August 5, 2021

Good afternoon! It's been another busy week in the travel industry and there's mixed news. The bad news first (since I like to end on a positive note): The Delta variant continues to run rampant around the world. Many places are going backwards in terms of numbers, including the U.S.A. 

If you flew Spirit, and possibly American Airlines, this week, no need for me to tell you about their five-day (and counting) meltdown, as they canceled hundreds of flights. Here's what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled.

I listed as one of the 5 reasons I'm not going to Canada early next week (when they open to fully vaccinated Americans without having to quarantine), the good possibility of Canadian border staff going on strike tomorrow. It looks like it's going to happen. 

Another reason you might not want to go to Canada is that, sadly, most Canucks don't seem to want Americans for several reasons. You can read about them here. 

VIDEO: Punk Passenger Duct Taped To Seat
If you watched the news this week, then no doubt you saw the punk on a Frontier Airlines Philadelphia to Miami flight swear his unmasked mouth off and throw a punch at a flight attendant after allegedly groping two other flight attendants (here's the video). They duct-taped him to his seat to restrain him and he was arrested upon landing. Because of this and thousands of other incidents, the FAA is now asking airport restaurants not to offer alcohol to-go. They started doing it when some airlines starting banning alcohol to save money and reduce in-flight flights. Did You Know? It's illegal to drink your own alcohol on the plane (story below in the round-up).

Business Travel Isn’t Coming Back in September
We've all been waiting for the return of business travel as a sign of economic recovery but it doesn't look like it will be returning to pre-pandemic levels by September. Here's why.

-On Sunday the TSA surprisingly broke a pre-pandemic record with 2,238,462 passengers passing through checkpoints. However, on Tuesday, they had their slowest day in over a month. I told you it was a mixed bag of travel news. 

Good News
-New York City To Require Proof of Vaccination 
-Delta eliminates fee to allow free standby for same-day trip changes
-As you can read in the round-up below, there are leaked reports that the US plans to require COVID-19 shots for foreign travelers. Details as to when or which vaccines will be accepted aren't out but it's good news that the USA will finally open the borders.
-This airline just became a 1:1 transfer partner for these leading travel and business credit cards, adding even more value to this points program. 

There's a lot more so scroll down to get caught up. 

Today's Travel Tip
How to Never Miss A Wake-Up Call Again
When you're staying at a hotel and don't want to miss a flight or important meeting, use this trick to make sure you never miss an important wake-up call. 

Good To Know!
Don't miss out on these 14 incredible 100k bonus offers, available right now, just in time for late summer or early fall.

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today 
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers
— US plans to require COVID-19 shots for foreign travelers
— Delta Air Lines CEO: Difficult to mandate Covid vaccines to fly in U.S.
— London Mayor: Not wearing a face mask on the Tube should be a CRIMINAL offence 
— FAA urges airports to help stop alcohol 'to go' amid unruly passenger spike
— Disney’s Star Wars hotel comes with an out-of-this-world price tag 
— JetBlue spearheading redevelopment of Terminal 6 at JFK Airport
— Fijian ship owned by Chinese National blocked from U.S. over accusations crew is enslaved
— Mexico's softball players threw their Olympic uniforms in the trash because they didn't have space in their luggage
— Sturgis bike rally revs back bigger, despite virus variant
— American Airlines will let you watch 30 minutes of TikTok in the air for free
— California tourist town running out of water amid drought
(Read it all here in today's travel news round-up as well as the 84 other top travel news stories from this past week!)

Fully Vaccinated Travelers From USA and EU Won't Have to Quarantine in England
Read the story.

Great News For Delta Fliers
As a frequent flier, I thought what American Airlines did in June by making it easier to retain elite status was generous. But what Delta just did made that offer look pathetic. Sadly, the way I read into this is that Delta is expecting a very slow fall in terms of business and leisure travel. Here are the details and my take. 

Travel Contests
-Win an eight-day Viking cruise for two
-Win a five-night getaway to Montego Bay, Jamaica
-Win a six-night getaway for two people to New Zealand
See all contests here

More
VIDEO: American Airlines Denies Boarding To Abusive Passenger
Chalk one up for the airlines. I have to tell you, I'm so sick and tired of reading about and seeing poorly mannered, entitled people travel that I'm happy to see the airlines sticking up for what's right. Here's the video and story.

Baby Gear Rental for Travelers 
This inventive company is a game-changer for traveling families.

The Money-Saving Trick Airline Executives Don’t Want You To Know About
If you’ve been a long-time subscriber to my newsletter, then you may know this trick that the airlines desperately don’t want their customers to know. Here it is and how it can save you money.

This Travel Tip Will Save You a Ton of Money and Aggravation
This tip will save you a ton of money and aggravation if you just do one simple thing. Here's the tip.

Sadly, It's That Time Again: Where to Buy N95 and KN95 Masks
This is something I hoped I would never have to recommend again, but unfortunately, I do. And as we head into the fall, now is the time to get them before they get expensive and difficult to find. Read the story here.

The Trick to Getting Out of LAX and Other Airports Quicker During Rideshare Shortage
Here's the trick to getting out of the airport quicker.

Always Travel With This To Save You Time, Money and Embarrassment
Read the story here.

Never Forget Your Room Number or Parking Spot Again
Here's the simple way to never forget your hotel room number or parking spot again.

Don't Get Suckered By Hotel and House Rental Marketers
Read the story here.

In Case You Missed It  
Air Travel Tips
-8 Ways to Make Sure an Airline Doesn't Lose Your Bag ... And That You Don't Get Robbed or Stalked
-How to Speed Through Airport Security
-How To Find Out If The TSA PreCheck Lane Will Be Open
-How To Reach an Airline's Reservations Agent Without Waiting
-My Number 1 and 2 Travel Tips

Road Trip Tips
If you're planning a road trip, then be sure to follow these tips:
-3 Ways To Save Money on Gas This Summer
-How to Prevent Road Trip Theft
-15 Tips For Renting A Car in 2021
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off

Big American Airlines News
Great news for American elites! Just when I gave up on retaining my Executive Platinum status, American Airlines dangled a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie in front of me and I'm biting. Read the story here.

Always Pack This For Summer Travel
One thing I love about living in Southern California is that we don't have many mosquitoes here, unlike other parts of the country and world, including my home state of Connecticut, where I was last week visiting family. After being bitten by a mosquito, my cousin turned me on to a device that's all-natural and was one of the top products featured on Shark Tank (all five sharks wanted a piece of it). The best part is that it costs just $10 and is the perfect thing for throwing in your summer travel bag. Read the story here. 

Don't Leave Home Without ...
If you're planning to travel anytime soon, make sure you pack a comfortable sleep mask like this one, that blocks out all light and has fully adjustable and deep eye cups. It's also great for anyone who suffers from bad headaches and migraines.
 
Don't Fall For This Hotel Scam
One thing that irks me about staying in hotels is how they always seem to try and sucker you. First, it started with outrageously overpriced phone calls but then technology advanced and people were able to use their own cell phones. Then, it was the mini bar but even by charging $5 for a small pack of M&Ms, hotels couldn’t make money so they got rid of the those. On a recent hotel stay, I encountered another way that many hotels try to deceive, or at the very least confuse, guests. Don't fall for this hotel scam.
 
Don't Make This Cell Phone Mistake
When I received my cell phone bill this month, my eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw a charge for an $81 phone call. I thought it must have been an error but it turns out it wasn't. Here's how to avoid making the same mistake.

10 Air Travel Pet Peeves and What You Can Do About Them
After my flights last month, I was reminded of some of my top pet peeves while flying. Here they are, plus what you can do about them. What are yours? Leave a comment and let me know!

Safety
-10 Things to Have in Case of an Emergency
-How To Always Have Clean Water
-The Pocket Thermometer You Should Never Leave Home Without
-Life-Saving Car Emergency Tips 
-5 Places an Infectious Diseases Doctor Begs You Not to Go
-My Somewhat Freakish Travel Habit Might Just Save Your Life