12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

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

Friday, May 23
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,959,287 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 22

Trump Administration Bars Harvard From Enrolling International Students
The Trump administration has barred Harvard from allowing international students to enroll at the university, after the school lost its ability to use the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The SEVP program allows for noncitizens to study at the university under a specific visa. “As a result of your refusal to comply with multiple requests to provide the Department of Homeland Security pertinent information while perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ policies, you have lost this privilege,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a letter to the university. ABC News

Woman Found Guilty of Stowing Away on Delta Flight From New York to Paris
A federal jury has convicted Svetlana Dali of stowing away on a Delta flight to Paris last November after passing through security in a lane reserved for crewmembers and bypassing gate agents by blending in with boarding passengers. Dali had been charged with a federal stowaway count for boarding an overnight Delta flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Nov. 26, 2024, and traveling to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France without having a ticket. She had pleaded not guilty. ABC News

‘The Worst I’ve Ever Seen’: The Demise of Affordable Summer Getaways
The days of revenge travel are over. After years of being cooped up at home, travelers rushed into the world with a vengeance, sparking a major travel boom from 2022 to 2024. But years of rising prices and a slew of new tariff threats have cast uncertainty over the economy. A summer vacation survey by Bankrate in March found that only 53% of Americans said they planned to take a vacation this summer — about the same as last year but a drop from 2023, when 63% planned to take a vacation. Of those forgoing travel this year, 65% cited cost as the main factor; and of those opting to travel, almost a third said they plan to take on debt to do so. Insider

Southwest Air CFO Warns of Ongoing Softness in Travel Demand
Southwest Airlines Co. continues to see softness in air travel demand that emerged earlier this year and pushed many carriers to pull back their profit forecasts. “We have not seen in the industry an inflection back,” Southwest CFO Tom Doxey said at a Wolfe Research conference on Thursday. The airline expects unit revenue to be flat to down 4% this quarter, after seeing the measure come in 6 points below its outlook at the start of 2025. Bloomberg

As PCH Reopens, Malibu Urges Beachgoers to Be Safe and Respectful
Pacific Coast Highway will reopen to the public Friday morning, just in time for Memorial Day weekend, and as Malibu prepares for the summer season with new safety and enforcement measures in place. The highway will open at 8 a.m. with no pass requirements, restoring a major coastal route that had been closed due to wildfire recovery efforts. Up to two lanes will be open in each direction with a 25 mph speed limit through active work zones, officials said. KTLA

Death Toll in Australia Floods Rises to Four, Tens of Thousands Stranded
A wild weather system that dumped around four months of rain over three days shifted south towards Sydney on Thursday bringing heavy rain overnight, though the weather bureau, in its latest update, said it is expected to ease by Friday evening. Reuters

First-Ever Nonstop Flight From Phoenix to Asia Coming in 2026
Phoenix is getting its first-ever nonstop flight to Asia. Taiwanese carrier Starlux Airlines plans to launch new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in early 2026. The route is still pending final government approval, but when it does officially launch, Starlux will operate three or four flights per week between PHX and TPE, according to the office of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. TravelPulse

Africans Lost Nearly $70M to Denied Visa Applications to Europe in 2024
When Joel Anyaegbu’s application for a Schengen visa to travel to Barcelona was denied late last year, he was surprised but immediately reapplied. He sent in more documents than were required, including bank statements and proof of property ownership in Nigeria. He was rejected again. “The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay were not reliable,” read a checklist returned with his passport from the Spanish consulate in Lagos. The 32-year-old gaming consultant said he felt humiliated. CNN

Las Vegas Tourism Faces Uncertainty Under Divisive Federal Policies
The year 2024 served as a victory lap of sorts in the Las Vegas tourism industry’s recovery from the pandemic. Emboldened by its first-time status as the host of the Super Bowl, Las Vegas set a high mark in visitor spending for the third consecutive year, pulling in $55.1 billion from a visitor count that fell just 800,000 people shy of the 42.5 million who came here in 2019. Las Vegas Weekly

Luxury Meets Sustainability: Exploring The Brando’s Eco-Friendly Paradise
The Brando, the ultraexclusive resort that opened on Marlon Brando’s private island in French Polynesia 10 years ago, remains one of the most sustainable luxury getaways on the planet with its unique ocean-powered air-conditioning system, solar-power systems, research center and more. But please don’t call it an ecoresort. Travel Weekly

‘Economy Class Syndrome’ Is a Medical Issue That Can Happen on Flights — No Matter Where You Sit
Experts call it “economy class syndrome” — but it can happen to anyone in any class of an airplane. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT as it’s known, occurs when blood clots in one or more veins. It can happen at any time, but people who travel on long-haul flights are at a higher risk because they sit for long periods of time, said Dr. Pinakin V. Parekh, a consultant cardiologist at Singapore’s Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre. CNBC

Airlines Brace for the Summer of Hell
Summer’s usually a boom time for airlines. This year could change that. Airlines began 2025 projecting strong growth. But since then, one issue after another has cut into passenger demand. Air traffic control problems are causing flight delays and cancellations, feeding into traveler worries over safety that began in January with the worst US air crash in decades. A global trade war and other economic concerns are driving down the value of the dollar, making overseas travel more expensive for Americans. CNN Business

Thursday, May 22
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,508,527 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 21

US Air Traffic Control System Failing Americans, Airline CEOs Say
Major airline CEOs on Wednesday called on Congress to approve billions of dollars in funding to modernize the United States’ aging air traffic control system, saying it is “failing Americans.” The Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control network’s woes have been years in the making. But a rush of high-profile mishaps, near-misses and a deadly January crash involving an American Airlines regional jet caused public alarm and prompted new calls for action. Reuters

American Airlines Opens New Lounges in Philadelphia
Combined, the two lounges occupy a former Terminal A-West Admirals Club space that closed for a renovation in 2019. The new lounges will replace the Admirals Club lounge in the A-East Terminal. The 12,500-square-foot Flagship Lounge has a seating capacity for 200. Amenities include a self-service wine station, a full-service bar, six shower suites, and dishes by local chef and James Beard Award semifinalist Randy Rucker. Travel Weekly

Small Private Plane Crashes Into San Diego Neighborhood: Police
A small plane has crashed in a neighborhood of San Diego on Thursday morning, starting a large fire and damaging at least 15 homes and multiple cars, fire officials said Thursday. Officials are working to to get everybody out of the neighborhood and they will be going home to home to find out if there is anybody inside, San Diego Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations Dan Eddy said at a press conference, referring to it as “like a movie scene.” ABC News

Universal’s Epic New Theme Park Kicks Off Latest Front in Media Wars
This is an epic — pardon the pun — week for Comcast and the wider media business. Epic Universe, the first major new theme park in the US in 20-plus years, is opening in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday. Fans are expected to camp out overnight ahead of the official opening day. Comcast’s NBCUniversal says Epic is the “most technologically advanced theme park” ever. It cost an estimated $7.7 billion and took more than six years to build. Accordingly, Comcast is putting all its corporate muscle into the launch. CNN

Summer Travel Demand Is Soaring — But European Airlines Are Short on Planes
Airlines have been struggling to refresh their fleets as the two leading manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, have faced problems meeting delivery targets. “Demand looks good for the summer,” EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe.” “The main capacity constraints are around airline deliveries, with both Airbus and Boeing not meeting their original delivery schedules and therefore all airlines receiving their aircraft later,” he added. NBC News

Memorial Day Weekend Weather Forecast: Sluggish Storm Could Dampen Plans As National Temperature Split Sets Up
Whether you are traveling or planning outdoor activities, weather conditions this Memorial Day weekend could be a factor to weigh into your decision-making, especially east of the Rockies. Travel, particularly by car, is expected to be busy this year with AAA anticipating that a record 45.1 million people will venture at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period. Here’s a look at where rainfall could slow some down and how a nationwide temperature split might factor into your activities. Weather Channel

Two Israeli Embassy Staff Members Killed Outside Jewish Museum in Washington, DC
Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed by a gunman who later yelled “Free Palestine!” while being arrested in Washington, DC, Wednesday night, authorities said. The slain staffers, who the Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were a couple who officials say were soon to be engaged. The two were attending an event for young professionals at the Capital Jewish Museum hosted by the American Jewish Committee. At around 9 p.m. outside the museum, they were approached by a gunman who opened fire and killed them, officials said. CNN

US Airport Security Agency Does Not Rule Out Privatization
The acting head of Transportation Security Administration said on Tuesday the agency did not rule out considering a plan to privatize the government agency while defending a proposed cut for screening officers. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Some Republican senators want to privatize the agency that was created by Congress after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Reuters

Navy Technician Charged With Making a False Bomb Threat on a Hawaiian Airlines Flight
A Navy technician was arrested on charges of making a false bomb threat while he was on a Hawaiian Airlines flight, authorities said. Electronics Technician 1st Class John Stea, 35, was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat and false report of a security threat. San Diego Harbor Police allege in a news release that Stea told a flight attendant on Hawaii Airlines Flight 15 that the passenger next to him had a bomb as the flight was getting ready to depart. The flight attendant told the captain about the potential threat, police said. NBC News

FAA Issues Ground Stop at Austin Airport Over Staffing Issues; 160 Flights Delayed
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday, delaying more than 100 flights amid ongoing staffing shortages — part of a broader national trend straining the air traffic control system. The disruption comes as Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest hubs, enters its fourth week of significant delays and, more recently, flight caps due to a combination of staffing shortages, recent technological failures, and ongoing runway construction. Yahoo

Travel Agent Sees Drop in U.S. Bookings
While the United States was once a top travel destination for Canadians looking for sunshine, shopping, and seasonal escapes, those travel patterns are changing. According to Laurie Leonard, a senior corporate travel agent with Enjoy Travel in Timmins, American destinations just aren’t drawing the same crowds anymore. “I have noticed that my flights and stuff, even to Miami, Orlando, are not what it used to be. It’s on a decline,” Leonard told TimminsToday. Leonard, who’s been in the business for 25 years, said U.S. politics are a factor. Travel Industry Today

Boeing Finally Speeds Up Pace of 737 MAX Production Following Last Year’s Mid-Air Panel Blowout
Boeing expects to stabilize 737 MAX production at 38 airplanes a month over the next couple of months, its Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Quality Doug Ackerman told reporters on Tuesday. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration capped output at 38 airplanes a month after a mid-air panel blowout in a nearly new 737 in January 2024. New York Post

Wednesday, May 21
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,320,174 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 20

— FAA Implements Newark Flight Caps: What Travelers Should Know
The FAA is reducing flight capacity at Newark Liberty International Airport to alleviate congestion. The interim order sets a maximum hourly rate of 28 arrivals and departures during runway construction, increasing to 34 afterward. Recent issues at Newark include construction, staffing shortages, equipment problems, and a radio outage. USA Today

— Delta Air Lines Resumes Flights to Israel, Lufthansa Extends Suspension
Delta Air Lines said Monday it will resume daily nonstop flight services to Tel Aviv from New York’s JFK airport starting the next day, while the Lufthansa group said it would extend its suspension until June. On May 4, both carriers joined a list of foreign airlines canceling flight services to Israel, after a ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen struck an area of Israel’s main international Ben Gurion Airport. The Times of Israel

— Flight From California to Hawaii Evacuated After Alleged Bomb Threat
A flight to Hawaii from California was delayed roughly five hours after a passenger allegedly made a bomb threat just as the aircraft pushed back from the gate at San Diego International Airport on Tuesday morning. Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 to Honolulu was scheduled to depart around 8:30 a.m., according to Flight Aware, but soon after the flight detached from the jetway, a passenger was reportedly overheard making a threat to the aircraft’s safety. The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department dispatch received a call from the flight’s captain after a flight attendant said a passenger reported a possible bomb onboard. SF Gate

— United Airlines Issues Apology for In-Flight Meal Problem
United Airlines is apologizing to passengers at a major American airport this week following significant issues related to in-flight meals. The airline switched to a new catering company, and is now experiencing “significant disruptions to its in-flight food and beverage service,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Men’s Journal

— A Nor’easter Is About to Hit the Northeast in May. That’s Very Unusual.
Nor’easters are powerful storms that form near the East Coast, driven by the strong temperature contrasts that arise when cold, continental air collides with warm, moist air over the Atlantic. People living along the Eastern Seaboard may be familiar with these storms, but they are much less common during late spring because the temperature differences that form them tend to be weaker. Washington Post

— Man Arrested After Allegedly Trying to Climb on Carnival Cruise Ship
A man was arrested after allegedly trying to climb onto a cruise ship over the weekend. Law enforcement responded to reports of the incident at the overseas passenger terminal at The Rocks, a historic area in Sydney, Australia, around 3 p.m. local time on May 17, according to the New South Wales Police Force. “On arrival, officers attached to Marine Area Command found the man suspended over the water from the mooring line,” police told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. USA Today

— Safest Sunscreens: Only 25% Are Safe and Effective, New Report Says
Only one fourth of sunscreens on store shelves in the United States deliver safe and effective protection against the harmful rays of the sun, according to an annual report which analyzed more than 2,200 sunscreens available for purchase in 2025. “Our criteria include the ability of the sunscreen’s active ingredients to provide balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as any hazardous chemical ingredients in the product,” said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, a consumer organization that has produced the annual sunscreen guide since 2007. CNN

— Southwest’s Skycaps Have Been at San Diego Airport for Decades. Now They’re Leaving for Good
The long familiar Southwest Airlines employees who provide curbside baggage service at San Diego International Airport will be gone for good by the end of this week, as part of a previously announced budget-cutting move. Going forward, the airline says it will contract out the skycap service to a third-party company. San Diego is one of just 10 remaining airports among the 52 skycap locations in the Southwest network that still use airline employees, an airline spokesperson said Wednesday. San Diego Union-Tribune

— ‘We Really Need Visitors’: Los Angeles Tourism Has Fallen Off a Cliff
Four months after devastating wildfires ripped through the Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena, Los Angeles is still reeling. Rebuilding inches along, but with limited access up the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu businesses are reporting million-dollar losses. Further east, a slower cleanup is underway while homeowners insurance woes continue and legacy businesses try to figure out what’s next. And in the bigger picture, one of the city’s main sources of revenue is struggling, too: tourism. SF Gate

— Aman Ventures Into Bahamas With Lavish Amancaya Resort Project
Luxury hospitality brand Aman is expanding into the Bahamas with Amancaya, a new $260 million resort and residence development planned for Exuma. According to the company, Amancaya will be set across two private cays and feature a 36-room hotel as well as branded residences. Plans also call for a marina, beach club, an Aman Spa and multiple dining venues. Travel Weekly

— Had Avelo Airlines Not Canceled Flight 101 From Las Vegas to Santa Rosa Last Monday, I Might Be in Jail Today
Avelo, which launched in 2021, appeared to be a likable upstart that offered flights to and from small cities like Burbank, New Haven, and, near us, Santa Rosa. It’s been a breeze to drive 30 minutes from our home to the Santa Rosa airport and fly to Vegas nonstop. Shaprio Writes

— Dad Goes Viral for Spending $1,400 on Spontaneous Family Disney Trip
It’s no secret that Disney World is expensive, but just how much of a hit will your wallet take? Well, one dad from Florida went viral after breaking down the price of his $1,400, unplanned visit to Disney World. Craig Stowell, a professional YouTuber based in West Palm Beach, Florida, took his family to Walt Disney World in April, during Easter weekend and had some sticker shock after he spent a grand total of $1,391.91 on parking, tickets, food and drinks, he told USA TODAY.

Tuesday, May 20
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,303,507 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 19

Newark Airport Air Traffic Controllers Experience Another Alarming System Outage
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Monday that a fourth system outage occurred at the facility handling flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport. The agency said the Philadelphia control tower handling the air traffic lost radio frequencies for about two seconds at around 11:35 a.m. NY Post

Passenger Jet Had To Abort Takeoff To Avoid Runway Collision At New York’s LaGuardia Airport
Federal officials are investigating why two planes got dangerously close on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport earlier this month despite the airport being equipped with an advanced surface radar system that’s designed to help prevent such close calls. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board said Monday that they are investigating the May 6 incident when a Republic Airways jet had to abort takeoff because a United Airlines plane was still taxiing across the runway. AP

Hawaii’s Once-Vivid Coral Reefs Are “All Bleached White”
Jarrod Taylor has been diving in the waters off the coast of Honolulu for 20 years, and he has witnessed a seismic shift happening not just in Hawaii but across the world’s oceans. Coral reefs — which are essential for maintaining marine life and biodiversity, as well as helping protect coastal communities from storms — are losing their colors and transforming in the warming waters fueled by changing climate. CBS News

A Man Had Heart Attack Symptoms On A Flight. A Cardiologist And A Pocket-Sized Tool On Board May Have Helped Save His Life
Oklahoma cardiologist Dr. TJ Trad was fast asleep on his flight from Uganda last month when a member of his team woke him up to say someone needed a doctor. Trad rushed over to the passenger who needed help to find a man drenched with sweat and complaining of chest pain. The man looked at the doctor and anxiously asked, “Am I going to die?” CNN

White Sox Unveil A Graphic Installation Honoring Pope Leo XIV And His World Series Appearance
There is a new landmark at the home of the Chicago White Sox — Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2. That’s where Father Bob — the future Pope Leo XIV — sat for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. The White Sox unveiled a graphic installation Monday that pays tribute to the new pontiff and that moment during their last championship run. The pillar artwork features a waving Pope Leo XIV, along with a picture from the TV broadcast of the future pope sitting with good friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie. AP

A Japanese Manga Claims A Natural Disaster Is Imminent. Now, Some Tourists Are Canceling Their Trips
A Japanese comic book warns of a “real catastrophe.” A psychic predicts mass destruction. A feng shui master urges people to stay away. This might sound like the plot of a disaster movie but for Japan’s tourism industry, a recent spate of so-called earthquake-related “predictions” like these has led to more superstitious travelers, particularly in East Asia, canceling or delaying their holidays. CNN

Airbnb Is Using AI To Block Your Neighbor’s Party Plans
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Airbnb is once again deploying its anti-party technology across the U.S., sending a clear message to would-be troublemakers: not on our watch. The platform announced Monday that its system, which was designed to block high-risk bookings that could result in disruptive house parties, will be in effect for both Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. This marks the fourth year for the strategy. Men’s Journal

Basically, Delta’s New Classic Fare Brands Are A Little Extra
Delta has been teasing that it would have some sort of “Basic Business” unbundled offering for a long time. We expected to see it at the airline’s last investor day, but that didn’t happen. Apparently the airline wasn’t ready. But now… it still hasn’t happened. But Delta has reorganized its fare brands in a way that sets the stage for an eventual Basic product in all cabins. That’s the only interesting bit of news in this whole shift. Cranky Flier

A British Man On Trial In Bali For A Drug Offense Pleads For A Lenient Sentence
A British man on trial for drug offenses pleaded for leniency Tuesday in a court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali after a charge that could carry the death penalty was dropped. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria in northwest England, was arrested on Jan. 21, at a villa near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot, after he allegedly collected a package from a motorcycle taxi driver at a nearby street. AP

Couple Tried In New Zealand After Escaping On Business Class Flight After $2M Fraud
An Indian-origin couple defrauded New Zealand’s Ministry of Children for $2m and siphoned money into overseas bank accounts before flying back to their hometown on a one-way business class ticket. Neha Sharma and her husband Amandeep Sharma have pleaded guilty to charges related to a fraud scheme targeting Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand’s Ministry for Children, between 2021 and 2022. The Independent

“Asbestos Of The Sky” – The Aviation Industry’s Darkest Coverup
The aviation industry proudly claims that air travel is “the safest way to travel.” However, this narrative conceals a longstanding and disturbing truth: since its inception, the industry has exposed both passengers and crew to toxic air due to fundamentally flawed aircraft design—placing profit above human safety. In flight, every passenger and crew member depends on a consistent air supply. The common assumption is that this air is either fresh or at least adequately filtered. You may have sensed—then quickly dismissed—that there could be issues with cabin air quality. But the problem goes far deeper than occasional lapses in quality control. Alarmingly, it is not accidental, but systemic—built into the very design of modern aircraft. SayerJi

Can Mount Everest Really Be Climbed In A Week?
A commercial expedition is planning to take clients up the tallest mountain in the world in record time with the help of xenon gas. But some in the climbing and medical world worry whether the strategy is an unnecessary gamble. When Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary made their first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, it took more than two months of effort to reach the summit. In order to adjust to the extreme thin air at high altitude, the team spent several weeks acclimatising, working their way slowly upwards. After reaching Base Camp, they spent seven weeks making brief forays up and down the mountain to set ropes, lay ladders and establish ever higher camps before their assault on the summit. In short, they laid siege to the mountain. BBC

Monday, May 19
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,929,439 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 18

Spain Blocks More Than 65,000 Airbnb Holiday Rental Listings
Spain’s consumer rights ministry said on Monday it had ordered Airbnb to withdraw more than 65,000 listings for holiday rentals from its platform, saying they violated existing rules. The Spanish government as well as city councils and regional authorities have launched a general crackdown on tourism rentals via sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, which many Spaniards say are creating excess tourism, cramping housing stock and making renting unaffordable for locals. Reuters

Train Strike Ends After Snarling New York Travel
Train service in New Jersey will resume Tuesday after striking transit workers and officials came to a tentative agreement following several days of mass misery for New York area commuters. Train engineers seeking higher pay went on the first statewide transit strike in more than 40 years on Friday at a minute after midnight as contract talks fell apart. AFP

Some German Tourists, Fearing Harassment or Detention, Are Avoiding U.S.
The detention of a German woman made headlines across Europe. ‘Is the USA cracking down on German tourists entering the country?’ a German newspaper asked. ‘I love traveling to the States but I don’t think I’m going to risk it this year,’ said one German citizen who usually visits the United States three times a year. Los Angeles Times

No More Basic Economy: Delta Air Lines Reworks Airfare Structure
Delta Air Lines is renaming its fare classes, including folding Basic Economy into a new “Delta Main” category. Delta Main will have three levels: Basic, Classic, and Extra, offering varying perks and restrictions. Other fare classes like Delta Comfort and Delta First will also see name changes, but the onboard experience will remain the same. These changes apply to flights departing on or after October 1. USA Today

Poland Seizes Tires for Boeing Aircraft Headed for Russia
Polish customs seized 5 metric tons of tires for civilian Boeing aircraft which were due to transit through Belarus and Russia, the country’s National Revenue Administration said on Monday, adding such goods are covered by European Union sanctions. Western countries have imposed broad-ranging sanctions against Russia and its ally Belarus since Moscow’s February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Reuters

US Drops Suit Against Southwest Airlines Over Chronically Delayed Flights
The U.S. Department of Justice dropped a lawsuit late on Friday against Southwest Airlines, filed by the Biden administration in its final days, that accused the carrier of illegally operating chronically delayed flights. The Department of Transportation filed suit in January, saying Southwest operated unrealistic schedules and seeking maximum civil penalties. Reuters

2 Dead, 19 Injured After Mexican Navy Sailboat Crashes Into Brooklyn Bridge
A Mexican Navy sailboat with 277 people on board crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others who were on board in a dramatic scene along the New York City waterfront, according to authorities. The crash occurred at 8:30 p.m., resulting in at least 19 people injured, according to the New York Police Department. Four people were left with serious injuries, according to city officials, who gave a press briefing late Saturday evening. Mayor Eric Adams said early Sunday that two people were dead following the crash. Two others remained in critical condition, he said in a statement posted to social media. ABC News

In Spain, a Homelessness Crisis Unfolds in Madrid’s Airport
Every morning at 6 a.m., Teresa sets out in search of work, a shower and a bit of exercise before she returns home. For the past six months, that has been Terminal 4 of Madrid’s international airport. Teresa, 54, who didn’t want her full name to be used because of safety concerns, is one of the estimated hundreds of homeless people sleeping in the Spanish capital’s airport amid a growing housing crisis in Spain, where rental costs have risen especially fast in cities like Madrid, the country’s capital, and Barcelona. AP News

Plane Flew for 10 Minutes With No One at the Controls After Co-Pilot Fainted
A Lufthansa flight to Spain flew with no one at the wheel for 10 minutes after the co-pilot lost consciousness while alone in the cockpit, according to a report from German news agency dpa. The incident occurred on a flight from Frankfurt to Seville on February 17, 2024. While the 43-year-old captain was using the restroom, the 38-year-old co-pilot of the Airbus A321 fainted. The Independent

Flights Reduced by 40% at Paris-Orly Airport After Traffic Control Systems Break Down
France’s civil aviation authority asked airlines to reduce flights by 40% at Paris-Orly airport on Sunday evening after air traffic control systems suffered a breakdown. The authority, known as DGAC, said in a statement that some “regulation” was needed involving a significant reduction in the number of flights. The statement didn’t provide details on the cause of the breakdown. AP

Kentucky NWS Forecast Office Faced Federal Staffing Cuts Before Deadly Tornadoes Hit
The office is one of four forecast offices that no longer has overnight staffing because of a shortage of meteorologists, according to Tom Fahy, legislative director for the weather service employees union. Hundreds have left the agency amid cuts ordered by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to slash the cost and size of the federal government. USA Today

Alaska Airlines Planes Clip Wings at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Prompting FAA Probe
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after two Alaska Airlines planes clipped wings at a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport gate Saturday. At about 12:15 p.m. local time, ground-service tugs were pushing back two aircraft from their gates when their winglets touched, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson told FOX Business. Fox Business

Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week
May 11 – May 18

Boeing Nears Deal To Avoid Guilty Plea, Prosecution In 737 MAX Crashes Case
Boeing has reached a tentative nonprosecution agreement with U.S. prosecutors in a fraud case stemming from two fatal 737 MAX plane crashes that killed 346 people, people familiar with the matter said. The agreement would forestall a June 23 trial date the planemaker faces on a charge it misled U.S. regulators about a crucial flight control system on the 737 MAX, its strongest-selling jet. It would require a judge’s approval. The agreement, if approved, would be a blow to families who lost relatives in the crashes and have pressed prosecutors to take the U.S. planemaker to trial. Reuters

This Air-Traffic Controller Just Averted A Midair Collision. Now He’s Speaking Out
Jonathan Stewart was into his fourth hour overseeing the planes flying near Newark, N.J., when he noticed two aircraft speeding nose-to-nose on his radar scope. A business jet that had departed the Morristown airport was heading toward another small plane that had taken off from nearby Teterboro, a hub for corporate flying. A midair collision was potentially seconds away with planes flying at the same altitude. The veteran air-traffic controller had been scribbling callsigns for the planes and flight information in a notebook, worried that radar and radio communication might fail as they had days earlier. After recognizing the unfolding conflict, he instructed the pilots to turn the planes away from each other, which they did. WSJ

New Jersey Transit Engineers Go On Strike After Failed Deal Between Union And Rail Service
Engineers at New Jersey Transit went on strike early Friday, bringing trains on the nation’s third-largest commuter rail service to a halt. A final day of negotiations between the state-run commuter rail service and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) failed to reach an 11th hour deal to prevent a strike. CNN Business

Porter Airlines Exits San Diego & Scraps Montreal–Las Vegas Plans
Porter Airlines has quietly cut two US routes, one already in operation and another that was planned for the upcoming winter season. At the end of next month, the Canadian carrier will halt its existing route from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to San Diego. It currently operates four times a week using an Embraer E195-E2. SimpleFlying

Wheels Up On United Airlines’ 1st Flight Equipped With Starlink Internet Service
Passengers on board a United flight bound for Detroit on Thursday morning will fly on the airline’s first Starlink-equipped aircraft, which will provide them with satellite internet service while in the air. The first-of-its-kind flight will take off from O’Hare International Airport at 7:35 a.m., headed to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and passengers on board will be able to use high-speed, gate-to-gate internet service provided by Starlink. NewsNation

Singapore’s Changi Airport Starts Building Fifth Terminal After Pandemic Pause

Singapore’s Changi Airport on Wednesday started construction of a fifth terminal, as the world’s fourth-busiest airport by international passengers expands to capitalise on growing air travel in Asia after the pandemic. The airport will also integrate a third runway, which is currently used by the military, by 2030. Reuters

Southwest Air Hints at International Expansion in DOT Filing
Southwest Airlines Co. has filed with the US Transportation Department for authority to fly to any country with which the US has an Open Skies aviation agreement, signaling the carrier intends to expand its small international route network. Approval of the request could allow Southwest to fly to countries in Europe, the UK, much of Latin America and parts of Asia and Africa. The Dallas-based airline also sought the ability to transport “persons, property and mail” to countries that enter aviation agreements with the US in the future, according to the document. Bloomberg

Canada-U.S. Travel Drops for 4th Straight Month, New Data Suggests
Travel between Canada and the U.S. has dropped again. Return trips by Canadians from the U.S. declined for a fourth consecutive month compared with the year prior, data released by Statistics Canada shows, while travel by Americans coming to Canada is also on the decline. The data, released Monday, showed the number of Canadians who had returned from the U.S. in April by vehicle totaled 1.2 million, a 35.2 per cent decline from what was seen the same month last year. Global News

United Adds Caviar Service and Luxe Jammies in Race for Superpremium Travelers
United Airlines thinks international business class can be a little bit fancier. The soft pajamas, caviar service and noise-canceling headphones United plans to offer in its Polaris Studio suites next year are the latest signs that superpremium travel is surviving the current economic turbulence. WSJ

Tourists Are Cancelling Trips to the US – Here Are Three Reasons Why
International travel spending in the United States is projected to fall by $12.5 billion, or seven per cent, in 2025, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC CEO Julia Simpson said the unpopular policies from the administration of President Donald Trump, fear of being stopped at the border and an unfavourable exchange rate had pushed international tourists towards alternative destinations. The Independent

Trump Administration in Talks to Accept New Air Force One as Gift From Qatar
President Trump’s administration is in talks with the Qatari government about accepting a luxury Qatari plane for his use as president and potentially beyond, according to people familiar with the matter. Under the potential arrangement, which is raising legal and ethical concerns, the plane owned by the Qatari royal family would be used as Air Force One while Trump is in office after being retrofitted by a U.S. defense contractor. The U.S. wouldn’t pay for the luxury 747-style jumbo jet. It may then be gifted to the Trump presidential library for Trump to use after he leaves office, the people said. WSJ

Watch Fire at Parking Garage Close to Jacksonville International Airport
A fire at a Jacksonville International Airport hourly parking garage on Friday, May 16, forced operations to shut down and delayed flights. The blaze was reported at around 12:45 p.m. ET, according to The Florida Times-Union, part of the USA TODAY Network. “Due to a fire in the Hourly Garage, the airport is currently closed. JFRD is on-site working on the issue. JSO has blocked inbound and outbound road access to the airport. Additional details will be forthcoming soon,” a post from airport officials said. USA Today

Saturday, May 17

Hawaiian Airlines to Enforce New ‘No-Show’ Policy Starting May 15
Hawaiian Airlines is rolling out a new no-show policy beginning May 15, 2025, and travelers who miss their flight without canceling in advance could lose the entire value of their ticket. The airline said the policy applies to passengers who have a confirmed reservation but fail to show up for their flight without prior notice. KHON2

Costco No Longer Offers Disneyland Deals
As Disneyland kicks off a yearlong celebration of its 70th anniversary, Costco members may find themselves out of luck when it comes to deals for the popular theme park. “Costco Travel is not accepting new reservations to the Disneyland Resort,” Costco stated on its website. “Guests with existing packages through 2025 can still modify their reservations by calling (877) 849-2730.” SF Gate

Florida Lottery Scratch-Off $1 Million Jackpot Won by Texas Man. How Many Visitors Win Big There?
In January, a Texas man picked up a scratch-off ticket in Florida and won a $1 million prize. David Le, of Katy, Texas, claimed his jackpot from the $1,000,000 a Year For Life game and took the lump sum of $640,000.00, according to a release from the Florida Lottery on May 2. Le bought his winning ticket from Walmart Liquor Box at 1619 Del Prado Boulevard S. in Cape Coral. The retailer received a $2,000 bonus commission for selling it to him. Palm Beach Post

End of an Era for the Preakness
It’s time for the Kentucky Derby posers to drop off and the real pony-heads to keep day drinking. Today’s Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown, is set to be historic no matter what happens: It’s the race’s 150th anniversary, Saffie Osborne could become the first woman jockey to win, and it’s the final Preakness that will take place at Pimlico Race Course before it’s demolished and reconstructed. Morning Brew

At LAX, Uber Drivers Wait. And Wait. And Wait.
Before the sun could rise over Los Angeles International Airport on a recent Tuesday, hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers had formed a queue nearby, stretching around the block. It was 5 a.m., and the waiting game was about to begin. In a few minutes, the line of cars would file into a fenced-off parking lot, a mile from the arrival terminals. It is known officially as the Transportation Network Company Staging Area, but drivers call it the “pen,” where they wait to be matched with passengers getting off flights. The New York Times

LA28’s Plan for a Car-Free Olympics Now Includes Air Taxis the Price of a High-End Uber
As L.A. officials assess the merits of a water taxi system designed to reduce car traffic at the 2028 Olympics, the Games’ organizers have set their sights on another expressway. LA28, the committee charged with planning L.A.’s third Summer Games, is partnering with San José-based aerospace company Archer Aviation to assemble a fleet of electric air taxis designed in part to divert Olympics traffic to the sky, Archer said in a statement Thursday. LA Times

Here Comes the Summer of the Scaled-Back Vacation
Summer vacation is getting a makeover. Americans are planning to take time off this summer, but their concerns about the economy are prompting them to swap air travel and extravagant holidays for road trips and shorter vacations. Dan Ruswick, his sister and mother were planning to take their annual trip to Comic-Con in San Diego at the end of July. They had booked tickets to the event and a refundable hotel. The family, who lives in Illinois, was looking into flights when the stock market started dropping. In mid-April, they canceled the trip, which they estimated would cost about $2,500. WSJ

‘Bare Beating’: The Annoying Public Transport Trend Driving Commuters Crazy
First there was “rawdogging.” Then there was “barebacking.” Now there’s another travel trend with an unnecessarily smutty name: “bare beating.” You probably know the activity as “playing music or video out loud without using headphones” and chances are high that you’ve already encountered it. CNN

First Class Makes a Comeback at American and United but Under a Different Name
The way that airline cabins are named all seems rather silly to me. After all, what years ago was First, Business and Economy has now become Business, Premium Economy and Economy. It’s not all that different. But as premium continues to grow in popularity, the airlines are looking for that next premium opportunity, and that means the return of a more exclusive First Class-style offering. Last week American rolled out its newest premium-heavy B787-9 configuration, and this week United announced its plans for what it is calling the United Elevated interior. What both of these have in common is that the front row of each cabin is more of a First Class-style experience but not quite First Class in name. Cranky Flier

Planes, Trains and Everything’s a Mess for Upfronts and Cannes Travelers at Newark Airport
Let’s get this out of the way first: I really like New Jersey. I was born there and raised there, and lived a year or so in Los Angeles before deciding to return there. I got married there (but engaged in L.A.) and am raising my kids there. It’s a great place to be even if currently a horror to get to (or get out of). Hollywood Reporter

I Was on a Flight – but British Airways Told Me I Wasn’t
An extraordinary thing happened to me on a recent flight to Madrid: I unwittingly travelled under the wrong identity, becoming a potential security issue, and no one realised. I was packing for a short business trip to make a film for the BBC when I attempted to check in online. It didn’t work, so I headed to London Heathrow Airport to do it in person. BBC

Friday, May 16
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,847,304 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 15

Bahama Breeze Abruptly Closes 15 Restaurants: Here’s Where
Darden Restaurants spokesperson Kiara Buckner confirmed the closures after reports of shuttering restaurants began to emerge on Thursday afternoon, May 15 across multiple states, including Florida, Tennessee and Nevada. Signs posted on the doors of two locations in Florida informed customers of the move, USA TODAY Network papers in Gainesville and Naples reported on May 15. Similar situations unfolded in Memphis and Las Vegas, where two more locations of the casual dining chain shuttered, according to the locations’ Facebook pages and local media reports. USA Today

British Airways Fined Millions After Luggage Handler Breaks Back At Heathrow Airport
British Airways has been handed a £3.2 million fine following two separate incidents at Heathrow Airport where luggage handlers suffered serious injuries after falling from height. A court heard how two employees were hurt in similar circumstances just months apart. The incidents, which occurred at Heathrow, involved baggage handlers using loading equipment that lacked adequate protection, notably edge guard rails, London’s Southwark Crown Court heard. The Independent

Video Shows Officers Arresting Chicago Man Who Brought Loaded Gun On Plane At O’Hare Airport
Video shows officers arresting a man accused of bringing a loaded gun onto a plane at O’Hare last month, police say. Besnik Ismajlaj was allegedly able to get a gun past security on April 15. According to the TSA, the gun was discovered in a bag during a security screening. As agents waited for police, they say, the St. Charles man grabbed the bag and ran into the terminal. Body camera video shows the moment Ismajlaj was arrested. ABC7 Chicago

Air Traffic Controllers In Denver Scramble To Use Backups After Losing Communications Monday
Air traffic controllers in Denver lost communications with planes around that major airport for 90 seconds earlier this week and had to scramble to use backup frequencies in the latest Federal Aviation Administration equipment failure. The outage at Denver International Airport happened Monday afternoon and affected communications, not radar, the FAA’s head of air traffic control, Frank McIntosh, said during a House hearing Thursday. This communications failure follows two high-profile outages of radar and communications in the past 2 1/2 weeks at a facility that directs planes in and out of the Newark, New Jersey, airport. AP

Laguna Beach Hotel Faces Backlash From State And Residents Over Private Beach Signs
Laguna Beach residents and activists are claiming a local hotel is trying to keep the public away from their private slice of the Orange County oceanside. Hotel Laguna placed chairs and signs on the public beach and called it a private space for its customers, a potential violation of a longstanding California law. The Coastal Act of 1976 bars private properties from putting chairs, furniture or signs on a public beach to make it look private without a permit. CBS LA

Hiker Missing In California’s Sierra Nevada For Weeks Found Alive In Snow-Covered Cabin
A Georgia woman who went missing for weeks while hiking in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains has been found alive inside a cabin that was inaccessible to vehicles due to the snowpack. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said the family of Tiffany Slaton, a 27-year-old woman from Jeffersonville, Georgia, reported on April 29 that they had not been in contact with her for the past nine days. CBS News

Cruise Lines Are Signaling A Fight Against Hawaii’s Tourism Tax
A battle may be brewing over a new 11% tax on cruise lines in Hawaii after the cruise industry warned state officials that it considers the legislation a violation of the U.S. Constitution. The state legislature signed off on a bill May 2 that would for the first time tax cruise lines, based on the number of days their ships are docked in Hawaii, with the proceeds then funneled toward environmental causes. The legislation also increases the existing Transient Accommodations Tax applied to short-term rentals and hotels from 10.25% to 11%. Travel Weekly

Thursday, May 15
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,366,338 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 14

Singapore’s Changi Airport Starts Building Fifth Terminal After Pandemic Pause

L.A. Council Backs $30 Minimum Wage For Tourism Workers, Despite Warnings

The Los Angeles City Council voted Wednesday to approve a sweeping package of minimum wage increases for workers in the tourism industry, despite objections from business leaders who warned that the region is already facing a slowdown in international travel. The proposal, billed by labor leaders as the highest minimum wage in the country, would require hotels with more than 60 rooms, as well as companies doing business at Los Angeles International Airport, to pay their workers $30 per hour by 2028. Los Angeles Times

Global Airlines – Live: Simon Calder Rides New Airline’s First Transatlantic Flight To New York

At 11:34 a.m. on Thursday, 15 May, a new British airline made its maiden flight. A giant Airbus A380 plane in the colours of Global Airlines has lifted off from Glasgow Airport in Scotland, destination New York JFK. The flight was due to leave at 11:00 a.m., but was pushed back 13 minutes late, and along with further delay on the taxiway, the Airbus A380 took off over half an hour behind schedule. But thanks to a fast flight time, it is expected to arrive on schedule in New York at 1:00 p.m. The Independent

Tesla Driver Convicted In SoCal Attacks Is Assaulted By Inmates In Hawaii After Arrest For Road Rage

A Tesla driver convicted of attacking motorists’ vehicles with a pipe in Los Angeles County was assaulted by inmates in a Hawaii prison facility after being arrested again for allegedly assaulting two women during a road rage incident in Honolulu, authorities said. The incident at the prison occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday, according to a spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. ABC 7

Royal Caribbean Halts Months Of Cruises To Popular Caribbean Destination

As more and more gang violence sweeps across the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, Royal Caribbean has made the drastic decision to drop the Caribbean nation from their regular cruise itineraries. Since opening its gangway to cruise ships in the mid-1980s, Labadee has remained one of Royal Caribbean’s most beloved private resorts. A unique tropical experience nestled along the northern coastline of Haiti, the resort offers a plethora of action-packed and/or relaxing excursions within the island port, including ziplining, scenic cruises, and immersive cultural getaways. Parade

These Airlines Had The Most And Least Passenger Complaints In 2024

Flying can be a hassle even under the best of circumstances. When trips are marred by delays, cancellations and mishandled luggage, air travel can become a nightmare. In 2024, customers lodged a record 66,675 complaints against U.S. airlines, according to a new report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, a consumer advocacy group, based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Passenger complaints have surged since the pandemic, rising every year since 2021, according to PIRG. MSN

Margaritaville At Sea Is Adding Its Biggest Cruise Ship Yet In 2026

Calling all Parrotheads: Margaritaville at Sea is expanding its fleet. The cruise line will add a third ship in 2026, according to a Wednesday news release. The line is acquiring the vessel from Costa Cruises, which will continue sailing as Costa Fortuna until late next year. The line’s second ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, “really outperformed expectations” following its launch last summer, the line’s CEO Christopher Ivy told USA TODAY ahead of the announcement. USA Today

TikTok Influencer In Mexico Is Shot Dead While Livestreaming

A 23-year-old influencer was shot and killed on Tuesday at a beauty salon in Jalisco, Mexico, while she was livestreaming on TikTok, according to the state prosecutor’s office. The influencer, Valeria Márquez, was working at the salon in Zapopan, part of the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, and streaming to some of her 113,000 followers on TikTok, when two men pulled up outside on a motorbike, Denis Rodríguez, a spokesman for the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office, said. One of the men entered the salon wearing a mask, looking for Ms. Márquez. NYTimes

Why Dubai Is Shutting Its Main Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set to close, with UK travellers rerouted to the city’s second airfield – once its $35 billion expansion is complete. Flights out of the popular UAE aviation hub will be moved as part of long-term plans to make Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) five times the size of DXB. The Independent

Caught In The Newark Airport Chaos? Here’s What Airlines Are Offering Passengers For Delayed Or Canceled Flights

Travelers flying through Newark are experiencing turbulence before they even make it into the air. The Federal Aviation Administration has been slowing the pace of arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport for the past couple of weeks as it deals with staffing shortages and radar outages, resulting in an increased number of flight delays and cancellations. MarketWatch

Air Travel Will Be ‘Worse’ This Summer, Lawmakers Warn — As FAA Gives Infuriating Update On System Fixes, Staffing Issues

Flight delays and cancellations are bound to only get “worse” heading into the summer, members of Congress warned Wednesday — as Federal Aviation Administration officials said it’ll take another year or more to update aging infrastructure and complete recruitment for controllers. This year, the tragic mid-air collision that killed 67 people at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, DC, a spate of frightening near-misses and a 90-second communications blackout in Newark have only added to the urgency as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy seeks to overhaul the nation’s air travel. NY Post

In-N-Out Is Removing Artificial Ingredients From Some Of Its Menu Items

In-N-Out is removing artificial coloring from two of its drinks and changing its ketchup. The moves come a few weeks after the US government said it will ban some synthetic dyes because of health concerns. The burger chain is eliminating artificial dyes from its strawberry milkshakes and pink lemonade, replacing them with natural coloring. It’s also in the “process of transitioning” to a new ketchup that uses real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. CNN Business

Wednesday, May 14
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,131,490 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 13

Air Traffic Control ‘Hotline’ Between Pentagon and Reagan Washington National Airport Has Been Broken Since 2022
A “hotline” between air traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Pentagon, intended to coordinate aircraft, has not worked since March 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration revealed in a congressional hearing Wednesday. The FAA was not aware the direct line was broken until a May 1 incident where a helicopter circled the Pentagon and caused two flights to abort landings, Franklin McIntosh, the FAA’s deputy chief operating officer testified. CNN

British Climber Rescued From World’s Third Highest Mountain as Expedition Claims Woman’s Life
A British mountaineer has been rescued from the world’s third highest peak during an expedition which saw a French climber lose her life. Adrian Michael Hayes was on his way down from the summit of Mt Kanchenjunga in the Nepalese Himalayas on May 10 when he reportedly began to experience severe altitude sickness. Daily Mail

Spirit Airlines Introduces Extra Legroom Seats, Other Perks, in Push for Premium
Spirit Airlines announced that it will offer new premium options for its travelers, including an extra-legroom seating option. Spirit exited bankruptcy in March after years of losses and failed merger attempts. The extra-legroom seating will include seven rows near the front of the aircraft totaling more than 40 seats. CNBC

Airbnb Launches Redesigned App, New Services Business
Airbnb launched a redesigned app on Tuesday to showcase the company’s push to let travelers book services, like catering and personal training, at their home rentals. The new-look app marks a new chapter for Airbnb to expand beyond home stays and comes as part of a previously-announced plan to invest $200 million to $250 million in a new business. The company hopes this update will put Airbnb on par with offerings travelers often find at hotels and resorts. CNBC

Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Attacking a Flight Attendant With a Broken Spoon
A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty Tuesday to attacking a flight attendant with a broken metal spoon and attempting to open an airliner’s emergency door on a cross-country flight. Francisco Severo Torres, of Leominster, pleaded guilty to one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon in the March 2023 disturbance on United Airlines Flight 2609 from Los Angeles to Boston. AP

Memorial Day Travel Forecast to Break 20-Year-Old Record Despite Economic Gloom
Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released Monday. Why it matters: Americans’ deep pessimism about the economy isn’t deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season. “Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they’re taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home,” AAA said in a statement. By the numbers: 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 and May 26. Axios

United CEO Kirby ‘Committed to Bringing Us Back Into JFK’
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says he is “committed to bringing us back into JFK, one way or another,” but is not prepared to say “yet what is happening” with regards to a possible alliance or merger with JetBlue. “JFK is important to us. One way or another, we need to be back in JFK. I wish United had not pulled out of JFK back in the day,” Kirby said May 13 on the sidelines of an event in Brooklyn where the airline presented an upgraded Polaris international business class product. Aviation Week Network

Aviation Council Says Russia Responsible for Downing Malaysia Airlines Flight
The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization on Tuesday found Russia responsible for shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine with the loss of 298 lives more than a decade ago, in a ruling that raises the prospect of victims’ families being paid compensation. A Dutch-led international investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down on July 17, 2014, from Ukrainian territory held by separatist rebels using a Buk missile system delivered from Russia. Moscow denies any involvement in the MH17 tragedy. NewsNation

Foreign Tourists Are Shunning the US
The World Travel & Tourism Council is forecasting a significant decline in tourism spending by international travelers in the US this year. It predicts a drop of up to $12.5 billion in travel revenue in 2025. That is potentially putting nearly 100,000 tourism jobs at risk. The WTTC study in conjunction with tourism data partner Oxford Economics estimates tourism receipts to fall under $169 billion by the end of 2025. It marks a decline of about 7% and down by 22% on 2019 levels. Morning Brew

3 Climbers Fell 400 Feet to Their Death. 1 Climber Survived and Drove to a Pay Phone
A rock climber who fell hundreds of feet descending a steep gully in Washington’s North Cascades mountains survived the fall that killed his three companions, hiked to his car in the dark and then drove to a pay phone to call for help, authorities said Tuesday. The surviving climber, Anton Tselykh, 38, extricated himself from a tangle of ropes, helmets and other equipment after the fall Saturday evening. Despite suffering internal bleeding and head trauma, Tselykh eventually, over at least a dozen hours, made the trek to the pay phone, Okanogan County Undersheriff Dave Yarnell said. AP

Tuesday, May 13
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,656,624 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 12

Troubled Newark Airport Faces Temporary Flight Cap
The FAA will convene with domestic airlines this week to negotiate flight reductions at Newark Airport. The meeting will begin Wednesday morning and is expected to last at least through Thursday. Travel Weekly

US Convenes Newark Airport Task Force, Fast-Tracks Telecom Fix
The Trump administration said on Monday it was convening an emergency task force and fast-tracking urgent steps to prevent additional telecom outages at the facility overseeing Newark air traffic after three incidents have shaken public confidence. Acting Federal Aviation Administration head Chris Rocheleau said the agency was naming an emergency task force to help address telecom issues at the facility overseeing Newark Liberty Airport traffic that includes L3Harris Technologies, Verizon and other technical experts. He pledged to be “transparent about the progress that we are making.” Reuters

Man Dies on MSC Cruises Ship After Reported Fight; Two Arrested in UK
British police made a second arrest after the death of a man aboard an MSC Cruises ship. A 56-year-old Richmond, London man was arrested for suspected manslaughter, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary told USA TODAY in an email. A 60-year-old man died while on MSC Virtuosa on May 3 following “an altercation,” police said last week. USA Today

NFL Confirms Teams Set for London and Dublin in International Games 2025
The NFL has announced three match-ups for London in the International Games 2025 and a first-ever regular season game to be played in Dublin, Ireland. The NFL will also visit Berlin, Germany, Madrid, Spain and Sao Paulo, Brazil in a bid to further expand its presence in international markets. The Independent

MARC and Amtrak Trains Canceled Due to Large Baltimore Warehouse Fire
Several trains on Amtrak’s busy Northeast line and on the MARC commuter train’s Penn line were canceled Tuesday morning because of a large-scale fire overnight at a warehouse in West Baltimore. Around 7 a.m., the Baltimore fire department said in a Facebook post that Amtrak service had been “restored but restricted to one track.” No further details were given as to when full train service would be restored on either of the lines. Travelers are advised to check with the train services. Washington Post

CEO Ben Minicucci: Alaska Will Fly Sea-Tac to Europe in 2026
Alaska Airlines’ next new nonstop route from Seattle will be to Europe in 2026, CEO Ben Minicucci confirmed this week in an interview where he laid out his vision for the next few years at Alaska. Minicucci, a 20-year Alaska Air veteran who was named CEO in 2021, said the recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines is a “step change” for the airline, one that will allow it to expand its reach from the West Coast to other trans-Pacific hubs. Seattle will be at the center of that expansion, with plans to add 12 nonstop global routes with long-haul widebody airplanes by 2030. The Seattle Times

Travel Industry Staffer Detained at US Airports Says Think Twice Before Going There
A travel industry veteran has twice been detained for questioning by United States’ border officials this year, and she’s warning others to think twice about travelling there. “I’m really nervous about going back and it’s only my job that has me going back,” she told the NZ Herald

Foreign Travel Spending in US to Decline 7% in 2025, Report Says
International travel spending in the United States is expected to decline about 7%, or $12.5 billion, in 2025 as politics and a strong dollar prompt foreign visitors to opt for other destinations, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. International travelers are shunning U.S. vacations due to unpopular policies from the administration of President Donald Trump, fear of being stopped at the border and an unfavorable exchange rate, said Julia Simpson, CEO of the WTTC. Reuters

Budget Airline Begins Deportation Flights for ICE With Start of Arizona Operations
A budget airline that serves mostly small U.S. cities began federal deportation flights Monday out of Arizona, a move that’s inspired an online boycott petition and sharp criticism from the union representing the carrier’s flight attendants. Avelo Airlines announced in April it had signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to make charter deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport outside Phoenix. It said it will use three Boeing 737-800 planes for the flights. AP

8 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in 2025
You’re ready to book your next holiday, and you’re aware of the importance of minimising your travel footprint. But where do you begin? If you’re stumped, you’re not alone. A new Booking.com report found sustainability is important to 84% of global travellers. But while the desire to travel greener is strong, the path to eco-tourism is unclear for many. A Trip.com study found that nearly half of travellers are confused about what sustainable travel actually means, while a 2025 World Travel & Tourism Council report revealed that cost is a major barrier. BBC

Monday, May 12
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,578,387 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 11

Sean Duffy ‘Concerned’ About Whole US Airspace, Says FAA Buys Parts on eBay
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Sunday during an interview appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press that he’s “concerned about the whole [United States] airspace,” citing old equipment being used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), that at times needs to be purchased from the online marketplace, eBay. The transportation secretary then clarified: “We are the safest airspace, for sure, and traveling by air is way safer than any other mode of transportation.” Newsweek

When Your Hero Is Mom: Mother and Son Pilots Fly Together in a Milestone Moment for Alaska Airlines
First Officer Jeff Miles grew up admiring his mom’s extraordinary job as an Alaska Airlines pilot and dreamed of following in her footsteps. Last week, Jeff’s dream came true as he joined his mom, Captain Michelle Miles, in the flight deck, making history as the first mother-son pilot team for Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines News

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Livery
With the upcoming release of the Disney live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, a few Hawaiian Airlines planes have a new livery. The rascal alien Stitch is wearing a hibiscus flower in his ear on a Hawaiian’s Airbus A330. A second design shows Stitch painting flowers on the side of an Airbus A321. A third design will be revealed in June. Travel Weekly

JetBlue Runs on Dunkin’ With New Special Livery
JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) and Dunkin’, America’s largest coffee and donuts brand, today unveiled a new Dunkin’-themed livery in honor of their longstanding partnership. The vibrant design of the freshly painted Airbus A320 aircraft, appropriately named Brewing Altitude, features Dunkin’s iconic pink and orange branding, brought to life with a playful donut and coffee motif. The aircraft’s new look was revealed at a celebratory event in Boston where both brands have deep roots and a loyal following. JetBlue Airways Corporation

Air Canada Lowers 2025 Outlook as Travel to US Declines
Shares of Air Canada soared by as much as 13% Friday morning as the airline reported a lower — but better than expected — profit forecast for 2025 as President Donald Trump’s trade war slows the economy and discourages some Canadians from traveling to the US. Bloomberg

United Airlines CEO Says “This Is the Most Optimistic I’ve Been” About FAA Reform
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said “this is the most optimistic I’ve been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed” as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called for increased investment amid major outages and delays at Newark Liberty International Airport. “I and others in the aviation industry have been working on this for decades, and I think we’re finally– we’ve turned the corner, and we have the commitment,” Kirby said on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan. CBS News

Delta, Korean Air to Buy 25% Stake in WestJet From Onex
Delta Air Lines and Korean Air will buy a combined 25 per cent stake in WestJet from Canadian investment firm Onex, the companies announced on Friday. Under the arrangement, Delta will acquire a 15 per cent stake in the Calgary-based airline for $330 million US, while Korean Air will buy a 10 per cent stake for $220 million US, for a deal totalling $550 million US ($766.8 million Cdn). After the deal closes, Delta plans to sell a 2.3 per cent stake in WestJet to its joint venture partner Air France-KLM for $50 million US. CBC News

Ukrainian Woman Arrested at Phuket Airport for Condo Vandalism
A Ukrainian woman was apprehended by police at Phuket International Airport while attempting to flee the country after allegedly causing significant damage to a luxury condominium in Phuket. The damage was estimated at over 350,000 baht (US$10,630). This arrest was conducted by police from Wichit district in Phuket, in collaboration with immigration officers, under the guidance of Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang and his team. Thaiger

San Diego’s Newest Overseas Nonstop Flight Takes Off
In a first for San Diego, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines launched its new nonstop flight to Amsterdam on Thursday, marking the city’s fourth overseas route. The San Diego International Airport celebrated the occasion with a formal ribbon-cutting and remarks by local airport and tourism leaders, as well as the airline’s chief financial officer. Operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the new nonstop will use a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that has 224 economy seats, 21 in premium comfort, and 30 fully flat business class seats. Spanning 4,878 nautical miles, the flight between San Diego and Amsterdam is KLM’s longest U.S. route to date. San Diego Union-Tribune

Five Fishermen Who Survived 55 Days Adrift by Drinking Rain and Parboiling Passing Fish Arrive in Galapagos
Five fishermen who spent 55 days adrift at sea arrived Saturday at a port in the Galapagos Islands after being rescued by a tuna boat, the Ecuadorian navy said on X. The three Peruvians and two Colombians had been missing since mid-March and were found on May 7 by an Ecuadorian boat called Aldo. The fishermen had reported damage to the boat’s alternator two days after setting sail from Pucusana Bay, to the south of Peru’s capital Lima, the navy said in a separate post on Friday. CNN

Meet the Leopards of YouTube on WildEarth’s Livestreamed Safaris
It was just after sunrise, and we were racing to meet a local celebrity we had been doggedly tracking all morning. She’d been spotted grabbing a drink nearby, so we made a beeline to the nearest watering hole, arriving just in time to watch her gracefully slink away and disappear — delighting, then deflating, her thousands of fans expectantly watching via livestream. We had found Tlalamba, the Queen of Djuma, a female leopard whose physical territory amounts to a patch of bushveld near South Africa’s Kruger National Park but whose digital dominion spans the globe. The New York Times

Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week
May 4 – May 11

Don’t Expect the Problems at Newark Airport to End Anytime Soon, Experts Say
A communications system reliant on floppy disks and copper wires. Radars operated with a remote line described as “a long extension cord.” Multiple air traffic controllers on trauma leave to recover from the stress of technical failures that caused them to lose contact with planes. And the closure of a runway for construction. The result: Thousands of delays and flight cancellations over the last two weeks at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports. It’s a perfect storm, with one air traffic controller describing the loss of communications alone as “the most dangerous situation you could have.” CNN

San Francisco’s Commuter Trains Stopped for Four Hours by Computer Outage
A computer outage knocked out train service in the San Francisco Bay area for about four hours on Friday morning, causing headaches for some commuters in the high-tech capital. The Bay Area Rapid Transit agency suspended train service systemwide around 5 a.m. PDT and resumed a little after 9 a.m. PDT. The network connects San Francisco, Oakland, both cities’ airports, Berkeley and the East Bay area. Reuters

Newark Airport Suffers Another Tech Outage, FAA Says
A technology outage took out radar and communications for Newark Liberty International Airport’s controllers briefly Friday morning, the second such breakdown in two weeks at a heavily trafficked U.S. transit hub. The outage at the Philadelphia air-traffic control facility occurred Friday at 3:55 a.m. ET, the Federal Aviation Administration said, and lasted for around 90 seconds. WSJ

Global Airlines Promised Luxurious Flights on a Fleet of A380 Superjumbos. The Launch Is Somewhat Different
When it was first announced four years ago, it sounded like an aviation geek’s dream — an airline with a fleet consisting only of Airbus A380 superjumbos, the huge and majestic double-decker airplanes that offer unrivaled comfort in the sky. Promotional images released by Global Airlines, a startup carrier founded by former investment banker and Guinness World Record holder James Asquith, added to the excitement, with images of smart cabins and even an onboard “pub.” CNN

Disney announces a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first new resort in a generation
For the first time in 15 years, the Walt Disney Company has announced the development of a new theme park – a resort destination in Abu Dhabi that marks the company’s entry into the Middle East. The Disneyland Abu Dhabi resort will become Disney’s seventh global resort destination, the company announced Wednesday shortly after reporting strong second-quarter earnings. CNN

You’ll have to pay a new fee for Mexico cruises starting this summer
There’s a new fee for cruise passengers looking for a sunny escape. Mexico’s new cruise passenger fee will be much lower than expected when it takes effect this summer. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), cruise guests visiting the country will pay $5 beginning on July 1, rather than the previously announced $42 rate. That will go up to $10 between August 1, 2026, and June 2027; $15 from July 1, 2027, to July 2028; and $21 on August 1, 2028. USA Today

Asian airlines re-route, cancel flights due to India-Pakistan fighting
Some Asian airlines on Wednesday said they were re-routing or cancelling flights to and from Europe because of fighting between India and Pakistan. India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir and Pakistan said it had shot down five Indian fighter jets in the worst fighting in more than two decades between the nuclear-armed enemies. Reuters

Controllers lost contact with Newark airplanes for 30 seconds last week, USDOT says
—Air traffic controllers overseeing planes at Newark International Airport in New Jersey lost contact with aircraft for 30 seconds last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Monday. “The primary communication line went down, the backup line didn’t fire, and so for 30 seconds we lost contact with air traffic,” Duffy told Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle.” Reuters

American climber dies on world’s fifth-highest peak in Nepal
—An American mountaineer died on Mount Makalu in eastern Nepal during a climb to raise funds for a children’s cancer programme, officials said on Tuesday, the second death in the Himalayan nation’s climbing season that began in March. The world’s fifth-highest mountain, Makalu’s peak is 8,463 m (28,000 ft) high, compared to Mount Everest, the tallest peak, at a height of 8,849 m (29,032 ft). Reuters

Spain opens probe after cable theft halts high-speed trains
—Spanish police opened an investigation on Monday after thefts of copper cables halted high-speed trains from Madrid to the south, leaving thousands of passengers trapped in trains or stranded at stations. The disruption took place on a busy day as travellers were returning home after a long weekend in Madrid and before the start on Tuesday of a week-long annual fair in the southern city of Seville, a major tourist draw. AFP

Trump says he will reopen Alcatraz prison
President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island that has been closed for more than 60 years. In a post on his Truth Social site Sunday evening, Trump wrote that, “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” AP

United cutting 35 flights per day from Newark Airport as problems persist
Delays persisted Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport. There were at least 377 delays and 82 cancellations throughout the day, according to FlightAware. This comes a day after United Airlines announced it’d be cutting 35 flights per day from Newark due to persistent equipment and staffing issues. CBS News

80 Comments On "12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today"

Daisy L.|
April 7, 2025 at 1:04 am | Reply

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!
sellmymiles|
March 28, 2025 at 2:03 pm | Reply

Great roundup of travel updates! Always appreciate a one-stop source for industry news, especially with changing airline policies and new travel trends emerging. Looking forward to seeing how these developments impact travelers in the coming months.
Harriet J. Hartley|
February 1, 2025 at 9:02 pm | Reply

Staying updated on travel news is always a game-changer! Looking forward to seeing what’s on the list today—whether it’s new routes, travel hacks, or industry updates. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
Buzzy Gordon|
November 20, 2024 at 4:11 pm | Reply

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.
Richard G Allen|
August 19, 2024 at 5:08 pm | Reply

On August 13th or 14th, I sent you a response to your reply to my original response in which you claim your Headline Trump flew on Jeffery Epstein’s Jet. You have never printed this response just as you had not printed the reply from Ms. Carlson. I am relieved to read that you are not intentionally blocking my reply. I just tried to resubmit this reply and received a message that you already have this information. I therefore request that you print the reply is submitted on either August 13th or 14th. Thank your for you courtesy.
Richard G Allen|
August 19, 2024 at 5:08 pm | Reply

On August 13th or 14th, I sent you a response to your reply to my original response in which you claim your Headline Trump flew on Jeffery Epstein’s Jet. You have never printed this response just as you had not printed the reply from Ms. Carlson. I am relieved to read that you are not intentionally blocking my reply. This unpublished reply appears below.

It appears you are very confused with what was contained in my original response to you. You, just confirmed your Headline statement was false and misleading. In your response to me you state “Thanks for your comment! It wasn’t false. His campaign confirmed it to be true: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-campaign-confirms-he-chartered-epsteins-old-jet.
I never questioned whether or not Trump has flown on a plane formerly owned by Jeffery Epstein. If you had properly read what you responded to, I was pointing out that your Headline was false and misleading in that Jeffery Epstein did not own the plane the Trump Campaign Chartered.
In your response you say “epsteins-old-jet. That is a far cry from what you said in your article. I know you can read and you wrote – “NOW HE’S FLYING JEFFERY EPSTEIN’S JET”. You must obviously see the difference. In my original email to you I wrote “Your headline is obviously false and also misleading. Instead of printing an accurate headline that Trump was flying an aircraft formally owned by Jeffery Epstein, as the “HONEST” media has done, you went for the jugular knowing you were providing false information to your readers.”
You verified that thedailybeast.com did the correct thing and pointed out that the plane the Trump Campaign Chartered was Epsteins Old Jet. You clearly stated that Trump is flying Jeffery Epstein’s Jet. No modifier – former, old, etc. Do you believe that the plane the Trump Campaign Chartered was owned by Jeffery Epstein at the time Trump Chartered the plane last week? You must have – that is what you said. You wanted to give the impression Trump was associated with Epstein and now flying in his jet. Why else would you print this? Why do this and discredit yourself?

I also asked several other simple questions which you have chosen to ignore. You have made a big mistake and should own up to it. You have many readers who do not want to read about your political views and probably more important to you, you act as an ambassador to many companies that do not want their product or representatives to be involved in the political world. You may soon find out how quickly these companies cut ties with those who bring unwanted notice to them.

I wrote this original response as a word to the wise, it appears you have not learned from it and only compounded your problem. I suggest you re-read my original comments and compare you misguided response to what I originally wrote.

I do truly wish the best for you and your lovely family. Please take some time and think this over, your actions are extremely important to your future. I/we are still awaiting an explanation and apology.
1. Johnny Jet|
  August 19, 2024 at 6:08 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Richard,
  
  As I told Mary, I didn’t write the story (https://viewfromthewing.com/trumps-plane-ground-after-emergency-landing-now-hes-flying-jeffrey-epsteins-old-jet/) I included it in my roundup of the day’s travel story and it was travel news. I will leave you with https://www.instagram.com/p/C8jxWO9hxwQ/ Peace and love
Mary Carlson|
August 16, 2024 at 8:08 pm | Reply

Hello again Mr. Jet:
The other day I wrote and sent you the following reply to your short article regarding Trump flying on Epstein’s former Jet. It has been a couple of days and it has not been published on the web page. Have you now taken to censoring your readers who call you to task for printing false information? If so, you have reached a very low in your life. If you cannot explain why, you made such a dangerous mistake, you are admitting you are guilty of the misdeeds Mr Allen and I have claimed. I would have expected Mr Allen to have called you out on your pathetic and incorrect response. Perhaps he has, and you have blocked his reply as well. I hope for your sake you have just been busy and not had time to correct this issue. An issue like this should not ruin your career.

Hello Mr. Jet:
I must agree completely with Mr. Allen. You absolutely crossed the line and presented to your readers false information regarding the airplane Mr Trump used to fly after his primary plane broke down. You said that Mr Trump flew in Epstein’s plane. Then is not true and unless you believed that Mr. Epstein was alive and stilled owned this plane, you deliberately set out to mislead you readers and defame Mr Trump.
This is not of any concern to me as a reader of your newsletter. I read it to gain information that may enhance my traveling experience. I cannot see how this could in anyway do that, I think you would agree.
Your response to Mr Allen is laughable, in your response you show that your source correctly identified the plane as epsteins-old-jet and you still think you did nothing wrong?
I should no nothing of your political view. Why would you do such a thing other than you have a great hate for Mr Trump. At this time over have of the people who will be voting in November will be voting for Mr Trump. You risked alienating so many of your readers for what?
I am now looking for a replacement newsletter to yours. I will not stop the search until I find one. The author my have similar political views to yours, and that is fine with me, as long as I never know. I also buy Air Jordans for my kids.
I hope you have learned from this, but it is too late for me.
1. Johnny Jet|
  August 16, 2024 at 9:08 pm | Reply
  
  Hi Mary,
  
  Thanks for the reminder to approve comments. I always approve them unless they have swear words or are anonymous. I just didn’t get around to it since it was my daughter’s 5th birthday was on Wednesday and then she broke her arm so we were in the hospital most of the day yesterday. I don’t engage in political banter because I know I could never change your mind on who to vote for and vice versa. But the story I linked to was factually correct. I didn’t write it so if you have a problem with it go after the author. I will leave you with https://www.instagram.com/p/C8jxWO9hxwQ/ Peace and love
Mary Carlson|
August 14, 2024 at 8:08 pm | Reply

Hello Mr. Jet:
I must agree completely with Mr. Allen. You absolutely crossed the line and presented to your readers false information regarding the airplane Mr Trump used to fly after his primary plane broke down. You said that Mr Trump flew in Epstein’s plane. Than is not true and unless you believed that Mr. Epstein was alive and stilled owned this plane, you deliberately set out to mislead you readers and defame Mr Trump.
This is not of any concern to me as a reader of your newsletter. I read it to gain information that may enhance my traveling experience. I cannot see how this could in anyway do that, I think you would agree.
Your response to Mr Allen is laughable, in your response you show that your source correctly identified the plane as epsteins-old-jet and you still think you did nothing wrong?
I should no nothing of your political view. Why would you do such a thing other than you have a great hate for Mr Trump. At this time over have of the people who will be voting in November will be voting for Mr Trump, You risked alienating so many of your readers for what?
I am now looking for a replacement newsletter to yours. I will not stop the search until I find one. The author my have similar political views to yours, and that is fine with me, as long as I never know. I also buy Air Jordans for my kids.
I hope you have learned from this, but it is too late for me.
Richard G Allen|
August 13, 2024 at 5:08 pm | Reply

“TRUMP’S PLANE GROUNDED AFTER EMERGENCY LANDING—NOW HE’S FLYING JEFFERY EPSTEIN’S JET”. Jeffery Epstein died 5 years ago, almost to the day, therefore could not be the current owner of this jet. If you want to play that game, I am sure you have flown on air craft owned, leased, or occupied by notorious individuals and in a timeframe much less than 5 years. What exactly does that have to do with improving my traveling experience? How do you know where Trump is obtaining the funds to repair his regular air craft? According to most independent financial reviewers, Trump’s current net worth is approximately $7.5 Billion. What does any of this have to do with travel?

Your headline is obviously false and also misleading. Instead of printing an accurate headline that Trump was flying an aircraft formally owned by Jeffery Epstein, as the “HONEST” media has done, you went for the jugular knowing you were providing false information to your readers.

Your hatred for Trump is so strong you are going to destroy what you have worked so hard to build. Do you know anything about Michael Jordans political views? I think not. As Mr. Jordan often says, “I never discuss my political leanings – both Republicans and Democrats by shoes”.

So, you hate Donald J. Trump. Partisan politics does not belong in a Travel News Letter. Keep this up and you will end up like your friend and idol – Leo Laporte. His politics have driven him out of the radio business and now out of a studio and into his attic, for his Podcasts. You can look forward to the same.

Creditability is paramount in all business – especially yours. Your have lost a great deal of you waning creditability through bush-league actions such as these.

I and many others find your actions of publishing such an article to be highly degrading to us, the readers of your newsletter. I hereby request a written apology for publishing false information and treating us in such a disgusting manner and turning this into a political publication.
1. Johnny Jet|
  August 13, 2024 at 6:08 pm | Reply
  
  Thanks for your comment! It wasn’t false. His campaign confirmed it to be true: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-campaign-confirms-he-chartered-epsteins-old-jet
B. Manoogian|
July 16, 2024 at 5:07 pm | Reply

On Sunday, July 14, 2024 you wrote –“Crazy times and as former President Obama said on Threads, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.” I assume this is in reference to the assassination attempt on President Trump. Your HATE for the former President has been clear for many years, but never cleared that in this paragraph. You refused to mention President Trump’s name and do what all decent people have done – thanked God for his survival and hope him a rapid recovery. An innocent member of the crowd was killed and 2 others put in the hospital with critical injuries. You make no mention of this.
It has been clear for a long time throughout your newsletter that you have very left leaning views that skew what should be forthright reporting, but never more evident that in this short article.
I feel so sorry for your wife and children who must live with your hate.

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12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

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