12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):
=== Wednesday, June 10 ===
=== Sunday, June 7 ===
Missing Auburn University student in Japan found dead, mother says
Missing Auburn University engineering student James “Weston” Higginbotham was found dead outside of Kyoto, his mother said Saturday on Facebook. Higginbotham was found in a mountainous area by a volunteer search-and-rescue group, Nancy Higginbotham wrote. A cause of death or more details were not immediately available. CBS News
American Airlines Suspends Six Routes Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Southern California travelers will soon have fewer flight options as American Airlines plans to suspend six domestic routes later this year, including four nonstop routes from Los Angeles International Airport. The affected routes connect Los Angeles with Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Washington Dulles. The airline is also cutting service between Charlotte and both Ontario and Sacramento as carriers continue to grapple with rising fuel expenses. NY Post
Air France-KLM Says Jet Fuel Supplies Should Last Through Summer
Air France-KLM expects to have sufficient jet fuel supplies to operate its summer schedule through July and August despite ongoing concerns related to the conflict involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The airline group remains optimistic about maintaining operations and has launched a campaign aimed at boosting international travel demand. Reuters
‘Bring ’em on’: Most profitable airline Delta wants United’s crown over the Pacific, too
Delta’s president, Peter Carter, told CNBC that his airline wants to become the top U.S. carrier for trans-Pacific flights. United and Delta account for most of the U.S. airline industry’s profits. Delta is the country’s most profitable airline, though United has been working to catch up. CNBC
Airlines Gradually Restore Middle East Flights
Airlines are slowly rebuilding schedules across the Middle East after war-related disruptions caused widespread cancellations and rerouting. While regional carriers have restored some capacity, many international airlines continue to divert flights between Europe and Asia to avoid affected airspace. Reuters
FAA Investigates Close Call Near Fort Lauderdale Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a close call involving a JetBlue flight arriving from Ecuador and another aircraft operating near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The JetBlue crew reportedly received an onboard traffic alert regarding an aircraft that was not communicating with air traffic control. No injuries were reported. NBC News
Alaska Airlines Tightens Restrictions on Basic Economy Tickets
Alaska Airlines will stop awarding frequent flyer miles and elite-status credit on basic economy fares and will increase certain award booking fees. The move aligns the carrier more closely with competitors including American, Delta and United, all of which have expanded restrictions on their lowest-priced tickets. The Points Guy
Japan Triples Departure Tax for International Travelers
Beginning July 1, Japan will increase its departure tax from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 for international travelers leaving by air or sea. Due to currency fluctuations, the new fee will amount to roughly $18 for many U.S. travelers, about double the original cost when the tax was introduced in 2019. AFAR
Southwest Eyes Long-Haul International Expansion
Southwest Airlines says it hopes to launch long-haul international flights within the next five years. Rather than building a large transoceanic network, the airline envisions serving a limited number of long-haul destinations that align with customer demand while leveraging its existing domestic network. Travel Weekly
United Flight Returns After ‘Bomb’ Bluetooth Network Alert
A United Airlines flight from Newark to Palma de Mallorca returned to New Jersey after crew members were alerted to a Bluetooth network name referencing a bomb. The airline described the situation as a potential security concern. People
Texas man sneaks on full United flight in California with fake boarding pass, forces evac
A 25-year-old man faces a felony charge after authorities say he managed to bypass airport gate agents and board a full United Airlines flight to Los Angeles using a fake boarding pass, triggering an explosives sweep that forced every passenger off the aircraft. Abdulrahman Oriyomi was arrested Friday morning and charged with felony impairing or interrupting the operation of a critical infrastructure facility. The charges stem from an incident last month at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Tampa Free Press
Missing Everest Guide Found Alive After Week on Mountain
A Sherpa guide who disappeared while descending Mount Everest has been found alive after nearly a week missing in harsh conditions. Rescuers located the 52-year-old guide crawling toward base camp, and his survival is being described as nothing short of miraculous by members of Nepal’s mountaineering community. CBS News
=== Friday, June 5 ===
American Airlines Suspends Six Routes Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Southern California travelers will soon have fewer flight options as American Airlines plans to suspend six domestic routes later this year, including four nonstop routes from Los Angeles International Airport. The affected routes connect Los Angeles with Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Washington Dulles. The airline is also cutting service between Charlotte and both Ontario and Sacramento as carriers continue to grapple with rising fuel expenses. NY Post
Air France-KLM Says Jet Fuel Supplies Should Last Through Summer
Air France-KLM expects to have sufficient jet fuel supplies to operate its summer schedule through July and August despite ongoing concerns related to the conflict involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The airline group remains optimistic about maintaining operations and has launched a campaign aimed at boosting international travel demand. Reuters
Airlines Gradually Restore Middle East Flights
Airlines are slowly rebuilding schedules across the Middle East after war-related disruptions caused widespread cancellations and rerouting. While regional carriers have restored some capacity, many international airlines continue to divert flights between Europe and Asia to avoid affected airspace. Reuters
Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Nearly Three Months of Sailings
Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled approximately three months of cruises aboard Norwegian Viva between November 2027 and January 2028. The ship was originally scheduled to reposition from Lisbon to San Juan before operating Caribbean itineraries but will now redeploy to Miami. Guests impacted by the cancellations are being notified. USA Today
FAA Investigates Close Call Near Fort Lauderdale Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a close call involving a JetBlue flight arriving from Ecuador and another aircraft operating near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The JetBlue crew reportedly received an onboard traffic alert regarding an aircraft that was not communicating with air traffic control. No injuries were reported. NBC News
California Man Arrested After Allegedly Bringing Explosive Device to Airport
Federal authorities say a California man was arrested after allegedly attempting to pass through a TSA checkpoint at Sacramento International Airport with an explosive device in his carry-on luggage. Investigators also reported finding a lighter, knife, scissors, zip ties and an aerosol can in his possession. KTLA
Passenger Arrested After Disturbance on Frontier Flight
A passenger traveling from Puerto Rico to Chicago was arrested after allegedly assaulting an off-duty Frontier Airlines employee, attempting to open emergency exit doors and trying to enter the cockpit. The flight diverted to Miami, where the passenger was taken into federal custody before the aircraft continued to Chicago. NBC Chicago
Wheelchair Damage Sparks Questions About Airline Procedures
A passenger says his wheelchair was damaged while being loaded onto an American Airlines flight because it did not fit through the aircraft cargo door. The traveler noted that airline employees successfully avoided the same issue on his return trip, raising questions about training and accessibility procedures for handling mobility devices. USA Today
Alaska Airlines Tightens Restrictions on Basic Economy Tickets
Alaska Airlines will stop awarding frequent flyer miles and elite-status credit on basic economy fares and will increase certain award booking fees. The move aligns the carrier more closely with competitors including American, Delta and United, all of which have expanded restrictions on their lowest-priced tickets. The Points Guy
Japan Triples Departure Tax for International Travelers
Beginning July 1, Japan will increase its departure tax from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 for international travelers leaving by air or sea. Due to currency fluctuations, the new fee will amount to roughly $18 for many U.S. travelers, about double the original cost when the tax was introduced in 2019. AFAR
150 Passengers Miss Ryanair Flight After Border Control Delays
A Ryanair flight from Toulouse to London departed without approximately 150 passengers after lengthy border control queues prevented travelers from reaching their gate on time. Passengers described the airport as chaotic, with delays beginning shortly after security screening. Daily Mail
Southwest Eyes Long-Haul International Expansion
Southwest Airlines says it hopes to launch long-haul international flights within the next five years. Rather than building a large transoceanic network, the airline envisions serving a limited number of long-haul destinations that align with customer demand while leveraging its existing domestic network. Travel Weekly
Missing Everest Guide Found Alive After Week on Mountain
A Sherpa guide who disappeared while descending Mount Everest has been found alive after nearly a week missing in harsh conditions. Rescuers located the 52-year-old guide crawling toward base camp, and his survival is being described as nothing short of miraculous by members of Nepal’s mountaineering community. CBS News
Trump Tourism Envoy Discusses Strategy for Inbound Travel
Nick Adams, recently appointed as the U.S. special envoy for tourism, discussed efforts to strengthen international visitation during a conversation at the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW conference. Adams outlined his goals for improving inbound travel and addressing concerns about declining overseas visitation. Travel Weekly
United Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit Involving Dodgers Charter Flights
United Airlines is asking a court to dismiss claims brought by two former flight attendants who allege they were removed from Los Angeles Dodgers charter flights in favor of younger female employees. The airline denies the allegations and is seeking dismissal of the case. MyNewsLA
=== Tuesday, June 2 ===
Travel Industry Warns of Economic Damage From CBP Officer Removal at U.S. Airports
Removing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from Newark and other U.S. airports would cause “immediate and lasting harm,” according to the U.S. Travel Association. The group warned that reducing airport staffing would disrupt international travel and inflict significant economic damage. Travel Weekly
JetBlue Flags Higher Fuel Costs as Iran Conflict Drags On
JetBlue raised its second-quarter fuel cost forecast as shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz entered a fourth month, driving up jet fuel prices and adding pressure to airline profitability. Shares of the carrier fell 9% following the announcement. Reuters
American Blocks Domestic Close-In Saver Award Space for Partners
American Airlines has reportedly expanded restrictions on partner access to domestic nonstop saver award inventory, blocking availability exactly six days before departure. The move further limits last-minute redemption opportunities through partner loyalty programs. DansDeals
El Al to Resume San Francisco–Tel Aviv Flights
El Al will restart nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and San Francisco on October 25, citing strong demand between the two technology centers. The airline will operate three weekly flights and selected flight number LY49 as a tribute to the San Francisco 49ers. Reuters
Silversea Cruise Ship Rescues Sailor Off Oregon Coast
A Silversea Cruises vessel rescued a 74-year-old Canadian sailor whose boat was disabled nearly 500 miles off the Oregon coast after severe weather damaged both the mast and engine. The sailor was also suffering from a shoulder injury. USA Today
United Flight Returns After ‘Bomb’ Bluetooth Network Alert
A United Airlines flight from Newark to Palma de Mallorca returned to New Jersey after crew members were alerted to a Bluetooth network name referencing a bomb. The airline described the situation as a potential security concern. People
Childhood Friends Pilot First Flight Together
American Airlines captains Andrew Anderson and Andre Turner achieved a lifelong goal when they piloted their first flight together. The pair have been friends since age 11 and grew up together in Kingston, Jamaica. USA Today
Passenger Dies After Fall While Disembarking Aircraft in Brazil
A 72-year-old woman died after falling from aircraft stairs while exiting a LATAM flight at São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Daily Mail
Longest-Serving Flight Attendant Prepares for Retirement After 66 Years
Delta Air Lines flight attendant Joan Prince Crandall is preparing to retire after more than six decades in the skies. Delta believes she holds the distinction of being the airline industry’s longest-serving flight attendant. CNN
Canada Offers Free National Park Admission This Summer
Canada will waive admission fees to national parks, national historic sites, and marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada from June 19 through September 7. Visitors will not need entry passes during the promotion. Travel + Leisure
Travelers Continue Booking Europe Despite Global Uncertainty
Travel advisors say travelers remain committed to European vacations this summer, though many are seeking more information before finalizing plans. Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal continue to lead demand. Condé Nast Traveler
Luxury Segment Defies Softer U.S.-Europe Travel Demand
While overall bookings from the U.S. to Europe have declined year over year, luxury travel providers continue to report strong demand. Advisors say affluent travelers remain largely unaffected by broader market caution. Travel Weekly
United CEO Rules Out Further Consolidation Efforts
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier does not expect to pursue additional mergers after American Airlines rejected a potential combination. Kirby indicated that no other available deal currently makes strategic sense. Reuters
DHS Renews Threat to Pull CBP Officers From Sanctuary City Airports
The Department of Homeland Security continues to explore removing Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in jurisdictions it considers sanctuary cities. Officials argue that cities not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement should not process international flights. Travel Weekly
United to Reduce Long-Haul Boeing 757 Flying in Third Quarter
United Airlines plans to operate 16% fewer long-haul Boeing 757-200 flights in the third quarter of 2026 compared with last year. Significant reductions are planned on routes including Newark–Edinburgh and Houston–Lima. MSN
Japan Arrests Americans Over Zoo Monkey Stunt
Japanese authorities arrested two American nationals after a stunt involving a monkey enclosure at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo. One of the men allegedly entered a restricted area surrounding the exhibit of internet-famous baby macaque Punch. AFP
Hotels Push Back Against Sunlounger Hogging
Hotels across Europe are increasingly taking action against guests who reserve poolside loungers for hours without using them. The issue gained attention after a German tourist won compensation in court over a lack of available loungers during a resort stay. The Telegraph
Hello –
I just read the article titled “Woman in tears after being blocked from luxury cruise due to little known rule”. After reading this, I am still not clear as to why she was denied to board. It says something about an invalid issue date. What is an “invalid issue date”. How can you have a valid passport with an expiration date 7 months in the future if the Passport has an “invalid issue date”? Please explain.
Thanks
I wasn’t clear either.
Such a great article! Thanks for sharing.
I think that it is interesting that oversized people think that airlines should offer then free seats. Perhaps the airlines could do what the cruise ships do which is offer seats at 150% similar as to what cruise lines do for singles. (I really don’t think that there is an easy answer to this question, This proposal opens a pandoras box of issues – I suspect that a lot of people can think of why they might benefit from an extra free seat, e.g. people flying with babies/small children; people flying with medical equipment; people flying with service animals; people working; etc.)
On the issue of cruise ships, I often feel not appreciated as a cruiser because not only do I often have to pay 150% but the single rooms that are available to single cruisers are often on the lowest deck with no balcony/veranda (with very few exceptions) and often at a higher rate.
Well that’s true, it’s better to use the companion fare on more expensive tickets. I was trying to say that long flights are not necessarily more expensive. Short flights can be expensive too. It really depends on the cities you fly between and when you book.
Love your newsletters but I used the TA you recommend for cruising and was very disappointed. He was supposed to issue a $200 OBC and it never showed up. I sent an email a week before we left and he never responded. I called and he was out of the office. No out of office reply to email or an emergency contact by phone when we wasn’t available.
It was our first cruise and we loved it but I would recommend this agent.
I’m sorry to hear this. I will email him to find out what happened.
If you have any information about the Westjet proposed pilots strike we would like to hear about it pls. Also what are our options should our flight be cancelled due to such a strike? Our options are different in Canada and do not have the same rules as U.S.A and often not clear.
Many thanks for your wonderful information
Johnny, why am I suddenly getting a pop-up asking me to sign in with my email when I’m reading your weekly newsletter? It’s never happened before…
Sorry for the delay. Are you still getting it?
Where can I find tour informtion for Portugal, would like togo to Lourdes next year with my wife and sister in-law.
My mom is 94 today also. They were made of good stock back in those days! I’m sending up prayers for your dad’s recovery and health ?
That’s AMAZING! HBD to your mom. Thank you for the prayers
Very detailed post
Be careful when posting TSA numbers. Very often, the same number is posted for 2019 and pre-pandemic. It happened in newsletter of July 16.
Good catch! I just fixed it
Hi Johnny, I’d really appreciate more posts like this. Being updated on recent news is something I’m not too good at so I enjoy posts like this that keep big scoops compact and neat. Thanks a lot, Johnny.