March 2, 2025  •   View this email in your browser

Sunday, March 2

It's hard to believe it's already March and that next week we’ll be setting the clocks forward. I don't know about you but I'm excited for the extended daylight! It's been a long week in terms of travel news so be sure to scroll down to read it all. A couple of other noteworthy items:

1️⃣ Starting May 1, American Airlines will begin boarding all domestic mainline flights five minutes earlier than usual. I always go to the gate early because I find that some gates have been doing this for a while now and it hurts when you show up last with carry-on bags. 

2️⃣ My buddy Gary Leff from View From The Wing reported that Hawaii is moving away from the paper agriculture forms that flight attendants handed out and collected prior to arrival, and are going digital. Gary quipped (and I agree 100%) that the form surely has to be "among the least user-friendly URLs I’ve ever seen https://soh-agr.my.site.com/akamaiarrival/ ... "

3️⃣ Apple AirTags will be a traveler's best companion this summer and they are still on sale for a great price. Get a four-pack for $67.99 and always know where your valuable stuff is.

4️⃣ Earn up to 5,000 extra loyalty points on March American Airlines travel!
More good news: Flying American Airlines (AA) next month? Here's an easy way to get a head start and earn some additional loyalty points. AA will give 500 additional loyalty points per flight segment flown, up to a maximum of 5,000. Here's how to earn:

1. Register by March 31, 2025 and before you book your flight
2. Book eligible flights* with American Airlines
3. Complete your flights by March 31, 2025

Note: Flights booked in Basic Economy won’t count towards this promotion.

In this issue:

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

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook 

As of 10:40am PT, there have been 51 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 1,481 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.

🧭 Travel Product of the Week

💸 Monday

Strong dollar means bargains for U.S. travelers, but will they be welcome abroad?
I just read an article from The New York Times titled “A Strong Dollar Means Bargains for Americans Traveling Abroad.” The article points out that the strength of the dollar against the euro, yen, and other foreign currencies creates opportunities for U.S. travelers to find bargains. There’s no doubt the U.S. dollar has really gained in the past year or so, and even more so since President Trump took office. However, as many commenters pointed out, at what cost? I was quite surprised by the comments to see what most people expressed fear about. Read the story.

👀 Tuesday

Diners beware: Miami Airport restaurant pulls gratuity and tip trick
A friend and travel writer recently posted on Facebook about a scam travelers should watch out for when dining out, no matter where they are. Here’s what you need to be on the lookout for.

💺Wednesday

How to make sure you don’t end up in the worst seat on the plane
Have you ever boarded an airplane only to find out there’s no window in your row? It’s happened to me, as well as to many friends and frequent travelers. This is a mistake that could really make or break your trip, depending on the type of person you are. Here's how to make sure it doesn't accidentally happen to you.

🍔 Thursday

Looking for award-winning classic American food? James Beard just announced their 2025 winners
Many travelers want to eat local while on the road for a number of reasons but mainly, to get a sense of place. The problem is that you can’t always trust online reviews or food apps because they can be gamed. In fact, there was a story just a few months ago about how some Londoners are faking restaurant reviews to keep tourists out of their favorite restaurants. However, one food recommendation you can trust is recipients of the James Beard Awards, which honor excellence in the culinary world. Here are this year's winners.

🕵️ Friday

Common ‘distraction theft’ tactics and how to make sure you don’t fall victim to them
Whether you’re strolling around your hometown or exploring a new destination, the last thing you want is to fall victim to a theft, especially one you never saw coming. Unfortunately, ‘distraction thefts’ are on the rise and they can happen anywhere. Here how not to become a victim.

💰 Saturday

15 secret ways to save money on Amazon that most shoppers don’t know
Did you know that there are countless ways to save money on Amazon beyond just waiting for Amazon Prime Days or Black Friday deals? From Prime perks to hidden sections like Amazon Outlet, here are 15 secret ways to help you save money on Amazon every time you shop.

📺 Travel Videos of the Week

Test your geography knowledge with City Guesser: A fun virtual travel game

Why you shouldn’t trust restaurant reviews in London or anywhere

Video of how easy thieves can pickpocket you while touring a city

🌎 Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week

1 South Korea's new lithium battery rules on planes highlight growing risk for aviation
2 Duffy announces ‘supercharge’ of air traffic controller hiring amid staff shortage
3 American Airlines to start testing free inflight Wi-Fi
4 Elon Musk falsely accuses Verizon of putting US air safety at risk
5 Nevada air control towers understaffed; Las Vegas has greatest shortage
6 Search resumes for Malaysia Airlines MH370, 11 years on
7 Investigators determine cause of death for 3 Massachusetts women on vacation in Belize
8 80% of flights cancelled as Munich airport hit by 2-day strike
9 Couple forced to sit next to dead body on plane for 4 hours after woman dies midflight
10 Cuts at the U.S. Forest Service could lead to unintended consequences
11 Empire State Building approves hated surge-pricing model – visits to landmark could top $100
12 Change and cancellation fees are back for Spirit Airlines' cheapest fare type
Read it all here as well as the 84 other top travel news stories from this past week!

✅ Currency Exchange

✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ More featured products

$10.19: Phone mount for travel
Go hands-free the next time you're flying with this handy universal phone mount with 360 degree rotation. When you're not traveling, you can attach it to various surfaces around the house. The regular price is $13.99 but it's currently on sale for $11.99. Clip the 15% off coupon to take the price down to $10.19. Buy here.