12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

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

============= Tuesday, November 18  ==============

Newark Air Traffic Controllers Will Stay in Philadelphia for 2 More Years, FAA Says
More than one year ago, the Federal Aviation Administration relocated more than a dozen New York-based air traffic controllers to Philadelphia, where they continue to handle flights into and out of Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA said Monday it is now asking the New Jersey air traffic controllers to stay in Philadelphia for two more years as it tries to improve staffing levels. CBS New York

Airport Chaos as Mystery IT Glitch Causes Major Delays Across Australia
A widespread technical outage has caused disruptions at airports around the country. The I.T. problem has prevented Airservices Australia — the government organisation that controls air traffic — from processing flight plans automatically. Daily Mail

Mexico Hands Over Some Flight Slots at Capital Airport From Mexican Airlines to US Carriers
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday that Mexican airlines had agreed to hand over some flight slots at the nation’s busy capital airport to U.S. carriers, amid an ongoing spat between the countries over flight distribution. “Several weeks ago, there was a redistribution in slots, in which Mexican airlines gave up their spots to U.S. airlines, taking competitiveness into account,” Sheinbaum said in her daily morning press conference. Reuters

President Donald Trump Unveils ‘FIFA Pass’ to Help World Cup Travelers Get Their Visas Faster
The Trump administration is announcing a new initiative for foreigners traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup next year that will allow them to get interviews for visas more quickly. Dubbed “FIFA Pass,” it will allow those who have purchased World Cup tickets through FIFA to get expedited visa appointments, as the administration continues to balance President Donald Trump’s tough-on-migration stance with an influx of global travelers for the soccer tournament. The “pass” in the name stands for “prioritized appointments scheduling system.” AP News

Airfares Forecast to Remain Flat in 2026
Airfares are expected to remain broadly stable through 2026, according to the newly released Air Monitor 2026 from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT). The annual forecast analyzes global airfare trends and provides insight to help organizations manage their travel programs in a shifting airline landscape. “Travellers in 2026 can expect airfares to look much like they do in 2025,” the report states. Travel Industry Today

Flooding Downpours, Severe Storms and Travel Delays Upcoming for Central US
Heavy rain spreading across parts of the central United States from Wednesday to Friday will create hazardous travel conditions but could also bring some benefits to areas experiencing drought. Severe thunderstorms are also expected in parts of the region, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. A storm system moving over California and the Southwest early in the week will track eastward into the southern and central Plains by midweek, producing a corridor of heavy rain and thunderstorms. AccuWeather

Pittsburgh Leaves Its Hub Past Behind With the New Terminal That Opens Today
When the Pittsburgh International Airport built its brand new terminal in the early 1990s, it was preparing for a future as a major hub for USAir. Things have not gone quite as planned. More than 30 years later, this very morning, November 18, the airport is opening a revised version of that terminal, right-sized for its hub-less reality. Cranky Flier

Off-Duty US Pilot Who Tried to Crash Plane Midair Will Not Serve Prison Time
A US pilot who tried to shut off a passenger plane’s engines mid-flight will serve no additional prison time, a federal court has ruled. The judge sentenced Joseph Emerson to credit for time served and supervised release for three years at a hearing in Portland, Oregon. “Pilots are not perfect. They are human,” Judge Amy Baggio said. “They are people and all people need help sometimes.” BBC

France’s Louvre Museum Closes Gallery Due to Structural Weakness
France’s Louvre Museum on Monday closed a gallery hosting Greek vases and office spaces as its structures designed in the 1930s are in a dire state, the world’s most visited museum said, less than a month after a daring heist exposed its vulnerabilities. A new technical report showed weakness in the beams under the second floor of the Sully wing, making it necessary to close the Campana gallery on the first floor and relocate 65 museum staff from the second, the Louvre said in a statement. Reuters

Hotel Cancellation Has Been Canceled
Delayed two hours, hunched over my laptop in the Dallas Fort Worth C-terminal Admirals Club, I was frantically rearranging my plans. The government shutdown, still ongoing at the time, had caused major disruptions at U.S. airports. If my flight were canceled, the airline would refund me for my ticket. But my hotel room in Charlotte, North Carolina, appeared to be another matter. I clicked around the booking website on my screen. Its policy on cancellation was austere: You could void your reservation only if you did so three days in advance. If your plans happened to fall through unexpectedly the night before (because, let’s say, your nation’s legislature had failed to pass a budget), then you’d be out of luck. The Atlantic

The National Zoo Reveals Its Cheetah Mom Gave Birth to 4 Cubs During Government Shutdown Closure
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo was closed to the public last month during the U.S. government’s longest shutdown in history — but that didn’t stop one mother cheetah from bringing some new additions into the zoo. People

TSA Investigating How a Meat Cleaver Made It Onto a Plane in Portland
The Transportation Security Administration is investigating how someone was able to bring a meat cleaver on a Delta Air Lines plane in Portland, Oregon Thursday. “TSA is aware that a passenger departing Portland International Airport on Thursday passed through the security checkpoint with a meat cleaver in their carry-on bag,” the agency said in a statement. “We take this matter very seriously.” CNN

==================== Monday, November 17  ===================

Monday, November 17
Yesterday, the TSA checkpoint recorded 2,602,426 passing through. 

FAA Lifts All Flight Restrictions at 40 Major Airports After Shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration has ended all restrictions on commercial flights at 40 major U.S. airports that had been imposed as a result of air traffic control safety concerns amid the longest government shutdown in history. In a news release on Nov. 16, the FAA said its flight-reduction emergency order would lift on Nov. 17 at 6 a.m. ET and normal operations could resume across the National Airspace System. The agency also removed restrictions on space launches and general aviation flights at 12 airports. USA Today

European Country Warns Ryanair Cannot Refuse Paper Boarding Passes
A European country has warned that Ryanair cannot refuse paper boarding passes just days after the airline introduced its new rule. Since 12 November, Ryanair requires all passengers to check in online before they arrive at the airport – or they risk a £55 fee. As part of this, customers generate a digital version of their boarding pass. MSN

Low-Cost Carrier AirAsia X Plans New Long-Haul European Routes, CEO Says
Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia X, which recently launched flights to Istanbul, is planning to establish more long-haul routes to Europe sometime next year, its CEO Benyamin Ismail told Reuters on Monday. AirAsia X began flying direct to Istanbul from Kuala Lumpur on November 14. Reuters

Air Traffic Controllers Didn’t Get Paid During the Government Shutdown. Here’s How Much They Make Normally.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed new air traffic controllers start their careers making $180,000. That’s way off. Most new controllers make around $55,000, according to three ATCs and their union. Business Insider reviewed their pay scale to gain a clearer picture of their salaries. Business Insider

Declassified Amelia Earhart Records Include Her Last Known Communications
The U.S. National Archives has published a batch of newly declassified government records on Amelia Earhart, the American aviator who vanished over the Pacific in 1937. Earhart went missing while on a pioneering round-the-world flight with navigator Fred Noonan, and her disappearance is one of the most tantalizing mysteries in aviation lore. CBS News

US Prosecutor in Wyoming Promises Crackdown on Pot in National Parks and on Other Public Lands
Getting high around a campfire in a national park, especially in Wyoming, is likelier to get you prosecuted under a new Justice Department policy cracking down on minor marijuana offenses on federal land. The new guidance reverses a policy from the end of Joe Biden’s presidency that had significantly curtailed federal prosecution of misdemeanor marijuana offenses, according to U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Darin Smith. AP

Leaving Paradise Early? Here’s How to Avoid Paying the Price.
Vacation-quitting is happening more often, according to experts. But coming home early can be expensive. Fortunately, a few new tricks can help you avoid the often draconian cancellation penalties that airlines and hotels apply to customers who change their minds. Gutenkunst cut his vacation short, losing a few hotel days and paying for a new ticket — but solved the problem back home. USA Today

Princess Cruises to Showcase Newest Ship With Alaska-Themed Float in 2026 Rose Parade
Princess Cruises will spotlight its newest ship, Star Princess, during the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena with a large floral float inspired by the vessel’s upcoming Alaska voyages. The float will depict scenes from the Inside Passage using more than 300,000 flowers, seeds, and natural materials. KTLA

Hawaiian Airlines Pilots Introduce Trading Cards to Promote Aviation
Hawaiian Airlines’ Master Executive Council of ALPA, in partnership with the airline, is promoting aviation through collectible trading cards available onboard flights. The cards feature rainbow foil board and UV-gloss laminate finishes. Hawaii News Now

The Bizarre Mystery of Dozens of Cars Abandoned at Boston Airport
A strange trend has emerged in Massachusetts as old cars are being abandoned at Boston Logan International Airport instead of being traded in, passed on, or scrapped by their owners. Daily Mail

Damage to Major Fuel Pipeline Temporarily Impacted Deliveries to SeaTac Airport
Airlines at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport were advised they might need to conserve fuel after a major pipeline problem disrupted deliveries. Carriers were warned they may need to “ferry” fuel — loading extra fuel at departure to avoid refueling upon arrival. ABC News

LAX Is Spending $1.5 Billion on a New Road Into the Airport — That’s Not Normal
The Los Angeles World Airports Board approved $1.5 billion for a new road into LAX. For comparison, the LAX People Mover costs about $1.5 billion per mile, while Phoenix and Orlando airport projects run closer to $300–340 million per mile. The new LAX road will span 4.4 miles. View From the Wing

==================== November 9 to November 16 ===================

Good news for travelers: Flight cancellations drop as the government reopens
Air travel is set to finally improve as the federal government reopens after its longest shutdown. Flight cancellations and delays have improved after earlier mass disruptions at US airports. Experts say full recovery could take up to two weeks, just ahead of the Thanksgiving travel surge. Insider

Trump administration drops plan to require passenger compensation for delayed flights
President Donald Trump’s administration said on Friday it was formally withdrawing a plan by his predecessor to require airlines to pay passengers cash compensation when US flight disruptions are caused by carriers. In December 2024, the US Transportation Department under then-President Joe Biden sought public comment on writing rules to require airlines to pay $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for longer delays. CNN

What To Do If You Have A Sonder Booking As Hotel Chain Files For Bankruptcy
Sonder, a partner of Marriott, has gone bankrupt, and guests staying at its global locations have been told to vacate their rooms. One guest shared a photo on X of an email he apparently received from the hotel chain, informing him that he had to leave the premises before 9 a.m. the next morning. It read: “Sonder is no longer able to honor the remainder of your stay. We urge you to vacate the premises as soon as possible.” Newsweek

Fake Pilot Flew Passenger Jets For Months After Forging Qualifications
An unqualified pilot flew passenger jets across Europe for months after forging his qualifications with fake certificates, a Lithuanian airline has revealed. The fraudster, who had only ever worked as a co-pilot for Indonesian airline Garuda, is alleged to have bluffed his way into a captain’s role after fooling his employer with counterfeited credentials, the Aero Telegraph reports. Daily Beast

US to Pay $10,000 Bonuses for Exemplary TSA Officers During Shutdown
The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Thursday it would pay $10,000 bonuses to Transportation Security Administration officers who demonstrated exemplary service during the 43-day government shutdown, a spokesperson said. President Donald Trump said this week he wanted to award $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers who did not skip work. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he would work with Congress on the awards.
Reuters

Chile’s Latam Airlines Cancels 173 Flights Due To Pilot Strike
At least 173 flights have been canceled and 20,000 passengers affected after pilots for LATAM Airlines (LTM.SN) went on strike, the company said on Wednesday. The Santiago-based airline said that a solution has been provided to almost all the passengers affected. Due to the strike, which started at midnight after contract talks with the carrier fell through, the company said in a statement it had to cancel flights scheduled between November 12 and 17. Reuters

Loaded Magazine Found On Frontier Flight Causes Four-Hour Delay
Travelers flying out of Atlanta this past Sunday got more excitement than expected when a loaded ammunition magazine was discovered on a Frontier Airlines flight. According to WSB-TV, the magazine was found near a passenger’s seat as Flight 4771 prepared to depart for Cincinnati from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. JohnnyJet

18 People Sent To The Hospital After Mobile Lounge Crashes At Washington D.C.-Area Airport
A vehicle transporting passengers at a Washington, D.C.-area airport hit a dock at the building Monday afternoon, sending 18 people to the hospital, according to officials. A mobile lounge, which transports passengers between the terminal and aircraft, struck the dock at an angle at about 4:30 p.m. at Washington Dulles International Airport as it was pulling up to the building, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said in a statement. The dock is where the vehicle stops to let people into the concourse. AP

Trump Airport Nominee Wants to Eliminate Dulles ‘People Movers’
A Trump nominee to the advisory board overseeing Dulles International Airport plans to push for an end to its signature “people movers,” saying the passenger-transport shuttles that drew headlines this week for a crash that sent 18 people to the hospital are slow, outdated and dangerous. Washington Post

United Airlines Seeks To End Lawsuit Over Windowless ‘Window Seats’
United Airlines has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit claiming it unfairly charged passengers extra money to sit in “window seats” that, to their surprise, lacked windows. Passengers filed proposed class actions in August against United and Delta Air Lines after finding their seats on Boeing 737, Boeing 757 and Airbus A321 planes were windowless, which they say wasn’t flagged during the booking process. Reuters

Severe Geomagnetic Storm Could Bring Northern Lights to Much of U.S.
A severe geomagnetic storm is forecast to hit Earth’s magnetic field on Wednesday, which could cause widespread disruption to infrastructure technology and make northern lights visible for much of the northern half of the U.S. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday issued a G4, or severe, geomagnetic storm watch in response to recent coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, from the sun. CBS News

Hawaii Island’s Kilauea Erupts, Drawing Hordes of Visitors During Shutdown
Kilauea volcano erupted on Nov. 9, sending lava fountains up to 1,100 feet high for five hours as visitors flocked to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the spectacle. The volcano, among the world’s most active, has erupted intermittently since December 2024. USA Today

Friday, November 14

US to Pay $10,000 Bonuses for Exemplary TSA Officers During Shutdown
The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Thursday it would pay $10,000 bonuses to Transportation Security Administration officers who demonstrated exemplary service during the 43-day government shutdown, a spokesperson said. President Donald Trump said this week he wanted to award $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers who did not skip work. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he would work with Congress on the awards.
Reuters

US Freezes Flight Cuts at 6% as Air Traffic Control Absences Shrink
The Trump administration late Wednesday froze government-imposed flight cuts at 40 major airports at 6% after air traffic control absences fell sharply, hours before an expected end to the record-long U.S. government shutdown. The FAA had ordered higher cuts of 8% and 10% for Thursday and Friday but eased cancellations as disruptions declined with the likelihood of a Senate compromise.
Reuters

Flying Will Stay Rough After the Shutdown. Why? Spirit Airlines
Relatively few people fly Spirit Airlines, but the carrier still significantly influences holiday travel costs. For years, Spirit’s ultra-low fares forced larger airlines to keep prices down, including offering cheaper, no-frills seats in the back of the plane that mirror Spirit’s model.
CNN

Pittsburgh’s New Airport Terminal Is Set to Open
Pittsburgh International Airport will open its new central terminal on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The $1.7 billion facility, under construction since 2021, sits alongside the existing airside terminal and promises a more efficient passenger experience than the structure it replaces.
Travel Weekly

Photos Show Hyatt Hotel With Drift Bulk Soap on Housekeeping Carts While Guest Room Bottles Display Jonathan Adler Branding
A reader staying at the Wild Palms Hotel in Sunnyvale, California — part of Hyatt’s JdV brand — reported seeing Jonathan Adler amenities in guest rooms but large bulk jugs of DRIFT Hydrated Body Care on housekeeping carts, raising questions about consistency in branding and presentation.
View From The Wing

New Cruise Terminal Opens in Galveston for MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line
Galveston’s expanding port has opened Terminal 16, a new $156 million facility completed in 15 months. The terminal welcomed MSC Cruises for the first time, marking the company’s fourth U.S. port and offering upgraded service for both MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line passengers.
Cruise Critic

Hawaii Island’s Kilauea Erupts, Drawing Hordes of Visitors During Shutdown
Kilauea volcano erupted on Nov. 9, sending lava fountains up to 1,100 feet high for five hours as visitors flocked to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the spectacle. The volcano, among the world’s most active, has erupted intermittently since December 2024.
USA Today

SFO Is Getting a New Direct Flight to This European City
San Francisco International Airport will receive a new direct route to Warsaw, Poland, beginning in May. LOT Polish Airlines will operate four weekly summer flights, offering the region’s first nonstop service to Eastern Europe.
SF Chronicle

Wealthy Travelers Are Splurging on Luxury Hotels Like Never Before
Luxury hotels are charging record-high premiums as affluent travelers continue to spend heavily despite declines in foreign tourism and white-collar employment. Rising wealth from stock market and real-estate gains has fueled strong demand for upscale accommodations.
WSJ

Airlines Are Optimistic About a Quick Recovery Ahead of Thanksgiving Once the FAA Ends Flight Cuts
Airlines expect they can return to normal schedules within days once the FAA lifts flight-cut mandates at 40 major airports. Although the shutdown has ended, the timing remains uncertain. Improved staffing allowed the FAA to cap cuts at 6%, down from planned increases to 8% and 10%.
AP

Iceland Sees Security Risk, Existential Threat in Atlantic Ocean Current’s Possible Collapse
Iceland has declared the potential collapse of a major Atlantic current system a national security and existential threat, enabling government planning for worst-case climate scenarios, according to the country’s climate minister.
Reuters

Thailand Tightens Visa Rules to Curb Abuse by Repeat Visitors
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has launched a nationwide crackdown on foreigners repeatedly entering under visa-free exemptions, targeting “visa runs” used to conceal illegal activities including cybercrime and human trafficking. The move follows a high-level directive backed by the prime minister and national police chief.
Thaiger

Thursday, November 13

Flight Cancellations Ease With End To The Shutdown
Flight cancellations eased to the lowest rate in almost a week on Wednesday ahead of a House vote on a bill that ended the longest-ever government shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and major airlines warned that flight disruptions could linger even after the shutdown. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian urged officials to make sure air traffic controllers are paid the next time there’s a shutdown. CNBC

Southwest Optimistic FAA Will Allow Full Schedule Within Days After Shutdown Ends
Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) told employees Wednesday it is optimistic the Federal Aviation Administration will soon allow U.S. airlines to resume its full schedule. The FAA on Friday imposed 4% flight cuts at the 40 busiest U.S. airports, which is set to rise to 8% Thursday and 10% Friday unless the agency revises the order. “Once the shutdown ends, we’re optimistic that the FAA will allow airlines to resume normal operations within a few days,” Southwest Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson told employees in a note seen by Reuters. Reuters

Chile’s Latam Airlines Cancels 173 Flights Due To Pilot Strike
At least 173 flights have been canceled and 20,000 passengers affected after pilots for LATAM Airlines (LTM.SN) went on strike, the company said on Wednesday. The Santiago-based airline said that a solution has been provided to almost all the passengers affected. Due to the strike, which started at midnight after contract talks with the carrier fell through, the company said in a statement it had to cancel flights scheduled between November 12 and 17. Reuters

Loaded Magazine Found On Frontier Flight Causes Four-Hour Delay
Travelers flying out of Atlanta this past Sunday got more excitement than expected when a loaded ammunition magazine was discovered on a Frontier Airlines flight. According to WSB-TV, the magazine was found near a passenger’s seat as Flight 4771 prepared to depart for Cincinnati from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. JohnnyJet

Waymo Taxis Are Coming To Los Angeles And Bay Area Freeways
Nearly one year after Waymo launched its autonomous ride-hailing service in Los Angeles, the company is ready to take on freeways. Waymo announced Wednesday that it would begin taking customers on freeways within its 120-square-mile service area in L.A. as well as in the San Francisco Bay Area and Phoenix. The company has been testing on L.A. freeways with safety drivers since early this year. LA Times

What To Do If You Have A Sonder Booking As Hotel Chain Files For Bankruptcy
Sonder, a partner of Marriott, has gone bankrupt, and guests staying at its global locations have been told to vacate their rooms. One guest shared a photo on X of an email he apparently received from the hotel chain, informing him that he had to leave the premises before 9 a.m. the next morning. It read: “Sonder is no longer able to honor the remainder of your stay. We urge you to vacate the premises as soon as possible.” Newsweek

Delta CEO Says The Quiet Part Out Loud: Airlines Were A ‘Political Football’ During Shutdown
In a couple of interviews Wednesday, Delta Air Lines Inc. Chief Executive Ed Bastian said what investors might be thinking: Shutdown-related flight cuts will affect the industry’s bottom line, as airlines lost booking momentum as some customers turned skittish and made other plans. Moreover, he said, the airlines were a “political football” amid the funding impasse in Washington. MarketWatch

George Lucas’ Museum Sets 2026 Opening Date
More than seven years after construction began, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art announced Wednesday it will open to the public on Sept. 22, 2026. KNX

Fake Pilot Flew Passenger Jets For Months After Forging Qualifications
An unqualified pilot flew passenger jets across Europe for months after forging his qualifications with fake certificates, a Lithuanian airline has revealed. The fraudster, who had only ever worked as a co-pilot for Indonesian airline Garuda, is alleged to have bluffed his way into a captain’s role after fooling his employer with counterfeited credentials, the Aero Telegraph reports. Daily Beast

Family Of Woman Killed In Boeing 737 Max Crash Awarded $28 Million
A federal court jury has awarded over $28 million to the family of a United Nations consultant who died in the crash of a Boeing 737 Max jetliner in Ethiopia more than six years ago. The verdict was reached Wednesday on behalf of the relatives of Shikha Garg after two hours of jury deliberation that capped a weeklong trial in Chicago, where Boeing used to have its headquarters. It was the first civil trial stemming from the March 2019 disaster that killed all 157 people on board Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. CBS News

Southwest Airlines Heading To 5 New Destinations In The Spring
Southwest Airlines is adding new vacation destinations to its network next year as the Texas-based carrier continues a broader transformation with an eye toward expansion. Since July, Southwest has announced expansion to five new cities with service slated to launch by spring. The airline will fly to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands starting in February 2026; Knoxville, Tenn. in March; Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, Calif. and St. Maarten in April; and Anchorage, Alaska in May. Tickets to the new cities are on sale now. Austin American-Statesman

Housekeeping Olympics Marks 35 Years Of Friendly Competition In Las Vegas
The 35th annual Housekeeping Olympics brought together teams from across the Las Vegas hospitality and hospital industries Monday night, celebrating the employees who help keep the city running behind the scenes. Held at the Michelob ULTRA Arena inside Mandalay Bay, ten teams competed in high-energy events that showcased their cleaning skills and team spirit — from mop relays and vacuum races to a spirited dance competition. KSNV

Wednesday, November 12

Tuesday, November 11

18 People Sent To The Hospital After Mobile Lounge Crashes At Washington D.C.-Area Airport
A vehicle transporting passengers at a Washington, D.C.-area airport hit a dock at the building Monday afternoon, sending 18 people to the hospital, according to officials. A mobile lounge, which transports passengers between the terminal and aircraft, struck the dock at an angle at about 4:30 p.m. at Washington Dulles International Airport as it was pulling up to the building, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said in a statement. The dock is where the vehicle stops to let people into the concourse. AP

With A Breakthrough On Government Shutdown, Airlines Demand Fast Action
U.S. airlines are calling on Congress to act quickly to advance the shutdown deal reached in the Senate on Nov. 9 as flight delays and cancellations mount. But even a quick end to the shutdown won’t mean an immediate return to aviation normalcy, said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association labor union. Travel Weekly

When The Shutdown Ends, Air Travel Will Still Take A Long Time To Get Back To Normal
While the government shutdown may soon be in the rearview mirror, it could leave air travel in a chokehold for months, and possibly years, to come. Until a deal is officially inked, airlines must continue to follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s emergency order to incrementally reduce flight capacity at 40 major US airports, up to 10%. Starting Tuesday, 6% of flights will be cut. CNN

Travelers Facing Flight Cancellations Due To The Government Shutdown Turn To Trains, Buses And Car Rentals As Alternate Transportation Options
Xavier Vega and his partner, Soluna Vega, cheered in relief as the “Welcome to Connecticut” sign came into view. It marked the end of an unplanned 17-hour highway odyssey home after their flight became one of more than 1,000 cancellations on Saturday alone tied to the ongoing government shutdown. CNN

Wheelchair Passenger Suing American Airlines After Being Left Alone Overnight
A St. Croix woman has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, claiming she was abandoned at her gate in Miami, which resulted in her missing a flight and having to spend the night alone at the airport. Gloryanna Samuel and her representation filed the suit against American and regional partner Envoy Air last Friday. In the claim, she accuses the companies of negligence and seeks damages to cover “past and future medical expenses, disability, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.” Men’s Journal

United Airlines Seeks To End Lawsuit Over Windowless ‘Window Seats’
United Airlines has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit claiming it unfairly charged passengers extra money to sit in “window seats” that, to their surprise, lacked windows. Passengers filed proposed class actions in August against United and Delta Air Lines after finding their seats on Boeing 737, Boeing 757 and Airbus A321 planes were windowless, which they say wasn’t flagged during the booking process. Reuters

Toddler Ends Up In ICU After Flight Crew ‘Mocks’ Allergy Warning
A 3-year-old girl with a severe dairy allergy was hospitalized after a Qatar Airways flight attendant allegedly gave the child a chocolate bar despite warnings from the toddler’s mother not to serve her anything containing milk. When North Carolina resident Swetha Neerukonda returned to her seat from the bathroom, the shocked parent confronted the flight attendant, who “mocked and mitigated” her concerns as the toddler went into anaphylaxis and her vital signs declined, according to a $5 million lawsuit reviewed by The Independent. The Independent

Canadian Woman, 20, Outraged After Being Banned From Flying To See Her Grandparents In Florida
A Canadian woman has claimed that she was barred from entering the US because customs officers unjustifiably flagged her as a suspicious traveler. Julia, who chose not to share her last name, had been looking forward to her six-week-long trip to Orlando, Florida, to visit her grandparents. Daily Mail

US May Deny Visas For Fat Foreigners
Foreigners could have their US visas rejected if they are obese. The State Department said conditions that could cause an additional burden on the state could be grounds to refuse a visa application. A memo sent to embassies around the world urged visa officers to “consider an applicant’s health,” adding that obesity can cause conditions including asthma, sleep apnoea and high blood pressure. The Telegraph

NY/NJ/CT Flights Canceled, Delayed Due To Shutdown. Here’s What To Know
Flight cancellations remain a problem in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey as federally mandated air traffic reductions remain into effect during the longest government shutdown in the country’s history. The air traffic reductions have been mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, motivated by staffing issues stemming from the ongoing 41-day shutdown. More than 2,500 weekend flights were canceled by Saturday night and issues are likely to persist even if the U.S. Senate is moving toward a reopening, according to the Associated Press. CT Insider

Boeing Gets Nod For Moving 777X Forward In Certification, Air Current Reports
Boeing received approval last week from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to begin the third of five major phases of certification flight tests for its 777-9, the Air Current reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the program’s progress. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Reuters

Fast-Moving Atmospheric River Storm, Capable Of Heavy Rain, Rolling Toward California
A fast-moving atmospheric river is heading toward California this week and could pack a punch, with the possibility of periods of heavy rain, and a risk of flooding and debris flows in recently burned areas. After arriving in Northern California on Wednesday, the storm system is expected to land in Southern California on Thursday. LA Times

Monday, November 10

Here’s How Fast Normal Airline Operations Can Be Expected to Resume When the Government Shutdown Ends
As U.S. lawmakers inch closer to a compromise that could reopen the federal government, hope is edging upward that a fraught weekend in air travel, marred by thousands of shutdown-related flight cancellations, would be the last of the havoc at America’s airports. Just how rapidly normal airline operations can be expected to resume, however, is up for debate — particularly as some fear a wave of resignations among air-traffic controllers. MarketWatch

US Flight Delays, Cancellations Accelerate As Air Traffic Controller Shortages Surge
Hundreds of thousands of travelers had their flights delayed or canceled on Sunday in the worst day for disruptions since the start of a U.S. government shutdown, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of worse to come in the run-up to the Thanksgiving holiday. Airlines canceled more than 2,800 U.S. flights and delayed more than 10,200 on Sunday in the third day of government-mandated flight cuts due to rising air traffic control staffing shortages, after thousands of delays and cancellations snarled traffic on Saturday. Reuters

Crew Member Was 10 Times The Alcohol Limit After Drinking Throughout Flight
A United Airlines flight attendant, Margit Lake, was found to be ten times over the legal alcohol limit for aviation personnel after consuming vodka on a flight from San Francisco to London Heathrow. The incident occurred on October 17, 2025, and resulted in Lake being taken to the hospital upon landing in London. iHeart

Tourism In Washington, D.C., Suffers As Government Shutdown Drags On
Yes, Washington is still open. Visitors can still enjoy its privately funded museums, along with its open-air national monuments and memorials, and even its high-end restaurants. Some of those once-exclusive reservations may now be within reach. Many of the top sightseeing attractions — including the Library of Congress, the National Archives Museum and the 21 museums operated by the Smithsonian Institution — are federally funded and have been closed for more than a month because of the government shutdown, which is acting as an accelerant to the capital’s continuing tourism woes. The New York Times

Arctic Blast To Bring Frigid Temperatures To Most Of The U.S.
An arctic blast dumping snow on the Midwest on Sunday is expected to eventually cover two-thirds of the nation and bring record cold to the South. The Arctic blast broke off from the polar vortex above Canada, sending the cold air south. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul characterized it as the first winter storm of the 2025-26 season. NBC News

How Air Traffic Controllers Are Surviving Without Pay During The Shutdown
One air traffic controller earns cash by hanging Christmas lights for his neighbors. Another stocks grocery store shelves for six hours before heading in for his shift. A third drives for DoorDash after clocking out. Hundreds of air traffic controllers across the United States have taken on second jobs driving for Uber and Lyft, delivering food, or working in restaurants as the government shutdown stretches past five weeks, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a union that represents nearly 20,000 aviation safety professionals. Struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table, controllers, who must work without pay during the shutdown, say they remain dedicated to keeping air travel safe but are running ragged trying to support themselves and their families. The New York Times

Eight Killed In Car Explosion Near Red Fort In India’s Delhi
At least eight people were killed on Monday in a car explosion near the historic Red Fort in a densely populated area of the Indian capital Delhi, a police spokesperson said, a rare blast in the heavily guarded city of more than 30 million people. The exact cause of the blast is being investigated, said the police spokesperson, Sanjay Tyagi. However, India’s financial capital of Mumbai as well as its most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, which borders Delhi, went on high security alert after the blast, local media reported. Reuters

Schoolgirl, 18, Dies Aboard Carnival Cruise Ship Traveling From Miami To Caribbean
An 18-year-old schoolgirl has died aboard a Carnival cruise ship sailing from Miami to the Caribbean. Straight-A student Anna Kepner, from Florida, died on the Carnival Horizon on Saturday. Further details on how she died have not been released, with the Horizon returning to port after the tragedy. The FBI is investigating her death. Daily Mail

Three Dead And 15 Injured In Tenerife Tidal Surge
Three people have died and 15 were injured after powerful waves battered popular Spanish holiday island Tenerife. A woman died after being pulled into the ocean near the Puerto de la Cruz resort and a man died at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, emergency services said on Sunday. BBC

Qantas Business Lounge Passenger Set On Fire After Power Bank Explodes In His Pocket
Qantas says it has reopened its business class lounge at Melbourne airport after it was evacuated due to a passenger being set on fire by an exploding power bank in his pocket. The man was in the lounge in the airport’s international terminal on Thursday morning when the overheated power bank ignited, burning his leg and fingers and creating smoke in the room. The Guardian

British Airways Owner Says Transatlantic Weakness Hit Sales
British Airways parent IAG SA said its all-important North Atlantic route experienced some weakness in the third quarter, weighing on earnings that missed estimates and causing the stock to drop the most since April. The company reported total revenue of €9.33 billion ($10.8 billion), compared with Bloomberg analyst estimates of €9.43 billion. IAG saw a 7.1% unit revenue decline on North Atlantic routes, partly triggered by foreign exchange impacts as well as what it called “some softness” in that segment. Bloomberg

65-Year-Old Man Dies After Slip And Fall Off Edge Of Grand Canyon
A 65-year-old man died after slipping off the edge of the Grand Canyon and falling more than 100 feet, authorities in Arizona said. The incident occurred at Guano Point on the canyon’s western rim on the Hualapai Reservation, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said it responded to assist the Hualapai Nation in a technical recovery Thursday afternoon. ABC News