18 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):
=== Sunday, May 10 ===
LAX-Bound Frontier Airlines Flight Hit Person on Denver Runway
The plane, en route from Denver to Los Angeles International Airport, “reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday,” the airport’s official X account wrote. Neither the airport nor the airline has disclosed the pedestrian’s condition. Footage posted to social media by a passenger appears to capture the moment of impact during takeoff. A loud crashing sound can be heard, followed by screams from passengers inside the plane. NBC Los Angeles
Hantavirus Cruise Ship Part Of Antarctic Tourism Boom That Some Want Better Regulated
Tourism in the Antarctic Peninsula is a niche but booming industry powered by deep-pocketed adventure-seekers travelling thousands of miles to marvel at penguin colonies and take “polar plunges” in sight of icebergs. But growing numbers of visitors bring risks including disease, invasive species and pollution to the delicate ecosystems of Antarctica and the remote sub-Antarctic islands that teem with bird life, sea lions and whales. Reuters
Can You Catch Hantavirus On A Flight? Here’s What Experts Say
Airline passengers are at very low risk of contracting hantavirus while they fly, experts say. Amid the current cruise ship outbreak, many travelers are wondering how their own plans may be affected. The good news for flyers is there’s virtually no risk of catching the virus during a plane trip, but for those who are still concerned, some basic precautions can reduce that small risk even more. USA Today
This American Doctor Thought He Was Going On Vacation. He Ended Up Treating Hantavirus Patients On The Infected Ship
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld boarded the MV Hondius in the southern tip of Argentina last month anticipating a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, exploring vast icy expanses and remote islands, seeing wildlife like whales, dolphins and penguins up close. But a few weeks into his vacation across the Atlantic Ocean, the Oregon doctor jumped into action caring for passengers after a deadly hantavirus outbreak began spreading through the ship, sickening the vessel’s doctor. CNN
Airports Are Already Running Out Of Fuel, Says Lufthansa
Some major airports have already begun to run out of jet fuel as a result of the Iran war, the boss of German airline Lufthansa has warned. In one of the first cases of fuel shortages directly affecting a European carrier, a Lufthansa flight to Cape Town was unable to refuel on landing last week. The Telegraph
Papa Johns Is Letting Customers Buy Pizza With Unusable Spirit Airlines Points
Papa Johns is offering free pizza to former Spirit Airlines loyalty members after the airline ceased operations. Customers must prove Spirit loyalty membership and join Papa Rewards to claim a code for a large one-topping pizza. Spirit Airlines announced its shutdown after failing to secure a $500 million government bailout. People
Singapore Airlines To Roll Out Starlink Internet Connection On Select Aircraft From 2027
The Singaporean flag carrier will offer the service for free to all customers, including economy class, provided you are a KrisFlyer member. The loyalty programme is free to join. The rollout will begin in the first quarter of 2027 and will be added to the airline’s Airbus A350-900 long-haul, A350-900 ultra-long-range and A380 aircraft. It is expected that the fleet will be fully connected by the end of 2029. Euronews
Both Engines Shut Off And Cockpit Struggle Came Before 2022 China Plane Crash, NTSB Data Suggests
Both engines were shut off and there was a cockpit struggle before a China Eastern Airlines jet slammed into a mountain in 2022 and killed all 132 people aboard, newly released data by American investigators suggests. In response to a public records request, the National Transportation Safety Board released a report recently on what the Boeing 737-800’s flight data recorder revealed. The NTSB became involved in the Chinese investigation because the plane and engines were made by American companies and the U.S. investigators are regarded as the world’s leading experts on analyzing black boxes after a crash. AP
It’s Always Happy Hour At The Airport Bar, But Ryanair’s CEO Is Calling For A Crackdown On 6am Tipples: ‘Who Needs To Be Drinking Beer At That Time?’
Airports are the place where outside rules suddenly cease to exist. Beyond the security gates and ID checkpoints, inhibitions loosen and time flows differently. Part of this is by design, from long corridors to the conspicuous absence of clocks, and the hour of the day doesn’t seem as important once inside the terminal. And if it doesn’t matter whether it’s 6 o’clock in the a.m. or the p.m., then it follows that there mustn’t be anything wrong with stopping at the airport bar for a quick pre-flight drink. Fortune
Spirit Airlines Lawyer Says Jet Fuel Price Surge Left Carrier With ‘No Remaining Way Out’ Of Bankruptcy
A lawyer for Spirit Airlines said Tuesday that the surge in jet fuel prices left the company with “no remaining way out” of bankruptcy and caused it to cease operations last weekend, while it seeks permission to sell assets on an ongoing basis and pay bonuses to remaining employees. Fox Business
115 People Sickened In Norovirus Outbreak On Cruise Ship: CDC
More than 100 people have been sickened in a norovirus outbreak on board a Caribbean Princess cruise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the agency, 102 passengers and 13 crew members were reported sick so far, with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. ABC News
Cathay To Reduce Airline Fuel Surcharges From May 16
In response many airlines have raised fares and revised their financial outlooks and Cathay in March also announced rises in fuel surcharges. But on Friday, it said it will broadly cut fuel surcharges for long-haul flights by about HK$200 ($25.55) to HK$1,362 from HK$1,560, while reducing short-haul surcharges by HK$50 to HK$339 from HK$389 and medium-haul charges to HK$633 from HK$725. For flights from mainland China to Hong Kong, the surcharge will remain at HK$135, while for those going in the opposite direction, they will stay at HK$165, a notice from the carrier showed. Reuters
Delta Worker Dies At Airport After Tug Vehicle Crashes Into Jet Bridge
A Delta Air Lines employee has died after being injured on the job. The incident happened at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on the evening of Thursday, May 7. In a statement to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the airport said it is “deeply saddened about the loss of a team member from one of our airline partners.” People
Virgin Atlantic Cancels Dubai Route Until 2027
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled its UK flights to Dubai until at least winter 2027. The airline said: “Unfortunately, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our seasonal service to Dubai for the winter 2026 season.” According to Virgin Atlantic, the “temporary pause” for Dubai flights will end next year, subject to safety assessments and demand. The Independent
Temporary Alcohol Ban In Popular Caribbean Country Will Apply To Tourists From Cruise Ships
Alcohol sales will be banned in the Bahamas on Tuesday, May 12, due to the country’s general election. The ban applies to all Bahamian islands, including private islands owned by cruise lines. Royal Caribbean confirmed to PEOPLE that alcohol will be banned at Coco Cay, its private island in the Bahamas that day. People
Spirit Airlines: The Low-Cost Trailblazer That Transformed Air Travel
With its collapse on May 2, Spirit Airlines leaves behind an airline industry that was transformed by its presence. As the U.S. pioneer of the no-frills business model, the general public will likely remember Spirit as the unruly and often unfriendly airline portrayed and parodied by late-night talk show hosts. Travel Weekly
State Department Will Revoke Passports Of Parents Who Owe Child Support
The Trump administration said it would start revoking the passports of Americans who owe more than $2,500 in child support payments, seeking to enforce a decades-old federal law. President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act in 1996, a law that enacted significant changes to the federal social safety net. Among those changes was a provision that the State Department be notified of people with delinquent child support debts. It said that the secretary of state “may revoke, restrict, or limit a passport issued previously to such individual.” The New York Times
Tourists Killed By Volcano After Ignoring Warnings
Three hikers who ignored volcano warnings have been killed by an eruption on an Indonesian island. The eruption of Mount Dukono on the island of Halmahera, eastern Indonesia, sent a plume of ash more than six miles (10km) into the sky. Twenty hikers were on the slopes of the volcano when it erupted, according to Erlichson Pasaribu, a local police commander. Nine of them were from Singapore and the rest from Indonesia. Two of the dead are reported to be Singaporean and the third Indonesian. The Telegraph
=== Thursday, May 7 ===
Race To Trace Passengers Who Left Hantavirus Cruise Ship At Island
Dozens of people who had been on board a hantavirus-hit cruise ship disembarked on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, including a woman who later died, the Dutch government and the ship’s operator have said. Oceanwide Expeditions said 29 passengers, of at least 12 different nationalities, left the MV Hondius on 24 April. The Dutch government gave a different figure of 40. BBC
Delta Cancels Hundreds Of Flights, But There’s More To It
Delta Air Lines is apologizing to passengers after canceling hundreds of flights over the weekend. The airline made a promise to customers that it is actively working to improve its operational reliability going forward. Between May 2 and May 3, Delta canceled nearly 350 flights and delayed hundreds more, according to FlightAware. The airline acknowledged the cancellations in a statement to USA TODAY and said they were caused largely by crew scheduling issues. USA Today
US Says Airline Jet Fuel Costs Jumped $1.8 Billion Or 56% In March
Major U.S. passenger airlines spent just over $5 billion on jet fuel in March, up $1.8 billion or 56% from what they spent in February, the U.S. Transportation Department said on Wednesday. The cost per gallon of fuel in March was $3.13, up 74 cents, and 31% over February. Fuel use rose 20% in March, USDOT added. Reuters
Spirit Airlines Starts Dismantling Company After Collapse
Spirit Airlines said in a filing that the budget for unwinding the airline would be about $217 million. The discount carrier shut down before dawn on Saturday after years of struggles. The carrier’s collapse stranded tens of thousands of customers. CNBC
A Spirit Airlines Fan Has Launched Spirit 2.0, A Crowdsourcing Effort To Buy The Airline: ‘The People Can Own It’
Spirit Airlines shut down on Saturday after 34 years of service. In response, a former passenger launched a grassroots effort called Spirit 2.0. He is calling for regular people to rally together to purchase Spirit Airlines. Insider
Frontier Airlines Forecasts Revenue Boost From Spirit Collapse
Frontier Airlines expects a revenue boost from Spirit Airlines’ collapse. Frontier was Spirit’s planned merger partner four years ago before JetBlue swooped in with an all-cash offer in a deal that was eventually blocked by a U.S. judge in 2024. Before Spirit’s collapse, the budget airline had 35% overlap with Frontier’s seats. CNBC
AirAsia Bets Big On Efficiency With Order For 150 Airbus A220 Jets Listed For $19 Billion
Budget airline AirAsia is ordering 150 Airbus A220-300 jets in a deal valued at about $19 billion at list prices, marking the largest single order ever placed for the A220 planes. The deal was announced Thursday at an Airbus factory in Mirabel, Quebec. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended. Airlines are modernizing their fleets and moving to better manage rising costs by purchasing fuel-efficient narrow-body jets. AP
A Small Town In Germany Braces For End To Decades Of Life With US Troops
The picturesque Bavarian town of Vilseck has hosted U.S. forces since the end of World War Two and could bear the brunt of President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw at least 5,000 troops from Germany. Although details of the units affected by the order have not been confirmed, the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment — the only permanent brigade combat team in Germany — based at Rose Barracks in Vilseck is expected to go. Reuters
Air Canada To Suspend Several Seasonal Summer U.S. Routes
Weeks after suspending three routes to the U.S., Air Canada is making further cuts. Air Canada plans to end four of its seasonal summer routes to the U.S. earlier than expected due to rising fuel costs, the airline said Tuesday. The airline will suspend its flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) on Aug. 1; between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) on July 29; between YYZ and Charleston International Airport (CHS) on Sept. 6; and between Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), with a suspension in place from Sept. 5 to Oct. 19. The Points Guy
Yosemite Ditches Reservations, Drawing Huge Crowds In A Free-For-All
People heading to Yosemite to escape urban congestion fumed this weekend as they waited in a seemingly endless line of cars at the park entrance. Inside, they circled aimlessly around full parking lots, scanning for empty spots instead of majestic views. Near the summit of Half Dome, on the infamous steel cables hikers use to ascend the final stretch of bare granite, another traffic jam formed, trapping people hundreds of feet in the air, according to social media posts. LA Times
Baltimore Bakery Truck Driver Believed He Was Dead Moments Before He Was Hit By United Airlines Jet
The bakery truck driver who narrowly escaped death when a United Airlines flight struck his vehicle while coming in to land at Newark Airport believed he was about to be decapitated moments before the terrifying crash. Warren Boardley Jr., who works for Baltimore-based H&S Bakery, witnessed a flash of light seconds before United Flight 169 clipped his truck as he drove along the New Jersey Turnpike on Sunday afternoon, his father revealed. “He described fear, total fear that he wouldn’t walk away from it, that he would be decapitated. That’s what he thought,” Boardley’s father, Warren Boardley Sr., told reporters during a press conference Tuesday, according to WBAL. CA Post
Man Says His Waymo Dropped Him Off At The Airport, Then Drove Away With His Luggage Still Inside
Di Jin alleged said that he used Waymo for the first time last month to go to San José Mineta International Airport, but that the vehicle drove off before he could get his luggage, according to a report. The man said he boarded his flight to San Diego without his clothes and work notes. He later said the company eventually offered to pay to ship his luggage to him. People
JD Power Study Shows Which Airlines Are Customer Favorites
Despite all the travel headaches in the last year – Real ID implementation, multiple government funding lapses and more – passengers are more satisfied now than they were a year ago with how airlines are performing. JD Power’s annual North American Airline Satisfaction Study shows that the industry as a whole improved eight points on a 1,000-point scale over last year’s results. USA Today
Klimt Ceiling Paintings On Display In Vienna Theater’s Daily Scaffolding Tours
For more than a century, only conservators and experts could catch a close-up glimpse of early works by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt in Vienna, but Klimt fans are now getting that opportunity on daily guided tours high up on scaffolding. The 10 oil paintings, which are on the 18-meter-high (60-foot-high) ceilings of the renowned Burgtheater in Austria’s capital, are being restored because of water damage. ABC News
=== Tuesday, May 5 ===
Gas Prices Rise Across All 50 States. Where Are The Highest, Lowest?
The average price of a gallon of gas in the United States is on the rise in all 50 states, one prominent fuel industry analyst said. “Gasoline prices rose in every state over the last week, with some of the most significant and fastest increases concentrated in the Great Lakes, where states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois saw sharp spikes, while Wisconsin experienced more modest gains,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy said in a blog post. USA Today
JetBlue Expands Fort Lauderdale Flying: 11 New Destinations, More Flights And Spirit Status Match
JetBlue today announced that its expanded Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) schedule and a new loyalty status match for eligible Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Silver and Gold members are now available at jetblue.com and on the JetBlue mobile app. Part of its effort to support travelers following the shutdown of Spirit Airlines, the previously announced expansion includes 11 new destinations from FLL and increased frequencies on existing JetBlue routes, giving customers more options to book the airline’s award-winning service and everyday affordable fares. JetBlue News
United Airlines Flight 169 Collides With Truck And Light Pole As It Lands At Newark Airport
A United Airlines flight arriving from Italy struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike while on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon, damaging the truck and sending its driver to the hospital with minor injuries, authorities said. ABC NY
Southwest Adds Over A Dozen New Routes
Southwest is rolling out new routes from two of its busiest hub locations – Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida. The carrier said Monday that it is working to expand its presence in its most important markets. Some of the connections included in the airline’s announcement, such as Las Vegas to Santa Rosa, California, already came online earlier this year. Airline Geeks
Pirates Of The Caribbean Closes At Disneyland Today For Refurbishment Of 59-Year-Old Ride
Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride and Blue Bayou restaurant are officially closing for refurbishment on May 3. Disney has not announced an official reopening date for the attractions. The ride, which opened in 1967, was the last attraction personally overseen by Walt Disney before his death in 1966. The attraction inspired the blockbuster film franchise starring Johnny Depp, beginning with 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl. People
What Does Spirit Airlines’ Shutdown Mean For Travelers?
The Spirit Airlines shutdown will ripple through commercial aviation, likely raising higher fares as the budget carrier exits the market, industry experts said. “Any time you have a reduction in capacity and demand increases, airfares have nowhere to go but up. And that doesn’t count the fares that are already rising because of the spike in fuel prices,” CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg told CBS News Boston. CBS News
How Spirit Airlines’ Demise Will Benefit Rivals — And Raise Airfares Even More
Airlines have wasted no time in beefing up their schedules in the wake of Spirit Airlines’ collapse. Carriers are competing for Spirit’s routes and gates. The budget airline collapsed after years of mounting problems that were compounded by this year’s surge in jet fuel prices because of the Iran war. CNBC
Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency Due To Health Issues
Dolly Parton has canceled her Las Vegas residency, which had been rescheduled for September, citing her previously reported health issues, while adding that she’s been “responding really well to meds and treatments” and “improving every day,” although the treatments make her “a little swimmy headed.” Variety
Delta Removes Food And Beverage Service On These Daily Flights
If you’re taking a short Delta Air Lines flight this summer, you won’t receive food and beverage service. The airline said it’s making changes to its in-flight food and beverage service, including removing the offering from around 450 daily flights, or about 9%. USA Today
Three Cruise Ship Passengers Die In Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak
Three people have died and three are ill after a Netherlands-based cruise ship was hit by a suspected outbreak of hantavirus, a rodent-borne virus that can cause fatal respiratory illness, authorities and media reports said on Sunday. Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions said in a news release it was “managing a serious medical situation” on a polar expedition ship, the MV Hondius, which was off Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic west of Africa. Reuters
The Fuel-Price Crunch That’s Turning Into A Disaster For Airlines
The jet-fuel crisis is turning into a disaster for airlines. Across the world airlines have been trying to deal with rising fuel costs that are threatening to add billions of dollars in unexpected expenses this year, and forcing carriers to raise fares and trim routes to stem their mounting costs. WSJ
New Nonstops From Las Vegas: Southwest Airlines Targets Alaska, Mexico, And Costa Rica
Southwest Airlines, the leading carrier at Harry Reid International Airport, outlined an extensive flight expansion set to unfold over the next 10 months. The initiative introduces nonstop service to 11 new destinations while ramping up frequencies on 15 established routes. This move bolsters connectivity from the busy Nevada hub amid shifting industry dynamics. Las Vegas News
American Pilots Union Chief Says United CEO’s Merger Idea Showed ‘Bold Vision’
The head of American Airlines’ pilots union told members that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby’s merger idea showed the kind of “bold vision” the carrier needs, even as the union stopped short of endorsing a tie-up between the two airlines. In an email to pilots on Monday, seen by Reuters, Allied Pilots Association President Nick Silva said Kirby’s vision could be “transformative” for passengers, communities and American Airlines pilots. CNBC
United Airlines Declares Onboard Emergency After ‘Unruly Passenger’ Allegedly Attempted To Force Entry Into Cockpit
A United Airlines passenger was detained at a New Jersey airport following an alleged onboard incident. The Port Authority Police Department received reports of an “altercation” on United Airlines flight 1837 at around 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 2, as it arrived at Newark Liberty Airport, CBS News and ABC7 New York reported. MSN
100 Travel Hotspots Made Famous By Film And TV
Location, location, location: If the destinations featured on big and small screens are any indication, these are the ultimate trips to put on your bucket list. The Hollywood Reporter
London Studio Photographed Hundreds Of Celebrity Passport Photos
For more than six decades it was an intimate celebrity hotspot — a small walk-up shop on London’s Oxford Street that offered no luxury goods, only a set of matchbook-sized portraits printed in ten minutes or less. The family-owned business Passport Photo Service was known for its speedy service and its wall-to-wall photos of its starry customers before it closed in 2019. Founded by a professional boxer-turned-photographer, Dave Sharkey, and passed down to his son, Philip, the Sharkey family and their staff took photographs for passports, visas and green cards of famous and non-famous faces alike. CNN
=== Sunday, May 3 ===
Trump Signs Bill To Fund DHS After Lengthy Shutdown Over ICE Operations
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed into law legislation funding Department of Homeland Security agencies including the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration, ending a partial shutdown that has gripped DHS operations for nearly 11 weeks. Reuters
Airlines Step Up To Help Stranded Spirit Airlines Passengers And Employees
Yesterday, I wrote a post based on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reporting that Spirit Airlines was preparing to cease operations if the U.S. government didn’t bail them out at the last minute. The government didn’t (wisely) and unfortunately, Spirit Airlines did indeed cease operations early this morning. That has left thousands of travelers and employees left scrambling. The good news is that several major carriers are stepping up in a big way to help ease the disruption. (JohnnyJet)
American Airlines Is Cracking Down on Portable Chargers Starting May 1
If you travel with a portable charger, pay attention. American Airlines is rolling out new rules starting May 1 that could impact how you use and store your power bank onboard. JohnnyJet.com
United Airlines And American Airlines Cancel 2,696 Flights This May After FAA Order
Airlines operating at the globe’s busiest airport are being ordered to cut back their schedules to prevent operational chaos before the summer travel period. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring carriers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport to reduce services in a targeted effort to limit disruptions. (MSN)
United Airlines Pilot Reports Possible Drone Collision 3,000 Feet Over San Diego
A United Airlines pilot arriving in San Diego on Wednesday morning reported encountering a drone thousands of feet in the air as the plane approached the airport, according to airport tower audio. United flight 1980 departed from San Francisco International Airport at 6:53 a.m. and flew roughly 90 minutes before arriving at San Diego International at 8:28 a.m. After the Boeing 737 landed at the airport in San Diego, the pilot reported to the tower that the plane had possibly hit a drone while flying at about 3,000 feet. LA Times
SFO And Oakland Settle Trademark Dispute – ‘Oakland San Francisco Bay’ Name Stays
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport will keep its name, officials at the San Francisco city attorney’s office said Tuesday, announcing a settlement in the trademark dispute that became an intercity spat. Officials in San Francisco filed the lawsuit in April 2024 after the Port of Oakland decided to embellish the facility’s name. For a fleeting period, planes took off and landed from runways at the “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport,” located just west of the Oakland Coliseum and a troubled stretch of Hegenberger Road, about twelve miles from San Francisco. SF Chronicle
Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary Claims Wizz Air And AirBaltic Won’t Survive Winter Due To Jet Fuel Crisis
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary claims both Wizz Air and airBaltic could exhaust their cash reserves by the end of the winter due to the ongoing fuel crisis, leading to their potential collapse. O’Leary has stated that fuel costs for his airline increased by £50 million this month, with warnings that the wider airline industry could face shortages as early as May. Daily Mail
Fiji Airways Suspends Nadi–Dallas Route Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Fiji Airways will suspend its Nadi–Dallas service from September 7, as the airline adjusts its network in response to soaring jet fuel prices and shifting passenger demand. The airline said the decision comes despite continued strong demand across key markets, with a focus now on maintaining sustainable routes and global connectivity. “Due to the ongoing impact of high jet fuel prices and changes in passenger demand, Fiji Airways will suspend its Nadi–Dallas service effective 7 September,” the airline said. The Fiji Times
Cruise Ship Passenger Falls Over Balcony To Her Death Near Catalina Island
Authorities are investigating the death of a woman during a cruise from Long Beach that was sailing from Catalina to Ensenada, Mexico. The incident occurred aboard the Carnival Firenze, a roughly 1,000-foot cruise ship with capacity for about 4,100 guests and around 1,400 crew members. Patch
Over 1,000 TSA Officers Have Quit Amid Shutdown
More than 1,110 officers at the Transportation Security Administration have quit since the ongoing DHS shutdown began Feb. 14, a spokesperson said. That figure marks a sharp increase from just over 830 reported departures a week earlier, reflecting the strain of the prolonged funding lapse. POLITICO
=== Saturday, May 2 ===
Airlines Step Up To Help Stranded Spirit Airlines Passengers And Employees
Yesterday, I wrote a post based on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reporting that Spirit Airlines was preparing to cease operations if the U.S. government didn’t bail them out at the last minute. The government didn’t (wisely) and unfortunately, Spirit Airlines did indeed cease operations early this morning. That has left thousands of travelers and employees left scrambling. The good news is that several major carriers are stepping up in a big way to help ease the disruption. (JohnnyJet)
United Airlines And American Airlines Cancel 2,696 Flights This May After FAA Order
Airlines operating at the globe’s busiest airport are being ordered to cut back their schedules to prevent operational chaos before the summer travel period. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requiring carriers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport to reduce services in a targeted effort to limit disruptions. (MSN)
British Backpacker Faces Years In Thai Jail After Picking Up Woman’s Phone He Mistook For His Own
A British backpacker faces jail in Thailand after allegedly picking up a stranger’s phone by mistake. Rory McColl, 37, flew into Bangkok on March 9 for a 12-day trip but was arrested on his first night out after bar staff alerted police. His parents say the father-of-one spent two nights in a concrete cell before being released on bail, but has since been stranded in the country after his passport was confiscated. (Daily Mail via MSN)
MSC Cruises Raises Gratuity Fees For Caribbean, Alaska Trips
Some MSC Cruises passengers can expect to see higher charges on their accounts later this spring. The cruise line will raise its Hotel Service Charge gratuity rates for Caribbean and Alaska sailings beginning May 11. Passengers booked in the MSC Yacht Club will pay $23 per night, up from $20, while the rate for guests in other accommodations will increase from $16 to $17. (USA Today)
They Went Abroad To Save Money. Moving Back Seems Unaffordable.
Americans have enjoyed lifestyles that would normally be out of reach to them by working remotely in countries with lower living costs. (The New York Times)
Why Travel Companies Keep Sending Frustrating ‘No-Reply’ Emails
When Eileen Landauer’s hotel in Jasper, Canada, was evacuated because of a wildfire last summer, she faced more than a battle with her online travel agency for a refund. Landauer, an accountant from Palo Alto, California, also had to endure several “no-reply” emails from Booking.com – a polite way of saying, “Don’t bother writing back.” (USA Today)
John Cleese Visits Home Of Fawlty Towers For First Time In 50 Years
John Cleese has returned to the home of Fawlty Towers for the first time in more than 50 years. Cleese, 86, was last in Torquay, Devon, in the 1970s, where he met Donald Sinclair, the hotelier who inspired the character of Basil Fawlty. Recalling the encounter as he sat by the harbour in Torquay, he said “thank God” he had stayed at the Imperial Hotel in the 1970s, as, without it, the hit British sitcom might never have been written. (The Telegraph via MSN)
Traveler Slams Hotel As ‘Misleading’ For Charging For Bathroom Amenities That Appear To Be Free At First
A TikToker called out a hotel in San Antonio for charging guests for bathroom amenities that appear to be complimentary at first. The hotel’s minibar menu, tucked behind the items, revealed charges for products like shower steamers, face masks and lotion. Many commenters agreed the display was misleading as toiletries are often free and minibar menus typically list snacks. (People via MSN)
Seahawks To Open Wednesday Of Week 1 With Australia Game Thursday
The NFL announced the Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks will open the season on the Wednesday of Week 1 instead of hosting the usual Thursday night opener. The change is being made because the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will open their season in Melbourne, Australia in a game that will be broadcast on Thursday night in the United States. (ESPN)
Three Decades Later, Tokyo’s ‘Lost In Translation’ Hotel Remains Cinematic
After a 19-month closure and top-to-bottom overhaul, the Park Hyatt Tokyo reopened in December. On its own, that wouldn’t be particularly remarkable. Hotels close for refurbishment all the time. But this specific property has a certain mythology, says Colin Nagy, a Los Angeles-based marketing executive who has stayed there dozens of times. (The Washington Post via MSN)
How Airlines Turned First-Class Seats From Freebies To A Profit Engine
Twenty years ago, Delta Air Lines was giving away its best seats. Back then, only about 15 percent of first-class passengers paid for their seats, while most of the rest were loyal customers the airline had upgraded for free. Delta has since flipped the script: Today, it sells over 70 percent of those prime seats, a shift that has helped it become the most profitable airline in the United States. (The New York Times)
My Mother’s Dying Wish Took Me On A Trip I’ll Never Forget
On the ship I boarded at the bottom of Argentina with the three men I love most, I put my socks in a drawer, my sweaters on a shelf and my mother’s ashes in the cupboard above the minifridge. They were in a clear plastic bag inside a blue plastic box I’d ordered from Amazon, emblazoned with stickers that said “Cremated Remains” and “Fly Safe.” (The New York Times)
Iceland’s Chief ‘Lava Cooler’ Is Bracing For The Next Volcanic Eruption
As a swarm of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions began to rip through southwestern Iceland in late 2023, a firefighter named Helgi Hjorleifsson jumped into action. Lava was heading toward the already evacuated town of Grindavik, a power plant and the Blue Lagoon — one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. (The New York Times)
Help! An Airport Cart Left Me At The Wrong Gate, And Now I’m Out $1,300.
An airline agent’s attempt at a good deed went astray when it caused a 90-year-old traveler to miss his flight. Who should pay for his hotel and meals? (The New York Times)
Japan Airlines Fuel Surcharge Tops £250 As Shortages Bite
One of Asia’s biggest airlines has almost doubled its fuel surcharge for new tickets – meaning a London-Tokyo ticket now carries an extra fee of 56,000 yen (£260) each way. Japan Airlines (JAL) has raised the surcharge by 93 per cent for new tickets issued for travel from May, “due to fuel market prices reaching levels that far exceed initial expectations.” (The Independent via MSN)
**2026 Atlantic Hurricane Names: What Will Storms Be Called This Year?
The first name up this year is Arthur, followed by Bertha and Cristobal. If those names sound familiar, it’s because names are reused every six years. Many of the names slated for 2026 were also used in the record-setting 2020 season. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the busiest on record, with 30 named storms. Fourteen became hurricanes, including seven major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph. After that season, the name Laura was retired and replaced with Leah, which will be used for the first time in 2026. (AccuWeather via MSN)
TDS Much.
Hi Johnnie, I am a fan and live not far from you near Santa Monica. I am finally realizing a dream of mine in going to Ischia and can’t wait. I am going for 10 days in early May. I know your family is from there but not sure if you still have any there or any contacts? I am hoping to rent a room from a family rather than stay at a hotel? It is just for myself. I prefer to stay in Foria as I believe it is best for taking buses to see the island, plus if I want to take excursions and be near the ferry. Is there any chance you know of a family who may want to rent a room to me? Or is there a website that offers this type of accommodation? Is this common in Ischia? Since I will be alone, it just would be nice to have this type of experience. I do currently have reservations to stay at a hotel in Forio upon arriving. Some other info, can you give me a name of a driver who could show me the island and take me places as needed? I especially want to visit Saint Angelo. Thank you in advance and any info you can give me. I did keep a copy of the information you posted on your last trip and will take all your suggestions. Sincerely, Carol
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