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):

=== Thursday, August 13 ===

Tropical Storm Threatens Hawaii With Flooding, High Winds and Dangerous Surf
A tropical system southeast of Hawaii could strengthen into a hurricane before bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, damaging winds and dangerous surf to the islands this weekend. AccuWeather

Europe Delays ETIAS Travel Permit Again as Officials Warn About Scams
Europe’s long-awaited ETIAS travel authorization has been delayed again, with no firm launch date announced. EU officials are reminding travelers that the system is not yet operating and warning them to avoid websites selling bogus ETIAS permits. Daily Mail

Delta Shuts Down Inflight WiFi After Unauthorized Network Is Detected
Delta temporarily disabled WiFi aboard a Las Vegas-to-Atlanta flight after an unauthorized wireless network appeared onboard. The airline says the network wasn’t provided or operated by Delta and is investigating what happened. Fox 5

Georgia Father Faces Prison in Jamaica After TSA Allegedly Missed Ammo in Carry-On
A Georgia man says 30 rounds of ammunition made it through TSA screening in his carry-on before Jamaican authorities discovered them as he prepared to fly home. The family vacation has now turned into a potentially lengthy legal ordeal, with the traveler reportedly facing up to 15 years in prison. JohnnyJet.com

Low Water Levels Are Disrupting European River Cruises
Extreme heat and drought have pushed water levels down on the Danube and Rhine, forcing river cruise lines to modify or cancel itineraries and, in at least one case, dealing with a ship running aground. Tauck’s CEO called it the worst low-water season since 2018 and warned that increasingly extreme weather could make these disruptions more common. Travel Weekly

FAA Says Recruitment Push Has Produced More Than 2,000 Hires
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the FAA has hired more than 2,000 people as air traffic controllers following a recruitment campaign that included outreach to video gamers. The agency has reportedly reached 94% of its hiring goal, with another 2,000-plus candidates in the pipeline. USA Today

Passenger Jailed After Racist and Homophobic Rant on Jet2 Flight
A 56-year-old passenger has been sentenced to 10 months in jail after directing racist and homophobic abuse at passengers and crew on a Jet2 flight from Antalya to Newcastle. The drunken outburst also included threats and a Nazi salute. BBC

Istanbul Overtakes Heathrow as Europe’s Busiest Airport
Heathrow has lost its title as Europe’s busiest airport, with Istanbul handling 8.15 million passengers in July compared with Heathrow’s 7.86 million. Heathrow also reported a sharp year-over-year decline in Middle East traffic amid regional conflict. BBC

Tourist Dies After Falling From Iconic Oregon Waterfall
A 20-year-old Kentucky tourist died after reportedly entering a restricted area to take photos at the top of South Falls in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. Authorities say he slipped and fell over the edge of the 177-foot waterfall. SF Gate

River Cruise Disrupted? Getting Compensation May Not Be Easy
Low water can turn a European river cruise into a very different vacation, with operators using ship swaps or buses when vessels can’t navigate planned routes. But those itinerary changes don’t necessarily mean passengers will be entitled to compensation. The Telegraph

United Unlocks Privacy Doors on New Polaris Suites
United passengers flying international business class on select Boeing 787-9s can now close the privacy doors on the airline’s new Polaris suites. The doors debuted as part of United’s upgraded Dreamliner interiors but had remained locked open while awaiting FAA certification. USA Today

More Stingrays Are Showing Up Along Southern California Beaches
A persistent marine heat wave off the West Coast is bringing more stingrays close to shore in Southern California, increasing the chances of painful encounters with beachgoers. The unusually warm coastal waters are part of a broader pattern that scientists are closely monitoring. ABC News

Pan Am Is Plotting a Comeback—But It’s Bigger Than an Airline
More than three decades after Pan Am stopped flying, the famous name is being revived across private aviation, hospitality and potentially scheduled commercial service. Pan Am Global Holdings is building a broader travel portfolio while working with aviation partners on a possible return of Pan American World Airways as a U.S. carrier. Airport Industry-News

Americans Keep Traveling Despite Higher Vacation Costs
Higher airfare, gas prices and other expenses haven’t stopped Americans from prioritizing vacations this summer, although travelers are making more tradeoffs to keep trips within budget. A PwC survey found travelers planned to spend nearly $2,900 on average, with 71% expecting to spend at least as much as last summer. MSN

Tourist Seriously Injured by Jet Blast at Famous Plane-Spotting Beach
A tourist suffered a serious head injury after being knocked to the ground by an aircraft’s engine blast near Skiathos International Airport in Greece. The beach is famous for its extremely close-up views of arriving and departing aircraft, but the incident is another reminder of the risks of getting too close. The Independent

Former Flight Attendant Admits Posing as Pilot to Score Free Flights
A former flight attendant has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after prosecutors say he spent nearly five years posing as a pilot to obtain hundreds of free or heavily discounted airline trips. Authorities say he used a fake identification badge to exploit employee “non-rev” travel benefits at three major U.S. airlines. The Jerusalem Post

=== Tuesday, August 11 === 

American Airlines Offers 1,205 Flight Attendants Unpaid Leave Amid September Flight Cuts
American Airlines is offering up to 1,205 flight attendants the option to take September off without pay as it trims its fall schedule, partly in response to higher jet fuel costs. The offers span all 10 crew bases and represent about 4% of the airline’s flight attendants. Simple Flying

Workers Sue TSA Over TSA Gold+, Claiming ‘Secretive Push’ of New Program
The union representing 47,000 TSA workers is suing the agency, seeking records about TSA Gold+, a new program involving the expansion of privatized airport security screening. The union says it wants more transparency about how the program is being rolled out. USA Today

Threats From Passengers on Two Planes Prompt Emergency Responses
Threats made by passengers aboard two flights this week triggered emergency responses, including a lockdown, according to air traffic control audio reviewed by CNN. The incidents in Milwaukee and Miami come as the FAA has already received more than 830 reports of unruly passengers this year. CNN

Disney World’s Trash Cans Have a Cult Following. Now They’re Going Away
Only at Disney could trash cans develop a fan base. Some Disney World regulars have turned the park’s distinctive garbage cans into meeting spots, mascots and even minor celebrities, but changes are coming—and fans aren’t happy about it. Washington Post

How One Airline Is Using AI to Optimize Operations
Alaska Airlines operates roughly 1,500 flights on a typical day, and it’s increasingly turning to AI to help its dispatchers make sense of weather, air traffic, winds and other variables. The technology is designed to help find more efficient routes while leaving the final decisions in human hands. NPR

SFO Expects Fewer Delays After FAA Reverses Ban on Parallel Landings
Some good news for SFO travelers: The FAA has approved staggered parallel landings at San Francisco International Airport after banning parallel landings in March. The change allows more planes to land and could help reduce the frequent delays that have plagued travelers this summer. SF Chronicle

A New Nonstop Cross-Country United Route Is Coming to SFO This Fall
United Airlines is adding seasonal Saturday nonstop service between San Francisco and West Palm Beach beginning November 7. United is also bringing back daily nonstop SFO-Cincinnati service starting October 25 as part of its fall and winter schedule. SF Chronicle

Lufthansa and German Pilots’ Union Agree on Process to Resolve Labor Disputes
Lufthansa and its German pilots’ union have agreed to a new arbitration and mediation framework aimed at resolving long-running labor disputes. The deal covers several Lufthansa Group airlines and, importantly for travelers, could reduce the threat of future pilot strikes. Reuters

Santorini’s Tourism Invasion: Videos Show ‘Instagram Island’ Overrun by Travelers
Those postcard-perfect Santorini photos may require a lot of patience. Tourists in Oia are reportedly waiting as long as two hours in huge lines to get that coveted shot of the Greek island’s famous blue-domed churches, creating gridlock in the village’s narrow streets. Daily Mail

The Island With an Air-Conditioned ‘Forest’ to Cope With Scorching Summers
Qatar is taking outdoor air conditioning to a whole new level. Gewan Island features an air-conditioned outdoor “forest” designed to make spending time outside more bearable during the country’s brutally hot summers. CNN

6 Unique Stargazing Experiences Near Cities
You don’t always have to trek into the middle of nowhere to see a spectacular night sky. While many of the world’s certified Dark Sky Places are far from civilization, there are some excellent stargazing spots close enough to cities that you can still enjoy hotels, restaurants and other creature comforts. AFAR

Why It’s Dangerous When Phones Fall Between Airplane Seats
There’s a good reason flight attendants tell you not to retrieve a phone that falls between airplane seats. Moving the seat while a phone is trapped can crush or damage its lithium-ion battery, potentially creating a serious safety hazard, so call a flight attendant for help instead of reaching for it yourself. AFAR

=== Sunday, August 9 === 

=== Friday, August 7 === 

=== Thursday, August 6 === 

FAA orders inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets
The FAA is requiring inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max 8, Max 9, and Max 8-200 aircraft after cracks were found that could affect the planes’ structural integrity if left undetected. The directive covers an estimated 471 U.S.-registered aircraft. Reuters

Jetstar to charge for overhead bin space
Jetstar is adding a new fee for passengers who want to store carry-on bags in the overhead bins, with the policy taking effect in February 2027. Travelers who don’t pay will need to fit their bags under the seat, marking another move by budget airlines to unbundle services. Associated Press

WestJet returns to normal operations after work stoppage
WestJet says its flight schedule is back to normal following last weekend’s labor disruption, though the airline is still working to rebook affected travelers. It has also extended its deadline for customers who need to make travel changes. Travel Industry Today

Extreme heat can leave passengers behind
Hot weather can be just as disruptive as storms, even under clear skies. When temperatures soar, thinner air reduces aircraft performance, sometimes forcing airlines to offload passengers, cargo, or fuel to ensure a safe takeoff. Associated Press

FAA proposes more flexible onboard medical kit rules
The FAA wants to replace its detailed checklist for airline emergency medical kits with performance-based standards. Under the proposal, airlines would have more flexibility as long as they carry enough equipment to respond to nine life-threatening medical emergencies. Reuters

American Airlines ends O’Hare motorcoach connections
American Airlines is discontinuing its motorcoach service linking regional communities to Chicago O’Hare, shifting those passengers back to traditional air service instead. The change marks another step away from bus-to-plane connections at one of its largest hubs. Men’s Journal

Guatemala’s Fuego volcano still poses risks
Although activity at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano is easing after several days of eruptions, authorities warn the danger isn’t over. Falling volcanic material and forecasted rain could still trigger deadly pyroclastic flows and fast-moving mudslides. CNN

Turbulence injures passengers on Air India flight
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi reportedly dropped about 300 feet during turbulence on approach, injuring several passengers and crew members. The aircraft landed safely, and those hurt were treated after arrival. Reuters

South Korea baseball league halts games during record heat
South Korea’s professional baseball league canceled two days of games as a record-breaking heatwave pushed temperatures above 42°C (108.5°F). The extreme conditions have already sent spectators to hospitals and raised broader public safety concerns. AFP

British tourist dies in Thailand before wedding
A British man died in Thailand days before he was due to marry after suffering a head injury in a motorcycle crash. He had been treated at a local hospital and discharged before his condition worsened. The Thaiger

LAX employees honored for helping grieving traveler
Two American Airlines employees at Los Angeles International Airport have been recognized for helping a passenger reach Australia in time for a friend’s funeral following the 2025 Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Their efforts earned recognition from the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation for exceptional customer care. KTLA

Family says Airbnb denied claim after Paris apartment robbery
A family’s belongings were stolen from a Paris Airbnb after a thief reportedly used a key left under the doormat. Despite a police report supporting the family’s account, they say Airbnb’s insurance process sided with the host and denied compensation. The New York Times

=== Tuesday, August 4 === 

WestJet, Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Deal
WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to a flight attendant strike that canceled hundreds of flights. The union had been pushing for pay covering the full workday rather than primarily time spent in the air. CBC News

SAS Norway Cabin Crew Threaten Strike
Cabin crew represented by Norway’s Fellesforbundet union have rejected a proposed wage agreement and plan to strike beginning August 8 unless a new deal is reached. The dispute could disrupt SAS operations if negotiations fail in the coming days. Reuters

easyJet France Faces Possible Cabin Crew Strike
French unions have filed a strike notice covering easyJet cabin crew from August 7 through September 2, citing worsening working conditions. Any actual walkouts will require 48 hours’ notice, meaning disruptions could occur on selected dates during that period. Reuters

Severe Weather Diverts 22 Flights From Denver
Powerful storms forced 22 flights bound for Denver to divert to Colorado Springs Monday night, while turbulence injured five people. The combination of a passing cold front and the region’s mountainous terrain created challenging flying conditions. CNN

DOT Reviews Airfare Transparency Rules
The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering changes to the Full Fare Advertising Rule, which currently requires airlines to display the total ticket price upfront. Any revisions could allow carriers to place greater emphasis on lower base fares before taxes and fees are added. TravelPulse

Airfares Continue to Climb
Airline ticket prices remain elevated as carriers contend with higher costs while travelers continue to book trips despite paying more. Airlines are betting that strong demand will keep fares high even as consumers feel the pinch. CNBC

Cuba Suffers Nationwide Power Grid Collapse
Cuba’s national electrical grid failed Sunday night, leaving much of the island without power. The outage is the latest in a series of increasingly frequent blackouts affecting the country. Reuters

Two Arrested in Flight Attendant Murder Case
Authorities in Peru have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of an American Airlines flight attendant who disappeared during a layover in Medellín earlier this year. The Dallas-based crew member was reported missing after failing to report for his return flight. The Independent

Mexico Launches $115 Million Sargassum Cleanup Plan
Mexico is investing $115 million to combat the growing sargassum problem affecting its Caribbean coastline. Officials hope the effort will reduce the impact of the seaweed, which scientists say has worsened because of warmer oceans and nutrient runoff. TravelPulse

Long Delays Hit Croatia-Serbia Border
Peak summer travel created waits of up to eight hours at a busy Croatia-Serbia border crossing over the weekend. Officials have not confirmed whether Europe’s new Entry/Exit System contributed to the severe congestion. Travel Industry Today

Delta Ends Service to Saint Vincent
Delta Air Lines will discontinue all flights to Saint Vincent beginning in September, ending service to the Caribbean destination with no replacement currently planned. The move further reshapes the airline’s route network ahead of the fall travel season. Men’s Journal

FAA Certifies Boeing 737 Max 7
The FAA has certified Boeing’s long-delayed 737 Max 7, clearing the smallest member of the Max family for commercial service. The approval marks a significant milestone for Boeing as it works to recover from years of safety and production challenges. AP News

Six Cruise Passengers Arrested After False Ship Announcements
Six passengers aboard MSC Divina were arrested after allegedly using the ship’s public address system to broadcast fake emergency announcements. MSC Cruises said the system was not hacked and has since taken steps to prevent similar incidents. People

Fuel Shortage Raises Concerns at Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport has warned airlines about limited jet fuel supplies during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. While widespread disruptions have not yet materialized, the shortage has raised concerns about potential delays and schedule changes. Daily Mail

Southwest Adjusts Boarding Times
Southwest Airlines is shortening its boarding process by five minutes as it continues rolling out assigned seating ahead of its January 2027 transition. The latest operational change takes effect this month as the airline prepares customers for the new boarding experience. Men’s Journal

Hungary Braces for Power Disruptions as Danube Runs Low
Record-low water levels on the Danube River are threatening operations at Hungary’s only nuclear power plant, prompting officials to prepare for possible electricity restrictions. The drought gripping much of Europe is adding pressure to the country’s energy supply. MSN