12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):

=== Friday, November 13 ===

FAA issues nationwide ground stop citing communication problems
The FAA issued a rare nationwide ground stop Friday afternoon after communication problems affected multiple air traffic control facilities, disrupting hundreds of flights. The last nationwide ground stop was in January 2023, following a failure of a system that provides critical information to pilots. CNBC

Tanker strikes and sinks river cruise boat in New Orleans
At least 180 passengers and crew members were rescued Friday after a tanker struck a docked paddleboat on the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Dramatic video shows the much larger Atlantic Asphalt tanker crashing into the river cruise boat. AP

Qantas completes record-breaking 24-hour flight as London-to-Sydney nonstop gets closer
One of the most ambitious routes in commercial aviation is getting closer to becoming a reality. Qantas has completed a record-breaking 24-hour flight as it prepares to launch nonstop service between London and Sydney, eliminating the need for a stopover on one of the world’s longest journeys. The Telegraph

Thailand plans tougher driver’s license rules for foreigners
Thailand is considering making it more difficult for foreigners to obtain a local driver’s license, including eliminating certain driving test exemptions and requiring applicants to have at least two years remaining on their visas. The proposed changes are open for public comment until December 4. Thaiger

U.S. routes with the biggest jumps in frequent flyer mile redemptions
If you’re hoping to use miles to fly home for Thanksgiving, you might be in for some sticker shock. High demand, limited capacity and rising fuel costs are making award tickets more expensive, too. Here’s a look at the routes where travelers are seeing some of the biggest increases. CNBC

Historic SS United States being sunk off Florida’s coast
The legendary SS United States is getting a second life as the world’s largest artificial reef. Crews began sinking the historic ocean liner Wednesday about 22 nautical miles off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, following delays in the operation. USA Today

Tourists heard gunshots during deadly attack in Krakow
A couple vacationing in Poland was inside a nearby pub when a gunman opened fire in central Krakow on Saturday. Six people were killed and more than a dozen were injured in the attack. The suspected gunman later died in the hospital. BBC

Atlanta airport won’t privatize TSA security screening
Despite the incredibly long security lines during this spring’s government shutdown, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport won’t be switching to private security screeners. City officials have wrapped up a study examining whether to replace TSA screening with a private contractor and aren’t moving forward with the idea. USA Today

Democrats’ retaking of Congress could help secure Brand USA’s future
The results of the midterm elections could be good news for America’s tourism industry. With Democrats set to control Congress next year, the prospects for reauthorizing Brand USA, the organization responsible for promoting the United States as a travel destination, may have improved. Travel Weekly

The 100 greatest movie theaters in the world right now
If you love going to the movies, here’s a fun list to check out before your next trip. Time Out has rounded up 100 of the world’s greatest cinemas, celebrating the theaters that make watching a movie on the big screen an experience worth traveling for. Time Out

American family says they’re much happier after moving from California to Spain
After spending a decade in the beautiful coastal community of Montecito, California, one American family decided to trade their comfortable life for a new adventure in Spain. The family says they’re happier since making the move, offering an interesting perspective for anyone who’s ever dreamed of living abroad. CNN

Why do people shrink-wrap their luggage at the airport?
You’ve probably seen those machines at airports that wrap suitcases in plastic and wondered if it’s worth the money. Wrapping your luggage can help protect it from rain, dirt and minor scratches but it won’t do much to prevent damage from rough baggage handling. A reusable luggage cover is another option. Fodor’s

=== Thursday, November 12 ===

=== Tuesday, November 10 ===

FAA Investigating Near Midair Collision Between Air France and American Airlines Flights at LAX
The FAA is investigating a frightening close call at Los Angeles International Airport after an Air France flight reportedly made an unauthorized turn shortly after takeoff Saturday morning, putting it in the path of an American Airlines aircraft departing from a parallel runway. Fortunately, a collision was avoided, but investigators want to know what went wrong. CBS Los Angeles

Believe It or Not, the FAA Is Still Using Floppy Disks, but Not for Much Longer
Here’s something that might surprise you. The FAA is still using floppy disks to distribute weather and other critical information at more than 400 air traffic control facilities nationwide. The agency says it plans to replace the outdated technology by the end of 2028 with a modern system that will give controllers faster access to important information. Reuters

Washington Dulles Airport Opens New Concourse With 14 Gates and More Passenger Amenities
Good news for travelers flying through Washington Dulles International Airport. The airport has unveiled its new Concourse E, featuring 14 gates, restaurants and a passenger lounge. The project took three years to complete, and United Airlines is scheduled to begin operating flights from the new concourse on Tuesday. WTOP News

Woman Found Dead in MSC Cruise Ship Cabin After Alleged Attack by Partner
A horrifying tragedy unfolded aboard an MSC cruise ship after a woman was found dead in her cabin following an alleged violent attack by her partner. A housekeeper delivering towels reportedly noticed blood on the man’s hands and clothing and alerted ship security, who discovered the woman with severe injuries. According to reports, the man never notified the crew that his partner was lying motionless inside the cabin. Daily Mail

University of California Buys Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for $193 Million
Here’s an interesting real estate deal. The University of California system has reportedly purchased the oceanfront Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for approximately $193 million. Property records show the luxury hotel’s ownership changed in October to a company connected to the university system. USA Today

Thanksgiving Travel Could Be Disrupted by Rain, Storms and Snow Across the Country
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Early outlooks suggest rain could affect parts of the East while storms and possible snow could create headaches for travelers in the West. It’s still too early to know exactly where the worst weather will hit, but this is another reminder to build some flexibility into your holiday travel plans. Fox Weather

Troubled Residential World Cruise Ship Detained in Singapore Amid Financial Problems
The saga surrounding Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise ship keeps getting worse. After stranding passengers in Cambodia last month when the company unexpectedly suspended operations over rising fuel costs, the residential ship has now been legally detained in Singapore amid ongoing financial troubles. The vessel reportedly departed Cambodia on November 8 without passengers and with approximately 50 crew members aboard. The Independent

California Fishermen Rescue Cruise Ship Employee Treading Water Nearly 20 Miles Offshore
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Two Newport Beach fishermen returning from a fishing trip near Catalina Island spotted a 37-year-old Royal Caribbean crew member treading water nearly 20 miles off the Southern California coast. Sean Norton and Grant Garrett managed to rescue the man from the Pacific Ocean, turning an ordinary fishing trip into an extraordinary lifesaving mission. CBS News

KFC Is Coming to Italy’s Famous Ski Slopes and Not Everyone Is Happy About It
Imagine skiing through Italy’s beautiful Dolomites and stopping for a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken instead of a plate of pasta. That’s about to become a reality at two prestigious Italian ski resorts, where KFC plans to open locations this winter. The move has sparked outrage among food lovers and mountain traditionalists, with one prominent businessman even threatening legal action. The Guardian

Frontier Airlines Is Adding First Class Seats and More Legroom
Frontier Airlines is making a big change to its traditionally no-frills cabins. The ultra-low-cost carrier is introducing first class seating in the first two rows, with a 2-2 configuration and up to 37 inches of seat pitch. Rows three through eight will also feature premium seating with up to 34 inches of pitch, giving passengers more options to stretch out, though you’ll likely have to pay extra for the privilege. 9NEWS

86-Year-Old Man Attempts Solo Pacific Ocean Crossing to Fulfill Bucket List Dream
You have to admire his determination, even if the journey didn’t go as planned. At 86, Harry Blodgett set sail across the Pacific Ocean in August despite friends and family reportedly trying to talk him out of it. His dream adventure turned into a dangerous ordeal that ended two months later when the Coast Guard came to his rescue. People

San Francisco Tourism Is Making a Comeback as Hotel Revenue Surges
San Francisco’s tourism industry appears to be bouncing back in a big way. After struggling through a post-pandemic slump, the city’s hotels are now leading the nation’s 25 largest hotel markets in year-to-date revenue growth per available room, up an impressive 19.4% in 2026. Chicago came in second with a 12.7% increase, another encouraging sign for the travel industry. Travel Weekly

=== Sunday, November 8 ===

Bomb Threats Disrupt TV Stations Across Europe
Several European television stations were evacuated Friday after receiving bomb threats warning that “the clock is ticking.” Broadcasters in Ireland, Britain and Bulgaria were among those affected, with some programming suspended for hours. Fortunately, no explosives were found. Reuters

What Travelers Should Watch Out for After the Midterm Elections
Another government shutdown could spell trouble for air travelers if Congress and the White House can’t agree on funding. TSA workers still aren’t guaranteed pay during future shutdowns, raising concerns about staffing shortages, long security lines and flight disruptions. The Wall Street Journal

Singapore Airlines Is Upgrading Its First and Business Class Cabins
Singapore Airlines is preparing to unveil new first and business class products on its long-haul Airbus A350 aircraft beginning in mid-2027, with its Boeing 777-9 fleet also getting the upgrades. The airline is also planning to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi across most of its Airbus fleet starting in early 2027. CNBC

Heavy Rain and Flooding Destroy Iconic Desert Rock Formations
Some of the Southwest’s most unusual natural landmarks are collapsing after heavy rain and flooding. In northwestern New Mexico, fragile rock formations that took thousands of years to form are being damaged or destroyed, reminding travelers just how vulnerable these incredible landscapes can be. Associated Press

Southwest Airlines Flight Diverted to LAX Over Engine Issue
A Southwest Airlines flight from Orange County to San Jose was diverted to Los Angeles International Airport Friday after the pilots received an engine-related maintenance indication. Flight 3396 landed safely at LAX shortly before 12:30 p.m. NBC Los Angeles

Delta Must Face Lawsuit Over Window Seats Without Windows
Ever paid extra for a window seat only to discover there’s no window? A federal judge has ruled that Delta Air Lines must face a lawsuit from passengers who say they paid more for window seats but ended up staring at blank walls instead. Reuters

More Than 200 Flights Delayed at San Diego Airport
Travelers flying through San Diego International Airport faced widespread delays Thursday as heavy air traffic prompted the FAA to implement a traffic management program. More than 200 flights were delayed, with average delays of approximately 38 minutes. CBS 8

Carnival Cruise Line Faces Backlash Over Stickers for Tipping Guests
Carnival Cruise Line is getting criticized after reports surfaced that some passengers were given special stickers identifying them as guests who tipped. The practice sparked a debate online, with some travelers calling it tacky and questioning why tipping should be publicly displayed. Daily Mail

Cruise Ship That Stranded Passengers in Cambodia Sails Away Empty
The Villa Vie Odyssey, which made headlines after passengers were stranded in Cambodia, has reportedly departed for Singapore without any passengers aboard. The ship left with approximately 50 crew members, while some former passengers remained in Cambodia and others continued traveling elsewhere in the region. People

Royal Caribbean Cancels Visits to Its Private Haiti Destination Through 2028
Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of visits to Labadee, its private destination on Haiti’s northern coast, because of ongoing violence and security concerns. Cruise passengers scheduled to visit the destination will continue to see itinerary changes through 2028. People

Miami International Airport Adding New Routes to Serbia and Venezuela
Miami International Airport continues expanding its international connections. Air Serbia plans to launch nonstop flights between Miami and Belgrade in May 2027, while American Airlines is planning new service to Barcelona, Venezuela, in January. Miami Today

These Are the 100 Best Sandwiches in the World
If you’re like me and love trying local food when you travel, this list is worth checking out. TasteAtlas has ranked the world’s 100 best sandwiches based on thousands of traveler and food enthusiast ratings. It’s a fun way to discover what to eat on your next trip and see whether your favorites made the cut. TasteAtlas