12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

FAA warns some Boeing 737 MAX jets may need seat inspections
The FAA says seats on hundreds of U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft may have been installed incorrectly, creating a potential safety risk during emergency landings or evacuations. Airlines will need to inspect affected aircraft and fix any problems before they become a hazard. USA Today

American Airlines recovers after nationwide IT outage
American Airlines briefly grounded flights across the country after a technology issue disrupted some of its systems. The airline restored connectivity relatively quickly and resumed operations, though the outage caused delays for travelers. ABC News

ICE expands arrests at U.S. airports
The Trump administration has reportedly stepped up immigration enforcement at airports, with plainclothes ICE agents arresting travelers accused of overstaying their visas. According to reports, the arrests have taken place at airports across the country, including some involving spouses of U.S. citizens. The New York Times

U.S. citizen charged after phone data erased during customs inspection
A U.S. citizen is facing a felony charge after giving customs officers a phone passcode that allegedly triggered the device to erase its contents. The unusual case is expected to raise new questions about digital privacy and border searches. The New York Times

JetBlue revamps fare options and prepares for new first class
JetBlue is simplifying its fare lineup by replacing its “Core” branding with a new “Main” economy category. The changes come ahead of the airline’s planned launch of a new domestic first-class product later this year. CNBC

Airbus completes 24-hour nonstop test flight
An Airbus A350 has completed a marathon 24-hour test flight from Melbourne to France, marking another milestone for Qantas’ ambitious Project Sunrise. The goal is to eventually offer nonstop commercial flights between Australia and Europe, eliminating traditional stopovers. Reuters

U.S. updates travel advisory for Belgium
The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to exercise increased caution when visiting Belgium. Travelers should review the latest guidance before departing, especially during the busy summer travel season. Men’s Journal

Strong rip currents continue along Southern California beaches
Beachgoers in Southern California are being urged to use extra caution as dangerous rip currents and elevated surf continue through the week. The National Weather Service says the conditions could lead to more ocean rescues, even as the heatwave sends more people to the beach. KTLA

Gordie Howe International Bridge opens to traffic
The long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit is officially open. Members of the Howe family were the first to cross, followed shortly by the first commercial truck carrying auto parts into Michigan. Travel Industry Today

Canadian travel boycott costs U.S. billions
A sharp decline in Canadian visitors has reportedly cost the U.S. more than $3 billion in tourism spending. Travel from Canada has fallen significantly this year, with July seeing the steepest year-over-year decline since the aftermath of 9/11. The Independent

More Caribbean cruises could mean better deals this winter
With cruise capacity in the Caribbean expected to increase about 10% this winter, industry analysts say travelers may see lower fares as cruise lines compete to fill ships. Several large vessels are also joining the region, adding even more inventory. Travel Weekly

TSA discovers Civil War-era cannonballs in checked luggage
TSA officers at an Alabama airport were surprised to find five Civil War-era cannonballs inside a checked suitcase. The items were initially treated as possible explosives before authorities determined they had allegedly been taken from a nearby historic fort. USA Today

TSA’s hammock advice sparks debate online
TSA confirmed that travelers are allowed to bring personal hammocks through airport security, although whether they can actually use them depends on airport rules. The announcement, shared on National Hammock Day, quickly drew both praise and criticism on social media. People

California family reportedly attacked at Maui resort
Police are investigating a late-night altercation involving dozens of people at the Kaanapali Alii resort on Maui. Several people were reportedly injured during the incident, which has raised concerns among visitors to the popular Hawaii destination. SFGATE

Southwest teams up with Chase for airport lounges
Southwest Airlines has selected Chase as its partner for the airline’s first branded airport lounges. The move marks another step in Southwest’s push to expand premium offerings for its frequent flyers. AeroXplorer

Carnival cancels nine cruises in 2027
Carnival Cruise Line has canceled nine sailings scheduled for 2027 and is offering affected guests alternative cruise options or accommodations. Travelers booked on the impacted departures should check with Carnival or their travel advisor for details. USA Today

FAA slows flights into New York and Philadelphia
If you’re flying through JFK, LaGuardia, Newark or Philadelphia today, expect delays. The FAA says severe weather combined with staffing shortages at the New York air traffic control center has forced it to slow arrivals, with roughly 20% to 30% of flights already canceled. Reuters

United reportedly tried to merge with Delta
Here’s a merger that never got off the ground. According to a new report, United CEO Scott Kirby approached Delta CEO Ed Bastian last year about combining the nation’s two most valuable airlines, but nothing came of the discussions. WSJ

WestJet waives change fees ahead of possible strike
If you’re booked to fly WestJet between July 30 and August 4, you can make a one-time change to your reservation without paying a fee. The airline is giving travelers flexibility as flight attendants could strike as early as August 2 if contract talks break down. Travel Industry Today

Wildfires spread across France and Spain
Travelers heading to southern Europe should keep a close eye on conditions. Massive wildfires continue to burn across France and Spain, with scorching temperatures and another heat wave expected to make firefighting even more difficult later this week. WSJ

JetBlue revamps its fare options
JetBlue is simplifying its fare lineup by replacing its “Core” branding with a new “Main” category and introducing more flexible booking options. The changes are also paving the way for the airline’s new domestic first-class product, expected later this year. CNBC

Las Vegas heat forces airlines to pay passengers to give up seats
Extreme heat in Las Vegas created aircraft weight restrictions, leading some airlines to offer passengers thousands of dollars to volunteer to take a later flight. More than 450 flights were delayed as carriers reduced passenger loads so planes could safely take off in the scorching temperatures. KSNV

Edinburgh introduces a tourist tax
Visiting Scotland’s capital just got a little more expensive. Edinburgh has become the first city in the UK to charge visitors a 5% tax on overnight accommodations, capped at five consecutive nights. USA Today

BASE jumpers leap from Seattle’s Space Needle
Seattle police are searching for two men who climbed over the Space Needle’s glass barrier and parachuted from the 605-foot landmark. Authorities say the pair could face trespassing charges. AP News

Yellowstone bison punctures SUV tire
Another reminder to give wildlife plenty of space. A bison rammed an SUV in Yellowstone National Park, flattening one of its tires in an encounter that was caught on video and shared on TikTok. KTLA

United drops plans to add 10 O’Hare routes
United has scrapped plans to launch service from Chicago O’Hare to 10 regional airports, blaming the FAA’s extension of flight caps at the airport through 2027. The restrictions were put in place to reduce congestion and delays. CBS Chicago

UK airport drop-off fees keep climbing
Dropping someone off at the airport in the UK is getting pricier. New research found that 16 of the country’s 20 busiest airports have increased their curbside drop-off charges by about a third over the past year, while many airports across continental Europe still don’t charge at all. Euronews

Wildfire prompts evacuations near Yosemite
A fast-moving wildfire near Sonora, one of the main gateway towns to Yosemite National Park, forced mandatory evacuations and road closures over the weekend. Firefighters have slowed the blaze, but travelers heading to the area should check for the latest conditions. San Francisco Chronicle

Billionaires briefly solved a Bay Area airport noise problem
Neighbors living near Sonoma County Airport got an unexpected break from aircraft noise during the annual Bohemian Grove gathering, as many private jets shifted operations elsewhere. Unfortunately for locals, the quieter skies won’t last once the event wraps up. SFGATE

North Carolina tourist missing in Grenada
Authorities in Grenada are searching for a 44-year-old woman from North Carolina who disappeared after going for a swim at Grand Anse Beach. Family members are asking anyone with information to come forward. NBC News

L.A. County lifeguards rescue nearly 2,000 beachgoers
It was an incredibly busy weekend for Los Angeles County lifeguards, who performed nearly 2,000 rescues as millions of people flocked to local beaches to escape the heat. Officials are reminding beachgoers to swim near staffed lifeguard towers and pay attention to surf conditions. KTLA

Canada rejects Billy Bishop Airport expansion
The Canadian government has rejected a proposal to extend the runway at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport to allow jet service. Officials cited concerns raised during public consultations, including noise, environmental impacts and quality of life. Travel Industry Today

Three airports join TSA’s privatized screening program
Three more airports—Tampa, Charleston and Des Moines—will move to the TSA’s new Gold+ privatized screening program, expanding the agency’s use of private contractors for passenger screening. The move is part of a broader push toward privatization and is drawing opposition from the union representing TSA employees. Travel Weekly

Pan Am crash site found more than 70 years later
Researchers have located the wreckage of the Pan Am Clipper Endeavor, which ditched into the Atlantic shortly after departing San Juan in 1952. While everyone survived the water landing, a number of passengers later died during the chaotic evacuation. The New York Times

U.S. airlines cleared to resume Lebanon flights
President Donald Trump said U.S. airlines will once again be allowed to operate flights to Lebanon, ending a ban that has been in place since the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847. The announcement came after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. CNBC

Volcanic ash cancels Alaska Airlines flights
Alaska Airlines canceled 10 flights after volcanic ash from an eruption on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula drifted into Alaska. More disruptions are possible as officials continue monitoring changing wind patterns. Alaska Public Radio

Hawaiian to replace Boeing 717 fleet with 737-800s
Hawaiian Airlines will retire its aging Boeing 717 fleet and replace it with Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800 aircraft for interisland service. Parent company Alaska Airlines says the change will improve reliability and the passenger experience. Alaska Airlines

Terminally ill passenger left overnight at Gatwick
A terminally ill easyJet passenger says he was forced to sleep on the floor at London Gatwick Airport after his flight was canceled and no hotel accommodations were provided. The incident has renewed scrutiny of airline care during major disruptions. The Telegraph

ICE detains Southwest flight attendant
ICE says it detained a Southwest Airlines flight attendant in Nashville after determining he had overstayed a U.S. visa issued in 2021. The employee’s union has raised concerns about the arrest, which occurred while he was at work. CBS Texas

Low rivers disrupt European cruises
Persistent drought and extreme heat are lowering water levels on major European rivers, forcing some cruise lines to modify itineraries, swap ships and use motorcoaches to move passengers around impassable stretches. Operators say they’re adjusting schedules as conditions evolve. Travel Weekly

Southwest ships jet fuel by sea to Los Angeles
Southwest Airlines transported more than 12 million gallons of jet fuel from Texas to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal to help guard against supply shortages. The unusual move comes as higher fuel prices continue to pressure airline profits. CNBC

Lizard parts seized in luggage at LAX
Customs officers at Los Angeles International Airport seized nearly 100 pounds of prohibited agricultural and wildlife products from a passenger arriving from Thailand, including Bengal monitor lizard parts. A CBP detector dog alerted officers to the suitcase during inspection. New York Post

Carnival responds to viral dining room incident
Carnival Cruise Line addressed a viral video showing a guest using a fork to scratch her foot in a ship’s dining room, saying crew members quickly removed the utensil from service and spoke with the passenger. The incident generated widespread attention on social media. Us Weekly

Two tourists stabbed near Athens Acropolis
Two Greek American tourists were stabbed near the Acropolis Museum in Athens, close to one of Greece’s busiest tourist attractions. Authorities are investigating the attack, which occurred near the entrance to the historic site. The Independent

Germany bans alcohol at all train stations
Germany’s national railway operator will prohibit alcohol consumption at all 5,400 train stations by mid-October. Officials say the nationwide policy is intended to improve safety for both passengers and employees. The Independent

Video captures ICE arrest at San Francisco airport
Video circulating on social media shows federal officers detaining a Ukrainian woman at San Francisco International Airport. The woman can be heard alleging the officers were choking her as ICE confirmed it was carrying out an enforcement action. San Francisco Chronicle

Tourists filmed near Yellowstone hot spring
Video from Yellowstone National Park shows two visitors leaving the designated boardwalk and walking dangerously close to the Grand Prismatic Spring. Park officials regularly warn that the area’s geothermal features can cause severe or fatal burns. Daily Mail