12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

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

=== Sunday, March 15 === 

Over 100,000 Without Power As Major Storm Batters Hawaii
A slow-moving storm is battering Hawaii with heavy rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds, knocking out power for more than 100,000 Hawaiian Electric customers, including parts of Waikiki. Some streets are also underwater. On Friday, flooding concerns intensified on Oahu when the city Department of Emergency Management warned that a dam could fail, potentially resulting in “catastrophic flooding,” according to its emergency alert. The dam was nearing 83 feet, while the maximum level before failure is 90 feet. Officials issued an evacuation warning for the North Shore towns of Waialua and Haleiwa, which was lifted Saturday morning after water levels had stabilized. Yahoo

Airlines Call On Congress To End Shutdown And Pay TSA Staff
The CEOs of the country’s top airlines are calling on Congress to come together to end the partial government shutdown that is causing flight cancellations and long security lines at airports across the United States. The group asked Congressional leaders to move forward on bipartisan proposals to fund the Department of Homeland Security. NBC News

Oil Spikes Are Pushing Airlines To Hike Ticket Prices. These Carriers Have Already Raised Fares Or Canceled Flights.
Airline travelers’ wallets are taking a hit right now. Rising fuel costs and increased demand for direct flights are driving up ticket prices. Here are the airlines that have announced their airfares are going up. Business Insider

Passengers Face Hours-Long Delays Across DC-Area Airports After Equipment Malfunction At Air Traffic Control Center
Passengers at three airports in the Washington, DC, area are facing significant delays after a ground stop was issued Friday afternoon due to an equipment outage, according to the FAA and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who posted details on X. CNN

Why Flights Are Getting More Expensive After A Jet Fuel Spike
A surge in jet fuel prices is already rattling the airline industry, driving up fares and is expected to hit financial results. Jet fuel is generally airlines’ biggest cost after labor, accounting for 20% of expenses or more. Several U.S. airline executives told CNBC that travel demand remains strong. CNBC

TSA Lines At Airports Adds Pressure On Lawmakers To End DHS Shutdown
Growing security lines at airports around the country are putting pressure on both White House and Senate Democratic negotiators to reach a deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which saw its funding lapse nearly a month ago. Senate sources familiar with the negotiation say there’s been some progress behind the scenes, though not as much as both sides would have hoped as lawmakers in both parties hear complaints from constituents about chaos at airports. The Hill

Chicago Says FAA Should Not Cut Daily Flights Below 2,800
Chicago urged the Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday not to cut flights at the city’s O’Hare International Airport below 2,800 per day, saying it would be unwarranted and “lead to significant disruption to the National Airspace System.” The ‌FAA on February 27 proposed a 2,800 daily flight limit for summer flights, down from the 3,080 daily operations announced for the summer but above last summer’s 2,680 daily flights. The proposal came after the two main carriers at O’Hare—United Airlines and American Airlines—added significant flights as they battle to dominate the hub. Reuters

Most Airlines Refuse To Feed Me. I Was Told To Pack A Lunch For A £5,000, 24-Hour Flight
Nichi Hodgson, 42, was violently vomiting in the galley of an aircraft when it dawned on her how risky long-distance flying might be for people like her. “The cabin crew called out on the speaker for an onboard doctor to jab me with an EpiPen,” the broadcaster, who lives in east London, said of her allergic reaction, which she attributes to an apparently nut-free dessert that was served on a long-haul flight from London to Sydney in 2020. “It was like a movie, though much scarier as the cabin crew refused to inject me themselves. My throat was beginning to close and I was struggling to breathe.” The Telegraph

US Senate Fails To End Standoff Over Funding Homeland Security, Airport Screening
Senators from both parties failed on Thursday in competing efforts to fund the U.S. Transportation Security Administration as concerns about long ‌airport security lines disrupting flights rise and Republicans and Democrats point fingers at each other. The Senate on Thursday failed to get the 60-vote supermajority needed to advance a Republican proposal to fund the entire Homeland Security Department, after Republican Senator Bernie Moreno objected to an earlier Democratic proposal to separately fund the TSA. Reuters

With Middle East Hubs Unavailable, Airlines Add Direct Asia-Europe Flights
With operations at major East-West connecting carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad sharply curtailed due to the Iran war, airlines are surging short-term capacity on direct routes between Europe and the Far East. Lufthansa Group said Tuesday that Lufthansa Airlines and Austrian Airlines will add several flights on short notice in the coming weeks. Other carriers are also making additions, including Air India, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific. Travel Weekly

Virgin To Move NY Operations To Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
Virgin Voyages cruises departing from New York City will sail from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal starting on April 6, 2026. In a statement sent to booked guests, the company said that the change is valid for all of its scheduled sailings from the port. Operating seasonally from New York City, Virgin has previously sailed from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Cruise Industry News

Why Hotels Tuck Sheets In So Tightly
Besides the breakfast, the room service, and the minibar, perhaps the biggest benefit of a hotel stay is that crisp, fresh, just-turned-down feeling of tightly tucked bedding. As comfortable as they might be, though, those sheets are sometimes tucked in extraordinarily tight—making it something of a struggle to force your feet down to the bottom of the bed and free up enough room for yourself under the covers. Surprisingly, the origins of this practice lie not in hospitality, but in hospitals—and in particular, the so-called “hospital corner” method of tucking down a bedsheet. Mental Floss

=== Friday, March 13 === 

As Another Shutdown Impacts Travelers, Some See Privatizing TSA Screening As A Solution
Long security lines snaked into baggage claim areas and parking garages at some U.S. airports over the weekend, a possible indicator of more widespread travel problems as the latest government shutdown drags on. LA Times

In Tehran, Hope For Change Turns To Panic: ‘They Are Turning The Country Into Ruins’
Hoda was so furious over Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters in January that she initially supported attacks against the country’s security forces. But after bombs began striking near her Tehran home, her view changed. “I regret that and take it back. They are turning the country into ruins,” she said about the escalating conflict. NBC News

Air New Zealand To Cut Flights As Fuel Price Surge Wreaks Havoc On Travel
Air New Zealand said it will slash about 5 percent of its flights, roughly 1,100 services through early May, as the Iran war drives jet fuel prices sharply higher and disrupts travel across the aviation sector. Other airlines including Qantas, SAS and Thai Airways have also announced airfare increases in response to rising fuel costs. Reuters

Hilton CEO On U.S.’s Sinking Tourism Market Share: ‘I Don’t Think We Should Accept That’
Speaking at the Punchbowl News Conference in Washington, D.C., Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta warned that the United States has lost half of its inbound global travel market share over the last three decades, dropping from 10 percent to 5 percent. He pointed in part to declining travel from Canada amid ongoing political tensions. Travel Weekly

Hilton AI Planner To Provide Seamless Planned Journeys
Hilton has launched a beta version of its new AI Planner, a generative AI powered digital concierge designed to help travelers explore its global portfolio of hotels and create personalized travel plans and itineraries. The tool is part of the company’s effort to offer more tailored guest experiences. Travel Mole

Smirking Stoner, 23, Caught At Miami Airport With A Whopping 75 Pounds Of Marijuana Stashed In Luggage
Authorities say a 23 year old Texas man was arrested at Miami International Airport after allegedly attempting to check in for a flight to London with roughly 75 pounds of marijuana packed in his luggage. Harrison O’Neill Tiernan now faces a cannabis trafficking charge. NY Post

British Tourist Arrested In Dubai For ‘Filming Iranian Missiles’
A British man visiting Dubai has reportedly been arrested after allegedly filming missiles during the growing U.S.-Iran conflict. The 60 year old tourist from London was detained while on holiday in the Gulf city, according to campaign group Detained in Dubai. The Independent

United Airlines Just Set A Daily Record For Bookings, But That Isn’t Helping The Stock
United Airlines says it set a new daily booking record earlier this week as travelers plan spring break and summer trips. However, rising crude oil prices continue to weigh on airline stocks, limiting investor enthusiasm despite strong demand. MarketWatch

Noma Head Chef Resigns From Restaurant Amid Abuse Allegations
The head chef of Noma, one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants, has stepped down following allegations of abuse. René Redzepi announced his departure on social media after more than two decades leading the Copenhagen restaurant. BBC

Hawaii Braces For Powerful Kona Storm Bringing Heavy Rain And Strong Winds
Hawaii officials are preparing for a powerful Kona storm expected to bring strong winds, thunderstorms and possible flooding across several islands. Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation to help mobilize additional resources ahead of the storm. The Guardian

Frontier Flight Diverted To Miami After Midair Fight Between Passengers
A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Atlanta from Puerto Rico was forced to divert to Miami after a midair fight broke out between passengers. Authorities say a 31 year old Alabama woman has been arrested and faces felony and misdemeanor battery charges. 102.5 FM

United CEO Scott Kirby Has Never Eaten On A Flight To Europe, And That’s Telling
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says that despite flying across the Atlantic at least 100 times, he has never eaten a meal on flights from the United States to Europe, emphasizing that sleep and hydration are more important during overnight travel. One Mile At A Time

Princess Cruises Quietly Raises A Fee Affecting All Guests
Princess Cruises has doubled the cost of shipping its wearable Medallions to guests ahead of their sailing, raising the fee to $20 for U.S. and Puerto Rico residents and $25 for those in Canada. The cruise line says the change is needed to maintain reliable shipping services. Parade

American Airlines Involuntarily Bumps The Most Passengers — Their Internal Playbook Shows How To Get The Most Compensation
A leaked internal memo from American Airlines outlines how gate agents handle oversold flights, revealing that passengers who volunteer to give up their seats should typically receive the highest compensation offer made at the gate, with the third offer often representing the ceiling unless managers approve more. View From The Wing

Special Israeli Edition, Part 3: Home Is Where The Heart Attack Is
In a personal account from Israel during wartime, writer Mark Orwoll reflects on turning down a flight back to the United States shortly before the conflict began, leaving him temporarily stranded as the situation escalated. Mark Orwoll

=== Wednesday, March 11 === 

Great News! Global Entry Travel Program Has Been Restored
Finally, some good travel news. After weeks of uncertainty tied to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, the popular expedited-entry program Global Entry is officially back online. JohnnyJet.com

Lufthansa Pilots Plan A 48-Hour Strike On Thursday And Friday, Major Flight Disruptions Expected
Lufthansa pilots will launch a two-day strike starting early Thursday, escalating a long-running dispute over pensions. The walkout, called by the VC pilots’ union, affects Lufthansa passenger and cargo flights departing German airports from 00:01 on March 12 to 23:59 on March 13. DW

Major Airline Cancels All Flights Amid Middle East Conflict As Qantas Raises Prices
British Airways has pulled all services to five Middle Eastern destinations and Israel, citing ‘instability’ in regional airspace during the war. The carrier announced on Wednesday morning it had to temporarily reduce its flying schedule to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month. Daily Mail

With Middle East Hubs Unavailable, Airlines Add Direct Asia-Europe Flights
With operations at major East-West connecting carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad sharply curtailed due to the Iran war, airlines are surging short-term capacity on direct routes between Europe and the Far East. Lufthansa Group said Tuesday that Lufthansa Airlines and Austrian Airlines will add several flights on short notice in the coming weeks. Other carriers are also making additions, including Air India, Qantas and Cathay Pacific. Travel Weekly

American Airlines To Build Larger Lounge At Austin Airport
American Airlines plans to build a new lounge at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport amid the airport’s major expansion, the Fort Worth-based carrier announced Tuesday. The new Admirals Club will be roughly twice the size of the airline’s current lounge, spanning 12,000 square feet. The club is planned for the western end of the terminal and is set to include an outdoor terrace — a first-of-its-kind feature for American lounges. San Antonio Express

7 Disneyland Workers Hospitalized As Hazmat Situation Unfolds At Park
Seven Disneyland employees have been hospitalized as a hazmat situation unfolded at the popular California theme park Tuesday afternoon. The employees were taken to the hospital for “minor injuries” following an “unknown odor” in a backstage area near the Star Tours attraction, the Anaheim Police Department. The Independent

Spirit Airlines To Recall Furloughed Pilots As It Eyes Bankruptcy Exit
Spirit Airlines furloughed hundreds of its pilots but is now calling them back due to a shortage after aviators left the airline, many for other carriers, according to a memo reviewed by CNBC. The company last year filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year. The budget airline has said it plans to emerge from bankruptcy as early as this spring. CNBC

American Extends Doha, Tel Aviv Flight Suspension
American Airlines is extending the suspension of Doha flights for several more weeks. The airline’s route from Philadelphia International Airport won’t resume to Doha Hamad International until at least early May. “We are working closely with our partner airlines to assist customers traveling between the Middle East and European cities with service to the US during this period,” the airline said. TravelMole

Italy’s Baseball Stars Drop By Houston’s Top Italian Spots While Playing In WBC
Shortly after arriving in Houston, a group of professional baseball players, primarily of Italian descent, enjoyed a four-course meal at Tavola, the popular modern Italian restaurant located in Post Oak. The Italian Baseball Foundation organized the team dinner, and aside from the flight to Houston, it was one of the few team bonding activities before they took the field at Daikin Park for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Chron

She Bought The Brady Bunch House — And Helped Make It An Official LA Historic Landmark
When Tina Trahan first stepped into the Studio City house made famous by The Brady Bunch, she thought, “I have to have it.” The art collector grew up watching the classic family sitcom and was struck by a rush of familiarity in the mid-century, split-level house used in the sitcom’s exterior shots. LAist

Travelers Baffled By Bizarre ‘Cheek Splitter’ Airline Seat
It’s a real plane in the butt. An airplane passenger was taken aback after encountering a peculiar “cheek splitter” sky chair with a “perplexing” wedge bisecting the bum cushion. “I’ve been on a lot of planes around the world, but this was a first,” exclaimed the user while describing the torture device-esque accommodation on Reddit. NY Post

Hotels Vs. Vacation Rentals: How Hawaii’s Lodging Fared In January
Hawaii’s visitor lodging market split in January: Hotels gained ground while vacation rentals saw softer performance. Travel Weekly

=== Tuesday, March 10 === 

European Countries On Alert After Blasts Near A Belgian Synagogue And Outside US Embassy In Oslo
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said Monday that an explosion near a synagogue in the eastern city of Liege overnight was “a despicable antisemitic act” and that federal prosecutors were investigating, as several countries in Europe tighten security due to the war in the Middle East. (LA Times)

FAA Briefly Grounds JetBlue Flights
The Federal Aviation Administration briefly grounded all JetBlue flights early Tuesday due to a request from the airline, the agency said in a notice posted to its website. The ground stop was lifted about 40 minutes after it was imposed. (AP News)

Brussels Airport To Be Hit By Strikes This Week
All flights departing Brussels airport are cancelled on Thursday as staff strike over unpaid labour and pension reforms. No passenger flights will depart Belgium’s busiest airport due to the national demonstration and 24 hours of industrial action on 12 March. Brussels airport said it “unfortunately expects major disruptions to airport operations on that day”. (The Independent)

Middle East War Disrupts Tourism And Could Redirect Travellers To Spain
The ongoing war in the Middle East is already beginning to alter the map of international travel. Escalating tensions have forced the temporary closure of two of the region’s main air hubs, leading to cancellations, route diversions and growing uncertainty among airlines and travellers. (EuroNews)

Cruise Travelers Worry About Safety As Conflicts Grow
The U.S.–Israel war with Iran that began in late February forced several cruise ships to abandon original itineraries and left passengers stranded. The U.S. State Department warned travelers to leave more than a dozen countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt, citing serious safety risks. Following the killing of cartel leader El Mencho in Mexico, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America and Princess Cruises skipped Puerto Vallarta stops through at least March 12. Viking initially canceled Egypt sailings through March 31 due to the conflict but reinstated voyages starting March 12 after the State Department advisory remained unchanged. Industry experts say cruise lines are experienced at managing fluid travel risks and will reroute or replace ports, sometimes shifting entire itineraries from the Western to the Eastern Caribbean. (USA Today)

U.S. Preclearance Opens At Billy Bishop: What To Expect
Long-awaited, much anticipated U.S. preclearance operations open today (March 10) at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility requires all travellers to complete U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure. The result – a faster, more seamless arrival in the United States. Billy Bishop Customs pre-clearance will also include expedited screening for NEXUS card holders. (Travel Industry Today)

Celestyal Cancels Greek Island Cruises Amid Iran War
Celestyal has cancelled two of its Aegean cruises as its ships and some passengers remain stuck in the Arabian Gulf. The cruise line was forced to finish its Gulf season early this month amid the Iran conflict. Two of its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, are still in the region and are currently unable to sail back towards the Mediterranean due to uncertainty about the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. (The Independent)

Uber Expands Pilot Program Allowing Women To Seek Women Drivers, And Vice Versa
Uber launched a feature Monday to allow both women riders and drivers across the U.S. to be matched with other women for trips, expanding a pilot program aimed at addressing concerns about the safety of its ride-hailing platform. The new feature is being rolled out nationwide despite an ongoing class action lawsuit against the policy in California, filed by Uber drivers who argue that it discriminates against men. Rival ride-hailing company Lyft is facing a discrimination lawsuit over a similar offering that it introduced nationwide in 2024. (AP News)

‘Terrified’ Aussie Mum Cancels Her Trip To Bali Over Iran War Fears
Aussies have revealed they are cancelling flights to Bali or seriously reconsidering their holiday plans as the conflict in the Middle East ramps up. Justine Brown had planned to stay in Legian and Sanur for her 20-year wedding anniversary but pulled the plug at the last minute. “My anxiety level rose quite high even though I’m well aware that the Middle East is nowhere near Bali,” she said. “My anxiety got higher and higher and higher to the point where I had a full-blown anxiety attack. I didn’t want to go because I was terrified.” (Daily Mail)

Is It Safe To Travel To Cyprus? Latest UK Foreign Office Advice After Flights Cancelled
No place in Europe is set to feel the impact of the conflict unfolding across the horizon more than Cyprus. The tourist-dependent nation, the EU’s nearest member to the Middle East, attracted 4 million visitors last year, a third of them Brits for whom the former colony is an old favourite. (Metro)

The Middle East Crisis Ought To End Middle-Class Snobbery About Package Holidays
One of the disadvantages of being a professional travel writer used to be the dinner party conversations where I was pumped for advice about where to go on holiday. Now I am more likely to be regaled with tales of how my new friend made all their own holiday arrangements. As often as not, this was through Airbnb or Booking.com and based on advice from ChatGPT or similar AI tools. (The Telegraph)

Brazilian Airline To Launch Nonstop Flights From Rio De Janeiro To New York
Travelers in the United States are getting new nonstop access to one of South America’s most vibrant cities beginning this summer. In July, Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas will launch a historic new route between Rio de Janeiro and New York City. Beginning July 8, GOL will operate three nonstop flights per week between New York JFK and Brazil’s Rio/Galeão Tom Jobim International Airport. (Travel Pulse)

Vail Resorts Revenue, Skier Visits Plummet Amid ‘Worst-Case’ Season
Revenue and visitation at Vail Resorts’ North American destinations have dropped this winter amidst what its CEO, Rob Katz, said many would consider a “worst-case weather scenario,” nodding to the snow drought that’s gripped mountain states across the West. In a news release for investors, the company, which owns numerous ski resorts and sells the Epic Pass, shared stats that compared this season so far to the last. (Powder)

British Airways To Launch ‘World’s Largest Business Class Cabin’ With 110 Lie-Flat Seats
The major airline is set to launch the largest business class cabin in the world on its Airbus A380. British Airways intends to begin the refurbishment of the aircraft this year and plans for the makeover were reportedly released last week. They have since been taken down from the airline’s website, but some were quick enough to notice the impressive seat arrangements. (Daily Mail)

=== Monday, March 9 === 

As War Spreads, Airline Pilots Contend With Drones, Missiles And Stress
Airline pilots have faced escalating risks in recent years, from drone incursions to flight paths squeezed by conflict. Now U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran are making the skies even more perilous and ratcheting up the pressure on those flying through them. The outbreak of war in the Middle East has put hundreds of ballistic missiles and attack drones into the skies above some of the world’s busiest airports. Tehran’s retaliation against the U.S. and its allies has included hitting airports and grounding scores of flights from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. A trickle of rescue flights has made it through for thousands of stranded passengers. Reuters

Airline Shares Battered, Airfares Surge As Iran War Pushes Oil Above $100
Airline stocks were hammered on Monday while airfares soared as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran sent oil prices surging, sparking fears of a deep travel slump and the potential for widespread grounding of planes. Oil prices jumped 15% to above $105 a barrel, hitting levels not seen since 2022 as some major producers cut supplies and fears of prolonged shipping disruptions gripped the market. At one point Brent crude futures jumped as much as 29%. Reuters

LAX Aims To Cut Congestion With Major Rideshare Fee Increases
A plan to increase fees for rideshare pickups and drop-offs at Los Angeles International Airport is expected to be approved this week. The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners will meet Tuesday to vote on the proposal, which could more than double access fees for services like Uber, Lyft, taxis and limos in the coming months. KTLA

Delta Air Lines Faces Potential Million Dollar Fine After Tarmac Delays In Atlanta
After a bout of hail and harsh winds left its travel operations at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in chaos Friday night, Delta Air Lines is reportedly looking at a possible hefty fine. Severe storms initially led to the Federal Aviation Administration issuing a ground stop at Atlanta on Friday, but Delta eventually had to maintain its own ground stop as more than 50 aircraft and various pieces of ground equipment underwent inspection. Men’s Journal

‘Peace Of Mind.’ Spring Breakers Trade Mexico For These Destinations
Spring break may look a bit different for some travelers this year. Recent geopolitical escalations like the death of Mexican cartel leader “El Mencho” and the war in Iran upended many people’s travel plans, leaving some stranded due to closed airspaces or sheltering in place. Even destinations that are not directly impacted, such as Egypt and Dubai, experienced a ripple effect of travel disruptions, according to InsureMyTrip CEO Suzanne Morrow. On Feb. 28 the State Department issued an alert advising Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution. USA Today

Death Valley Sees Its Most Spectacular Superbloom In A Decade
Death Valley has come alive as a superbloom of wildflowers paints the normally barren landscape of Death Valley National Park in pink, purple and yellow hues. The park is one of the most extreme places on the planet and the hottest and driest location in North America. “This area that’s known basically for hot weather, sand and dirt has just become this amazing landscape of colors,” said David Blacker, executive director of the nonprofit Death Valley Natural History Association. “The smell is just amazing.” NBC News

Kansas City International Airport Reopens After ‘Threat’ Prompts FBI, Cops To Swarm Terminal
Kansas City International Airport in Missouri was partly evacuated over a “threat” Sunday afternoon but has since resumed normal operations, officials said. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X that the security incident at the airport had been cleared and operations were returning to normal. New York Post

Stranded Tourists Launch GoFundMe Campaigns To Cover Hotel Bills In Middle East
The Iran crisis has left stranded tourists rebooking flights and facing mounting hotel bills. Some travelers have turned to GoFundMe campaigns to raise money for accommodation and flight expenses while they wait for flights to resume. Business Insider has identified at least 28 active GoFundMe campaigns tied to the situation. Business Insider

12 Years On, Renewed Hunt For Missing Flight MH370 Comes Up Empty
Twelve years after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished with 239 people aboard, a renewed deep-sea search in the southern Indian Ocean has so far failed to locate the missing aircraft. Malaysian authorities said a seabed search conducted by marine robotics company Ocean Infinity between March 2025 and January 2026 surveyed thousands of square kilometers of ocean floor but did not produce confirmed findings of the aircraft wreckage. POLITICO

Avis And Hertz Hope Leaner Fleets Mean Better Results
After difficult years in 2025, rental car companies Hertz Global Holdings and Avis Budget Group are betting that smaller fleets and customer service improvements will lead to stronger results in 2026. Hertz recorded revenue of $8.5 billion last year, down from $9.05 billion in 2024, though its net loss improved to $747 million compared with a $2.86 billion loss the year before. Travel Weekly

American Airlines Creating Two America250-Themed Planes
American Airlines is joining companies such as Walmart, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz and Stellantis as an official sponsor and partner of America250, the effort to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The airline’s involvement comes as it marks its own 100 years in business, while Lufthansa will celebrate its centennial in 2026 and Delta Air Lines reached the milestone in 2025. Newsweek

Traveler Recounts Being Detained, Starved And Beaten In Venezuela
James Luckey-Lange had one final destination left before he could say he had visited every country in the continental Americas: Venezuela. U.S. officials had increasingly warned Americans not to travel there, saying the country’s authoritarian regime had been detaining U.S. citizens as leverage in negotiations. Luckey-Lange said he was detained, starved and beaten during his time in custody. The New York Times

=== Sunday, March 8 === 

Emirates To Resume Flights After Brief Halt On Missile Threats
Dubai’s Emirates plans to resume operations after flights were temporarily suspended on Saturday, following disruptions caused by another round of interceptions. About 30 minutes after it closed check-in and told passengers not to go to the airport, the carrier said it will resume operations and travelers with confirmed bookings could proceed to the airport. Bloomberg

Plane Ticket Prices Likely To Soar As Iran War Brings Huge Fuel Price Surge: United CEO Says Impact Will Probably Start Quick
The war in Iran has already caused the cost of plane tickets to rise, experts say. Jet fuel, which accounts for about one-fifth of airlines’ operating expenses, surged a staggering 56% in the days following the initial Feb. 28 U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a key Middle East trade route for oil and liquefied natural gas, is effectively closed amid the conflict. NY Post

Travel Industry Pushes Congress To End DHS Shutdown
With the busy spring break travel season looming, travel and aviation industry leaders urged Congress to end the stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security before federal workers at airports miss a full paycheck. NPR

Repatriation Flights Return Citizens From The Middle East: What Travelers Need To Know
Countries around the world are still working to safely return nationals stranded by war in the Middle East, with more evacuation flights set to take off in the coming days. However, the situation remains challenging and flight schedules are likely to be disrupted for some time, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth telling media Thursday night that the fight has “only just begun.” CNN

Iran War Threatens Global Travel Industry As Passengers Get Stuck
At least 20,000 flights in and out of the Middle East have been canceled since the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. More than a million people were affected by cancellations and airspace closures. It’s part of a growing number of conflicts that have affected the global tourism industry this year and shows that people far from falling missiles, drone attacks, and other geopolitical flashpoints aren’t immune to ripple effects. CNBC

The Narrow Corridor Planes Are Being Pushed Through To Avoid The Middle East Just Got Even Narrower
More airplanes have been re-routing through the Caucasus since Saturday’s strikes on Iran. Azerbaijan closed part of its airspace after an airport was hit by a drone on Thursday. It’s the latest country to be dragged into the conflict. Business Insider

Viking Reinstates Egypt River Cruises After Reassessment
After saying earlier this week it was canceling Nile River cruises for the rest of March, Viking said Thursday that it would resume departures on March 12. Viking reconsidered after monitoring the U.S.-Iran war and speaking with longtime ground operators in Egypt. The current U.S. State Department travel advisory also factored into its reversal. Travel Weekly

Travelers Stranded By War Learn Insurance Won’t Cover Flight Cancellations
As the war in Iran grounds flights worldwide, hundreds of thousands of travelers scrambling to get home are discovering a harsh reality: their travel insurance won’t cover replacement flights or extended hotel stays. Insurers, including Allianz SE and Zurich Insurance Group, don’t cover claims tied to the conflict under standard travel policies. Fighting has shuttered Gulf airports, including Dubai’s main airport, severing a critical transit corridor for long-haul travel. Bloomberg

Maps Show How Muscat Became The Center Of Middle East Air Travel When The Region’s Biggest Airports Closed
Governments and airlines are using Muscat as a hub, while other Gulf airports are limited. Business Insider created three maps showing how flights from the Omani capital have changed. Oman has friendlier relations with Iran than other Gulf countries do. Business Insider

MSC Cancels Departures In The Middle East
MSC Cruises cancelled two upcoming cruises in the Middle East onboard the MSC Euribia due to the current situation in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings scheduled to depart from Dubai on February 28 and March 7, 2026, will no longer go ahead. Cruise News

Stranded: Canadians Fear ‘Indefinite’ Stays In War-Torn Middle East
Canadians stranded by flight cancellations in the Middle East since U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran say they now face an indefinite wait. One traveler, Devin Ramoutar, said he arrived in Dubai with his parents and sister for a short vacation and their return flight has been canceled six times since American airstrikes began. Travel Industry Today

British Airways Boosts Flights To Cincinnati
British Airways is expanding its nonstop London Heathrow to Cincinnati service to six weekly flights from 29 March 2026, thanks to strong demand. This boosts capacity to Northern Kentucky International Airport by up to 60%. The route, first launched in 2023, remains the only nonstop air link to the UK from the Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana region. Travelmole

JetBlue Debuts Flights To Florida From JFK And Boston
JetBlue made its inaugural flight to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) today from New York’s JFK Airport, marking the airline’s 11th destination in Florida. The airline is also launching a new nonstop service between VPS and Boston Logan International Airport later today. TravelPulse

Americans Are Leaving The US In Record Numbers
In its 250th year, America is seeing more people move out than move in—a phenomenon not definitively seen since the Great Depression. The Trump administration hailed the negative net migration as the fulfillment of its immigration crackdown. Beneath the optics, however, Americans are leaving in record numbers, seeking more affordable and safer countries. WSJ

America’s Founding Documents Fly Out Of Nation’s Capital For First Time On The Freedom Plane
For the first time in U.S. history, several founding documents will travel to multiple cities aboard a dedicated jet in honor of the nation’s founding. “This initiative is all about bringing our history to life… and sending America’s big birthday party from the nation’s capital to the very heart of America,” said Monica Crowley, U.S. chief of protocol. CNN

Parties And Missile Threats: On Board A Cruise Ship Stuck In The Middle East Crisis Zone
Lesley Ballantyne woke to an emergency alert on her phone: “Potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building.” Outside, the only lights were those of Dubai port. Her partner, Alistair, seemed to have slept through it. CNN

=== Friday, March 5 === 

—More Repatriation Flights As Middle East Airspace Shutdown Leaves Thousands Stranded
Dozens of repatriation flights were due to depart from the Middle East on Wednesday as governments rushed to bring home tens of thousands of citizens stranded by the intensifying U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran. Reuters

—Airline Ticket Prices Soar On Asia-Europe Routes After Gulf Airport Closures
The price of flights between Asia and Europe has soared after the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, with airline websites showing tickets on many popular routes booked out for days. Major Gulf hubs, including the world’s busiest international airport Dubai, remained closed for a fourth day on Tuesday, slashing capacity on popular routes like Australia to Europe. Reuters

—Trump Administration Push To End New York Congestion Pricing Illegal, Judge Rules
The Trump administration’s efforts to end congestion pricing in New York City were illegal, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Judge Lewis Liman formally allowed the program, which charges cars that enter a section of Manhattan, to continue. The Hill

—As Iran Conflict Escalates, Oil & Gas Prices Soar
The average cost of a gallon of gas in the US was $3.11 yesterday, up by 11 cents from Monday and 23 cents from a month ago, per AAA. Analysts believe oil prices could reach $100 per barrel, which could push gas to $4 per gallon. Morning Brew

—Middle East Flights Virgin Atlantic Resumes Scheduled Dubai To London Route
Virgin Atlantic resumed operations out of the UAE with its first flight to London Heathrow since Middle East airspace closures began. The scheduled 11:20 am flight took off from Dubai International Airport at 11:50 am local time. EuroNews

—Dubai Says Limited Flights Have Resumed From Its Airports
Flights resumed on a limited basis from Dubai International Airport on Monday night as the U.S.-led attack on Iran caused chaos in the Middle East. Emirates prioritized travelers with existing bookings. The New York Times

—Trinidad And Tobago Declares State Of Emergency
Trinidad and Tobago declared a new state of emergency Tuesday due to ongoing violent crime, granting the government additional powers to make arrests and conduct searches without warrants. Travel Industry Today

—War Prompts Viking To Cancel March Nile River Cruises
Viking canceled its Nile River cruises through the end of March as war continues between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Avalon Waterways and Tauck also paused operations in Egypt. Travel Weekly

—Southwest Airlines Planning To Add More Bin Space On Flights
Southwest Airlines plans to add larger bins to some airplanes to increase the number of carry-on bags by 50%. kvue.com

—Body Recovered After 33-Year-Old Man Entered Restricted Area Of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A 33-year-old Hawaii resident died after entering a closed area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Feb. 26. He was airlifted and pronounced deceased at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. AccuWeather

—No Departures At Brussels Airport On March 12 Due To Strike
Belgium’s Brussels Airport will have no departing passenger flights on March 12 due to a national strike, with some arriving flights also potentially affected. Reuters

—Here Are The US Airlines Most Vulnerable To Rising Fuel Prices
Not all airlines are equally equipped to handle rising fuel costs after the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran. Analysts at Citi identified the most impacted carriers. MarketWatch

—After ‘Priceless’ Violin Flies On Lap, Lufthansa Changes Carry-On Rules
Carolin Widmann had to cradle her multimillion-dollar instrument during a flight to Germany, prompting Lufthansa to adjust its carry-on policies. The New York Times

—LAX People Mover Considered Years Late, Over Budget, With No Opening Date Announced
Los Angeles International Airport’s long-delayed Automated People Mover remains closed with no new opening date, frustrating travelers ahead of major events. FOX 11 Los Angeles

—Everything Went Downhill Travelers Are Anxious About Going Abroad
Kendyl Grender’s partner company canceled upcoming Egypt trips, leaving travelers anxious as they navigate changes and disruptions. USA Today

—Kristi Noem ousted from Homeland Security post amid recent turmoil
Kristi Noem, the former South Dakota congresswoman and governor who has led President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security in his second term, was ousted from her position on Thursday. Trump announced on Truth Social that he will nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to replace Noem, effective March 31. Fox News

=== Tuesday, March 3 === 

State Department Urges Americans Across Mideast To Depart As Strikes Continue
The State Department on Monday urged Americans across the Middle East to depart as soon as possible using all available transportation, though many airports around the region remain closed as airstrikes persist. Weekend strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran have disrupted U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the region as Iran retaliates. The U.S. embassy in Bahrain is closed, Americans in Kuwait have been told to stay indoors and diplomatic staff in Jordan were temporarily evacuated Monday over a threat. NBC News

US Ambassador To Israel Advises US Citizens To Evacuate Via Egypt, Citing Limited Options
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Tuesday advised American citizens who wish to leave Israel to depart via Egypt, hours after the U.S. urged its citizens across the Middle East to evacuate amid fighting with Iran. Israel’s airspace has been shut since Saturday morning following preemptive strikes on Iran and flights from neighboring Jordan have also been limited by Iranian retaliatory action. Times of Israel

US Issues Worldwide Alert Urging Caution For American Travelers
The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide security alert on Feb. 28 following the attack on Iran, advising Americans to exercise increased caution. The department warned that travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures may occur and urged travelers worldwide, especially in the Middle East, to follow guidance from local U.S. embassies and consulates. Embassies in Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Oman recommended that U.S. citizens shelter in place. Travel Weekly

Gulf Airlines Restart Some UAE Flights As Governments Work To Extract Citizens
Several international airlines cautiously resumed a limited number of flights from the United Arab Emirates on Monday, offering some relief for travelers stranded by widespread airspace closures after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliation across the region. AP

Airline Ticket Prices Soar On Asia Europe Routes After Gulf Airport Closures
Flight prices between Asia and Europe have surged following the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Airline websites show tickets on popular routes booked out for days as key hubs including Dubai remain closed for a fourth day, cutting capacity on routes such as Australia to Europe where Emirates and Qatar Airways typically hold significant market share. Reuters

Southwest Airlines Refining New Seating Process Amid Boarding Complaints
Southwest Airlines is refining aspects of its new assigned seating policy after complaints from customers and crew. Some longtime travelers have voiced frustration over the shift from open seating while others report difficulty finding overhead bin space near their seats, saying early boarders are filling front bins. The Hill

Two Planes Clip Each Other At Newark Airport, FAA Says
The Federal Aviation Administration said a Singapore Airlines flight and a Spirit Airlines plane clipped each other while positioned at a gate at Newark Liberty International Airport. CBS New York

FAA Plans To Reduce Flights At Chicago O’Hare Citing Overscheduling
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to reduce flights at Chicago O’Hare this summer, saying major airlines have overscheduled service. The FAA will hold a schedule reduction meeting with airlines after United Airlines announced plans to add about 200 daily flights and American Airlines also revealed an increase. The summer schedule runs from March 29 through October 25. CNBC

Mexican Americans Worry About Families After Cartel Violence
Following cartel-related violence in Jalisco, including burned vehicles and stores in Guadalajara, Mexican Americans say they are concerned about family members. The unrest followed a Feb. 22 Mexican military operation that officials said resulted in the capture and death of cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes. USA Today

Starlink Wi Fi Now Available On A Quarter Of United Airlines Flights
Starlink satellite internet is now available on roughly 25 percent of United Airlines flights. Early users report strong connectivity capable of streaming, web browsing and video calls, marking a significant upgrade in inflight Wi Fi performance. CNET

British Columbia To Adopt Year Round Daylight Saving Time
British Columbia will move to year round daylight saving time, with the March 8, 2026 clock change marking the final shift. The province will eliminate the November time change as it transitions to a permanent schedule. BBC

Spring Brings Record High Temperatures Across The US
Meteorological spring began March 1 but millions across the South are experiencing summerlike heat. Forecasters expect dozens of high temperature records to fall from the Desert Southwest to the mid Atlantic and into parts of the Great Lakes and Northern Plains this week. Weather Channel

US Airlines Expect 171 Million Spring Travelers In Record Season
U.S. airlines are preparing for one of the busiest spring travel seasons on record, with Airlines for America projecting 171 million passengers between March 1 and April 30, a 4 percent increase over last year. Carriers expect to transport an average of 2.8 million passengers per day. Fox News

Kristi Noem Accused Of Creating Security Risks With Shoes On Policy
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces criticism over a policy allowing passengers to keep their shoes on at airport security checkpoints. The no shoes rule was introduced in 2006 after a failed attempt to detonate explosives hidden in footwear aboard an American Airlines flight. The Independent

American Airlines To Build New 17 Gate Concourse At Miami Airport
American Airlines has unveiled plans for a major expansion of Concourse D at Miami International Airport, including a new 17 gate conccourse valued at $1 billion. The Dallas based carrier operates much of its Latin America and Caribbean network from Miami. TravelPulse