12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):
=== Saturday, February 21 ===
Airlines Start Canceling Flights Ahead Of Another Monster Winter Storm On The East Coast
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the New York City area on Sunday, with severe winter weather expected throughout the region. Airlines waived change and cancellation fees ahead of the storm. The storm could dump more than a foot of snow in the area along with high winds. CNBC
British Couple Jailed By Iran For 10 Years, Family Says
A British couple who were arrested while passing through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage, their family have said. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were detained by Iranian authorities in January 2025, and were later charged with spying, which the couple denies. BBC
They’re Rich, They Travel And They Love To Complain
The client was calling from a high-end resort with an update for Olivia Ferney, a travel adviser who books trips for the ultrarich. The hotel was up to “White Lotus” standards, the client said, but there was a hitch. The limes in the margaritas: Where, exactly, were they sourced? “She really, really always wants to make sure how her drinks are made,” Ms. Ferney said. “Limes from certain countries give her allergies.” The New York Times
Behind The $6 Charge Making Your Rides To SFO So Expensive
Last October was the first month since 2019 when more than 1 million riders used Uber or Lyft for a pickup or drop-off at SFO, according to new airport data obtained by SFGATE. The milestone comes as another sign of strength for San Francisco tourism. It’s also positive news for Waymo, which was just cleared to serve SFO. And for the airport, the demand means a windfall of cash — via ride-hailing fees, 10 million-plus riders paid a record total of more than $60 million to SFO for the privilege of pickups and drop-offs in 2025. SF Gate
Lawsuit Aims To Stop TSA And DEA From Seizing Cash From Travelers At U.S. Airports
An ongoing lawsuit is attempting to end the TSA and DEA’s allegedly “unlawful” cash seizure practices at U.S. airports. Dan Alban, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, says there is no legal limit for domestic travelers with large amount of cash. However, he claims passengers are still being subjected to cash seizures. The lawsuit was first filed in 2020 on behalf of a father who allegedly had his “life savings” seized by a DEA agent in 2019. People
Yosemite National Park Eliminates Summer Reservations
In a major policy shift, Yosemite National Park will not require visitors to obtain a reservation for park entry during the busy summer season. Park officials say reservations, which have been used in recent years to cap attendance and reduce overcrowding at one of the nation’s most popular parks, are not needed this year. The constraints and hassles they imposed on the millions who visit Yosemite’s famed waterfalls and canyons each year were simply too great, they say. SF Chronicle
Prominent NFL Writer Says ‘They Lied To You’ About San Francisco
In the wake of Super Bowl 60, the overriding narrative is clear: San Francisco scored. Hotels cashed in, downtown landmarks like the Ferry Building and Moscone Center saw huge crowds and, for locals who champion their city, the event poked major holes in the plot against San Francisco. SF Gate
United Flight Undergoes ‘Security Sweep’ After Bullet Is Discovered In Overhead Bin Before Takeoff
A bullet was found in the overhead bin of a United flight before takeoff in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The plane, which was heading to Miami, was cleared for a “security sweep” after the bullet was found. Per TSA rules, ammunition is prohibited in carry-on luggage and only allowed in checked baggage if it’s packed correctly. People
Why The United States Is Seeing An Ongoing Tourism Slump
Last year, the U.S. was the only major destination to see a decline in international travelers. With increased scrutiny at the border, ICE violence and unpredictable policies, the new year isn’t looking better. The New York Times
Delta Plane Forced To Return To Houston Airport After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Pummels Man Mid-Flight: ‘Not Mentally There’
A Delta Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing at a Texas airport after an “unruly” passenger reportedly began punching a man in the head mid-flight. Delta Flight 2557 flying out of Houston’s Hobby Airport was re-routed back to the runway around 5:25 a.m. on Wednesday after a passenger exhibited “unruly and unlawful behavior towards other customers,” a Delta Airlines spokesperson told The Post. NY Post
Celebrating Maple Syrup Season In New England, The Midwest And Quebec
If you’re looking for a family-friendly weekend in New England, the Midwest or Quebec, it’s hard to find a better travel theme than syrup. The New York Times
Airbnb Offers $750 To Pull In First-Time Hosts In FIFA World Cup Cities
Travel rental platform Airbnb is rolling out a $750 incentive to attract new hosts in the 16 North American cities gearing up to welcome millions of visitors for the FIFA World Cup in mid-2026. New “entire home” hosts who successfully fulfill their first guest stay between now and July 31 will qualify for the payout under the program, Airbnb said, describing it as the company’s largest-ever incentive for new hosts. Reuters
California Surfing Legend, 66, Strangled And Stabbed To Death In Costa Rica, Girlfriend, 31, Zip-Tied
A California surfing legend has been brutally killed while his girlfriend was tied up and robbed at their Costa Rica home. Kurt Van Dyke, 66, who owned a hotel in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, was found dead under his bed Saturday with a sheet over his head and a knife next to him, local reports say. NY Post
Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Church Reaches Its Peak With Tower Of Jesus Christ
Barcelona’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica reached its maximum height on Friday, though the magnum opus of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí remains years away from completion. A crane placed the upper arm of a cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, the church’s soaring central piece, which now stands 172.5 meters (566 feet) above the city. With Friday’s addition, the Sagrada Familia inched closer to being done. The unfinished monument became the world’s tallest church last year after another part of its central tower was lifted into place. AP News
=== Friday, February 20 ===
Spirit Airlines Cancels Hundreds Of Flights, Leaving Travelers Stranded
Spirit Airlines, struggling to find crews and flight attendants to staff its airplanes, has canceled more than 250 flights since Friday, Feb. 13, with many of them stranding passengers at South Florida airports. Several Palm Beach International Airport flights to Atlantic City and Newark, New Jersey, have been canceled throughout the past seven days, according to the AirAdvisor and Spirit Airlines websites. USA Today
National Parks Drop Reservation Rule To Boost Access
The National Park Service is ending the reservation requirement for entering most major national parks beginning this summer. This move is intended to make spontaneous visits easier and broaden access, a significant change from policies enacted during the post-pandemic surge in outdoor recreation. While the policy aims to benefit visitors and local economies, park advocacy groups warn that lifting reservation systems could result in overcrowding, resource damage and safety concerns. Wall Street Journal
United Airlines MileagePlus Update: Fewer Rewards For Non-Cardholders
United Airlines is making some of the biggest changes to its MileagePlus frequent flyer program in more than a decade. Travelers with the airline’s credit card will earn more miles and get higher discounts compared with those without the card. Customers who don’t have one of the cards or elite status won’t earn miles if they book in basic economy. CNBC
Delta Repairs Woman’s Wheelchair After She Says Airline Destroyed It During Flight
Delta is responding to a woman’s call for help after her specialized wheelchair was damaged during a flight and she is stuck at her home in Yonkers. Latavia Sturdivant says what should have been a routine flight turned into a nightmare after she claimed Delta broke her wheelchair during a flight. Sturdivant was Ms. Wheelchair America 2026. ABC7 New York
San Diego Airport Sets Record In 2025: 25M Passengers In One Year
Last year was a record-breaking year for San Diego International Airport (SAN) with over 25 million passengers having traveled through Terminals 1 and 2. The airport saw a 0.3% increase in passengers from 2024, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority said in a news release on Wednesday. Several airlines added or resumed 14 nonstop routes out of SAN in 2025, including Alaska Airlines, Copa Airlines, Frontier Airlines, KLM and Southwest Airlines. Fox 5 San Diego
Man Crashes Stolen Rental Car At Hollywood Burbank Airport
A man tried to steal a rental car Wednesday morning at Hollywood Burbank Airport before crashing into a railing, police told NBC4 Investigates. The chaotic chain of events began at about 5:30 a.m. when the man found a rental car with the keys inside, Burbank police said. The man attempted to exit the area going the wrong way before crashing into a railing. The man in a black hoodie then got out of the car and ran off. A detailed description of the thief was not immediately available. No arrests were reported early Wednesday afternoon. NBC Los Angeles
Eurostar To Cut Boarding Times By 30 Minutes
Eurostar plans to cut boarding times by 30 minutes after bosses admitted that St Pancras International station had become too much like an airport. Under the planned shake-up, St Pancras passengers will be able to board Eurostar trains straight away rather than having to wait in the departures hall. The Telegraph
Tucker Carlson Claims He Was ‘Detained’ In Israeli Airport — But Ambassador Says It Was Just Routine Customs Check
Tucker Carlson claimed that he and his staff were detained at an Israeli airport — but US Ambassador Mike Huckabee said it was merely a routine customs screening. Carlson — a vocal critic of US-Israel policy who has been accused of using antisemitic language — has traveled to Israel to interview Huckabee, but refused to leave the Ben Gurion Airport complex. “Men who identified themselves as airport security took our passports, hauled our executive producer into a side room and then demanded to know what we spoke to Ambassador Huckabee about,” the podcaster and ex Fox News host said in a statement. NY Post
San Francisco International Airport Expects Delays Starting In March
Travelers should expect delays at San Francisco International Airport starting March 30, as the airport will close one runway for six months to perform repairs and improvements. During this period, the San Francisco International Airport expects fewer than 10 percent of flights to be delayed by at least 30 minutes, as all arrivals and departures will be handled on the airport’s two runways. USA Today
Florida Legislature OKs Changing Palm Beach Airport Name To Trump’s New Trademark
While Florida Republicans are at odds over many things this legislative session, they are united on changing the name of the Palm Beach International Airport to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” which the president has trademarked. The Senate passed the House version of the bill, HB 919, with a 25-11 vote amid concerns from Democrats. It will now head to the governor’s desk for his signature. The change would need to be signed off on by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the bill. Tampa Bay Times
Frontier Bets On Budget Travelers As Other Airlines Focus On Premium Market
Frontier Group Holdings (ULCC.O), the parent of Frontier Airlines, is making a bold bet on budget travelers who have tightened their belts while much of the industry insists that premium spenders are the way to go. James Dempsey, Frontier’s new chief executive, told Reuters that flying more on off-peak days and cutting fares can still be a winning strategy in 2026, as the ultra low cost carrier looks to capture market share left by no-frills pioneer Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection for a second time in August 2025. Reuters
A $10K Credit To Be Voluntarily Bumped From Your Cruise? Passengers Are Scoring Lucrative Deals As Trips Get Overbooked.
When you book a cruise, you’re probably not thinking the ship could need to bump passengers. But be forewarned: It can and does happen. Take a sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas earlier this month that departed from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to reports, the ship was likely overbooked. This turned into a situation where some cruisers stood to profit, similar to instances when airlines have more passengers than seats available and offer incentives to travelers to take a later flight. MarketWatch
=== Wednesday, February 18 ===
Are TSA PreCheck And Global Entry Still Working During The Shutdown?
A partial government shutdown can spark anxiety for travelers, but for now, airport security is operating largely as normal. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says airport screenings remain “essential missions and functions will continue as they do during every shutdown,” meaning officers are still on the job even as parts of the Department of Homeland Security face funding gaps. USA Today
Nor’easter, ‘Blockbuster Snowfall’ Could Be Brewing For Weekend
It might head out to sea, or it might be a “blockbuster” late-weekend blizzard for the East Coast. As of the afternoon of Feb. 17, top computer models continue to pore through weather data to determine the direction and strength of a storm that’s still several days away from the East Coast. At the moment, the models don’t agree. USA Today
No Food, No Fuel, No Tourists: Under US Pressure, Life In Cuba Grinds To A Halt
Mandy Pruna remembers with a nostalgia-filled grin the influx of American travelers that came to Cuba after then-US President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations with the island in 2015. Pruna and his bright red 1957 Chevrolet were in constant demand and he says countless visitors including celebrities like Will Smith, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian paid princely sums – at least for Cuba – to go on classic car tours with him. CNN
TSA Agents Are Working Without Pay At U.S. Airports Due To Another Shutdown
A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect early Saturday impacts the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country. Travelers with airline reservations may be nervously recalling a 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays last year. Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS’ annual funding. TSA officers also worked through the record shutdown that ended Nov. 12, but aviation experts say this one may play out differently. AP
Sexual Assaults On Airplanes Are Up, And Likely Underreported, A CBS News Investigation Finds
Renee Solofra felt trapped in the middle seat on a flight from Chicago to Florida in September 2023. She said the man sitting next to her in the aisle seat was visibly intoxicated, smelled of alcohol and continued to drink before sexually assaulting her. CBS News
The AA-United Buildup At O’Hare: How A Turf War Benefits Flyers
Everybody loves a good airline turf war. Well, maybe everyone except airline finance teams. But as many aviation geeks would tell you, turf wars are fun. For instance, they can lead to sharp exchanges like the one we experienced last month when United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby proclaimed that United will be drawing a line in the sand this year at O’Hare, where American is rapidly adding to its schedule. Travel Weekly
Inside The Debacle That Led To The Closure Of El Paso’s Airspace
The F.A.A., citing “a grave risk of fatalities” from a new technology being used on the Mexican border, got caught in a stalemate with the Pentagon, which deemed the weapon “necessary.” The New York Times
British Tourist Smashes Check-In Kiosks With Metal Pole During Airport Meltdown
A British tourist was reportedly arrested after he damaged multiple check-in kiosks at Hong Kong International Airport on Feb. 16. Footage of the incident obtained by PEOPLE shows the 35-year-old man slamming the machines to the ground and hitting them with a metal pole. He was reportedly arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and drug possession. People
Hard Rock Hotel-Casino Coming To Puerto Rico
Hard Rock International plans to debut a hotel, casino and residential complex in San Juan in 2029, marking the brand’s foray into Puerto Rico. The $850 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan will be located adjacent to the city’s historic Old San Juan district, offering views of both San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Travel Weekly
Teen On Vacation Attacked, Throat Slashed As He Walked By The Florida Beach
Sullivan Clarke, 13, was attacked while on his way back to his hotel with his parents in Daytona Beach. Jermaine Long, 44, has been arrested in connection with the alleged attack. Sullivan’s mother alleges she saw Long walk up to the teen and gash his throat. People
America’s Free Hotel Breakfast Is Facing K-Shaped Economy Threat
From Hyatt to IHG’s Holiday Inn brand, hotel operators are making changes to free breakfast options as part of cost-cutting and revenue-raising measures. Breakfast service can siphon off 5 percent or more of a hotel’s sales and some property owners are trying to get that back. Upscale and boutique hotels are more likely to get rid of free breakfast, but the cutbacks are trickling down to mid-tier hotels. CNBC
Norwegian Posts Highest Ever Profit
Norwegian Group delivered an operating profit (EBIT) of NOK 3.732 million for 2025, the highest in the company’s history. The airline group is expected to pay a dividend of NOK 8.80 per share for 2025, subject to approval at its Annual General Meeting. Norwegian Group carried 6.2 million passengers in the fourth quarter, with 5.2 million flying with Norwegian and one million on regional brand Widerøe. This represents an increase in passenger numbers for both airlines. Norwegian achieved a load factor of 86% up nearly 2% from 2024. Travelmole
Alaska Airlines Pilots’ Eye-Popping Salaries Revealed After Recently Negotiated Contracts
Alaska Airlines pilots are raking in sky-high hourly rates thanks to their recently renegotiated contracts. Pilots secured an immediate 21 percent wage increase on average, with salaries set to almost double over the coming years thanks to further wage hikes. At the start of 2025 the airlines’ first-officers, or co-pilots, were offered an hourly rate of just under $120 an hour in their first year while captains began with just over $361 per hour. Daily Mail
Celebrity Cruise Ship Faces ‘Loss Of Control’ After Technical Issue
Greek authorities helped a Celebrity Cruises ship into port following a technical issue on board, according to the local coast guard and cruise company. The Hellenic Coast Guard’s Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center notified the Port Authorities of Piraeus and Keratsini “of the loss of control of a cruise ship … due to a malfunction in the electrical distribution panels, in the sea area outside the port of Piraeus,” according to a translated news release. The alert was originally said to come in on the evening of Feb. 14, but the Coast Guard later revised their statement to clarify it came in during the early morning of Feb. 15 local time. USA Today
Jamaica Resorts Update: Reopen Timelines For Sandals, Hyatt, Princess And More
When Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica in late October 2025 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm—the strongest ever to hit the island nation—the damage was cataclysmic. Entire communities were leveled, infrastructure was severely impacted and the island’s vital tourism sector came to a standstill. In the months since, however, Jamaica has accomplished one of the Caribbean’s most inspiring tourism recoveries—one that’s been characterized by a robust vision, astonishing resilience and steady progress. TravelPulse
Italy’s Famous ‘Lovers’ Arch’ Collapses On Valentine’s Day
An Italian coastal beauty spot known as “Lovers’ Arch” because of its popularity with courting couples collapsed during heavy storms on Valentine’s Day in what one local official called “a blow to the heart.” Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, the site of an arch in the stone cliffs on the coast of Salento — the heel of Italy’s “boot” — has drawn romantically inclined visitors for centuries, with lovers traditionally proposing marriage, stealing first kisses or celebrating unions. Those who kissed under the arch were destined for eternal love, according to local legend. CNN
=== Saturday, February 15 ===
TSA Will Now Refer To Non-US Citizens As ‘Aliens’ Under New Rule
The US Transportation Security Administration will now refer to non-US citizens as “aliens” in its regulations, according to a change announced Friday. The decision was included in a final rule signed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The government said it was making the change to “align TSA’s regulatory language with statutory terms and definitions in the Immigration and Nationality Act,” a law enacted in 1952. Bloomberg
Princess Cruises Is Offering Up To 40% Off During The Come Aboard Sale
Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift? If your love language is travel plans, then Princess Cruises is here to help with up to 40% off cruise fares until Monday, February 16. Whether you need a tropical escape during this brutal winter weather, are looking for a European itinerary or a restful weekend at sea, the Princess Cruises’ limited-time Come Aboard Sale makes booking a future trip feel like a smart splurge. USA Today
Canadian Interest In Visiting The United States Plummets: Domestic And Europe Trips Greatly Preferred
A new Flight Centre Canada national YouGov survey suggests the shift away from U.S. travel for Canadians isn’t going away. It also says three times as many Canadians are interested in a Europe trip as they are in a visit to the States. The study found that 62% of Canadians say they are less likely to visit the U.S. in 2026 compared to last year. The U.S. also placed fifth on the list of where Canadians would like to go this year, finishing far behind trips within Canada and trips to Europe and slightly behind visits to Mexico and Asia. Jim Byers Travel
Yosemite National Park Prepares For Influx Of Firefall Visitors As Park Drops Reservations
Officials at Yosemite National Park said they are preparing for an influx of visitors to witness the annual “firefall” phenomenon at Horsetail Fall, as no reservations will be required this year. In a statement, the park said the projected viewing period in 2026 is from Tuesday, Feb. 10 through Thursday, Feb. 26. Officials stressed the effect depends on several natural conditions, including water flow, clear skies and the angle of the setting sun. CBS News
JetBlue Passengers Confined On Plane For Hours Due To ‘Security-Related Situation’
Passengers on a JetBlue flight from Boston to Aruba experienced significant delays on Monday (February 9) when their aircraft was held for nearly two hours after landing due to what officials described as a “security-related situation.” Flight 473 landed at Queen Beatrix International Airport but was immediately directed to park in an alternate location away from the terminal. Passengers were confined to the aircraft while authorities investigated the unspecified security concern. iHeart
Capri Cracks Down On Tour Groups As Island Struggles With Overcrowding
A popular Italian island known for its designer shopping and glamorous history has tightened its tour group restrictions. Capri, found in the Bay of Naples, has introduced guidelines which limit groups to 40 people in an attempt to stem overcrowding. “They look like herds of sheep and it’s not nice to see,” Paolo Falco, the island’s mayor, told the Times. “We need to save beauty; we don’t have any other choice.” The Independent
Denmark’s Message For U.S. Travelers Amid Greenland Tensions
But VisitDenmark has a reassuring message for U.S. travelers: They’re warmly welcomed in the Scandinavian country, a sentiment the national tourist board emphasized in a recent email to approximately 6,000 U.S.-based travel agents and tour operators, Mette Ejlskov Hansen, Visit Denmark’s U.S. marketing manager, confirmed to Afar. “First and foremost, travelers are welcome in Denmark,” stated the January 26 email. “At this time, there is no indication that the situation has affected travel safety, visitor experience, or tourism operations in Denmark. This is based on our regular conversations with the travel industry and recent travel reporting.” AFAR
What Really Changed In National Parks After Last Year’s Upheaval
It’s been roughly a year since the sweeping National Park Service layoffs that park advocates dubbed the “Valentine’s Day massacre.” Around the same time, references to transgender people were scrubbed from Stonewall National Monument’s website and conservation groups began sounding alarms about other potential changes to public lands. USA Today
How Hawaii Pushed Out Native Hawaiians
Sara Kehaulani Goo was 8 years old when she learned a secret. Deep in a swath of her family’s ancestral land on the isolated eastern tip of Maui stood a 13th-century temple known as a heiau, perhaps the largest anywhere in Polynesia. Even as a girl, she understood the spiritual weight of this Hawaiian place of worship. At first sight, she was astonished by the “tidal wave of black” before her eyes. Washington Post
Bottle-To-Throttle: The Precautions Airlines Take To Make Sure Your Pilot Is Sober
It’s widely understood that drinking and operating heavy machinery don’t mix. Alcohol can slow reaction time, impair judgment, cause trouble focusing and lead to dizziness or nausea — effects that become even more dangerous when operating an aircraft. CNN
Help! Bedbugs Attacked Us, And Our Luxury Hotel Won’t Admit It.
A country resort near Paris refused to cover $800 worth of medical and cleaning bills for a couple who woke up covered in bites. They’d like their stay comped, too. New York Times
Why Men Don’t Want To Be Flight Attendants
When an all-male cabin crew worked a China Airlines flight from Taipei to New York last month, it was something of a coup. It didn’t happen by accident, nor was it planned by the airline. In fact, a group of the carrier’s more senior male flight attendants created the scenario themselves by all bidding to be added to the rota for that service, with female cabin crew agreeing to step aside. The stunt was to commemorate a change in the policy of China Airlines, which had previously limited the number of male cabin crew who could work on any single flight. Indeed, industry insiders believe this practice remains in place at other carriers. The Telegraph
With regards to the story of the couple who stayed in a hotel in France and woke up with bed bug bites, it was clickbait. I couldn’t read the story without subscribing to the news service. As a frequent reader, that’s just not something I’m willing to do. Just thought you’d like to know. Thanks!
Travel enthusiast always on the lookout for smart tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly travel hacks. I follow JohnnyJet.com to stay inspired by real travel experiences, helpful advice, and the latest travel news. Whether it’s finding flight deals, exploring new destinations, or planning efficient trips, I love learning from the travel community. Passionate about exploring the world one journey at a time and sharing insights along the way. Let’s keep discovering and making travel more rewarding together!
Great roundup of the latest travel updates! From the new TSA screening technologies to the trending destinations for 2024, this article covers everything a traveler needs to know. I especially appreciated the tips on avoiding flight delays and the insights into airline policy changes. JohnnyJet always delivers practical and timely advice—perfect for planning stress-free trips. Thanks for keeping us informed!
Arthur Frommer, RIP, was a particular inspiration to me, and I am honored that, as one of his authors, our names will be linked together for posterity.
TSA numbers of no value. Who cares?
Why would anyone care about yesterday’s TSA numbers? This is silly.
A lot of people do. Shows how the economy is doing especially for the airlines.
What’s your recommended VPN