May 21, 2023  •   View this email in your browser

Greetings!

The big news in the travel industry this week is that WestJet's pilots called off their strike at the last minute and then the Justice Department won their lawsuit to end the JetBlue and American Airlines alliance. As an American Airlines frequent flier, I'm glad I flew in JetBlue's new amazing Mint seats a couple weeks ago so I could accrue my AA Loyalty Points. Not sure how long their reciprocal perks will last but they could end within a month. 

On a personal note, money-saving guru Clark Howard gave me a nice little shoutout yesterday when he posted this short video on Twitter (at the 0:52 mark). Here's the bag he's talking about.

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In this issue:

• Today's Travel Outlook ✈️
• Travel Tips This Week ✅
• Travel Quote of the Day 💬
• Travel Tweet of the Day 
• 12 Things to Know in Travel Today 🌎
• Travel Video of the Day 📺
• and more… 

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook 

As of 10am PST, there have been 118 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 1,513 delayed. Here's a link to the up-to-date stats and a live look at the FAA's National Airspace System Status. Here's what to do during weather delays and flight cancellations.

👌 Monday

VIDEO: Clueless Tourist Wipes Out Fellow Passenger at Airport
I came across a video on social media and it reminded me of some important things that I do subconsciously when I travel. I feel like these tips are simply common sense but these days, common sense doesn't seem to be so ... common. Watch the video and read my tips here.

✈️ Tuesday

After Learning the Hard Way, This is What I Subconsciously Do Every Time I Deplane
On Monday, I wrote about a couple of tourists at the airport who foolishly loaded their suitcases on the escalator before getting on and wiping out the poor woman near the bottom like the headpin in bowling. A reader commented with a related experience he had while boarding an airplane last month, which in turn, reminded me of an important, potentially life-saving thing I subconsciously do every time I deplane now. Here's my story along with my tips.

🛂 Wednesday

The Most Important Thing For Travelers to Do According to a Safety Expert
I interviewed a former LAPD detective who taught me numerous travel tips but none greater than what he calls his “What If?” This tip suggests travelers do these two things.  

 💺 Thursday

Divisive Political Commentator's Seat Broke and Airline Won't Give Her Money Back - Here's What to Do if This Happens to You
A conservative political commentator booked three business class tickets on British Airways (BA) from the US to London. According to her, there was a power outage on only her three seats so they couldn’t recline, watch the entertainment systems or charge their phones. She says she paid $18,000 total and the airline is only offering a $200 refund, even after the pilot said her tickets would be refunded. Here's what to do if something similar happens to you. 

🛏️ Friday

This Travel Gadget is a Sure Way to Get Your Kids to Sleep on a Plane and Make All the Other Passengers Jealous
I was just talking to one of the fathers at my daughter’s pre-school about possibly going to Europe this summer. He was thinking the same thing and then suggested I get the Fly Tot since it essentially turns an economy coach seat into business class for kids. I chuckled because we used this travel gadget for years. If you've got little ones, it's a must. And if you know anyone who travels with kids, consider surprising them with one or passing the tip along. Read the story here.

🌎 12 Things to Know in Travel Today

1 Justice Department wins lawsuit to end JetBlue and American Airlines alliance
2 American Airlines, pilots reach preliminary labor deal 
3 Spirit Airlines refuses to let Puerto Rican family board flight to Los Angeles
4 Tourist hot spot erects fence to deter selfie-takers
5 Why flying, air travel, airline customer service, airports are so bad
6 Stomach viruses are back up on cruise ships, with hundreds falling ill
7 Soldiers are being trained to check passports at airports as fears grow of British holidaymakers being hit by a summer of strikes
8 93-year-old woman and grandson complete journey to all 63 US national parks
9 Priced out of paradise, Native Hawaiians make Las Vegas home
10 Emirates free inflight Wi-Fi extends to Economy 
11 Aer Lingus’ new Cleveland transatlantic flights take off 
12 Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers

⚡ Travel Product of the Week

✅ Currency Exchange            ✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ Miles and Points

📺 Travel Video of the Week