12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):
Friday, February 21
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,122,513 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, February 20
Multiple bus explosions in Israel put country on terrorism alert
Three buses exploded in Tel Aviv area parking lots on Thursday night, raising suspicions of an attempted, coordinated terrorist attack and prompting the Israeli authorities to halt all buses and trains nationwide. There were no injuries reported. After the explosions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that he had instructed the military to carry out “a massive operation” in the West Bank targeting militant hubs and had ordered the police and intelligence forces to step up preventive measures in Israeli cities to thwart any subsequent attempted attacks. New York Times
Surfrider, environmental groups sue Trump administration over oil protections
Among those in the suit is the San Clemente-based Surfrider Foundation, which contends that offshore drilling threatens marine life, coastal economies, and the community. “Offshore drilling is a dirty and damaging practice that is a direct threat to our thriving ocean recreation economy,” Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, said in a statement. “Offshore drilling is opposed by a majority of Americans who want to protect our nation’s coasts from oil and gas development.” Daily Breeze
Hollywood Bowl 2025 Season to Include Hugh Jackman, Juanes, Cyndi Lauper and Diana Ross
The LA Phil announced the full lineup for its 2025 summer season at the Hollywood Bowl Tuesday morning, with big names like Hugh Jackman, Juanes, Cyndi Lauper and Diana Ross included in the schedule, along with a concert rendition of “Jesus Christ Superstar” that will have Cynthia Erivo cast against gender type in the musical’s title role. Variety
British Airways’ change to popular UK route will make flight 40 minutes longer
British Airways passengers flying between London Gatwick and Glasgow next month may find themselves arriving later than usual. From March 30, BA will replace its Airbus A320 jet with a smaller ATR 72 turboprop aircraft — nearly doubling the travel time. British Airways will outsource the route to Emerald Airlines, Ireland’s regional carrier that operates flights for Aer Lingus. Metro
Trump administration backtracks on eliminating thousands of national parks employees
Following a loud public outcry about job cuts at the National Parks Service — and a relentless media campaign from outdoors enthusiasts across the country — it looks like the Trump administration has blinked. A plan to eliminate thousands of seasonal workers at America’s most beloved federal agency appears to have been reversed. LA Times
Hilton is growing its footprint in Hawaii
Hilton, which has 25 properties across the Islands, is adding three more hotels to its collection: two on Maui and one on the Big Island of Hawaii. On Maui, located near the Kahului Airport, the low-rise, 183-room Maui Seaside Hotel is being converted to the Hilton brand as the Maui Seaside Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. It’s expected to open as a Hilton in summer 2026, according to a Hilton spokesperson. It overlooks Kahului Harbor and features a lobby bar, outdoor pool and pet-friendly rooms. Travel Weekly
Florence bans check-in keyboxes as Italy acts against overtourism
Florence’s local government has ordered owners of holiday rental properties to remove self check-in keyboxes by February 25 in a move against over-tourism in the Italian Renaissance city. Rental companies such as Airbnb increasingly use self check-in keyboxes to save time for property owners and holidaymakers, who no longer need to meet to hand over keys and complete check-in procedures. Reuters
Thousands of tourists squeeze down Venice streets ahead of controversial entry fee: ‘Fight for survival’
Tourists flooded roads and bridges for the opening weekend of the Carnival in Venice, Italy just weeks before the historical city imposed its controversial entry fee to curb tourism. Astonishing footage shared on social media showed overcrowded streets at a standstill as people tried to take in the sights and attend events such as the boat parade along the Grand Canal. NY Post
Boston cruise fee to begin in 2026
Cruisers visiting Boston are about to pay a little more from next year. Massachusetts Port Authority agreed a new cruise arrival fee which will kick in from 2026. The cruise arrival fee will start at $3 per passenger. It will then progressively increase by another $3 each year up to $15 per passenger by 2030. Travelmole
United Airlines brings back Stroopwafel cookies on select flights
United Airlines has brought back a fan-favorite snack, tempting flyers who have a sweet tooth. Stroopwafels, a Dutch treat, is now available on select flights. A United spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the snack is “part of the airline’s complimentary Economy food and beverage service on flights over 300 miles.” Fox News
Delta Air Lines elevates its in-flight dining offering with Champagne Taittinger service
Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, air travel can often be a hassle. Fortunately, one leading airline is adding a touch of indulgence to your journey — an excellent opportunity to toast a business milestone, anniversary, or honeymoon at 35,000 feet. Delta Airlines is now serving the iconic Champagne Taittinger during its in-flight drink service, the company reveals exclusively to Food & Wine. Just in time for Delta’s 100-year anniversary, the Atlanta-based carrier hopes to bring a “quiet, sophisticated elegance” that impresses frequent flyers. Bottles of Taittinger’s core Brut la Française will be stocked on Delta One drink carts, offered prior to meal service, and available by request throughout the flight. Food & Wine
Europe will have another busy summer, and travelers are branching out
While this summer promises to be another busy one for Europe travel, there are indications that visitors are increasingly shifting to more off-the-beaten-path destinations, responding to the industry’s efforts in recent years to help lessen overcrowding in popular cities. Virtuoso booking data, for instance, shows a number of trending destinations that are typically less traveled than major cities like London, Paris and Rome. Travel Weekly
Thursday, February 20
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,122,513 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, February 19
“Of course” it’s safe to fly, transportation secretary says
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sought to alleviate fears about flying amid a spate of plane crashes and incidents in recent weeks, telling CBS News in an interview Wednesday, “of course” it’s safe to fly. “If you get in a plane, if you look at how many people fly, how many flights we have, of course it’s a safe space,” Duffy said. CBS News
Some of the 400 jobs that were cut at the FAA helped support air safety, a union says
President Donald Trump’s administration has said no one at the Federal Aviation Administration with a “critical safety” position has been fired as it cuts the federal workforce, but some FAA jobs that were eliminated had direct roles in supporting safety inspectors and airport operations, according to their union and former employees. AP
Delta offering $30,000 to passengers who were on plane that crash-landed in Toronto
Delta Air Lines is offering passengers who were on the Toronto-bound flight that crash-landed and flipped upside-down $30,000 each. It was not immediately clear how passengers can claim their money, but if all 76 passengers take Delta up on its offer, the airline will have to fork over nearly $2.3 million in total. NBC News
Major US airlines challenge Biden-era DOT wheelchair accessibility rule
A group of major U.S. airlines is looking to overturn part of the Department of Transportation’s new rule that increased penalties for damaged or lost mobility devices. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines joined the lobbying group Airlines for America (A4A) in filing an appeal to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday claiming that a section of the rule that defines discrimination – and mandates them to pay certain fees as a result – is overreaching and “unlawful.” USA Today
More than 200 TSA employees fired in Trump’s push to cut federal workforce
More than 200 employees of the Transportation Security Administration were fired this week as part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping layoffs across the federal workforce. The TSA on Thursday confirmed the terminations of 243 probationary workers who had been either hired or promoted within the year, citing “performance and conduct issues” with the employees during their trial period. USA Today
Trump administration moves to end NYC congestion pricing
New York leaders are gearing up for a fight with the Trump administration over the fate of congestion pricing in the largest city in the U.S. The Transportation Department on Wednesday said it rescinded its approval of the city’s recently launched tolling system in part because the program doesn’t offer drivers a toll-free option to access lower Manhattan. WSJ
America’s air traffic systems need an urgent upgrade
On my first day as secretary of Transportation, we witnessed the midair collision in Washington, D.C., that took 67 lives. While the investigation is ongoing, the tragedy highlighted the urgent need to modernize our air traffic systems — and to move past the broken promises and political inertia of the past. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) unsustainable software systems that we’ve inherited are symptomatic of the endemic problems that plagued the Biden administration: a bloated bureaucracy that pushed overregulation instead of innovation, and radical DEI instead of merit. As a result, innovation stagnated and safety was sacrificed. Fox News
US aviation sector calls for emergency funding for air traffic technology, staffing
The U.S. aviation sector on Wednesday called for “robust emergency funding” from Congress for air traffic control technology and staffing after a series of crashes that have raised alarm. Airlines for America, the Aerospace Industries Association, International Air Transport Association and others including major aviation unions urged Congress in a joint letter on Wednesday to take action, noting the Federal Aviation Administration faces serious technology needs and is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels. Reuters
Report: U.S. travel system not ready for World Cup, Olympics
The U.S. air travel system is inadequately equipped for the millions of visitors expected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, according to a report released Wednesday by a nonprofit group representing the travel industry. The U.S. Travel Association report, which was written by a group of former government officials and industry experts, pointed to aging infrastructure, sluggish visa processing times and outdated security technology as the main obstacles in welcoming visitors to the country. ESPN
Trump fires federal workers who help fight forest fires weeks after historic LA blazes
Victoria Porter spent two days last year fighting a small forest fire that sprang up from a hunter’s campsite in the Montana wilderness. Porter, 28, helped dig a fire break to prevent the blaze from spreading and used a mule team to haul water to squelch the blaze. USA Today
‘That training kicked in’: How flight attendants leapt into action after Toronto plane crash
After Delta Flight 4819’s cabin rolled over and came to rest in a terrifying crash landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, a flight attendant stood on what had been the ceiling – one leg propped on an upturned baggage compartment – and addressed passengers who’d unbuckled themselves from upside-down seats. Travel Weekly
Fatal airline crashes tarnishes industry safety record
Johnny Jet, founder of travel advice website JohnnyJet.com, said he’s seen reader inquiries about the dangers of air travel jump roughly threefold over the last few months. Others are less concerned. John Rose, chief risk and security officer of travel-management company Altour, said he’s seen no signs of softening demand for airline trips in response to the accidents. At the same time, more of the firm’s customers are asking about its risk protocols. Bloomberg
Wednesday, February 19
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,242,755 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, February 18
DC plane crash: Family of victim files claim against FAA, Army
The family of one of the 67 people killed last month when a military helicopter crashed into a passenger jet outside Washington, D.C., filed $250 million in claims against the U.S. government on Tuesday. The claims were filed against the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army, which was operating the Blackhawk helicopter, by the family of Casey Crafton, according to a news release from the Chicago-based Clifford Law Offices. USA Today
One tiny thing on Delta Airlines plane in Toronto crash ‘saved 80 lives’
Speaking to CNN, the network’s safety analyst David Soucie, a former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official, said “breakaway bolts” ensured passengers weren’t injured by the force of the crash. He said the bolts, which are used to secure the wing to the main body, can be jettisoned in case of an emergency. Mr Soucie explained: “It’s testament to the fact that the engineering that goes behind these airplanes, you notice that both of the wings are off of the airplane right now. And that’s by design. They have breakaway explosive bolts that hold those wings on so that if the aircraft does go sideways, and it does hit the wing, if that wing was too stiff, it would tear the fuselage apart and dislodge the seats and damage the fuselage. Mirror Online
Winter storm to bring snow, sleet, ice from central Plains to Mid-Atlantic in coming days
The latest – and last – in a string of February winter storms is expected to track from the central Plains to the Mid-Mississippi Valley Tuesday before moving east into the southern Mid-Atlantic Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service said “widespread upslope snowfall” is expected across the northern Rockies and into the High Plains Tuesday before a jet stream takes the storm eastward into eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and southern Missouri by Tuesday evening. USA Today
JetBlue talking to ‘multiple airlines’ about a new partnership
JetBlue Airways is talking with “multiple airlines” about a potential new partnership after federal judges struck down two previous deals, the carrier’s president said Wednesday. “If we find a deal that’s accretive, we’ll absolutely do it,” JetBlue’s president, Marty St. George, said at a Barclays industry conference. CNBC
Long lines and canceled rentals: Firings bring chaos to national parks
At California’s Yosemite National Park, the Trump administration fired the only locksmith on staff on Friday. He was the sole employee with the keys and the institutional knowledge needed to rescue visitors from locked restrooms. The wait to enter Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park this past weekend was twice as long as usual after the administration let go four employees who worked at the south entrance, where roughly 90 percent of the park’s nearly 5 million annual visitors pass through. Washington Post
This new Airbus jet is bad news for Boeing
Airbus has a new jet that’s winning over some of Boeing’s best customers. It also raises the specter of more trouble ahead for the U.S. plane maker. The European company started delivering the new aircraft—the A321XLR—late last year against a backdrop of manufacturing upheaval and financial strain at its American rival. So far the XLR has racked up more than 500 orders, many from airlines looking to replace older Boeing planes. WSJ
Shark bites tourist who was trying to take photo of it
A Canadian tourist trying to photograph a shark in shallow water at a beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands this month was bitten by the shark and lost both of her hands, officials said. The 55-year-old tourist was treated at a hospital before she left the island, Providenciales, a sandy, 38-square-mile magnet for snorkelers and sun seekers that is ringed by turquoise waters. The New York Times
Ski lift suffers malfunction, over 100 people rescued
More than 100 skiers and snowboarders were rescued after a lift malfunctioned at a resort in New Hampshire, officials said. About 120 people were stuck when a lift suddenly stalled at approximately 2 p.m. on Monday at Pats Peak in Henniker, the resort said in a statement. ABC News
Tourists flock to erupting volcano in Italy, blocking rescue workers
A week of spectacular lava sprays on Sicily’s snow-capped Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanos, has drawn thousands of people wanting to see the eruption. But the sudden influx of sightseers has become a safety risk, according to Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily’s regional Civil Protection agency. CNN
Top 10 best beaches, according to Tripadvisor
“Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards uniquely reflect the voices of millions of global travelers and help guide people to plan their best trip yet. In my family, beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore!” said Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton in a press release. “The diversity of this year’s winners really showcases everything that a beach trip can have to offer.” Spanning Greece, Cuba and Portugal, these stunning beaches are the perfect travel inspiration for your next trip. USA Today
UnitedHealthcare refused to pay for rehab and transport for Idaho man paralyzed in Switzerland, his family says
An Idaho man shattered one of his vertebrae while skiing in Switzerland, paralyzing him from the waist down — but his health insurance provider has refused to help cover the cost, leaving the family begging for money, they claim. The Independent
Travel insurance claims denials up 33%: Here are 5 reasons why you may not get reimbursed
With air travel at its busiest, an increasing number of travelers are turning to travel insurance before heading out on their trips – and putting it to good use. Travel insurance claim submissions have risen by 22% compared to last year, according to data from Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison platform. And after a global tech outage that left thousands of air travelers stranded this summer, having travel insurance seems like a wise decision. USA Today
Tuesday, February 18
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,721,037 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, February 17
Southwest Air to cut 15% of corporate jobs in first-ever layoffs
Southwest Airlines Co. will cut about 1,750 jobs in its leadership ranks, a dramatic step to reduce expenses that mark the first layoffs in the carrier’s history. The pullback will impact 15% of corporate positions, including senior leadership and directors, the airline said in a statement Sunday. The reductions start in late April and will be “substantially complete” by the end of the second quarter. Bloomberg.
It’s official: Southwest Airlines now has redeye flights on 5 routes, with more to come
“While redeye flights will make up a small portion of Southwest’s overall schedule, they bring additional connectivity and more itineraries to transcontinental and Hawaii markets. As an example, Southwest will offer Honolulu (HNL) to Las Vegas (LAS) in April, and this one redeye flight increases the number of itineraries the airline can offer Customers by 50% as they connect to other parts of the network,” the airline said in a statement. USA Today
Gulf of America: Mexico threatens to sue Google over name change of Gulf of Mexico on US maps
“What Google is doing here is changing the name of the continental shelf of Mexico and Cuba, which has nothing to do with Trump’s decree, which applied only to the US continental shelf,” Sheinbaum told reporters. “We do not agree with this, and the Foreign Minister has sent a new letter addressing the issue.” CNN
Russia frees American prisoner before talks with U.S.
Mr. Wayne was traveling to Moscow with his Russian fiancée, Naida Mambetova. Both Ms. Mambetova and Mr. Wayne were questioned, and Mr. Wayne was taken into custody. Mr. Wayne’s lawyers said he had only a small amount of medically prescribed marijuana. Still, he was charged with a drug offense that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. NYTimes
Cabin crew busted posing for photos on plane wing while waiting for takeoff: Airline announces investigation
An airline has launched an investigation into several flight attendants who were busted opening an emergency exit and posing for photos on an airplane wing. The shocking incident occurred last Wednesday at Cheongju International Airport in South Korea while Eastar Jet Flight 703 was delayed on the tarmac. NY Post
Indonesia’s Bali fumes at frugal tourists who spend time but less money
Locals in the Indonesian holiday hotspot of Bali have urged authorities to filter out cost-conscious travellers who spend more time but less money on the island, in a shift towards quality tourism. SCMP
US tourists can’t visit North Korea. This American spent six figures on a second passport so he could travel there
For most of the world, the dark days of Covid-19 feel like a distant memory. But not in North Korea, said Justin Martell, who just became the first known American to step foot inside the secretive nation since the onset of the pandemic more than five years ago. Strict health measures, such as mask-wearing and temperature checks, are still routine, and popular tourist sites, including local markets, remain off-limits due to lingering fears of virus transmission. CNN
Eruption watch at Alaska’s Mt. Spurr volcano continues, earthquake swarms reported
A swarm of more than 100 shallow earthquakes at Alaska’s Mount Spurr that began Sunday night and ran to Monday morning suggest the volcano could be moving closer to an eruption. “It’s about a 50/50 chance right now,” said Matt Haney, the scientist in charge of the Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage. “So it’s equally likely it will or will not progress to an eruption.” USA Today
It’s official: Montreal breaks historic snowfall record with back-to-back snowstorms
Montreal has received 74 cm of snow since last Thursday—a historic situation. The last time the city saw this much snow in such a short period dates back to the 1950s. I understand, however, that the daily lives of many citizens are being disrupted. Please know that our snow removal teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to restore traffic flow and ensure our streets remain accessible. The @SPVM is also present to ensure everyone’s safety. Travel will be challenging this week, but the situation will gradually improve. Timeout
Dominican low-cost airline Arajet plans US flights for this spring
Arajet, a new ultra-low-cost carrier, will launch flights between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic this spring. The airline will initially operate flights from Miami and San Juan to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Arajet aims to cater to the Dominican diaspora and compete with existing airlines serving the Dominican Republic. USA Today
Video from inside the Delta Air Lines airplane that crashed in Toronto and tips for travelers
Video footage and tips are pouring in after yesterday’s crash of Delta Air Lines flight 4819 from Minneapolis (MSP) to Toronto (YYZ). The CRJ-900 (Canadair Regional Jet) operated by Endeavor Air flipped upside down upon landing and miraculously, no one died, thanks to the flight attendants’ training and passengers wearing their seatbelts. JohnnyJet.com
Canada beats Finland 5-3 to set up rematch with United States in 4 Nations Face-Off final
Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist apiece as Canada surged to a four-goal lead and held on to beat Finland 5-3 on Monday to earn a rematch against the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off finals. NBC News
Monday, February 17
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,394,833 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, February 16
Breaking: Delta Air Lines plane crash lands in Toronto while arriving from MSP
Some Hollywood-like images are coming in from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) after a Delta Air Lines jet somehow ended up upside down on the runway. JohnnyJet.com
Polar vortex to bring frigid temperatures, snow and ice to millions of Americans
A lobe of the polar vortex, a ring of freezing air typically found near the North Pole, will once again move into the central and eastern states this week, bringing some of the coldest air of the winter season so far — and even helping fuel yet another winter storm in coming days. Washington Post
Hundreds of FAA employees fired by Trump administration weeks after midair DC collision
About 400 recently hired support staff employees at the Federal Aviation Administration were fired over the weekend as part of the Trump administration’s mass terminations of federal workers, according to the union representing the employees. The dismissals come less than three weeks after a midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter outside Washington killed 67 people and brought new scrutiny to air traffic controllers and their workloads. USA Today
Hundreds of United passengers stranded on snowy island for days
A United Airlines flight from the U.S. to Ireland had to turn back three hours into the journey because of a medical emergency, meaning hundreds of passengers and crew were stranded in Canada for days. The Boeing 777 destined for Dublin took off from Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday but didn’t make it to the Irish capital until Sunday. Twelve crew and 259 passengers, including America’s top Catholic, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, were rerouted to St. John’s International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. Daily Beast
Thousands of flights disrupted as US and Canada hit by winter storms over Presidents Day weekend
Thousands of flights were delayed as winter storms hit the US and Canada over the holiday weekend. That included more than 2,000 at major airports around New York and Washington, DC on Sunday. Half of departing flights at the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta, were also delayed on Sunday. Business Insider
New Zealand’s ‘everyone must go’ tourism campaign mocked by locals heading for the exit
A New Zealand government tourism campaign titled “Everyone Must Go” is drawing derision and mockery from residents who have criticized it as tone deaf, especially at a time when New Zealanders themselves are leaving the country in droves. In an announcement on Sunday, officials said they were spending 500,000 New Zealand dollars ($287,000) on the campaign, which is aimed at visitors from neighboring Australia, New Zealand’s biggest tourism market. NBC News
New York to be pummeled by ‘snowiest’ storm of the season as polar vortex threatens -50 degree winds
New York could see the “snowiest” storm of the season this week as biting-cold temperatures sweep across the nation, ushering in a frigid polar vortex that will leave parts of the US suffering through wind chills as cold as -50 degrees. A powerful winter storm is set to plow through the southeast and Central Plains on Wednesday before traveling up the northeast, hitting the tri-state area with snow Thursday morning. NY Post
British Airways issue warning for anyone flying out of UK’s busiest airports
Passengers flying from Heathrow or Gatwick next month were told they are at risk of delays and should plan ahead. British Airways said they ‘strongly advise’ people to give themselves longer to get to the airports due to major roadworks planned near London, which could cause traffic jams. Metro
‘The Love Boat’: How a TV show transformed the cruise industry
From steam-powered ships, to mega-liners, the cruise industry has been through quite a transformation over the years. And the market has skyrocketed. Back in 1970, an estimated 500,000 people went on a cruise holiday. That figure had jumped to five million by 1997. CNN
Two stabbed at the Fairmont Hotel early on Saturday morning
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, at approximately 1:50am, officers responded to a reported stabbing at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, located at 101 Wilshire Blvd. Upon arrival, officers found two victims suffering from stab wounds who were both transported to a local hospital for treatment. As of 9:45am on Saturday morning, it is not known what their conditions are and they have not been publicly identified. There is also no information yet on whether any arrests have been made or what the motive might have been. Santa Monica Daily Press
Trump tours a Boeing plane to spotlight delay on getting new Air Force One
President Donald Trump toured a Boeing plane on Saturday to highlight delays in delivering new Air Force One aircraft, said the White House. The president negotiated with Boeing for a pair of new 747-8 aircraft during his first administration – between 2017 and 2021 – but the planes are now years behind schedule. Reuters
Hippo mauls woman to death on African safari, lawsuit says
The husband of a New Jersey woman who was mauled to death by a charging hippopotamus during an African safari is suing a U.S.-based tour company for not keeping the couple safe. Craig Manders became a widower in June after his 70-year-old wife, Lisa, was killed in front of him during a “bush walk” tour in the nation of Zambia on the southern end of the continent, according to the lawsuit filed in Stamford Superior Court in Connecticut. USA Today
Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week
February 9-16
United Regional Jet slides off taxiway at an icy St. Louis Lambert Airport
A plane carrying 27 passengers, including crew, slid off the taxiway before coming to a stop at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) late Wednesday morning, according to a news release from the airport. CNN
Car rams into Munich crowd injuring at least 28 in suspected attack
German police said Thursday that at least 28 people were injured when a car plowed into a crowd in the city of Munich in what officials called a “suspected attack.” The incident came the day before a major security conference attended by world leaders was set to begin. Vice President JD Vance is among those due to address the conference. NBC News
FAA wants permanent helicopter restrictions at Reagan Airport
Federal air-safety officials want to permanently keep helicopters away from commercial jets taking off and landing at a busy Washington, D.C., airport after the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in more than two decades. The move, under consideration by senior Federal Aviation Administration officials, would be part of a long-term plan to improve safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to people familiar with the discussions. WSJ
Venice doubles daytripper entry fees for 2025
The Venice entry fee is back — and this time it’s double the trouble. Or rather, it will be for last-minute daytrippers to the city, who’ll see the entrance fee double from last year’s 5 euros to 10 euros. The fee will also be applied on almost twice as many dates as it was last year. CNN
Norovirus outbreak sickens nearly 120 guests, crew on Holland America cruise ship
A norovirus outbreak on a Holland America Line cruise sickened nearly 120 people. Among 2,614 guests aboard the line’s Rotterdam ship, 107 reported being ill during its current voyage, along with a dozen crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their main symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea. USA Today
FAA reopens DCA runways, increases arrivals rate as crash investigation continues
The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Tuesday that it was reopening runways and increasing the arrival rate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The agency had closed runways 4/22 and 15/33 to accommodate investigatory efforts following a fatal collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near the airport on Jan. 29. USA Today
Frontier makes another takeover bid for Spirit Airlines and it is rejected, again
Spirit Airlines has again rejected a third takeover bid from budget rival Frontier, saying that it would focus on its own plan to emerge from bankruptcy and stabilize its finances. The offer this week, like the last bid, offers Spirit stakeholders $400 million in newly issued debt and a 19% stake in Frontier Group Holdings Inc., the parent company of Frontier. Yahoo
Yosemite National Park is in trouble.
Hamstrung by President Donald Trump’s hiring freeze, hundreds of rescinded job offers and the threat of coming layoffs, the park is poised to enter its busiest months of the year severely short-staffed. Not only that, but the park’s day-use reservation system — created to protect park resources and improve the visitor experience by reducing crowding — appears unlikely to return this year. SF Gate
Big storm possible in Mid-Atlantic next week. How much snow could D.C. get?
D.C. has already clinched a snowier-than-average winter, and yet another storm could be on the way next week. Computer models suggest a winter storm could affect the region Wednesday and/or Thursday, although there is uncertainty in the storm timing, strength and path. Some of the aggressive computer model projections suggest a high ceiling for the amount of snow and even simulate a blizzard, but there is also still the legitimate possibility of a more glancing blow or a miss. Washington Post
Air Canada to trim USA flights: WestJet says US demand down 25%
Air Canada says it will reduce capacity to Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona as the U.S.-Canada tariff dispute simmers and the Canadian dollar continues to struggle. And WestJet might be next in line. Speaking on a conference call to discuss Air Canada’s fourth quarter and yearly earnings for 2024, Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue & Network Planning and President, Cargo, said it’s too early to know how Canadian currency issues and the U.S.-Canada tariff dispute will play out. But he said Air Canada will be reducing capacity to such U.S. destinations as Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona beginning in March. Jim Byers
Plane carrying Secretary of State Rubio to Europe turned around because of a mechanical issue
An Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Sen. Jim Risch, to Germany for the Munich Security Conference was forced to return to Washington late Thursday after developing a mechanical issue. AP
Minnesota man wins free Norwegian cruise vacation — then catches the flu onboard and gets hit with $47K medical bill
A Minnesota man won a free weeklong cruise vacation to the Caribbean for him and his girlfriend, only to catch the flu onboard and get slapped with an eye-popping $47,000 medical bill. Mike Cameron and his girlfriend Tamra Masterman won a free Norwegian cruise trip from the Grand Casino Hinckley that set sail out of Miami on Jan. 5, he told The Post Thursday night. Cameron has one piece of advice for travelers after his ordeal. “We want people to be aware, if you go on a cruise make sure you got good traveler’s insurance,” he warned. NY Post
Saturday, February 15
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened TSA DOESN’T UPDATE ON WEEKENDS OR HOLIDAYS people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, February 14
Fire breaks out at London luxury hotel
About 100 people have been evacuated from a five-star hotel in central London as a fire continues to burn through the building. Twenty fire engines and about 125 firefighters have been called to the blaze at Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. BBC
Yosemite National Park is in trouble.
Hamstrung by President Donald Trump’s hiring freeze, hundreds of rescinded job offers and the threat of coming layoffs, the park is poised to enter its busiest months of the year severely short-staffed. Not only that, but the park’s day-use reservation system — created to protect park resources and improve the visitor experience by reducing crowding — appears unlikely to return this year. SF Gate
Nice’s ban on big cruise ships has industry urging a reconsideration
CLIA executives are clinging to hope that they can persuade government officials to reconsider banning large cruise ships from the Nice-Cote d’Azur region in the south of France. The cruise industry association is combating yet another attempt by a popular European destination to restrict ship access in the name of overtourism and environmental issues. This time, the ports are Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the restriction is a ban on ships carrying at least 900 guests. Travel Weekly
Florida sets new all-time tourism record
Florida set a new tourism record in 2024, welcoming 142.9 million visitors. It marks the most travelers in the state’s history. There were over 30 million visitors in the fourth quarter of 2024, with almost three million foreign travelers. Of these, 742,000 were Canadians. Overall, the state welcomed a total of 8.9 million overseas visitors in 2024. “That is a pretty good increase over 2023 and the highest on record,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. Travelmole
Storm of the season? Huge snowfall buries California ski resorts
Power outages, lift delays, and feet of snow — welcome to what might be California’s storm of the season. To start, in Mono County, Mammoth Mountain is well and truly buried. The ski resort, per a recent social media, has received between 34 and 55 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours. The resort’s current storm total ranges between 50 and 79 inches or, on the upper end, six and a half feet. Powder
Big storm possible in Mid-Atlantic next week. How much snow could D.C. get?
D.C. has already clinched a snowier-than-average winter, and yet another storm could be on the way next week. Computer models suggest a winter storm could affect the region Wednesday and/or Thursday, although there is uncertainty in the storm timing, strength and path. Some of the aggressive computer model projections suggest a high ceiling for the amount of snow and even simulate a blizzard, but there is also still the legitimate possibility of a more glancing blow or a miss. Washington Post
Here’s a potential winner from the Trump tariffs: American tourists traveling abroad
Economists expect the U.S. dollar to strengthen further against foreign currencies in 2025 due to President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. That would give travelers who are going abroad more buying power. Interest rates play a big role in currency moves with developed nations like the United Kingdom and European countries, economists said. CNBC
Canadians are cancelling trips to the U.S. amid tension
The urge for Canadians to buy local and to support Canadian businesses has been growing since U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs, most recently on Canadian steel and aluminum, and made repeated comments about making Canada the 51st state. But has it seeped into the travel world? It may be too soon to tell, but here’s what airlines and travel groups are noticing. National Post
Ryanair scraps multiple routes to avoid paying too much tax
Anyone planning to holiday in Europe this year may face major disruptions as Ryanair is making huge changes to its 2025 flight schedule. In a bid to reduce the tax and surcharges it pays for operating at airports across the continent, the low-cost Irish airline has announced certain routes will be axed. Metro
St Patrick’s Day parade cancelled
This year’s St Patrick’s Parade in Birmingham has been cancelled, the organisers have confirmed. It had been due to take place in Digbeth on 16 March. Maurice Malone, Chief Executive at Birmingham Irish Association and head of the organising team, said the decision had been taken “with a heavy heart”. The event, which first took place in 1952, returned to the city last year for the first time in five years. It has previously been known to attract up to 80,000 people and has been thought to be one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day events in the world. BBC
This California national park is ‘chill Yosemite,’ an outdoor wonderland without crowds
Just five hours north of Los Angeles sits a national park that should be on your outdoor bucket list. It features a valley carved millions of years ago by glaciers, hulking mountains made of granite and other rock, countless waterfalls, massive ancient trees and a cool, clear river. Kings Canyon National Park will give you the majestic outdoors respite you’re dreaming of without all the busy trails, swarming crowds and traffic jams at the park entrance gate that come with the Hollywood Boulevard of national parks. LA Times
British couple detained in Iran while on round-the-world motorbike trip are named
The family of two Britons detained in Iran said they are “united in our determination to secure their safe return”. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a couple in their early fifties, were reportedly on a trip across the world on motorbikes and had been due to end their journey in Australia. The Independent
Friday, February 14
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,560,756 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, February 13
Valentine’s Day: 940 million flowers are traveling to you
If any husbands or boyfriends mess up Valentine’s Day this week, it’s not because of a shortage of flowers. In the run up to Feb. 14, agricultural specialists at Miami International Airport have processed about 940 million stems of cut flowers, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Around 90% of the fresh cut flowers being sold for Valentine’s Day in the United States come through Miami, while the other 10% pass through Los Angeles. AP News
Air Canada to trim USA flights: WestJet says US demand down 25%
Air Canada says it will reduce capacity to Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona as the U.S.-Canada tariff dispute simmers and the Canadian dollar continues to struggle. And WestJet might be next in line. Speaking on a conference call to discuss Air Canada’s fourth quarter and yearly earnings for 2024, Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue & Network Planning and President, Cargo, said it’s too early to know how Canadian currency issues and the U.S.-Canada tariff dispute will play out. But he said Air Canada will be reducing capacity to such U.S. destinations as Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona beginning in March. Jim Byers
Plane carrying Secretary of State Rubio to Europe turned around because of a mechanical issue
An Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Sen. Jim Risch, to Germany for the Munich Security Conference was forced to return to Washington late Thursday after developing a mechanical issue. AP
New season of ‘The White Lotus’ brings a tourism boom in Thailand
When the third season of the hit HBO series “The White Lotus” debuts on Sunday, viewers will be transported to the tropical island of Koh Samui, Thailand. And if previous seasons are any indication, many of them will soon be booking vacations there, too. The show, which takes place at a different fictional White Lotus luxury resort each season, centers on a group of wealthy tourists, their interpersonal dramas and the inevitable tension with staff and locals, all against a backdrop of paradise skewed. The New York Times
Airbnb shares jump on strong quarterly results, expansion plans
Airbnb shares rose as much as 13.3% in premarket trade on Friday after the vacation home rentals company beat Wall Street estimates for fourth-quarter results, boosted by strong international travel demand. Travel companies have been helped by healthy demand in Asia, especially from Chinese consumers visiting destinations in Southeast Asia. Yahoo
Sri Lanka: Monkey blamed for nationwide blackout as island scrambles to restore power
Sri Lanka extended power cuts for a third day on Thursday as it scrambled to restore its national grid to full capacity after a monkey triggered a widespread blackout over the weekend that disrupted supply to the island’s 22 million people. An outage lasting six hours on Sunday was blamed by power minister, Kumara Jayakody, on a monkey that disrupted a grid station in a Colombo suburb. No power cuts were implemented on Wednesday, which was a holiday in Sri Lanka. CNN
Best restaurants in the US: 44 spots you need to visit in 2025
After the positive feedback from our inaugural USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year and Bars of the Year stories published last year, our extensive team of dining writers has once again collaborated to answer one simple but important question: What’s the best restaurant to try? USA Today.
New Zealand is home to the ‘world’s clearest lake.’ Tourists are being told to wipe their shoes before visiting it
Deep within Nelson Lakes National Park, in New Zealand’s South Island, lies a magical blue-violet lake. Surrounded by steep alpine forests and spring-fed from the glacial waters of Lake Constance, it is small but not insignificant. It was first discovered by Ngāti Apa, a Māori iwi, or tribe, who named it Rotomairewhenua, meaning “the lake of peaceful lands.” It became a sacred place where they cleansed the bones of the dead, believing this would secure the spirit a safe journey to the ancestral Māori homeland of Hawaiki. CNN
Woman arrested after sports reporter in Louisiana covering Super Bowl is found dead in hotel room
A Louisiana woman with a history of “drugging men” and stealing their credit cards was arrested after the death of a TV reporter who was New Orleans for the Super Bowl, police said Friday. Hotel security video showed Danette Colbert, who lives in nearby Slidell, with Kansas City Telemundo’s Adan Manzano, 27, and entering his room at 4:35 a.m. Wednesday, Kenner police chief Keith Conley told reporters. NBC News
Out-of-fuel plane made to wait to land – report
A passenger plane that was running dangerously low on fuel with 300 people on board was made to wait while another aircraft was given permission to land, a report has found The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) described how the TUI Boeing 787 eventually landed at Birmingham, having been diverted from Manchester in high winds, and then turned away from East Midlands Airport. BBC
39-year-old American expat lives on $15,500 in one of the world’s most expensive cities: I have ‘so much of what I could ever want’
When he moved to Paris in 2017, Jay Swanson “was in dire straits,” he says. The now 39-year-old was drowning in around $86,500 of debt from projects like publishing novels and investing in a tech startup. He was putting about $2,100 a month toward the minimum payments on his credit cards and loans while earning not much more than that as a tour guide his first summer in Paris. CNBC
9 L.A. locals share their favorite walks in the city
Los Angeles is teeming with beautiful places to walk, but for many of us, our favorite paths are those that are closest to home. These are the walks we do again and again, when we need to shake out our blues, get a new perspective or just enjoy some of our city’s famous sunshine. So it comes as no surprise that when we asked readers to share their favorite walks, many of you responded with a path in your neighborhood. LA Times
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.
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?
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.
Its his blog..he can say whatever he wants..if you don’t like it…move on
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.
Where is the Map App Every Traveler should have? I’ve looked through your site and not seen it. Thanks.
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/
No android version? Boooooo!
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.).
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.
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/
Thanks for sharing your tips with us.
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.
How Can I Copyright Protect Stories and Articles on My Website?
Amazing guide…. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.
I agree with B Manoogian. Keep politics out of Johnny Jet.
Great Information , Thanks For haring such a informative blogs.
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.
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
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.
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
Hi Ann,
Try this post https://onemileatatime.com/verifly/
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.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes
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.
Try Avelo
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flying to the USA does require a negative test but not within the USA
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/
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.
Hey Johnny,
Just wondering, TSA officers screened 1,200,580 yesterday, Same number a week ago and 2019?????
Good catch! I will fix. It’s 1,059,741
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.
Thanks! They’re all pretty bias but this is the most popular one https://skytraxratings.com/a-z-of-airport-ratings
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
thanks for an amazing blog.
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
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!
You sure it was me? Can’t even remember but I know Delta extended theirs and I wrote about it
Thank you for this informative article! I hope all travelers could read this wonderful article of yours.
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!
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
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?
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.
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.
Good catch! I just fixed it
Very detailed post
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 ?
That’s AMAZING! HBD to your mom. Thank you for the prayers
Where can I find tour informtion for Portugal, would like togo to Lourdes next year with my wife and sister in-law.
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…
Sorry for the delay. Are you still getting it?
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
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.
I’m sorry to hear this. I will email him to find out what happened.
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.
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.
Such a great article! Thanks for sharing.
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
I wasn’t clear either.
What’s your recommended VPN
Why would anyone care about yesterday’s TSA numbers? This is silly.
A lot of people do. Shows how the economy is doing especially for the airlines.
TSA numbers of no value. Who cares?
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.
“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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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!