I’d never been to the (Dominican Republic),” the Orlando-based social media manager told USA TODAY. “I’m from Puerto Rico (and) it was my first time going there, so I thought it’d be a fun little getaway.” USA Today

This Washington border county is desperate for Canadians
People have roamed across the 49th parallel on the west flank of North America for hundreds of years. Lately, many are thinking twice. Canadians frequently stop by Blaine, Washington, for gas, dairy and other staples that tend to be cheaper across the border. But the trade and diplomatic fight U.S. President Donald Trump has picked with America’s northern neighbor is causing more Canadians to stay home. NBC News

Thailand to curb illegal rentals with new booking regulations
Chanin Rungtanakiat, a 32-year-old Pheu Thai Party list-MP and committee member, noted that online booking platforms often facilitate these unlawful rentals, making them partly accountable. “Their involvement in these transactions is akin to facilitating the sale of illegal goods.” The law imposes a fine of up to 20,000 baht (US$600) on violators, with an additional daily fine of 10,000 baht (US$300) until the activity stops. Most condominium regulations also explicitly forbid daily rentals. Thaiger

I visited every country in the world without flying
As adventures go, it was never going to be anything other than colossal: travelling to all 203 countries in the world, without boarding a single flight. But such was the self-imposed task for Thor Pedersen in 2013 when, surrounded by friends settling down and his latest international engineering contract over, the idea just seemed to make sense. The Telegraph

Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week
April 6 – April 13

At least 226 people dead in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse
At least 226 people are known to have died when the roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub collapsed Tuesday morning, and 155 transfers have been taken to local hospitals, officials said early Wednesday. The cause of the massive collapse at the Jet Set nightclub remains unclear as rescue efforts enter their second day. NBC News

Tourist helicopter crashes in Hudson River in New York City, all 6 on board killed
A tourist helicopter carrying family members from Spain plunged into the Hudson River in New York City, killing six, including three children. The New York Helicopters chartered chopper, which was carrying a pilot, two adults and three children, fell into the Hudson River by Lower Manhattan in New York City on Thursday afternoon, officials said during a press briefing. AP

Passengers from Mexico stranded on Alabama tarmac for seven hours after diversion to airport with no customs staff
Two Delta flights from Mexico to Boston were diverted to Montgomery, Alabama due to bad weather—but passengers were stuck on the tarmac for seven hours because there were no customs officers at the airport. The Independent

Frontier Airlines cuts flights after travel demand fell in March
Facing weakened demand and increased fare discounting, Frontier cut its full-year outlook and reduced flights. March saw a dip in bookings and revenue projections. CNBC

Budget airline Avelo pulling out of Sonoma County Airport after taking on ICE deportation flights
Just after confirming it would operate deportation flights for ICE, Avelo Airlines announced it is shutting down its Santa Rosa base due to underperformance. CBS News

Cruise industry fights back against proposed Hawaii taxes
Cruise lines are threatening to cut Hawaii stops if lawmakers pass per-passenger taxes similar to hotel fees, claiming the move could hurt tourism. Hawaii News Now

American Is Arrested in Thailand on Charges of Criticizing Royalty
The arrest of an American academic in Thailand on charges of criticizing the monarchy has alarmed U.S. officials, the State Department said on Tuesday. The case represents a rare detention of a foreign citizen under Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté laws. The academic, Paul Chambers, a lecturer in civil-military relations in Southeast Asia at Naresuan University in northern Thailand, was arrested on charges under the lèse-majesté laws and the Computer Crimes Act, according to his lawyers, members of the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a legal aid group. Immigration authorities also revoked his visa, the group said on Wednesday, suggesting that he could be forced to leave the country. The New York Times

American Airlines teams up with CBP for baggage screening initiative
American Airlines is trialing a partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to streamline travel on international connecting flights. Through International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS), passengers arriving in the US from select international airports will no longer have to claim their checked baggage in the CBP Customs Hall and recheck it with American for their connecting flight. Instead, after clearing CBP Passport Control, passengers will proceed directly to a TSA checkpoint and then will continue to their connecting flight. Travelmole

Delta CEO says Trump tariffs are hurting bookings as airline pulls 2025 forecast
Delta Air Lines won’t expand flying in the second half of the year because of disappointing bookings amid President Donald Trump’s shifting trade policies, which CEO Ed Bastian called “the wrong approach.” Delta on Wednesday forecast its second-quarter revenue to decline up to 2% or grow as much as 2% over last year, while Wall Street had been expecting growth of 1.9%. The airline expects adjusted earnings per share of $1.70 to $2.30, compared with analysts’ estimates of $2.23 a share. CNBC

Brussels police arrest US State Secretary Rubio’s bodyguard – US ‘examines’ case
Top US security agent arrested in Brussels. Rubio was staying at Brussels’ iconic Hotel Amigo. Argument broke out over hotel bar closing hours. Police say arrested man was acting drunk and disorderly. Brussels Times

Flights and ferries halted in Greece as unions call general strike
A nationwide general strike in Greece disrupted public services across the country Wednesday, with ferries tied up in port, flights grounded and public transportation running only part time as labor unions press for an end to lingering austerity measures imposed on Greece by international creditors a decade ago. AP

Remains found in JetBlue landing gear in Florida were 2 teenage boys
Florida authorities have identified the remains of two people found inside the landing gear of a JetBlue commercial airplane in January as teenagers. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that it identified 18-year-old Jeik Lusi and 16-year-old Elvis Castillo following “extensive DNA testing.” The aircraft had landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after taking off from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Jan. 6. USA Today

Republic Airways to Take Over Troubled Mesa Air in Stock Deal
Regional airlines Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and Mesa Air Group Inc. agreed to combine in an all-stock deal that will bolster their operations in the face of sudden demand challenges across the air travel industry. Closely held Republic will own 88% of the merged company following the close, which is expected in the late third or early fourth quarter, according to a statement Monday. Mesa shareholders will own 6% to 12% depending on the company’s achievement of certain deal criteria, and all of its debt obligations will be extinguished. Bloomberg

Saturday, April 12

Hundreds of flights cancelled in China as strong winds hit capital
Beijing faced wind gusts up to 93 mph, the strongest in over 50 years, canceling over 800 flights and closing tourist attractions and transport lines. BBC

Flight attendant fired 10 months after attack by passenger
An American Airlines flight attendant who was assaulted mid-flight by a passenger was fired months later, despite over two decades of service. WSOC TV

Tech Execs See Signs of Weakening Travel Demand
Hotel tech firms are noting early signals of slowed summer bookings due to economic uncertainty—reflected in higher cancellation rates and shorter booking windows. Skift

Jo Koy on Philippine Airlines flight to Los Angeles diverted to Tokyo
Smoke in the cabin caused a Philippine Airlines flight to LA to make an emergency landing in Tokyo. Comedian Jo Koy was on board and praised the crew online. ABC7 Los Angeles

On-Again, Off-Again Tariffs and Their Toll on Travelers
Fluctuating tariff policies are contributing to reduced travel confidence and higher prices, as shown by declining consumer confidence and industry-wide volatility. The New York Times

White Lotus Guests Keep Getting Murdered. How Can the Fictional Hotel Fix This PR Fiasco?
The hit series “The White Lotus” keeps racking up fictional guest deaths each season—raising questions about the in-universe hotel’s continued popularity. Vanity Fair

Tourists detained by ICE say they were treated like ‘the worst criminal’
Travelers from around the globe are being caught in the U.S.’s strict immigration dragnet—highlighting harsh detention conditions and growing visa scrutiny. USA Today

Terry Bradshaw Helped Trapped Passengers Escape Plane at Pittsburgh Airport
The NFL legend helped open a jammed aircraft door after passengers were stuck inside at Pittsburgh International—earning more hometown praise. Sports Illustrated

Friday, April 11
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,298,987 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 10

Tick off your destination bucket list with a European vacation
Canadians love Europe. The United Kingdom, France and Germany are among the top 10 overseas countries visited, according to Statistics Canada. It’s the allure of European culture and ties to Canadian ancestry that captivate travellers. Fortunately, getting there is easy, thanks to a fulsome slate of flights out of Canada. New for 2025, Air Canada is adding new routes, including Naples, a breathtaking dream destination with amazing food and stunning coastal views. Visitors are just a short ride from Pompeii and Herculaneum, one of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. The Globe and Mail

Penguin causes South Africa helicopter crash
A penguin in a cardboard box has been identified as the cause of a helicopter crash on Bird Island in South Africa. The Jan 19 accident was caused when the box containing the penguin fell off a passenger’s lap and hit the controls, the South African Civil Aviation Authority said. Unable to recover from the sudden movement, the Robinson R44 Raven II’s main rotor blades struck the ground and forced the helicopter to crash on its starboard side around 20 metres from the point of take-off. Everyone on board escaped unharmed – including the penguin – despite the helicopter being badly damaged. The Telegraph

The Long Decline of Lonely Planet, America’s Coolest Travel Guide
Founded in the 1970s, Lonely Planet has long been an icon of travel — the blue-spined backpackers’ holy text that has provided generations of readers with invaluable lists of the best places to eat, sleep, sightsee, and party throughout Earth, while providing a crash course in local history and culture. But over the past decade or so, the storied brand has lost its way. It’s one of numerous media properties that have tried to pivot in the face of the internet. Lonely Planet has bounced between various owners, trying myriad strategies to stay relevant. Business Insider

Vietnam’s battlefields draw retrospective veterans and other tourists
Hamburger Hill, Hue, the Ia Drang Valley, Khe Sanh: Some remember the Vietnam War battles from the headlines of the 1960s and 1970s, others from movies and history books. And thousands of Americans and Vietnamese know them as the graveyards of loved ones who died fighting more than a half-century ago. Today the battlefields of Vietnam are sites of pilgrimage for veterans from both sides who fought there, and tourists wanting to see firsthand where the war was waged. AP News

At U.S. border, fewer crossings and the odd phone search — but little fear
Akshay Kumar had seen the news. He’d heard the reports of delays, detentions and deportations at ports of entry in the United States. But pulling into a duty-free shop on the border between Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ontario, in his black sports car last week, the Canadian had a confession: He just wasn’t all that worried about it. Washington Post

Virgin Australia to refund 61,000 customers after pricing error for flights
Virgin Australia has offered to refund 61,000 passengers after a pricing error made the airline overcharge for flight changes over five years. According to the airline, customers who made changes to their itineraries between 21 April 2020 and 31 March 2025 were incorrectly charged due to an error in the airline’s pricing systems. The Independent

Songkran 2025: Everything visitors need to know about Thailand’s annual New Year festival
“Why is everyone carrying those guns?” This seemingly valid question was asked during an episode of season three of “The White Lotus” by Kate (Leslie Bibb), one of three women in Thailand on a girls’ trip together — but who don’t appear to actually like each other. The trio, on an excursion to a town near their resort, are alarmed to see the heavily armed but colorfully dressed crowd. CNN

Summer 2025 air traffic control strike season is now under way
Just like Easter, the official start of the summer air traffic control strike season is a moveable feast. Normally it is French workers who walk out en masse to scupper the travel plans of tens of thousands. But, rather like the start of the Tour de France, sometimes it begins elsewhere. The Independent

La Sagrada Familia is getting a selfie zone to stop tourist chaos
Barcelona plans to curb overcrowding at its famous landmark La Sagrada Familia church with the creation of a dedicated outdoor space for tourists to snap selfies. Every day, up to 16,000 people visit the basilica, creating congestion and frustration among local residents. However, only about 20% of tourists actually enter the church – many just take photos outside. MSN

Thursday, April 10
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,298,987 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 9

Maryland tourist found dead on beach in the Bahamas drowned, officials say, but family thinks foul play
A Maryland tourist who was found dead on a beach in the Bahamas drowned, officials said Wednesday, but his family is seeking answers about what led to his death. The man was identified by the Royal Bahamas Police Force as 23-year-old Dinari McAlmont. McAlmont was from Bowie, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., and had arrived in the country on Friday, April 4 with family members, police said. CBS News

US lawmakers press FAA on recent outages of pilot messaging database
A bipartisan group of six U.S. lawmakers has questioned the Federal Aviation Administration about recent outages of the “Notice to Airmen” system that provides pilots, flight crews and others with critical safety notices about U.S. airspace. The system failed in February and March. The lawmakers, led by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Shelley Moore Capito, noted in a letter seen by Reuters that Congress passed legislation requiring the FAA to implement a modernized NOTAM system and backup system by September 2024 — a deadline the agency missed. Reuters

British Airways flight suffers double diversion on way to London after medical emergency
Passengers flying from the Bahamas to London took around 11 hours longer than expected to reach their destination after being diverted not once but twice along the way. British Airways flight BA252 departed from Grand Cayman Island at 6.21pm EST on Tuesday 8 April for its usual one-hour leg to the Bahamian capital, Nassau, which then took off again for the longer eight-hour leg to London. The Independent

How not to be a terrible tourist: What Europeans want travelers to know
Travel can be exhilarating or awful, and like it or not, we all leave footprints. Of course, some tourists tread more heavily than others, leaving residents swearing, slack-jawed or just shaking their heads. In this busy European travel season, here are some things tourism professionals and local people would like you to know, so you won’t be that tourist. LA Times

Plane cleared after ‘beeping noise’ reported on Frontier Airlines flight that landed at Dulles
A plane that was isolated on the taxiway and searched at Washington Dulles International Airport after a beeping sound was heard coming from the cargo hold has been cleared by police, according to a statement from the airport. Frontier flight 4708 arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport around 2:35 p.m. ET, Frontier told CNN in a statement. The aircraft was parked away from the main terminal while it underwent a “precautionary security search” after a “beeping noise” was heard coming from the cargo hold during flight. CNN

A trans National Guard pilot was falsely accused of flying the helicopter in the fatal plane collision
A trans member of the National Guard is speaking out after a wave of claims on social media falsely pointed to her as the pilot of the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a passenger jet in Washington, Wednesday, killing 67 people. Jo Ellis, a UH60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the Virginia Army National Guard, posted on Facebook Friday to dispel the rumors that had echoed President Donald Trump’s unsubstantiated blaming of diversity initiatives for the fatal accident. CNN Business

Swimmers flee as deadly snake swims through pool at popular Aussie tourist spot
An uninvited guest sent a crowd of swimmers scrambling at a Queensland pool on Wednesday after it decided to join in on the fun. Locals families spotted the highly-venomous 1.5 metre eastern brown snake sunbathing at the Proserpine Swimming Pool and Water Park, in the Whitsundays, before it suddenly slithered into cool water just around lunchtime. “It came into the property and scared of quite a lot of people because it was very big,” a worker at the pool told Yahoo News Australia. “It’s certainly a crowd disperser that’s for sure.” Yahoo

San Francisco crime is going through an incredible and rare change
Crime in San Francisco plummeted last year at a far faster pace than in other cities of the same size. And even after last year’s major decline brought the city to historically low numbers, San Francisco’s crime continued to fall across all categories in the first three months of this year, according to police data. While crime decreased across the country in 2024, a Chronicle analysis of data from the Real Time Crime Index, a tool that samples crime statistics from across the country, shows that what happened in San Francisco was unusual. SF Chronicle

L.A. ballerina imprisoned by Russia for treason has been freed, Rubio says
A Russian-American woman who was imprisoned for treason by Russia has been freed, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday. Former ballerina Ksenia Karelina was born in Russia but had built a new life as an aesthetician at a Los Angeles spa after immigrating to the United States over a decade ago. She “is on a plane back home to the United States,” having been “wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year,” Rubio said on in a post on X. NBC News

Beyond the bunny hill: New skiers are getting a richer learning experience
On a Friday afternoon in mid-March, Washington resident Jojo Cailin and Miami resident Katie Yellin sat inside a lodge at the base of Beaver Creek ski area here, reflecting on a day of lessons. “I felt like I was dancing. I didn’t feel like I was muscling like I used to,” said an excited Cailin. “Skiing finally feels effortless.” Travel Weekly

Wednesday, April 9
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,087,617 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 8

At least 113 people dead in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse
At least 113 people are known to have died when the roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub collapsed Tuesday morning, and 155 transfers have been taken to local hospitals, officials said early Wednesday. The cause of the massive collapse at the Jet Set nightclub remains unclear as rescue efforts enter their second day. NBC News

Air traffic chief retires early as FAA replaces senior managers at DCA
Tim Arel, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Organization, will retire early as part of the second round of buyouts at the Department of Transportation. Arel, who has been working at the agency for four decades, had planned to retire at the end of 2025 but will now depart in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition, the FAA told CBS News.

Japan Airlines plane makes emergency stop after hitting runway lights
A Japan Airlines aircraft was forced to abort takeoff after likely mistaking runway lights for the centre line and hitting some of them. Flight JAL377 carrying 80 passengers began its takeoff at the Tokyo-Haneda Airport at 7.10pm local time on Monday after obtaining clearance from air traffic control. The Independent

US ‘alarmed’ as American faces years in jail on charges of insulting Thai monarchy
Thailand’s arrest of a prominent American academic on charges of insulting the monarchy has “alarmed” the United States, the State Department said, in a rare case of a foreign national allegedly falling foul of the kingdom’s strict lese majeste law. Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in central Thailand who writes analysis on the kingdom’s military and politics, could face years in prison after he was formally charged and detained when he presented himself to police and appeared in court on Tuesday. CNN

Pilot in 2019 Oʻahu Helicopter Crash Wasn’t Properly Certified, FAA Says
The pilot of an air tour helicopter that disintegrated in midair over Kailua in April 2019, killing him and two passengers, should not have been in the cockpit that day because the boss who cleared him to fly wasn’t qualified to make that call. That allegation, made by a Federal Aviation Administration whistleblower more than five years ago, was one of two substantiated by FAA investigators in a report published without fanfare in 2022 and recently disclosed to Civil Beat.

Dublin flight halted after pilot found to be ‘considerably above’ alcohol limits
A flight out of Dublin was stopped from taking off after inspectors carrying out random checks found one pilot with alcohol levels “considerably over” the limit. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) undertook a random inspection on 17 September 2024 at Dublin Airport, Ireland’s busiest airport which sees more than 30 million passengers pass through its hub annually. The Independent

Trump’s passport policy casts chill over LGBTQ+ travel
The Trump administration’s new policy requiring U.S. passports to reflect a person’s gender assigned at birth is chilling travel plans among the nonbinary and transgender travel communities and their allies, according to travel advisors and LGBTQ+ advocates. And they say concerns among the wider LGBTQ+ travel community, both here and abroad, are making the U.S. a less desirable destination for the lucrative LGBTQ+ travel market overall. Travel Weekly

US rates El Salvador safer for U.S. travelers
The United States gave El Salvador a safer travel rating on Tuesday that groups it with the least dangerous countries for Americans to visit, citing reduced gang activity and violent crime. The U.S. State Department moved the Central American country from level two, which advises travelers to exercise increased caution, to level one, its safest rating, which encourages visitors take normal precautions. Reuters

‘Scammers posed as Qatar Airways customer service to try and plunder my savings’
Karen Welsh, a health executive from Lancashire, needed to fly to Brisbane, Australia, to visit an unwell family member. But scammers who contacted her through social media almost succeeded in stealing her savings and wrecking her trip. Ms Welsh found suitable flights from Manchester via Doha to the Queensland capital on Qatar Airways. As an NHS worker, she is entitled to a discount. But, she says: “Once I clicked ‘pay now’ the website just whirled and wouldn’t progress to asking for payment details.” The Independent

‘It’s like our friend started a fist fight with us’: These Europeans are skipping US travel
Frenchman David Pereira grew up watching dubbed versions of American TV shows like “The A-Team,” “Happy Days” and “The Dukes of Hazzard” in France. He was obsessed with American culture: he used to collect vintage Mustangs, owns a GMC pick-up truck from the ’70s, and has visited the US nearly a dozen times. This summer, he was looking forward to fulfilling a lifelong dream and visiting Yellowstone National Park with his family, after having completed a successful circuit of national parks on the West Coast two years ago. CNN

New Mexico governor declares state of emergency over Albuquerque crime
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has declared a state of emergency for Albuquerque, ordering the National Guard to help combat crime in the state’s largest city. “The safety of New Mexicans is my top priority,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “This partnership represents our commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis and juvenile crime with every resource at our disposal.” The Hill

Tuesday, April 8
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,532,108 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 7

At least 44 dead in roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub
At least 44 people died and 160 others were injured in the Dominican capital early Tuesday when the roof collapsed at an iconic nightclub where politicians, athletes and others were attending a merengue concert, authorities said. Crews were searching for potential survivors in the rubble at the one-story Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations. AP News

Delta Air Lines To Introduce Fast & Free WiFi On Boeing 717s
Delta Air Lines will roll out free WiFi service across its fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft, following closely on the heels of its recent launch of free internet on most of its transatlantic routes to Europe, West Africa, and Israel. The Atlanta-based airline has been steadily outfitting select long-haul aircraft with high-speed internet, and its pace of rolling out free WiFi has been unmatched—aside from JetBlue Airways, the original trailblazer in offering free in-flight connectivity. SimplyFlying

Rome tourists being forced to buy more expensive tickets for main tourist attraction
Italy’s competition authority has fined six ticketing agencies a total of €20 million for making it difficult for visitors to buy standard entry tickets to the Colosseum online. The largest fine, €7 million, was levied against the Cooperative Culture Society, which managed ticket sales for the ancient amphitheatre from 1997 to 2024. The Independent

New Air Canada Airbus A220 Cabin Features More Overhead Bin Space
Air Canada today announced that it will be the launch customer for the Airbus Airspace cabin on the A220 family of aircraft, giving customers more overhead storage space. The first aircraft to receive the new bins are scheduled to be delivered early in 2026. The A220 Airspace cabin features new XL bins, increasing the overhead capacity of bags by more than 15%, which should cut down on the battle for bin space and speed up departures. The cabin will also include a new ceiling design and lighting. The introduction of the new Airspace cabin has been timed to coincide with additional Air Canada upgrades including an updated cabin interior and seat back entertainment. Jim Byers

Are regional airlines safe? What passengers should know
Regional airlines are in the public consciousness lately in a way that usually only avgeeks think about them. This year, three high-profile aviation safety incidents involved regional jets: a fatal collision between an American Airlines/PSA Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C.; a Delta Air Lines/Endeavor Air regional jet that flipped over just after touching down at Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport, and another Delta/Endeavor Air regional jet that clipped its wing against the runway at LaGuardia International Airport in New York. USA Today

Tariff fallout impacting Canadian tourism in Buffalo Niagara region
The tariff fallout is hitting the U.S.-Canada border with tourism leaders in Buffalo and Niagara Falls saying they are already seeing an impact with fewer Canadians coming into the region. “Words and actions taken by an administration can affect it so gravely,” remarked John Percy, president & CEO, Destination Niagara USA. WKBW

Canadian snowbirds love Palm Springs. But Trump is making them say: Sorry! We’re leaving
Christopher Climie, who recently moved to Palm Springs, was supposed to be hosting visitors from his native Canada this week. Ten friends — all gay men, like Climie — had planned to fly in from Toronto. They were going to trade the cold and rain for a hot desert weekend at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where their beloved Lady Gaga is set to perform. But because of tensions between Canada and President Trump, they canceled their plans. LA Times

Canada Liberals promise to make national parks free
Liberal Leader Mark Carney said Monday he wants to make national parks and historic sites available for free this summer — a move that comes as many Canadians scrub their plans to travel to the U.S. Carney made the promise — part of a suite of nature-related pledges that included a promise to create more national parks — while campaigning in B.C. and shopping for progressive votes. His trip included stops in Saanich-Gulf Islands, held by Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May, and in Victoria, held by the NDP’s Laurel Collins. CTV

Norwegian Cruise Line Canceling Cruises Amid Major Company Shift
Few names are as synonymous with the international cruising industry as Norwegian. In the nearly 50 years since the company’s formation, Norwegian Cruise Line has become a high-water mark for seafaring vacations the world over. With cruises offered in every corner of the globe and a total of 19 ships making up its fleet, Norwegian remains a highly favorable cruise company among millions of vacationers worldwide. Parade

CDC layoffs could impact cruise ship health inspections
Mass layoffs at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could upend cruise ship inspections and illness tracking. Several divisions received ‘reduction in force’ notices including the unit that oversees the cruise industry Vessel Sanitation Program. The VSP is responsible for the twice-yearly inspections of cruise ships as well as tracking all shipboard illness outbreaks. Travelmole

‘Happy Days’ cast members reunited this weekend
Fans of the beloved series “Happy Days,” which aired from 1974 to 1984, got a treat this weekend when some of the cast members came together at Steel City Con outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Don Most joined a panel discussion about the series. The convention shared video from the event on their social media. CNN

Monday, April 7
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,734,390 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 6

Airlines expected to cut 2025 outlooks as travel demand falters
Airlines are expected to cut 2025 outlooks when they report earnings starting this week. Wall Street analysts have slashed their price targets for U.S. airlines and downgraded ratings as concerns about travel demand grow. Consumers had been willing to pay for travel and experiences over goods despite years of inflation, but the industry has seen a stark turn in sentiment. CNBC

Delta’s New Baggage Policy Will Change How Early You Need to Arrive at the Airport
According to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, the airline announced a new cutoff time for passengers to check their bags when taking domestic flights. The Atlanta-based airline reportedly sent an email to flyers that said all bags for domestic flights need to be checked at least 45 minutes prior to departure starting Tuesday, April 8. Typical cutoff times tend to be between 30 minutes to an hour, so this change doesn’t seem all that out of the ordinary. Parade

Norse Atlantic Airways Ends Flights To Las Vegas
The Norwegian long-haul low-cost airline operated the route between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) from September 12, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Norse Atlantic operated three weekly flights on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. According to data from aviation analytics company Cirium, the airline completed a total of 84 flights on the route, offering 28,392 seats during its time in service. SimpleFlying

Vietnam’s VietJet to operate Chinese-made aircraft on domestic routes from mid-April
Vietnamese budget airline VietJet is set to operate Chinese-made COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft, also branded as C909, on domestic routes for the first time from mid-April, according to a company statement reviewed by Reuters. The airline plans to operate four flights between the capital Hanoi and Con Dao Island off southern Vietnam on April 15, according to the document dated Sunday. Reuters

Tourists will need app to book spot on one of Europe’s most popular beaches
Tourists will need to book ahead if they want to visit one of Sardinia’s most popular beaches amid ongoing efforts in Italy to combat overtourism. Tuerredda is a spectacular crescent-shaped bay located on the island of the same name, less than 200 yards off Sardinia’s southern coast. The Telegraph

Spirit Air’s CEO steps down after emergence from bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines said Chief Executive Officer Ted Christie is stepping down, less than a month after the pioneering discount carrier emerged from bankruptcy. Christie’s departure from the company and the board is effective immediately, parent Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc. said Monday in a statement. Until a successor is named, the company will be led by three top executives. Matt Klein, the carrier’s chief commercial officer, also is leaving. Bloomberg

‘A hostile state’: Why some travellers are avoiding the US
As the list of nations issuing travel warnings to the US grows, some visitors are opting to boycott it entirely. Here’s why many foreigners are changing their travel plans and what this could mean for Americans. As President Donald Trump implements sweeping new policies, issues tariffs on longtime allies and leads an immigration crackdown, some international travellers are rethinking their travel plans to the US. BBC

San Diego-bound flight from Atlanta blows tire, damages engine, FAA reports
A San Diego-bound Alaska Airlines aircraft sustained engine damage Thursday after blowing a tire during takeoff in Atlanta, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight, which had more than 170 people on board between passengers and crew, continued on to its destination despite the damage to the right tire of the left strut and adjacent engine, per an FAA preliminary incident notice. Fox 5

Avelo Airlines to carry out deportation flights at Mesa Gateway Airport
An airline known for operating ultra-low cost flights out of smaller U.S. airports has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration Control and Enforcement agency to carry out deportation flights at an East Valley airport. Avelo Airlines said that as part of the agreement, three Boeing 737-800s based at Mesa Gateway Airport are to be a part of DHS operations. According to the company’s statement, domestic and international flights will “carry out DHS’ deportation efforts.” 13 News

Visas revoked for some UCLA students, chancellor says
UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk says six current students and six former students participating in a training program have had their visas revoked by the U.S. government. “In recent days, a number of international students on F-1 status at universities across the nation have had their visas revoked and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System status terminated by the federal government. These actions have understandably created a great deal of questions within our Bruin community,” Frenk said Sunday, April 6, in a letter to the campus community. Daily Breeze

Sea lions are attacking people in the waters off California’s coast. Here’s why
Along some 70 miles of Southern California coastline, usually curious and playful sea lions are attacking humans in the water. The animals are being poisoned by the ocean they live in, experts say, citing reports of sick sea lions at unprecedented levels. And many are dying. Pheobe Beltran, a 15-year-old girl in Long Beach, was swimming on March 30, when a sea lion attacked her right arm. CNN

Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week
March 30 – April 6

U.S. travel from other countries fell off a cliff in March
Foreign arrivals into major U.S. airports tumbled in mid-to-late March compared to the same time last year, based on customs pass-through data. Why it matters: The findings suggest a sudden reluctance to visit the U.S. isn’t a purely Canadian phenomenon and should sound alarm bells for the country’s $1 trillion-plus travel industry. Driving the news: The number of foreigners passing through customs at the 10 busiest U.S. airports fell by over 20% year over year toward late March, based on a seven-day rolling average. Axios

Michigan couple released after nearly a month in Mexican prison over payment dispute with timeshare company
A Michigan couple was released Thursday after spending nearly a month in a Mexican prison over a payment dispute with a timeshare company, according to Michael Gordon, a spokesperson for Congressman Tom Barrett’s office. Paul Akeo, a 58-year-old Navy veteran, and his wife Christy, 60, were taken into custody shortly after their plane landed in Cancun on March 4, according to their family. CNN

Barcelona announces new tourist zone to tackle chaos outside major attraction
Barcelona is creating a large public square outside one of its most famous attractions in an effort to ease overwhelming crowds of tourists. For years locals have complained about the congestion around La Sagrada Familia, the iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi. Tourists often block the roads and pavements while taking selfies or group photos. Metro

Millions of Americans still don’t have a Real ID. Here’s what to know as the deadline nears
The May 7 deadline is looming to have a Real ID, which will be required to get into government buildings and through airport security. Congress mandated the switch to Real IDs after 9/11. The new IDs are more secure and harder to counterfeit. But after several lengthy delays, millions of Americans still don’t meet the requirement that’s just over a month away. The Transportation Security Administration told CBS News they are seeing about 81% compliance at checkpoints, meaning people are showing up with a Real ID or their passport. That means nearly 2 out of every 10 people passing through a security checkpoint at an airport do not have the proper documents that will soon be needed. CBS News

U.S. State Department Updates Travel Advisory for The Bahamas
The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for the Bahamas, maintaining a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution status for the popular Caribbean destination. This advisory follows several criminal incidents targeting Americans in the Bahamas in early 2024. While the Level 2 designation encourages travelers to exercise caution, it does not prohibit travel. TravelPulse

Countries Issue Advisories About Trans People Traveling to the United States
In a new trend, several countries are now issuing advisories for their transgender citizens planning to visit the United States. These warnings reflect the growing concerns over the legal landscape and protections for trans individuals within the U.S., highlighting how these advisories impact international travel planning. CNN

United Airlines adds Thailand, Vietnam and Australia flights
United Airlines plans to add daily flights to Vietnam and Thailand in October, further expanding the network for the U.S. carrier that already has the most Asia service. In the expansion, United is using a tactic that’s unusual in its network: Its airplanes from Los Angeles and San Francisco that are headed for Hong Kong will then go on to the two new destinations. The Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, service is set to begin on Oct. 26. On Oct. 25, United plans to add a second daily nonstop flight from San Francisco to Manila, Philippines, and on Dec. 11, it will launch nonstops from San Francisco to Adelaide, Australia, which will operate three days a week. CNBC

Airline stocks slide as concerns grow over consumers’ travel appetite
Airline stocks slid further on Tuesday as Wall Street’s concerns about weaker-than-expected travel demand amid looming tariffs and a sharp drop in consumer confidence continue to weigh on the sector. Shares of Delta Air Lines were down more than 3% in afternoon trading after Jefferies downgraded the carrier, the most profitable in the U.S., to a hold rating from buy, and nearly halved its price target to $46, several weeks after the airline cut its first-quarter guidance. CNBC

More Details Released on the Death of Ex-Yankee Brett Gardner’s Son While on Vacation
Last week, news broke that the son of former Yankee player Brett Gardner had tragically passed away while on vacation. Fourteen-year-old Miller Gardner was Brett’s youngest son and was part of a family that had long been a favorite of Yankees fans, especially during Gardner’s 13 years with the team (2008-2021). I didn’t write about Miller’s death immediately because there was no information about how it happened and I didn’t want to speculate. It’s one of the most heartbreaking topics to cover and every parent’s worst nightmare. We now know more about Miller’s death. JohnnyJet

Air traffic controller charged after scuffle at Reagan National tower
An air traffic controller has been charged with assault and battery in connection with a scuffle in the control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last week, airport police have confirmed. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said its officers responded to an incident on March 27 where controllers got into a fight at the control tower, according to media reports. One person, Damon Marsalis Gaines — who works in controller operations, according to LexisNexis — has been charged with assault and battery. POLITICO

United flight from Houston appeared to hit a kite near D.C. airport
A United Airlines flight from Houston appeared to have struck a kite while landing at Washington Reagan National Airport on Saturday. The pilots reported the kite flying over Gravelly Point, a park just off the runway along the banks of the Potomac River on the Virginia side, according to Air Traffic Control audio. Flying kites there is prohibited because of its proximity to landing aircraft. “It was over the park, about 100 feet over the ground, it looks like it’s right on the flight path,” pilots said. CBS News

oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to global alliance
oneworld® alliance today welcomes Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline, with a full suite of oneworld benefits available to customers around the world beginning 01 April 2025. Fiji Airways will provide top-tier customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full member airline.

Saturday, April 5
U.S. travel from other countries fell off a cliff in March
Foreign arrivals into major U.S. airports tumbled in mid-to-late March compared to the same time last year, based on customs pass-through data. Why it matters: The findings suggest a sudden reluctance to visit the U.S. isn’t a purely Canadian phenomenon and should sound alarm bells for the country’s $1 trillion-plus travel industry. Driving the news: The number of foreigners passing through customs at the 10 busiest U.S. airports fell by over 20% year over year toward late March, based on a seven-day rolling average. Axios

4 space tourists splash down after traveling an orbit never attempted before
SpaceX is wrapping up the latest chapter in its commercial human spaceflight endeavors with the return of Fram2. The mission carried four passengers in a unique orbit around Earth that allowed humans to pass directly over the North and South poles for the first time. Led by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang, who is the financier of this mission, the Fram2 crew has been free-flying through orbit since Monday. CNN

Is it safe to travel to Thailand right now? Thai officials say yes
Thailand’s tourism industry is expected to be affected by the March earthquake in nearby Myanmar, which resulted in the collapse of a Bangkok building under construction. Officials and tourism operators are rushing to calm travelers’ concerns about the structural integrity of Thai architecture. The event comes several months after Chinese travelers’ fear of traveling to Thailand crescendoed, following the kidnapping of actor Wang Xing in January. CNBC

There’s a new name for passengers who try to swap plane seats – and it’s dividing readers
Infuriated users have shared stories about passengers sitting in the wrong seat and hoping no one asks them to move, leading them to coin the term ‘seat lice’. Venting their frustrations on the r/Delta subreddit, user libertysyclone explained in a post titled ‘seat lice saga’ how they arrived at their seat to find a couple ‘already settled in’. Metro News

Diver has close encounter with huge sunfish
A diver on an expedition off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, captured stunning footage showing the moment another swam alongside a sunfish. ABC News

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s Wedding Has Travelers Worried About Visiting Venice This Summer
“It seems that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have decided to get married in Venice on June 24-26. Reports say that they have reserved all water taxis in the city and will be taking over many of the high-end hotels,” one Redditor recently lamented on the Italy Travel subreddit. “I would not want to be anywhere near Venice during that time. Make alternate plans to go somewhere else if you value your sanity and your health.” T+L

Hikers beware: A rash-causing plant is growing in fire-scarred Angeles National Forest
A beautiful menace is growing on the freshly charred slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains. The whimsically named poodle-dog bush thrives in the wake of fires, such as the more than 14,000-acre Eaton fire that ravaged swaths of the Angeles National Forest in January. The mountain shrub strikes the senses with bell-shaped purple flowers and a fragrance that mimics marijuana. But the pretty pup packs a bite. Contact often results in a gnarly skin rash. LA Times

American Airlines pilots can choose to delay flights under new guidelines
Unions have warned a new pilot meal policy introduced by American Airlines could cause significant flight delays and disruptions. Under the new guidelines, if a pilot’s in-flight meal is missing or not loaded onto the aircraft, they can buy a replacement meal, but only within 90 minutes of their scheduled departure. The Mirror

Hugh Grant left furious over ‘creepy’ incident with his children at Heathrow Airport
Hugh Grant has angrily shared an “insulting and creepy” encounter he had at Heathrow Airport with his wife and children. The Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s Diary actor, who was Bafta nominated earlier this year for his rare scary turn in 2024 horror film Heretic, was travelling through the airport on Friday (4 April) where he claimed that his three children were unnecessarily questioned by an immigration officer. The Independent

25 Best New Hotels in the World of 2025
Each year, after much consideration and debate, Afar’s global network of editors, writers, and travel advisors anoints the best new and renovated hotels in the world. For 2025, we’ve selected 25 properties that offer so much more than just a picture-perfect stay. These are places that help redefine a destination, set a new bar for sustainability and design, and bring travelers into communities where their dollars can really count. Inspiration for your next great trip starts here. AFAR

An ‘intimate and luxurious’ travel experience will take 12 people around the world in 100 days— almost entirely by train
Forget crowded airports and hours-long flights. If traveling the world is on your bucket list, Adventures By Train is set to offer a new and unique experience to do just that — all in 100 days. The tour operator recently announced its round-the-world trip by train and the first departure is scheduled for March 17, 2026. CNBC

11 relaxing ways to live like a White Lotus character in L.A.
If your go-to move for destressing is to get out of town, you’re in good (fictional) company. In Season 3 of HBO’s “The White Lotus,” hotel guests fly “half way around the world” — as loopy Southern matron Victoria Ratliff (Parker Posey) puts it — for the ultimate restorative retreat. The resort’s Thailand location is a “wellness center” that offers guests spa services, fitness analyses, gluten-free food and even an assigned personal “health mentor.” Los Angeles Times

Friday, April 4
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,619,267 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 3

Southwest’s bag fees and other changes could backfire, Fitch warns
Southwest Airlines’ new policies such as charging for checked bags for the first time could backfire, Fitch Ratings said Thursday. Southwest is reversing its decades-old two “bags fly free” policy for checked luggage in May, though there are exceptions for travelers with a Southwest credit card, elite frequent flyer status, or who buy the highest classes of tickets. It is also launching assigned seating and a no-frills basic economy fare and said flight credits will expire. CNBC

Trump tariff tension: Airlines end seasonal flights between Canada, PSP
Two airlines are ending seasonal flights between Palm Springs and a pair of Canadian cities weeks earlier than planned. The schedule reductions come amid continued tensions between the U.S. and its northern neighbor that have led many Canadians to suddenly eschew travel to southernly destinations including the Coachella Valley. A spokesperson for Calgary-based WestJet Airlines confirmed Wednesday that the airline had concluded its seasonal service between Palm Springs and Winnipeg ahead of schedule but did not specify when the service had ended. USA Today

FAA to investigate after fire reported in cabin of United Airlines Boeing flight
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday said it will investigate after the crew on a United Airlines-operated Boeing 737 flight from Florida to Newark airport reported a fire in the cabin. The airplane landed safely at Washington’s Dulles airport on Thursday afternoon, the FAA said in a statement. Reuters

London to Mumbai flight stranded in Turkey after emergency landing
More than 200 passengers were left stranded and calling for help in a remote Turkish airport yesterday after a jet made an emergency landing due to a panicked passenger. The flight had left Heathrow for Mumbai at 11.40am but never arrived as a woman started ‘shouting and screaming at 30,000ft’. A source said: ‘The situation had become so scary that the decision was taken to land so she could receive medical help.’ The Airbus A350 therefore diverted to Turkey and landed in Diyarbakir at about 4pm – primarily a military hub but the site of some civilian flights. Daily Mail

US NTSB urges FAA to require Boeing 757 airplane door latch inspections
The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday urged the Federal Aviation Administration to require airlines to inspect latches on Boeing 757 airplane doors after a 2023 emergency evacuation of a FedEx flight in Tennessee, and to replace them if needed. The NTSB also wants the FAA to require Boeing 727 and 737 operators that use the same latch design to inspect and replace them if warranted. Reuters

Canadian travel to U.S. is plummeting: ‘There’s a lot of anger’
Corey Fram works just down the road from Canada. As tourism director for the Thousand Islands International Tourism Council, his job is to promote the area’s sites to people on both sides of the St. Lawrence River. He frequently pops over the border from New York for dinner with his wife. Lately, he has been getting such a chilly reception from his neighbors to the north that he has switched his strategy. He sees no point in advertising U.S. attractions to Canadian audiences who are bristling at the trade policy and rhetoric coming out of the White House under President Donald Trump. Washington Post

It’s not just Canadians. Fewer Europeans want to visit the US, too.
Fewer Europeans are choosing hotels in the US, the CEO of hotel giant Accor said. Airline bookings by Europeans haven’t yet dipped like those from Canada. Trump’s new tariffs look set to spell further disruption for the travel industries. Business Insider

USA set to host 2031 Women’s World Cup, UK gets 2035
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said the United States and the United Kingdom are poised to be named as hosts of the Women’s World Cup in 2031 and 2035, respectively. Infantino told the UEFA Congress in Belgrade on Thursday that the joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland was the only “valid bid” of interest for the 2035 tournament after the deadline passed, with the United States also putting forward the only bid for the 2031 edition. Gianni Infantino said the United States and the United Kingdom are poised to be named as hosts of the Women’s World Cup in 2031 and 2035, respectively. ESPN

North Sentinel Island: US tourist arrested after allegedly attempting to contact ‘world’s most isolated’ tribe
An American tourist has been arrested after allegedly traveling to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal and attempting to contact one of the world’s most isolated tribes. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, made the illegal voyage to North Sentinel Island, home to the enigmatic Sentinelese tribe, on March 29, Indian police told CNN. CNN

Thursday, April 3
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,179,140 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 2

EasyJet Flight Attendants Set to Walk Out in Italy, Impacting Spring Travel
EasyJet flight attendants based in Italy are preparing to strike on April 9 from 10:30 PM to 2:30 AM, causing potential travel disruptions for Brits heading to Italy for spring holidays. The strike is backed by unions representing Italian transport workers, including FILT, CGIL, and UIL. Daily Mail

FAA Announces New Staffing Measures for Reagan National After Midair Collision
In response to the tragic midair collision in January, which resulted in 67 fatalities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced new staffing measures for air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport. The new procedures aim to enhance safety and prevent future incidents. CBS News

Canadians Avoid Booking U.S. Travel Amid Growing Tensions
Canadian travel to the U.S. has seen a significant decline, with GDS passenger bookings down more than 70% from last year due to escalating political tensions and tariffs. This shift indicates a potential long-term reduction in cross-border travel. Travel Weekly

Falling Boulder at Lake Tahoe Ski Resort Kills 7-Year-Old Girl
A tragic accident at Lake Tahoe’s Diamond Peak ski resort resulted in the death of a 7-year-old girl, who was struck by a falling boulder while climbing a hillside near the resort’s base lodge. Emergency crews responded immediately, but the child did not survive. Daily Breeze

ITA Airways Approved to Join Star Alliance
ITA Airways has been granted approval to begin the integration process into the Star Alliance network, which is expected to be completed by early 2026. This marks a significant step for ITA as it continues to grow under the Lufthansa Group’s mentorship. Business Travel News

Pilots at SFO Who Forgot Passports Expose Weird Law
A unique case has emerged at San Francisco International Airport where pilots forgot their passports, causing a flight delay. Under U.S. law, airlines are not required to compensate passengers for delays caused by personal oversight, highlighting a key difference from EU and UK regulations. SF Gate

The Lucky Fliers Who Got the Best Airline-Lounge Deals Ever
With United Airlines increasing its airport-lounge membership prices, some frequent fliers are reflecting on the best lounge deals they’ve ever secured, including those who enjoy lifetime access through exclusive memberships. WSJ

Search for Missing MH370 Flight Suspended, Says Malaysian Government
The search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been temporarily suspended, with the Malaysian government stating that operations will resume later this year. The plane disappeared over a decade ago, and the ongoing mystery has captivated the world. The Independent

Southwest Airlines Exec Warns About New Carry-On Bag Crackdown
Southwest Airlines is introducing new fees for checked bags starting in May, which may lead to an increase in carry-on luggage demand. This has prompted a warning from Southwest about a potential crackdown on carry-on bags due to the expected surge in their volume. Daily Mail

Bhutan’s ‘Happiest Country’ Set to Open Major International Airport
Bhutan, known as the “happiest country on Earth,” is preparing to open Gelephu International Airport. Located near the Indian border, the airport aims to attract more tourists to the Himalayan kingdom, which has remained largely untapped by international travelers. Metro

Wednesday, April 2
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,182,067 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, April 1

Over 1,000 replica firearms, suppressors, seized at LAX
Since the start of 2025, CBP officers at LAX have seized over 1,000 replica firearms from shipments originating in China. Replica firearms, though often non-functional, pose significant risks as they can be mistaken for real weapons, CBP said. Officials have seized 2,890 replica firearms since 2022. FOX 11 Los Angeles

Gatwick announces change in airport liquid rules
Passengers travelling through Gatwick no longer need to remove electrical items or place liquids in plastic bags, says airport bosses. The airport said passengers could now leave liquids and electronics, such as laptops, in their cabin bags while going through security. It added this was part of its multi-million pound project to “transform” its security screening process by installing new computed tomography (CT) scanners. BBC

Low travel interest to the U.S. leads to WestJet suspending flights from YLW
Canadian air travellers have started losing interest in trips south of the border, and now air carriers are pulling flights altogether. Travel expert Claire Newell explains all four major Canadian airlines are making adjustments to flights to the U.S. “Air Canada, WestJet, Porter and Flair have changed their schedule, at least for the summer. They’re still going to most U.S. destinations, but with less capacity,” said Newell. Global News

Volcano erupts in Iceland, forcing evacuation of tourists and residents
Tourists and residents in Iceland evacuated Tuesday as a volcano eruption impacted the Reykjanes Peninsula for the 11th time since 2021 after lying dormant for 800 years. The eruption, which began in the morning to the south of Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, was seen on video spewing lava and smoke. The fissure of the volcanic eruption had broken through protective barriers around the town of Grindavik, and had reached 1,200 meters, or nearly 4,000 feet, in length. USA Today

American’s New York To Tokyo Flight Diverts To Dallas… After 12+ Hours
An American Boeing 787 operated a 12+ hour flight from New York to Dallas. The flight was supposed to fly to Tokyo, but around seven hours after takeoff, while over the Pacific Ocean, a maintenance issue arose. As a result, the plane needed to divert. Clearly American wanted to focus on operational integrity as much as possible with this diversion, which explains why the airline chose to divert to its largest hub. You certainly don’t board a New York to Tokyo flight expecting that you’ll spend the night in Dallas. One Mile at a Time

American Airlines hit with lawsuit after plane caught fire at Denver airport
A passenger on the American Airlines flight that caught fire last month after diverting to Denver International Airport has filed a lawsuit against the airline. Jerry Adamson, who was among the more than 170 passengers and six crew members who were forced to evacuate the Boeing 737-800 aircraft after it caught fire on March 13 following departure from Colorado Springs, filed the lawsuit in Denver District Court for negligence and misconduct, according to court documents. Fox Business

Canadian snowbirds are selling their U.S. homes
Some Canadians are ditching their winter homes in the U.S. as tensions between the two countries simmer. Why it matters: President Trump’s tariffs and taunts may be the last straw for snowbirds who are already finding it more expensive to live south of the border, real estate agents say. Axios

Years after the last public ride, visitors can now hop on a horse on Catalina Island
After years of not being able to saddle up and steer a horse through Catalina Island’s many scenic trails, the island tradition that dates back to the 1930s is now back as members of the public can once again hop on a horse and ride the trails. “I get really emotional sometimes when you hear people say they had the best day ever and that everything is right again now that the horses are back in Catalina,” said Jeff Skelton, founder of the recently opened Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, which is now taking members of the public through the island’s rolling hills, by its scenic cliffs and even through a golf course on horseback. Daily Breeze

Reclined seat reportedly sparks fight between Jetstar passengers on Melbourne to Bali flight
Staff have been forced to intervene after an ugly clash between passengers on a Jetstar flight to Bali. The row was reportedly sparked over someone reclining their seat on the flight out of Melbourne. Vision captured from the cabin showed a man in a heated exchange with other travellers in the row behind him before another man in a cap stands up and moves in his direction. 7NEWS

Oregon’s Crater Lake to close to swimming, boat tours in 2026
This coming summer will be the last chance to swim or take a boat tour in the waters of Crater Lake for an extended period. Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal pathway to the shoreline of the United States’ deepest lake, will close in 2026 and stay closed for years due to a construction project, according to parks officials. “The park is planning on starting construction in 2026,” a news release from Crater Lake National Park says. “Due to the extent work to be completed and short construction seasons, trail closures will be required and are expected during the duration of the 2027 and 2028 summer seasons. USA Today

UK imposes online entry permit on European visitors
New rules came into force Wednesday requiring European visitors to the UK to buy an online entry permit as the government revised longstanding regulations to boost border security. The changes, however, caused little disruption at Paris’s Gare du Nord station as passengers began their Eurostar journey to London. “So far we haven’t had any passengers turned away,” a member of Eurostar’s staff told AFP. MSN

Tuesday, April 1
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,551,791 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 31

Hooters files for bankruptcy
Hooters — the restaurant chain first known for its orange-clad, all-female wait staff and then its chicken wings — filed for bankruptcy, the company announced Monday. But the decades-old brand said it isn’t going anywhere. In the bankruptcy process, the company plans to sell all of its 100 company-owned restaurants to two franchisee groups that operate Hooters locations in the Tampa, Florida, and Chicago areas. The combined group collectively operates a third of the US franchised-owned locations, according to the press release. CNN

NASA astronauts speak out for the first time following unexpected 9-month mission to space
Two astronauts whose planned weeklong stay in low-Earth orbit unexpectedly turned into a more than 9-month mission due to spacecraft problems spoke publicly to reporters Monday for the first time since their return to terra firma on March 18. MSN

Why Are Dolphins and Sea Lions Washing Up Dead on Southern California Beaches?
Adam Fox grabbed the nets and the cage from the back of his pickup truck. Something in the sand was disturbing the iconic Southern California scenery at the Santa Monica Pier on Friday morning. A sea lion washed up on the beach just north of the Ferris wheel. It was alive but gravely ill and in a disoriented, near-comatose state. On the other side of the pier, another sea lion lay in the sand, a little more alert but still sick. The New York Times

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson says he missed UFL season opener due to plane emergency
Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson says he is feeling grateful after an airplane he was traveling in recently was forced to make an emergency landing. Johnson recalled the ordeal in a video posted to his X page, saying that while on his way to the United Football League season opener in Houston, he was informed by the pilot about that they had to return to Hawaii, from where they had just departed 35-40 minutes prior. CNN

Air Canada Says US Bookings Down 10% as Trade War Rages On
Air Canada says demand for flights between Canadian and US cities is weak for the spring and summer months, as Canadians respond to the trade war by avoiding trips south. Bookings for transborder flights were down 10% for the April-to-September period compared with the same period last year, as of mid-March, according to a presentation at the company’s annual meeting. Bloomberg

Trump signs executive order targeting ticket price-gouging
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday aimed at ending ticket-price gouging for live entertainment. The order directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to work with Attorney General Pam Bondi to ensure competition laws are enforced in the concert and entertainment industry. It aims to uphold price transparency throughout all stages of the ticket-buying process for consumers. CNN Business

European Tourists Start Avoiding US as ‘Unknown Territory’
French hotel group Accor SA warned that forward bookings from Europe to the US this summer are down 25%, as travelers that feel put off by President Donald Trump’s border clampdown divert to other locations. The company is seeing a “pretty strong deceleration” across the Atlantic, Chief Executive Officer Sébastien Bazin said on Tuesday in a Bloomberg TV interview. The expected shortfall is greater than the 18%-20% decline in the first 90 days of the year, he said. Travelers are deciding to visit Canada, South America and Egypt instead, Bazin said. Bloomberg

How America became one of the worst places in the world to fly
“Bags fly free” was US carrier Southwest’s calling card. It was so important to the airline’s appeal that it trademarked the phrase. Now the slogan is gone. From May, almost all customers who book an economy-class seat on Southwest will have to pay to check a bag, likely $25 (£19) a pop (though travellers with top-tier loyalty status are exempt). Telegraph

Adults can sleep with stuffed animals, too. It might even be a good thing, experts say
Max Genecov is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, a dad, and a stuffed animal owner. “I’ve always had them growing up, I had a big fantasy life with them (as a child),” he said. “I just think that they’re nice things you have.” He has a plush racoon from his childhood, crochets them when friends or family have babies, and still sometimes hugs a stuffed animal or uses one as a pillow when he sleeps, he said. CNN

Monday, March 31
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,699,290 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, March 30

American, Delta are resuming flights to Kona
Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, will see the return of two long-suspended routes late this year. American Airlines will fly daily from Dallas to Kona beginning Nov. 20. The route will continue through March 28, with a pause in January and early February. Delta, meanwhile, will connect Kona to its Salt Lake City hub from Dec. 19 through March 28; Delta last flew the route in January 2007. Travel Weekly

Canadians pull back on U.S. trips, threatening to widen travel deficit
Trips from Canada to the U.S. are dropping, threatening to widen the United States’ $50 billion travel and tourism deficit. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States. The White House said Friday that Canadians “will no longer have to endure the inconveniences of international travel when Canada becomes our 51st state.” Several other countries have issued travel warnings for travelers considering going to the U.S. CNBC

Hawaii businesses are struggling as tourists decline
Hawaii is still struggling to entice visitors back to the islands in numbers it had prior to the pandemic. Visitor arrivals dropped dramatically following the 2023 Maui wildfires. Now, 19 months later, things have improved, but visitors are still not returning to Maui as much as the state of Hawaii would like them to. Sf Gate

U.S. Travel Association says industry is seeing concerning trends
The U.S. Travel Association said the travel industry is seeing concerning trends in both domestic and international-inbound travel, and said a host of factors are to blame, including the strong dollar and the state of U.S. messaging right now. The remarks come as aviation data company OAG reported this week that advanced bookings between the U.S. and Canada, the No. 1 source market for international travel to the U.S., have plummeted by more than 70% for the summer flying season. Travel Weekly

Texas man accused of being serial groper banned from American Airlines
A disturbing history of suspected inappropriate behavior has been revealed after a North Texas man was accused of groping a woman on an American Airlines flight last week – his third alleged offense in the last three years. Cherian Abraham, 55, is accused of inappropriately touching a woman while on a flight from Chicago to Seattle on March 18, 2025, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. On Monday, Abraham was arrested following a federal investigation into allegations that he touched a woman’s breast without consent while traveling from Chicago to Seattle on American Airlines flight 2076. Fox News

Thai restaurants waive charges for earthquake-affected diners
Following the devastating earthquake that struck several provinces in Thailand on March 28, numerous restaurants in shopping malls in the kingdom have shown compassion by waiving charges for customers who fled without paying. The earthquake, which caused significant damage in Bangkok, including building collapses, resulted in injuries and fatalities. Many high-rise buildings suffered structural cracks. Thaiger

‘We expect respect’: Bali cracks down on ‘naughty’ tourists with strict new rules
Bali has introduced a series of new guidelines for tourists in a bid to clamp down on inappropriate behaviour. Authorities say the strict measures aim to safeguard the Indonesian island’s cultural integrity and sacred sites. The rules cover clothing and behaviour when visiting temples and religious complexes, including prohibiting menstruating women from entering. Euronews

TSA Tests Eliminating Bag Recheck Rule on Connecting Flights
International travelers, rejoice: The United States and the United Kingdom are finally rethinking one of their most annoying airport rituals. For decades, anyone flying from the U.S. into the U.K. and catching a connecting flight elsewhere on the continent or beyond has faced the same frustrating drill: Pick up your checked bag after customs, haul it through a maze of hallways, and then drop it off at a recheck station (hopefully before the bag check cutoff time-otherwise it has to be rebooked on a later flight) before going through security a second time. Afar

A New Hampshire ski resort bets on tech to compete with industry giants
A skier since age 4, Thomas Brennick now enjoys regular trips to New Hampshire’s Black Mountain with his two grandchildren. “It’s back to the old days,” he said from the Summit Double chairlift on a recent sunny Friday. “It’s just good, old-time skiing at its best.” Behind the scenes, the experience is now propelled by a high-tech system designed to increase efficiency at the state’s oldest ski area. And while small, independent resorts can’t compete on infrastructure or buying power with conglomerates like Vail, which owns nearby Attitash Mountain Resort and seven others in the Northeast alone, at least one entrepreneur is betting technology will be “a really great equalizer.” AP

MLB reaction to Yankees’ ‘Torpedo’ bats
The Yankees’ new “Torpedo” bats are the talk of baseball. The bats — which Major League Baseball confirmed are legal — are defined by an untraditional barrel, which rests closer to the hitter’s hands. “Torpedo” bats are designed with more wood, and thus more mass, concentrated in the area of the bat where the hitter is more likely to hit the ball. Each player touts a slightly different model, with the bat’s shape specifically customized to maximize potential damage on any given swing. MLB

80 Comments On "12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today"

Mavis Sawtell|
January 6, 2021 at 9:01 am | Reply

Hi, I came across this blog very helpful I am happy to know that we have such great community. I also have passion of drawing, sketching and painting. You may also share my artwork on your own blog here you will see my art work too in the link. Many thanks so much please lets support eachother.
William Walker Jr|
January 12, 2021 at 7:01 pm | Reply

I have searched your site but can find nothing on the refund policy at Air France which recently sent out a letter to customers announcing an extension of the policy until 30 September 2021.
How good is this promise by Air France? Is there fine print travelers should know about?
B Manoogian|
January 28, 2021 at 9:01 pm | Reply

I received an email this morning from a friend who knows that I have stopped reading your news letter due to you “political comments”. He informed me that several others must have felt as I do and wrote to you stating their positions regarding your “Political Comments” regarding the attack on the Capital. We use to live in a country that allowed and encouraged open debate and discussion. Unfortunately, today we live an America where this is not allowed. Your comments on the Capital were the result of either your closed mine or your inability to receive the facts due to the major news sources blocking and presenting only one side of the issue. I know you do not like President Trump – this is something I should not know about you, but it does not allow you to provide only one side of a story as the “Truth”. I hope you will give this and the other comments you have received on this subject full consideration as you continue to publish your newsletter. I am willing to give you a second chance – Good Luck. Don’t blow it.
1. Katey|
  August 3, 2021 at 9:08 pm | Reply
  
  Its his blog..he can say whatever he wants..if you don’t like it…move on
SMC|
February 18, 2021 at 10:02 pm | Reply

He doesn’t need your validation nor your threat to not read the blog. Just don’t do it if you don’t want to . And it’s closed “mind” not mine.

The evidence of truth for the January 6 riots is in all the footage especially the sound. That’s all one needs to hear and see.
Carolyn Lancaster|
March 21, 2021 at 4:03 pm | Reply

Where is the Map App Every Traveler should have? I’ve looked through your site and not seen it. Thanks.
1. Johnny Jet|
  March 21, 2021 at 5:03 pm | Reply
  
  Hi! Sorry. I forgot to highlight it. It was under Friday’s tip but the direct link is
  https://johnnyjet.com/the-map-app-every-traveler-needs-to-download-now/
  1. John J|
    March 26, 2021 at 11:03 pm | Reply
    
    No android version? Boooooo!
    1. Johnny Jet|
      March 27, 2021 at 1:03 am | Reply
      
      Looks like there is. From a reader
      On Android:
      
      • Press and hold the power and volume down buttons at the same time.
      • Screenshot (full screen) will be saved to the “Screenshots” folder
      
      The process may vary if you have a more ‘skinned Android phone (Samsung, etc.).
james wilson|
March 21, 2021 at 5:03 pm | Reply

I have read the whole thing looking for the map and never found it. This has happened before. When you put a clickbait headline on your email please let us find it when we click through.
1. Johnny Jet|
  March 21, 2021 at 5:03 pm | Reply
  
  Hi! Sorry. I forgot to highlight it. It was under Friday’s tip but the direct link is
  https://johnnyjet.com/the-map-app-every-traveler-needs-to-download-now/
Stefan|
March 23, 2021 at 11:03 am | Reply

Thanks for sharing your tips with us.
Robin Chalkley|
April 15, 2021 at 6:04 pm | Reply

5,800 people getting COVID after vaccinations is a ridiculously small number – .005 percent. And the vaccines were never “bulletproof”, it’s always been known that they are about 90% effective according to the manufacturers. This is the kind of statistical b.s. that serves to keep people needlessly afraid when the situation nationally is significantly improving.
Lybrand@yahoo.com|
May 12, 2021 at 6:05 am | Reply

How Can I Copyright Protect Stories and Articles on My Website?
T Sandeep|
July 10, 2021 at 11:07 am | Reply

Amazing guide…. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.
Yankiwi|
July 26, 2021 at 1:07 am | Reply

I agree with B Manoogian. Keep politics out of Johnny Jet.
Drishti Darshan|
August 2, 2021 at 12:08 pm | Reply

Great Information , Thanks For haring such a informative blogs.
Lynne Ranney|
August 3, 2021 at 9:08 am | Reply

I value and appreciate this newsletter’s comments about the January 6, 2021 attack on our Capital. Hundreds of hours of video taken by hundreds of people, including those involved in the attack themselves, show just what happened. There is no legitimate doubt and no room for speculation. I am a patriot and will never, ever, forget the lawlessness of that day and the cries to “Hang Mike Pence” and “Kill Pelosi.” For now, we can only debate who was behind the attack, but eventually we will know, thanks to the bipartisan House investigation.

Johnny Jet has every right to state the facts in *his* own newsletter. There is no requirement for him to give voice or space to any perspective. If there were such a requirement, Fox News would not exist. If you benefit from the information in this newsletter – which you get for free – you can endure an occasional comment with which you disagree. Big deal. It’s not like you’re being maced or hit with bear spray, or being crushed between doors, while trying to protect the Capital and *all* our elected representatives. It’s not like you risked your own life to protect our elected politicians, then were badly treated by half of them, who even denied anything happened. It’s not like you were driven to suicide by these terrible events, like four officers were.
Kirill Nesterenko|
August 18, 2021 at 2:08 pm | Reply

Thanks, Johnny!
This is a good list of things that are rarely found on regular travel checklists.
Especially now, we are planning our corporate trip to the anniversary of our company, so it was very interesting to read your article!
WorkTime team
James F Bauer|
September 2, 2021 at 1:09 am | Reply

So TSA processed 1.6 M travelers yesterday, without a single suicide bomber. In fact, I don’t recall the last time they had a suicide bomber.

Perhaps the Government should have used TSA to process Afghanistan travelers, instead of the Taliban.
Ann|
September 15, 2021 at 1:09 pm | Reply

I have a question about VeriFLY… I understand how to input my personal information, but I don’t know how to upload my travel info or vaccine or test info and I can not locate anyplace with steps to help. American Airlines and British Air both keep sending emails to sign up, but I no instructions on how to connect the flights. Can you help?
Many thanks
Ann
1. Johnny Jet|
  September 16, 2021 at 3:09 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Ann,
  
  Try this post https://onemileatatime.com/verifly/
Douglas Lock|
September 24, 2021 at 3:09 am | Reply

The wife and I are flying away for 5 weeks on back to back OAT trips to Sicily and Turkey early next week. Got our Covid vaccination booster shots thanks to your tip and our flu shots as well. Also our KN95’s. Wish us luck!
Doug Lock – a few blocks east of you.
1. Johnny Jet|
  September 24, 2021 at 9:09 pm | Reply
  
  Good luck! Let me know how it goes
Annie|
October 19, 2021 at 5:10 pm | Reply

I’m looking for a job stop trip from Ontario CA to Boise Id. I checked Expedia which showed non of the major airlines having a non-stop. How do I find the odd named smaller airlines to see if they have the flight? All I could think of is Jet Blue and Spirit and they didn’t have it. Thanks.
1. Johnny Jet|
  October 20, 2021 at 8:10 pm | Reply
  
  Try Avelo
Lonn Wolf|
November 5, 2021 at 3:11 am | Reply

I can no longer read your articles because of the constant pop ups that won’t go away and just lead from one pop up to another. The stable ones between articles were manageable, these other invasive species are infuriating. Also trying to hit that little “x” the size of a pin head is impossible on a phone screen, tiny. I will unsubscribe if this continues. What’s the point, teaser titles I can’t get to open without playing duck hunt with the ads.
1. Johnny Jet|
  November 5, 2021 at 3:11 am | Reply
  
  Hi Lonn,
  
  Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We don’t have pop up ads just the newsletter signup once every 30 days. There is also a small video player at the bottom and the X is in the upper right. I can see if they can make it bigger.
B. Manoogian|
December 1, 2021 at 12:12 am | Reply

In January I sent you comments regarding your politics getting in the way of your impartial reviews and reporting. At that time I told you that I had stopped reading you newsletter because of you political comments, but I had been told by several friends that you had changed and this was no longer happening. I have been enjoying your newsletter since. Well that all changed in mid-November when you posted a special review on the sale of the Trump Hotel in Washington DC. In this article you tell of your special tour of this INFAMOUS hotel. You went on to say “The hotel is arguably one of the most beautiful hotels in the United States”. Why is it that you wait until Trump is selling this hotel that you tell of your wonderful visit and this beautiful hotel? It looks to me that once again your political leanings have entered into your reviews and once again I am out of here. Just how many other GREAT hotels are out there that you will not report on because the owners have political views contrary to yours? Or how many average hotels get superb reviews because you agree with the political leaning of the owners. I feel sorry for you and anyone else that puts politics above the truth and honest reporting.
Bernice|
December 3, 2021 at 9:12 pm | Reply

Canadians flying from Bellingham to Las Vegas by Allegiant Air, will we be required to show a negative Covid test for this flight? Does TSA require same? Thank you.
1. Johnny Jet|
  December 4, 2021 at 12:12 am | Reply
  
  Flying to the USA does require a negative test but not within the USA
Wendy Westley|
January 12, 2022 at 8:01 pm | Reply

Hi Johnny Jet,
Love your newsletter. Since you are featuring opinions from Bill Gates, it might we a good idea to watch this to get a perspective that about 35% or more of Americans have of his opinions:
https://www.bitchute.com/video/yJ3AP778FuPR/
John Anderson|
February 2, 2022 at 8:02 am | Reply

Hi Johnny, Great for informing and sharing us 12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today. As going back to be a traveler. I want to know on what new in traveling so that I’ll thankful I found this. Keep sharing and keep it up.
Sue Hankin|
February 2, 2022 at 8:02 pm | Reply

Hey Johnny,
Just wondering, TSA officers screened 1,200,580 yesterday, Same number a week ago and 2019?????
1. Johnny Jet|
  February 2, 2022 at 8:02 pm | Reply
  
  Good catch! I will fix. It’s 1,059,741
Susan S|
February 19, 2022 at 4:02 pm | Reply

Love your newsletter, Johnny! Do you have a source that you recommend for reviews or ratings of international airports? I have found a few websites, but there either have ratings based on very few reviews, or they seem very outdated.
1. Johnny Jet|
  February 20, 2022 at 6:02 pm | Reply
  
  Thanks! They’re all pretty bias but this is the most popular one https://skytraxratings.com/a-z-of-airport-ratings
Josh K|
April 14, 2022 at 11:04 am | Reply

One or more of our advertisers’ goods are mentioned in this post. When you click on links to such items, we may gain commission. lovely newsletter thank you
jhondew|
April 15, 2022 at 10:04 am | Reply

thanks for an amazing blog.
Gordon Wininger|
April 28, 2022 at 5:04 pm | Reply

Johnny,
You have some good information on your website. I have been reading your 12 things in travel section for several years. Your suggested items for travel have been very helpful.

Unfortunately, it appears that you just can’t help including politics into your blog.
Your dislike for President Trump has no place in a travel blog if you want to keep 50% of your audience.

Just a Thought
Kyle Blake|
May 5, 2022 at 4:05 pm | Reply

Hi Johnny,
Recently, you posted something about United extending their ETCs that were scheduled to expire 12/31/22 to 12/31/2023. I have 5 from a cancelled quarantine period wedding, but haven’t received notice from United. I tried finding your post or something on United’s site that would verify the extension, but can’t. Can you point me in the right direction? If I can’t, I have to start booking travel quickly! Thank you!
1. Johnny Jet|
  May 5, 2022 at 7:05 pm | Reply
  
  You sure it was me? Can’t even remember but I know Delta extended theirs and I wrote about it
Jack Delehey|
May 16, 2022 at 3:05 pm | Reply

Thank you for this informative article! I hope all travelers could read this wonderful article of yours.
Emma Miller|
May 17, 2022 at 7:05 am | Reply

Hi Johnny! Traveling around the globe is very beautiful but now a days have a little changes because of the changes of flight ticket increases due to the economic sustainability. But when you touch down to your destinations, it’s priceless and the beauty of the places is exquisite. Thank you for sharing this blog. I remember those days. Keep sharing!
What|
June 20, 2022 at 5:06 pm | Reply

Crime in Philadelphia has soared with Larry Krasner as the DA. Refuses to prosecute criminals, refuses to support the police and thus more crime, more death and in general lawlessness. Put blame for the rise in crime in Philie wear it belongs, it belongs to “communist” DA Larry Krasner.
More detail here: https://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/commentary/meet-larry-krasner-the-rogue-prosecutor-wreaking-havoc-philadelphia
David Fleischer|
July 1, 2022 at 2:07 pm | Reply

I signed up for program to get Global Entry appointment faster.
I was delighted to get a few messages this AM about possible dates in next few weeks (GREAT!)
I clicked on desirable date
It took me to LOGIN.gov and I completed some non-related comments re: date I had chosen (July 27). [IS IT CORRECT THAT I SHOULD GO TO THIS SITE?. I DIDNT SEEM TO HAVE OPTIONS)
When I left that page the process dropped
I got no feedback about the date I had chosen and when I went back to the email, it was still there. I don’t feel that johnnyjet has advanced my cause.
Please explain. Should I have done anything differently. Thanks David Fleischer
*** My application is pending but I haven’t completed background check. Can I still apply for interview?
Lucas James|
July 15, 2022 at 2:07 am | Reply

Hi Johnny, I’d really appreciate more posts like this. Being updated on recent news is something I’m not too good at so I enjoy posts like this that keep big scoops compact and neat. Thanks a lot, Johnny.
Peter Brezinski|
July 16, 2022 at 7:07 pm | Reply

Be careful when posting TSA numbers. Very often, the same number is posted for 2019 and pre-pandemic. It happened in newsletter of July 16.
1. Johnny Jet|
  July 16, 2022 at 8:07 pm | Reply
  
  Good catch! I just fixed it
Thomas|
October 4, 2022 at 2:10 pm | Reply

Very detailed post
KELLY STEVENS|
November 17, 2022 at 5:11 pm | Reply

My mom is 94 today also. They were made of good stock back in those days! I’m sending up prayers for your dad’s recovery and health ?
1. Johnny Jet|
  November 17, 2022 at 8:11 pm | Reply
  
  That’s AMAZING! HBD to your mom. Thank you for the prayers
Jay Alexander|
November 27, 2022 at 10:11 am | Reply

Where can I find tour informtion for Portugal, would like togo to Lourdes next year with my wife and sister in-law.
John J|
April 2, 2023 at 7:04 pm | Reply

Johnny, why am I suddenly getting a pop-up asking me to sign in with my email when I’m reading your weekly newsletter? It’s never happened before…
1. Johnny Jet|
  April 10, 2023 at 3:04 pm | Reply
  
  Sorry for the delay. Are you still getting it?
Debbie Dutton|
May 17, 2023 at 8:05 pm | Reply

If you have any information about the Westjet proposed pilots strike we would like to hear about it pls. Also what are our options should our flight be cancelled due to such a strike? Our options are different in Canada and do not have the same rules as U.S.A and often not clear.
Many thanks for your wonderful information
Olivia|
May 22, 2023 at 4:05 am | Reply

Love your newsletters but I used the TA you recommend for cruising and was very disappointed. He was supposed to issue a $200 OBC and it never showed up. I sent an email a week before we left and he never responded. I called and he was out of the office. No out of office reply to email or an emergency contact by phone when we wasn’t available.
It was our first cruise and we loved it but I would recommend this agent.
1. Johnny Jet|
  May 24, 2023 at 2:05 am | Reply
  
  I’m sorry to hear this. I will email him to find out what happened.
Kent Clyde|
June 2, 2023 at 8:06 pm | Reply

Well that’s true, it’s better to use the companion fare on more expensive tickets. I was trying to say that long flights are not necessarily more expensive. Short flights can be expensive too. It really depends on the cities you fly between and when you book.
Nors|
June 15, 2023 at 6:06 pm | Reply

I think that it is interesting that oversized people think that airlines should offer then free seats. Perhaps the airlines could do what the cruise ships do which is offer seats at 150% similar as to what cruise lines do for singles. (I really don’t think that there is an easy answer to this question, This proposal opens a pandoras box of issues – I suspect that a lot of people can think of why they might benefit from an extra free seat, e.g. people flying with babies/small children; people flying with medical equipment; people flying with service animals; people working; etc.)

On the issue of cruise ships, I often feel not appreciated as a cruiser because not only do I often have to pay 150% but the single rooms that are available to single cruisers are often on the lowest deck with no balcony/veranda (with very few exceptions) and often at a higher rate.
Alyza|
June 30, 2023 at 3:06 am | Reply

Such a great article! Thanks for sharing.
Richard G Allen|
November 3, 2023 at 5:11 pm | Reply

Hello –

I just read the article titled “Woman in tears after being blocked from luxury cruise due to little known rule”. After reading this, I am still not clear as to why she was denied to board. It says something about an invalid issue date. What is an “invalid issue date”. How can you have a valid passport with an expiration date 7 months in the future if the Passport has an “invalid issue date”? Please explain.

Thanks
1. Johnny Jet|
  November 4, 2023 at 2:11 am | Reply
  
  I wasn’t clear either.
Ross Copas|
January 20, 2024 at 8:01 pm | Reply

What’s your recommended VPN
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.
Jerry Mandel|
May 25, 2024 at 4:05 pm | Reply

TSA numbers of no value. Who cares?
B. Manoogian|
July 16, 2024 at 5:07 pm | Reply

On Sunday, July 14, 2024 you wrote –“Crazy times and as former President Obama said on Threads, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.” I assume this is in reference to the assassination attempt on President Trump. Your HATE for the former President has been clear for many years, but never cleared that in this paragraph. You refused to mention President Trump’s name and do what all decent people have done – thanked God for his survival and hope him a rapid recovery. An innocent member of the crowd was killed and 2 others put in the hospital with critical injuries. You make no mention of this.
It has been clear for a long time throughout your newsletter that you have very left leaning views that skew what should be forthright reporting, but never more evident that in this short article.
I feel so sorry for your wife and children who must live with your hate.
Richard G Allen|
August 13, 2024 at 5:08 pm | Reply

“TRUMP’S PLANE GROUNDED AFTER EMERGENCY LANDING—NOW HE’S FLYING JEFFERY EPSTEIN’S JET”. Jeffery Epstein died 5 years ago, almost to the day, therefore could not be the current owner of this jet. If you want to play that game, I am sure you have flown on air craft owned, leased, or occupied by notorious individuals and in a timeframe much less than 5 years. What exactly does that have to do with improving my traveling experience? How do you know where Trump is obtaining the funds to repair his regular air craft? According to most independent financial reviewers, Trump’s current net worth is approximately $7.5 Billion. What does any of this have to do with travel?

Your headline is obviously false and also misleading. Instead of printing an accurate headline that Trump was flying an aircraft formally owned by Jeffery Epstein, as the “HONEST” media has done, you went for the jugular knowing you were providing false information to your readers.

Your hatred for Trump is so strong you are going to destroy what you have worked so hard to build. Do you know anything about Michael Jordans political views? I think not. As Mr. Jordan often says, “I never discuss my political leanings – both Republicans and Democrats by shoes”.

So, you hate Donald J. Trump. Partisan politics does not belong in a Travel News Letter. Keep this up and you will end up like your friend and idol – Leo Laporte. His politics have driven him out of the radio business and now out of a studio and into his attic, for his Podcasts. You can look forward to the same.

Creditability is paramount in all business – especially yours. Your have lost a great deal of you waning creditability through bush-league actions such as these.

I and many others find your actions of publishing such an article to be highly degrading to us, the readers of your newsletter. I hereby request a written apology for publishing false information and treating us in such a disgusting manner and turning this into a political publication.
1. Johnny Jet|
  August 13, 2024 at 6:08 pm | Reply
  
  Thanks for your comment! It wasn’t false. His campaign confirmed it to be true: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-campaign-confirms-he-chartered-epsteins-old-jet
Mary Carlson|
August 14, 2024 at 8:08 pm | Reply

Hello Mr. Jet:
I must agree completely with Mr. Allen. You absolutely crossed the line and presented to your readers false information regarding the airplane Mr Trump used to fly after his primary plane broke down. You said that Mr Trump flew in Epstein’s plane. Than is not true and unless you believed that Mr. Epstein was alive and stilled owned this plane, you deliberately set out to mislead you readers and defame Mr Trump.
This is not of any concern to me as a reader of your newsletter. I read it to gain information that may enhance my traveling experience. I cannot see how this could in anyway do that, I think you would agree.
Your response to Mr Allen is laughable, in your response you show that your source correctly identified the plane as epsteins-old-jet and you still think you did nothing wrong?
I should no nothing of your political view. Why would you do such a thing other than you have a great hate for Mr Trump. At this time over have of the people who will be voting in November will be voting for Mr Trump, You risked alienating so many of your readers for what?
I am now looking for a replacement newsletter to yours. I will not stop the search until I find one. The author my have similar political views to yours, and that is fine with me, as long as I never know. I also buy Air Jordans for my kids.
I hope you have learned from this, but it is too late for me.
Mary Carlson|
August 16, 2024 at 8:08 pm | Reply

Hello again Mr. Jet:
The other day I wrote and sent you the following reply to your short article regarding Trump flying on Epstein’s former Jet. It has been a couple of days and it has not been published on the web page. Have you now taken to censoring your readers who call you to task for printing false information? If so, you have reached a very low in your life. If you cannot explain why, you made such a dangerous mistake, you are admitting you are guilty of the misdeeds Mr Allen and I have claimed. I would have expected Mr Allen to have called you out on your pathetic and incorrect response. Perhaps he has, and you have blocked his reply as well. I hope for your sake you have just been busy and not had time to correct this issue. An issue like this should not ruin your career.

Hello Mr. Jet:
I must agree completely with Mr. Allen. You absolutely crossed the line and presented to your readers false information regarding the airplane Mr Trump used to fly after his primary plane broke down. You said that Mr Trump flew in Epstein’s plane. Then is not true and unless you believed that Mr. Epstein was alive and stilled owned this plane, you deliberately set out to mislead you readers and defame Mr Trump.
This is not of any concern to me as a reader of your newsletter. I read it to gain information that may enhance my traveling experience. I cannot see how this could in anyway do that, I think you would agree.
Your response to Mr Allen is laughable, in your response you show that your source correctly identified the plane as epsteins-old-jet and you still think you did nothing wrong?
I should no nothing of your political view. Why would you do such a thing other than you have a great hate for Mr Trump. At this time over have of the people who will be voting in November will be voting for Mr Trump. You risked alienating so many of your readers for what?
I am now looking for a replacement newsletter to yours. I will not stop the search until I find one. The author my have similar political views to yours, and that is fine with me, as long as I never know. I also buy Air Jordans for my kids.
I hope you have learned from this, but it is too late for me.
1. Johnny Jet|
  August 16, 2024 at 9:08 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Mary,
  
  Thanks for the reminder to approve comments. I always approve them unless they have swear words or are anonymous. I just didn’t get around to it since it was my daughter’s 5th birthday was on Wednesday and then she broke her arm so we were in the hospital most of the day yesterday. I don’t engage in political banter because I know I could never change your mind on who to vote for and vice versa. But the story I linked to was factually correct. I didn’t write it so if you have a problem with it go after the author. I will leave you with https://www.instagram.com/p/C8jxWO9hxwQ/ Peace and love
Richard G Allen|
August 19, 2024 at 5:08 pm | Reply

On August 13th or 14th, I sent you a response to your reply to my original response in which you claim your Headline Trump flew on Jeffery Epstein’s Jet. You have never printed this response just as you had not printed the reply from Ms. Carlson. I am relieved to read that you are not intentionally blocking my reply. This unpublished reply appears below.

It appears you are very confused with what was contained in my original response to you. You, just confirmed your Headline statement was false and misleading. In your response to me you state “Thanks for your comment! It wasn’t false. His campaign confirmed it to be true: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-campaign-confirms-he-chartered-epsteins-old-jet.
I never questioned whether or not Trump has flown on a plane formerly owned by Jeffery Epstein. If you had properly read what you responded to, I was pointing out that your Headline was false and misleading in that Jeffery Epstein did not own the plane the Trump Campaign Chartered.
In your response you say “epsteins-old-jet. That is a far cry from what you said in your article. I know you can read and you wrote – “NOW HE’S FLYING JEFFERY EPSTEIN’S JET”. You must obviously see the difference. In my original email to you I wrote “Your headline is obviously false and also misleading. Instead of printing an accurate headline that Trump was flying an aircraft formally owned by Jeffery Epstein, as the “HONEST” media has done, you went for the jugular knowing you were providing false information to your readers.”
You verified that thedailybeast.com did the correct thing and pointed out that the plane the Trump Campaign Chartered was Epsteins Old Jet. You clearly stated that Trump is flying Jeffery Epstein’s Jet. No modifier – former, old, etc. Do you believe that the plane the Trump Campaign Chartered was owned by Jeffery Epstein at the time Trump Chartered the plane last week? You must have – that is what you said. You wanted to give the impression Trump was associated with Epstein and now flying in his jet. Why else would you print this? Why do this and discredit yourself?

I also asked several other simple questions which you have chosen to ignore. You have made a big mistake and should own up to it. You have many readers who do not want to read about your political views and probably more important to you, you act as an ambassador to many companies that do not want their product or representatives to be involved in the political world. You may soon find out how quickly these companies cut ties with those who bring unwanted notice to them.

I wrote this original response as a word to the wise, it appears you have not learned from it and only compounded your problem. I suggest you re-read my original comments and compare you misguided response to what I originally wrote.

I do truly wish the best for you and your lovely family. Please take some time and think this over, your actions are extremely important to your future. I/we are still awaiting an explanation and apology.
1. Johnny Jet|
  August 19, 2024 at 6:08 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Richard,
  
  As I told Mary, I didn’t write the story (https://viewfromthewing.com/trumps-plane-ground-after-emergency-landing-now-hes-flying-jeffrey-epsteins-old-jet/) I included it in my roundup of the day’s travel story and it was travel news. I will leave you with https://www.instagram.com/p/C8jxWO9hxwQ/ Peace and love
Richard G Allen|
August 19, 2024 at 5:08 pm | Reply

On August 13th or 14th, I sent you a response to your reply to my original response in which you claim your Headline Trump flew on Jeffery Epstein’s Jet. You have never printed this response just as you had not printed the reply from Ms. Carlson. I am relieved to read that you are not intentionally blocking my reply. I just tried to resubmit this reply and received a message that you already have this information. I therefore request that you print the reply is submitted on either August 13th or 14th. Thank your for you courtesy.
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.
Harriet J. Hartley|
February 1, 2025 at 9:02 pm | Reply

Staying updated on travel news is always a game-changer! Looking forward to seeing what’s on the list today—whether it’s new routes, travel hacks, or industry updates. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
sellmymiles|
March 28, 2025 at 2:03 pm | Reply

Great roundup of travel updates! Always appreciate a one-stop source for industry news, especially with changing airline policies and new travel trends emerging. Looking forward to seeing how these developments impact travelers in the coming months.
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!